The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Des Plaines, IL

The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Des Plaines, IL

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432 Wedding Photographers in Des Plaines, IL

Photojournalistic
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Original Weddings Photo & Video 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Taylor was a joy to work with. She was very professional and helpful, and didn't push us into weird poses and awkward situations. The final pictures looked awesome, and I'm so grateful to see all the memories preserved in the pictures. The galleries were very easy to view, share, and download from, and their outreach after we got the photos has been great.
Alexandra, 2 months ago
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Eivan's Photo & Video 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,149
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

We offer a personalized experience backed up by more than 33+ years in business delivering high quality, creative photography and video on time and within your wedding budget. We are experts in photojournalism, offering couples an unmatched level of value for their wedding photography and video services.

Awarded Best of Zola
Hiring Eivan’s for our wedding was a great decision! Our photographer Gregory I was professional and FUN! He kept us smiling throughout the day with his quirky personality! My fiancé does not care for photos so I’m happy we had someone working with us who could make him comfortable. He made sure to get multiple images even if it was just “one more”, it was never one more! We had actually hired a different photographer and we replaced him with this company. Worth the stress and money! If I had any tips for the company, it would be to have your photographers give a 30 minute warning before their contracted time is up. Weddings are so busy for the bride and groom, it is very easy to lose track of time. I think clients would appreciate a little heads up just so they can try and capture any photos they may have missed. Other than that, I have ZERO complaints. Such an amazing experience! 10/10 highly recommend :)
Melanie T., a year ago
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Roman Lorek Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,200
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Bilingual (Polish, English) husband & wife wedding photography duo based in Chicago. We specialize in documenting real emotion with an artistic answer candid approach. We're inspired by music, travel, and real moments that make you feel alive.

Awarded Best of Zola
Roman Lorek Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our wedding. From the very beginning, they were great communicators - open, honest, and responsive to all of our questions and requests. Their work is truly high quality, with an artistic and beautiful style that captured all the special moments of our day. They went above and beyond, making thoughtful suggestions and recommendations that helped make our wedding day even more perfect. Roman and Anastasia were friendly, professional, and made the entire photography experience easy and stress-free. They also did a "family" engagement shoot ahead of our wedding, which was the most fun I had ever had taking photos. Could not have been a better experience all-around! We would highly recommend Roman Lorek Photography to any couple looking for a talented and dedicated wedding photography team.
Rea H., a year ago
GemHidden gem
Red Barn Wedding Studio 

5.0

Des Plaines, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000

Red Barn Wedding Studio is a wedding photography and wedding cinematography company, based in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to customer service and exceptional visual storytelling. All our lead wedding photographers and videographers have around 15 years experience in the wedding field, covering and experiencing all kinds of lighting scenarios and true life stories.

From the moment we first contacted Red Barn Wedding Studio, we were impressed by their thorough and detailed communication style. They took the time to understand our vision and preferences, and provided helpful guidance throughout the planning process. On the day of our wedding, the photographers from Red Barn demonstrated true perseverance, seamlessly capturing all the special moments with skill and professionalism. They were a joy to work with, and their dedication resulted in stunning photographs that we will cherish forever. We highly recommend Red Barn Wedding Studio to any couple looking for a talented and reliable photography team to document their special day.
Maddie m., 7 days ago
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Gubert Photos 

5.0

Des Plaines, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500

Hey there! Why choose Gubert Photos? My photography isn't just about snapping pictures; it's about making every shoot comfortable and enjoyable, bringing out the most authentic and beautiful sides of my clients. As a wedding photographer for a few years now, I bring the assurance that comes from years of experience, ensuring that your moments are captured with expertise and attention to detail. I understand that every story is unique, and your photos should reflect that. Whether it's an intimate courthouse elopement or a destination, I'm here to make your vision come to life.

