The Best Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

The Best Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

How do we sort results, including Sponsored Ads and personalized results?


450 Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

GemHidden gem
Alexis C Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (4 reviews)
Ottawa, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,600

I specialize in heartfelt, timeless wedding photography for couples who want to remember their day not just for how it looked, but for how it felt. I capture your day with both a love for editorial imagery as well as a documentary approach, capturing your wedding as it naturally unfolds —focusing on the real moments and all the in-betweens that make your story uniquely yours while also taking your portraits to the next level.

“Alexis C Photography was the perfect wedding photographer for our special day. From the very beginning, their communication was quick, effective, and kind, putting us at ease throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was efficient, caring, and incredibly detailed - they spent time finding the small, intimate details that made our wedding day feel truly special and allowed my wife and I to simply enjoy ourselves without worrying about missing any important memories. Alexis provided a truly luxurious experience, exceeding all of our needs and ensuring our day was captured beautifully. We are thrilled with the photos and cannot recommend Alexis C Photography highly enough.”
Matthew D., 8 months ago
Quick responder
Andreoni Photography & Videography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

We're Dom & Nelena, a husband-and-wife documentary wedding photography and film team based in Illinois. 8 years. 200+ weddings. And we still get excited for every single one. We photograph with intention. Not to document every detail, but to preserve what matters most your relationships, your energy, your presence within it all. We're drawn to the emotional undercurrent of a wedding day: the subtle, unscripted moments that hold the most meaning.

Awarded Best of Zola
“One of the best photographers I’ve ever worked with.”
Tyler, 4 years ago
GemHidden gem
McConville Studio 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Phil and Andrea were married in May of 2007 and have two crazy fun and brilliant kiddos named Owen and Gwenna, (affectionately referred to as “crumsnatchers.”) When they aren’t hanging out with their awesome clients, taking photos or editing them, you can find them involved as a family at their church, sharing the holistic nutrition they love, going to a yoga class, grilling out, fixing up their 100 year old home, (there’s ALWAYS a project to complete), spending time outside with their kids or dreaming about the next camping trip they’ll take!

“Phil and Andrea were amazing! They helped us feel so calm and collected on our wedding day. Photos from our engagement session turned out beautiful, can’t wait to see our wedding photos!”
Rachel D., a year ago
Quick responder
Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 
Rating: 4.9 (101 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,845
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Alex & Jeremy were the BEST. I cannot believe the number of compliments I received from friends and family who were at the wedding. They were the most professional and interacted with our guests all night long. During the day, we moved through our timeline so smoothly but never felt rushed in my special moments with my husband. We laughed, we cried, we danced- every moment was captured by them and we are so thankful! I was hoping that the weather would cooperate for some golden hour portraits- not only did Jeremy get the most BEAUTIFUL golden hour photos but he grabbed us just as the sun came peaking out of the clouds and got a few photos of us with my veil in the wind. I am OBSESSED with both sets of these portraits. I’ve already recommended OLAS to friends and family who are getting married. They were the best vendor I could have asked for to capture our special day!”
Danielle H., 2 years ago
Quick responder
The Talented Photographer - Award Winning Photography. 
Rating: 5.0 (81 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $1,995
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hello! We are Christian and Ana. We have put together the best wedding photo & video team in America. Whether you are camera shy or not, you will get beautiful photos with us. That's why couples are raving about us: we get beautiful photos out of EVERY SINGLE WEDDING!

Awarded Best of Zola
“The Talented Photographer was an absolute dream to work with for our wedding. From the very first interaction, Alec's communication style was fun, professional, and incredibly personable. He had a true passion for his craft that shone through in every interaction. The quality of Alec's work was absolutely stunning - we got a wonderful variety of candids, formal shots, and editorial-style pictures that captured all the special moments of our day. Alec has an incredible eye for the right shots, and the final photos are absolutely gorgeous. Despite a complicated location schedule that I was worried about, Alec made the whole day seamless, traveling to over 4 different spots to ensure we got all the groupings and special shots we wanted. Alec truly went above and beyond, and we had such a great time working with him. I'm obsessed with the pictures and would give him an 11/10 rating!”
Michelle M., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Complete Weddings + Events Central IL (Photo) 
Rating: 4.9 (78 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi there! We're Jordan and Libbi Sweet. We’re a recently married couple, so COMPLETEly understand how stressful the wedding planning process can be. We're honored that you're considering Complete for your Big Day! While we've been in the wedding industry for 9 years, Complete has been around as a company offering DJ, Photography, Videography, Photobooth, Lighting and Coordination services for an AMAZING 40 years! As a full service wedding company, our greatest joy is being able to make your event effortless and magical. Let's work together to make your big day EASY. SIMPLE. COMPLETE.

