I want to start by saying that Gilly and Eli’s engagement session in Central Illinois basically has everything I love all smooshed together into one session. Combine the natural beauty of Matthiessen State Park, the epic throwback vibes of The Rootbeer Stand, and finally Gilly and Eli’s uncompromising love for one another, and I’m sure you can see why this engagement session was RIGHT up my alley! I’m so excited to share their session with you all, and even more excited to document their wedding at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course later this July!!

A Little About Gilly and Eli

Ok ok, real quick before we get into their Central Illinois engagement session let’s take a look back at Gilly and Eli’s love story as the start of their relationship is so freaking cute! Fate seemingly brought these two together, although a little delayed as they actually lived within a mile of one another back in high school for a whole 2 years without realizing it! Eventually though their paths would cross thanks to a connection with a mutual friend back in September of 2020. The two hit it off quick with a surprisingly intimate first date at Buffalo Wild Wings, I say intimate as they went on a Friday night and had the ENTIRE place to themselves!

In the first 3 weeks of dating they saw one another 8 times, and each time were eager to set up the following date. The two realized they were meant to be quickly. Gilly notes that when they first started dating that Eli was the only person she’s dated that’s ever asked about her family, or shown any interest in their future together. For Eli, he mentioned that even after hanging out as often as the two had up to that point he still wanted to spend MORE time with her. Safe to say that they both were right in their feelings, as we’re just a few short months away from their wedding date at the time of writing!

Engagement Photos in Matthiessen State Park

Now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for, let’s relive Gilly and Eli’s magical engagement session together! To start off their engagement session we chose to meet up at Matthiessen State Park in North Central Illinois for a more natural setting for their photos. The fall of 2023 was an interesting one with how warm it was. This led to some of the leaves changing colors while other whole trees were still bright and vibrant green. I honestly loved this as a setting for Gilly and Eli’s photos as it was so unique and fun to work with. The two chose to wear more formal attire for this part of their session, Gilly with a floral dress and Eli with a clean white shirt and jeans. Their outfits were perfect for the setting, something I cover more in depth in my guide to preparing for an engagement session!

Finishing Their Engagement Session in Oglesby

Once we had the photos we wanted at Matthiessen State Park we packed up and made our way over to Oglesby for the remainder of their session. Oglesby is right next to Matthiessen State Park, and has the cutest retro diner for us to use for the second half of our session. The Rootbeer Stand has its classic and vintage feel still completely intact, and made for the perfect setting for some more casual engagement photos. That combined with some delicious food and ice cream, and both Gilly and Eli were about as happy as can be! Talk about the perfect way to end an engagement session!

Documenting Gilly and Eli’s engagement session in Central Illinois was honestly a dream come true. I love these two, their story, their personalities, and that I’m able to work with them throughout this incredible journey that they’re on right now! If you’re looking to book me to document your wedding day and engagement as well be sure to head over to my contact page and send an inquiry my way.