She found herself in San Diego, amongst palm trees and balmy breezes, but it didn't feel like home. Robyn migrated from the Midwest to California in search off laying roots that grew along the Pacific Coast. A bit later as a new resident of Los Angeles, she was in search of a place call her own, a niche in the world that she carved with the impression of her thumbprints.
Robyn enrolled in a photography courses at a local college and took odd jobs as she built her business. When summer rolled around, Robyn packed her bags and returned to Chicago, the city of her childhood dreams. She took a job as a cocktail waitress her first week home and a cute guy sat in her section of the patio. You're nursing your drink, she teased, and T.J. quickly responded by poking fun at his apparent drink monitor.
Robyn and T.J. discovered they worked summer jobs next door to each other and ended up seeing each other a few times in her first week home. The following weekend, they went on their first date…and a month later decided T.J. should move to Los Angeles because their lives? They were incomplete without the other. And they knew it in matter of days. For the first time Robyn realized that home isn't where you hang your hat, park your car, or take Sweatin' To The Oldies workout classes with Richard Simmons (sparkly shorts and all), home is where T.J. is…and this makes her happy.
I was incredibly honored to spend the afternoon at the Carondelet House with Robyn and T.J. last week photographing their engagement session! We had a blast and I can't wait to meet their family and friends at their destination wedding in Las Vegas later this year at the Four Seasons.
Three and a half years ago, Robyn and T.J. moved back to Chicago, but Los Angeles still holds a special place in their hearts. They wanted their engagement photos to have an editorial flair, so they chose the amazing Carondelet House for the engagement session. With it's exposed ceiling, wood floors, and organic vibe, it was the perfect backdrop (many thanks to Melissa Teigue and her team for making us feel so welcome!).
Upon their return home, Robyn dove full force into photography and has since started her own photography business in Chicago…I'm always honored to photograph industry peers…but also a little nervous! Thankfully Robyn and T.J. were fun, easy going, and great people to have in front of my camera…
After a quick outfit change, we finished their engagement pictures roaming the many corners of Carondelet House…and then I wanted to steal Robyn's sequined dress. Amen.
I have to take a second and thank Robyn's amazing beauty team…she's a naturally gorgeous girl, but they dolled her up something gorge last week!
Hair: Janet Miranda with Be NYLA
Makeup: Melina Ruiz with Reign of Beauty
I'll end this post with this photo because it showcases a portion of their saucy personalities just perfectly…
To see more of Robyn and T.J.'s engagement photos at Carondelet House, feel free to CLICK HERE for a slideshow with Kye Kye music provided by The Music Bed or you can watch it here:
