Candid, Editorial Imagery for Modern Romantics.
chicago wedding & elopement photographer
These are the moments when everyone you love is gathered in one place — laughter spilling through the room, the night stretching on, time somehow standing still and moving all at once. Every part of your day becomes a piece of the story. That's what I love most about capturing celebrations like yours — whether it's an intimate wedding in Chicago, saying "I do" at a Spanish-inspired venue in Arizona, or eloping quietly at a Michigan vineyard.
the best weddings aren’t about size—
ELENA
capturing the moments you can't recreate
BASED IN CHICAGO
A Chicago wedding and elopement photographer focused on your people and the emotions that fill your day — because they're what make it unforgettable. The details matter too — the ones that quietly fill in the story and make your day uniquely yours: the candlelight flickering through dinner, the florals that tie everything together, the way your dress moves as you walk toward the person you love.
The quiet glances. The way your parents hold each other during a slow dance. The toast that leaves everyone in tears. The moment your mom hears you say, "I do."
All love is welcome here. I'm honored to be invited into your biggest moments — and everything in between.
INVESTMENT STARTS AT $5900 for full day coverage
Whether you're planning something intimate or a full day of celebration, I'm with you every step of the way — from your first inquiry to your final gallery. We'll build a photography timeline together, collaborate with your planner and vendor team, so you can let go of the logistics and just be present. Because the experience should feel just as meaningful as the photos.
WEDDINGS
Average investment $2900-$3900
Whether you're planning a few intentional hours or a full day just for the two of you, my approach stays the same — calm, unhurried, and centered on your connection. From the moment you reach out, I want the process to feel as easy and personal as the day itself.
I'll be there to help with location ideas, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations, and anything else you need to bring your vision to life — working alongside your planner or vendor team every step of the way. You won't navigate any of it alone.
elopements + micro wedding
INVESTMENT STARTS AT $1500
Whether you're keeping things simple with just the two of you or celebrating with a few loved ones afterward, my approach stays the same: calm, thoughtful, and centered on connection. You'll never feel rushed or like you're navigating things alone. I'll share everything you need — from step-by-step guidance on the City Hall process, to the best nearby spots for portraits or a celebratory toast.
And if you have a planner or vendors involved, I'm happy to coordinate with them too. Together, we'll create a plan that feels easy, intentional, and completely true to you.
city hall
INVESTMENT STARTS AT $590
Whether we’re exploring your favorite neighborhood, slipping into a cozy bar, or catching the last bit of evening light along the lake, my approach stays the same: calm, thoughtful, and centered on how you naturally move together. From the moment you inquire, my goal is to make this experience feel easy, personal, and enjoyable — a space where you can simply show up as yourselves.
engagements
rachel & Charlie | 2025
"Elena is the type of person you click with instantly — like you’ve been friends for years. She brought my Pinterest board to life through our wedding photos, and I couldn’t be more grateful. We went into our civil ceremony feeling completely unsure, and she guided us seamlessly through every step"
amanda & Nick | 2025
"Thank you so much for our wedding photos. They are truly phenomenal — you captured our day so beautifully. Going back through the gallery feels like we’re reliving it all over again, which was exactly what we were hoping for."
nila & mike | 2025
"The perfect balance of editorial and candid — every photo feels chic, effortless, and completely authentic to us. From start to finish, her communication was seamless. She brought a calm, organized presence to the day and truly understood our vision. We felt supported, seen, and completely at ease."
hanna & JOSH| 2026
"Elena photographed both our engagement session and wedding day, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results. Every single image is so beautiful that choosing which ones to print for our home has become a wonderfully difficult decision!
She has a true gift for capturing genuine emotion and finding creative shots that feel completely natural. Looking back at our photos, we can relive every bit of love we felt on the most special day of our lives.
If you're looking for a photographer for your wedding or couples session — book Elena. You will not regret it."
elva & ben | 2024 +2025
"Working with Elena has been an absolute joy — she's talented, fun, and enthusiastic, while also being wonderfully patient and communicative, making every experience feel effortless. She perfectly captured our city elopement, beautifully photographing not just the love between my husband and I, but our son as well — photos I will cherish forever. She exceeded my expectations the first time, and when we returned to celebrate our one-year anniversary, she exceeded them all over again. Elena is truly exceptional, and I cannot recommend her enough!"
I believe in quality over quantity, but I also don’t set a limit on how many images you’ll receive. What matters most to me is that your gallery feels like your day—authentic, real, and full of the moments that tell your story.
how many photos do we receive?
I'm a Sony girly so all my camera gear is Sony (minus my point & old school film camera; those are Canon!). My cameras have dual camera card slots to ensure the safety of your images. I also have backup lenses as well.
I have liability insurance as well in cases that is needed for any of your vendors
Do you have insurance?
what equipment do you use?
Yes! I primarily shoot digital, but I have a background in film — I learned to shoot and develop it myself back in high school. These days I shoot for fun using a Canon EOS Rebel S 35mm, and i offer it as an add-on to digital coverage.
Because I'm still refining my film process, the add-on rate is lower than most - a great option for couples who love that nostalgic, imperfect look. Film images are scanned and delivered as digital files in your final gallery, intentionally chosen and edited with the same care as everything else.
do you shoot film & digital?
I believe in quality over quantity, but I also don’t set a limit on how many images you’ll receive. What matters most to me is that your gallery feels like your day—authentic, real, and full of the moments that tell your story.
how many photos do we receive?
No I do not under any circumstances as they do not represent or reflect my business or my work.
do you provide unedited/raw images?
Yes, I do! Whether you’re tying the knot locally or across the country, I’m happy to travel.
To keep things simple, I build any necessary travel costs directly into your custom proposal—so there are no hidden fees or extra steps on your end. If your celebration requires airfare, lodging, or extended travel, those details are handled case-by-case and included upfront so you know exactly what to expect. I’ll take care of all the arrangements and bundle everything into one seamless collection.
For example: Travel from Chicago to Boston typically averages around $1,500—including round-trip airfare, lodging, ground transportation, airport parking, and a checked bag.
