What’s included in NKP wedding collections?

All wedding collections include one photographer, sneak peek previews within 7 days, an online gallery with high-resolution images, print release and shop access, full gallery delivery in 4–16 weeks, a complimentary engagement session, timeline planning assistance, and travel handled on a case-by-case basis.

Do you travel for weddings or sessions?

Yes! I travel throughout the Midwest and beyond. From Illinois and Wisconsin to destinations across the U.S., I handle all travel logistics — including flights, accommodations, and car rentals — to make the experience seamless for my couples.

Do you offer a second photographer or extra coverage hours?

Yes. Additional coverage hours are available, and a second photographer can be added to capture multiple perspectives and ensure full coverage of your day. Second photographers are hand-selected to match my style and approach.

To secure your date, I require a signed contract and a 50% non-refundable retainer. Payment plan options are available, including milestone and monthly payment splits. Once booked, you’ll receive your wedding prep guide and timeline planning support.

Will my photographer always be Nicole?

Yes! I personally photograph each wedding unless an emergency prevents me from attending. In rare cases where an associate steps in, they’re trained in my documentary and editorial style, and I personally handle all editing and delivery.

Do you provide RAW or unedited files?

RAW files are not included in standard galleries. However, they can be purchased at an additional fee. All delivered images are hand-edited in my signature documentary style and meet professional quality standards.

I’m awkward in front of the camera. Can you help?

Absolutely! My approach is guided, not staged. I’ll help you feel comfortable, create natural movement, and focus on connection rather than perfection. Most of the time, you’ll forget the camera is even there.

What should we wear for our portrait session?

Wear what makes you feel like you — comfortable, confident, and true to your story. I recommend timeless, natural tones and outfits that let you move freely. Bring items that feel like home, not a costume.

What happens if we need to reschedule or cancel?

Life happens — weather, illness, or travel issues can arise. I offer flexible rescheduling within reason, and rain dates are often pre-scheduled. All reschedules and cancellations are handled according to the contract terms.

When should we schedule maternity or newborn photos?

Maternity sessions are best around 6.5–7.5 months, while newborn sessions are scheduled within the first few weeks after birth, ideally after the first morning feeding. Each baby and family is unique, so I adjust scheduling around your comfort.

How many images can we expect?

Most weddings include 400–800 final images depending on coverage, with no strict cap. Every gallery is delivered in high resolution and edited for consistent quality, emotion, and storytelling.

About Nicole Kilday Chicago Wedding & Family Photographer

Nicole Kilday working a summer wedding in Wisconsin where her assistant captured her posing for the camera while checking her light.

Bolt, Nicole Kilday's first dog that was the perfect subject when beginning her wedding photography career in Illinois

Nicole Kilday, Illinois and Wisconsin Wedding Photographer, holding one of her grandfather's old film cameras.

Hi, I’m Nicole

Photography gives me a view into the vulnerable pieces of life — where love truly lies, naked and raw. I’m a blue-collar wife, a boy mom x2, and a shepherd (dog) obsessed human. Sunday mornings are my favorite (quickly followed by Mondays), I consider myself type-C (type-A where it’s needed, type-B when I feel like it) - and I’ll never say no to a road-trip solely to try a new cheese store (thank the Lord I live on the border of Illinois & Wisconsin).

Two smiling children, one older and one baby, lying down together, with the older child holding the baby.

professional photographer for the lovers who crave connection that consumes them, wife, & mom

Nicole and Kyle Kilday in Evergreen, Colorado on their honeymoon.

I’m Nicole Kilday — a documentary and editorial wedding photographer based in Hebron, Illinois, serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and destination weddings. My work blends cinematic storytelling and candid emotion, capturing real connection and nostalgia that feels like home. I specialize in authentic, presence-driven wedding and family photography for couples who want to remember how it felt, not just how it looked.

