destination weddings

The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Wedding Photography

April 5, 2023

a couple standing in front of the chicago skyline on their wedding day

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Are you planning your wedding in the Windy City and looking for the perfect photographer to capture your special day? Struggling to find the best wedding photographers in Chicago? Hi, hello, look no further. But if we’re not right for each other, this post will share tips for finding the best Chicago wedding photographer and highlight what makes Chicago wedding photography unique.

a wedding portrait of a couple on their wedding day at soho house chicago
a portrait of a couple on their wedding day at the emily hotel in the west loop neighborhood of chicago

Finding the Perfect Chicago Wedding Photographer

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and your wedding photographs are the memories that will last a lifetime. They are what you will hang on your walls, turn into coffee table books, and show your kids and grandkids for years to come. Those moments are cherished, and deserved to be documented in a beautiful, authentic way.

Three things to do when looking for the right photographer:

  1. Check Out Their Portfolio: Start by reviewing the photographer’s portfolio to get a sense of their style and the quality of their work. Make sure their style matches your vision for your wedding photos. When you inquire, ASK TO VIEW FULL GALLERIES. Just like every other person on social media, photographer’s feeds are a highlight reel of their best work. Ask to view photos in different lighting scenarios, photos during a reception/night time portraits, and you could even ask them to share photos in which they thought they struggled (trust me, most photographers will have situations where they struggled. If they say they’ve never once struggled, they’re probably lying.)
  2. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Check their Google, facebook, knot, etc. for reviews. Obviously talking common sense here, but look for photographers with positive reviews and testimonials from past clients, mothers of the bride, etc. This will give you a sense of their professionalism, customer service, and the quality of their work.
  3. Meet in Person or Zoom: I am a big advocate for taking at least one phone call with every couple before they book with me or my team. Schedule a meeting with your potential photographer to discuss your vision. Ask questions, and see if you feel comfortable with them. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to feel at ease with them.
a wedding party celebrating on the chicago river walk
a couple after getting married on the london house chicago rooftop in chicago illinois

What Makes Chicago Wedding Photography Unique

Chicago offers a variety of stunning locations for wedding photography, including its iconic skyline, scenic parks, and historic architecture. Here are some of the unique features of Chicago wedding photography:

  1. Cityscape Views: Chicago’s skyline provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photography. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views from a rooftop or a street-level shot with the skyscrapers in the background, Chicago has plenty of options.
  2. Beautiful Parks: Chicago is home to many beautiful parks, including Lincoln Park, Millennium Park, and Grant Park. These parks offer a variety of natural settings for wedding photography, including gardens, water features, and scenic paths.
  3. Historic Architecture: Chicago is known for its unique architecture, including the famous Chicago Water Tower and the Tribune Tower. These landmarks provide a unique backdrop for wedding photography and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best wedding photographers in Chicago is tough with a very dense market. Finding someone you vibe with AND is good at what they do an important part of your wedding planning process. By following these tips and considering what makes Chicago wedding photography unique, you’ll be well on your way to capturing beautiful memories of your special day.

If you’re interested in learning more about working with me reach out today I have a few slots left for 2023 and am currently booking Chicago and destination weddings for 2024.

xoxo

Arielle

a groom celebrating his wedding day in chicago illinois
a paki couple on their wedding day in chicago illinois
a film photo of a couple in a lake during the engagement session in chicago illinois
a bride walking down the aisle at an old church on her wedding day in chicago illinois
a black and white film photo with flash of a couple jumping on a hotel bad after getting married
a bride being given away by her parents at a destination wedding in boracay, the philippines
a bride adjusting her dress on a windy wedding day in chicago

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BEHIND THE LENS

hi, i'm ARIELLE.

You can usually find me home with my golden retriever or day dreaming of my next trip to Italy.

I am a firm believer in living life with purpose and never missing the opportunity to experience something new. The Meyers-Briggs test says I am an INFJ with ESFJ qualities (an introverted extrovert, IYKYK), and my friends say I am the person they come to when they need comfort, advice, or fresh baked goods. I consider myself an empath, so special moments you share with your loved ones will likely get me all teary eyed and sentimental. I am not here to pretend life is picture perfect, but to capture genuine emotion and create timeless pieces of art to decorate your home. I’m constantly striving for perfection, but have a calming personality and am relatively easy going. 

When the camera is not around my neck, I am a big home body. I love hanging on the couch with my dog, making pasta, breads and desserts from scratch, squatting 400+ pounds in the gym, or plotting my next trip outside of the US. As a direct descendant of Italian immigrants, I feel most at home in Italy (and speak a bit of Italian, too.)

upcoming

travel

Arielle has photographed over 175 weddings across 12 states, 5 countries, and 3 continents. While her heart beats for coastal and countryside Italian weddings, she is willing to travel anywhere and everywhere to document your day.

italy

mexico

  philippines

london

egypt

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