Jesse + Kelly | A Campus Engagement Session – SIUE – Edwardsville, IL

When I was in high school I can remember taking college days to go visit some of the surrounding colleges and their campus to see if it was something I would be interested in. I had a friend who wanted to go check out SIUE so I went with her and over time I forgot just how beautiful that campus really is. When I pulled up into the main entrance last Sunday to meet Jesse and Kelly for their engagement session it all came back to me. I think the campus is even more beautiful now and it has made some updates in the last 13-15 years since I’ve seen it.

Jesse and Kelly met there and that’s why they chose that location for their e-shoot. They both were lifeguards at the pool and Jesse told me he was in the “friend zone” for a while which he didn’t want to be in. It was only a matter of time before things between them grew into something more. I asked about the proposal and they told me that Kelly had a whole day of scavenger hunts to memorable places in their relationship. Every location had another prize. When Kelly showed up at the pool, she turned over a red floating device that had “will you marry me” on the back. When she turned around, there was Jesse was on one knee. She of course said YES and then literally turned around to find a huge line of cars entering the pool. It was all of her family and friends, whom had kept the secret for months!

It’s stories like that that make me love what I do. I’m a true romantic at heart and I love all things to do with relationships and weddings. I’m so lucky to have great clients and it was so wonderful to meet Jesse and Kelly. This winter I’ll be seeing them again in Chicago (they live close to there now) and we’ll be doing just a few more pics in the city. I’ve always wanted to shoot an engagement/wedding in Chicago so I’ll finally be getting my wish.

I hope you all enjoy looking through my favorites from their e-shoot. It was truly fabulous and now I want to go back to school! That campus is amazing!