The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

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160 Wedding Photographers in Ottawa, IL

Photojournalistic
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Alexis C Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
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 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., 2 months ago
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Andreoni Photography & Videography 
Rating: 5.0 (6 reviews)
  • 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. 
Rating: 4.9 (89 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
I had the best experience with OLAS! From engagement photos to the wedding, Graham was our photographer and he was excellent! He is super quick and officiant. We wanted to make sure we would have ample time with our guests at our wedding and not waste too much time on photos and Graham made that happen. He was so quick it almost didn't seem like I was even ready for the photo to be taken, but sure enough when my sneak peaks came back, they were all breath taking and amazing, I can't even choose one. He knows what he is doing, the right lighting, the right camera settings, and captures the most special moments that we will forever cherish and relive through for the rest of our lives. The entire entourage, including the videographer was also so amazing, friendly, funny, and engaging. Thank you OLAS for capturing the best day of our lives!
Christina M., a year ago
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VIDART 
Rating: 5.0 (59 reviews)
  • 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
I don’t even know how to put into words how beautiful our photos are. VIDART has such an eye for detail and emotion. Looking through them feels like reliving the entire day. I’m crying happy tears all over again.
Amanda F., 10 days ago
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Portraits By Sean 
Rating: 5.0 (46 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,500
  • 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
Sean was absolutely amazing to work with! He was always available during the planning process to give me advice on timeline and made our day go smoothly! I am so happy to have booked Sean for our wedding in September! He did an excellent job and I am still so in awe of how well our pictures turned out! I cannot recommend Sean and his team enough!!!
Hanah G., 5 months ago
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PictureMeThisByLacie 
Rating: 5.0 (45 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • 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
Lacie and her husband helped us to feel so comfortable during both our engagement shoot and on our wedding day. My husband is not a fan of having his photo taken and they took this into account to make sure he felt comfortable throughout the day. Our ceremony photos and bride/groom portraits are beautiful, and our reception photos are so so fun. Highly recommend!
Melissa H., 2 months ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 
Rating: 5.0 (43 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. 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
The entire experience from when we booked with them to our wedding day was stress free. They directed us on how to pose and worked really well with the other vendors we had that day. The pictures came out looking amazing. They are really amazing at what they do. I would recommend them to anyone that's looking for a great team to capture their special day.
Sarah and J., 7 months ago
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Heather Christine Photo + Film 
Rating: 5.0 (35 reviews)
  • 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 
Rating: 5.0 (33 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

