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14 Best Wedding Photographers In the Midwest

May 29, 2025 | justine

These 14 wedding photographers in the Midwest bring unique styles to turn your wedding moments into lifelong memories. Image by Erika Diaz Photo

Picking the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Of all the elements you invest in for your wedding, your photos are one of the few you get to hold onto after the wedding ends. If you’re searching for the most talented wedding photographers in the Midwest—artists who are not only deeply experienced and vetted but also passionate about their craft—this list showcases the very best the region has to offer. From candid, documentary-style shots to dramatic, cinematic portraits, these pros bring something unique to the table and will tell your wedding story just the way you want.

14 Best Wedding Photographers In the Midwest

1. Wren and Rose Photography

Photography style: Candid, documentary-style with a vintage touch

Good for: Couples who appreciate timeless, candid moments that reflect the true emotion of their day

Reviews: “Abby from Wren & Rose did my engagement and reception photos, and I cannot recommend her enough. She makes you feel immediately comfortable, she knows how to direct and pose you so effortlessly, and the way she edits makes the whole thing feel like a warm memory. The way she captures the movement and chemistry you share with your loved ones is priceless. Please book with her—it’ll be the best thing you do!”

2. Erika Diaz Photography

Photography style: Emotional, intimate storytelling with a natural approach 

Good for: Couples looking for an intimate, emotionally-charged photography experience where every genuine moment is captured with care

Reviews: “Honestly, just stop looking now. You’ve found her. I love Erika and her work so much. The whole process with her was amazing—she helped us organize the day, had awesome ideas for fun photos, and most importantly, really cares about you and capturing the things that are important to you on your wedding day.”

3. King & Opal

Photography style: Editorial and romantic, blending film, digital, and Polaroid techniques

Good for: Couples who want their wedding photos to have a cinematic, storybook feel with a perfect blend of elegance and emotion

Reviews: “Mariah made two people who are EXTREMELY camera shy feel so comfortable. Her work is outstanding, and she captured the love of everyone at our wedding. Beyond her immense talent, she is one of the most sincere, kind, funny (the list goes on) people that we’ve ever met. She blended into our special night because she became a fast friend. Our guests raved about her presence as well as her work. I’ve never been more confident to give a 5/5 review. King & Opal will always be a highlight of our wedding weekend.”

4. Bohemian Lights Photography

Photography style: Natural light, raw, and emotive storytelling

Good for: Couples who value natural light and an effortlessly beautiful collection of candid, raw moments

Reviews: “My wife and I have worked with Rachel at Bohemian Lights Photography for years. We travel from Chicago because she is amazing to work with, and her style and use of natural light are unmatched! She has captured some of our most cherished moments, including our Engagement, Wedding, multiple Lifestyle Family sessions, Branding, Christmas photos, and most recently, our son’s Newborn photos. If you’re looking for a photographer in Lafayette, West Lafayette, Indianapolis. Rachel is the best!”

5. Jason Thomas Crocker Photography

Photography style: Vibrant, emotional, and modern photography 

Good for: Couples who want vibrant, natural moments captured with a modern touch and a relaxed, stress-free experience

Reviews: “Stop and look no further. This is the photographer you NEED at your wedding. If this is your first wedding, you don’t know what you don’t know about weddings. Jason has so much knowledge, even outside of photography, to ensure everything runs smoothly. I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without him. He makes you feel like you have known him for years. I know he does this to ensure the most comfortable environment for you and your soon-to-be, so you can capture the most natural, beautiful photos ever. Jason could charge 3x the amount he’s charging and still be worth it. Every photo was flawless and will be a memory to look back on for a lifetime. I can’t thank Jason enough for finding his true passion and sharing it with the world. You have enough to stress about on your wedding day. You will have one less thing to worry about if you hire Jason. He’s the professional, and he will far exceed your expectations.”

6. Brittany Hamann Photography

Photography style: Natural light, intimate, and adventure-driven photography

Good for: Couples who want their wedding photos to feel like an intimate love story filled with emotion and personality

Reviews: “Brittany was absolutely amazing! She captured every moment so beautifully and was so easy to work with. She made us feel comfortable in front of the camera, and the photos turned out even better than we hoped. She doesn’t just take photos—she captures the essence of the day. Highly recommend her!”

