Autumn Engagement Session at Barrington Hills Country Club

There’s something magical about fall in Illinois — the golden light, the vibrant leaves, and the crisp air that brings everything to life. Brandy and Jim’s autumn engagement session at Barrington Hills Country Club captured all that beauty and more. From the moment they arrived, I knew we were in for something special.

How Brandy Found Me — A Chicago Engagement Photographer

Brandy reached out to me through Instagram to schedule her Barrington engagement session, and I’m so glad she did. From our first message, I could tell that she and Jim wanted their photos to feel relaxed, timeless, and full of emotion — exactly what I love to capture. They were an absolute joy to photograph: easygoing, kind, and completely in sync.

Why Barrington Hills Country Club Is Perfect for Engagement Photos

The Barrington Hills Country Club is one of my favorite hidden gems for couples who love elegant yet natural backdrops. The property offers rolling hills, open fields, and tree-lined paths that glow beautifully in autumn light. It’s the kind of location that gives couples that elevated, editorial feel without ever feeling posed or overly styled.

If you’re planning your own engagement photos in Barrington, Illinois, this venue is a perfect blend of charm and sophistication — ideal for couples who want an effortlessly romantic look.

Including Your Dog in Engagement Photos

Of course, the star of the show might just have been their adorable pup! Brandy and Jim’s dog was the sweetest addition to their session, happily trotting beside them and posing for portraits. As a Chicago engagement photographer, I love when couples bring their pets along — they always help everyone relax and bring genuine smiles to the photos.

If you’re wondering how to include your dog in engagement photos, here’s my tip: bring a leash that matches your outfit and a few small treats. That way, you’ll get those perfect, heart-melting shots without stress.

The Beauty of Fall Engagement Photography in Illinois

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the light wrapped around Brandy and Jim in the most romantic way. Every image was filled with that signature golden-hour glow that makes autumn sessions some of my favorites to photograph. The colors, the texture of the leaves, and the cozy layers — it all creates a dreamy, cinematic atmosphere.

Fall engagement sessions are ideal for couples who love warm tones and natural backdrops. If you’re planning your engagement photos in Illinois, schedule them in late October or early November when the colors peak and the air feels crisp.

Congratulations to Brandy & Jim

Brandy and Jim will be tying the knot next year in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I couldn’t be more excited for them. It was an honor to capture this chapter of their story here in Illinois before their next big adventure.

Their Barrington Hills Country Club engagement session was full of laughter, love, and that unmistakable autumn magic that makes the Midwest such a special place to photograph.

Planning Your Own Barrington or Chicago Engagement Session?

If you’re newly engaged and looking for an engagement photographer in Barrington, Illinois — or anywhere in the Chicagoland area — I’d love to create something beautiful together. Whether it’s the open fields of Barrington, the skyline views of downtown Chicago, or a cozy park that’s meaningful to you both, every couple’s story deserves to be told with intention and artistry.

Contact Winterlyn Photography to schedule your engagement session and let’s make magic together.