Awarded Best of Zola
The photographer was kind, communicative, creative and made it fun! Even though we spent extra time trying to find an open space and it was a bit cold, she made my family feel so comfortable. I loved the photos and can’t wait to book her again!
Martha, 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Shelly Shimon Photography 

5.0

Des Plaines, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500

I'm a Chicago wedding and lifestyle photographer with a soft spot for cheap flights to foreign places. Living in Chicago, I've fallen in love with the art of contrast between industrial cityscapes and the elegance of a bride + groom. The aesthetic is both classic and transcenden

Shelly is the absolute best! I first met her at a friends’ wedding as she was photographing for her, so I’ve seen her in action multiple times. She is a consummate professional who truly does amazing work. Not only are her photos stunning, her demeanor and ability to keep all bridal parties on pace/track is nothing short of impressive, all while keeping it fun and enjoyable so we could live in the moment. I can’t say enough about her and her team, I’d recommend 10/10 times! Thank you so much Shelly, you are the best!
Alyssa B., 3 years ago
GemHidden gem
Kenny Kim Photography 

5.0

Des Plaines, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,995

Kenny Kim has always been fascinated by the visual arts, especially the connection between art and photography. Combined with his love of travel and culture, he has become one of the most respected and sought after destination wedding photographers of his industry. Since 2006, Kenny Kim Photography has quickly grown into a nationally recognized studio and Kenny’s work, which spans the globe in over 400 weddings and destination events, has been featured in the most respected photography periodicals.

Kenny is amazing. He asked us for a list of the bridal party/family/VIPs ahead of time and memorized who everyone was so that he could easily ask people to do what he needed for photos. He is creative, professional, efficient, and timely. We are so in love with our photos.
Ariana K., 2 years ago
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George Street Photo and Video 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,295
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL
  • Offer

George Street Photo and Video has one story to tell: Yours. With over twenty years of experience, our award-winning team has been lucky to capture thousands of weddings for our couples across the United States. Specializing in both wedding photography and videography, we offer affordable and customizable packages starting at $1295 that are designed to suit your unique vision and budget. We even offer a fun style test to help us match you with a photographer that aligns with the vibe of your day.

Awarded Best of Zola
George Street Photo & Video provided an exceptional experience from coordinating our day of plans to capturing every moment of our special day! The photographers were highly skilled, talented, and professional. They took the lead to facilitate every photo, ensuring all the right angles, lighting, and poses. We have over a thousand wedding photos and each are of the highest quality. I highly recommend George Street for any formal event, special occasion, or wedding!!
Britni B., 7 months ago
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Albany Capture Film & Photography Studios 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
We absolutely LOVED how Albany Capture treated us through the whole process of our engagement shoot. Our photographer Josh was very patient with our ideas and plan, and the turnaround time for the photos was so quick with excellent quality. We will be using them again in the future!
Aileen G., a year ago
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Nova Photos 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $895
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Nova Photos is a wedding photography, videography, and photo booth studio in Chicago, IL. We're a multicultural, multilingual, LGBTQ-friendly, photographer/employee-owned studio dedicated to documenting the most memorable moments of your wedding day! Collectively, we have captured over 10,000 weddings. At Nova Photos, we work with our clients every step of the way. The team provides comprehensive support with planning locations, setting up permits, and creating a timeline that works for them and their other vendors. Every couple deserves more than just memories; they deserve a timeless keepsake that captures the essence of their love story!

