Love stories from start to finish
Featured Chicago weddings
Kevin & Kayla
Carly & Will
Saly & Patrick
These featured galleries are real weddings photographed throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs — from iconic downtown venues to spaces like The Brix on the Fox and The Drake Hotel. Each one is presented in full. Not highlights or curated selections, but a complete, honest view of how a wedding day unfolds.
I approach wedding photography with a documentary perspective — guided by light, composition, and emotion. The work is modern and refined, yet grounded in what is real. What you’ll see across these galleries is consistency: how I move through a day, how moments build, and how each story is told from beginning to end.
These are real weddings, shared with intention. An invitation to slow down, to observe, and to experience the day as it naturally happened.
Real Moments
Chicago Weddings
Your wedding day deserves to be experienced, not directed. As your Chicago wedding photographer, I approach each celebration with calm, gentle guidance and a thoughtful presence — whether you're getting ready in downtown Chicago or saying your vows in a vineyard in a northwest suburb.
I capture real moments as they naturally unfold, creating images that feel effortless, emotional, and elevated — never forced, never over-directed, and always true to your experience.
Comfort & confidence
Chicago Engagements
Engagement sessions are a time to slow down and simply be together. Whether we’re walking along the lakefront at Milton Lee Olive Park or exploring quiet corners of Chicago, these sessions are centered on natural connection and presence.
With a calm, thoughtful approach, I document the in-between moments — the way you move together, the quiet pauses, and the energy that feels uniquely yours — creating images that feel natural, personal, and true to who you are as a couple.
the drake hotel, chicago
saly & patrick
Set in the heart of Chicago, Saly & Patrick’s wedding at The Drake Hotel — one of the city’s most iconic venues along the Magnificent Mile — was an unforgettable day and a meaningful milestone in my work.
the brix, on the fox, carpentersville
Carly & will
Set at The Brix on the Fox in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Carly & Will’s wedding was effortlessly stylish — filled with meaningful moments and modern, thoughtful details.
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Grand Geneva resort, geneva
kevin & kayla
Set at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Kevin & Kayla’s wedding felt like a refined destination celebration for many Chicago couples — effortless, emotional, and beautifully relaxed.
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Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend
Alexandria & Brandon
Brandon & Alexandria’s wedding at Morris Performing Arts Center, just a short drive from Chicago, was a beautiful blend of elegance, heartfelt moments, and effortless celebration.
The Barn & Vineyard, beecher
Morgan & Ryan
An effortlessly beautiful celebration — Morgan & Ryan’s wedding at The Barn & Vineyard, just outside Chicago, was full of connection, joy, and meaningful moments.
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Jen's guesthouse, willow springs,
Natnicha & John
Set at Jen's Guesthouse in the western suburbs of Chicago, Natnicha & John’s wedding was filled with quiet joy, heartfelt moments, and a deep, genuine connection.
Seamless • calm • supportive
A Modern, Timeless Approach to Wedding Photography
Your wedding day is meant to be experienced, not managed. The E&L Bridal Experience is intentionally designed to feel calm, supportive, and effortless — creating space for you to remain present as each moment naturally unfolds.
As a Chicago wedding photographer, my work is rooted in a refined, documentary perspective. I’m drawn to light as it naturally exists, to honest color, and to composition that feels both elevated and intuitive. The result is imagery that is modern and timeless — expressive without feeling overworked, and emotional without ever being forced.
My approach to wedding photography in Chicago is a balance of observation and gentle direction. I step in when needed to guide you into beautiful light or create space for connection, but I never interrupt what is already unfolding. The majority of the day is documented as it happens — the quiet, the energy, the in-between — with a steady, attentive presence.
I work comfortably across a wide range of Chicago wedding venues, from historic hotels like The Drake Hotel to modern spaces like The Brix on the Fox, and everything in between. Whether your celebration is in the heart of downtown or in a more private setting just outside the city, my approach remains consistent — adapting to the space while preserving the feeling of the day.
Beyond the images themselves, the experience is just as intentional. From the early stages of planning through the final moments of your wedding day, I offer thoughtful guidance, a calm presence, and an understanding of how to move through the day without adding pressure or distraction.
This is luxury wedding photography in its truest sense — not defined by excess, but by care, consistency, and the ability to create something meaningful without ever taking you out of the moment.
Wedding photography for couples who want to be fully present.
Your wedding photography experience begins with a thoughtful inquiry. Once I receive your message, I’ll personally reach out to confirm availability and share initial details. From there, we’ll schedule a quick phone call to connect, talk through your vision, and ensure we’re the right fit! This phone call is meant to feel relaxed and informative — a chance for you to ask questions, feel supported, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
1. Initial Inquiry
2. connection & booking
Once your date is secured, you’ll receive thoughtful guidance, curated resources, and a clear roadmap for what comes next so you can move forward feeling confident and supported. From planning touch points to helpful insights along the way, you’ll always know what to expect and have a steady presence to lean on as your wedding day takes shape.
3. Engagement Session
Your engagement session is a relaxed, meaningful experience designed to build comfort and trust. It’s a time to slow down, connect, and become familiar with being photographed — resulting in natural images and confidence going into your wedding day.
4. Wedding Day Preparation
As your wedding approaches, I’ll assist with timeline guidance, thoughtful planning details, and intentional preparation — ensuring your day flows smoothly and feels unhurried. We will schedule your final phone consultation about a month before.