“We used Complete Weddings for photo, video, and DJ. All three did not disappoint. It started with Jordan when we made the decision to book with them. He was so kind, helpful, and explained everything so well. He was also available for all the questions throughout the whole planning process and was quick to respond. Our photographer, Sarah, did our engagement and wedding photos. She scoped out the best spots for our engagment photos, even with rain earlier in the day. She brought so much energy and flexibility. On our wedding day, she helped stay on time, brought the same energy, and captured all our favorite moments with all our favorite people. She also went to look at the venue and picture locations prior, which was so helpful! Rebecca, our second photographer, was so kind and got all the shots Sarah may have missed. She loved our dog! Noah, our videographer, made sure to get all the important moments as well. I can't wait to see all he captured of our special day! Last, DJ the DJ, was AMAZING. He was so organized, made sure we had everything we needed for the ceremony and reception. Our guests LOVED him. It was also important to us to have the wedding flow as much as possible without much downtime. All of the above made this happen. We can't say enough good things and we are appreciative of all their help, communication, and energy along the way!”
Megan N., 10 days ago
Quick responder
Anchor Studios Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (76 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Fine art style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I’m Edgar, an HTX-raised native with Salvadorian roots. I am the owner, creative director, and lead photographer at Anchor Studios Photography. I'm a wedding and elopement photographer based out of Pittsburgh, PA! However, the stories I capture don't start and end there. I love to travel to capture stories all around the world.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We were so impressed with Anchor Studios Photography from start to finish. Edgar communicated with us perfectly throughout the planning process and made everything easy to understand. He positioned us naturally so our photos felt authentic and candid rather than stiff or forced. He captured exactly what we had envisioned, and his professionalism put us at ease the entire time. Beyond just taking pictures, Edgar gave us a fun day together and created one of our favorite memories from the whole wedding planning journey. We made a great choice with him and would recommend Anchor Studios to any couple looking for a photographer.”
rae, 4 months ago
TrendlineTrending
Kate Scott Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (75 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, 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., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Jovan Kiah & Co Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (73 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,900
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hi, I’m Jovan Kiah — a wedding and portrait photographer based just outside Indianapolis. I’m your personal hype woman, passionate about capturing vibrant, true-to-color moments that feel like you. From big milestones to everyday magic, I’m here to freeze time in a way that’s real, timeless, and joy-filled. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m soaking up motherhood, planning game nights, or enjoying something sweet—because life’s too short not to.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Jovan made my dreams happen for my wedding. She understood exactly the vibe I wanted for the environment and for the pictures and took pride in curating that. She felt like more than photographer on my wedding day with the great attention to detail and dedication to protecting my peace, She felt like a friend. She picked up very well on social situations that shifted and pivoted when others weren't being as flexible. She was very swift on the turn around for the preview gallery and communicated any hiccups She had along the way until the full gallery was available. I would and will choose her again for any family and life event photos, hope she enjoyed shooting for us because it wont be the last shes seen of me. To say the least she played a massive role in making my wedding day memorable.”
Reynae D., 10 months ago
Quick responder
Feli photography 
Rating: 5.0 (72 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hello, and welcome, I’m a wedding photographer with over 9 years of experience, originally from Moldova. My journey began with a simple but powerful dream- to create something beautiful, something meaningful, something that lasts far beyond a single moment. Now based in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, I’m also available for travel to capture your story wherever it unfolds. Over the years, photography has become more than just a profession for me- it’s an art of connection. I’m drawn to genuine emotions, refined details, and the quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

