Kent Park Engagement Session, Iowa City, IA

Every time I cross the I-80 bridge into Iowa a giant wave of nostalgia washes over me. The countless road trips back to Iowa City throughout my 4 (er… 4.5) years there were always filled with conversations with my fellow passengers, breezes coming in through the windows, and singing along to the radio blasting some form of Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha, or Katy Perry. This weekend I did the drive by myself, for the first time in a while and I couldn’t help but think of all of the wonderful things that have happened in my life since I called Iowa City home. When I first pulled into town I took a “trip down memory lane” and drove past all of the places of significance during my time there; the dorm I lived in freshman year, the first apartment I ever lived in (and the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th, places I lived in after that…. ya, I moved a lot.), the house where I met Cody and his different dwelling places. These spots all played a role in both of our lives and hold so many memories – I find myself wanting to make sure I don’t forget any of it.

Part of what was so wonderful about those college years were all of the people I got to spend time with. I had the girls on my floor freshman year who made a huge school feel like home, my sophomore  year roommates who were quirky, smart, and artistic, my junior year roommates where boy problems and what to wear out were the main topics of conversation, and my senior year roommates and each and every day that brought new dance parties, bravo TV marathons, and tailgating adventures with them. I was lucky enough to also be included into Cody’s circle of rather tall friends (I’m not kidding, they grow them freakishly tall in Iowa) – one of those, being the handsome man you see here.

I had known James for a little bit when Bre came into the picture – and I remember thinking I had never been more envious of someone’s fashion sense, clothes, and hair. Years later this is all still true, but I have also had the privileged to get to know the girl behind the beautiful hair and amazing clothes – a thoughtful and kind person (who is also going to be one STUNNING bride!).

I am always excited for opportunities to shoot outside of the city. I love Chicago, but sometimes clean air, open fields, and rolling hills do the heart good – this was certainly true on Sunday. Mother Nature blessed us with a 67 degree sun filled day (with a side of insane wind), which made Kent Park (just outside of Iowa City), all the more beautiful. We started the session at the spot where James proposed, and then made our way around the park before heading into town for a few photos near Bre’s salon, and every moment was perfect.