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Weddings

About

Illinois Wedding Photographer — documentary and candid photography for couples getting married in Northern Illinois, Chicagoland, McHenry County, Lake Geneva, Southern Wisconsin, and destinations everywhere since 2016.

I photograph your memories as proof — that you were here, that you loved, and that every moment mattered.

You're getting married. Like — actually married. To your favorite human. On a day you'll talk about forever. It's a big deal, and it only happens once.

My wedding photography packages include sneak peeks within 7 days, a complimentary engagement session, and me as a planning resource — backed by 10 years behind the lens of 124+ weddings.

On your day, I'm everywhere and nowhere — paying attention, reading the room, and giving you just enough direction that you never once have to wonder what do I do now? Chaos and plot twists are kind of my love language. Camera-shy doesn't exist here. It just means nobody's created the right environment yet.

I don't settle on one specific style. Documentary. Candid. Editorial — and whatever a specific moment needs. The through-line is paying attention. Each scene requires a unique perspective to tell a true story. My editing style is vibrant, true-to-life, film-adjacent, and nostalgic — deep hues that are consistent with the reality of a scene, slightly punchy. I edit for the emotion of an image, not just what looks polished on a screen.

I keep my books small on purpose. Only 10–12 weddings per year — this is how I ensure each couple gets 110% of me. Your wedding day happens once. You deserve someone who shows up like it's the only one.

What sets me apart:

Third-generation photographer — photography ran through my family before it ran through my career. My grandpa passed it to my dad in a basement darkroom. My dad passed it to me. I carry that with me to every single wedding.

Empath first. Friend first. I read rooms, people, and energy all at once. I know when to step in and guide, and when to step back and pay attention. I'm not just clicking a shutter — I'm tuned in to everything happening in that room.

I'm ordained. Which means I can legally sign your marriage license. You mail it, the rest is handled if you're opting to elope.

I'm more than a photographer on your wedding day. I'll show up as your SOS seamstress, baby holder, wedding party wrangler, timeline backup, and whatever else the day needs. Plot-twists? We navigate them together.

Planning support included — vendor referrals, timeline guidance, family shot lists, budget strategy. I have ideas.

40+ five-star reviews across Google, Facebook, WeddingWire, and Zola. From couples who came back for every season of life — engagement to wedding, maternity to family portraits, year after year.

Now booking 2027 weddings and elopements.

I'm not active on Wedding Wire — please head to my website to reach me directly, see my full portfolio, read real client stories, and find out if we're a good fit. I hope to see you there.

  • Woman-owned
illustration popular

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

Engagement Shoot
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
One Event / Day
Toning
Digital Files

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

Add'l Hours
Engagement Shoot
Hand-Coloring
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
One Event / Day
Toning
Digital Files

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Film
Natural
Photojournalism
Traditional

What photography services do you offer?

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

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Flush Mount
Matted Prints
Prints

Reviews of Nicole Kilday Photography

Lisa
Lisa Sent on 12/08/2021
5 out of 5 rating

A Magical Experience

Where do I even begin. Nicole is phenomenal is every aspect of her work, very professional and such an amazing person. Working with her was an absolute dream. She captured our engagement session and wedding day perfectly. Her vision, guidance and timely manner for providing you your gallery was wonderful. If you are looking for a photographer who has fun with you, helps you step out of your comfort zone and creates wonderful images for a lifetime.. I highly suggest selecting Nicole. I cannot wait to work with her for all of our future photographs.
L
Lauren Sent on 02/29/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Nicole was the absolute best!!

Nicole was by far our favorite vendor throughout the whole wedding process. She felt like part of the bridal party during the wedding day and was also incredibly flexible and responsive whenever we needed to change anything. But most importantly, the photos she took were STUNNING. Nicole also did our engagement photos and those too turned out amazing. We couldn't have a had a better photographer for our special day and the memories she gave us will last a lifetime. We will be sure to use her for any future milestones in our life.
Carmen
Carmen Sent on 01/05/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Nicole the Incredible!

Nicole was an incredible photographer! She made us genuinely laugh throughout all of our pictures with queue cards, and she our photos turned out great.
Stephanie
Stephanie Sent on 12/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Nicole is so sweet and kind. She came prompt to our session and offered a wide variety of ideas!

Nicole worked so well with my fiancé and I. We came with ideas of what we wanted and Nicole was so accommodating and flexible. She was able to get all the shots we wanted and offered her own ideas too which also turned out great! Nicole was also so patient and kind to our puppies. They enjoyed our shoot more than we did!
E
Evan Sent on 12/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Engagement/wedding photos

We hired Nicole to take our engagement pictures and our wedding pictures. I gotta say that this girl really knows what she is doing and is will to go to any lengths necessary to get you what you want. For example, taking our engagement pictures outside when it was single digits. Also, her editing skills are fantastic and timely. We will definitely be hiring her for any occasions that require a photographer.
S
Shannon Sent on 12/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Great work!

Nicole is so professional and so easy to work with! We love our engagement photos so much!
M
Mallory Sent on 12/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating

So amazingly talented, will use and recommend every time!

I will always use NK Photography 365, LLC for 1 picture or 1,000 pictures, Nicole spends so much time to capture the perfect moment, she is worth every penny of her great pricing. She has done our engagement session along with our pups, boiduour, Christmas cards and mini sessions and she is already booked for my 2020 wedding! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!
K
Kayla Sent on 11/27/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding Day

So easy and fun to work with! Captured some amazing, full emotion moments of us!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

8
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner

Map

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Nicole Kilday Photography frequently asked questions

Nicole Kilday Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
  • Engagement Shoot
  • Hand-Coloring
  • High-Res Images
  • One Event / Day
  • Toning
  • Digital Files
Nicole Kilday Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
  • Add'l Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • Hand-Coloring
  • High-Res Images
  • Multi. Locations
  • One Event / Day
  • Toning
  • Digital Files
Nicole Kilday Photography offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Film
  • Natural
  • Photojournalism
  • Traditional
Nicole Kilday Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Destination / Travel
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • One Event / Day
  • Second Shooter
  • Wedding Portraits
Nicole Kilday Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Flush Mount
  • Matted Prints
  • Prints
Nicole Kilday 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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