Beth + Brian Engagement Photos at Joliet Iron Works

Joliet Iron Works was once the site on one of the largest steel mills in the country until it closed down in the early 1980’s. Now it is a nature preserve and historical site, located right off the Ruby Street Bridge near downtown Joliet. All that remains of the mill are ruins that offer a wonderful place to explore and of course have a photoshoot. When my wife and I got married, Joliet Iron Works was the place we chose to have our wedding photos taken. When Beth and Brian contacted me about getting engagement photos done and asked me to suggest a location, this was my top recommendation.

Neither of them were comfortable in front of a camera and were sure to let me know right of the bat. But since there was going to be a short walk from the parking lot to where we would actually take photos I decided to use this time to just starting snapping pictures. I knew most of these particular photos, if not all, would end up being scrapped but the whole purpose was to get them use to having their picture taken. It definitely seemed to work, as by the time we had walked to the ruins and truly got started with the session both Beth and Brian seemed to have relaxed and I was able to capture their love and adoration for each other.

Side note: These photos were taken in the fall of 2024 and Beth and Brian were married in August 2025. My wife and I both had the pleasure of being a part of the Bridal party!