Elegant downtown Chicago, Illinois engagement shoot featuring an attorney and a teacher

Real Engagements: Kemora & Phelan

Missouri natives Kemora and Phelan came across one another through their respective Greek organization affiliations; she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. Phelan, who attended their state college, University of Missouri-Columbia, used Twitter as an outlet to begin conversation with Kemora, who obliged him. After some back and forth, Kemora, a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, slid into Phelan’s DMs, making it known she was intrigued by Phelan. The two began talking every single day. Finally, in 2017, Phelan flew Kemora out to Chicago, where he had been living, to take her on a date and make it official. The couple went on dating for four years. Phelan, who is an attorney, knew for a long time that he wanted to marry his love, Kemora, an elementary school teacher. In fact, he purchased her ring in June of 2020, but he did not propose until December of that year. He managed to successfully keep the ring hidden in his apartment, despite Kemora being around all the time. To enact the proposal plan, Phelan first sent himself a fake email about a “prestigious scholarship” he was to be receiving. It was to be conferred at an in-person ceremony on December 5th. He then arranged for a limo to take the pair to the location he’d chosen to propose. Masterfully, Phelan had one of his law school buddies planted in at the location to make this all believable for Kemora. However, once they entered the room where Phelan had their friends and family waiting, Kemora instantly knew something special was about to happen. She nearly fainted, she was so overcome with emotion. Needless to say, Kemora said yes to her future husband that day.

For their Chicago engagement shoot, the couple, who now reside there, was inspired by a timeless, elegant aesthetic that was grounded in the signature Midwest skyline. They chose the iconic Rookery Building as their backdrop. Kemora and Phelan will be wed on Saturday, October 15, 2022, in Chicago, IL.

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Photographer: M28 Photography

Location: The Rookery Building in Downtown Chicago