ROOFTOP CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS: CHICAGO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: MELISSA MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY

So... I got married before you could take photos on your phone. There were no emojis. You didn't need a screen protector because there wasn't touch screens. No need for phone cases because back then as the phone would literally fold up within itself like an armored turtle. Back then, I was just starting my business and film was still the main thing. Not sure what's crazier? That I literally have 0, not one, photo of my husband and my first condo? Or that after clearing out my phone recently I still have over 41K images on it. I remember amidst the pure exhaustion considering pulling out my film camera the day we were moving, and just couldn't bring myself to unpack it for a photo. I kick myself for that decision. Like a crazy person, I stalked the condo waiting for it to sell (took nearly 10 years) again for me to screen shot the listing photos. (Yes, with someone else's furniture in the place) It's crazy that we don't have photos of what our life was then.

So when Robby + Emma hesitantly put out the idea of some photos at home I couldn't jump on the "heck yes" train any faster! We did what was normal for them, just on an elevated level. (At least for a Tuesday night elevated) We walked the neighborhood as they had a million times with their adorable fur baby. They took out the heirloom wedding glasses and casually sipped champagne throughout their living room. The Tuesday softball league sammy sandwiches became a charcuterie board on the rooftop. Considering it was legit the hottest day ever (I think it clocked 102F), they made it feel effortlessly cool. By the time the sunset (Dang you golden hour! We held out for you!) it actually was breezy and cool up there. So they kept all the stuff up on the rooftop, and continued the experience even after I left. I LOVE that! And it's something I encourage. You're likely dressed up (or at least feelin' good), you already have the time set aside, the bubbly is flowin', go enjoy it! Whether you're at the beach, having a picnic, hitting the city, there's no reason to stop the fun when the camera goes! Stay. Enjoy the moment. Soak in the epic chapter of life that this is.

Robby + Emma, so glad that ya'll did that. I know we didn't get ya to your softball game. (Though, it woulda been one wicked hot night.) You wouldn't have remembered the score anyhow. You will remember how special this night was! And special it was! Because of you! I cannot wait for the wedding! This is just the start!