The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Sterling, IL

The Best Photojournalistic Wedding Photographers in Sterling, IL

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148 Wedding Photographers in Sterling, IL

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Erik Anderson - Photography, LLC. 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I'm a 34-year-old husband to Samantha, our son Silas, our soon-to-be daughter Fiona, and our wiggler companion Moxie. I've been a wedding photographer for 11 years, having photographed over 300 weddings and countless other sessions! My hobby is also my job, and you bet my wife loves that, haha. I am also a stay-at-home dad, a philatelist, a Lego freak, and a craft beer nerd, and we have an orange fridge, haha.

Awarded Best of Zola
The quality of Erik's work as a photographer is unparalleled. He truly captured the "light, bright, airy" aesthetic that I loved when I first started researching different styles. He is highly detailed oriented which is a must for somebody like me who really notices all the little details. He went above and beyond by traveling to our engagement shooting location all the way in Madison, WI! When it came to shooting the big day, Erik orchestrated everything perfectly including calming me down during a stressful moment, making us all laugh, and capturing all the "good angles". From the first few photos I received, his work made me feel absolutely beautiful. When I shared with others, the first thing they commented was: "Wow, Your photographer KILLED it with the wedding photos!" Extremely high quality editing....Erik is worth every penny and I would highly recommend him to anyone!
Hannah S., 3 months ago
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Erin Henze Media 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $800
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Hi, I’m Erin! In my free time you might find me reading a good book, going for a quick run, planning a trip or spending time with my friends and family. And, most of all, I love using my camera to capture the beauty of people and the world that we live in. I am deeply devoted to documenting all of the memories, moments and feelings that you deserve to have stored forever. There is so much power in visual storytelling, and I would love for the opportunity to help you tell yours! Whatever the occasion- from wedding celebrations & family photos to senior portraits and birthday parties- I’m here to capture it all.

Awarded Best of Zola
Erin is my go to 2nd shooter and would be my main shooter if I needed her to be! She is easy to work with, always has a smile on her face, and produces beautiful and quality work!! Definitely hire her as your photographer (vendor or couple) you will not regret it! She is amazing at light & airy and will deliver a gorgeous and affordable wedding album!
Brittany M., 7 months ago
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Chrissy Deming Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,500
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I'm Chrissy and I'm a documentary wedding photographer with 10+ years of experience who fully believes that your life deserves to be documented truthfully. My focus at your wedding isn't to steal you away from your family and friends for hours to make "art," but to empathically capture the moments and relationships present at your wedding. Your wedding photos are the single most important wedding investment you'll make. After the day is done and over, they will be what tethers you to your memories of your day. They will be the heirlooms you'll pass down to your grandchildren to hang on walls and sit on bedsides for generations to come.

We loved Chrissy! She was fun and easy to work with, and I loved that she provided color and black/white photos. She did everything on our list, and listened to our ideas as well. Nothing felt forced or over-posed, but she was great at guiding next moves when needed. Will definitely use again for future photos.
Eline O., 2 years ago
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Sound Originals Photo & Video 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,800
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Sound Originals Photo & Video is a team of EMMY award winning storytellers. Our photography and videography packages are tailored to you, customizable and perfect for every wedding. We offer engagement photography, wedding photos, highlight films, wedding coverage and more.

Awarded Best of Zola
We had a wonderful experience working with Sound Originals for our wedding photographer vendor. Our photographer did such an amazing job, he took so many beautiful photos, it's difficult to pick our favorite, lol. Which, is definitely the kind of problem you want to have. The entire process was so easy, it really removed a huge stressor from planning/the wedding day. We had so much fun working with Steve. I highly recommend Sound Originals for wedding photography needs!
Bobbilyann C., 7 months ago
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Once Like a Spark Wedding Co. 

4.9

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,845
  • Serves Sterling, IL

More than a decade ago, two sisters - knew there had to be a better way to allow talented photographers and videographers to focus on what they do best -- create gorgeous art -- while providing couples with better support in the planning process. Together, they created an all-inclusive, stress-free environment where couples can choose from talented local photographers and videographers and work with a small team of planning experts equipped and eager to make everything a success. With the pressure gone, you can truly enjoy your big day. Relax and rest assured that all the emotional and moments will be documented with unmatched quality.