7. Sage E Imagery

Photography style: Natural light with a documentary approach

Good for: Couples who want a photography experience that’s all about capturing real, intimate emotions while maintaining an artistic, relaxed vibe

Reviews: “We were looking for a photographer with an artistic eye—one who could capture the feeling of the day through their lens. We were fortunate to have Jen capture our engagement session as well! We lucked out with good weather, and we all left covered in snow to get the perfect shots. We were unsure how comfortable this process would be. Still, Jen is supportive in helping each couple’s personalities shine through. I think having that session together also made the wedding session more comfortable. Jen was great at communication! Her knowledge of industry partners is a bonus to any bride. Her pre-day email prompts put me at ease that she would have all the info needed to capture our favourite people and moments. On the wedding day, Jen arrived and strategized our final detailed pictures within minutes while helping us keep to our schedule. Looking back at the photos, we can tell Jen took in all the info we shared and translated that into how she would capture the wedding. On a day that can flash by instantly, she gave us the space to absorb the day while still capturing those intimate moments. If you’re looking for a genuine vendor who captures life through an artistic lens, Jen is simply the best.”

 

8. J.Olson Weddings

Photography style: Modern, journalistic style

Good for: Couples who want their wedding day documented with authenticity, capturing candid moments and emotional connections

Reviews: “Josh was a blast to work with, and our photos were amazing. The event was high-energy, in close quarters, and full of surprises, all handled seamlessly. To add another difficulty level, we were looking for a particular style—black & white vintage editorial—and Josh delivered in spades.”

 

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9. Bradley Hanson Photography

Photography style: Fine-art, documentary-style wedding photography

Good for: Couples who want authentic, story-driven photography without heavy posing

Reviews: “Bradley is awesome! He did a great job of making us (and everybody really) feel comfortable in front of the camera. He has a kind of goofiness when working with an individual or group that gets people laughing and having a good time, so all of the ‘posed’ shots we took turned out great.”

10. Chelsea Reeck Photography

Photography style: Candid, documentary-style

Good for: Couples who appreciate fun, authentic wedding photos that capture the magic of the day without feeling staged or posed

Reviews: “Her images never disappoint! Chelsea makes you feel confident, relaxed, and centred so that you can truly enjoy the magical moments she captures rather than being focused on the ‘photo shoot’ element to all these events. Because Chelsea allows you to be yourself and enjoy the moment, many images feel candid. I love nothing more than looking back at our wedding photos and having sense memories return from the happiness and fun of the day with our loved ones. I highly recommend Chelsea as your photographer for any special occasion you want captured.”

11. Eryndae

Photography style: Documentary, specializing in destination photography

Good for: Couples looking for a photographer who celebrates diversity and captures authentic, intimate moments in beautiful, unique locations

Reviews: “I love working with a photographer who is not only talented, but is a joy to be around. Eryndae is both and MORE. She leads with care, intention and an eye for all the details—big, small and everything in between.”

12. Asteria Photography

Photography style: Natural light with a documentary approach

Good for: Couples who appreciate relaxed, emotionally driven photos that focus on authenticity

Reviews: “Caroline is an absolute joy to work with—enthusiastic, overly prepared, kind, and the ultimate hype woman on your big day. We are in awe at how seriously amazing our wedding pictures turned out (& how quickly they were ready)! She effortlessly captured the warmth and happiness we felt throughout the day.”

13. Katherine Elyse Media

Photography style: Cinematic

Good for: Couples who love high-fashion, cinematic storytelling with photos that make them feel like stars on their wedding day

Reviews: “Kate Elyse is absolutely amazing! They make the entire process comfortable and fun, capturing every moment perfectly. The photos were stunning—vibrant, creative, and beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Kate for anyone looking for exceptional photography!”

 

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14. East Elm Photography

Photography style: Fine art photography

Good for: Couples who want to create fine art memories of their day with photos that focus on artistic beauty and visual storytelling

Reviews: “Our favorite wedding vendor! East Elm was great to work with from the start! Aaron made our engagement photos fun, and they turned out beautiful. He was very intuitive and accommodating on the wedding day. We could trust him to get the shots we wanted. We are so happy we went with East Elm!”

Your wedding day is a huge deal, and you’ll want to look back at those photos for years to come. Whether you’re into natural, relaxed shots or more high-fashion looks, these wedding photographers in the Midwest will capture every moment in a way that feels true to you. Take your pick, and trust that your memories will be in good hands. Don’t forget to check out our vendor directory to find the rest of your dream team all ready to make your day unforgettable.

