Imagery that feels like home
Illinois and Wisconsin Wedding & Portrait Photographer
"She was everything we needed — our hype squad, our organizer, and even a shoulder to lean on when things got overwhelming.
The photographs she delivered are a perfect reflection of our day, capturing every emotion and moment we’ll cherish forever. Nicole will always hold a special place in our hearts for being such an unforgettable part of our wedding."
"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."
Northwest Illinois based wedding, elopement, and lifestyle photographer with a documentary led style—with warm, true-to-life edits; providing honest direction where it counts and an experience that prioritizes your truth.
“Every moment she captured feels real, not staged, and looking back at them brings us right back to how the day felt.”
Documentary Led, Candid, Motion, Authentic, True-to-life, Since 2016
Meet Nicole
I’m a slow Sunday morning enthusiast when my sleepy loves are all snuggled in bed (3 German Shepherds included). I’ll never say no to a dance opportunity or a jam session on a road trip. While my mouth could surely make a sailor blush, my heart demands that crying is in my job description—because I truly love what I do.
Photography has been a generational gift—from birth to my dreams. I’m not sure if I can remember a moment in life where a camera wasn’t present. The camera finds me when I need grounding.
To me, photography isn’t just about remembering a moment—it’s about reliving how it felt. The quiet magic of the in-between. The light. The laughter. The love that grows over time and across seasons.
That’s why I pick up my camera.
2025 Portrait Books Are Open / 2026 & 2027 Wedding & Elopement Books Are Open
"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