Chicago Botanic Garden Engagement, James & Melissa, Chicago IL

Engagements

With 14 years in the wedding industry and more than 300 weddings photographed, I bring a depth of experience, knowledge, and calm confidence to every celebration—allowing me to anticipate the moments that matter most while creating space for you to fully enjoy your day. I approach every wedding day with the same excitement, gratitude, and sense of purpose that I felt from the very start.

I'm Ebby L

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Botanical Gardens Engagement Ebby L Photography Photos

“As you have seen, our life is so chaotic with 3 kids! But we wouldn’t have it any other way! That is our peace! James and I met at work, when we worked at Palermos back in 2012. The day before xmas eve, December 23rd 2012 he asked me to be his girlfriend. He caught my eye and heart with his outgoing/ funny personality! He is rarely ever serious!

The next day he took me to his family Christmas party, where I met about 50+ family members. I had to adjust and meet his family after dating him for one day!! We definitely moved fast and did things a little backwards.. but obviously it worked for us. It took my son Logan and I time to adjust to the change, but in no time we already were becoming a family.

After living together for about 2 years we had our son Jimmy, which made Logan a big brother. We became even closer as a family! We also had some hard times and some very emotional times. We have lost babies and made babies. But through It all we were very supportive and patient. We are each others rock, We are a team! This last year, we had our daughter Layla. She was just what we needed to complete our family.

I never thought I’d ever get married! Maybe at 50? Lol! But to my surprise, timing was right earlier than I thought. James asked me at the Botanical gardens. I am a sucker for flowers and nature all together. My favorite part was the not only that I had no idea, but that we were being ourselves dancing around when he pulled me under what he said the “spotlight” and asked me.

I love how our love has grown and how it has pushed us to remember the small things! I cannot wait for our wedding day when we become officially husband and wife in front of our children and our closest family + friends.” – Melissa

Melissa sent me this and I knew instantly I had to include their story from her perspective rather than my own. I love this sweet family and cannot wait to photograph their wedding next summer!

Botanical Gardens Engagement Ebby L Photography Photos Chicago Botanic Garden Engagement Ebby L Photography Photos