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A Jungle Celebration with Romantic Florals, Cultural Details, and a Showstopping Lavender Wedding Dress

May 26, 2025 | justine

Daisy and Andy’s wedding wasn’t just another destination celebration—it was a dream brought to life in the heart of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, at Arcadia Hidden Arches. Nestled in the lush jungle and surrounded by ancient ruins, the moment they stepped foot on the venue grounds, everything fell into place. It was the ideal setting, allowing their vision to come to life in a way that felt completely authentic.

What We Love About This Wedding:

  • The breathtaking lavender wedding dress that stole the show.
  • Cultural nods, like the traditional Qi Paos for the bridal party, that honored their Chinese heritage.
  • The custom wedding newspaper and Instax photo booth that kept guests engaged and entertained.
  • Decor that complemented the jungle’s natural beauty, from the floral arch to the thoughtfully designed tablescapes.

Featured Vendor:

Elegance Photographie

How the Venue Shaped Their Wedding Vision

When Daisy and Andy started their wedding planning, they didn’t have a specific theme in mind, until they found Arcadia Hidden Arches. “We just knew it was the one. It felt so raw, natural, magical, and full of adventurous spirit.”

With its stunning ruins and vibrant jungle backdrop, it became the perfect canvas for their celebration. From that moment on, every detail just seemed to flow naturally, embodying their love and adventure in Mexico.

Merging Cultural Traditions with Contemporary Style

One of the most heartfelt elements of the day was the couple’s effort to honor their Chinese heritage. For their morning photo shoot, Daisy wore a red Qi Pao, a classic choice for Chinese weddings, along with matching dresses for her bridesmaids. “Red is the classic color for Chinese weddings, so I also brought along red decorations to decorate the Airbnb,” she explained. “It all turned out perfectly!” The combination of vibrant red with the lush greenery and rustic setting created a stunning contrast.

Daisy’s Fashion Journey: From Traditional Red Qi Pao to a Dramatic Lavender Dress

Daisy’s wedding dress journey was as bold and beautiful as her day. For the ceremony, she wore a classic white gown with a dramatic train. “The long train worked perfectly with the venue’s magical vibe.” The backless design flowed beautifully as she walked down the aisle.

For the reception, Daisy changed into a showstopping lavender wedding dress. “I bought my lavender dress before we even booked the venue. It was risky, but it was worth it. The dramatic long train blended beautifully with the jungle atmosphere.”

But Daisy didn’t stop there. For their first dance, she switched into a lighter, more comfortable blue dress. “It was so much more comfortable, and I could finally enjoy the moment.”

For Andy, the off-white linen suit was the perfect choice to complement the natural surroundings. His relaxed yet refined style matched the event’s laid-back charm.

Small Details That Made a Big Impact

Daisy and Andy’s ceremony set the tone for a beautiful day, with their venue’s natural beauty enhanced by thoughtful decor. The space was framed by an impressive floral arch, positioned against the backdrop of towering trees, creating a breathtaking focal point that perfectly complemented the jungle atmosphere.

In addition to the stunning florals, Daisy and Andy added personal touches that made their ceremony uniquely theirs. They designed a custom “wedding newspaper” to share their love story with their guests, which served as a beautiful keepsake. 

A Magical Walk Down the Aisle

One of the most unforgettable moments of the ceremony was when the giant doors opened, and Daisy walked down the aisle with her parents. “Seeing all the people I love standing there, smiling at me, and Andy waiting by the arch—the sun shining through the trees onto the path—it felt like a fairytale,” Daisy said. 

Exchanging their vows was equally emotional. “We’d never written or shared anything like our vows before. Saying those words in front of everyone we love made our bond feel even stronger.”

Blending Rustic Charm with Romantic Details Inspired by The Bride’s Lavender Wedding Dress

The reception setting beautifully blended rustic charm with soft, romantic touches. The long tables, draped in a delicate ivory runner and floral centerpieces in shades of soft lavender, pale pink, and white, accented by eucalyptus. The carefully arranged place settings featured raffia fringe chargers, minimalist white plates, white and gold cutlery paired with hand-tied ribbon napkins, adding a refined but personal touch to each guest’s place.

For extra fun, they set up an Instax photo booth with playful props for guests to enjoy. “We couldn’t bring our French bulldog to the wedding, so we placed little statues of him on the tables. It made everyone smile.”