Awarded Best of Zola
Nova Photos did an incredible job at capturing our wedding day! Our coordinator made sure to ask for thorough details and asked us many questions to ensure our day came out smooth. Our photographer was Florin and he was amazing!!! Attentive, respectful, honest and personable. He made our experience so easy and we did not worry about capturing every important morning of our day. He posed us in creative ways while also taking traditional shots, made sure we had enough photos with everyone we wanted to take it with (we had a group of friends/family with us), and he made suggestions that we ended up loving as far as location/poses. The quality of the photos is very clear and high quality! We enjoyed the filters and editing that was done as well; it was not overdone. Overall, I recommend hiring Nova Photos if you want a seamless, thoughtful and thorough experience on your wedding day. Thank you!
Sophia M., 3 months ago
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The Still Life Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,450
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Nicole was a joy to work with for our wedding photography. Nicole was extremely prompt and efficient in her communication leading up to the big day, and her kind yet focused demeanor put us totally at ease. On the day itself, Nicole brought an incredibly positive energy and made sure every special moment was captured beautifully. The photos she delivered showcase her genuine talent and eye for gorgeous detail. Her editing enhanced but did not overly manipulate the images, allowing our personalities and the emotions of the day to shine through naturally. Overall, Nicole cares deeply about her clients and works tirelessly to ensure your wedding memories are preserved flawlessly. We could not give a higher recommendation for her photography services.
Morgan J., a year ago
Emma Mullins Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $7,500
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Digital + Film Wedding Photography Hi! I'm Emma, owner and lead photographer of Emma Mullins Photography. Our goal is simple: to capture your vibe, your people, and your love in a way that looks and feels true to life. We just wrapped our 13th Chicago wedding season, and it's been a whirlwind of all things real and fabulous! Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community and happy to serve humans of every background, gender and identity.

Awarded Best of Zola
Emma and her associate, Sasha, were an absolute joy to work with. From the planning stages, to engagement photos, to our wedding day, Emma was communicative, professional, and uplifting. Our engagement session photos are beautiful and surpassed what we hoped for. For our wedding, we asked for photos both downtown and in Lincoln Park, and Emma knew all the best spots. We were pleasantly surprised by how many sneak peek photos Emma provided us just a few days after the wedding, and we can’t wait to see the entire wedding album in a few weeks! We also received many compliments from our guests about how great Emma was. Please book Emma for your own engagement/wedding, you won’t regret it. :)
Vivienne F., 3 months ago
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TWA Photographic Artists 

4.7

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,799
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

The best part about what we do are the stories we get to tell. The happily-ever-afters, the love-at-first-sights…it’s the truth in a moment and a look that says it all. As Chicago area wedding photographers for over twenty years now, we’ve seen and captured just about every incarnation of true love imaginable. That’s why we approach your special day as a unique journey we take together. We walk you through every step, from proposal and engagement photos and perfectly capturing those forever wedding day moments with photography, videography, and content creation, to expertly crafting your very first family heirloom…your wedding album!

Awarded Best of Zola
TWA Photographic Artists were straightforward and direct in their communication, and kept us on schedule throughout our wedding day. Their work was great, capturing many timeless and detailed shots. However, at times they seemed a bit hurried when working with our wedding party and guests, though they remained attentive and eager to get the right shots. For example, the photographer remembered the little details that made our photos special, but we felt a bit rushed after the ceremony and didn't fully capture the joy of those moments. Overall, TWA provided solid photography services, but could have been a bit more patient and attuned to our desired pace for the day.
Patoya B., 8 months ago
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Audrey Simper Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

GET TO KNOW ME: Empathetic, detail oriented, & interested in learning how I can best support you. Capturing your shine while encouraging a feeling of ease. Go to coffee order: Almond Milk Cafe Miel | Personality types: ENFJ, Leo, Enneagram 7, Big Nerd | Hobbies: Acroyoga, dance, pottery, board games, reading books on psychology, binge watching survivor, being obsessed with your dog, getting little treats, curating an at home apothecary | Family: I live with my tiny Chihuahua Theo in Chicago.