“Very professional and talented, would definitely recommend her”
Cristina G., 7 months ago
Sheena Anne photography 
Rating: 5.0 (65 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey there! I’m Sheena! Your go-to wedding photographer, hype girl, professional chaos wrangler, timeline planner, dress fluffer, & so much more! I have been capturing love stories for a little over 10 years now and I wouldnt have it any other way. Being alongside couples during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives is my passion. You’re not just a client. You’re someone I’m genuinely cheering for. My couples often tell me I feel more like a longtime friend, and that’s exactly how I like it. I’m big on communication, making you feel comfortable, & helping your day run smoothly so you can actually be present without the stress.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Don’t hesitate to book with Sheena! Not only a great photographer but an amazing person as well. Ever since booking with Sheena for our wedding over a year out she was consistently in communication with us to prep for the big day as well as answering any questions I had about the logistics of the day leading up to it. The day of the wedding I was stressed with the timing of things and she kept me calm and assured that it would all be okay and made it work whenever we were cutting it close with time. I really appreciated the energy she had when I was stressing. Andrea also accompanied Sheena and was just as great. I definitely recommend booking Sheena’s 2nd shooter too because it’s a life saver when you’re tight on time and want to maintain your intended wedding schedule. Both women were super on top of getting all the shots I wanted and even jumped in to help outside of their photographer duties which was much appreciated. When my venue hadn’t lit all my candles minutes before cocktail hour they immediately started helping light candles and when my venue didn’t have a plate and silverware at our cake cutting table they sprinted to find some. Couldn’t be more grateful to have them there on our big day. When we had our engagement shoot with Sheena we were blown away by how amazing the pictures turned out and how she captured the sunset. I had a vision in mind and she made it come to life. All of our family and friends were astounded by how amazing those pictures were and we can’t wait to see all of our wedding photos and are already wowed by the sneak peaks she posted of our day!”
Hailey G., a year ago
Quick responder
Gordino Photo and Video 
Rating: 5.0 (60 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I started off only wanting to take photos and videos of my friends. Now it seems like my passion has gone full circle and my clients have become my friends. Whether photographing parties or shooting short films, it is my goal as a professional artist, to capture those emotions, and present beautiful memories that will last forever. My ultimate reward will come years later—when you look at your photographs , videos and those memories once again come to life.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Godfred and his team have been and will always be amazing! the way they captured the beauty of our day I can’t thank him enough truly I can’t believe how beautiful their work is!”
Angelica Q., 5 months ago
Quick responder
VIDART 
Rating: 5.0 (60 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Family session in Green Bay turned out beautiful. Worked great with our kids (who hate cameras). A couple windy shots but honestly still loved them.”
Linda M., a year ago
Quick responder
Developing Diamonds Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (55 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

My name is Elliot Stokes and I am a photographer located in the Madison, WI area, but I work all across Wisconsin and Illinois. I have been drawn to the camera since I was young, but becoming a father has really shown me the magic behind capturing the most candid and beautiful moments of our lives. I started my journey into professional photography officially in the summer of 2019 and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with honors in Digital Photography in the spring of 2022. I absolutely love what I do and look forward to every new experience and opportunity this journey takes me on!

Awarded Best of Zola
“We had Developing Diamonds Photography LLC photograph our wedding and couldn't be happier with the results. From the start, Elliot was easy to work with and made us feel at ease in front of the camera. He knew how to direct our wedding party and guests while keeping everyone relaxed, and he handled the rainy weather like a pro—we ended up with stunning outdoor photos despite the downpour. What really impressed us was how quickly he turned things around: less than a week after our wedding, he sent over 50 edited preview photos that were absolutely beautiful. Elliot also did our engagement shoot and was super flexible when we asked to switch locations just days before, fitting us in without any hassle. The whole experience felt professional and reasonably priced, and we'd recommend him to anyone looking for a photographer who is responsive, organized, and genuinely cares about capturing your special moments.”
Courtney C., a month ago
Quick responder
Portraits By Sean 
Rating: 5.0 (51 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL



