Photographs are proof — that you were here, that you loved, that your story mattered.

Illinois & Wisconsin Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer for Couples and Families

Classy timeless fall wedding at The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms in Rockton Illinois
Warm and nostalgic summer family photo session featuring parents lifting their twin babies into the air during golden hour in Cary Illinois by Nicole Kilday

Illinois & Wisconsin Wedding Photographer | Nicole Kilday Photography

Nicole Kilday Photography is a documentary and editorial wedding photographer based in Hebron, Illinois, serving couples within a 60-mile radius of Northern Illinois, including Chicago and McHenry County, as well as Milwaukee, Madison, and Southeast Wisconsin. Travel is available beyond this primary service area for weddings and elopements.

Documentary Wedding Photography in Illinois and Wisconsin

Nicole photographs weddings and elopements with a nostalgic, emotional approach focused on truth, connection, and how it all felt. Couples searching for a wedding photographer in Illinois and Wisconsin often ask how documentary wedding photography works, when to book, what coverage they need, and how to plan a wedding photography timeline.

Wedding photography collections include Local Weddings and Micro Weddings/Elopements, with planning support, timeline guidance, sneak peeks in 7 days, and full galleries delivered in 4–16 weeks. Travel coverage is available throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Lifestyle, Family, and Portrait Photography

Lifestyle and studio portrait sessions include family, maternity, newborn, milestone, and branding photography, with planning support and a digital gallery with print rights.

Documentary & editorial wedding and lifestyle photography focused on truth, nostalgia, and connection

Nicole Kilday Photography is a documentary and editorial wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Northern Illinois, serving Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Southeast Wisconsin.

Sexy motorcycle engagement session in the summertime by Nicole Kilday

Serving Chicago, Milwaukee, Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, & beyond — booking 2026–2027 weddings

Lifestyle family photo session for one year milestone in the summer outdoors in mchenry county illinois by nicole kilday
Wedding celebration with bride and groom celebrating with wedding party outdoors at Oak Hill Farm in Galena Illinois
Documentary-style wedding photo of a bride and groom on the BP Bridge in Millennium Park, Chicago, with the city skyline behind them. Candid, elegant portrait captured by an Illinois wedding photographer
Echos of who you were - together.
Intimate and classy engagement session at Maxwell Mansion in Lake Geneva, WI by Nicole Kilday Photography

I work with couples and families who care deeply about presence, connection, and honest storytelling — valuing the quiet moments just as much as the loud ones.

I’m a sucker for the finer details you only notice when you’re truly paying attention — and how they make you feel. I’m always looking for the small, ordinary moments you’ll want to hold onto: the unprompted affection while you sign on the dotted line, fixing your lover’s tie as you swoon, the singular tear when your favorite human confesses their most vulnerable love, and the loud joy that carries you through the reception.

With over a decade of experience, I’ve learned when to step back and let your story unfold as it is — and when to guide seamlessly, so you can stay present while I do the remembering.

Nicole Kilday Photography offers wedding and elopement photography as well as lifestyle and studio portrait photography in Illinois and Wisconsin. Wedding photography collections begin at $3,950 and are available for 2026 and 2027 bookings. Lifestyle, family, maternity, newborn, and branding photography sessions begin at $500. Services are available throughout Chicagoland, Chicago, Milwaukee, Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, and surrounding areas.

Ways to work with me,

Wedding & Elopement Photography

Now booking 2026 & 2027

Your wedding day is made of a thousand split-second moments you’ll want to remember exactly as they felt — the quiet breaths, the loud joy, the in-between magic. My approach is loose documentary with an editorial touch, giving you images filled with truth, nostalgia, and the kind of emotion that stays. I’m here to help you slow down, be present, and actually live it, while I do the remembering for you. You get support, guidance, calm energy, and photographs that become part of your family’s history.

