What a day!! Are y’all ready for a story? Fernando reached out to me this spring about planning a North Avenue Beach surprise proposal during a trip with friends to Chicago, and the day finally arrived…dark and stormy.
The Lead Up
Severe thunderstorms were predicted the whole weekend but luckily the one timeslot Fernando had available was the one time the WEATHER had available!
I arrived early to get into position. 10 minutes before go-time at exactly the location I had mapped out for the proposal, two people arrived and set up a heart made out of sunflowers. So romantic! I texted to double-check that Fernando had arranged for the flowers…um…no…which meant someone else was doing a surprise proposal at the same time and location?? ? We last-minute arranged a location change over text!
Go time! Walking out onto the concrete wavebreak…
Fernando and Mercedes admired the view while their friends watched in anticipation…
North Avenue Beach Surprise Proposal
As the clouds rolled in, Fernando proposed in epic style!
She said yes!!
And then clouds started pouring rain!
I came over to introduce myself and get some shots! Look at those happy faces!!
Getting congratulated by their friends…
And having an epic champagne pop and toast!
North Avenue Beach Engagement Session
Fernando wanted so much to have photos of them walking along the wavebreak with the city in the background. The clouds actually were perfect, since the light at this angle would have been too harsh on sunny day!
Aren’t the cutest couple?
Getchu a spouse that looks at you the way Fernando looks at Mercedes. ❤️
Some group photos with friends!
AND THEN, right when those clouds were looking extra grey and ominous…!
Tornado Warning
On the left, where the tornado warning was. On the right, where we were. On a beach. With no basements.
So we booked it to the North Avenue Beach House and hoped the storm wouldn’t be that fierce. In this photo you can see the WALL of rain that swept over us.
Just taking cover during an engagement session. As people do.
We ventured out under the awning of the house for one final shot. Congratulations, Fernando and Mercedes! Even though the storm crashed the party we got some beautiful photos and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime!! Congratulations on the start of your legacy together. 🙂
Kristen Hazelton is an Oak Park, IL (Chicago, IL metro area) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) senior, family, and engagement photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
