Michael met Danielle in high school band back in 2012 and they immediately became friends. They went through high school together, studying together, spending weekends with friends and riding to and from school together. It wasn’t until Junior year that Danielle finally gave in to dating Michael after becoming best friends and they have been together ever since. Michael proposed six years later during a trip to Chicago at Christmas time. These two spent the day enjoying all the magic of Christmas in the city and towards the end of the night, Michael got down on one knee to ask Danielle to spend the rest of their lives together!

Danielle and Michael we troopers for their engagement session. They are living long distance currently–Michael in North Dakota and Danielle finishing up school here in Illinois. So we needed to schedule their session for a date that Michael was in town visiting. Unfortunately, because of the excessive amounts of rain this Spring, we opted for a sunrise session in order to avoid the rain filled forecast. We lucked out with a gorgeous morning and I really enjoyed getting to know Danielle and Michael better! 

We started at Centennial Park for some open field shots, these two really enjoy the outdoors–specifically fishing and hunting for Michael, so I knew it was important to have some great scenery. Then we ventured downtown Springfield to grab some city vibes before ending at the church Danielle and Michael are getting married at next summer. I love First Christian Church’s archways and since we were doing a morning session, the lighting was perfect on them! I cannot wait to photograph these high school sweethearts next year a they finally tie the knot!