Engagement photos are extra special when they recreate moments that mean a lot to the couple. Anna + Jimmy wanted engagement photos at the public library in Urbana, IL.

They met, fell in love, and first lived together in downtown Urbana!!

So much of this little corner of the world holds so much of their story. Anna & Jimmy wanted to pay homage to the roots of their relationship with their photos. So we picked a date for their engagement session in Urbana, IL!!

Anna explained to me she wanted to feel “happy, giddy, excited, and smitten” in these photos.

I’ll let you scroll to the end & decide if we got that vibe. (spoiler, I think we did it 😍)

How cool is it that the book Anna pulled off the shelf was a couple in love!!! The perfect little unplanned detail shot.

Their engagement session in Urbana

I’ve had a few engagement sessions in Urbana, but never one at the public library! It’s near Elm City Coffee, Hotel Royer, Siam Terrace (thai- where they had their first date!!!), and Rick’s Bakery.

We had a blast whispering to each other in the library. There was a moment that someone walked RIGHT passed us while they were kissing and it was hilarious. We had to hold in our laughter.

Usually I play music from speaker during sessions, but yeah no… I left that in my car for the library portion of the session.

I am no stranger to sessions in libraries- recently I’ve been to the STL Public Library, and Allerton’s mansion library. (And yes I will go back in a heartbeat!!!)

We went outside the library to take some engagement photos around Urbana before the sun went down!

Sadly the outdoor terrace was taped off for renovation during their early October engagement session. I’m hoping when I go back this year, it will be open again! We hung out on the side of the building for photos instead.

“We’re so awkward in front of the camera.”

If I had a nickel for every time I heard this… I could probably pay for a coffee at Elm City!!

Know that it’s totally normal to feel awkward.

BUT it’s my job to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera so you love your engagement photos.

Part of getting candid photos during your engagement session is allowing yourself to be silly, be open to doing something you wouldn’t normally do, and interpreting the prompts I give you. When’s the last time you’ve skipped? Well I might ask you to! Let your body do what is most comfortable.

Note: before we even meet up for engagement photos I ask if you or your partner have any mobility needs. It helps me make sure you session will be as comfortable & freeing as possible.

Anna told me, “we are both shy when it comes to being the center of attention but I feel like we can shake it off and have fun!”

So… do you think they shook it off??

It was super helpful when we went outside for photos- I was able to play their engagement session playlist from my speaker.

As a music lover, learning what my couples like to listen to is extra fun- do we have any overlap in taste? Or does their taste of music showcase their personality?? (hint- it does) And it helps them loosen up to their favorite tunes.

We finished photos as the sun dipped down behind the clouds. They ran off to grab thai (where they had their first date) for dinner to celebrate.

Ooooo we love some moody black & whites!!!

I am so excited to photograph their day in June this year!

Other photo locations in Urbana

Here are some of my other favorite spots to get photos taken in the Champaign-Urbana area:

• Virginia Theatre // vintage & ornate theater vibes
• University of Illinois Arboretum // so much nature!
• Lincoln Hall at UIUC // marble stairs & walls

If you’re wanting engagement photos that reflect your relationship but are nervous in front of the camera, I see you boo. Let’s hang out and get dope photos!!