The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

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159 Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

Photojournalistic
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Alexis C Photography 

5.0

Ottawa, IL
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800

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. With a documentary approach and a refined, romantic eye, I capture your wedding as it naturally unfolds—focusing on the real moments, the quiet in-betweens, and the emotions that make your story uniquely yours.

Alexis C Photography was an outstanding choice for our wedding photographer. From our first interaction, she was fast, efficient, considerate, and accommodating, making the process of booking and planning incredibly smooth. On the day of our wedding, Alexis and her team were a calming presence, capturing the elegant and beautiful moments of our special day with an exceptional eye for detail. The final photos were truly outstanding - perfectly encapsulating the love and joy of our wedding in a way that we will cherish forever. We are thrilled with the value and quality of Alexis C Photography's work, and we highly recommend her to any couple planning their dream wedding.
Karissa D., a month ago
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Andreoni Photography & Videography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Capturing life's most precious moments through the lens of love. At Andreoni Photography, we are more than just photographers and videographers — we're a family-centered team that understands the significance of each moment and bring a unique blend of passion and expertise to every project. From engagements to weddings, we're here to freeze- frame the love, joy, and connections that make life extraordinary. Let us tell your story through our lens, preserving memories that will warm your heart for generations to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
Nelena and Dom took photos at my rustic/modern wedding at cider mill in Princeton, Illinois. Once the four of us met, my husband and I loved how easy it was to speak to Nelena and Dom and how they immediately understood where we were coming from. As introverts we wanted a photographer with a larger-than-life personality, someone who would find candid moments on our day and Andreoni Photography really brought the fun. I can’t stress enough how truly wonderful our experience was. The two of them worked so well together. They brought so much excitement and fun when capturing photos of our wedding party. Nelena and Dom were always so responsive to my many questions and concerns I had. I could expect a response from either of them within 24 hours and usually much quicker than that. The first time my now-husband and I saw the photos, we melted! We had a date night and snuggled up on the couch, and loaded the photos onto our big screen. It truly felt like we were back on our special day. We loved the unique poses and fun and intimate moments Andreoni photography captured. I had no idea our small town wedding could look so incredibly beautiful. The finished photos ooze class, sophistication and refinement.
Haleigh A., 3 years ago
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Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 

4.9

  • 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
Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. was the perfect choice for our wedding photographer. From the very beginning, they provided frequent check-ins and communication leading up to the big day, which put us at ease. On the wedding day, Lesleann was amazing - she was so sweet, hardworking, and handled our crazy families with incredible grace and patience. The quality of their work was truly 10/10, and the value was exceptional. We couldn't thank Lesleann and the Once Like a Spark team enough for capturing our special day so beautifully.
Nathalee S., 9 months ago
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Portraits By Sean 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,550
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer



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
Working with Portraits By Sean was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Their communication style was professional, efficient, and genuinely kind throughout the entire process. The quality of their work was truly one-of-a-kind - their photos are gorgeous, superb, innovative, and incredibly detail-oriented and precise. The team of two photographers and a videographer was amazing, capturing so many special moments that will forever stay with us from our wedding day. We were especially grateful that they were able to capture our private final dance, which means the world to us. After our wedding, when our oldest son was leaving for bootcamp, Sean thoughtfully sent us additional photos that had been taken during the celebration, which are now cherished keepsakes for our family. I honestly can't say enough good things about our experience with Portraits By Sean - they exceeded our expectations in every way and we are thrilled with the beautiful memories they've preserved for us.
Brittany S., 6 months ago
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VIDART 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $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
We did our engagement photos downtown Chicago and the riverwalk was PACKED. I was worried we’d have strangers photobombing everything. He managed to angle us just right so the crowds look like intentional motion blur. A couple shots are a bit soft because we were moving fast, but we love them anyway. Super friendly and made us feel comfortable right away.
Jacob M., 4 months ago
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PictureMeThisByLacie 

5.0

  • Editorial style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • 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
Where do I start with Lacie and Tim?!? Lacie was the first vendor I booked and for a good reason, it took one call and that was it - I knew she would be perfect for our wedding day. My husband and I have always been photo-shy and have often took awkward photos, and had a fear this would happen during our wedding day. There was never a moment that Lacie did not know what to do or what to suggest. We never had to think about it. What I believe contributes to Lacie's photo magic is she is an amazing person, incredibly easy to talk to and a joy to be around, and makes you feel confident and comfortable - we realized during photos it was like we were gabbing and being around one of our friends, and this distracted us from the fact and anxiety that we were actually taking a photo. Not only did this make taking photos fun, but it captured a lot of great candid moments and the photos felt natural and not overly staged. On wedding day, they were on top of it - timely, organized, and efficient. They were also incredibly supportive while we were both pretty anxious. They also give your sneak peaks freaky fast. We have already seen a few of them, and they look straight out of a magazine. It was an absolute joy working with Lacie and Tim, and we definitely plan to use them again in the future as we grow our family.
Ariana & D., 6 months ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 

