Chicago wedding and elopement photography
timeless images for couples in love
taking the guesswork out of planning your shots
After the excitement of your engagement, all the planning begins. I’m here to help you bring your vision to life and most importantly, to capture your memories the way you want to remember them for a lifetime.
Easing your fears about knowing how to ‘pose’
Many couples feel that the process of planning a timeline and shots list, much less being in front of the camera, can be stressful and time-consuming. Part of my process throughout the time leading up to your big day is helping you decide what matters to you and when that should be captured throughout your event. Additionally, helping you feel comfortable getting your photos taken and assisting with poses while keeping things real, candid, and genuine is high on my list of priorities. You deserve to savor every moment of your wedding without the stress.
CAPTURING EVERY MOMENT
At the end of the day, you’ll be left with beautiful memories. My job is to make sure you’re able to cherish every single one of them for a lifetime.
a stress-free experience
from beginning to end
Beautiful chicago wedding photography that showcases
you, candidly and authentically
You feel like you aren’t quite sure where to start or what should be photographed but you know you want your images to feel natural, unposed, and genuine. You want a timeless edit that you can look back on for years to come as a true representation of your day, free of trends but full of emotion.
Your vision for your day and making sure I record that vision is my number one priority. I work with my clients to customize your timeline and shots list in a way that best fits the feeling you want for your wedding and the priorities you have for allotting your time throughout the day.
You want to look back and see you, your memories, and your loved ones captured in a way that’s authentic to your story and vibe and I love making that happen with a curated final album that delivers every single moment of your story, your people, and the memories that matter most.
the value of a package that
is tailored to you
More than anything else I hear from couples that they are not super comfortable in front of the camera and don’t know how to pose. I love getting to know you a bit in advance so that those stressors are eased on your wedding day and you don’t feel like you’re working with a complete stranger. I also love to give suggestions for posing in ways that translate into natural, organic images. I want you to feel like I’m not even there and you are just enjoying basking in the moment of being newly married.
All of my wedding packages include a minimum of 75 professionally edited photos per hour of shooting, and I typically exceed that minimum because I find it hard to cull down my couples’ precious memories. You’ll receive a full print release, meaning you have the rights to make unlimited copies of all your images in whatever format you should choose. I meet with you two to three times throughout your planning process to help you craft a timeline and shots list that ensures every important moment is captured.
Hi! I’m Ivy and I own Ivy Bowler Photography. I’m also the primary shooter and have been photographing weddings for over a decade. I’ve spent my life living in beautiful Alaska but recently relocated to Chicago to join my fiancé as we plan our own wedding coming up this fall. I love exploring new places in and around Chicago, especially natural areas and forest/nature preserves as well as anything along the lakefront! Some fun facts about me:
I learned to shoot on a film camera and used to develop my own photos in the dark room. Ask me about adding film to your wedding day!
I love to travel but am a homebody at heart. Books, gardening, and DIY home projects are some of my faves.
My favorite spots in Chicago are Osterman Beach, the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, and Planta Queen!
I can’t survive without coffee…
Mountains make me feel alive. In my spare time, I’m a mountain runner and love to use that time to scout out new shooting locations for destinations.
My fiancé and sister are my second shooters most of the time—they know what to do and we get each other! They have an amazing eye for capturing things from a different perspective. Rest assured, your memories are in good hands.
I love dogs, a good playlist, and a mystery novel on vacation.
I can’t wait to connect and help you make your wedding vision come to life!
get to know your chicago photographer
TESTIMONIALS
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"Ivy photographed our small elopement style wedding. She was amazing! She made us so comfortable all day."
Molly D.
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![Bride and Groom Chicago Elopement]()
"Working with Ivy was an absolute dream! 1000% recommend her to anyone looking for a photographer who goes above and beyond!"
Kayla R.
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![Chicago Wedding Photos]()
"In addition to beautifully capturing our wedding — both candidly and in formally posed shots — the best part of working with Ivy is her calm presence."
Michaela G.
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![Chicago Wedding Photos train station.]()
"Ivy is a fantastic photographer. She did our engagement and wedding photos and they were wonderful. She made it a fun and special experience."
Melissa H.
pricing & services
I believe in wedding package pricing being straightforward and upfront. No hidden fees or surprises, taking the guesswork out of budgeting and saving you time so you’re not chasing down information!
Use the dropdown arrows below to read about package details. Interested in a number of hours not included or add-on options? I’m happy to write up a customized quote for you based on your specific needs. Just reach out and share your details!
wedding packages
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The Cedar Package is perfect for shorter/smaller weddings primarily focused on your ceremony and reception, but your timeline is always customized to you. Includes 5 hours of coverage, 75+ edited photos per hour of shooting, customized timeline creation/collaboration, and a full print release.
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The Juniper Package offers you the flexibility of longer event coverage at an affordable rate. Includes 7 hours of coverage, 75+ edited photos per hour of shooting, customized timeline creation/collaboration, and a full print release.
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Pine is the most popular package, giving you 8 hours of coverage, 75+ edited photos per hour of shooting, customized timeline creation/collaboration, and a full print release.
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This is the all-in full wedding day package, giving you 10 hours of coverage, 75+ edited photos per hour of shooting, customized timeline creation/collaboration, a full print release, and a one hour engagement shoot prior to your big day. (A $450 value!)
additional services
ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS $450, one hour, 75+ edited photos; engagements are also offered at a 50% discount with any wedding package, and included with the Willow.
SECOND SHOOTER $50/hour (Let’s chat about when you might want a second shooter at your event!), typically adds 35+ additional images per hour to your initial album. The primary benefit of a second shooter is to provide you with images of special moments from a different perspective.
FILM PHOTOGRAPHY $350, includes 40+ curated film photos taken throughout your event, printed on matte archival paper and delivered to you along with the negatives.
