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Weddings

About

Michelle Zapanta Photography is a wedding photography company located in Lockport, Illinois. Photographer Michelle is passionate about capturing the precious moments of a couple’s special day. She will fuse photojournalistic images with posed portraits to create a rich tapestry of photographic memories that you can cherish for a lifetime. This expert endeavors to document candid moments of joy and emotion, allowing couples to relive the day again and again.

Services Offered

Michelle Zapanta Photography covers destination weddings and Michelle relishes the opportunity to travel, having covered events from Maui to Jamaica. This personable professional strives to put couples and their loved ones at ease in front of the camera. She understands the importance of making people feel comfortable and good about themselves during a photography session. Michelle speaks two languages, including Filipino and English, and she offers consultations to prospective couples.

  • Asian-owned
  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

2nd Shooter
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Digital Files
Save the Date

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Digital Files

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Natural
Photojournalism

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Destination / Travel
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Second Shooter
Wedding Portraits

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Prints
Save the Date
Thank You Cards

Reviews of Michelle Zapanta Photography

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Michelle and her team at this wedding venue are described as incredible, professional, warm, and attentive by various couples. Reviewers appreciate Michelle's creative, light and airy photography style, excellent communication, and impeccable planning throughout the process. The duo is known for capturing a perfect mix of posed portraits and candid moments, making the overall wedding experience stress-free and memorable. Plus, the quick delivery of teaser and full photo galleries was highly valued, with reviewers expressing gratitude for Michelle's talent, care, and thoughtfulness in capturing their special day.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Michelle and her team at this wedding venue are described as incredible, professional, warm, and attentive by various couples. Reviewers appreciate Michelle's creative, light and airy photography style, excellent communication, and impeccable planning throughout the process. The duo is known for capturing a perfect mix of posed portraits and candid moments, making the overall wedding experience stress-free and memorable. Plus, the quick delivery of teaser and full photo galleries was highly valued, with reviewers expressing gratitude for Michelle's talent, care, and thoughtfulness in capturing their special day.

Lucia
Lucia Sent on 07/25/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Captured Every Moment with Style and Heart

We were drawn to Michelle because of her beautiful, light and airy style — it was exactly the vibe we wanted for both our engagement and wedding photos. Her portfolio really stood out, and we appreciated how creative and approachable she was from the start. Her website made it easy to understand her packages and get in touch, and setting up an in-person meeting felt effortless.

Michelle is incredible! Her warmth and genuine eye for storytelling really shine through in her photography. From the moment we met her, she made us feel comfortable and excited. She met us at a location of our choosing and walked us through more of her work — I was blown away by the creativity behind the poses and how natural everything felt. She also knows the Chicagoland and Chicago area inside and out, and can suggest the perfect spot for whatever vibe you're dreaming of.

Michelle’s communication was impeccable throughout the entire process. She responded quickly to any questions or ideas I had and was always one step ahead when it came to scheduling, sending reminders, and sharing things like the print release. She made the planning process feel seamless and stress-free.

On the day of our wedding, Michelle and Erick were absolute troopers. It was the start of a Chicagoland heatwave, but they stayed upbeat, professional, and full of good humor the entire time. Michelle took the time to learn and use everyone’s names — a small touch that made a big difference — and was incredibly thoughtful in how she worked with our family and friends. She always asked before gently posing people, which made everyone feel comfortable and respected. I truly loved working with both of them.

Michelle and Erick were respectful, fun, and engaging with everyone they interacted with — from us, to our guests, to our wedding party. They struck the perfect balance between giving direction and letting moments unfold naturally, which helped keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable all day long.

Our final wedding gallery is absolutely perfect — even better than I could have imagined. Michelle captured the ideal mix of beautifully posed portraits and genuine, candid moments. Her creativity in using our venue was impeccable, and every photo feels intentional and full of emotion. We’ll treasure these images forever.

One moment that really stood out was when Michelle pulled out an entire styling kit to enhance our detail shots — I was blown away by the care and creativity she brought to even the smallest elements. And her use of my veil led to some of the most stunning, romantic photos I’ve ever seen. She truly elevated every aspect of the day.

I received a set of teaser photos just a week after the wedding, and the full gallery was ready within two weeks — which was amazing. The delivery process was smooth and easy to navigate, and getting to relive the day so soon after was such a gift.

We would absolutely recommend Michelle and Erick to anyone looking for photographers who are professional, creative, and truly care about capturing your story. Their talent, warmth, and thoughtful approach made our wedding experience even more special.
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 11/25/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Truly MADE our wedding day!

Words cannot describe how thankful we are to Michelle and her team! She truly made our wedding day PERFECT! She was amazing from the first day we booked her. She is so knowledgeable, responsive and organized and you see it carry over into her work. She was professional and friendly too. She was the perfect amount of suggestive and assertive when she needed to keep us on our timeline for the day and with some of the wedding guests and family that needed it :) Michelle made me feel at ease the whole day and throughout the whole planning process. That is priceless to me.

I am very picky with photography because I love it so much and was anxious with how the pictures would turn out. They were STUNNING! I don't know how she is so skilled and made us look that good! If I had to do it all over again, I would hire Michelle 100x over. No regrets and absolutely speechless with her photography and how she made my wedding perfect. She also had all of my 1700 photos ready for us while we where still on our honeymoon! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Michelle!
Jeremy & Amanda 10/11/24
Aaron
Aaron Sent on 10/04/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Professional and High Quality Photographer!

