Photography rooted in love, memory, and the beautiful mess of life.

Northwest Illinois based wedding, elopement, and lifestyle photographer.

Nicole Kilday, Northwestern IL Wedding and Portrait 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

A man and a woman embrace on a beach, sitting on a large rock with the ocean waves in the background at sunset.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling as they walk outdoors on a sunny day. The bride is wearing a white lace dress and heels, holding a bouquet of white roses. The groom is dressed in black leather jacket, pants, and sunglasses. They are walking past a white building with red decorative trim.

What do you want to remember?

reasons to hire me

Testimonials
Dan & Breanne

“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.”

Taylor & Zach

“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!”

Erin & Justin

“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!”

Tori & Cory

“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 & Brett

“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.”

Elisa & Kevin

“I just looked at our photos from our wedding on November 23rd, and Kevin and I are STUNNED! Nicole… you blew us away! We loved working with you and we were so happy with every single picture!!! Is it acceptable to print every single picture and put it up around my house? BEYOND HAPPY!”

Lindsay & Connor

“I truly couldn’t be happier with our wedding photos! Nicole was FANTASTIC about scheduling and making sure our day was a breeze, all while capturing the most important moments! I could not recommend her more!!”

Molly & Peter

“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."

McHenry, IL family and newborn photography, welcoming the newest addition.
A bride and groom holding hands and dancing, with the bride smiling and the groom looking surprised, at a wedding reception inside a venue with brick walls and draped ceiling.

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!

Featured
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.

How to choose the ‘right fit’ photographer?

I understand that selecting a photographer is a big decision—and you deserve to make that choice with 100% confidence. Finding the right fit is about more than just style; it’s about trust, connection, and feeling truly seen. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to choose the photographer who aligns with your energy, values, and vision—so you can build your best-fit wedding day team, photography edition.

Follow along,

Like the Fourth of July 💥
Out of office 7.1-7.6.2025, be back soon 🫶🇺🇸 📷 @sbtribune - Michael Clubb
Forever & ever grateful for the humans my career & passion brings into my life 🥹
I blinked & it was 12 years later. I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing you while walking down the aisle - the nerves of all eyes on us dissipated & all of the sudden I was underwater. All I could see & hear was you. It was alwa
The weight of a tiny hand on your shoulder, the way a summer field smells just before sunset, the quiet giggle tucked into your neck, & summertime sunshine. #FamilyPhotographyIllinois #McHenryPhotographer #NostalgicPhotography #NicoleKildayPhoto
It’s not about the swing. It never was. We had one shopping trip—just the two of us—in six and a half months. Since baby brother arrived, our moments alone have been rare, quiet, golden. He picked out a swing that day, nestled betw
It’s 90° in Illinois today, and all I can think about is this. The sun-drenched skin, bare feet in the sand, wind-tangled hair, and that carefree kind of love that just feels like summer. No expectations, no perfect poses—just the k
For the 2026 wedding season, I’m heading in a new direction—one that honors not just my creative heartbeat, but yours too. Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of documenting love in all its forms, but this next chapter? It’s slower

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.

Nicole Kilday

Please be sure to add info.nkphoto@gmail.com to your email address contacts. 

If you don’t hear back from me within 72 hours, be sure to check your spam/junk folder. If you can’t find my response there, be sure to reach out via direct email.