VICTORIA G
 PHOTOGRAPHY

I had photographed a wedding at Hale Farm once before, so getting the chance to come back again was incredible. There’s something so fun about returning to a venue already knowing some of its best little corners while still getting to see it completely differently through another couple’s wedding day.

As a Cleveland and Chicago wedding photographer, I’ve photographed both, and they each create completely different—but equally meaningful—moments. Your decision can also affect your wedding photography timeline, how much time you have for portraits, and how your cocktail hour flows.

There’s something about a summer wedding in the Illinois countryside that just feels like a movie—and Mark and Emma’s summer wedding at Northfork Farm in Oswego, Illinois absolutely delivered. Think dreamy countryside views, horses, breathtaking portraits underneath the willow tree, and a celebration that ended with the newlyweds quite literally jumping into a pool.

One of my favorite parts of portrait time is slowing everything down. Wedding days can fly by, and these moments give couples a chance to step away from the excitement, soak it all in, and simply enjoy being newly married together.

Nick and Natalie’s engagement session on a quiet Easter morning was one of those sessions that felt almost magical in its stillness. We met just before sunrise around Museum Campus and Soldier Field, when the city was still quiet and the lakefront felt like it belonged entirely to them.

What I loved most about this session was how effortless everything felt between them—no stiff posing, just the two of them existing in their own little world while the city moved around them. James and Prisca have such a calm, grounding energy together. You can tell how much they genuinely enjoy simply being in each other’s presence, and that always translates so beautifully in photos.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What gear do they use to make these beautiful, timeless images?”—this post is for you. I’m giving a little peek into my camera bag and sharing the tools that help me capture moments, emotions, and stories for my couples and clients!

Before you dive headfirst into planning spreadsheets and Pinterest boards, take a moment to simply enjoy being engaged. This season is short, sweet, and incredibly meaningful. That said, once the excitement settles, most couples find themselves asking the same question:“Okay… now what?”