Nicole Kilday
Chicago NW Suburbs Based Wedding & Family Photographer
wedding and family photographer, Nicole Kilday
Most importantly, I don’t believe in surface level anything & I refuse to half-@$$ my connections with my couples and families. I hold your memories close; because I was present too & they simply matter far too much to be anything above the surface.
So yeah, the video didn’t exactly go as planned… but honestly, this is probably a more accurate representation of me anyway. Hopefully soon we’ll get to chat more and see if we’re a good fit (fingers crossed). But for now, I’ll leave you with this:
My promise? To show up fully for you, to create photographs that feel like home, and to leave you with imagery that grows more meaningful with time.
POV: trying to make an introduction vlog but instead ended up with a blooper reel.
So here’s the gist of what I was trying to say: Hi, I’m Nicole – a Hebron, IL based wedding and family photographer documenting love all over the US & beyond.
My style is loose documentary – a solid combo of documentary, editorial, and candid photography because no two couples or families are the same, my art shouldn’t be either.
You are my deepest inspiration & study-guide when I’m behind the camera – connection & transparency is important
Looking for a wedding photographer
Booking 2026 and 2027 Weddings Now
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The quiet magic of the in-between, the light, the laughter, the chaos, the soft grazes between, that seemingly go unnoticed if I wasn’t present with camera in hand. I’m here for the quiet observation & the loud love. When you pull out the photo albums 10, 20, 50 years from now, they’re what you’ll pass down, come back to when life moves too fast - remind you of who you are, how it felt, and just how deeply you loved in that season. They should feel like home and only get better with time.
Show up as your truest self—
I’ve saved you a spot at my table.
Photography has always been a generational gift—passed down and now woven into every story I get to tell. To me, it’s the marriage of art and connection. You’re never just another client—you’re part of the story I carry with me. The tiny details, the big moments, the in-betweens—I hold them close; because I was present too. It’s an honor and a privilege to take these memories and turn them into art that only grows more meaningful with time.
Nicole Kilday
Personality: Type C/Mom/Dog obsessed
My Style: Warm, True-to-life, Documentary, Editorial, Candid
The Energy: Authentic/Intentional
I’m All About Documenting The Way it Felt
"I have known Nicole for many years now and first and foremost, she is a beautiful person inside and out. Her kindness radiates in every room she is in! When my now husband and I got engaged back in 2023, there was not a doubt or question in my mind who I wanted as our wedding photographer; Nicole Kilday!!!!! Prior to getting engaged, I would be on Instagram and Facebook truly just waiting for new sets of wedding photos from her to be posted on her professional pages. The candidness and realness of her photos were beyond beautiful and awe-filled. I knew that when I looked back on my future wedding photos, I wanted them to be real life moments that I could go back in time and look at through photos, and truly remember exactly how it felt to be in that moment. To make a long point short, Nicole’s art is the epitome of life, love, candidness, and real moments captured. On top of allllll of that, being in Nicole’s presence truly gave me a sense of calm and reassurance. I remember being so unbelievably calm the morning of my wedding, and I truly think I have Nicole to thank for alot of that. Whether you have known her for years or you are meeting her for the first time on your wedding day, I guarantee she will make you feel like you have someone in your corner to guide you and support you in any way possible throughout your wedding planning journey and day. Nicole is truly one of a kind, and I don’t say that lightly. She is passionate about what she does, and it is undoubtedly evident through the beautiful work she creates."
Moira & Colton
"Nicole is the literal BEST there is. She does it all & has the best personality. She’s not only your photographer, she’s also your go to for a last minute grocery store run when you forget something on your big day, the one to find a whole new location for photos when your original is under a severe weather watch, & your hype woman no matter what. Her skills are top tier & there is truly no one like her. If you’re looking for a fun, on the dance floor & also crying with you photographer - she’s your girl. Cannot wait for her to capture more of our life’s memories!"
Samantha & Mitch
"Nicole shot our engagement photos in 2019, our wedding in 2020, my maternity photos in 2021, and our family pictures in 2022. Nicole is amazing in every session and season in life. She’s not only your insanely talented photographer but a therapist, a guide, a treasure in every step of your journey. She’s easy to get a long with, relatable and just a wonderful human in every way. We love her dearly and recommend her to everyone."
Carly & Matt
“We honestly can’t say enough good things about our wedding photographer. Believe it or not it was the first time I met Nicole and it felt like having a close friend around, not just someone there to take pictures. Nicole made being in front of the camera natural and fun. We were laughing, relaxed, and just genuinely happy. Of course our photos most definitely reflect that. Every moment she captured feels real, not staged, and looking back at them brings us right back to how the day felt.
If you’re looking for someone who’s not only talented but also a blast to be around on your big day, this is your person. We’re beyond grateful.”
Dan & Breanne
“Thank you so much for capturing every special moment on our wedding day. The day was so busy that if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t remember half of it! Beautifully done! I can’t stop looking at them!
And also, my whole family was talking about how great you were! My nana especially haha. You are so much more than a photographer! And anyone who gets the change to work with you will see that and appreciate it so much!”
Taylor & Zach
“Nicole I’m speechless and crying at your photos. They are so perfect. You absolutely nailed it. I have chills! I just wanted to tell you how much we love them and everyone keeps giving me compliments. They are honestly better than I could have imagined Nicole!”
Erin & Justin
“Nicole, I don’t even know where to begin. I am not a cryer, but I am crying at work. These are so beautiful, I can’t thank you enough. We picked the best team on the planet to capture our wedding!!! Again, thank you!!! If ANYONE asks for a recommendation, only your business will come out of my mouth. Even if people don’t ask for it, haha.”
Tori & Cory
“Nicole was amazing!!!! Her and her second photographer were sweet and helpful from start to finish of this process! She eased my nerves and truly had my back. She treated me as a friend instead of just another client and it meant the world!! She went above and beyond by making sure I had enough to eat and drink throughout the day as well! She made sure on our rainy wedding day to have umbrellas (I forgot them) in order to make sure pictures happened as they should! Not sure what I would have done without her! The photos turned out amazing and she took care of every little thing I had concerns about to truly make sure I was happy! If I had to do it again.. I’d book her no doubt! My husband and I both love her.”
Tory & Brett
“Nicole is a dream of a human to work with. She is easy going, intuitive, and truly an artist. I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to capture me and my man the way she did. 11/10 recommend."
Molly & Peter
I believe in being fully transparent with my couples—that’s why I’ve created a pricing guide that breaks everything down clearly (no hidden fees, no surprises). Pop your name and email below, and I’ll send the full guide straight to your inbox so you can dig in and decide if we’re the right fit.
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