Illinois Wedding Photographer
Serving Chicago, Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin, & Beyond
Currently booking 2027 Illinois and Wisconsin weddings with a hybrid documentary, candid, and editorial approach — created for those who love so deep it consumes them. Inquire below for availability and wedding collections.
2026 & 2027 Bookings Open
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Weddings Photographed / 120+
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Families Documented / 180+
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2026 & 2027 Bookings Open ○ Weddings Photographed / 120+ ○ Families Documented / 180+ ○
You shouldn’t have to think about the camera on your wedding day.
wedding photography with a documentary approach and an editorial eye & all seasons of Life.
While you’re loving your people, staying present, and letting the memory unfold — I’m paying attention. Reading the room. Anticipating the moments that matter, and stepping in only when it serves the story.
I photograph weddings, elopements, and life across Illinois & Wisconsin for couples & families who want to be hands-off with the camera, fully in their moments, and confident that nothing real is being missed while you’re busy livin’ it.
Paying attention is the whole point. I don’t run your day — I read it.
Unscripted Authentic Memories Documented
Wedding photographer since 2016 / 5 times mom (furry & human) / Husband's girl
Hi, I’m Nicole
Your memories aren’t about hitting a list of shots. It’s about being present with your people — and trusting that the important parts are being noticed while you’re living them. That’s where I come in.
I take the time to get to know what matters most to you, help shape a timeline & vision that gives the memory room to breathe, and stay closely tuned in as everything unfolds. The big moments, the quiet ones, and the in-betweens that happen when no one’s trying to make anything happen at all.
You get to be in it — fully.
“Every moment she captured feels real, not staged — and brings us right back to how the day felt.”
Kind Words from Past Couples
“We honestly can’t say enough good things about Nicole.
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.”
Dan & Breanne
There isn’t one way Your memory is supposed to look
My Approach to wedding Photography & Portraits
Documentary Photography
I’m paying attention the whole time. The in-between stuff. The breath before you walk. The way your people look at you. I’m not staging your day — I’m watching it unfold and preserving what’s actually happening. For these moments, you’re fully in your memory & I am a fly on the wall.
Candid Photography
Candid photography happens when your timeline allows space and pacing. Most of the “candid” images couples choose from my portfolio were actually prompted. I guide you into movement, into interaction, into something natural — and then I pay attention to what happens next. I thrive in that in-between. The reactions. The shifts. The real stuff that follows.
Editorial Photography
And when it’s time for portraits, I’m decisive. I won’t leave you hanging. I’ll step in clearly and confidently so we can create something timeless that you’ll want plastered on your walls & in your family photo albums. It’s structured, but always authentically you.
It’s your wedding day — make it whatever the hell you want it to be.
Hire a Photographer You Trust Your Memories With
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Hire a Photographer You Trust Your Memories With ⌁
Services I Offer and Memories I Document
Now booking 2027 weddings in Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
Wedding Photography
Full Day Wedding Coverage
Half Day Intimate Wedding Coverage
Destination Wedding All Inclusive Coverage
Wedding and Engagement Session Packages
Destination Wedding Travel Included
Nicole Kilday Photography is a Chicagoland and Northern Illinois–based photographer specializing in weddings and serving Illinois, Wisconsin, and destination couples and families. Nicole’s work blends documentary, editorial, and candid photography to document memories with intention—so clients can stay present while she captures how it felt.
Elopement and Micro-Wedding Photography
Courthouse Elopement Coverage
Adventure Elopement Coverage
Destination Elopement Coverage
Destination Travel Included
Now Booking 2026 Family Portraits & more in McHenry County Illinois
Portrait Photography in Illinois and Wisconsin
Family Photography in McHenry County, IL and Beyond
Maternity and Newborn Photo Sessions in McHenry County, IL
Studio Photo Sessions in Crystal Lake, IL
Branding Photo Sessions in Crystal Lake, IL
What it feels like to be fully present
From the people who trusted me with it
This isn’t about me — it’s about you.
It’s about your love story and the real, raw, authentic moments that fill the pages. That’s what your memories deserve to be focused on.
You don’t need to worry about how it looks or what comes next. Let me take care of the rest — noticing the moments that matter and documenting your story so you can feel it all again, years from now.
Paying attention is the whole point.
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“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.”
Moira & Colton
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“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.”
Carly & Matt
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“Nicole coordinated, officiated, and 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.”
Emily & Cody
Need help beginning?
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