We were so pleased with OLAS and glad we hired them for our wedding. By far one of the easiest vendors we worked with. They were prepared, communicative, and always available for questions. We were impressed from the beginning with their clear communication and responsiveness and we stay impressed after seeing the end result. We hired OLAS for photography and videography. Both did an amazing job and we were so happy with the results. OLAS also took the time to understand our needs and the unique cultural components of our ceremony (Indian Catholic ceremony) that needed attention. Highly recommend this company for your wedding. We were also so happy with the video quality - it was like watching a movie!
Jamie J., 2 months ago
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Albany Capture Film & Photography Studios 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

I'm Pedro, the Creative Director of Albany Capture. With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in capturing love stories through a blend of photojournalism and artistry. Weddings are not just events—they’re a celebration of connection, and I’m dedicated to preserving those moments for you to relive for years to come.

Awarded Best of Zola
Pedro was awesome! We were looking for a local (in Chicago) photographer, and found the perfect one. He was super easy to work with, and took amazing pictures. Our initial meeting was via Zoom, which made working it around our schedule super easy. He was extremely responsive to all of my emails, and even was workable with our budget and what we wanted to accomplish with photography. I love his ability to take un-staged, in the moment photos as well as great family photos. He went above and beyond for us, and we are grateful for so many amazing photos to choose from. I would definitely hire him again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie D., 6 months ago
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PictureMeThisByLacie 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I have been a wedding photographer for over for over a decade. A few years ago my husband quit his job to work with me full time so we come as a photo team! Just like you, we have felt awkward in front of the camera. I’ve had photos taken of me that I didn’t like. When you go on a session with me, I will not only make you feel comfortable, but I will make sure you look good! I will give you prompts to keep you moving and laughing. I’m sorry but there are some angles, and poses that are not flattering for everyone. Like, please don’t take a photo of me from below! Hello double chin! What I’m saying is, We Got You!

Awarded Best of Zola
PictureMeThisByLacie was one of the best decisions we made throughout the wedding process. Lacie was amazing to work with the entire time. She was easy to communicate with and kept us updated on our photo timelines, not to mention all of our photos turned about AMAZING. Our package included an engagement session and Lacie worked out a weekend she was already in Chicago to accommodate us. Leading up to our session, we had issues with controlled fires and protests in our preferred location, but Lacie found us a spot that blew my expectations for photos out of the water. She gave us a sneak peak and also got our pictures back to us super quick. On our big day, Lacie and Tim(her husband/second photographer) were the best to work with. They made us feel comfortable and captured our day better than we could have imagined. As soon as they got there, they got straight to work. Lacie got all the details and getting ready photos that I will cherish forever. Things were running behind the day of and they let us add on an hour to our contract the day of and pay at a later date. This ensured that we got dance floor photos and it was so worth it! Specifically getting pictures of my husband's grandmother in her 80s dancing with all her grandkids. We received a sneak peak very quickly and our whole (massive) gallery less than 2 months after the wedding. For as many photos as we got, this was a crazy quick turn around. Overall, PictureMeThisByLacie captured our day better than we could have ever imagined, we could not recommend them more!
Kaelin W., 4 months ago
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The Still Life Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Jay & Nicole Vega decided to pursue a career together in the art of Photography. Met & married in Chicago in 2013, two people set out on a business venture of a lifetime. While Nicole is the main photographer of the company, we have also expanded and hired reliable, talented photographers to work along side with us, while still maintaining a small business feel.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment I inquired, The Still Life Photography was an absolute pleasure to work with. Even though Nicole, the lead photographer, was based in a different time zone, her communication was best-in-class. She was incredibly responsive and helpful every step of the way, from our initial conversations to the delivery of our stunning photo gallery. Nicole's work was absolutely breathtaking, and I still fawn over my pictures every time I look at them! She was truly so amazing and went above and beyond to capture all the special moments of our wedding day. I cannot recommend The Still Life Photography highly enough - they were an integral part of making our wedding day perfect.
Mary C., 3 months ago
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Ledd Lens LLC, Photo and Film 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Sterling, IL

We are team of traveling wedding photographers and videographers. For 2024, we have 120+ weddings booked in 34 different states. Our shooting style is photojournalistic, natural, CINEMATIC to traditional. Our editing and style depends. Very easygoing and flexible depending on the client's preference. Our team is dedicated in delivering memories.

