LINCOLN PARK ZOO CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY: CONAN + ERICA

You know the phrase: "You don't know, what you don't know?" Kinda seems obvious, but it's something I include in my reminders to my brides before their wedding day. I'll photograph every detail, but knowing that's your grandmother's handkerchief, or that hidden personalized stitching within his tux, things like that I'll capture in a greater depth. It's no longer just beautiful, it's meaningful. I spied a tattoo peeking out of her floral sleeve. A phrase written in her mom's hand-writting. Then...nearly at the end of our session, I caught wind that Erica was wearing 3 generations of jewelry. I would have no idea the layers of depth that were behind what I was initially just complimenting. Tell me the things that are deeply meaningful, all the way down to what may seem insignificant. It's within that, you'll get not only pretty photos, but one's you'll cherish forever. Thank you guys for sharing all of that with me. From childhood memories, all the way to chats about meatball pizza's at a local joint we both happen to know (and love). Thank you guys for walking with me a mile at dusk to my parking lot to pick up your pizza "nearby". (: Ya'll are gems. I cannot wait for the wedding!