Music, Laughter, and Friendship Was at the Heart of Their Reception

The reception was all about making guests feel connected. Daisy and Andy handpicked every song for their music playlist, ensuring that every beat reminded them of those meaningful moments. “Whenever one of those songs plays now, it takes us right back to the day.”

They also asked a close friend to be their MC, someone who knew them well enough to make everyone laugh and keep the event relaxed. “It felt like a celebration with friends, not just a formal event.”

When the Unexpected Adds to the Adventure

As with every celebration, there were a few surprises along the way—like the jungle’s mosquitoes! “We didn’t think about the bugs. But it honestly added to the adventure. Everyone ended up laughing about it, and it became one of those funny moments we’ll never forget.”

Their advice to other couples? “Things might not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. Embrace the unexpected moments. They often turn into the memories you’ll cherish forever.”

In the end, their wedding wasn’t about perfection. It was about staying true to who they are. The lavender wedding dress, personal touches, and heartfelt vows came together to create a day they’ll always remember. As Daisy and Andy shared, “Find a theme or setting that feels like you, and don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches. It makes the whole planning experience so much more meaningful.”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Elegance Photographie
Event Planning – Alba
Venue – Arcadia Hidden Tulum
Floral Design – MSM Rentals
Catering – Ginger Tulum
DJ – Loud S&B
Videography – LUVIMO

 

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This Guastavino’s Wedding Was a Sophisticated Ode to New York City

May 24, 2025 | justine

Planning a wedding that captures the magic of a city you love is a dream for many couples, and for Nick and Max, their Guastavino’s wedding was just that—a sophisticated ode to New York City.

What We Love About This Guastavino’s Wedding:

  • A completely personalized ceremony co-officiated by two close friends, making it deeply meaningful.
  • Their dog, Rummy, walking down the aisle and even inspiring one of their signature cocktails.
  • The unforgettable entrance with a high-energy dancing featuring their entire wedding party.
  • The blend of cultural traditions, including a chuppah and the iconic glass-breaking moment.

Featured Vendor:

Julian Ribinik Studios

Finding Love and Planning a Dream Wedding in New York

Nick and Max met the old-fashioned way (online!) in February 2022, and their connection was instant. Just a year and a half later, on August 28, 2023, Nick proposed to Max in their New York City apartment, creating an unforgettable surprise just days before their planned trip to Greece.

“We were leaving for a previously planned trip to Greece, and most of our friends and family expected that we would get engaged on that trip. Instead, we spent the trip celebrating and thinking about what kind of wedding we would like.”

A Guastavino’s Wedding Filled with Personal Touches

The couple’s vision for their Guastavino’s wedding was clear: a sophisticated celebration that captured the spirit of New York City. With classic black tuxedos, lush greenery, and white florals, their special day was a love letter to the city they both cherish.

Their ceremony was uniquely special. Co-officiated by two close friends, it was a blend of personal vows, cultural elements, and meaningful traditions. “We each wrote our vows and didn’t share them until the ceremony.”

In a heartfelt moment, Max met his parents halfway down the aisle and completed the walk together. The ceremony took place under a large arched chuppah, symbolizing their shared values and cultural heritage. To close, they both smashed glasses. A powerful tradition that added a touch of their Jewish roots.

Creative and Memorable Reception Moments

Nick and Max kept the energy high during their Guastavino’s wedding reception. Rather than a traditional first dance, they kicked off the evening with a lively group dance featuring their entire wedding party. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails like the Gin Rummy and Aperol Shvitz—playful nods to their dog, Nick’s Italian roots, and Max’s Jewish heritage.

“Our entrance was unrehearsed and fun,” the couple recalled. “And an unexpected invitation from the band to join them on stage brought the night to an unforgettable close.”

Final Reflections from the Couple

Looking back on their Guastavino’s wedding, Nick and Max are grateful for the support they received and the memories they created.

“We were lucky in that our wedding day truly felt perfect and exactly what we had hoped it would be. We are so grateful for everyone who helped to make it special.”

Their advice for couples planning their own weddings? “Start as early as you can, be clear about your vision, and spend the evening together so you have shared memories. And most importantly—don’t forget to have some fun!”

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Julian Ribinik Studios
Venue – Guastavino’s
Floral Design – Ol’Thorn
Live Music – Hank Lane Music
Videography – Fiore Films
Photo Booth – Social Glam Booth
AV + Event Support – Gala Productions

 

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