5.0

  • 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. 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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ledd Lens LLC was a fantastic choice for our wedding photography. From our first meeting, Ledd was clear, consistent, and approachable in his communication. He took time to understand our vision and preferences. On the big day, Ledd and his team were engaging and patient, skillfully capturing all of the special moments while keeping things light and fun. The end result is a beautiful, detailed, and creative set of photos that we will treasure forever. Ledd delivered excellent quality and value. We highly recommend Ledd Lens LLC for wedding photography - they truly contributed to making our day special!
Jia Y., 2 years ago
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Heather Christine Photo + Film 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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
You know when you meet someone and it feels like you've been friends forever? That's Heather for you! Heather is fun, kind, warm, and will be your ultimate hype girl! Aside from being an awesome human, Heather is a talented photographer. Don't know how to pose and feel super awkward in front of a camera like me? No worries, Heather's got you! She'll direct you on how to stand, how to put your hands, how your face should look, give you hot tips... all of it! She also has a sharp eye for beautiful landscapes. You're in good hands and will have cute photos, I promise. In addition to Heather, we were lucky enough to work with her videographer, Andrew, and another shooter from her team. The entire HCP team was so fun to work with you and will put you right at ease. I've gotten to do 3 shoots with Heather to date and am incredibly pleased with how our photos have come out. In fact, I haven't even gotten the final album for our wedding yet (just previews) and i'm STILL impressed! If you have the opportunity to work with this team, take it. I couldn't recommend them enough.
Phi B., 2 years ago
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Ali Cushing Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
From our first interaction, Ali proved to be an exceptional wedding photographer. Their communication style was friendly, timely, detail-oriented, and flexible - she was like a fly on the wall on our wedding day, capturing all the special moments we didn't even realize were happening. The quality of her work was seamless, with a documentary style that beautifully documented every aspect of our day. Ali traveled a long distance to be with us, and was thorough in ensuring we had every single picture we wanted and more. We were thrilled to receive gorgeous sneak peeks just days after our wedding. Ali went above and beyond to make our special day perfect, and we couldn't recommend her more highly.
Elizabeth A., 2 years ago
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Debra Aslanidis Photography 

4.8

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,600
  • 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., 4 months ago
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JZ Studio Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
I would recommend JZ Studio Photography to anyone getting married! Phillip was very professional and communicative and was able to get through posed pictures very quickly and efficiently, and he was incredible at blending into the crowd for the rest of the day so we could feel present at our wedding, and not feel like we were at a photoshoot. We are very happy with our experience with JZ Photography.
Cassidy T., 2 years ago
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Alana Jordan Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hello there! My name is Alana. I am a wedding photographer servicing Chicagoland & Atlanta. My work ranges from lovely backyard weddings in the suburbs, to swanky city celebrations, to flying off to stunning elopements around the world. Weddings with me include tons of laughter, lots of support in planning and organizing, and photos so vivid that your memories jump out of the frame. (It may also include us both happy crying together on the big day) I make the whole process as easy and fun as possible, and would be absolutely honored to take on the role of turning your memories into artwork!

Awarded Best of Zola
Alana Jordan Photography was the perfect choice for our wedding day. From the very first interaction, Alana was timely, friendly, and always there to answer any questions we had. Her communication style put us at ease throughout the entire planning process. On the day of the wedding, Alana's professionalism and attention to detail were invaluable - she helped us stay on schedule to capture all of the perfect moments. The quality of Alana's work is simply amazing. Her photos are outstanding and beautifully edited, perfectly preserving the joy and love of our special day. I am so glad Alana was a part of our wedding, and I highly recommend her to any couple looking for an incredible wedding photographer.
Erinn D., 3 months ago
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Visil Photography & Video 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,250
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

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., 2 years ago
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NATIONWIDE Spectacular Photographer - A Better DJ and Photographer -HAS PHOTOGRAPHERS IN YOUR AREA! 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $599
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Their staff was prompt, professional, involved! Our pictures are top of the line! The DJ was great got people up dancing in the sweltering weather!
Barbara B., 2 years ago
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Mae Krell Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $8,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a great experience with Mae! She made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole shoot and made sure we got a bunch of great photos in some gorgeous locations. Post-shoot she put in so much effort editing our photos to make sure they were perfect once they were turned around to us which didn't take long at all. Highly highly recommend Mae for any photoshoot needs you might have!
Claire F., a year ago
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Focused On Life Photography LLC 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

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.

