imagery that evokes emotion

MY Philosophy.


We're going to do things a bit differently. This is all about you— this is about your story.

If you're looking for someone who will just take your pictures and scoot, then I am not the right photographer for you. Did I really just say that? You bet. There is intimacy behind every season of life. From finding the one who captivates your heart, mind and soul, to saying yes to your forever, you don't want to share these moments with just anyone.


My goal is to develop a deeper connection— this is just the start of a lasting relationship as you navigate your journey together. You shouldn't receive a gallery that feels like any Instagram post, I want to deliver art that you crave to frame and hang your wall.


So if you're looking for someone to provide you with a true bespoke experience all while generating out of the box ideas, then I am the girl for you.

love notes

love notes

RACHEL + STEPHEN

RACHEL + STEPHEN

Sami has captured so many treasured moments throughout our love story and I am forever grateful to the Lord for having our paths cross. She is a creative at heart. She understands the preciousness a single moment can hold and is able to freeze it in time so beautifully. We cherish each session with her and are forever grateful for her fun spirit and incredibly generous heart!

01 / 05
01 / 05

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 modern photographer— leaving out the cold forced poses to focus on the beauty of those authentic in-between moments. Seeking to document moments you want to relive forever.


A blurb about me— I was born again in 2015, I married the hottest human in 2017, gave birth to my beautiful boy in 2018, welcomed our darling daughter in 2021, and are currently awaiting the arrival of our new son. I love ocean waves, little feet, and anything with a motor.

pricing & Details

COLLECTION 01


This is my most exclusive collection, providing you with all the bests—proper time to capture your morning prep into dancing the night way, a second shooter to capture your day from multiple perspectives, authentic 35mm/120mm film is included to further intertwine emotive art, as well as a full engagement,ent session.


It is a huge benefit to both of us to meet in person before you say "I do". That's why I include an engagement sessions! This allows us to develop our connection on a deeper level. We will custom tailor your engagement session so that it is perfectly you— let's tell your story tried and true.


My goal is for each day to feel like I am documenting a close friend. Sending me text updates of bridesmaid colors, floral arrangements, and sending me an invite in the mail always fill my cup.I enjoy the entire creative process so please don't feel like you have to hold back!


COLLECTION 01


This is my most exclusive collection, providing you with all the bests—proper time to capture your morning prep into dancing the night way, a second shooter to capture your day from multiple perspectives, authentic 35mm/120mm film is included to further intertwine emotive art, as well as a full engagement,ent session.


It is a huge benefit to both of us to meet in person before you say "I do". That's why I include an engagement sessions! This allows us to develop our connection on a deeper level. We will custom tailor your engagement session so that it is perfectly you— let's tell your story tried and true.


My goal is for each day to feel like I am documenting a close friend. Sending me text updates of bridesmaid colors, floral arrangements, and sending me an invite in the mail always fill my cup.I enjoy the entire creative process so please don't feel like you have to hold back!


COLLECTION DETAILS

+ 10 hours of coverage

+ second photographer

+ authentic film upgrade INCLUDED

+ 1 hour engagement session

+ luxe client gift box

+ access to my wedding guide

+ photography timeline planning

+ variety of in color and in b&w

+ sneak peek gallery delivered with 48 hours

+ print rights

+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share

+ travel within the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford area included

starting at $8000
starting at $8000

Collection 01

COLLECTION 02


My most popular collection. You would be surprised how fast time flies when you're truly present and embrace the beauty of your love with your nearest and dearest. Having a second shooter is ideal for when the bride/groom are getting ready at different locations. This also provides another perspective of your day. We can work together on a day of timeline to make sure we have adequate time for all the formalities, plus time to just soak in the fleeting moments.


Upgrade with the authentic film option to add 35mm and 120mm film to tell your story from a deeper artist perspective!


COLLECTION 02


My most popular collection. You would be surprised how fast time flies when you're truly present and embrace the beauty of your love with your nearest and dearest. Having a second shooter is ideal for when the bride/groom are getting ready at different locations. This also provides another perspective of your day. We can work together on a day of timeline to make sure we have adequate time for all the formalities, plus time to just soak in the fleeting moments.


Upgrade with the authentic film option to add 35mm and 120mm film to tell your story from a deeper artist perspective!


COLLECTION DETAILS

+ 8 hours of coverage

+ second photographer

+ 1 hour engagement session

+ standard client gift box

+ photography timeline planning

+ access to my wedding guide

+ variety of in color and in b&w

+ sneak peek gallery delivered with 48 hours

+ print rights

+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share

+ travel within the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford area included

starting at $6000
starting at $6000

Collection 02

COLLECTION 03


Is the vibe of your day more relaxed, with everything taking place at the same location, and you're looking to keep the guest count down? This might be the collection for you. I typically recommend a second shooter if the bride/groom are getting ready at separate locations, if the guest count is more than 100, or if you have a very large wedding party. However if this isn't the vision you have for your day, then having me as the solo shooter is a perfect fit. You get all the benefits of the above collection, while saving a little extra to put towards another area of your day. Consider upgrading and adding authentic film to tell your story from another artistic perspective.


