Northwest Illinois based wedding & lifestyle photographer that prioritizes the truth in your story.

Ready to preserve your memories?

Photography that preserves your love, family, & fleeting moments for the family archives

I document your marriage, memories, & the beautiful mess of the in-betweens, in Illinois and beyond

Summer Maternity Session, Bikini, Swimming, Retro
In Home Chicago Family Photography, Lifestyle Photography
Nicole Kilday, Professional Wedding and Portrait Photographer, Serving Northwest IL and beyond

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.

Nicole Kilday Photography, Marthas Vineyard Engagement Session, Beach Photography, Chicago Engagement Session, Beach Engagement Session

I might not be everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s more than okay.

Choosing a photographer is a big deal. I know it, and I don’t take that lightly. You deserve to feel 100% certain when you make that decision—whether that’s with me or not. My job? It’s not just to give you photos you love, but to make sure the entire experience feels just as meaningful. If my art doesn’t speak to you in more ways than just a pretty picture—or if I don’t feel like someone you’d grab a drink with—that’s okay. Truly.

Because the truth is, when you feel safe and seen, your memories come alive in front of the lens. Not stiff or overly posed, but honest and real—just as they were, and just as you’ll want to remember them. These photos will outlive us. I want you to not only see your story, but feel it again and again.

So how do you know if I’m the right fit for you?

  • You’re drawn to my work because something about it feels like you. You can already picture your love story told this way—hung on the walls, printed in albums, passed down through hands and hearts.

  • You’re the kind of person who’d rather dance barefoot in the grass than follow a shot list. The kind who’s not afraid to laugh mid-kiss, squeeze a little tighter, or whisper something silly that makes your partner crack up—especially with me third-wheeling along and cheering you on.

Photos shouldn’t feel like a production. They should feel like play. Like movement. Like letting your guard down and just being in it. That’s where the magic happens. And that’s exactly where I thrive.

So if you’re looking for someone to tell your story honestly, joyfully, and with heart—someone who’s gonna hype you up, capture the real stuff, and be in it with you every step of the way—I’m your girl. Let’s do this thing. It’s gonna be a blast.

“Every moment she captured feels real, not staged, and looking back at them brings us right back to how the day felt.”

“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

What are we documenting?

Newborn in home session, Mchenry IL, Lifestyle, In home

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!