Awarded Best of Zola
Audrey Simper Photography was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction, Audrey demonstrated a prompt, thorough, insightful, encouraging, and helpful communication style that immediately put us at ease. Her great positioning, beautiful natural editing style, and overall flexibility were exactly what we were looking for in a wedding photographer. On the day of, Audrey's calming energy was so valuable - her ability to keep cool and help the flow of the day allowed us to truly enjoy time with our guests and capture the pure joy of the occasion. Audrey also found so many visually stunning spots for us to take photos, which we know we'll be able to admire for years to come. We couldn't recommend Audrey highly enough!
Lena J., a year ago
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Piero Pierrot Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Hey! I'm Piero, I've been a wedding photographer for over 7 years, and I love the blend of candid and posed images that I take in every wedding, and we'll definitely have fun! I'll make sure that every smile, tear, and joyful dance from everyone is captured, literally all, from the fun 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 too. Chat soon!!

Awarded Best of Zola
He was Awesome ! The venue was the biggest let down of our day but everyone else delivered! He was kind , creative , provided great communication, patient , understanding and a whole vibe ! We will definitely book him again for future celebrations !
Victoire M., a year ago
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Lux Everlasting 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

You may not know it, but you're actually not looking for a wedding photographer. After all, that is just one aspect of what we do! And I'm not a normal wedding vendor... I'm a commissionable artist and consultant to the aesthetics and atmosphere of your day with nearly 20 years of industry experience (including planning my husband and I's wedding).

Awarded Best of Zola
I had the absolute best experience during my maternity shoot! Even though I was sooo pregnant, he made me feel completely comfortable from the moment we started. He’s incredibly friendly, patient, and has a way of making you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. The photos came out so beautifully and so naturally — nothing felt forced or overly posed. He truly captured my natural beauty in a way that brought tears to my eyes when I saw the final images. You can tell he has a genuine talent for seeing people as they are and bringing out the best in every shot. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Highly, highly recommend!
Alexis, a month ago
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Zach Caddy Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

A cinematic eye. --- A bleeding heart. --- An inclusive spirit. --- I've picked up a camera just about every day since I fell in love with photography in 2013. Though every shoot holds something unique, it takes a lot to catch me off guard after a decade in business. I pride myself on my ability to quickly connect with my clients, making them feel comfortable, cared for, and confident that they look great. Being a helpful and calming presence in the midst of your wedding is second nature to me. Basically, I try to treat people how I want to be treated: with fairness and understanding!

Awarded Best of Zola
We couldn’t be happier with Zach! He captured every single moment and emotion so beautifully. From the big, unforgettable milestones to the quiet, candid moments in between. His photos are truly stunning and full of life; we’ve been reliving our wedding day through his lens ever since. Zach was not only incredibly talented but also so kind, patient, and easy to work with. He made us and our families feel completely at ease, which allowed him to capture everyone at their most natural and joyful. We’re beyond grateful for his work and can’t wait for the chance to work with him again in the future. Highly recommend Zach to anyone looking for a photographer who genuinely cares and delivers amazing, timeless pictures
Marcin, 5 months ago
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Visil Photography & Video 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,250
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

I’m Victor, the photographer and videographer behind Visil Photography & Video. I document weddings in a candid, documentary style, focusing on genuine emotion, meaningful moments, and the day's natural flow. My approach is quiet and intentional, allowing couples to stay present while their story unfolds naturally.

Awarded Best of Zola
Visil Photography provided amazing photography services for our wedding day. Victor was extremely respectful, informative, and positive in all of our communications leading up to the big event. On the wedding day itself, he was passionate about capturing all of those special moments we had envisioned. Victor has a gift for engaging with people and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. He circulated seamlessly among our guests and captured countless touching interactions. My husband and I could not be happier with the beautiful, artistic photos Victor delivered. They will allow us to re-live our special day for years to come. I would highly recommend Visil Photography for any couple looking for a talented photographer who can beautifully document their wedding memories. Victor was a joy to work with!
Krystal Z., a year ago
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Wendy Schreier Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL
  • Offer

Hello! I am Wendy, an award winning Chicago wedding photographer. I personally, will be the photographer on your wedding day, I am a one woman small business. My photo journey started 15 years ago shooting concerts, most recently Depeche Mode! I fell in love with the art of photography and started capturing weddings! I love seeing all the details you so lovingly design into your wedding day and capturing the big picture of how awesome you, your wedding and guests are.

