Documentary Wedding Photography in Chicago: Capturing Authentic and Unscripted Moments
I'm a moment-driven photographer with an eye for the romantic. I find the best photos happen when people forget about the camera and focus on each other. I create modern and beautiful wedding photography by combining my background in wedding photojournalism with a love for fine art. My desire is to create a space where you can feel every little ounce of happiness as you celebrate with the ones you love. Years from now, you'll be able to look back on big moments and little ones alike—moments you never want to forget and those you didn't even know existed.
The Photojournalistic and Artistic Approach
As a Chicago wedding photographer with nearly 10 years of experience I will blend into the background, using a quiet and unobtrusive photojournalistic approach to capture every detail. I will capture the special moments, real emotions and the uniqueness of your wedding day. I find that the best poses aren’t posed. I am after those in-between moments, genuine smiles, subtle tears, and romantic embraces. While my approach is mostly documentary, I’ll make sure to take all the traditional family photos, wedding party photos and any requested photos. We'll get posed photos, sure, but the best images always happen in the in-between moments when everyone forgets I'm watching.
Candid, artistic photography and video capturing striking, breathtaking moments are essential. There is no set list, there is no posing a fake moment but rather the photographer is there to capture the events across the day as they naturally happen. This is very important because I wanted to enjoy every minute and not worry about scheduling time to pose for something that wasn't authentic. The best moments are unexpected.
Real Wedding Highlight: Liz + Kevin at Trigger Chicago
Beautiful spirits, a stunning alchemy, some kind of magic, right down the line. I love how deeply personal this wedding day was. Nearly every last detail was personal, handmade or heartfelt. Liz + Kevin incorporated so many amazing DIY elements, including signage and the rings made by Liz. Kevin’s aunt put together gorgeous floral arrangements, family made desserts, and friends officiated and DJed.
Wedding Day Vendor Details
| Service | Provider |
|---|---|
| Venue | Trigger Chicago |
| Planner | Paris Events |
| Catering | First Slice |
| Hair | Jules Mammoser |
| Headband | Shop Kapsule |
| Cape | Styled by Ariana (embellished by Liz) |
Professional Services and Client Expectations
Who are your ideal clients? We have the best connection with clients who appreciate the skill of photojournalism and trust their photographers, allowing them to be creative and capture stunning photographs. If you are a couple looking for elevated candids and a true artist, book for your special day!
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should we book? It is very common for our clients to book us 8-12 months out. First to sign a contract, along with a retainer paid, will secure their wedding date.
- Will you help us with a wedding day timeline? We sure will. If you have a day of coordinator, we will also collaborate with them.
- Do you have liability insurance? Yes, of course! We will provide documentation to your venues if needed.
- Do you bring backup equipment? Yes, we do. Always have a minimum of three cameras on site in case of a malfunction.
- Do you provide digital files? All high-resolution JPEG images are provided via internet download. The estimated time is 3-4 weeks after your event.
- Do You Provide RAW Files? RAW files are not part of the final deliverables. We carefully edit every image and deliver high-resolution JPEGs, which represent the finished work.
Chicago Style Weddings Planning Tools
Planning your big day is a journey. You've planned it for months, dreamed of it for even longer. To assist you, consider these essential resources:
- 12-Month Planning Checklist
- How To Get A Marriage License
- Wedding Budget & Tipping Guide
- Questions to Ask Your Vendors
Whether you are hosting an intimate madison wedding at the WI State Capitol Building or a milwaukee wedding at Turner Hall, you deserve the best photos possible. Capture the energy of the party and the raw emotions that are true works of art.