Starting at $4,195 - Learn More

Lifestyle & Studio Portraits

Family, maternity, newborn, branding & more

Life moves fast, but your people right now — their laughter, their chaos, their softness — deserve to be held onto. My lifestyle and studio sessions are relaxed, real, and intentionally centered on connection over perfection. Whether we’re documenting your growing belly, your newborn’s tiny breaths, a season of motherhood, or the heart behind your brand in the studio, I photograph the honest stuff: the legacy-building moments you’ll want to return to again and again. These are the chapters worth keeping.

Starting at $500 - Learn More

2026 & 2027 Bookings Open

Weddings Photographed / 120+

Families Documented / 180+

2026 & 2027 Bookings Open ○ Weddings Photographed / 120+ ○ Families Documented / 180+ ○

Photography business creative headshot for Nicole Kilday of Nicole Kilday Photography who specializes in weddings, elopements, and family photo sessions based in Chicagoland Illinois

Hi, I’m Nicole

Chicagoland wedding & lifestyle photographer

Photography has never just been a career for me — it’s something that’s been passed down, a generational gift. My dad grew up developing film in his childhood basement darkroom, and I grew up surrounded by his and my grandpa’s cameras — boxes of film gear older than both of us, and that quiet kind of magic that happens when light hits a moment just right.

Those early memories taught me that photos aren’t just photos. They’re proof — that we were here, that we loved, that it mattered.

Now, I carry that same heart into every wedding and family I photograph. My work lives somewhere between documentary and editorial — honest, intentional, and nostalgic. I want your photos to be beautiful, of course — but mostly, I want them to feel like home.

Meet Nicole Kilday
Nicole Kilday is a Chicagoland-based wedding and lifestyle photographer serving Illinois and Wisconsin. Her work blends documentary and editorial photography, focusing on honest moments, nostalgia, and connection. Nicole photographs weddings, elopements, families, maternity, newborn, and lifestyle sessions throughout the Midwest.

Questions couples often ask before booking

What does documentary wedding photography mean?

Documentary wedding photography focuses on real moments as they naturally unfold — the quiet, the emotional, and the in-between — rather than directing or staging your day. My approach is documentary at its core, with an editorial eye for light, composition, and storytelling, so your photos feel honest, timeless, and deeply personal. It’s about preserving how your wedding day felt, not just how it looked.

Will we still get portraits if our photographer is documentary?

Yes — absolutely. Documentary doesn’t mean no portraits; it means thoughtful, natural ones that feel like you. I guide portraits in a relaxed, unobtrusive way, focusing on connection rather than stiff posing, while still creating editorial images that feel intentional and beautiful. You’ll have portraits you’re proud to frame, alongside the candid moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

How far in advance should we book our wedding photographer?

Most couples book anywhere from several months to over a year in advance, but there’s no single “right” timeline. I regularly work with both long-term planners and shorter-term engagements, and I’m experienced in helping couples navigate timelines no matter where they are in the process. If you’re planning a 2026 or 2027 wedding — even if it feels soon — it’s always worth reaching out to see what’s available and start the conversation.

Testimonials,

  • Nina, 2025

    “I couldn’t have asked for anyone better I’m so serious. You always made us feel so comfortable and allowed us to shine. I’m so happy you were able to capture our special day and I can’t wait to keep capturing special moments with you.”

  • Breanne, 2025

    “We honestly can’t say enough good things about our wedding photographer. Believe it or not it was the first time I met Nicole and it felt like having a close friend around, not just someone there to take pictures. Nicole made being in front of the camera natural and fun. We were laughing, relaxed, and just genuinely happy. Of course our photos most definitely reflect that. Every moment she captured feels real, not staged, and looking back at them brings us right back to how the day felt.

    If you’re looking for someone who’s not only talented but also a blast to be around on your big day, this is your person. We’re beyond grateful.”

  • Casey, 2025

    “Nicole was so amazing to work with. She brought a very comforting energy to our family photo shoot, while being very professional. The pictures all came out beautifully and very prompt. I can’t wait to continue to get pictures with her.”

