Location, Location, Location.

So I've resumed talks with our lovely photographer, Kara, of Karatography. We're currently trying to find a date and location for our engagement photos. Here's the dilemma:

I want photos that are artsy, but reflect our personalities. I asked Kara for some location recs, but since she doesn't know us that well, she's not sure where would be best.

So dear readers, please sit with me while I try to figure this out. (And enjoy all her lovely photographs...)

Living in/near one of the grandest architectural cities in the world, should we head downtown for some lovely Chicago photographs?


The Bean!

The lakefront...

Lincoln Park, I believe...

Or, should we stick close to home at the Naperville Riverwalk (a site of many a Saturday night date for us!):

Or, should we head over to Cantigny for a range of photos?

Artsy, architectural...

Outdoorsy, garden shots...

Should we incorporate our interests, like sports?

Also taken at the Riverwalk.

Le sigh. Any help would be much appreciated.

PS - Just to reiterate, all photographs courtesy of Karatography...

Solid Wedding Advice

I'm copying today's post from Meg over at A Practical Wedding:

An excellent wedding rule:

Do have fun. It might be more work when you DIY or have to really search and barter, but the fact is it's not just one day! It can be a whole little journey where you connect with your family and friends and rediscover just how exciting it can be to say "I Love You!"

Do you know that in Judaism, your wedding starts the moment that you get engaged, and only ends a year after your wedding? I love this, because for me the process has been so enlightening, and the journey is perhaps as important as the destination.

As we really start to get into the meat of the planning, I hope to hold this advice close. And, since most of you here are family and friends, I'm cordially inviting you to continue on this journey with me (us, really, I guess).

Quick planning update: We're still working on finalizing the date, but once we do, we'll sign the contracts for the ceremony site, reception site, and florist, and I'll be able to feature all of them! In the meantime, I've completed one DIY project, and am starting to add plenty more onto my list, so I hope to showcase these, too!