5. Wedding Day
With calm direction and a steady, reassuring presence, your wedding day is documented as it happens — allowing you to stay fully present while every special moment is captured with care and experience.
engagements from $350
Weddings from $4200
Your investment in wedding photography is about more than coverage — it’s about trust, presence, and the quiet confidence of knowing your day is being documented with care. As a Chicago wedding photographer serving downtown, the suburbs, and beyond, I approach each celebration with intention — creating photographs that are meant to be lived with, revisited, and passed down over time.
These images become part of your family’s visual history. Their value deepens in the years that follow — not just in how they look, but in how they feel when you return to them. This is the foundation of a professional photography experience that is both personal and enduring.
I offer custom photography collections designed around the needs of each couple and the shape of their day. Rather than fitting your wedding into a predetermined structure, I take the time to understand what matters most — from the pace of your day to the moments you want preserved — and build an experience that reflects that.
From the early stages of planning through your wedding day, my role is to provide thoughtful guidance, a steady presence, and an approach that allows you to remain fully present. The experience is unhurried, supportive, and intentionally designed so that nothing feels forced or overlooked.
Wedding details & pricing
engagement sessions & Pricing
wedding collections
Engagement sessions are more than a collection of images — they are an opportunity to build comfort, confidence, and connection before the wedding day. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I approach each session with a calm, guided presence, creating space for you to simply be together while I document what unfolds naturally.
This is a professional photography experience designed to feel unhurried and thoughtful. I offer gentle direction when needed, but the focus remains on how you move, interact, and connect — resulting in images that feel effortless, personal, and true to you.
These photographs often become part of your everyday life — in your home, in albums, and in the small moments where you revisit this season. Over time, they hold more than just how things looked, but how it felt to be here together, before everything changed.
Choosing Lauren was the best decision we made. Her images are natural, beautiful, and tell our story so effortlessly. From our engagement session through the wedding day, she guided us with calm confidence, offering thoughtful advice far beyond photography. She was both discreet and ever-present, capturing every meaningful moment while making us feel completely supported. Even when rain threatened our day, Lauren’s creativity and reassurance resulted in photos we are absolutely in awe of. Receiving sneak peeks the night of our wedding was magical, and reliving the day through her images has been such a gift. We are endlessly grateful and couldn’t recommend E&L Photography more highly.
-Katie & Owen
From the planning stages to the big day itself, you went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. We truly appreciate the care and effort you put into your work. You were the best Chicago Wedding Photographer. Our photos are STUNNING! We cant wait to share these with our children some day.
-Morgan & Ryan
Lauren is hands down the best wedding photographer you can book! She was extremely helpful during the planning process always checking in to see if I needed anything or any recommendations. She is definitely the cheerleader you need during all the stressful planning. The day of my wedding Lauren was by my side the entire day getting all the shots I wanted and making sure I was okay and didn’t need anything. She made sure we were comfortable and had absolutely anything we needed the whole day. She was hands down the best photographer I could book for my wedding day.
-Colleen & Daniel
The one thing I wanted for my wedding photos was to remember the day as if it was yesterday and let me tell you, Lauren delivered plus more. She captured everything that I wanted! The communication is excellent! She goes above and beyond for her clients. If you need ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING (even a makeup artist) she will do her best to try and help you. Lauren is like a mini wedding coordinator on top of being an amazing photographer.
-Ali & Chris
From start to finish, Lauren made our experience with E&L Photography so incredible! Lauren was quick to respond from our initial inquiry for a wedding photographer. With the wedding package we chose, an engagement session was included! Having this engagement session and getting to meet and work with Lauren before our wedding day helped me put any anxiety regarding photography aside. We got to understand Lauren’s process and even practice a few poses to get comfortable in front of the camera prior to our wedding day!
-Emily & Chris
Words from Our Couples
Chicago wedding photography faqs
Q: How far in advance should we book our chicago wedding photographer?
A: Most couples reserve their date 9–18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons across Chicago. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure a fully supported, personalized experience, so earlier inquiries are always recommended.
Q: Have you photographed Chicago wedding venues before?
A: I’ve worked in a wide range of Chicago wedding venues, from historic hotels like The Drake Hotel to modern spaces such as The Brix on the Fox. That said, my approach is adaptable — I read light, energy, and space in real time, allowing me to create consistent, refined imagery in any setting.
Q: What makes the E&L experience different?
A: I go beyond simply documenting your day.
Our couples value a calm, guided, and intentional experience—from timeline planning to natural direction in front of the camera.
We anticipate moments, keep your day flowing smoothly, and create images that feel effortless, elevated, and true to you.
Q: How would you describe your photography style?
A: My work is light-filled, refined, and true-to-life with a focus on genuine emotion and natural connection.
I blend gentle direction with candid storytelling so your images feel both polished and authentic—never overly posed or forced.
Q: Do you photograph weddings outside of Chicago?
A: Absolutely. While I’m based in Chicago, I regularly photograph weddings throughout the surrounding suburbs and destinations beyond the city. Each location is approached with the same level of care, attention, and intention.
Q: what happens if you aren't able to make it to our big day?
A: While this is something I've never experienced, I believe in being fully prepared for any situation.
In the rare event that an emergency prevents me from attending, I have a trusted plan in place to ensure your day is still documented seamlessly. Your second photographer—who is already familiar with my approach and standards—would step into the lead role. In addition, I have a strong network of experienced, professional photographers I can call on to assist or step in if needed.
I remain involved behind the scenes to ensure your images are still edited and delivered in the E&L style you know and love.
Our priority is that you feel completely taken care of, no matter what.
Whether you’re just starting to plan or already deep into the details, this is the first step toward photography that allows you to be fully present. Please fill out the contact form with your details and all of the questions that you have for me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