Awarded Best of Zola
If you’re still on the hunt for a photographer and you come across Wendy, look no further. Wendy is the most down to earth and genuine vendor I’ve worked with. She is so personable and easy to talk to, having pictures taken by her instantly felt like it was with someone I already knew. The turn around time on our engagement pictures was unbelievable, in a good way. I noticed something I wasn’t crazy about (too critical of myself) and she changed it right away, no questions asked. Her work with lighting is fantastic and she captured exactly what I was looking for. So incredibly grateful to be working with her.
Megan P., 16 days ago
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Sarah Nader Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first contacted Sarah Nader Photography, we were impressed by her open, easy, and quick communication style. Sarah has an incredible attention to detail, which was evident in the beautiful photos she captured of our special day. Sarah even went the extra mile by coming to our home to take photos, making us feel comfortable and at ease. We'll forever cherish the stunning images she took, especially the emotional and meaningful photos she captured of me breastfeeding my two young children during a surprising and bittersweet moment. Sarah's work is truly exceptional, and we highly recommend her services to any couple looking for a talented wedding or family photographer.
Clare L., 8 months ago
GemHidden gem
Madi Ellis Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

*****The best way to reach me is to fill out the inquiry form on my website!***** As a documentary-style photographer, I love to emphasize connection, texture, and authentic emotion. Being a former actor who found a deep love and passion for wedding photography, I'm most drawn to the art of storytelling while creating honest and original work. I strive to make my images fully represent my couples in every way possible. I'm goofy, fun, and always create a deep connection with my couples to ensure their big day is captured with passion + care.

We are so happy we chose to work with Madi for our wedding photos and was one of best decisions we made. We immediately liked her on the first call as she was just easy to talk to and really took an interest in learning about our story. We could tell she had amazing organization skills, and her photography was exactly what we were looking for when it came to our wedding. She was friendly and personable and provided easy communication. She was very flexible, tolerated our need to bring our dogs into both the wedding and the engagement photos, and made us comfortable during the photography process. At our wedding, she was on time, and SO on top of things that I really didn't need to worry about anything getting done. She was on it and coordinated everything so seamlessly. She not only is excellent in her photography skills, but helped so much in establishing our timeline and sorting out what was actually feasible for the day. We really appreciated her expertise. I fully trusted her in the process and knowing that definitely took stress off of us. The best part, is she is just an awesome human!! I highly recommend Madi for your wedding!!
Jackie G., a year ago
Tethered Stories 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Specializing in weddings, elopements, creative portraits, boudoir, and branding photography, I capture moments that resonate authentically with you and your loved ones. Each gallery is a reflection of your individuality, ensuring that your emotions and memories are preserved in every frame. Whether you're saying 'I do,' expressing yourself creatively, or showcasing your brand identity, let me document your story in a way that's true to you."

Awarded Best of Zola
Kriztelle is an amazing photographer! She made both me and my husband feel so comfortable during our elopement shoot. She guided us through the entire process with patience and ease, especially when we had no idea how to pose (lol). Her ability to capture genuine moments is incredible. The photos we received are absolutely beautiful, memories we’ll truly cherish forever. So grateful we had her as part of our special day!
Ria & Y., 5 months ago
GemHidden gem
Ryan Moore Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

I've been documenting weddings for 15 years! Your wedding will have so man quick and candid moments, and that's what I'm there for. The spontaneity. The honesty. The "beautiful" vs the "pretty". Hearing things like "Wow, we didn't even know that happened!" or "This is the best picture of my Grandpa I've ever seen," is what keeps me fired up year after year! I believe everyone deserves to feel welcomed, honored, and free to express their love for each other. I proudly support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community along with all cultural backgrounds and traditions!

