About Kirsten | Chicago Wedding & Elopement Photographer

I'M kirsten. a chicago based wedding & elopement photographer. I BELIEVE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOS SHOULD BE WORKS OF ART.

As a wedding photographer, my goal is to capture your story as it unfolds, creating a stunning visual narrative that you’ll cherish for years to come. I love being able to preserve a specific moment in time and telling that story for generations to come. It feels like an incredible honor to have that kind of trust, and I strive to uphold it every single time.

My style is best described as true to color and dramatic. I aim to capture real, authentic moments—the big ones and the quiet ones in between—while adding a touch of drama to make each image uniquely yours. My ideal clients are the kind of people who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty, kick off their shoes, and run through a flower field or hike up a hill to watch the sunrise together.


this is me irl on my way to shoot an elopement

OVER THE YEARS

2019

launching the dream

after almost 20 years of taking photos I finally made this little hobby legal and started paying taxes.

2021

first micro wedding

COVID really shook up how people chose to get married! this was my first micro wedding with less than 20 people. we had vaccine requirements, quarantined and tested to keep everyone safe!

2024

first national park elopement

i had the pleasure of officiating AND photographing a lakeside elopement in glacier national park! the trip was unbelievable and we made memories that I'll treasure forever!

2025

loving my job more than ever

this year i spent a lot of time as a lead photographer for a luxury wedding brand in chicago. while elopements have my heart being able to keep my creative juices flowing has been such a blessing!

FOR THE SKIMMERS

QUICK FACTS

COFFEE ORDER

cappuccino

Secret Talent

baking sourdough

I'd rather be

skiing

on my bucket list

sky diving

Perfect day includes

friends & family

Favorite Ice cream

strawberry

Favorite Place

mountains

obsessed with

birkenstocks

Guilty pleasure

leather bags

COFFEE ORDER

sugarfree redbull

secret talent

hand embroidery

I'd rather be

reading

on my bucket list

eating my way through japan

perfect day includes

friends & family

favorite ice cream

pb chocolate

favorite place

somewhere with mountains

obsessed with

giving back

guilty pleasure

napping

a few more things you should know

1.

I prefer quality over quantity

I try to stay under 15 weddings a year so that all of my couples get the best care and attention they deserve. I am only a one woman show and I like to provide a boutique experience. If you're looking for more support - I also work with Fox + Ivory who has the full studio experience. 

2.

community over competition

Chicago has a vibrant community of talented photographers, and I'm proud to call many of them friends. I believe in community over competition, and I’ve found that my unique perspective appeals to those who are a little "left of center." If you’re looking for a photographer who sees beyond the traditional and is excited to capture your one-of-a-kind story, you've found the right place.


3.

I thrive capturing the day as it happens but...

Watching you two in your element is my jam. But if I see a taco truck, I'm suggesting we get tacos. I'll always ask your comfort level and never put you in a position you don't want to be in!

bonus

fun fact

I got to celebrate my thirty-fifth birthday on a roadtrip to Glacier National Park, Banff and everywhere in-between for the most amazing elopement!

This is a picture of Moraine Lake the day before we left. We saved our hardest hike for this day and naturally it snowed non-stop!

couple dip kisses in front of chicago theatre sign after city hall elopement
late night flat lay showing cake and other assorted end of night wedding goodies

let's capture
your story

follow me...

Rielle + Thomas Sneak Peeks-13CMD_7684CMZ_7070-EditJE206761chicago wedding photos at The Carter-1The Engagement of Lauren + Will by Fox + Ivory-53_websizeCMZ_1992fox_and_ivory_kirsten_photographerThe Engagement of Nicole + Brendon by Fox + Ivory-84_websizeThe Engagement of Lauren + Will by Fox + Ivory-12_websizechicago wedding photos at Lacuna Lofts-7chicago wedding photos at Rockwell on the River-13chicago wedding photos at The Carter-36