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

Awarded Best of Zola
“Portraits By Sean was an exceptional choice for our wedding photography. They had great communication from start to finish, which made the planning process smooth and stress-free. They were extremely helpful in getting all the photos we wanted and more - Sean was very thorough, very prompt and very patient in capturing every moment. He arrived early and was extremely patient in making sure we got everything done that we wanted. We couldn't be happier with the quality of their work and the value they provided on our special day.”
Corinne Z., 2 years ago
Quick responder
PictureMeThisByLacie 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“PictureMeThisByLacie was one of the best decisions we made throughout the wedding process. Lacie was amazing to work with the entire time. She was easy to communicate with and kept us updated on our photo timelines, not to mention all of our photos turned about AMAZING. Our package included an engagement session and Lacie worked out a weekend she was already in Chicago to accommodate us. Leading up to our session, we had issues with controlled fires and protests in our preferred location, but Lacie found us a spot that blew my expectations for photos out of the water. She gave us a sneak peak and also got our pictures back to us super quick. On our big day, Lacie and Tim(her husband/second photographer) were the best to work with. They made us feel comfortable and captured our day better than we could have imagined. As soon as they got there, they got straight to work. Lacie got all the details and getting ready photos that I will cherish forever. Things were running behind the day of and they let us add on an hour to our contract the day of and pay at a later date. This ensured that we got dance floor photos and it was so worth it! Specifically getting pictures of my husband's grandmother in her 80s dancing with all her grandkids. We received a sneak peak very quickly and our whole (massive) gallery less than 2 months after the wedding. For as many photos as we got, this was a crazy quick turn around. Overall, PictureMeThisByLacie captured our day better than we could have ever imagined, we could not recommend them more!”
Kaelin W., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,399
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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. We have serviced 42 states so far. 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We cannot thank Ledd Lens enough for the beautiful memories they captured on our wedding day. From the moment we inquired about their services down to photo editing, they were extremely professional, responsive and answered all of our questions. Corey arrived on our day ready to roll. Not only did he pay attention to all the details, he captured the warmth, happiness and love that was felt throughout the day and night. We absolutely love our photos and appreciate all the time, care and effort the team put into our special day!”
Megan, 9 months ago
Quick responder
Latek Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (43 reviews)
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $4,100
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I’m Connie—congratulations on your engagement. Thank you for being here and for considering me as your photographer. I take a thoughtful, hands-on approach and believe the experience matters just as much as the final images. I’m involved well before the wedding day—collaborating on vision, timelines, and details to ensure everything feels intentional and effortless. I love curated Pinterest boards, open communication, and creating imagery that feels elevated, timeless, and personal. This is your day, and it should reflect you. Let’s talk!

Awarded Best of Zola
“When I tell you that my friends and family all commented on how breath taking our photos were, I am not exaggerating! My (now) husband and I had the best experience working with Connie. From our initial conversations, I knew she was the right photographer for us. She is super warm, creative, professional, and responsive. I let her know my vision and brainstormed ideas, and the end product was truly remarkable. My husband and I were both nervous that we would be awkward and stiff but Connie guided us through all the poses and we truly had so much fun. I highly recommend Latek Photography to any brides to be!”
Pamela S., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Timeless Imagery & Media 
Rating: 4.9 (43 reviews)
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Lover of all things photography. I have been a photographer for over 10 years and love what we do. I have an amazing team that helps me out. My husband also second shoots with me. I like to say you get two professionals for the price of one. I try to offer quality at a reasonable cost. I know photography can be daunting for some people and my goal is always to put people at ease.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Best decision we could have made. Communication was wonderful from the start and the photos are amazing. I felt Hdi has a gift of photography and what will look great. From the little details they were on it. She made me feel like family. Mostly, her images are what we have left of our day and I’m so glad we went with Timeless Imagery. Don’t cut your hours short - so you don’t feel rushed. Best advice I could give.”
Logan M., 2 years ago
TrendlineTrending
Brittany Qualls-Molleda Photography 
Rating: 4.5 (41 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $1,159
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Brittany Qualls-Molleda Photography creates lasting memories using a candid and documentary-style photography. We offer an in-home studio where photography services can be provided using a backdrop, props, posing, and styling to enhance your session and exceed your expectations. I am ready to show this side of humanity and display the love - the support - the silliness of our loved ones, families, and friends alike. Let me take you on a photo journey to show you how you make others feel through my eyes. I promise it'll be worth it.

