Weddings • Proposals • Elopements • Multiday
Chicago Wedding Photographer — Romance First. Artfully Editorial.
Cinematic, soulful coverage that feels like a dream you get to keep. Real moments, painterly light, a calm presence when you need it—and quiet when you don't.
Chicago-based • Midwest & destinations. Two photographers on full-day collections, 48–72-hour highlights, and quality-first hand edits—never conveyor-belt filters.
- Cinematic
- Painterly
- Editorial polish
- 48–72h previews
- Heirloom-ready
- Inclusive
Serving Chicago, the North Shore, and select destinations nationwide.
Wedding Photography Collections
Every collection includes a private gallery with downloads, print-shop access, and 48–72-hour highlights. Quality-first, hand-finished edits—not batch filters.
The 10
From $8,100 • 10.5 hours
- Jeremy as lead photographer
- Two photographers included
- ~1,000 hand-edited images
- Online gallery + print shop
- 48–72-hour preview set (25–30 images)
The 9
From $7,100 • 9.5 hours
- Two photographers included
- ~900 hand-edited images
- Online gallery + print shop
- 48–72-hour preview set (≈20 images)
The 8
From $6,500 • 8 hours
- Two photographers included
- ~800 hand-edited images
- Online gallery + print shop
- 48–72-hour preview set (≈15 images)
Elopement
Starting at $1,800 • 2–4 hours coverage
- 200–350 hand-edited images
- Weekday availability
- Online gallery + print shop
- 48–72-hour preview set
Why invest in cinematic coverage?
- Romance first: comfort-forward direction for real emotion.
- Speed + craft: highlights in 48–72 hours; heirloom-ready edits.
- Two photographers: ceremony emotion + candid reaction, same moment.
100+ ★★★★★ reviews · Preferred vendor at select Chicago venues · Fully insured
Your Day, Our Process
- Discovery Call: Your story, must-haves, and thresholds for adventure.
- Light-First Timeline: Space for spontaneity so unscripted magic can unfold.
- The Wedding: Calm direction when needed; quiet observation when it counts.
- Preview & Delivery: 48–72-hour favorites; full gallery + print-shop convenience.
Wedding Photography — Quick Answers
Style?
Cinematic, painterly, editorial—emotion-forward and trend-proof.
When to book?
Peak dates: 9–14 months. Often room at 3–6 months.
Travel?
Yes—Chicago, the Midwest, and select destinations.
Film/Videography?
Available as add-ons (35mm film + wedding video).
Family formals?
Fast, flattering, pre-planned—back to the party quickly.
Low-light?
Clean, flattering light without killing ambiance.
Preferred Venues & Chicago Wedding Locations
I've photographed 100+ weddings across Chicago and know which venues offer the best light, the most dramatic backdrops, and where to find hidden photo-worthy corners. Not all venues photograph equally—and that matters when you're investing $6,500+ in coverage.
Indoor Favorites
- Chicago Winery (preferred vendor) — Barrel rooms, industrial romance, warm candlelight
- Lyric Opera of Chicago — Theatrical grandeur, dramatic architecture, world-class elegance
- The Rookery Building — Frank Lloyd Wright staircase, architectural history
- Chicago Athletic Association Hotel — Rooftop views, Art Deco details
- Artifact Events — Gallery-style minimalism, editorial canvas
- The Walden — Bow-truss ceilings, whitewashed brick, rooftop skyline romance
- Gaelic Park — Crystal chandeliers, waterfall pergola, authentic Irish grandeur
Outdoor / Natural Environment Favorites
- North Avenue Beach — Skyline reflections, golden hour magic
- Lincoln Park (Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool) — Hidden gem, prairie-style serenity
- Chicago Riverwalk — Urban energy, architectural backdrops
- Promontory Point — Panoramic lake views, dramatic skies
- Garfield Park Conservatory — Lush greenery, Victorian glass architecture
- Morton Arboretum — 1,700 acres of seasonal beauty
Why Venue Matters More Than You Think
Some venues have killer natural light that makes everyone look like they stepped out of a magazine (The Walden's floor-to-ceiling windows, I'm looking at you). Others offer architectural drama that turns every portrait into a cinematic frame (hello, Lyric Opera).
I help couples choose based on their vision—not just Yelp reviews or "what everyone else is doing." Want moody, painterly light? We're talking industrial lofts with bow-truss ceilings. Want editorial polish? Think minimalist galleries or Art Deco ballrooms. Want classic elegance? Gaelic Park's crystal chandeliers and 50-acre grounds deliver fairytale romance.
Pro tip: If you haven't picked a venue yet, I'm happy to chat through options during our discovery call. I know which venues photograph like a dream—and which require creative problem-solving (totally doable, just good to know ahead of time).
What Makes This Different: The Director's Approach
Most wedding photographers started as... photographers. I came from theater—Chicago actor, director, stage manager. I know how to direct without it feeling like direction. How to read a room. When to step in, when to disappear.
🎬 Theater Training Meets Wedding Day
What I learned on stage: How to make people comfortable under pressure. How to find emotional beats in a scene. How to create a narrative arc—not just capture random moments.
What this means for you: Your wedding photos won't feel like a checklist. They'll feel like scenes from a film you'd want to watch again and again. There's a why behind every frame.
