Bluestem Farm and Events, Hebron, Illinois Summer Wedding, Editorial Portrait Inspiration

Illinois Wedding and Family Photorapher

Photography that’s anything but surface level

Since 2016

specializing in Documentary and Editorial Photography

The spark tucked into the ordinary, the magic you (& your love) already possess, is what I’m looking for (even when you don’t notice it yourself). The preparation and intentionality of every memory - I'm there.

Illinois Motorcycle Sexy Engagement Session
Mercantile Hall in Burlington Wisconsin wedding reception photo of couple laughing while dancing.

NW Chicago Suburbs / Worldwide

Family photo first birthday session, the finer details of their one year old.
Bridal portrait at The Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms in Rockton, IL
  • No matter where your wedding takes you—whether it’s a cozy half-day gathering in Northwestern Illinois, a full-day celebration that stretches from first look to last dance, or a destination weekend under the stars—your experience with me always includes more than photos. From spontaneous road trip detours to late-night dance floor chaos, I’m here to document the big moments, the in-betweens, and everything that makes your story yours.

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  • Engagement sessions aren’t just about pretty photos—they’re about the two of you, your quirks, your laughter, and the way you fit together. It’s our chance to shake off the nerves, chase some golden light, and feel like you’re hanging out with a friend (one who just happens to have a camera). Real moments that tell your story and get you comfortable before the wedding day.

    All ‘local wedding collections’ come with a complimentary engagement session as a warm-up.

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  • Family photography with me is less “look at us” and more “this is us.” I’m here to capture the real stuff—the belly laughs, the messy hair, the quiet in-betweens, and the magic of your everyday. Connection over perfection—just honest storytelling that lets you remember your people exactly as they are in this season of life.

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SERVICES

The quiet magic of the in-between, the light, the laughter, the chaos, the soft grazes between, that seemingly go unnoticed if I wasn’t present with camera in hand. I’m here for the quiet observation & the loud love. When you pull out the photo albums 10, 20, 50 years from now, they’re what you’ll pass down, come back to when life moves too fast - remind you of who you are, how it felt, and just how deeply you loved in that season. They should feel like home and only get better with time.

A bride and groom at their wedding reception, sharing a joyful moment during cake cutting at Bluestem Farm and Events
A woman and a man embracing on North Avenue Beach with the Chicago skyline in the background during their engagement session
A micro wedding ceremony outdoors in Kansasville, WI. The bride and groom are standing in front of guests, exchanging vows and rings, with the bride holding hands and the groom placing a ring on her finger through joyful tears.
Nicole Kilday being the lighting testing subject while working a wedding as the photographer at Boxed and Burlap in Delavan Wisconsin

Hi, I’m Nicole

Personality: Type C/Mom/Dog obsessed
My Style: Warm, True-to-life, Documentary, Editorial, Candid
The Energy: Authentic/Intentional

  • Photography has always been a generational gift—passed down and now woven into every story I get to tell. To me, it’s the marriage of art and connection. You’re never just another client—you’re part of the story I carry with me. The tiny details, the big moments, the in-betweens—I hold them close; because I was present too. It’s an honor and a privilege to take these memories and turn them into art that only grows more meaningful with time.

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  • The quiet magic of the in-between, the light, the laughter, the chaos, the soft grazes between, that seemingly go unnoticed if I wasn’t present with camera in hand. I’m here for the quiet observation & the loud love. When you pull out the photo albums 10, 20, 50 years from now, they’re what you’ll pass down, come back to when life moves too fast - remind you of who you are, how it felt, and just how deeply you loved in that season. They should feel like home and only get better with time.

    Learn More,

Take Their Word For It

Take Their Word For It

Read more on Google, Facebook, Wedding Wire

CONTACT

Yay! I’m so happy you’re here. Whether you’re here to find the photographer addition to your wedding day team or to invite me into your bubble with your loves by your side, I cannot wait to see the magic we create together.

Please be sure to add info.nkphoto@gmail.com to your email address contacts. 

If you don’t hear back from me within 72 hours, be sure to check your spam/junk folder. If you can’t find my response there, be sure to reach out via direct email.

Nicole Kilday, Illinois Wedding Photographer