Michelle went above and beyond to make our day amazing. She was on top of all the photography timelines and questions throughout the entire planning process and especially the day of the wedding. Michelle will make you feel comfortable even if you are not great at posing or taking pictures. She is very professional and responsive throughout the entire process and will help tailor to whatever requests you have. The pictures turned out amazing and she lets you save down all her photos without an extra charge. I highly recommend her as your photographer!
A
Angela Sent on 06/24/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding Vendor!

We hired Michelle as our wedding photographer, and we could not be happier with our decision to do so. Right from the beginning, Michelle was extremely kind, caring, & helpful. She went out of her way countless times to ensure our visions came to life! She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera and made all our shoots light and fun. On our wedding day, it ended up raining which ruined a lot of our plans. Thankfully, Michelle was able to think quickly and came up with new locations for photos that resulted in beautiful pictures! All of our family told us how nice & professional our photographer was after our wedding. Do yourself a favor and hire Michelle for your big day! You will be SO glad you did!
K
Krystle Sent on 01/07/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Stunning detail photos and portraits

Michelle is a phenomenally talented photographer. Her eye for composition, color, and texture makes every photo feel like it belongs to a luxury lifestyle magazine. Working with Michelle is a dream, she communicates well as a vendor, arrives with enough to time for set up before shooting, and is prepared with her own accents to seamlessly incorporate into your detail shots. Michelle can visualize and execute stunning portraits by utilizing surroundings and lighting. She is also able to coach virtually anyone and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera. Michelle is extremely efficient when working! I am so impressed with the number of quality and unique images she supplied in such a short time. My only regret working with Michelle is that our schedule for the day could allow more time with her behind the camera.
Katie
Katie Sent on 09/19/2023
5 out of 5 rating

10/10 book it

Michelle
Our family has worked with Michelle on multiple occasions, from engagement pictures to weddings. If you’re looking for a photographer for anything, then you are in the right spot.

Michelle is naturally one of the most kind, generous, and funny people I have worked with in the wedding industry. Her passion for photography shines in her hard work and dedication to everything she does.

One of my biggest fears going into a photoshoot was feeling awkward about how to pose, smile, and where to put my hands. I don’t know what it is about Michelle, but she makes this so fun, easy, and natural. I felt so comfortable the entire time and the pictures we received were above and beyond.

I have left every session feeling like Michelle is part of our family and an amazing friend. If you have the opportunity for Michelle to bring her husband along, then you’re really in the right spot for a photographer. Michelle and her husband are an amazing team and do everything to get the perfect shot.

Lastly, Michelle puts her heart into every session she does. She gets to know the space, and focal points and lighting of where she will be shooting. She shows up to the event with a plan and a vision on how she’s going to capture the day.

All I can say is, you will not be disappointed when that email comes through with your completed album. 10/10 would recommend.
J
Jon L. Sent on 07/29/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect experience

Michelle made the whole process relaxing and provided enough couching to ensure our pictures were the best they could be. It was our first professional photo shoot and Michelle made it feel like it was a normal day for us as she captured beautiful photos.
J
Jason Sent on 11/01/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Simply Elegant Pictures

Genuine and caring photographer!
Rebecca
Rebecca Sent on 10/31/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Michelle is down-to-earth and so great at what she does!

Michelle was definitely one of the best decisions we made during our wedding planning! She is experienced, professional, and truly went above and beyond what we imagined. Michelle had quick responses from the beginning to end, and she brings full energy to every conversation, photoshoot, and everything in between. She also captured my bridal shower and she was even so sweet to my friends and family members. Best of all, Michelle knew how to pose my husband and I to get the perfect shot and still made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. She was also so helpful when we were trying to find other wedding vendors and gave us great recommendations! I’m so glad we chose Michelle for our big day!! Everything came out so beautifully!
Claire
Claire Sent on 10/20/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing photographer!!

Michelle was absolutely amazing to work with from our engagement session to our big day! Our engagement shoot was supposed to be on a day when it rained and she was so flexible to change our session to another day. She helped guide us on what to do/what poses to do. She was always prompt in responding and just the sweetest, nicest person to work with. On our wedding day, I ended up getting a little overheated and Michelle & her husband were so sweet and made sure I had a moment to sit down and literally fanned me with a magazine so I could cool off. On a day when so much was going on, it meant so much to me that they made sure I was okay and comfortable. I can’t say enough great things about our photos- they turned out even better than I could’ve imagined. I’m obsessed with our wedding photos and will cherish them forever. Thank you so so much Michelle!!
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Awards

26
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner

Map

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Michelle Zapanta Photography frequently asked questions

Michelle Zapanta Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Multi. Locations
  • One Event / Day
  • Digital Files
  • Save the Date
Michelle Zapanta Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Add'l Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Digital Files
Michelle Zapanta Photography offers the following photography styles:
  • Natural
  • Photojournalism
Michelle Zapanta Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Destination / Travel
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Second Shooter
  • Wedding Portraits
Michelle Zapanta Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Prints
  • Save the Date
  • Thank You Cards
Michelle Zapanta Photography is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
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