Galena, Illiniois Blue Hour Engagement Session | Stephanie and Zach

Hi all!

If you are interested in exploring a session, whether it's just you or you and your partner, you can reach out to me here. I would absolutely love to hear all your ideas and see what we can create! There is never a wrong time or reason to want photos of you or you and your partner. Capturing those memories and chapters of your life will never be a regret.

And if you didn’t know, I travel, too! I absolutely love visiting new places for sessions and weddings. If you would like to see some of my international work, you can read about my trip to Italy here.

But let’s talk more about Stephanie and Zach. I am so excited to capture their wedding in September 2026 at Centennial Farm on the Ridge! It will be a beautiful weekend in northern Illinois. Stephanie and Zach came to me at the beginning of this year, early in the wedding-planning process. We quickly connected over phone calls and their engagement session. I traveled to Galena, Illinois, for their engagement (my first time there), and it was insanely beautiful — just what they had been looking for! We started the session at the Belvedere Mansion, which had the most stunning flower garden and a vintage-feeling courtyard for us to explore. We then headed to downtown Galena, where they were having their annual Oktoberfest celebration (we had no idea, haha). Stephanie had changed out of her classy white dress into a black, flowy, mini dress (both equally stunning). To finish up the session, for the remaining sunset and blue hour, they changed into their final outfit — casual tees and jeans — and met up with their poodle, Laney. We ended up getting some super cool shots with the moon (some of my favorite photos this year)! Once we headed out, I ended my night eating at the best restaurant, Cucina Bella.

This session was full of giggles, puppy love, and I can’t wait to do it all over again at their wedding this September! Connecting with my couples is one of my favorite parts of my job. Not only do I get to tell their story and document an important part of their life, but I also get to make great friendships along the way and have some wonderful conversations with people who have the best energy.

See you soon, Stephanie and Zach. <3

Xoxo Julia