Two couple kissing in the park with branches full of autumn leaves in the background

Two Proposals, and Planning Two Weddings.

After sharing two proposals, which were planned but still a surprise, Avery (they/them) and Alexa (any pronouns) celebrated their love with an editorial-style engagement session at The Art Institute of Chicago.

As a queer couple, how did you decide who would propose?

We both knew we wanted to propose to each other. Aves made it clear that they wanted to go first. While the timing was kept a secret, Lex knew it was coming. Aves proposed in the park where we had our first date and where we’ve had many dates since.

When Lex proposed to Aves, it was a bit more obvious but just as exciting, especially on the beach. Lex was initially unsure of where, how, and when to propose, but after getting Aves’ ring, they were eager to give it to Avery. Lex sent photos to Avery’s sister, and together they began planning. We ended up taking a big family trip to Grand Cayman with Avery’s family, where Lex proposed.

How did you choose your engagement rings?

We both wanted nontraditional engagement rings and decided on unique gems. We chose emeralds because we both love them. Although we shared ideas with each other, we ultimately surprised each other with the rings we selected.

Tell us about planning a wedding in Chicago, Illinois.

We are planning to elope this year on our anniversary, and the following year we will have an intimate ceremony and celebration with close friends and family over brunch. Early on, we knew we wanted to work with the Chicago queer wedding photographer, Ezlan. It’s important to us to support as many queer-owned businesses as possible when choosing our vendors.

We are not interested in anything traditional since many gender stereotypes simply do not fit our special queer love. As artists, we want our wedding to be an art exhibit of our love. We’ve had so much fun curating our home together, and we want to bring that same creative freedom to our wedding. It will be a cozy, comfortable space where close friends and family can share stories from our years of dating.

A small elevator structure labeled "Grant Park South Millennium Garages" stands on a city sidewalk in Chicago, with tall buildings in the background and a few pedestrians walking by.
A black and white image of two people walking out of a museum through a glass door. The person on the left is gently holding the other’s arm as they walk out together, both wearing vintage-inspired outfits.
An of two people sharing a kiss while sitting on a bench near a large window. They are embracing, and their vintage-inspired outfits add to the timeless feel of the moment.
Two people sit closely together on a wooden bench, with their arms wrapped around each other. The image is taken from behind, capturing the intimate connection between them as they sit in front of sculptures in an art gallery.
A black and white silhouette of two people holding hands with their arms raised, standing in front of a large window with a cityscape visible in the background.
Two people stand close together, holding hands and pressing their foreheads together. They are dressed in vintage-inspired clothing, with one person wearing a sleeveless dress and the other wearing a collared blouse with a checkered overall dress.
A close-up black and white photo of two people, one gently brushing the other’s face with their hand, both smiling softly and leaning in close to each other.
The brides are shown holding hands with their fingers intertwined, standing side by side. The fabric of their outfits, a suit and a gown, is softly draped.
A black and white image of two people holding hands , standing in front of a large window with a cityscape visible in the background.
Two people sit closely together, leaning in with their heads touching, both smiling with their eyes closed. They are wearing stylish, vintage-inspired clothing, and are sitting on a bench inside a brightly lit room.
A close-up, color image of one person resting their forehead against the other, both with their eyes closed and wearing vintage-inspired outfits. The image focuses on their expressions and jewelry.
A close-up, color image of one person resting their forehead against the other, both with their eyes closed and wearing vintage-inspired outfits. The image focuses on their expressions and jewelry.
An image of two people standing in front of a wall of text in a museum. They are covering their eyes with their hands, standing side by side, and dressed in vintage-inspired clothing.
An image of two people standing in front of a wall of text in a museum. They are covering their eyes with their hands, standing side by side, and dressed in vintage-inspired clothing.
A couple stands in front of a doorway labeled "American Art" in a museum, holding hands and facing each other. Other visitors are seen walking through the adjacent doorway, adding a sense of movement to the scene.
A photograph looking up at a tall, historic building in Chicago, framed by leafless tree branches against a blue sky.
The couple holds hands and walks in a park, surrounded by trees with orange and yellow leaves, smiling at each other.
The couple holds hands and walks in a park, surrounded by trees with orange and yellow leaves, smiling at each other.
A close-up of the couple standing close, their noses touching, while holding vibrant bouquets of flowers with purple, orange, and pink blooms.
Two couple holding in the park with branches full of autumn leaves in the background
The couple holds hands and walks in a park, surrounded by trees with orange and yellow leaves, smiling at each other.
The couple shares a kiss, holding their colorful flower bouquets under a tree with autumn leaves.
Two couple kissing in the park with branches full of autumn leaves in the background
Two people stand close together under a tree with branches full of autumn leaves. They are smiling at each other, each holding a bouquet of colorful flowers.
One person gently touches the chin of the other, both laughing while holding their bouquets, with a cityscape faintly visible in the background.
The couple holds hands and walks in a park, surrounded by trees with orange and yellow leaves, smiling at each other.
The couple sits closely together on a stone bench, while looking at each other
The couple sits closely together on a stone bench, one person resting their head on the other's shoulder while holding bouquets of flowers.

Photography by Ezlan Powers

Similar Posts