Photography rooted in love, memory, and the beautiful mess of life.
Northwest Illinois based wedding, elopement, and lifestyle photographer.
Hi, I’m Nicole Kilday
I’m here to help you preserve your story, as you’ll remember it.
What does nostalgia mean to you? For some, it’s a road trip—wheat fields swaying as you fly down I-80, hand out the window, love beside you, the whole world cracked wide open. For others, it’s a quiet Sunday morning, sunlight spilling across the bed, little feet kicking under the covers, and the familiar, softened face of the person you’ve built a life with.
To me, nostalgia isn’t just about remembering a moment—it’s about reliving how it felt. The quiet magic in the in-between. The light. The laughter. The love that grows over time and across seasons.
That’s why I pick up my camera. Since 2016, I’ve had the joy of helping 100+ couples and 180+ families capture their most meaningful chapters—from "I do" to newborn toes and every milestone in between. My approach begins with friendship, wrapped in professionalism, and grounded in truth. I believe that real connection lays the groundwork for genuine storytelling. 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.
Whether I’m standing by your side on your wedding day, welcoming your newest love earthside, or simply witnessing the beautifully ordinary moments of your life—I’m here to celebrate with you, laugh with you, and hold space for your story. Based in Northwestern Illinois and serving the stories that bloom here and beyond, I’m honored to walk beside you—to capture what’s real, what’s fleeting, and what’s beautifully yours. To document those threads of nostalgia in real time, so you can return to them again and again—exactly as they were, and exactly as you’ll want to remember them.
Because 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 child curled into you without hesitation. The way the light held everything together.
Xoxo, Nicole Kilday
reasons to hire me
“Nicole, I just wanna start by saying thank you so much. Last night was easy and perfect and I am very thankful you photographed our special day. It means alot to us, and Breanne was beyond blown away by it. We will forever choose you to capture all of our lives future precious moments. Thank you again Cole, you are a truly amazing soul.”
+ Dan & Breanne, 2025
You want to relive & feel every moment from your best day ever.
You want to feel comfortable with your third wheel without fear of the camera.
“Your sneak peek blew me away. I literally cannot thank you enough for how perfect these turned out. You literally made this experience so fun, I keep telling people this is the first time I met her and it feels like I've known her forever.”
You love love my art and want it plastered all over your home of you and your loves.
Most importantly - you want a photographer that invests & understands your love.
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 artist. 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!
In the end, we all end up stories.
Your story deserves to be remembered.
In the end, we all end up stories. Your story deserves to be remembered.
Inquire
For magic
Yay! I’m so happy you’re here. Whether you’re here to find the photographer addition to your wedding day team or to invite me into your bubble with your loves by your side, I cannot wait to see the magic we create together.