  • Cullen, 2025

    “Nicole is the absolute best! She had so many location ideas, decoration plans, and suggestions for our engagement photos. After a couple hiccups, she was so resourceful and willing to personally visit locations ahead of our scheduled date. She is so good at positioning you to look your best, and made the actual photoshoot so relaxing and fun. Cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone with an upcoming wedding, engagement, or just fun photoshoot.”

  • Emily, 2025

    “Nicole shot my surprise elopement and when I say that day would not have been possible without her, I mean it. She truly wants your photos to reflect who YOU are. She is down to earth, prepared, and on her A-game. She may be small, but she is mighty and will get the job done right! I can’t recommend her enough. 10/10.”

  • Moira, 2025

    “I have known Nicole for many years now and first and foremost, she is a beautiful person inside and out. Her kindness radiates in every room she is in! When my now husband and I got engaged back in 2023, there was not a doubt or question in my mind who I wanted as our wedding photographer; Nicole Kilday!!!!! The candidness and realness of her photos were beyond beautiful and awe-filled. Nicole’s art is the epitome of life, love, candidness, and real moments captured. Her presence gave me such a sense of calm and reassurance. She is truly one of a kind.”

  • Kelly, 2018

    “So reliable!! Beautiful photos and some of the best ones I’ve ever seen. I would definitely recommend her for any photos needed! You won’t be sorry 😊”

  • Heather, 2018

    “This has to be the most reliable photographer!! So happy to be a part of this movement! Photos are absolutely beautiful!!”

  • Kelly, 2022

    “Nicole is so wonderful to work with, she gives the best direction. There were shots I thought ‘hmm this feels weird’ but holy cow the outcome is so worth it! She truly understands how to get the best shot and get you to look your best. Also so dreamy and moody, such great style. Highly recommend!”

  • Carly, 2025

    “Nicole shot our engagement photos in 2019, our wedding in 2020, my maternity photos in 2021, and our family pictures in 2022. Nicole is amazing in every session and season in life. She’s not only your insanely talented photographer but a therapist, a guide, a treasure in every step of your journey. She’s easy to get along with, relatable and just a wonderful human in every way. We love her dearly and recommend her to everyone.”

  • Samantha, 2024

    “Nicole is the literal BEST there is. She does it all & has the best personality. She’s not only your photographer, she’s also your go-to for a last-minute grocery store run, your hype woman, and the one who finds a new photo location when weather changes everything. Her skills are top tier & there is truly no one like her. Cannot wait for her to capture more of our life’s memories!”

  • Max, 2020

    “Nicole did our engagement shoot, our wedding, and a family shoot for us and I don’t think we could ever recommend her enough! Not only are the shots and edits absolutely perfect but she’s also a delight to deal with. If you’re looking for a photographer, stop — she’s right here!”

  • Lea, 2021

    “We hired Nicole Kilday Photography in 2021 to capture our farm wedding and from the moment we booked her, she was absolutely phenomenal. She helped build a seamless timeline, kept the day flowing, and captured every emotion and moment beautifully. Nicole will always hold a special place in our hearts for being such an unforgettable part of our wedding.”

  • Lexi, 2022

    “We had our wedding on 11.5.22 and I could not ask for a better photography group to shoot our wedding. Nicole was amazing through the whole process and collaborated with our officiant and DJ to make sure our schedule was seamless. Our wedding day ended up being cold and rainy and without question she adjusted and changed direction as needed. We got our photos back so quick and cannot brag enough about how perfect they were. This team will be there for you every step of the way.”

  • Amber, 2022

    “Nicole Kilday Photography was the perfect choice for our wedding! From start to finish, Nicole’s communication was flawless. The quality of her work is stunning — creative, timeless, and truly a work of art. She helped with timeline planning, kept our group organized, and went above and beyond in every way. We are so grateful to have had Nicole as part of our day.”

  • Caitlan, 2023

    “Have you ever wanted to have your story captured in the most authentic, intentional way, with raw, beautiful emotion? All while having an absolute dream of a human on the other side of the camera? If so, Nicole is your girl. There will never be enough good things I can say about her, her heart, her work & her incredible talent. No matter how big or small the moment is, Nicole is sure to preserve that moment in time in a way so uniquely you. She’s truly the greatest investment you could ever make to tell your story now & for years to come.”

  • Tessa, 2022

    “I only worked with Nicole (not Ashley), as I booked my services with Nicole all the way back in 2019 before the pandemic (she’s been with us the whole way!). I can’t even put words together to describe Nicole but I’ll do my best. She stuck with us through thick and thin of COVID, rolled with every punch, guided us the entire way, and doubled as so much more than our wedding photographer. Her photography skills are out of this world, but more than that, she is the purest soul I’ve ever met. I honestly viewed her as my wedding angel. I could rave forever — and I probably will.”

  • Emily, 2022

    “I can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience working with Nicole! Choosing her as our wedding photographer was literally the best decision we made while planning our wedding. Every single engagement and wedding photo is BEAUTIFUL and exceeded all of our expectations. She is thoughtful, kind, enthusiastic, and went above and beyond for us. Even after taking photos for 10 hours straight, she still offered help however she could. We will definitely be coming back for milestone photoshoots with Nicole.”

  • Natally, 2023

    “We have worked with these lovely ladies for over a year and they’ve captured every major moment in our lives so far — our engagement photos, wedding, and maternity shoot. The professionalism, talent, and quick turnaround time were unmatched. We are honored to have them continue to capture our growing family. We joked that they would be our designated photographers for life — and we meant it!”

  • Cara, 2023

    “Booking Ashley & Nicole was the best decision we made while planning our wedding. Not only do you get talented photographers, you get calming voices, cheerleaders, and sidekicks on your best day ever. I can’t say enough good things about these two.”

  • Sabrina, 2024

    “Words cannot describe how amazing Nicole and Ashley are, but I’m going to try! From day one they were so easy to talk to and had such a positive attitude. They went above and beyond with our engagement photos and wedding photos, helped plan our timeline, and made sure we got the important photos even when we fell behind schedule. They were literally my wedding planners. They nailed my wedding vision and captured the love so beautifully.”

  • Grace, 2023

    “Could not recommend more! Fantastic to work with Nicole and Ashley from the beginning. We had a great engagement shoot that felt natural and fun. Our wedding photos turned out beyond amazing. They were all over the place capturing every special moment, from church to venue to dance floor. We felt so comfortable in front of their cameras and every picture looked natural, not staged. They even helped pin boutonnieres on wedding party members!”

  • Lisa, 2021

    “A Magical Experience. Where do I even begin? Nicole is phenomenal in every aspect of her work, very professional and such an amazing person. Working with her was an absolute dream. She captured our engagement session and wedding day perfectly. Her vision, guidance and timely manner for providing our gallery was wonderful. If you are looking for a photographer who has fun with you, helps you step out of your comfort zone and creates wonderful images for a lifetime, I highly suggest selecting Nicole. I cannot wait to work with her for all of our future photographs.”

  • Lauren, 2020

    “Nicole was by far our favorite vendor throughout the whole wedding process. She felt like part of the bridal party during the wedding day and was incredibly flexible and responsive whenever we needed to change anything. Most importantly, the photos she took were STUNNING. Nicole also did our engagement photos and those turned out amazing. We couldn’t have had a better photographer for our special day and the memories she gave us will last a lifetime.”

  • Stephanie, 2018

    “Nicole is so sweet and kind. She came prompt to our session and offered a wide variety of ideas! Nicole worked so well with my fiancé and I. We came with ideas of what we wanted and Nicole was so accommodating and flexible. She was able to get all the shots we wanted and offered her own ideas too, which also turned out great! Nicole was also so patient and kind to our puppies.”

  • Evan, 2018

    “We hired Nicole to take our engagement pictures and our wedding pictures. I gotta say this girl really knows what she is doing and will go to any lengths necessary to get you what you want — including taking engagement pictures outside when it was single digits. Her editing skills are fantastic and timely. We will definitely be hiring her for any future occasions that require a photographer.”