Choosing a wedding photographer can be a daunting task, but luckily Ryan makes the process easy! Ryan has a unique eye and documentarian yet editorial style that truly captures not only the beauty of the day, but the feel! From initial consultation through the very last moments of the party, Ryan was warm, friendly and professional. He expertly directed our large combined family, who can be a bit a wayward, through a brilliant series of portraits in a remarkably short period of time. He was so patient when plans changed and even had some spontaneous ideas for some amazing shots that we had not even planned for. He also payed great attention the details that captured our style choices. Both my husband and I can be a bit self conscious about photos but we felt at ease the entire time and we love how we and all of our guests look in the pictures! The photos were so vibrant, well composed and really conveyed the emotion and joy of the event. Don't hesitate, Ryan Moore is THE GUY! We will definitely call upon Ryan for future photographic needs. Additionally, as an event industry professional, I have added him to my preferred vendor list and highly recommend him to my clients!
Crystal W., 2 months ago
GemHidden gem
Sam Schultz Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Hey there! I’m a weddings and couples photographer based in Chicago, IL with my partner Emily and my rescue dog Daxter. I’m here to document joy and celebrate all the meaningful moments with the kickass people that find me.

Where to begin with how awesome Sam is??? He took our engagement photos back in 2023 and from the moment our session started we knew he was our guy. Sam goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable and at ease, most importantly has a knack for drawing out authentic happiness that shows up in his photos. He so kindly took photos with us and our rescue dog, Bubbles, and made sure every step along the way she was comfortable - he even brought treats for her. Sam and his associate Chris photographed our October wedding and though we only have our previews back (literally 200 photos) we are in AWE of how he captured the magic of our day. Cannot recommend him enough.
Taylor K., a month ago
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Kate Scott Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

My name is Kate Scott Daly, and I can't wait to meet you! I'm a Chicago native and have been a professional photographer for nearly a decade. I am obsessed with capturing the perfect moment that will make you gasp and say "Oh my god, this is amazing!" Being a queer woman, it is so important to me that you feel safe, loved, and beautiful every step of the way. If you're looking for someone you can relax with and just be yourself, you've found me! Let's face it: it can be awkward being in front of a camera. Even I feel nervous sometimes! I understand that anxiety and will do everything I can to make you feel fabulous!

We cannot recommend Kate enough! From the moment we met her, she made us feel completely comfortable and celebrated our love with so much enthusiasm. As a queer couple, it was important for us to work with someone who not only respected but truly celebrated queer weddings, and Kate went above and beyond. She took the time to help us clarify our vision for our wedding photos, which was especially helpful since we only had 6 weeks to plan our wedding and felt a little overwhelmed by the process. She was a great guide and we immediately knew we were in good hands! Kate’s associate Ryan shot the photos on our wedding day and they captured every special moment—from the big emotional vows to the smallest, most intimate glances—with such artistry and care. The photos are breathtaking, full of life, and truly reflect the joy of our day. Right when Ryan arrived, they jumped in with capturing photos of small details and worked to capture everything we wanted for our special day. Kate and Ryan were both an absolute delight to work with—professional, fun, and incredibly talented. If you're looking for a photographer who will make you feel seen, respected, and celebrated while delivering stunning photos, look no further. We are beyond grateful for Kate and Ryan and will cherish these photos forever! Thank you for making our wedding memories so magical!
Darcy & R., 10 months ago
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Andrew Merz 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

I like to take a journalistic approach to my wedding photography, letting the day flow naturally, all while capturing every wonderful moment for the couple as non-obtrusive as possible. My goal is to make your big day as stress free & fun as possible while capturing memories to last a life time!

