NAmed top 30 wedding photographers in the usa
BY WED VIBES
imagery that evokes emotion
the Philosophy.
Your day is more than just a pose. A wedding is full of life and love, a weekend dedicated to celebrating two stories melting into one.
Documentary wedding style photography isn't a style being applied to your photos in post processing, it's a whole mindset. Images that come to mind when describing this style are candid, joyful, emotional, elements of storytelling, with moments being genuine and unscripted. Everly Collective was founded with the intent to create emotional elicitation through artful documentation. Inspired by light, movement, emotion, and love. You shouldn't receive a gallery that feels like any old Instagram post, we want to deliver art that you crave to frame and hang your walls.
So, if you value the honest nature of a photojournalistic approach with an editorial feel, this is the route for you.
a love note
THE EVERLY COLLECTIVE ASSOCIATE PROGRAM
I have associates who shoot weddings on my behalf when I am booked or unavailable. It’s a great way to still get the EC experience, especially if you are being mindful of your budget. My associates will photograph the wedding day but I, Sami, do all the communication, planning, and photo editing so you still get the Everly Collective look and feel along the way. The EC associate program contains a small, talented team of professional photographers who I have personally worked with on:
- techniques and process
- locations, lighting and backdrops
- shooting techniques
Having a documentary approach to the day isn't something you can directly train, as I have mentioned, it is a mindset. That being said, I only hire photographers who I believe have the same creative mindset about a wedding day.
When you choose you hire an EC associate for your wedding, you can rest assured that you are going to receive a similar gallery to my own work, and also an extremely comparable experience along the way.
HI, I'M SAMI
nice to meet you.
I am passionate about storytelling through images that elicit an emotional response. I consider myself to be a artful documentary photographer— leaving out the cold forced poses, to focus on the beauty of those authentic in-between moments. I combine both digital and film, to produce modern storytelling for nostalgic hearts.
A blurb about me— I was born again in 2015, I married my favorite human in 2017, gave birth to my beautiful boy in 2018, welcomed our darling daughter in 2021, and joyfully brought into the world our second son last June. I love ocean waves, little feet, and anything with a motor.
MEET OUR TEAM
FAQ
How long have the associates been working with me?
I met Krysta and Syd in 2020 and have been working with them since. From styled shoots, to second shooting, to associate shooting we've come to work together quite seamlessly, delivering clients the best experience!
Anna is a recent addition to the EC family and we are so thrilled to have her here. We've grown to know each other well over the last year. Her "why" and eye for the day parallel the EC philosophy.
What made you hire them as an associate? Why are they a good fit for my team?
I am fortunate to work with these amazing women who have a very similar approach and philosophy to the wedding day as me, Sami. Because of this, I haven't needed to "train" them since they are naturally what I need them be. Krysta has second shot for me for many, many weddings and really understands how to storytelling in an artful manor. Sydney has such a creative eye and knows how to help navigate the day when needed and also when to sit back and let things unfold. Anna has such a passion for her art and the people brought before her, this is something that can't be learned, it just is who she is. Before the wedding day I work closely with them on the back end to specify key details. We share inspiration pictures and creative ideas and walk through the timeline/all important aspects of the day.
Can I see an example gallery shot by them?
Of course! I would be happy to share a gallery with you. Just reach out and request to see one and I can send you a link to view a full wedding day.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH AN ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER?
My associate photographers often work closing with me. Over the years I've worked with them how to navigate the day and what kind of backdrops to use in order to get images that look and feel true to my own style. Krysta, Sydney, and Anna shoot digital mirrorless cameras and film just like me. Additionally, I offer discounts for hiring my associates in my place. Therefore, you can get the experience, images, and editing style of me at a lower price.
WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS TO WORKING WITH AN ASSOCIATE PHOTOGRAPHER?
The experience of working with an associate photographer can often feel slightly less personal. While I'll be the one doing all the communication, I am not the one there on the actual day of your shoot. Therefore, the process can feel more transactional. Also, photography is an artistic, subjective activity. Despite me working closing with both gurls, an associate is a unique human being with a unique personality, so no one can exactly replicate someone else’s experience.
pricing & Details
COLLECTION DETAILS
+ 10 hours of wedding day coverage
+ second photographer
+ client gift box
+ album design assistance
+ access to wedding guide
+ photography timeline planning
+ variety of in color and in b&w
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share
+ travel within IL, WI, MN, MI, IN, TN, and NC included!
Collection 01
COLLECTION DETAILS
+ 9 hours of coverage
+ second shooter
+ client gift box
+ album design assistance
+ access to wedding guide
+ photography timeline planning
+ variety of in color and in b&w
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share
+ travel within IL, WI, MN, MI, IN, TN, and NC included!
Collection 02
COLLECTION DETAILS
+ 8 hours of coverage
+ second photographer
+ client gift box
+ album design assistance
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to my wedding guide
+ variety of in color and in b&w
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share
+ travel within IL, WI, MN, MI, IN, TN, and NC included!
Collection 03
COLLECTION DETAILS
+ 8 hours of coverage
+ client gift box
+ album design assistance
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to my wedding guide
+ variety of in color and in b&w
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share
+ travel within IL, WI, MN, MI, IN, TN, and NC included!