Awarded Best of Zola
“As a fellow wedding vendor and owner of a DJ company, I know how important it is to work with professionals who are not only talented but also great team players. Brittany is exactly that! She has an incredible eye for detail, captures genuine moments effortlessly, and brings a calm, positive energy to every event. Her photos are stunning, and she makes the whole process fun and easy for couples and vendors alike. Highly recommend Brittany Molleda Photography! A”
Dianna V., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Chicago Wedding Photographer - Joe Nowak Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (41 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I’m Joe! I’ve been photographing weddings for over 20 years because I love capturing authentic, heartfelt, and timeless moments while keeping the day fun and stress-free. I gently guide couples and families when needed, making sure the moments that matter most are captured beautifully. Featured in Modern Luxury Chicago Bride, and award-winning online and print magazines, I become couples’ go-to person on the day, building trust and creating images they’ll treasure forever. — Joe

“Working with Joe was hands down the best decision we made for our wedding day. From start to finish, he made everything feel effortless. He’s calm, fun, and somehow everywhere and nowhere at the same time, capturing every moment without ever feeling intrusive. He went above and beyond — from stepping into traffic to help us get the perfect shot to catering to every need we had. Our photos at the Peninsula Hotel, North Avenue Beach, Millennium Park, the Rookery, and Board of Trade are absolutely stunning, and we get to relive the day every time we look at them. Joe isn’t just a photographer — he’s like family now, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience or the pictures.”
James R., 8 months ago
M. Kaptured Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (39 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Classic style
  • Starts at $2,550
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hi, I'm Mya, a passionate wedding photographer based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with a heart for freezing those raw, unforgettable moments that make your love story shine. Over the years, I've had the joy of documenting hundreds of couples—from intimate elopements at the Blue Barn on the Green to grand celebrations bursting with laughter, tears of joy, and everything in between. What started as a hobby snapping family milestones and senior portraits has bloomed into a full-time love affair with weddings, engagements, and the beautiful chaos of real life.

Awarded Best of Zola
“We had the best experience working with Maida! She was incredibly professional, friendly, and so passionate about photography. We felt completely at ease during the session and loved the end result.”
A. R., a year ago
Quick responder
Heather Christine Photo + Film 
Rating: 5.0 (37 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

****I WILL ONLY BE RESPONDING TO MESSAGES ON ZOLA UNTIL 12/19/2026. They have unfortunately raised their prices and partnered with a very well known company (they won't let me put the name in this), which are known scams for wedding vendors. Please reach out using my website if you are interested**** 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“I have followed Heather since she started and it has been so amazing watching her grow! Her and her team work so well to make your day special and made my visions come to life. I’m so happy she was able to capture so many memories of those closest to me. These photos will hang on my wall and be passed down for generations. I included just a few because they are truly something special!”
Shannon, 2 years ago
Quick responder
Ali Cushing Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (36 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey, hey my name is Ali. NY-based, but working nation-wide, I'm a wedding photographer who captures experiences, genuine love, authentic characters, and immortalizes precious memories. I focus on visualizing how it felt to live your wedding day, while also crafting editorializations simply for the sake of intentional, living art. 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From the moment we connected with Ali Cushing Photography, we knew we had found the perfect wedding photographer. Ali's communication was always timely, thorough, and friendly, putting us at ease throughout the entire planning process. Her work was truly amazing - she perfectly captured our vision and was able to fit so many beautiful, thoughtful, and personal photos into a short time frame without making us feel rushed. Ali was more than prepared on the day, even having extra bobby pins on hand to help bustle my dress. Her meticulous attention to detail ensured our wedding day timeline stayed perfectly on schedule. We are overjoyed with the final photos and cannot recommend Ali Cushing Photography highly enough.”
Lexi K., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Debra Aslanidis Photography 
Rating: 4.9 (35 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“From the moment we first spoke with Debra and her fiancé, we knew they were the perfect photographers for our wedding day. Their communication style was prompt, caring, and always kept us informed throughout the process. The quality of their work is truly timeless, with beautiful, high-quality photos that captured all the important moments of our special day. They were there whenever we needed them, and it was clear they genuinely wanted to be a part of our celebration. We loved working with Debra and her fiancé - they were extremely kind and caring, and we recommend them without hesitation.”
Katherine W., a year ago
Quick responder
Kato Photo - Milwaukee Wedding & Elopement Photographer 
Rating: 5.0 (35 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

