This Chicago E-Session Captures a Couple Who Knows How to Have Fun: The Engagement of Rachel and Jack

While Rachel was asking new students at the University of North Florida to join the marine biology club, Jack walked up and started asking questions. In spring semester, they started dating after getting ice cream together. Later on, Rachel's best friend took her to Disney World for Jack to have an opportunity to propose. Rachel's friend stalled and rushed all day to throw Rachel off the scent until they arrived at the English Garden in Epcot. A pianist played the waltz from Up, and Jack came running through the garden. He took Rachel to a pavilion and got down on one knee.
 

"The ring was a joint decision, but I did pick out the rose gold ring with diamond halo setting to hold Jack’s family heirloom ruby. The gorgeous ruby originally belonged to Jack’s great-grandmother, Marie, who received a ruby ring from her step-father on her 16th birthday in 1918," Rachel gushes. "I love the story of the ring, how unique it is, and especially how much it sparkles in the sunshine!" We think the ring is a perfect union of modern and vintage that looks stunning with any outfit! That said, they had an heirloom for an engagement ring. If you want something similar, a mandarin garnet ring is the only thing that comes close to it.

Rachel went to high school with Brooke, the photographer they chose for their engagement session. "For our engagement pictures, I wanted to work with someone who I knew we would be comfortable around and who had pictures that were stunning," Rachel explains. Since Brooke was already planning on coming to Chicago and had time for an engagement session, it seemed too perfect to pass up. Jack actually found their engagement session location during a bike ride and suggested it right away. We think it was a gorgeous backdrop to their amazing photos!
 

Way before they even were engaged, Rachel and Jack knew they wanted to get married at Brevard Zoo in Florida. Rachel shares, "That’s near Jack’s family and has been a special place to us over the years. Plus, I work at a zoo and we love animals, so really there’s no better spot for us to say ‘I do’." Everything for their wedding has seemed to fall into place perfectly. The zoo was available on a fun date, Rachel found her dress at the first store she visited, they just happened to cross paths with someone who rents wedding décor, and found their wedding band one night when they ate out for dinner. Since they have the big details figured out, they can now focus on some of the smaller items.
 

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