Awarded Best of Zola
Ledd Lens LLC provided exceptional photography and videography services for our wedding. From start to finish, their communication was clear, prompt, and stress-free. On the big day, the photographers and videographers blended seamlessly to capture all of the special moments without ever feeling intrusive. The end result is a gorgeous collection of photos and a wedding video that far exceeded our expectations in capturing the joy and love of our special day. We couldn't recommend Ledd Lens more highly for any couple looking to preserve beautiful memories of their wedding through top-notch photography and videography.
Lisset M., 8 months ago
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Heather Christine Photo + Film 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $3,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

Hiii! I'm Heather Schoolcraft - owner & CEO! I'm a small town gal from WV who LOVES traveling and pops of color. I've designed my entire company around creating authentic + magical love stories. I have an associate team specifically trained to go and take on more couples! The only thing that's different on your wedding day is you see a different face! On your wedding day, our goal is to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, and to focus on the raw + real moments on your day. Don't settle for less because you have to. Let ME help you get the photos + video that you've always dreamed of.

Awarded Best of Zola
Heather is not only an amazing photographer, but an amazing person as well. She is thorough, kind and so professional. Her energy brings such a calmness to your wedding day and she’s always willing to give her expertise. I can’t recommend Heather enough! My wife and I are obsessed with our wedding pictures.
Olivia, 10 months ago
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JZ Studio Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,750
  • Serves Sterling, IL

JZ Studio Photography is a wedding and Portrait photography company based in Chicago, that services Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit and anywhere our couples may take us within US and Canada. At JZ Studio Photography, the team will create an amazing photographic experience for you on your wedding day, by capturing all of the most intimate and romantic moments through their camera lenses from beginning to end and compile the story for you.

Awarded Best of Zola
JZ Studio photography was such a pleasure to work with! He did a photoshoot session with me and some friends. He is so kind and polite, he made everyone feel comfortable and laugh. He is very knowledgeable in posing and getting natural shots. I highly recommend him for any photography needs including events, weddings and photoshoot sessions.
Sithara, 6 months ago
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Visil Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,950
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Hey, I’m Victor Silas, the heart and soul behind Visil Photography. As the owner and lead photographer, I’m passionate about capturing genuine love stories and creating lasting memories. For me, it’s more than just snapping photos—it’s about preserving the unique, unforgettable moments that make your wedding day yours. I make sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera, letting your love shine through naturally. My style? Candid, photojournalistic, and effortlessly fun.

Awarded Best of Zola
Visil Photography provided amazing photography services for our wedding day. Victor was extremely respectful, informative, and positive in all of our communications leading up to the big event. On the wedding day itself, he was passionate about capturing all of those special moments we had envisioned. Victor has a gift for engaging with people and making them feel comfortable in front of the camera. He circulated seamlessly among our guests and captured countless touching interactions. My husband and I could not be happier with the beautiful, artistic photos Victor delivered. They will allow us to re-live our special day for years to come. I would highly recommend Visil Photography for any couple looking for a talented photographer who can beautifully document their wedding memories. Victor was a joy to work with!
Krystal Z., 7 months ago
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Piero Pierrot Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,300
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I'm Piero, I've been a wedding photographer for over 7 years, my approach combines a blend of candid and posed styles, ensuring that every smile, tear, and joyful dance is immortalized in stunning imagery, from the delicate details of your attire to the vibrant energy of the celebration, allowing you to relive the magic for years to come. I work closely with you to understand your vision and preferences, always helping you with your timeline, and assisting you with ideas to make sure vision comes true.

Awarded Best of Zola
He was Awesome ! The venue was the biggest let down of our day but everyone else delivered! He was kind , creative , provided great communication, patient , understanding and a whole vibe ! We will definitely book him again for future celebrations !
Victoire M., 2 months ago
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Four Cubs Photo + Video 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,800
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

I’m Barry Daley, a photographer and videographer dedicated to capturing the magic of your most unforgettable moments. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in creating timeless, heartfelt visuals that celebrate your unique love story. Your wedding isn’t just another event to me—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and I’m here to preserve every genuine smile, happy tear, and joyous laugh. My relaxed and personal approach ensures you feel comfortable, so the moments I capture are as authentic as your love. Let’s create stunning photos and films that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, reliving every beautiful detail of your special day.