If you’re looking for natural, candid photos that feel relaxed and true to your day, you’re in the right place. I’m Kate, a Milwaukee-based photographer with a documentary approach and a cinematic touch. I focus on real moments as they naturally unfold - the in-between glances, laughter, quiet emotions, and all the little details that tell your story. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, present, and able to actually enjoy your wedding day. The result? Photos that feel natural, emotional, and timeless - images that reflect how your day truly looked and felt.

“Katophotoo was the perfect wedding photographer for our special day. Her communication was super quick, and she always answered any questions we had. She was extremely professional and ensured we had precious memories captured, including catching the perfect in-the-moment shots and even more. Katophotoo is very skilled at using the golden hour to take breathtaking images, and we loved all the pictures she took! Her work was truly invaluable in helping make our wedding day so special!”
Amanda S., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Svyat Bogdanov 
Rating: 5.0 (34 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Named one of Zola’s Best Wedding Photographers of 2024 and a proud Zola Brand Ambassador, Svyat Bogdanov is recognized as a trusted expert in the wedding industry. Based in Chicago and originally from Crimea, he has photographed over 600 weddings across the U.S. and abroad. His style blends candid emotion with timeless elegance, creating personalized galleries filled with heartfelt moments and genuine connection.

Awarded Best of Zola
“My husband and I could not be more happy with our decision to go with Svat to capture the best day of our lives!! The whole experience was absolutely seamless from start to finish, He was nothing but professional, kind, patient, and helpful throughout the entire process! He really paid attention to what we wanted out of our wedding photos and delivered the most INCREDIBLE images we have ever seen!! We were blown away when we received the photos! Fantastic quality, and it truly feels like we are being transported back to the day when we turn through the vibrant pages! Just WOW! Svat was everything we could have asked for and more! You won’t regret choosing him for your big day! Thank you for everything Svat!!!”
Christina, 2 years ago
Quick responder
KMauck Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (34 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,700
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Kelsey did our proposal shoot, engagement shoot, a random photoshoot we planned, and our wedding. She is so easy to work with and makes us feel so comfortable working with her. She goes above and beyond with her delivery of images too. She’s always given us more images than what we’ve paid for just because she enjoys the shoot so much and the images. You can tell she loves what she does through her work! She’s always timely with her shoots and delivery of images! She got us close to 100 preview images within a day of our wedding. We love working with her and highly recommend her!!!”
Ashley H., 2 years ago
Quick responder
Focused On Life Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
·Ratings include Zola and Google reviews
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

Hi! I'm Brayley, Founder of Focused On Life Photography LLC, a Full-Time, Published, All-Inclusive Destination Wedding + Lifestyle Photography business, & my team and I would LOVE to be your wedding photographers! Since 2023, we at FLP LLC have been focused on capturing all of life's precious milestones in am authentic, timeless & 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 true 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 be present and take it all in. We'll take it from there.

Awarded Best of Zola
“Brayley’s work was absolutely unparalleled! The photos from our wedding are truly works of art. She captured every moment so beautifully, from the big moments to all of the little details and candid memories that we will cherish forever. Not only is Brayley incredibly talented behind the camera, but the entire experience of working with her was amazing. She made everything feel effortless, comfortable, and fun, which made such a difference on our wedding day. We couldn’t be happier with our photos and feel so lucky to have had Brayley capture such a special day. Her talent, attention to detail, and ability to tell a story through her photography are truly unmatched. We highly recommend Brayley to anyone looking for a wedding photographer—you will not be disappointed!”
Elle A., 2 months ago