Awarded Best of Zola
We absolutely LOVED working with Andrew! He made our wedding day run so smoothly and stress free. From being so attentive to me while getting ready for the big day to making us feel so relaxed in all of our photos - I can’t imagine our wedding day without him. I highly recommend Merz Photography for engagement photos and wedding photos. I never doubted his creative vision and will always cherish our photos from the most special day in our lives.
Erin and J., 3 years ago
Unabridged Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

From my first moment as a wedding photographer, I knew I wanted to kick tradition to the curb. I was tried of seeing wedding photography that excluded the communities that I hold closest. I work hard to form a real connection with each of my clients to craft an experience that captures their unique spirit.

Awarded Best of Zola
I found Unabridged Photography while looking for documentary/photojournalistic style photographers for our Chicago wedding. As soon as we talked to Ashley, we looked no further. Throughout the entire process they were collaborative and communicative. Our engagement shoot felt like meeting up with a friend. We were able to blend more editorial portraits with a candid depiction of our day. Ashley never makes you feel like any shot or maneuver is hard even as they are running behind you with four cameras strapped to their body- and you appreciate having every format. The result of that effort was an array of photos, both glamorous and understated, like nothing I've never seen, and something I could have pulled from my parents' wedding album. Not only an incredibly talented photographer, Ashley had great suggestions for shooting locations and is knowledgeable of what the city has to offer (and even suggested the bar where we hosted our Welcome Drinks!!). We opted out of having video at our wedding for several reasons, so the stakes for the photography were pretty high. Ashley's images made our wedding with nearly 200 guests feel intimate and look like a rager. You spend a lot of your wedding day with your photographer regardless of how posed your day is, and you can only hope that they are as warm, chill, and likeable as Ashley.
Kendall, 7 months ago
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White Quill Creative 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Spoiler alert: I didn't grow up daydreaming about weddings. Instead, I grew up on shaky home videos and weathered family albums—so I know how important it is to keep memories alive. The problem? The internet is overflowing with photos that focus on trends over authenticity. That's why, in a world filled with filters + fads, I'm here to capture every real moment of your wedding day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Best wedding decision that we made! Chelsea was the perfect choice for our 10/10/2020 wedding. Chelsea has such a warm, calming, positive and chill energy that made her the perfect person to spend our special day with. She made us feel so comfortable in front of a camera and did an incredible job capturing so many special moments. The picture quality is beyond amazing. Chelsea is so talented, creative, organized, and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone! Thank you, Chelsea!
Stephanie + E., 5 years ago
Quick responder
Nikki Kate Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Des Plaines, IL

Hello, my name is Nikki, and I am a wedding and family photographer for the sentimental and nostalgic. I have been lucky enough to call this my career for over 12 years. I am driven by a passion for storytelling and documenting your life for you to keep forever. Rooted in the heart of Chicago, IL, I am always ready to pack my bags and travel wherever your story unfolds (frequently travel to CO and WI). Whether it's the heartfelt promises exchanged on your wedding day or the joyful pitter-patter of little feet during an intimate family session at home, I treasure the opportunity to document every chapter of your life.

Awarded Best of Zola
BOOK THIS PHOTOGRAPHER. From start to finish, Nikki was not only our favorite wedding vendor, but also someone we could rely on for everything from timeline help to outfit choices, from teaching us how to pose for a photo to helping choose our bridesmaid colors. She brought so much excitement to our engagement and wedding that made the time leading up to and the big day so much more special. We loved her photography style so much that we adapted our initial vision to match her style and it was the best decision we made. Our photos are timeless, warm, so reflective of the overwhelming love we experienced that day, and already so very cherished. She captured every moment, every emotion, and every person exactly right. Her apprentices also did a fantastic job. Every single person who has seen the photos has specifically pointed out how good our photographer was. Aside from her incredible work as a photographer, she is all around a delightful person, easy to work with, kind, and fun! She was reliable beyond belief, and I never had to worry about anything with Nikki. I cannot recommend Nikki enough, and plan to hire her for all our special events in the future.
Danielle E., a year ago

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