Awarded Best of Zola
Barry Daley was not just our wedding photographer; he was the life of the party! His vibrant energy and enthusiasm brought so much joy to our special day. From the moment he arrived, Barry blended seamlessly with our guests, making everyone feel comfortable and at ease. His infectious smile and engaging personality encouraged even our most camera-shy relatives to participate in the photo sessions. The way he interacted with the crowd, capturing candid moments and genuine laughter, was truly remarkable. Barry's presence added a delightful spark to our celebration, making the experience memorable for us and our guests. The photographs he delivered were equally impressive, filled with life and capturing the essence of our joyous occasion. We couldn't have asked for a more charismatic and talented photographer to document our wedding day.
Marcia U., a year ago
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Caz Isaiah - Cinemotion 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

I am a storyteller and a traveler, capturing fleeting moments that define a lifetime. Though based in the U.S., my work takes me across the world, from one city to the next, chasing light, love, and the emotions that make each story unique. My style is cinematic and timeless. I don’t just take photos—I capture the raw, unfiltered moments that make your wedding feel like a beautifully crafted film. The quiet glances, the bursts of laughter, the tears of joy—each frame is a memory, preserved forever. — Caz Isaiah

Awarded Best of Zola
After our first photographer fell through, we found Caz and luckily he happened to be available on our wedding date. From the very first contact, he was incredibly responsive (super important to us), friendly and professional. His work looked great so we were excited - then we found out he was featured in Vogue! We were stoked. He was amazing to work with on the wedding day - punctual, friendly, got all the requested shots, and the whole bridal party loved him. We got our pictures back today - and they’re so much better than we could have dreamed of. It’s no wonder he was featured in Vogue - his work is artistic, candid, and beautiful. Thank you Caz for giving us such beautiful memories so we can relive the best day of our lives.
Jackie M., 2 months ago
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Mae Krell Photo 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $4,250
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

Hi! My name is Mae, and I live in Brooklyn with my girlfriend, our two dogs Apollo and Bia, her cat Gigi and my lizard, Basil! I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments as authentically and magically as possible, and as i’ve settled more into this career path, I love that i’ve landed in a place where I have the privilege to capture and preserve people’s love stories. Weddings and elopements are so distinctly and uniquely human, and it’s truly the biggest honor to be trusted to document them.

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first connected with Mae Krell Photo, we were impressed by their communicative, helpful and knowledgeable approach. Mae was extremely friendly and guided us through the entire process, offering valuable suggestions that made our proposal even more special. The quality of her work is truly exceptional - the photos they captured are not only beautifully composed, but also incredibly meaningful and full of raw emotion that we will cherish forever. Mae was discreet and able to capture intimate, candid moments that truly reflect the joy and love of our proposal. We are beyond thrilled with the final results and would highly recommend Mae Krell Photo to any couple looking for a talented, professional photographer to document their special occasions.
Caro, 4 months ago
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HEARTS in FOCUS 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $1,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL
  • Offer

Hi, I’m Heather! (that's me on the left) I'm a wedding photographer with a deep passion for capturing the genuine moments and raw emotions that make each wedding day so special. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through photography, and over the years, I’ve developed a style that combines artistry with authenticity. My goal is to not just take pictures, but to tell the unique love story of each couple I work with, from the grand moments to the quiet, intimate details. My husband is a wedding videographer. So, if you are also looking for video, look no further!

Awarded Best of Zola
From the moment we first reached out to HEARTS in FOCUS, we were impressed by their great communication. They were quick to respond to our inquiries and very helpful in answering all of our questions. On the day of the wedding, the HEARTS in FOCUS team was professional, efficient, and discreet, capturing all the special moments without being intrusive. The final photos were absolutely stunning and we felt we received great value for the cost of their services. As an LGBTQ couple, we were grateful to work with a vendor who was inclusive and celebrated our love. We highly recommend HEARTS in FOCUS to any couple looking for an exceptional wedding photography experience.
Elise B., 4 months ago
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Angela Mallett Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Angela is a Destination wedding photographer capturing timeless memories. She loves providing couples with candid images that they can look back on for a lifetime. Her passion is to connect and tell couples’ love stories through the beauty and emotion of the moments captured.

