I believe your wedding day should be felt, not just photographed. Your experience with me begins long before the first look.
I pride my Bridal Experience in purposeful planning, thoughtful presence, and images that feel elegant, elevated, and true to you.
I have over a decade of experience capturing weddings in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. With an experienced eye and a calm, reassuring presence, I create space for you to be fully present in the moments that matter most.
Your Chicago Wedding & Portrait Photographer
I'm Lauren
am so excited you're here. My love for weddings began with my own experience planning and learning how it feels to want joy without overwhelm. That shaped the way I serve every couple: with a calm presence, thoughtful guidance, and a passion for capturing Chicago wedding photos exactly as they happen.
I
breathtaking • moments • captured
The E&L Bridal
Experience
Your wedding photography should feel effortless, refined, and fully taken care of.
From the moment you inquire to the final gallery delivery, my role is to guide you through a seamless, elevated experience—so you can stay present, confident, and focused on what matters most.
This is more than coverage.
It’s thoughtful direction, intentional planning, and imagery that reflects your story with honesty and artistry.
Designed for couples who value both beautiful imagery and a calm, well-supported wedding day.
When you work with E&L, you can expect:
Refined, natural direction
A guided, stress-free process
No stiff posing. No awkward moments. Just gentle guidance that results in images that feel like you—elevated, effortless, and genuine.
A calm, confident presence on your wedding day
We step in when needed, anticipate moments before they happen, and keep everything flowing smoothly behind the scenes.
Thoughtful storytelling
Every detail, emotion, and in-between moment is captured with intention—so your gallery feels cohesive, timeless, and complete.
For Couples Who Value Experience
From timeline creation to vendor coordination, I help you build a photography plan that allows your day to unfold naturally.
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
The luxe collection
-2nd Photographer
-10 Hours of Coverage
-Choice of Bridal Boudoir/Anniversary Session
- 8" 20 Page Leather Wedding Album
-Online Portrait Gallery
-Downloadable Images & Rights to Prints
-Personalized Blog Post
-48 Hour Sneak Peak
$5,400.00
Wedding
collections
the essential collection
The Classic collection
2nd Photographer
-8 Hours of Coverage
-Online Portrait Gallery
-Downloadable Images & Rights to Prints
-8" 10 Page Leather Highlight Album
-Personalized Blog Post
-48 Hour Sneak Peak
$4,800.00
-2nd Photographer
-6 Hours of Coverage
-Online Portrait Gallery
-Downloadable Images & Rights to Prints
-Personalized Blog Post
-48 Hour Sneak Peak
$4,200.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: Most of my couples book 9–15 months in advance, especially for peak wedding dates between May and October.
I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure a high-touch experience, so I recommend reaching out as soon as you have your venue secured.
Q: What is the average investment?
A: Most couples invest between $4,400 – $5,200 for a full wedding photography experience.
Every collection is designed to provide seamless coverage, thoughtful guidance, and a refined final gallery. Custom proposals are available to best fit your day.
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: What happens if something unexpected comes up on our wedding day?
A: You can fully trust that you’re in experienced hands.
I come prepared for the unexpected—whether that’s weather changes, timeline shifts, or lighting challenges. My role is to adapt quietly and confidently behind the scenes so your experience remains smooth and stress-free.
Q: Do you help with posing and direction throughout the day?
A: Yes—while also knowing when to step back.
I guide you during key moments (portraits, couple’s photos, etc.) while allowing space for genuine interactions to unfold naturally. This balance creates a gallery that feels both polished and authentic.
Q: Can we request specific photos or moments?
A: Of course.
I welcome your priorities and any meaningful details or relationships you’d like documented. I combine your vision with our experience to ensure nothing important is overlooked—while still allowing space for organic moments to unfold.
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.
Q: How do I book you for my wedding day?
A: Once you’re ready to move forward, a signed agreement and retainer officially reserve your date!
From there, we begin the planning process and I guide you every step of the way—so you can feel confident and fully taken care of.
More than photography
Inquire for Your Date
Availability is limited, and peak dates tend to book quickly.
If you’re looking for a photography experience that feels effortless, guided, and truly reflective of your story, you’re in the right place.
We would be honored to be part of your wedding day.
Long after your wedding day is over, your images will be what remain.
The way it felt.
The people who were there.
The moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
Our approach is rooted in preserving those memories with honesty and refinement—so when you look back years from now, you’re not just seeing your day… you’re feeling it all over again.
Let’s Begin
Let's Make It Official!
If my work resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out soon.
I intentionally accept a limited number of weddings each year, and dates tend to fill quickly.
Inquire to reserve your date and begin your custom photography experience.
Thank you!
I'll be in touch ASAP!
kyle & haley goldie
FOLLOW ALONG
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving pieces—and choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Our goal is to make this part feel easy.
From our first conversation to your final gallery, you’ll be guided, supported, and fully taken care of. We bring a calm, confident presence to every wedding day so you can stay present in each moment—knowing everything is being handled with intention and care.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s what we’re here for.