Illinois wedding photographer, Wisconsin wedding photographer, documentary wedding photography, editorial wedding photography, candid and emotional wedding photographer, Midwest family photographer, destination wedding photographer, nostalgic photography style, authentic wedding moments, timeless storytelling photography, Hebron Illinois photographer, Chicago wedding photographer, Milwaukee wedding photographer

Nicole Kilday, Northwest Chicago Suburbs Wedding Photographer

I’m Nicole, a mom, wife, creative, wedding photographer, capturer of all seasons of life, and professional crier. I answer to Nicole, Cole, or Bill.

Photography has been a generational gift. From birth to my chosen career, I’m not sure if I can remember a moment in life where a camera wasn’t present. My dad grew up with a homemade dark room in the basement, taking photographs with my grandfather and learning the ropes. I grew up with boxes of film camera gear; some, almost as old as my dad, while simultaneously sitting in his lap learning photoshop. We were a ‘never leave the camera behind’ sort of family.

Outside of my photography profession, I’m a full-time mom to my wild-childs Declan, Dayton and our furry German Shepherds, and wife to my amazing husband, Kyle. I’m a sucker for Sunday morning sunshine spilling in the windows while we’re all cozied up in bed, a fully packed house & messes made with love after a big family dinner, and the way a long road trip reminds you how soft the wheat fields look on a breezy day that you just want to take a nap in. Most days my mouth could make a sailor blush, but my eyes are never dry of empathetic tears on any given day. Cheese & German Shepherds are my love languages.

Photography has been a way to bring my homemade happiness to life, while also feeding my obsessively nostalgic heart. Photography serves as a reminder of my purpose and the driving factor to remember all of life’s small & beautifully chaotic moments. What started out as a 2015 Christmas photo shared on Facebook, grew into this chosen passion career. So here I am, 10 years later (circa 2025) - thriving creating purposeful art that echoes all of my clients' own memories. Forever grateful to my special someone in Heaven who shared his passion of photography with each generation. It led me to so much love & friendship.

What does nostalgia mean to you? For me, it’s not just longing for the past—it’s remembering it in vivid detail. The way things looked. The way it felt. The dreams you were chasing. Maybe it’s a road trip with wheat fields swaying outside the window, or the weight of your little one curled into your chest on a Sunday morning. Nostalgia lives in those ordinary, fleeting moments we don’t realize are extraordinary until they’re gone.

That’s why I pick up my camera. I’m not here to freeze perfect smiles or stage Pinterest poses. I’m here to capture threads of nostalgia in real time—the light wrapping around your partner’s laugh, the tiny details that will matter more with age, the love that makes your story yours. These photos become the way you’ll remember, revisit, and pass it all on. This is why I photograph: to preserve the pieces of life that feel like home.
— 2015: Took a Christmas photo that went "viral"
— Photographed my first wedding in 2016
— Got legal in 2018 & went full time in 2019
— Embraced the pandemic in 2020 and took my time learning & growing
— Photographed 42 weddings in 2021 & dreamt up My Whole Heart Collec tive
— Invited Ashley Bo wling to partner up for My Whole Heart Collective
— Kicked @$$ with my Ashley Bowling and made bomb art until the present
— Reopened Nicole Kilday Photography in 2025 to realign my art, dreams, and goals with my present life

wedding and family photographer, Nicole Kilday

I attempted to make an introduction vlog (below); but, I ended up with a blooper reel. So here’s the gist of what I was trying to say:

Hi, I’m Nicole,

A Hebron, IL based wedding and family photographer documenting love all over the US & beyond. My art ebbs and flows, always leaning into emotion. I move between a blend of documentary, cinematic, and editorial styles — depending on the feeling of the moment, the way the light hits, and anticipating how the story will unfold. You are my deepest inspiration & study-guide when I’m behind the camera – connection & transparency is important.

POV: trying to make an introduction vlog but instead ended up with a blooper reel.

Hi, I’m Nicole

professional photographer for the lovers who crave connection that consumes them, wife, & mom

wedding and family photographer, Nicole Kilday

Hi, I’m Nicole,

Nicole Kilday Photography

Wedding, elopement, and family photographer serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and beyond.

Formerly My Whole Heart Collective

Nicole Kilday and Ashley Bowling