Awarded Best of Zola
We are absolutely thrilled with the experience we had with Angela Mallett as our wedding photographer! From the very first call to the final delivery of our photos, Angela demonstrated an extraordinary level of professionalism and creativity. We love Angela’s journalistic style and ability to capture both the big moments and the small, intimate details. Each photo is a beautiful work of art that tells the story of our day with such elegance and emotion. Not only is Angela incredibly talented, but she is also a joy to work with. When we met her it felt like we had known her for years! Her friendly attitude helped us feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera, which truly made a difference in the quality of the photos. She went above and beyond to make sure every shot was perfect, and her attention to detail was evident in every frame. The photos exceeded our expectations and will be cherished for a lifetime. We cannot recommend Angela Mallett highly enough to anyone looking for a photographer who brings both skill and heart to their work. Thank you, Angela, for capturing our special day so beautifully!
Mr & M., 6 months ago
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Melissa Cervantes Photography 

5.0

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $5,200
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I have 12 years of photography experience, 6 years in the industry and have shot more than 180 weddings. Safe to say, this IS my passion. Couples and wedding photography can be SO stressful--the pressure to look and be a certain way or follow trends is INTENSE. Wedding stress is real and I am anti it all the way. For my couples, they're job is just to show up and have fun. I will do ALL the rest!

Awarded Best of Zola
Mel was everything we hope for more. It was important to us to book a photographer we felt connected with and who takes the time to get to know you as a couple before capturing one of the most special days of your life. From our engagement session to our wedding day, Mel delivered just that. Mel will go above and beyond to capture the photos of your dreams and works tirelessly to deliver your previews/galleries. Mel truly pours her heart and soul into her work and the photos speak for themselves!
Paula M., 2 months ago
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Forever Frozen Photography 

4.8

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Serves Sterling, IL

Hello! My name is Brook! I am the owner and lead photographer of Forever Frozen Photography. Thank you for checking out my page! Let's jump right in! I have an amazing 4 year old son and my husband and I are newly married as of November 2022! I've been a professional photographer for about 8 years now enjoying every minute of it! My true passion when getting behind the lens is wedding photography. I pride myself in noticing the little details of special moments that happen during your wedding day, things that in maybe 30 years from now you may not remember of the day.

Awarded Best of Zola
If you're looking for a photographer who will go above and beyond your expectations then look no further. Brooke was such a pleasure to work with. She's very kind, talented and really know how to make you smile while looking at the camera. We've never had our photos taken professionally before so Brooke took the lead and told us how to pose, which location would be best for pictures and had us laughing and smiling the whole time. We got married in November, 2021 and was very pleased when we got our photos back a couple weeks after the wedding. If we had to do it all over again, we would choose Brooke and Forever Frozen Photography. Thanks again!
Oteiko Francis, 2 years ago
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Ozan Ulucan Photography 

4.5

  • Photojournalistic style
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Serves Sterling, IL

I am a professional wedding photographer, dedicated to capturing the beauty and emotion of your special day. I offer a variety of packages to fit any budget, and work closely with couples to understand their unique vision. I use a blend of film and digital photography for a timeless and romantic look. I understand that every wedding is unique and that each couple has their own personal style. That's why I take the time to get to know you and your partner. I am passionate about my work and committed to providing the highest level of service. Contact me for a consultation and let's create beautiful memories together.

Ozan was our wedding photographer. He was amazing and had a great team. He really helped us throughout the wedding and explained to us the whole process. Thank you so much Ozan!
Marco S., 4 months ago

Location flexible? Discover photographers near Sterling, IL

About wedding photographers in Sterling, IL

How much does a wedding photographer typically cost in Sterling, IL?

A Sterling, IL wedding photographer ranges from $320 to $7,500 and averages at $2,500. The cost reflects the number of hours included, if there is a second photographer, any prints or albums, and, most importantly, the experience of the photographer. But every snapshot they take is a priceless memory of your big day — way better than your bestie's blurry smartphone pics, right?

Do most photographers include a second photographer?

95% of photographers in Sterling, IL offer a second photographer, although it typically depends on the package you book! Second photographers are helpful because one person can’t be everywhere at once, and the second photographer ensures all the details are covered.

Which are the most popular photographers in Sterling, IL?

Some of the most popular photographers in this area include JZ Studio Photography, Imagesxpert Media and Ashley Cynthia Photography.

What else should I keep in mind when booking a wedding photographer?

Are you interested in an engagement shoot as a test run? Drone photography? Wedding albums? All helpful things to ask about when you’re considering which wedding photographer to book!

What types of photographers are in Sterling, IL?

What other Sterling vendors will I need?

What other photographers are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?