Bride and groom share a romantic moment inside a grand marble building with tall columns and chandeliers.

planning a wedding is already stressful enough


Let's not make it any tougher by hiring a photographer who just shows up on the day. I've planned my own wedding and worked for a wedding planner for two seasons — so I know what it actually takes to get from "overwhelmed" to "this day is exactly what we wanted." Every package includes planning resources and monthly consult calls, because the best photos come from a day that actually holds together.


Looking to elope or keep things small? Same deal — I'll help your vision come to life and be there to celebrate with you.


Couple sharing a romantic kiss at Chicago waterfront with city skyline and Ferris wheel in the background at sunset.
A joyful person laughs outdoors surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage and trees with red leaves | Sydney Allen Photography

Here's why I care about this so much

When I was planning my own wedding, I had no idea what I was doing. I was googling my way through it. On top of that, I had family members telling me what I should and shouldn't do — my grandma, for one, did not want any drinks at the wedding.

At some point I just stopped trying to please everyone and planned a day that focused on my fiancé and our friends. We had a great time.

That's the day I want for you. Not the one everyone else has opinions about — the one that's actually yours. I want you to walk into your wedding with a clear plan, so you get the best photos and the best memories, without the stress that almost swallowed mine.

"I would 100% recommend Sydney to anyone looking for natural, heartfelt photos, and I’d absolutely work with her again. She’s truly the best."

-Eva

A romantic couple embraces and kisses on Montrose beach with ocean waves in the background | Sydney Allen Photography

I might be the right photographer for you if...

  • You want a real plan for your timeline, not just someone with a camera showing up
  • You want digital AND film photos
  • You want your wedding day to be about you — not everyone else's opinions
  • You want a photographer who knows when to step back and observe, and when to jump in and help
  • You want your day to be documented in a colorful, bright, joyful style
  • You've felt pressure from family or the internet about how your wedding "should" go, and want someone in your corner

EVERY PACKAGE INCLUDEs:

  • Bright, colorful, joyful photos — a mix of documentary style and guided posing, so you always know what to do in front of the camera
  • Coverage from getting-ready details through the ceremony and the party after
  • Full resolution images, delivered in an online gallery accessible for a year
  • An engagement session
  • Digital AND 35mm film photos
  • Planning resources and monthly consult calls with me — DJ recommendations, timeline troubleshooting, or just a place to vent when planning gets overwhelming
  • Optional add-on: Super 8 video


Couple embracing romantically on a waterfront promenade with Chicago skyline and Navy Pier Ferris wheel in the background.

All packages start at $1100

Every tier includes planning support — the difference is coverage time and whether you want a second shooter. Inquire below and I'll send over the full guide with all three options.

Couple sitting on outdoor steps embracing near a fountain with city skyline in background.