Whether your celebration unfolds in the heart of downtown or within the elegance of the surrounding suburbs, my role is to ensure the experience feels intentional, elevated, and entirely you.
Chicago weddings have a rhythm all their own. I understand how the day moves here, and I guide it with calm clarity so everything feels seamless, unrushed, and thoughtfully paced from start to finish.
When you work with a Chicago wedding photographer who knows the city and approaches each day with thoughtful planning, everything flows as it should. Your timeline supports your experience. The people you love feel included. And you feel calm, confident, and celebrated.
Surrounded by Chicago’s most timeless backdrops and supported by a trusted vendor team, we’ll create a photo-friendly schedule that balances elegance with ease.
Because the experience should feel just as good as the photos look. And that’s exactly what I offer.
We’ll start with a video chat to talk through your vision, answer any questions, and make sure it feels like the right fit for your celebration.
We’ll build trust and connection. I’ll work closely with your planner so everything feels seamless and true to you, without added stress or extra decisions on your end.
On the wedding day, your only job is to be present. While you soak in every moment, I’ll be by your side guiding when needed and quietly capturing the beauty unfolding around you with care and intention.
As your Chicago editorial wedding photographer, I’ll guide you with calm clarity from our first call to the final frame. From hand-holding moments to quiet glances, every detail is documented with purpose, care, and heart, always mindful of the pace and movement that define weddings in the city.
From curated engagement sessions to chic welcome soirées and timeless film photography, whether your celebration is set locally or in an unforgettable destination, I offer a full-service experience tailored to your vision.
All collections are thoughtfully tailored to fit your unique wedding photography needs.
Collections beginning at $7,500 with an average investment of $7,700
"At Ellie Styled, we work with so many talented vendors, but Hayley truly stands out. She’s so kind, calm, and professional, and her attention to detail is unmatched. From her gorgeous editing to the way she captured every emotion and detail, they are some of the most beautiful wedding photos I’ve ever seen. She perfectly highlighted the venue, our decor and florals, and, of course, the couple. She’s not only a talented photographer but someone we hope to work with more often in the future. We can’t recommend her enough!"
Ellie Styled, 2024
"Working with Hayley was an absolute dream!!! We truly couldn’t have asked for a better photographer to perfectly capture our wedding day. Hayley is organized, creative, incredibly talented, and an absolute joy to work with. Her photography is so beautiful and thoughtful and you can tell she really cares about her clients. We couldn’t recommend Hayley more and look forward to working with her again!"
Stephanie, 2024
A complimentary engagement session to build comfort and connection before the wedding day
Lifetime access to an online gallery, thoughtfully edited and easy to revisit
Planning support that helps the day flow smoothly without feeling rushed or overwhelming
A refined blend of chic wedding photography on digital and film, creating imagery that feels timeless and intentional
A connection-first approach to direction, so your photos feel natural, comfortable, and true to you
A custom-tailored wedding collection designed around your unique celebration and priorities
There’s something extraordinary that happens when I photograph a couple in Chicago. The city never stops moving, but in those moments, it feels like it belongs to just the two of you. There’s a stillness in the connection, a cinematic kind of magic that never gets old.
Chicago has always been part of my story. I grew up taking the train from South Bend for concerts, school trips, and visits with family. It’s also where I had my first kiss, which makes returning here again and again to photograph love stories feel especially meaningful.
OF COURSE! I’ll guide you with simple, natural direction so nothing ever feels stiff or forced. You’ll always know what to do, but the focus stays on being present with each other rather than performing for the camera.
I focus on creating an experience that feels calm, intentional, and supportive from start to finish. I guide when needed, step back when it matters, and pay close attention to the moments unfolding naturally around you. The result is imagery that feels effortless, honest, and deeply reflective of how your day actually felt, not just how it looked.
Because every wedding day is unique, I ensure a minimum delivery of 60 images per hour of contracted coverage. Each one is thoughtfully edited to reflect the emotion, detail, and atmosphere of your day.
I do. Film brings a creamy, luminous quality that I absolutely love. It requires presence and precision, and adds an artful depth to your wedding imagery that can’t be replicated. Film is thoughtfully incorporated alongside digital coverage to create a well-rounded, timeless collection.
Because film requires careful processing and each digital image is edited with intention, your full wedding gallery will be delivered within 4–6 weeks. I believe in taking the time needed to ensure your images feel complete, cohesive, and true to your day.
Drawing on years of experience, I promise every meaningful moment and thoughtful detail will be beautifully captured. During our final consultation, we’ll build a customized family formals list and talk through any specific moments or guest interactions you’d like prioritized. Your vision matters, and I’m here to honor it with care and intention.
Yes. I’m wholeheartedly committed to traveling wherever your celebration takes place. Before your wedding day, I research and thoughtfully scout locations so your destination, whether familiar or far from home, is reflected beautifully and intentionally in your images.