Awarded Best of Zola
Brayley was so sweet, patient and experienced that our day and timeline couldn’t have gone any smoother! She was so fun and great to work with and we look forward to using her again in the future!
Victoria A., 6 months ago
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Pluvia Studios 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

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

Awarded Best of Zola
From start to finish, JayDee and his team at Pluvia Studios were nothing short of exceptional! JayDee's attentive and thorough communication made navigating my sister's wedding preparations an absolute breeze. On the big day, he ensured our entire group felt completely relaxed and genuinely at ease, a testament to his clear vision and the team's seamless execution. The moment we received the notification that our photos and videos were ready, our excitement was palpable. Viewing them filled us with tears of joy and overwhelming love, as each beautifully captured memory transported us right back to the wedding day. I wholeheartedly recommend JayDee and Pluvia Studios to anyone seeking top-quality photography and videography to capture their most cherished moments.
Brianica D., 8 months ago
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Ozan Ulucan Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL
  • Offer

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Ozan was our wedding photographer. He was amazing and had a great team. He really helped us throughout the wedding and explained to us the whole process. Thank you so much Ozan!
Marco S., a year ago
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Birchfields 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,700
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we reached out to Birchfields, their communication was quick, thorough, and sincere. Their attention to detail and ability to make us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera resulted in exceptional photographs that captured every special moment of our wedding day. Birchfields truly went above and beyond, taking unique angles and perspectives that allowed us to relive the entire day through their stunning imagery. When it’s hard to figure out which photo you want to print out and hang on the wall, you know you picked the right photographer! We could not be happier with the final product and would highly recommend Steve to any couple looking for a talented, professional, and personable wedding photographer.
Jeneca G., 2 years ago
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Anders Maagaard 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,900
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I’m a Danish wedding photographer based in Chicago. Photography has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m drawn to images that feel honest and quiet - the kind that don’t just show what a moment looked like, but what it actually felt like to be there.

Awarded Best of Zola
I don’t know where to begin! Anders and Kristin were truly the dream team behind capturing our wedding day! They weren’t just our photographer and videographer, they were our hype team! Not only did they deliver breathtaking photos and a beautifully crafted video that have allowed us to relive every magical moment, but they also went above and beyond—personally driving us to our venue on our wedding day. Anders and Kristin were also some of the most fun people we’ve ever worked with. From our initial meeting at our engagement shoot, they had us laughing, feeling totally at ease, and actually enjoying every moment in front of the camera. Their creativity and talent speak for themselves—the photos and video are beyond stunning—but it’s their personalities that made the whole experience unforgettable. They somehow managed to capture every candid, heartfelt, and hilarious moment, while also making sure we had the time of our lives in the process. If you want vendors who feel like old friends and who will turn your wedding day into an adventure, these two are it! We couldn't be more grateful.
Jordan B., 10 months ago
Alivia Gray Studios 

4.4

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,400
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

I captured my first wedding in August of 2018, it was the day I fell head over heels in love with wedding photography. It's all about capturing the love story for me..the feels from beginning to end. When you book with AGS, you're signing on for an adventure. Your engagement session is a celebration full of us getting to know one another, lots of laughter, and having fun! As your wedding nears closer AGS will help with your timeline, connect with your vendors ( or introduce you to some of the best) and help plan out the perfect photo locations, along with any other needs to create the perfect day.

Arleigh thinks outside the box and makes your photos come alive in the best possible way! She and Alivia Grey Studios truly know how to capture the moment and make it last forever! I will go back to AGS for any photography I need in the future!
Bradley Myers, 3 years ago
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Sarah Nader Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Ottawa, 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., a year ago
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KMauck Photography LLC 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,550
  • 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 was so easy and fun to work with. She had so many great ideas for different photos and was so easy to communicate with. Our wedding and engagement pictures turned out way better than I could have ever asked for. Would definitely recommend to anyone who needs engagement, wedding or even family photos done.
Georgia S., 2 years ago
GemHidden gem
Madi Ellis Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,550
  • Serves Ottawa, 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.

