The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Athens, IL

I’m Gracelyn, the face behind the camera and someone who truly cares about the people in front of it. I picked up my first camera at 9 years old, photographing my siblings and creating little photoshoots just for fun. After rediscovering photography post-COVID, I instantly felt that same joy and knew this was my dream. I photographed my first wedding two years ago and am now stepping into my first full season. My style is light and airy, blending documentary storytelling with true-to-life portraits, capturing both meaningful details and emotional moments.

Hello, I am Nicole Gray. An Illinois based wedding, elopement and portrait photographer. My style is mostly candid and non-obtrusive. My goal is to photograph your story in an emotional, creative and natural way, to tell your story like it is, without a lot of intervention. However, I do love dramatic images with a editorial flair and will give guidance when needed. Whether you are having an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends or having a huge party, we want to be there and give you the images that reflect you!

More than a decade ago, two sisters - knew there had to be a better way to allow talented photographers and videographers to focus on what they do best -- create gorgeous art -- while providing couples with better support in the planning process. Together, they created an all-inclusive, stress-free environment where couples can choose from talented local photographers and videographers and work with a small team of planning experts equipped and eager to make everything a success. With the pressure gone, you can truly enjoy your big day. Relax and rest assured that all the emotional and moments will be documented with unmatched quality.



I present fun, elegant, and exciting Wedding Photography for my clients. My style is photojournalistic; I feel it's the most effective way to tell a story. After all, there is so much happening on a wedding day. Between the ceremony, dancing, and endless extravaganzas, the most memorable moments will naturally occur.  My goal is to capture the emotions and memories of your day through my lens. These recollections are your forever keepsakes, a chapter of your life's story. Every image accounts for those who were by your side, delighted for you, and the next step in your journey. I appreciate you for giving me a few moments of your time.t

My husband and I come as a photo team! We feel your day should be captured your way! So we tailor our style and editing to each unique couple! It’s not about us, it’s about you. We will help you document what is most important to you, the way you envision! Just like you, we have felt awkward in front of the camera. We’ve had photos taken of us that we didn’t like. We will make sure you not only feel comfortable, but that you look good! We give you prompts to keep you moving so you look and feel natural and comfortable.

The company has done over 400 weddings for the last 5 years, so we use these experiences to provide quality services. We also provide discount for Military/Veterans and teachers. For 2025, we have 140+ weddings booked in 37 different states. We offer both photo and video services. Quicker turnaround time compare to most companies. Our shooting style of is photojournalistic, natural & CINEMATIC. Our editing style is very easygoing & flexible. Our biggest markets are the following: FL, New England area, PA, IL, DMV area, Tri-State area, Southern CA, MI, OH, CO.

Hiii! I'm Heather Schoolcraft - owner & CEO! I'm a small town gal from WV who LOVES traveling and pops of color. I've designed my entire company around creating authentic + magical love stories. On your wedding day, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and to focus on the raw + real moments on your day. Don't settle for less because you have to; let ME help you get the photos + video that you've always dreamed of.

My name is Ali Cushing; a NY-based photographer working in a blended documentary and editorial approach, emphasized with a cinematic method, and a personalized, true to life editing style. I am honored to be entrusted with depicting genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizing precious memories. I see beauty in the subtle details as much as the wide, epic scene, while I see glory in the mundane in-between moments as much as the heart thudding highs. I am adamant that everyone, of all genders and orientations, any ethnicity, culture, or faith, all shapes, ages, and abilities, are welcome and I’d be delighted to work with you.

We’re Debra & Jeremy, a husband-and-wife wedding photography duo capturing love stories with heart, intention, and a whole lot of soul. Our approach blends documentary moments with gentle guidance, so your photos feel natural, emotional, and unmistakably you. From quiet, intimate glances to joyful, unscripted laughter, we focus on the moments you’ll feel just as much years from now. If you value connection, authenticity, and images that tell a story—not just pose for one—we might be the perfect fit.

JZ Studio Photography is a wedding and Portrait photography company based in Chicago, that services Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and anywhere our couples may take us within US and Canada. At JZ Studio Photography, the team will create an amazing photographic experience for you on your wedding day, by capturing all of the most intimate and romantic moments through their camera lenses from beginning to end and compile the story for you.

Hey! I'm Piero, I've been a wedding photographer for 7 years now, I'll make sure that all your favorite moments throughout your wedding are captured, literally all. You'll see me moving around from side to side, capturing those good shots... from the getting ready shots to the moment you dropped the shoes to keep dancin'. We'll meet thru video or in person, and talk about those details. Chat soon!!

I’m Victor, a Chicago wedding photographer and filmmaker who understands how quickly the day moves. Having experienced weddings both behind the camera and as a groom, I guide couples with a calm, intentional approach so they can stay present and fully experience their day while their story is preserved authentically. I serve couples across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and destinations worldwide.

Looking for top-level budget friendly local photographer? We proudly hold a 100% 5-star rating from over 17,000 weddings nationwide, making us a trusted choice for capturing your special moments. Why spend thousands when you can get exceptional quality for much less? Our wedding photography begins at $499. We specialize in natural-color photography and provide a custom online album to easily share your memories with family and friends, and we offer wholesale prices on professional prints as well! . We also provide local DJs and video services with budget-friendly packages to complete your celebration.

