J Stoia Portait Design

It seems only fitting that Chris and Melissa were engaged while traveling. So many close encounters could have been made while they both lived in Chicago, but it was when Chris traveled back that he ended up finding his other half. When the San Diego tripped was planned, Chris knew it was time. As they stood in line at airport security, Chris anxiously awaited as the ring went through the Xray machine. He played it cool, as he always does, but stared down the security guy as he reversed Chris’s bag back through the machine. That moment, when your bag goes in reverse… it’s one to make most of us wonder. Did I forget to take something out of my bag? Are there new rules? Are they going to pull me aside and ask me questions in that tone of voice that makes me think.. did I do something wrong? So you can only imagine how Chris felt when proposal hadn’t happened and this guy had the potential to blow it. The bag went in reverse, the guy took a thorough look and caught eyes with Chris. Chris gave him the look and a casual and inconspicuous head nod, smirks were exchanged, and he was in the clear. These details and small heart attacks that many guys run into while planning the engagement are always things I love to hear.

On day 2 of their relaxing trip to San Diego, they made their way to Coronado Island for a some fun in the sun. As they lounged in the sand, Chris said he had a present for her. All girls love presents, especially surprise ones. Melissa had just gotten into graduate school for Nurse Anesthesia and he wanted to let her know how proud he was of her. A smile lit up her face as he pulled out a Louis Vuitton bag. Chris had prepared to say a few things before telling her to look inside. Melissa was so excited that she opened the bag to look at the luxurious satin lining and soon realized that the bag was only part of her gift. A diamond ring “wrapped” inside a designer hand bag?! It doesn’t get much better. That April day, on the sunny beach of California, Chris asked Melissa to spend the rest of her life with him.

Only so many Chicago blocks apart, Chris and Melissa both resided and lived their separate lives. Many of the same corner stores, bars and restaurants were frequented by them both, but their paths never crossed. Chris moved back to Minnesota and Melissa continued to work in Chicago. On a weekend off, Chris came back to visit some friends go to some of his regular spots… this time… there was a girl across the way who caught his eye. For much of the night, they exchanged glances and probably watched each other laugh from across the bar…. because.. really… this is just what they do. And the smile on Melissa… it’s one to bring someone from their seat. Finally, Chris found his way to Melissa’s chair and in a “I don’t want to seem to pressed up on you” fashion, he sprung a conversation. You see, Chris plays it cool and almost played hard to get… but, isn’t this supposed to be our role??  There paths had finally crossed and they had a hard time understanding how it hadn’t happened before. The chat at the bar turned into hours of conversation over the weekend… and I can guarantee he made her laugh a time or two. I believe timing is everything, and their paths crossed just when they should have.

This weekend they decided to celebrate the city that finally brought them together. Chris and Melissa, you are so dang fun. Fun in a way that makes me want to bust out into song lyrics, give my walk an extra cool step, and laugh until people wonder why. It’s no wonder the trend that falls into the feeling of your photos is simply.. fun. Thank you for bringing me along to Chicago and showing me who you are.

A little sunshine at Wrigley Field.