Everyone stop what you're doing and hire Madi Ellis right now. She was such a joy to work with. Madi helped us every step of the way, and captured our day beautifully. She helped ease our posing nerves, and truly went above and beyond our expectations. She knows what she is doing and made everyone feel totally comfortable. She blended right in with our friends and family and helped make our celebration amazing. Thank you so much Madi! If you are looking for a wedding or event photographer, we highly recommend :)
Libby A., a year ago
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Melissa Cervantes Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,000
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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

Awarded Best of Zola
Melissa Cervantes Photography was a joy to work with! Melissa is an excellent communicator and a true professional. She delivered high quality, moody and authentic photos that perfectly captured the special moments from our wedding day. She helped guide us through the day, keeping us on schedule while also making the photo sessions relaxed and fun. Melissa is so creative and talented with a camera - she was able to compose beautiful shots that felt natural and unposed. Her flexibility was also greatly appreciated. We highly recommend Melissa for wedding photography. She brings energy, passion and artistry to her work, while also putting couples at ease. We will treasure the gorgeous photos Melissa took on our special day.
Brooke P., 2 years ago
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Shannon VanDyke Photography 

4.5

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,250
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey there! I'm Shannon! I've always been a creative at heart and I'm blessed to have a job that I absolutely adore! I truly love connecting with all of my couples and creating those special memories. Capturing the love between two souls is truly my calling in life. From engagement session to wedding day, I am here for you! I want to be "THE ONE" to tell your beautiful love story!

Awarded Best of Zola
Shannon VanDyke Photography was a dream to work with for our wedding photos. Shannon's communication throughout the planning process was amazing - she was very responsive over email and phone, and took the time to understand exactly what we envisioned for our big day. On the wedding day itself, Shannon was a total pro - she made sure to capture all the special moments, and her attention to detail was incredible. The photos turned out beautifully - Shannon perfectly captured the emotion and joy of the day. She went above and beyond to make sure we got photos with all of our guests during the photo bomb game, which was a fun way to include everyone. Overall, we were thrilled with Shannon's services and the gorgeous photos to remember our wedding day. Her professionalism and artistic eye resulted in timeless images we will cherish. We highly recommend Shannon for wedding photography - her communication, flexibility and attention to detail help create a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the couple on their big day.
Dana J., 2 years ago
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Kate Scott Photography 

5.0

  • 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., a year ago
Quick responder
Andrew Merz 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Ottawa, 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
When we were first planning our wedding, my wife and I weren't sure whether or not we were going to have a videographer. We figured photos would capture the moments and event, but about a month beforehand, both of our parents urged us to record the day on video. Andrew was a godsend! He was super responsive and professional, helped us craft our vision for the teaser video as well as the longer feature, and was a notably awesome teammate to our photographer (so cool seeing them work together strategically after just meeting!). Andrew went above and beyond and recorded a lot of candid moments and all of our friends' speeches on the Friday before the wedding, which was really important to us. We can't imagine having NOT had Andrew as our videographer now, and we often smile and cry when we watch our full length video of our big day. If you choose to work with Andrew, you'll be happy you did.
Emma Krasovich, 3 years ago
Gmartel Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,500
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hey, Im Grant. I'm a Madison, WI based wedding photographer who specializes in a documentary approach using both film and digital photography. If you want your wedding gallery to be uniquely yours (vs a Pinterest shotlist), then I'm your guy.

Awarded Best of Zola
WE LOVE GRANT. I can’t say it enough. I’ve been antsy for more of my friends and family to get engaged just so I can recommend Grant be their wedding photographer. We started with an engagement session with Grant, which felt just like a hang out (and that is EXACTLY what we wanted). We were dreading the engagement session, since this was our first time getting professional pictures taken, and we normally feel very awkward in front of a camera. Grant made it so easy and comfortable by playing music, joking around, asking questions, and prompting us to do certain things, so we never felt lost or posed. It also helped that Grant is hilarious- we were never told to “turn and face each other and pretend to laugh,” since we were basically naturally laughing the whole time already. For our wedding day, we hired Grant to shoot only with film, and boy did he deliver. There’s a sense of rawness and nostalgia to his film pictures, making them absolutely timeless. Each time I look through our gallery, I discover and love something new about each picture. He captured moments I didn’t even know that I wanted, but are now my favorite shots from that day. The day of your wedding, there are so many things going through your mind, so many questions being asked of you, and so many things you end up forgetting. Grant’s playful, yet confident energy constantly put me at ease. He knew when a joke was needed, when hair needed fixing, how to steam dresses (yes, he actually did that), how to deal with children, where to go and what to do at any moment, and when we just needed a break. To top it all off, Grant surprised me and my husband at the end of the night with a whole set of Polaroids he took of every big moment throughout the whole day (so thoughtful and special!!). I now have them all in a frame, illustrating our wedding so perfectly. It is VERY clear Grant is in this business because he loves it and is passionate about what he does. I was never hesitant to tell him my [particular/annoying] requests or opinions, because he was always open to hearing them and excited to take on a new challenge. I honestly wish I could just take Grant and his camera with me everywhere I go to capture all the big moments in my life. I will cherish our pictures forever, as well as our new friendship with him!
Lauren K., 2 years ago

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