Moody Engagement Photos at an Airbnb in Lincoln, IL | Val + Travis

While we may have had to completely scratch the entirety of our original plans, Val, Travis and I still made the most of their engagement photos thanks in part to their amazing Airbnb in Lincoln, Illinois! This session was SO much fun. Not only were we able to enjoy a variety of settings throughout the day, but I also got to know Val and Travis a bit more. Now I’m BEYOND excited for their wedding next September!

Take a trip with me as I relive Val and Travis’ session and share how we made the absolute most of their day even with some pretty crazy weather.

Adjusting Our Plans

The original plan for Val and Travis’ engagement session was to make a camping trip out of it, which we were all really looking forward to. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans for us as the forecast was calling for some insane thunderstorms! Now I’m all for making the most out of a rainy session, check out Cayti and Chris’ session to see what I mean, but when it comes to camping out in the elements it is better to play it safe.

With a bit of quick thinking and adjusting Val, Travis, and I decided on taking all the photos we before the weather really started getting rough. Val and Travis ended up booking the incredible Lincoln’s Loft-Speakeasy Airbnb in Lincoln, Illinois for the night. This honestly worked out better than we planned. We switched out the tent for an indoor location and they still got a weekend trip out of it.

Rolling with the Weather

To still capture some of the nature vibes we had initially planned for we made our way to the nearby Kickapoo Creek County Park for the first bit of our session. Both Val and Travis were just beaming with joy from the moment we started taking photos, clearly un-phased by the abrupt change in plans! Apparently Val doesn’t climb trees but Travis does. After I climbed a tree to take some photos of them, I had them climb up. It was hilarious.

As tradition, they played a bit of Uno while hanging in the trunk of their car. We decided on a quick outfit change into something more formal to finish off this portion of their session. The three of us braved the winds and made our way to a nearby field for a few more engagement photos before deciding to head back to their Airbnb in Lincoln.

A Long History

These two grew up together, kindergarten through high school! Travis remembers calling her “Sidebangs” in middle school because, well, you can guess. They had crushes on each other for YEARS, through middle school AND high school!

The Surprise Proposal Weekend

These two love Uno. Like LOVE Uno. They play it all the time with each other and friends, whether on their back patio or car camping. This plays into the wild proposal story.

Val Surprises Travis

Val planned a surprise trip for Travis’s 30th birthday. She told him they were going to the mountains for the trip. Nope. They flew to South Carolina instead. Once there, Val slowly surprised throughout the day as 25 of his friends and family members started showing up at this huge beach house she rented. He was totally bamboozled.

But Val had no idea Travis had his OWN surprises up his sleeve. He was planning to propose… and had also flown out her friends and family to South Carolina for the surprise.

Travis Surprises Val

Val had the idea of waking up to watch the sunrise one morning. She was shocked to see everyone else at the beach house thought she had a such a great idea. They all woke up to see the sunrise too!

Down at the beach, Travis and Val walked closer to the waves away from everyone else. Val turned to Travis and pinkie promises there were no more surprises for him that weekend.

This is when Travis said he’s pulling a Reverse Uno- and gets down on one knee.

Val was so shocked and excited, she didn’t say, “Yes!” she yells, “SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!” 🤣

She then realizes her mom is there with the crowd on the beach. Everyone was in on all the secrets and surprises the couple planned for each other. They had a fantastic day celebrating with their people.

In honor of their love for each other, Uno, and to commemorate the wild proposal weekend, they got matching Uno Reverse tattoos on their ring fingers.

Are you laughing and crying? Yeah, I am too.

Forever in love with this shot of their hands together. **crying emoji here**

What is one thing you love about each other?

Val: “I love that Travis is committed to everyone he cares about in his life. He shows up for EVERYONE and is so selfless, but also knows how to prioritize our relationship amongst giving others his all. He keeps our life so balanced and full of love.”

Travis: “How much she looks after other people and takes care of others. Whether it’s helping someone do something, taking care of me when I’m sick, she always go out of her way to help others.”

Engagement Photos in their Airbnb

The timing could NOT have been better to head back, as seemingly the moment we walked through the door of the Airbnb it began downpouring outside! Like literally what. Safe to say Val, Travis, and I were happy to be inside and able to keep the party rolling for their session.

In the comfort of the Lincoln’s Loft-Speakeasy we were able to document some more casual photos to finish off their engagement session with. The two played some more Uno, shared a few drinks, and enjoyed the cozy and stylish setting of the Airbnb, a perfect lowkey finale to our day together!

Don’t be fooled by the Taco Bell. What they eat is one of the couple’s quirks.

“We do find it quite funny how much T loves meat & dairy while V is a little vegan queen. We were out to eat once and T’s choice was “meaty meat lovers pizza” and V’s was “green goddess vegan salad” and the waiter looked at us reallllll weird.” – Val

Not me, literally seeing this lamp and going, “We’re going to use this.”

I had SO much fun with Val and Travis. Their engagement photos at Kickapoo Creek County Park and their Airbnb in Lincoln got me SO excited for their wedding day next September. Now it’s time for the hard part, waiting!

If you’d like me to document your wedding and engagement photos be sure to send an inquiry over so we can plan your session today! And if you’re looking for some insight into planning your engagement session be sure to check out this article.