Sam Callahan Photo

Ever feel like life and business are pulling you in two different directions?

Because… same. 👋

This year has been a lot, splitting time between my childhood home and our apartment (my two safe places), being surrounded by old photos and family treasures, caring for my mom through a 30+ day hospital stay, and now her continued recovery in rehabilitation (she’s making so much progress and inspiring us every day!).

On top of that, our pup Brody had knee surgery and is healing like a champ, plus he’s made friends with my mom’s cats (taking care of them while she’s away) 🐾.

All the while, I’ve been photographing some of my best work yet, sessions I can’t wait to share soon.

Even in the chaos, this business is my heart, and it reminds me why I started: to create art that lasts through life’s messy, beautiful seasons.

👉 If you’re a business owner or creative who’s also balancing “life happens” moments, how do you keep showing up for your work? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your perspective. 💬

Who says courthouse wedding can’t be iconic?! Amanda + Brett kept it simple, sweet, and stress-free and got gorgeous portraits to match. 🏛️📸💍

I met Amanda a few years ago photographing events for the company she works at, so when she reached out about her elopement, it was an easy hell yes from me.

She and Brett chose to skip the big production and focused on what mattered most, each other, their closest people, and some beautiful newlywed portraits they’ll treasure forever.

They had an intimate courthouse ceremony with loved ones, and afterward we wandered around downtown Chicago, stopping at the Art Institute gardens for some absolutely dreamy photos.

✨Incase you forgot…

You can have an incredible wedding experience without the stress of a giant wedding day.

You can slow down, soak it in, and actually enjoy getting photos that feel like you.

You can do it your way because there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to love or weddings.

There’s no right way to elope or get married, only what feels right for you. 🖤

The best wedding trend is doing whatever the hell you want!

Intimate weddings will always have my heart. There’s something so special about stripping away the noise and focusing on what actually matters, you and your partner.

No pressure, no distractions, just real moments, beautiful portraits, and a day that feels like yours.

When Lindsey reached out, she knew exactly what she wanted! A wedding that was simple, intentional, and them.

Just the ceremony, family photos, and, most importantly, stunning portraits of her and Dom that stood out.

She DIY’d everything, the florals her sister Ali arranged, the vintage necklace Lindsey customized with delicate drop pearls.

Every detail was personal. And that’s what made it perfect. ✨

‼️So here’s your reminder, it’s your wedding. Forget the trends, the expectations, and the outdated “shoulds.”

If you want a big party, go for it. If you want to run off to the courthouse and have a full-on photoshoot after? I love that for you. Whatever makes you happiest, that’s what we’re capturing.

Ready to make your wedding exactly what you want? Let’s plan it together!

Your wedding photographer shouldn’t feel like a stranger—if they do, you’re doing it wrong.

You want a photographer who feels like someone you’ve known for years—someone you can trust. You want a photographer who understands the assignment.

I worked with Beth and Charlie from the very beginning. Beth first reached out to me to capture their proposal, which took place downtown. Afterward, we headed to Devil Dawgs (their favorite spot) for portraits. Later, they inquired about wedding photography, and I was stoked because we got along so well. The wedding package they chose included an engagement session—so that’s what we did next!

When it came to wedding planning, I was able to assist with any questions they had and created a timeline that made sense. We decided on a first look because capturing all the wedding party and family photos before the ceremony gives you more time to actually enjoy your wedding.

On their wedding day, I had so much fun— their friends clearly adore them! There were plenty of happy tears and a packed dance floor all night long. One of my favorite parts? They had an Aura tent instead of a traditional photo booth and even set up a quiet room for guests to decompress—which I definitely took advantage of when I needed a quick break myself.

I wasn’t just their photographer; I truly felt like an invited guest because of the relationship we built from the moment I captured their proposal.

You get the best results when you work with a photographer you feel comfortable with—someone who now feels like an old friend.

The best moments deserve the best photographer—let’s talk!

Vendors
Venue: 
Dresses: .soup &
Florist: 
Wedding Planner:
Hair & Makeup: .cat.space.daddy and
Pie:
Photographers: .photo &
Aura Photobooth:
Photos at 

The best gifts come when you’re running out of time. Trust me!

Valentine’s Day is coming up fast, and let’s be honest—your usual gift ideas are getting old.

You want to surprise your partner with something special and unique, but you’re nervous. The idea of stepping in front of the camera, half-dressed, feels intimidating as hell.

That’s where I step in to take the pressure off. I create a relaxed, fun experience that’s all about YOU—your comfort, your confidence, your power.

We’ll collaborate to bring your vision to life, and I’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you feel supported and stunning.

Remember, being photogenic isn’t about looking a certain way—it’s about embracing yourself, and I’ll show you how.

Stop overthinking! This is your moment to step into your confidence and create a gift they’ll obsess over forever.

Let’s do this—book your session today sale end February 10th! 🔥✨

Is hiring a photographer for your proposal too much or just smart!? 🤔💕

When Luke asked me to photograph his proposal to Caroline, I was all in!

