And just like that, 2025 is complete! This year was my 12th season as a full time wedding photographer (omg!) and just like all the years that came before it, I'm truly honored and feeling all of the warm and fuzzies from a full year of amazing couples alongside their family and friends.
To honor this year, I kind of put a mish-mosh together; a little bit of my behind-the scenes, a few of my now classic "all of my couples together" images, and a single image from each wedding that stuck with me.
I'll always be grateful to my 2025 couples because this was the year that I became a mom. My spring and early summer-time couples were with me as I got back on the horse after having my son at the beginning of the year. Your patience, understanding and enthusiasm for me becoming a mom is unmatched. Thank you to every single couple who trusted me with their memories this year.
Cheers to a gorgeous 2025 and a 2026 that I know will give it a good run for its money!
chicago wedding photos
I love this image of Andrea + Mario on the stairs of Grant Park. Andrea's red hair was glowing in the spring sun and I could've photographed them in this spot for hours. Andrea + Mario with my 2023 couple, Kit + Ed.
Jenn + Robbie with 2023 groom, Scott. My favorite image from Jenn and Robbie was the last image of them on stage together before the both jumped into their guests and crowd-surfed serving as the grand finale to their wedding reception.
Ashley has the best personality, ever! She was so animated when getting ready and kept sticking her tongue out to focus, so I made sure to capture the reality of the moment. I'm so glad I did because this image is so funny to me and shows the un-produced part of the day.
Carlie had a vision of getting this shot of her and Roger underneath her veil. The light at Olive Park was perfection and made the veil glow perfectly. After I took this shot, I ended up doing it a few more weddings because I loved the way it turned out.
Christine and Drew's wedding day was super windy and we were doing all of their portraits on the rooftop of the Old Post Office. When Christine walked outside to go see Drew for their first look, the wind had a mind of its own. Another "reality vs. IG" moment.
Emily's grandma was the star of the dance floor! Backstory: Emily's mom is a karaoke queen, so she had arranged with the band to do a mini set. This image of her mother was taken while she was killing it on stage. You can see Emily behind her. Apple doesn't fall far in that family!
It was hard for me to pick an image for Jenna + Jake. The Armour House grounds are stunning, so all of their portraits rocked. But I love the quietness of this image. Jenna and Jake had just finished portraits and were tucking away for their guests to arrive for their ceremony. I was taking photos of their decor when they walked in the shot. I absolutely love it.
Vows that would wow any girl. This is the exact moment that Kyle vowed to Cayla they could get a dog. Cayla's face says it all.
Speaking of dogs. Ruby was a VIP at her parent's wedding day, so this getting ready photo of her and her momma, Lauren was an instant fave. What I would give to have this image of myself and my pups on my wedding day! At this wedding, I had 3 couples in attendance!
I have no idea, but I was clearly v excited for Eric to see Marissa.
It's common for me to join you under the veil. This is a normal sight, lol!
This exact moment. I cried. Gracie experienced a TBI a few years back. Nobody knew if she would wake up, if she would ever walk or talk again. This moment; it was the moment that her and Garett were presented as Mr. and Mrs. and the first thing Garett does is point to his wife. Tears.
So Joey and Christine's wedding portraits looked like something out of a magazine. I was obsessed with this image the minute I took it. The veil, the light. PERFECTION.
While Kevin and Nicole have a full gallery of wedding portraits, I chose this one as my favorite because the story behind it is so funny. I wanted them to sit in the field for an image and right where they plopped down was a weed that I didn't like. So in her dress, while Kevin looked on, Nicole started gardening at Lincoln Park.
I am obsessed with the joy that oozes from this image of Liz and Tim. Their first dance underneath the twinkle lights was captivating and when Tim swooped her up, I captured the best candid moment ever.
Lauren and Collin wanted classic Chicago for their portraits, so a bridge shot was necessary. They literally slayed this image and we were able to get the perfect timing and lighting! I love a classic shot like this so so much!
Michelle + Matt had the coolest ceiling feature at their wedding. Those floating candles you see? They were over the ceremony aisle and the center of the dance floor for their reception. So when it was time for their Hora dance, I loved that you could see that decor detail! Also, who doesn't love a good hora shot like this??
I can't take too much credit for this shot. Marissa had a vision for this photo and I just made it happen. These two were my last wedding of the year and were only 6 days before Christmas, so I love the cozy, winter feel this has!
Courtney was determined to have a bubble exit and SHE GOT IT! Her and Evan's crew did not skimp on their bubbles and it made for a perfect shot!
Another wedding with three couples!
I had this dream for this image. I knew I couldn't take it because I had to be at the front of the church, so I very meticulously instructed my second shooter EXACTLY what I wanted it to look like and she served. This is Ameila just seconds before walking down the aisle to see Joey.
Alex + Justin got married in a Greek Orthodox church that felt like a castle on the inside. The traditional crowns and candles mixed with Alex's sleeves made this moment feel like the Royal Wedding.
Michelli + Jay eloped in a Wheaton park and while we were getting ready to start their portraits, they simultaneously fixed their hair. I thought it was so funny and just showed how in sync they are!
If you watch Welcome to Plathville, you might recognize this photo. Lydia's wedding images inspired me to try this shot and I am so glad I watch stupid reality shows because this photo came of it! While Amanda and Jack were getting eaten alive by mosquitos, we were making photo magic happen.
Vince's reaction to seeing Nikki was exactly what everyone dreams of. Mix that with the hazy air we had this day from wildfires and you have yourself one dreamy photo session on the Riverwalk!
Speaking of reactions; Coleton's reaction to seeing Chrystina walk down the aisle was another picture perfect moment. He tried and tried, but he couldn't keep his emotions in and I was able to snap the moment he cracked.
Jenna + Jack's reception was full of laughter and tears, but while photographing it, I noticed that there was a side window I could see them through if I stepped outside. So I went out to their cocktail hour space and photographed them through the window. I love the intimacy that this photo evokes and will be shooting through windows now.
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