We will put in all the hard work ahead of time, so come the day of your wedding you'll be able to fully immerse yourself into the events as they unfold.


COLLECTION 03


Is the vibe of your day more relaxed, with everything taking place at the same location, and you're looking to keep the guest count down? This might be the collection for you. I typically recommend a second shooter if the bride/groom are getting ready at separate locations, if the guest count is more than 100, or if you have a very large wedding party. However if this isn't the vision you have for your day, then having me as the solo shooter is a perfect fit. You get all the benefits of the above collection, while saving a little extra to put towards another area of your day. Consider upgrading and adding authentic film to tell your story from another artistic perspective.


We will put in all the hard work ahead of time, so come the day of your wedding you'll be able to fully immerse yourself into the events as they unfold.


COLLECTION DETAILS

+ 8 hours of coverage

+ 1 hour engagement session

+ standard client gift box

+ photography timeline planning

+ access to my wedding guide

+ variety of in color and in b&w

+ sneak peek gallery delivered with 48 hours

+ print rights

+ private online gallery where you can download, order prints, and share

+ travel within the Chicago, Milwaukee, Rockford area included

starting at $5200
starting at $5200

Collection 03

A LA CARTE

AUTHENTIC FILM


Why invest in authentic film? Because it's something so unique and special. No amount of filters and digital grain can replicate it. It has so much character and emotion to offer. I have to intentionally think through each moment captured. All images are taken on 35mm or 120mm film cameras, professionally processed and then digitally scanned for easy image sharing. I have heavily turned to film to document my personal life and as an artist, I truly enjoy the slow analog process of film. With film being unpredictable in way, you can roughly expect around 10-15 additional images per hour of coverage.


*included in Collection 01*


starting at $700


ADDITIONAL HOURS


If you're looking for additional time for your engagement session or wedding day, then here you go! A longer engagement session allows for additional locations and outfit changes. Hourly rates for additional hours of coverage vary for the wedding day depending on the package booked. We can discuss this more during our video call to find the best fit for you!


p.s. additional hours means additional images!



starting at $650/hr


SUPER 8 VIDEO


Super 8 mm film is motion-picture film. While any technology that allows for visual storytelling should be embraced— nothing beats film. This includes approximately 100ft of super 8 footage (4ish minutes), artfully pieced together over music, professionally processed and color graded.


*can be added to any photo or video collection*



starting at $1500


MY PROCESS AND HOW IT WORKS

01


You've read my philosophy and reviewed the details, and believe we are a good fit for each other! We will schedule a FaceTime to "meet" and talk through a few details.

02


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


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


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.

HOW TO BOOK



I am so honored to be considered to document a part of your story. If you align with my philosophy and connect with my work then let's make it official.


After our FaceTime call we can both confirm we are a perfect match. A 50% non-refundable retainer fee and custom contract will then be sent to secure your wedding date. Once that's all locked in, the fun of planning your engagement session begins!


HOW TO BOOK



I am so honored to be considered to document a part of your story. If you align with my philosophy and connect with my work then let's make it official.


After our FaceTime call we can both confirm we are a perfect match. A 50% non-refundable retainer fee and custom contract will then be sent to secure your wedding date. Once that's all locked in, the fun of planning your engagement session begins!


The FAQ

Where are you based?

I am located in Crystal Lake, IL but I am often traveling to Chicago, MKE, and Madison. I have also been called to Las Vegas and Florida — I am always looking to explore more places!

Do you travel? Is there a fee?

Yes I travel! Travel is included as long at your wedding/engagement takes place within the Chicago, Rockford, Milwaukee radius. Anything outside of that with acquire a travel fee. This fee will vary depending on where you would like me to travel to! Sometimes I require flight/hotel accommodations depending on the circumstances. This is something we can discuss more!

Do you create custom packages?

You bet! If yon't see a collection that has what you're looking for, let's work together to tailor a package that fits your needs.

Do you pose us?

I thrive in an environment where I can truly connect with the couples presented to me. My goal is for this to feel more like friends hanging out, rather than a stranger pointing a camera at you. While I prefer to be a gentle observer, I will help direct you with actions and provide verbal cues, but I don't necessarily line you up and then say "say cheese". Unless it comes to formal family portraits, then yes I am happy to provide direction for how to line up.

How many photos do we get?

I guarantee a minimum of 60 photos per hour.

What's your turn around time?

Engagement sessions are delivered within 4-6 weeks. Weddings are delivered 6-8 weeks depending on the collection book and if authentic film/super 8 is included.

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.

A NOTE ON AVAILABILITY

I am beyond grateful you are here and interested in my work. 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 opportunities so that I can be fully present for each of my couples. Please note that I do book out pretty far in advance, 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 I look forward to potentially documenting your love story!