He had a clear plan: a rooftop proposal at their apartment, private and personal. Luke and his friends spent the morning setting up, making everything look perfect. When I got there, the plan was simple: I would call Caroline, pretend to be a flower delivery person, and have her answer the door.

Originally, the two of them had planned to go to a Halloween party that night, with Caroline dressed as Sabrina Carpenter. But Luke had something much bigger planned.

When Caroline found the flowers and instructions at her door, she switched gears, dressed up, and headed to the rooftop, thinking she was in for a small surprise.

The moment she opened the door and saw Luke, her reaction said it all—pure shock, love, and excitement. It was a moment where everything else faded away.

I captured every second of the proposal, from her initial surprise to their emotional embrace. Afterward, we took portraits on the rooftop, and you could see their joy shining through.

These photos aren’t just about the proposal; they tell the story of their love and the start of a new chapter.

Proposals like Luke and Caroline’s show why it’s so important to document big moments. You’ll remember the feeling, but having the photos lets you relive it over and over.

Whether your proposal is a big event or something small and private, capturing it is something you won’t regret.

Never forget when you said “yes” —book now!

Life can change in an instant, and this year reminded me just how precious our time really is. 2024 has been one of the hardest years of my life. Business was the slowest it’s ever been, and I faced heartbreaking losses — a dear friend Jacob, our beloved cat Eddie, and most painfully, my father.

Grief hit harder than I ever imagined, leaving me drained, restless, and overwhelmed. Navigating it while running a business has been anything but easy.

Through it all, photography has taken on an even deeper meaning for me. I’m incredibly grateful to have captured so many special moments with the ones I’ve lost. Those photos are now some of my most treasured possessions — tangible memories I can hold onto forever.

While I may never be quite the same, I’m slowly finding my way forward. I’m determined to come back stronger, more focused, and ready to make every moment count. There’s no more time to waste.

Thank you for sticking around, showing your support, and giving me the space to step back when I needed it most. It means more than you know. I’d rather be real than pretend everything is fine when it’s not — and that’s okay.

Let this be your reminder: Don’t wait to capture the moments that matter. Book your session now — let’s create something meaningful together.

Are you tired of the same old light and airy wedding photos? Want something bold and unique that truly stands out?

Meet Matt and Kerry, a couple who were eager to break away from tradition and embrace a vibrant, colorful approach to their wedding photography. From engagement photos to the big day, they trusted me to bring their vision to life.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to organizing the timeline. Matt and Kerry needed someone to take charge, and I was there from the start. I helped them create a detailed timeline and a shot list of must-have portraits, ensuring no moment was missed.

For a second, let’s stop and appreciate the beautiful colors in their first-look photos. Are you seeing what I see?

Matt and Kerry placed their trust in my creativity and love for color. We collaborated to create stunning images that are anything but ordinary. Their photos are an example of what can happen when you embrace a unique vision and let go of traditional constraints.

Why settle for ordinary when your wedding photos can be extraordinary? Trust my love for color, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Hair:

Makeup:

Venue: .cc

Dj:

From ‘please no photos’ to ‘these are amazing!’—my journey with Steph and Erin.

When Steph reached out to me, I immediately sensed she would be a fun person to work with. She was super excited to have me photograph her elopement, having seen my portfolio and becoming obsessed with my work.

Her partner, Erin, was less enthusiastic about having their photo taken, which I totally understand—it can be awkward. But trust me, you’ll have a great time if I’m your photographer.

I like to think of myself as a creative director because I don’t just stand there with my camera and say “cheese”. I’ll show you how to stand or move rather than just telling you.

I guide you on how to feel comfortable and relaxed. That’s exactly what I did with Erin, and we ended up with some amazing shots.

During sessions, I use humor to break the ice, let you see some of the shots to build your confidence, allow time for short breaks if you start feeling overwhelmed, and display enthusiasm, which can be contagious and help you feel more at ease.

At the end of the day, these are special moments captured forever. Having a professional photographer hyping you up and directing you makes the whole process a lot smoother.

Don’t love being photographed? You will by the time we’re done! Book your session today! ✨😉

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Why settle for boring wedding photography when your relationship is unique and anything but ordinary?

Malcolm and Sarah weren’t your typical couple. They were all about breaking the mold and doing something out-of-the-box for their big day, and I was totally on board with that!

Sarah, especially, was excited at the thought of me capturing her in her stunning black wedding dress. However, underneath all that excitement, there was a hint of nervousness. She wasn’t used to being in front of the camera and needed someone who could give her direction while making her feel completely at ease.

That’s where I stepped in. With my humor and a whole lot of encouragement, I managed to make Sarah forget that the camera even existed. We joked, we laughed, and before we knew it, all the group photos were taken.

It’s all about creating a comfortable environment where couples can be themselves, and that’s exactly what we did. Whether capturing candid moments or staging portraits, we collaborated at every step.

Together, we turned what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into a fun and memorable one.

So, to all the couples out there who choose to challenge the norm, remember this: your wedding photos should be as extraordinary as your love.

Because when you’re not a regular couple, why settle for regular photos?

DM me to get started on your unforgettable journey down the aisle! 💍

Vendors 💕

Hair & Makeup:
Planner:
Dj/Entertainment:
Cake: