McHenry County Illinois Wedding & Family Photographer
Raw-hearted and real Photography for Couples & Families
Wedding and family photographer in Northern Illinois, Chicago, Lake Geneva, Southern Wisconsin, and worldwide since 2016 — based in McHenry County, Illinois.
For couples & families who are looking to document the truth of their memories – with feeling. Those who want to be nothing less than their authentic selves, chaos & all.
Now Booking 2027 Weddings & Elopements — Limited Availability
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Booking 2026 Family Sessions
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Now Booking 2027 Weddings & Elopements — Limited Availability ⌁ Booking 2026 Family Sessions ⌁
Remember How It Felt
BASED IN McHenry County, ILHi, I’m Nicole Kilday
I photograph your memories as proof – that you were here, that you loved, and that every moment mattered.
Your photographer, creative director, and chaos coordinator since 2016; but photography has run in my blood since before my time. Third generation with a passion for paying attention through the camera lens, my dad learned in my grandfather’s basement dark room & gifted the same to me. We are a ‘never leave the camera behind’ family & I’ll forever be grateful for that.
I believe that there is never the same love twice – and your photos shouldn’t be either. I’m a deep-feeler & a proud empath; which allows me to pay attention intuitively. The tiny intricacies that fill each wedding and family are yours & yours alone. The emotions, souls, & the history that built your love becomes your proof. I want you to remember it in vivid detail. The way things looked. The dreams you were chasing. And most importantly — the way it all felt.
THE EXPERIENCE
What it’s like to work together.
( 01 )Let's Actually Talk
I'm not for everyone — and I mean that as a compliment to both of us. Reach out through my contact form and we'll chat, email or phone call, because I can't tell your story from a place of truth if I don't know who's living it.
( 02 )The day itself
I'm everywhere and nowhere — paying attention, reading the room, and giving you just enough direction that you never once have to wonder what do I do now? Chaos and plot twists are kind of my love language.
( 03 )After the party
Sneak peeks first, a handful of happy ugly-tear messages from me, and then a full gallery waiting for you — proof that it happened, that it mattered, and that the next chapter of your story has officially begun.
Let's Talk About What You're Actually Here For
Let's Talk About What You're Actually Here For
Services I Offer
Wedding Photography
Most Couples Invest $5,795
Elopement Photography
Beginning at $1,450
Family Photography
Beginning at $725
Take Their Word For It
"It was the first time I met Nicole and it felt like having a close friend around, not just someone there to take pictures.
Every moment she captured feels real, not staged — and looking back at them brings us right back to how the day felt."
— Dan + Breanne, 2025On The Blog
Full Galleries / Wedding Planning Tips / About The Artist
Did we just become best friends?
I only photograph a limited number of weddings & lifestyle sessions each year to make sure each one gets my full creative energy.
If you’re after emotive, true to life, memories you can feel — let’s talk.