Hi! My name is Mae, and I live in Brooklyn with my girlfriend, our two dogs Apollo and Bia, her cat Gigi and my lizard, Basil! I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments as authentically and magically as possible, and as i’ve settled more into this career path, I love that i’ve landed in a place where I have the privilege to capture and preserve people’s love stories. Weddings and elopements are so distinctly and uniquely human, and it’s truly the biggest honor to be trusted to document them.

I have been a wedding photographer since 2011 & love being a part of my couple's lives. I enjoy getting to know clients on a personal level so I can really document who they are as people & as a couple. I am one of those people who rarely meets a stranger & love becoming friends with new people wherever I go. On a personal level, I have the cutest mini Aussie who is my pride & joy! I am close with my family & have some of the most wonderful friends.

Hi! I'm Brayley, owner of Focused On Life Photography LLC, a Full-Time, Published, Destination Wedding + Lifestyle Photography business, & I would LOVE to be your wedding photographer! Since 2023, we at FLP LLC have been focused on capturing all of life's precious milestones in a natural, earthy, classic & candid style. From your first inquiry, to your wedding day, & to hopefully many more milestones in the future, we are here to make your photography dream a reality in a way that feels authentic to you. With us, you don't need to worry about things like how to pose -- all you need to do on your day is smile & relax! We'll take it from there.

Pluvia Studios is a wedding photography and videography company that is passionate about strong story-telling. We extract the best elements for our couples and curate an unforgettable viewing experience. Contact us directly to customize your desired wedding photo and/or video package.

Capturing weddings as they unfold rather than directing how they should feel. My approach is quiet and observant — present enough to anticipate moments, but never interrupt them. The day moves naturally, and the images follow.

Hi! My name is Steve. I do visual storytelling. I’m married with three kids and in my spare time I record music and build things. I've been filming and photographing weddings since 2009. I love travel and getting to know unique couples.

I am a professional wedding photographer, dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day. I offer a variety of packages to fit any budget, and work closely with couples to understand their unique vision. I use a blend of film and digital photography for a timeless and romantic look. I understand that every wedding is unique and that each couple has their own personal style. That's why I take the time to get to know you and your partner. I am passionate about my work and committed to providing the highest level of service. Contact me for a consultation and let's create beautiful memories together.

I'm an award winning wedding photojournalist from Chicago, Illinois. I was raised in the Chicago suburbs but now call Lincoln Square home with my husband and our two Golden Retrievers, Missy and Felony. When the dogs aren't keeping me busy I love traveling all over the world, cooking amazing meals, jumping on my Peloton and eating Thai food while binging Netflix.

At 52 Eighty Weddings, we believe every love story is special and deserves to be told with authenticity and artistry. We specialize in creating breathtaking wedding films that capture the magic of your day.

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I am a wedding photographer! I am obsessed with dogs. I will never not acknowledge a dog near me by saying “puppers”. It is what it is. I would 100% rather be on the beach somewhere with palm trees. I am constantly daydreaming about being in the tropics. I love the color black. If we work together, there is a high chance that will be my outfit color of choice.

I have 12 years of photography experience, 9 years in the industry and have shot more than 200 weddings. Safe to say, this IS my passion. Couples and wedding photography can be SO stressful--the pressure to look and be a certain way or follow trends is INTENSE. Wedding stress is real and I am anti it all the way. For my couples, they're job is just to show up and have fun. I will do ALL the rest!

Hi! I'm Sherry, the owner of 83 Weddings, and I’ll be your direct point of contact from your very first inquiry all the way through final delivery. My background is a little unique—I previously worked as a field photographer for the FBI while capturing weddings in my spare time. Over the years, my passion for weddings grew, and today it has become my full-time focus. Along the way, I’ve built an incredible team of talented photographers and videographers, allowing 83 Weddings to serve couples across the country.

Hi, I’m Steff — a Michigan-based wedding photographer specializing in timeless, romantic wedding photography with an elevated storytelling approach. I believe your wedding day should be remembered not just for how it looked, but how it felt. I document genuine moments with intention and artistry, offering gentle guidance while allowing your day to unfold naturally. Couples often describe my presence as calm and effortless, trusting that every meaningful detail is beautifully captured. Based in Michigan and available for travel worldwide.

Abigail Kesecker is a documentary style wedding photographer with a love for capturing the candid, unscripted moments on your most important day. Sit back, relax, and let me create dreamy, magical photos from days you want to remember forever.

I spent 10 years as a photojournalist covering news, sports, and political campaigns, and for the past 25 years I’ve photographed weddings with the same calm, observant approach. That experience taught me how to anticipate moments, work quickly in changing light, and capture genuine emotion without getting in the way. I focus on the natural moments as they unfold, keep portraits relaxed with gentle direction, and make family photos organized and efficient so they do not take you away from your wedding for long.

As a documentary-style photographer, I truly believe that the essence of life is captured in the unscripted, candid moments that often go unnoticed-- Each click of my camera is more than just a snapshot; it’s an opportunity to freeze time and preserve the love, joy, and uniqueness of your moments for generations to come.

At Willow + Rove Creative, based in Knoxville, Tennessee, we specialize in light and airy, documentary-style wedding photography that beautifully tells your love story. With a passion for capturing genuine moments, we create timeless images that reflect each couple’s unique essence. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, we ensure your personality shines through. We love to travel to stunning locations, including the Smoky Mountains, to craft unforgettable memories. Let us capture the joy of your special day in a way that feels authentic and true to you.