North Avenue Beach Chicago Engagement Session #Mandelette couples meet all kinds of ways, but I would say this is is one of the cutest! 4 years ago, Laura and Drew swiped on each other’s profiles because Drew was wearing a bowtie, and Laura had a Notre Dame sweatshirt on. The two went out on their […]

Fine Art Chicago engagement photography | Kayla and Aaron Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago Even in an April SNOW storm, Kayla and Aaron are an adorable pair. Kayla and I bonded immediately over teaching and doing good for others, as the sweet bride to be instructs special needs students in a turnaround school. Aaron and Kayla […]

Have you ever met new friends and during that initial face-to-face, just think to yourself, “these are actually genuinely amazing people?” Denise and Nathan give me those vibes, and honestly, their friends would say the same. The respected pair reside in Chicago, and we initially had their gorgeous engagement session at the Lincoln Park Nature […]

Diane and Bruce Nesbitt are the sweetest couple around. The two have dated for 17 years, and finally tied the knot this winter in their 48th floor apartment. The pair adorned their walls with original Chuck Close paintings, as well as a waterfall of flowers above their sun room’s skylit fireplace. Only the closest of […]

What to wear your your engagement session. An engagement session style guide by Chicago wedding photographer, Rachel Mandel.

I’ve heard it all from a range of clients. They want their ideal photographer, but they don’t want to search separately for a videographer. I am here to tell you why you should reconsider! Say you want to book your dream photographer, get all of the signature shots in their portfolio that you’ve been pining […]

December was a rainy month, filled with Holiday joy and chilly nights, paired best with hot cocoa. Kelsey and Dain did not let a gloomy day with little natural light deter them from brightening the mood of their engagement session. The pair got together on this lovely day, and joked with me the entire time. […]

Mary and Patrick are the cutest pair! The two were planning their wedding in Michigan when they asked me to photograph their love a year prior to the event. Of course, I was over the moon to meet this giddy, playful pair! Mary came to the session wearing this yellow dress that I may end […]

Janet and Trent are the definition of #couplegoals. The two met in College, and stayed together through the years and trials of dating long distance. From Champaign onward, the two dated and eventually moved in together. Trent popped the question while Janet was teaching in Chicago, and the love between these two was cascading into […]