The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Cortland, IL

Photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. What started as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong pursuit of storytelling through images. I’m based in both Union, Illinois, and Florida, which allows me to capture weddings in a variety of beautiful settings. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m gardening, traveling, or spending time with my partner, Kenny, and our three pets. My work has been featured in many publications, but what truly drives me is creating honest, meaningful imagery for my couples—photos that will live on as part of their legacy.

I'm a 35-year-old husband to Samantha, our son Silas, daughter Fiona, and our wiggler companion Moxie. I've been a wedding photographer for 11 years, having photographed over 300 weddings and countless other sessions! My hobby is also my job, and you bet my wife loves that, haha. I am also a stay-at-home dad, a philatelist, a Lego freak, and a craft beer nerd, and we have an orange fridge, haha.

Hi, I’m Erin! In my free time you might find me reading a good book, going for a quick run, planning a trip or spending time with my friends and family. And, most of all, I love using my camera to capture the beauty of people and the world that we live in. I am deeply devoted to documenting all of the memories, moments and feelings that you deserve to have stored forever. There is so much power in visual storytelling, and I would love for the opportunity to help you tell yours! Whatever the occasion- from wedding celebrations & family photos to senior portraits and birthday parties- I’m here to capture it all.

Located in Northern Illinois, couples who choose me are looking for clean, natural, and timeless wedding photography. My style is very candid and photojournalistic, but also artistic and professional. My editing style is very clean, keeping your images timeless.

I devote my craft to capturing authentic personalities, genuine happiness, and pure love during my photography services. I am dedicated to capture your love story through wedding photography, portraits and family photos!

I'm Chrissy and I'm a documentary wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience who fully believes that your life deserves to be documented truthfully. My focus at your wedding isn't to steal you away from your family and friends for hours to make "art," but to empathically capture the moments and relationships present at your wedding. Your wedding photos are the single most important wedding investment you'll make. After the day is done and over, they will be what tethers you to your memories of your day. They will be the heirlooms you'll pass down to your grandchildren to hang on walls and sit on bedsides for generations to come.

My style is an amalgamation of my personal artistic touch with a candid approach. I provide work that is reflective of the events, feelings, and moments that occur. My photography is complimented my enthusiasm, and creative drive! I strive to give clients authentic photography. I grew up outside of Rockford, Illinois and received my BFA with a concentration in printmaking in addition to Art History and Psychology Minors from Rockford University. My involvement in art, photography, and people has been nothing short of a lifelong endeavor. There's few things I love more than creating with and working with others. It's my passion.

I've been photographing weddings for 7 years now and pride myself on my work! Here at Diamond Photo Co, we really are a girl's best friend. I'm a stickler for details and definitely want you to not only feel amazing, but look back on these photos and feel as though you LOOK amazing, too!

Hi, I'm Katherine! I want to tell your story the way that it is. I want to document your day so when you see the photographs you are reliving beautiful memories and not just a posed picture. I love the sun. On the water is my favorite place to be. I love new places. I love dogs. I love working with strangers, who turn into friends. Based in Northern Illinois with a desire to travel everywhere. Take a look around, you'll see my work speaks for my passion. Specializing in weddings and events -- Striving to capture every magnificent moment

My name is Michelle, but my friends call me Meesh, so you can too! Most days you can find me editing pictures at Starbucks, working on home projects with my husband, and probably drinking absurd amounts of sparkling water. I've lived in Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Iowa, and currently live in Northern Illinois so you could basically say my heart belongs to the Midwest. I take weddings and sessions all around the Midwest and really all over the country! I’ve been told I’m the “mom” of the friend group and I LIVE to be over prepared!

Hi, I'm Patrick. Dekalb IL Wedding and Portrait Photographer. Are you recently engaged and planning your wedding? Are you looking for a photographer that can document your day in the most unique way possible? Then look no further. Patrick Nichols Photography is one of the most sought-after professional photographers in Illinois. If photography is the most important thing to you on your special day, working with this team will ensure imagery that you and your family will cherish for years and generations to come.

I am a wedding and fine art photographer and I love what I do! My drive for finding opportunities to create outstanding images is contagious and I make sure it's a fun day for all involved. I've discovered that my favorite weddings are comprised of great music, a high energy wedding party, real flowers, and some sort of inclusion of the couple's pets. If you have a dog walking down your aisle, I want to be there!

Original Weddings Photo & Video is a team of EMMY award winning storytellers. Our photography and videography packages are tailored to you, customizable and perfect for every wedding. We offer engagement photography, wedding photos, highlight films, wedding coverage and more.

You're not just hiring a photographer—you're gaining a creative partner who’s with you from “yes” to “I do.” I’m Pedro, Creative Director of Albany Capture, and for over 12 years I’ve been documenting love stories through a style that blends photojournalism with fine art. Weddings are more than just events—they're a celebration of connection, and I’m passionate about preserving the real, fleeting moments that make your day unforgettable. To ensure we provide dedicated time and personalized recommendations for your wedding photography and videography needs, we now offer in-depth consultations for a nominal fee of $50.

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.

VIDART's chief photographer studied at Columbia for film and U of I for foreign languages and philosophy, and went to Loyola for graduate studies. He worked at Lyric Opera of Chicago filming operas before joining VIDART. He is the author of the college textbook Cinematography 101, and has worked with John de Lancie (Q in Star Trek: TNG) on the science documentary The Reality of Time. Michael has also worked on the sets of over a dozen other feature films. He has handled the photography and videography for several thousand weddings and events, including work for clients such as Microsoft, Amazon, Macy’s, Sysco and more.



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.

Jay & Nicole Vega decided to pursue a career together in the art of Photography. Met & married in Chicago in 2013, two people set out on a business venture of a lifetime. While Nicole is the main photographer of the company, we have also expanded and hired reliable, talented photographers to work along side with us, while still maintaining a small business feel.

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.

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.

Big fan of dive bars, staring at the stars, forever searching for the best french fries, a blissfully cold Diet Coke, and a true midwestern why fly it's only 15 hours. You'll find me often traveling, spending time in nature, collecting rocks and shopping for vintage t-shirts. I love carefree messy in between moments, photographing my daily life on polaroids and film. I've lived a lot of places (Arizona, Arkansas, and Puerto Rico to name a few!) and have so many places that I treasure and feel at home.

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.

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.

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.