🎭 Direction That Feels Natural
I don't say "stand here, smile at the camera." I say "walk toward me like you're late for dinner" or "whisper something that'll make them laugh."
The result? You forget the camera exists. Your partner forgets the camera exists. We get real emotion—not performed smiles.
📖 Storytelling Over Shot Lists
Sure, I'll capture your family formals (fast and flattering). But what I'm really watching for? The moment your dad tears up during the toast. The way your partner looks at you when they think no one's watching. The quiet pause before you walk down the aisle.
Those are the keepers. The shots that make you cry 20 years later.
"Jeremy is such an amazing photographer! My husband and I had a couples photoshoot with him last autumn. I'm one of those people who get super nervous having photos taken of me and Jeremy helped me feel natural and comfortable throughout the photoshoot. The photos turned out beautiful and we are just so happy that we decided to go with Jeremy as a photographer. 10/10 recommend!"—Jake & Alex
Bottom line: If you want a photographer who shows up, clicks the shutter 1,000 times, and disappears—I'm not your guy. But if you want someone who sees your story and knows how to capture it with intention, artistry, and a director's eye? Let's talk.
What to Expect: From Inquiry to Album
Here's exactly what happens after you fill out the contact form. No surprises, no hidden fees, no "we'll figure it out later."
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1
Discovery Call (30 minutes)
We talk vision, logistics, and whether we're a good fit. I'll ask about your style, your must-haves, and what you're nervous about (if anything). No pressure, just conversation. If it feels right, we move forward. If not, I'll refer you to someone who's a better match.
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2
Contract + Retainer
I send over a contract and invoice. 50% retainer holds your date. Balance due 30 days before the wedding. I accept credit cards, checks, and Venmo/Zelle.
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3
Pre-Wedding Planning
About 4-6 weeks before the wedding, we hop on another call to review:
- Timeline: I help optimize for light (golden hour portraits are *chef's kiss*)
- Shot list: Family formals, must-have moments, anything you're worried about missing
- Engagement session: If included in your package, we schedule this 3-6 months before the wedding
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4
Wedding Day
I arrive early, scout light, and stay calm even when timelines shift (they always do). My job: capture your story, keep things moving, and make sure you don't miss cocktail hour. You're back with guests in 15 minutes post-ceremony.
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5
Preview (48-72 hours)
You get 25-30 favorites while you're still buzzing from the day. Perfect for social media, thank-you cards, or just reliving the magic while it's fresh.
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6
Full Gallery (4-6 weeks)
800-1,000 hand-edited images in a private online gallery. Download, share, order prints—your call. Every image is color-corrected, exposure-adjusted, and polished. No batch filters. No "meh, that'll do." Just heirloom-ready work.
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7
Album Design (optional)
Want a physical keepsake? My online shop offers a multitude of products that can feature your images, including albums.
Ready to get started?
Check My AvailabilityCommon Concerns (And How We Handle Them)
I've shot 300+ weddings. These are the questions I hear most—and the honest answers.
"We're not photogenic."
Most people feel this way. That's why I use movement-based direction instead of stiff posing. You'll forget the camera exists within 10 minutes. I promise.
Also: "Photogenic" is a myth. What makes a great photo is real emotion, not a perfect jawline. I'll make you look like yourselves—just the most radiant, in-love version.
"We don't want to miss cocktail hour."
Me neither. That's why we do 80% of portraits before the ceremony (first look recommended but not required). Post-ceremony? We knock out family formals efficiently. You're back with guests before they finish their first drink.
That said, couple's portraits are one of the main draws for our clients—and they understand this takes time. We don't rush, especially portraits. If the original timeline was 8.5 hours but it needs to be 9 or 9.5, we'll tell you. You have one shot to do this right.
"What if it rains?"
I've shot 300+ weddings. Rain happens. I bring umbrellas, scout covered backup spots, and honestly? Some of my favorite photos are from rainy days. Moody skies, dramatic light, reflections in puddles—it's cinematic gold.
"Our venue is really dark."
I specialize in low-light photography. Clean, flattering images without killing the ambiance with harsh flash. I use fast lenses, high-end gear, and subtle off-camera lighting when needed. Your guests won't even notice I'm working.
"What if you're sick on our wedding day?"
I have a network of trusted backup photographers (all vetted, all insured, all capable of rocking your wedding day). In 8+ years, I've never missed a wedding. But if the unthinkable happens, you're covered. No exceptions.
"How do we know our photos won't look dated in 10 years?"
I shoot for timeless fine art over trendy. No Instagram filters, no heavy vignettes, no "orange and teal" color grading. Unique, dreamy & timeless.
"What if our families are... difficult?"
I've wrangled every family dynamic imaginable. Divorced parents who don't speak. Opinionated aunts. Kids who'd rather play with the cake than pose for portraits. I'm calm, patient, and discreet. Your photos will show love, not drama.
"Can we see the RAW files?"
Short answer: No. Long answer: RAW files are like unfinished sketches. They're not color-corrected, not cropped, not polished. What you receive is the finished work—the version I'd put in a museum. Would you ask a chef for the raw ingredients after dinner?
Still have questions?
Let's Talk