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
Ali was such a pleasure to work with and she captured both our wedding day and engagement photos perfectly! Besides for being incredibly smart and easy to work with she is also incredibly talented. Just the sneak peak of wedding photos we’ve gotten back are beautiful and perfectly capture the energy of our wedding day. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a wedding photographer!
Emily H., 2 years ago
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Debra Aslanidis Photography 
Rating: 4.8 (23 reviews)
  • 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
Debra Aslanidis Photography was an outstanding choice for our wedding photographer. From our initial contact, Debra and her team were prompt, quick, and efficient in their communication, providing detailed responses to all of our questions. On the day of the wedding, Debra and her fiancé Jeremy were professional, unobtrusive, and captured the most beautiful, detailed shots that we will treasure forever. Despite not seeing them constantly throughout the reception, they managed to get so many stunning photos that we didn't even know were being taken - we truly felt like we could just enjoy the moment without having to "perform" for the camera. The quality of their work is simply outstanding, and we couldn't be happier with the value they provided. Debra is the perfect wedding photographer - she takes her job seriously but has fun while doing it, and we highly recommend her services to any couple looking for beautiful, detailed photography that will beautifully document their special day. These are just a couple of the shots I felt really captured our day!!
Jeanette T., 6 months ago
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JZ Studio Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (22 reviews)
  • 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
We cant recommend Philip and JZ Studio enough!! From beginning to end, he was so helpful, accommodating, and responsive. He made us feel comfortable right away during our engagement shoot and we were laughing the whole time. We had open communication about what we liked and didnt like and how to pose etc and it helped so much for our wedding day. The day of was great and they helped with our timeline and shot list. We had 2 photographers and a videographer all day which we recommend as well. Not only did we love our wedding pictures, but our video turned out amazing. We will cherish the photos, videos, and wedding album forever! Philip was always quick to respond to emails and texts and it really eased my wedding planning process. He had been to our wedding venue before which really helped as well. I am so happy we decided to book with JZ Studio!
Nicole and K., 2 years ago
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Alana Jordan Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (19 reviews)
  • 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 is the BEST! She was so so easy to work with, she's so sweet, professional, and detailed in her responses and communication. Our package included an engagement shoot, we were nervous it would be awkward but she makes everything so comfortable and we had a blast! Day of the wedding, she managed to wrangle our giant and chaotic families into photos, took amazing candids, and gave incredible directions to help each photo look stunning. We are so glad we booked with her and we can't recommend her enough!
Dani A., 4 months ago
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Visil Photography & Video 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • 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! 
Rating: 5.0 (18 reviews)
  • 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
Spectacular Photographer - A Better DJ and Photographer Nationwide was an amazing choice for our wedding day. From our first interaction, they were incredibly open-minded and responsive, working closely with us to understand our vision and preferences. Their communication was top-notch, and they arrived on the day with perfect timing, capturing all the special moments seamlessly. The quality of their work was truly amazing - the photos they delivered were stunning and on-trend, providing incredible value for the investment. We are thrilled with the beautiful memories they helped create, and would highly recommend Spectacular Photographer to any couple planning their wedding.
Marisol B., a year ago
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Mae Krell Photo 
Rating: 5.0 (14 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $10,000
  • 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
Mae was an absolute joy to work with when my boyfriend surprised me with a proposal. From the very beginning, Mae's communication was clear, kind, thoughtful, and mindful - she truly made us feel special every step of the way. Her creative, high-quality, and unique photography captured all the special moments, including the exact moment my fiancé proposed. Mae's film-style approach gave our photos a truly special look and feel. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend Mae Krell Photo to anyone looking for a talented and caring photographer who will go above and beyond to make your proposal/engagement/wedding day perfect.
Carla, a year ago
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Focused On Life Photography LLC 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $6,500
  • 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 hands down the easiest and one of the best hires for our wedding. I found her through the Zola website as a photographer with five stars. I reached out, and she got back to me immediately. Her communication skills were top-notch, and I hired her that same day. My fiancé and I live in the Carolinas, and despite the three-hour time difference, we always felt in the loop, heard, and understood. From the first email to the wedding day, she was amazing. Now let's get to the important stuff... the wedding day. She was incredible. She got all the shots I wanted and then some. We were able to get all the photos done in a timely manner so that we could get back to the party and enjoy ourselves. Brayley captured both staged photos and the best candids. We cannot wait to get the rest of our album back. If you're thinking about hiring Brayley... DO IT!
Kendall M., 2 years ago
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Birchfields 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • 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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Ozan Ulucan Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (11 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • 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 absolutely incredible from start to finish. He has such a warm and professional presence that instantly made us feel comfortable in front of the camera. Every photo he captured feels natural, full of emotion, and beautifully composed.
Jon, 8 months ago
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Anders Maagaard 
Rating: 5.0 (10 reviews)
  • 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., a year ago
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Alivia Gray Studios 
Rating: 4.4 (10 reviews)
  • 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.

What can I say about Alivia Gray Studios but WOW! Arleigh is fun, creative, professional and just easy to work with. As a Wedding Coordinator, you are always looking out for the best interest of your clients and Arleigh has never disappointed. Clear and concise information throughout the whole process and not to mention her photos are fabulous - her passion for her work really shines through her photographs.
At-The-Altar, 2 years ago
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Sarah Nader Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • 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 
Rating: 5.0 (9 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
GemHidden gem
Madi Ellis Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • 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.

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., 2 years ago
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Melissa Cervantes Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (9 reviews)
  • 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 
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)
  • 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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Niko Menko Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 reviews)
  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,750
  • Serves Ottawa, IL

Hello to all my wonderful clients and future newlyweds! I’m Niko Nikolay Menko, a passionate photographer with a dream to turn life’s fleeting moments into cherished memories. My love for photography sparked in 2008, and since then, I've been on a relentless journey of growth and discovery, honing my skills, building my reputation, and creating my own brand. Based in Plainfield, Illinois, my production company is dedicated to capturing the magic of your special day. With a keen eye for artistry and a commitment to authenticity, I strive to make every creation stand out and appear genuine.

Awarded Best of Zola
Niko Menko Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with for our engagement and wedding. From the very first interaction, his communication was clear, timely, and responsive, putting us at ease throughout the entire process. The quality of his work was truly outstanding - the photos captured every special moment of our day in a flawless and artistic way. Niko himself was patient, very nice, and incredibly talented, making us feel comfortable in front of the camera. He is also highly professional and easy to work with. We are thrilled with the beautiful images that will allow us to cherish our wedding day forever. We cannot recommend Niko Menko Photography enough to any couple looking for an exceptional photography experience.
Aurora A., a month ago
Quick responder
Kate Scott Photography 
Rating: 5.0 (8 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., a year ago

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