  • Jennifer, 2022

    “Nicole is absolutely amazing, and you can tell she loves what she does! We had a photo shoot done with my little and our pup, and every single photo came out better than I could imagine. We get so many compliments on these photos. She is so kind, patient, and professional. Her work absolutely speaks for itself. Do yourself a favor and book Nicole for any of your photography needs — you won’t regret it!”

  • Lindsey, 2020

    “I truly couldn’t be happier with our wedding photos! Nicole was FANTASTIC about scheduling and making sure our day was a breeze while capturing the most important moments. I could not recommend her more!”

  • Jen, 2020

    “This year was our second time working with Nicole. Last year we did family pictures on a freezing cold day and she was a rockstar through it all. This year was much warmer and the pictures were just as great. Nicole does so well with high-energy toddlers and lets moments happen naturally. The results are perfect. We can’t wait to work with her for years to come!”

  • Taylor, 2021

    “Couldn’t have been happier with our engagement session with Nicole! She made us so comfortable and our pictures were nothing short of amazing. Can’t wait for her to capture our wedding day! If you’re looking for a photographer, look no more — she is your girl!”

  • Mallory, 2025

    “Nicole has been behind the lens for my family and I since 2017. From boudoir, to 4 crazy dog portraits, our wedding, gender reveals and back, she’s been our go-to gal. The amount of passion and purpose she puts in is unmatched. She doesn’t just show up, snap some pictures and send an invoice. Nicole puts in time and effort to get to know you, your dogs, your family and your story.”

  • Elisa, 2020

    “Just looked at our photos from our wedding on November 23rd, and Kevin and I are STUNNED! Nicole and Heather… you blew us away! We loved working with you both and we were so happy with every single picture. Is it acceptable to print every single picture and put it up around my house? Will totally use you for future photography sessions! BEYOND HAPPY!”

  • Victoria, 2019

    “Nicole was amazing!!!! Her and her second photographer Heather were sweet and helpful from start to finish of this process. She eased my nerves and truly had my back. She treated me as a friend instead of just another client and it meant the world. She went above and beyond on our rainy wedding day to make sure everything happened as it should. The photos turned out amazing and she took care of every little concern I had. If I had to do it again, I’d book her no doubt. My husband and I both love her!”

  • Shelly, 2018

    “Nicole shot my daughter’s wedding and couldn’t have been more professional. The whole bridal party commented on how nice she was and what great ideas she had. We saw the preview and the pictures were gorgeous! We couldn’t be happier!! Thank you!”

  • Samantha, 2025

    “Nicole, you’re a freakin magician…. For real.

    These photos are phenomenal and we cannot thank you enough for all the hard work, dedication, and love you put into your work. We will cherish these forever and the photos bring us right back to the fun and beautiful afternoon we spent together.

    Dude your work is immaculate and beyond words beautiful. I wish I could give you the biggest hug rn (so I’m doing it virtually lol). Your work has always told a story for everyone and been so beautiful , but this year the growth, presentation and love I’ve seen through everything you’ve done is beyond amazing. You are a master of your trade and the most relatable and fun human to work with. Your clients are truly blessed to have you as their photographer!

    The fact that your work tells such a beautiful story for us is so special. Thank you!”

  • Molly, 2021

    “Nicole is a dream of a human to work with. She is easy going, intuitive, and truly an artist. I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to capture me and my man the way she did. 11/10 recommend."

  • Erin, 2022

    “Nicole I’m speechless and crying at your photos. They are so perfect. You absolutely nailed it. I have chills! I just wanted to tell you how much we love them and everyone keeps giving me compliments. They are honestly better than I could have imagined Nicole!”

  • Taylor, 2022

    “Thank you so much for capturing every special moment on our wedding day. The day was so busy that if it weren’t fort for you, I wouldn’t remember half of it! Beautifully done! I can’t stop looking at them!

    And also, my whole family was talking about how great you were! My nana especially haha. You are so much more than a photographer! And anyone who gets the change to work with you will see that and appreciate it so much!”