Meet Nicole

Nicole Kilday is a professional wedding and portrait photographer prioritizing a friendship focused experience. She has a timeless, classic editing style and takes a guided documentary approach during her sessions and weddings. Based in Hebron, IL
A couple kissing in front of a red Dodge Challenger at sunset, engagement session, Evergreen Colorado
Two young boys lying on a swing, smiling and playing together. Lifestyle family photography in Hebron, IL.

Answers to Nicole, Cole, or Bill—Feral with a side of dog hair—Boy gang mom—Proud wife— Professional Photographer of all the joys & Crying is in my job description

Nicole Kilday is a professional wedding and portrait photographer prioritizing a friendship focused experience. She has a timeless, classic editing style and takes a guided documentary approach during her sessions and weddings. Based in Hebron, IL

My Story

Photography has been a generational gift. From birth to my chosen career, I’m not sure if I can remember a moment in life where a camera wasn’t present. My dad grew up with a homemade dark room in the basement, taking photographs with my grandfather and learning the ropes. I grew up with boxes of film camera gear; some, almost as old as my dad, while simultaneously sitting in his lap learning photoshop. We were a ‘never leave the camera behind’ sort of family.

Outside of my photography profession, I’m a full-time mom to my wild-childs Declan, Dayton and our furry German Shepherds, and wife to my amazing husband, Kyle. I’m a sucker for Sunday morning sunshine spilling in the windows while we’re all cozied up in bed, a fully packed house & messes made with love after a big family dinner, and the way a long road trip reminds you how soft the wheat fields look on a breezy day that you just want to take a nap in. Most days my mouth could make a sailor blush, but my eyes are never dry of empathetic tears on any given day. Cheese & German Shepherds are my love languages. 

Photography has been a way to bring my homemade happiness to life, while also feeding my obsessively nostalgic heart. Photography serves as a reminder of my purpose and the driving factor to remember all of life’s small & beautifully chaotic moments. What started out as a 2016 Christmas photo shared on Facebook, grew into this chosen passion career. So here I am, 8 years later (circa 2024) - thriving with my best friend by my side, creating purposeful art that echoes all of my clients' own memories. Forever grateful to my special someone in Heaven who shared his passion of photography with each generation. It led me to so much love & friendship.

A young man and woman holding hands at the beach, smiling and enjoying the sunny day near the shoreline during their engagement session at Marthas Vineyard, Boston Massachusetts.

My approach,

I understand selecting a photographer is a big decision, and believe you should be able to make that choice with 100% certainty. My job is for you to love your images and the experience—nothing less. If I don’t sound like a friend; or if my art doesn’t speak to you in more ways than just a pretty picture, that is OKAY.

When you feel seen and safe, your memories come alive in front of the lens—just as they were, and just as you’ll want to remember them. These images will last longer than our lifetime, and I want you to be able to trust your story will be told in their truest form. I want you to not only see, but feel your memories.

When the years pass, it won’t be about the perfect pose; it’ll be about the way your partner looked at you when they thought no one was watching. The way your littles curled into you without hesitation, & the way the light held everything together.

Four children, including a newborn, lying on a bed, cuddling, with one girl holding the newborn and others resting nearby during their in home newborn photography session in McHenry, IL.
A bride and groom holding hands and dancing at their wedding reception, smiling and celebrating during their grand entrance at The District in Richmond, IL

Love, on the blog & portfolio

YAY! You’re here! I do thing’s a little differently here. I want to be sure I’m guiding you in the best direction to finding your best fit photographer, no matter the memory you are hoping to preserve. The blog is the best place to begin! Here, you can find the finer details of what it’s like to work with me, planning/preparation pieces, photography session resources, and real love stories that unraveled in front of my camera. I want you to feel empowered and inspired when you begin your photography experience, so take a peek!

Featured
Emily & Cody, on the family farm

Emily & Cody • A Hot Summer Day at Grandma & Grandpa’s Farm

On a bright July afternoon in 2025, Emily and Cody kicked off their wedding at the heart of their family—Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in Southern Wisconsin. Against lush crops and under sun‑baked skies, their love unfolded in candid, heartfelt ways: quiet glances, playful hugs, and endless laughter echoing across the land with only their closest family and friends.

This wasn’t about posed perfection—it was their story, unscripted and real. As they wandered through corn and leaned into each other’s warmth, Nicole captured images that feel like soft whispers of nostalgia and belonging. This is what the ordinary, beautiful moments feel like.

Read on to see their full gallery.

Why am I a Photographer?

There’s a reason I always reach for my camera—and it’s not just about creating beautiful images. Photography is how I connect, how I remember, and how I help others feel seen. In this post, I’m sharing the heart behind what I do: the personal moments, the big questions, and why documenting real, unscripted stories means everything to me.

Walker Turns One, Family Session

This session was all about joy, movement, and connection. Walker’s first birthday gave us the perfect reason to slow down and savor this sweet season of family life—from baby curls to barefoot adventures and the way his parents looked at him with so much love. These are the kinds of moments that matter most.

I believe your family photos should feel like a reflection of you, and this session is a beautiful example of what unfolds when you show up just as you are—ready to play, laugh, and love out loud.