Your wedding day is not a milestone, but rather one of the finest chapters in your love story. From pre-wedding nerves to the sentimental tears during promising and the mythical dance performances at the reception, all these must be shot with respect, creativity, and authenticity.
At Last Minute Wedding Photographer, we know your wedding is not just a photo shoot — it’s the most amazing day of your life. So, we take a photojournalistic approach to wedding photography, where we document the unposed, real, and in-between moments that perfectly tell your story. Whether you’re having a grand ballroom wedding or a small Chicago elopement, we’re here to take your day in a way that has you re-experiencing it all over again when you look at your wedding photos.
What Is Wedding Photojournalism, Anyway?
You’ve probably come across the term “wedding photojournalist” deep in the throes of wedding planning. But what exactly does it mean?
Photojournalism is storytelling by unposed photographs — capturing real emotion, natural light, and passing glances without artificial backgrounds or stiff poses. A Chicago wedding photojournalist is all about creative, documentary photography capturing the true spirit of your wedding day.
This is to note, we will not disrupt your day’s pace to arrange overly staged poses. Rather, we are simply observing — capturing the moment your grandmother wipes away a tear, the spontaneous laugh between friends over the toasts, and the way you look at each other before “I do.”
Why Candid Moments Matter
The truth is: those real, imperfect, full-of-joy moments? Those are the ones you’ll be cherishing the most.
Being a wedding photographer based in Chicago, we’ve photographed weddings across the city and beyond — from elegant downtown ceremonies to relaxed backyard celebrations. In every case, our couples have told us how much they love seeing the candid moments — the ones they didn’t even realize were being captured.
Consider this: posed wedding pictures are a must, of course (your parents will thank you), but in the stolen kisses, the gazing, the unbridled energy of the wedding party — those are what bring your wedding album to life.
How We Help You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Camera shy? Far from it. Nervous about being photographed? So are most couples. And why not? It’s natural.
Our approach is simple: we create an atmosphere that puts you at your ease and relaxed. No stiff instruction. No mandatory smiles. Just a calming presence, discreet guidance if needed, and space for you to be yourselves.
We’ve had time and time again the clients tell us that we made them “feel natural,” “relax in front,” and “be comfortable in front of the camera,” although they were “clumsy in front” of it prior to that. That’s an enormous reason why we’re one of the most responsive and laid-back wedding photographers in Chicago.
What Makes A Wedding Photographer “Incredibly Talented”?
It’s not necessarily about the nice gear (although we adore our equipment). It’s about instinct — being able to foresee moments before they occur. It’s about composition, lighting, and knowing precisely how to adapt in the moment. And it’s also about being a storyteller, someone who can identify with your wedding experience and recreate it precisely the way you envision.
The best wedding photographers do more than snapping photos. They interact with you. They bring energy to your day. They listen to what you want and need, and they go the extra mile to create candid, stunning, authentic photography that is intimate and real.
What You Can Expect Working With Us
We’re thrilled to be a Chicago wedding photographer offering both photo and video services. From big luxury weddings to intimate elopements, or something perfectly in between, our process is tailored for you.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
- Full-day coverage (because why would we want to miss the dance party?)
- A second shooter, if you’d like, for even more coverage and shots
- Engagement and wedding packages (engagement pictures FTW!)
- A fun, laid-back photoshoot experience
- Access to entire galleries, so you’re receiving quality across the board
- Photo booth rental packages (yes, please!)
- An emphasis on both the monumental moments and the in-between
- Real, honest communication — we’re responsive through your planning process
From the wedding day to the delivery of your last gallery, we’re here for you, step by step. And yes — we bring snacks. Just saying.
Why Hiring A Chicago-Based Wedding Photographer Matters
When you’re marrying in a city as vibrant as Chicago, having a photographer from Chicago isn’t just convenient — it’s smart.
From navigating traffic and permits to understanding which venues have the best natural light during golden hour (and which ones don’t), a Chicago wedding photographer brings local insider knowledge. We’ve worked resources in lofts, lakefront, hotel ballrooms, and secret garden courtyards across the greater Chicago landscape — and know how to maximize each unique environment.
We also know the weather can switch from sunshine to sideways rain in 10 minutes flat. Experience is key, which is why we prepare, think on our feet, and improvise in real time to make sure your pictures are still exquisite even when the plan goes wrong.
So if you want a photographer who understands the rhythm, unpredictability, and beauty of a Chicago wedding, you’ve found your team. Make this city your canvas — and your story the headline.
Wedding Planning Tip: Trust Your Photographer
We get it — weddings are stressful to plan. Between deciding where it’s going to be, organizing the bridal party, and fighting over whether or not to have buffet versus plated dinner, there’s a lot going on. But if we could say one thing to every couple: trust your photographer.
You’re not employing a photographer to take a few snaps. You’re employing someone to get the day of your life perfectly. You need someone who actually knows you. Someone who made you feel like the greatest version of you. Someone that you pass by and say, “They could not recommend her enough.” That’s us.
What You Should Expect From A Great Wedding Photography Experience
We know that choosing the ideal wedding photographer can be overwhelming, and even more so when you’re not entirely sure what to anticipate. Besides the Instagram-worthy pictures, it’s about the experience end-to-end. So let’s get real on what you can anticipate when working with a professional wedding photographer in Chicago (and yes, this is what we strive to deliver every time):
1. You Feel Comfortable In Front Of The Camera
This is a big one. Your photographer will have you feel comfortable and relaxed if you’re not comfortable on camera. We guide your hand, take the pulse of the moment, and know when to step back so that magic can happen organically. Our job is to get you to relax, not pose.
2. They Listen To Your Needs And Dreams
No two couples — and no two weddings — are ever the same. A great photographer hears what you’re all about, what is most important to you, and what is unique to you. Whether you are having an elopement in the city or a lavish wedding in the suburbs, your photo experience should be just about you.
3. They’re Professional But Not Stuffy
Find someone who’s not only incredibly talented in front of a lens but also a joy to collaborate with. Weddings are emotional and sometimes unpredictable, so you need someone who keeps their cool in the face of unexpected events, is very responsive throughout the planning process, and has a reassuring presence on your day.
4. They Capture Candid, Unscripted Moments
This is where the photojournalistic approach comes in. Rather than being over-posey or filtered, you want to record a series of unplanned seconds, emotive close-ups, and those wonderful, blink-and-you’ll miss-them moments which bring your day into being. These are the shots that will transport you, each time you look.
5. You Actually Enjoy The Experience
Your wedding day needs to be fun, not a photo shoot marathon. When the photographer has the right energy, keeps things running smoothly, and knows when to step aside, your day is more about celebrating and less about making it happen.
Let’s Make Some Magic
Whether you’re looking for a low-key, funky, artsy photographer or one who can keep up with the surprises of a Midwestern wedding, we’ve got you covered.
From green wedding shoes to exit sparklers, from engagement shoots to comprehensive day-of photo coverage, we’ll be there to capture those special, unexpected moments that really matter.
We believe your wedding photos ought to be like you: real, beautiful, and filled with love. If that’s what you’d be interested in, let’s talk. We’re a Chicago wedding photographer team looking to make all of this feel relaxed, whimsical, and unforgettable.
Let’s create moments that ignite your soul — and images you’ll love each time you look at them.
Ready To Book?
We’re not in town to photograph. We’re in town to be your hype team, your calm in the storm, and your top wedding pick. You’re just engaged, drowning in wedding planning, or weeks from the wedding day, this is your sign to book.