Collection 04
COMPARE COLLECTIONS
COLLECTION 01
+ 10 hours of coverage
+ second shooter
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to wedding guide
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery
+ album design assistance
+ client gift box
starting at
$7,000
COLLECTION 02
+ 9 hours of coverage
+ second shooter
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to wedding guide
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery
+ album design assistance
+ client gift box
starting at
$6,300
COLLECTION 03
+ 8 hours of coverage
+ second shooter
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to wedding guide
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery
+ album design assistance
+ client gift box
starting at
$5,600
COLLECTION 04
+ 8 hours of coverage
+ photography timeline planning
+ access to wedding guide
+ sneak peek gallery
+ print rights
+ private online gallery
+ album design assistance
+ client gift box
starting at
$4,800
SAMPLE TIMELINES
ten hour
12:00pm — Photography coverage begins / Getting ready details
1:00pm — Hair and makeup complete
1:15pm — Get dress on
1:30pm — Couple 'first look' and portraits
2:00pm — Wedding party photos
3:00pm — Family Photos
4:00pm — Family photos finish, couple into hiding for guest arrival
4:30pm — Ceremony Begins
5:00pm — Cocktail Hour Begins
6:00pm — Ask guests to be seated for dinner
6:15pm — Grand Entrance and Cake Cutting
6:30pm — Dinner Service Begins
7:00pm — Speeches
8:00pm — First dances
8:30pm — Dance floor opens
9:00pm — Bride's outfit change
9:45pm — Sparkler exit
10:00pm — Photography coverage ends
11:00 — Reception finishes
eight hour
12:30pm — Photography coverage begins / Getting ready details
1:30pm — Hair and makeup complete
1:45pm — Bride into dress
2:00pm — Couple 'first look' and portraits
2:30pm — Wedding party photos
3:15pm — Family photographs
4:00pm — Family photos finish, couple into hiding for guest arrival
4:30pm — Ceremony begins
5:00pm — Cocktail hour
6:00pm — Ask guests to be seated for dinner
6:15 — Grand Entrance and Cake Cutting
6:30pm — Dinner Service Begins
7:00pm — Speeches
7:30pm — First dances
8:00 — Dance floor opens
8:30pm — Photography coverage ends
10:00pm — Reception finishes
A LA CARTE
THE PROCESS AND HOW IT WORKS
01 | Discovery Call
You've read the philosophy, reviewed the details, and believe my team is the right fit for you! We will schedule a discovery call to talk through what your hopes are in the photography experience and ask any questions you have about the process.
02 | Sign & Seal
We make it official! We will work together to choose the best collection for you then I will send over access to your client portal. Within the portal you will be able to sign your contract, pay your invoice, and access my EC Wedding Guide.
03 | Coordination
We will work together to finalize all the little details of your day. I have a questionnaire within your client portal that you can update as you go. I am always here to help with ideas, location scouting, or even offer vendor recommendations.
04 | Wedding Day
It's wedding day! Come ready to be open and vulnerable. We've put in all the scheduling work ahead of time so day of place no expectations and just let everything unfold as it is organically presented to us.
05 | Sneak Peeks
You will receive a sneak peek gallery a few days post your wedding day that you'l be able to share easily with friends, family, and vendors if you so choose.
06 | Gallery Delivery
After your wedding, I will spend my time deliberately going through each image taken through out the day and hand editing each magical moment. You will receive your final gallery within 10 weeks after your wedding day. Through this gallery you will be able to purchase a variety of print options, as well as design and create your wedding album!
A NOTE ON AVAILABILITY
I am beyond grateful you are here and interested in working together. If you still have questions before taking the next step, please don't hesitate to reach out, I am here to help! I only take on limited and select associate opportunities. Please note that I do get multiple inquires for dates and so do Krysta/Sydney/Anna, so it's best to get in touch with me sooner, rather than later, to avoid any disappointment.
Thanks so much for reaching out and we look forward to potentially documenting your love story!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I pick my associate?
In short, no. I base who will cover your wedding on location and availability. I will however let you know who is covering your wedding and we will do a video call so you can "meet" before your wedding day!
Where are you based?
We are located in the Chicagoland, Southern WI, and Eastern MN area —serving all over the Midwest. We have also been called to Nevada, California, Florida, and Mexico.
Do you travel? Is there a fee?
Yes we travel! Travel is included as long at your wedding takes place within the IL, WI, MN, MI, IN, TN, or NC. Anything outside of that will acquire a travel fee. Engagement must take place within the Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee radius or a travel fee may apply. This fee will vary depending on where you would like me to travel to! Sometimes we require flight/hotel accommodations depending on the circumstances. This is something we can discuss more!
Do you create custom packages?
You bet! If don't see a collection that has what you're looking for, let's work together to tailor a package that fits your needs. For example, we can have a second shooter for just part of the day to save a little $.
Do you pose us?
While we prefer to capture moments as they are presented to us, we can help direct you with actions and provide verbal cues, but don't necessarily line you up and then yell "say cheese". Except when it comes to formal family and formal bride/groom portraits, then we are happy to provide direction.
How many photos do we get?
I guarantee a minimum of 75 photos per hour.
What's your turn around time?
Engagement sessions are delivered within 6 weeks. Weddings are delivered within 10 weeks depending on the collection book.
How do we get our photos?
You will receive all of your photos through a private, online gallery. Your gallery is emailed to you and images are easy to download and share!
Can you help us with planning/conceptualization?
Of course! If you have a base concept for the kind of vibe you are going for, we can work together to create a Pinterest board of ideas. I am also happy to recommend any locations or vendors needed — bridal shop, florist, hair and makeup etc. I love to get creative so please don't feel like you have to hold back!
What is your cancelation/reschedule policy?
I get it, uncontrollable things come up, life happens. I am happy to accommodate one reschedule date. We would work together to confirm a new date. After that you may be subject to booking my current rate of the rebooking time. If you need to cancel our time completely, while there is a non-refundable retainer, you would be released from the remainder of your contracted amount upon receiving your signed cancelation contract.
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