THE WEDDING BLOG

Learn more about my weddings, engagements, favorite venues and so much more!

Engagements

Joyful Engagement Session at Cantigny Park

If you’re searching for a stunning engagement session location near Chicago, look no further than Cantigny Park in DuPage County, IL. As a Chicago wedding photographer, I love capturing love stories in picturesque settings, and Kelly and Andrew’s summer engagement session was nothing short of magical. A Love Story Rooted in College Days Kelly and […]

arrow

Personal

Escaping the Cold with a Coastal-Themed Flat Lay

New York City has been absolutely freezing lately, and with wedding season in a slower phase, I’ve been using this time to experiment with flat lays and refine my styling techniques. It’s been so refreshing to create something bright and airy while the winter chill lingers outside. Last week, I put together this coastal-inspired flat […]

arrow

Engagements

The Perfect Winter Proposal, and What to Do After!

On a crisp winter evening, with the New York City skyline shimmering in the background, Kaleb brought Stella to their rooftop—a place filled with shared memories and dreams. Bundled against the 20-degree chill, the city’s lights provided a warm embrace as Kaleb knelt to propose. Capturing this intimate moment was an honor, and I’m thrilled […]

arrow

Weddings

A Photographer and a Sister: Capturing My Brother’s Winter Forest Wedding

This past January, I had the incredible honor of not only photographing my brother’s wedding but also stepping back to simply be his sister for part of the day. It was a unique and emotional experience—one that I will cherish forever. From the moment my brother first told me about Erin, I could tell she […]

arrow

Engagements

Chicago Art Institute Engagement Session

Some love stories shine so brightly that not even the coldest of days can dim their warmth. That was certainly the case with Yvonne and Anthony’s engagement session at the Chicago Art Institute last January. What seemed like the perfect setting for a romantic and elegant photoshoot had a hidden challenge—Chicago was in the middle […]

arrow
Wedding Detail shot with Valentines Day influence, filled with pink details and red shoes

Education

How to Elevate Your Valentine’s Day Flat Lay: Adding More Color to Your Detail Shots

As wedding photographers, one of the first things we do when arriving on a wedding day is capturing the flat lay—a beautifully curated arrangement of rings, perfumes, vow books, wedding stationery, florals, and other meaningful details. These images set the tone for the day and memorialize the time, effort, and creativity that went into planning […]

arrow

Personal

2025 Wedding Photography Trends

As a wedding photographer, I get to witness firsthand how wedding trends evolve year after year. And in 2025, I’m seeing some exciting shifts in how couples approach their wedding photography! If you’re planning your wedding and want to ensure your photos feel fresh, timeless, and most importantly, authentic, here are the top trends I’m […]

arrow

Engagements

Engagement Session at Griffith Observatory: Tiffany & Richie

As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like capturing the authentic connection between two people. Tiffany and Richie’s engagement session at Griffith Observatory was a perfect example of this — a day filled with laughter, love, and stunning views. These two are truly meant for each other, and I’m thrilled I got to be part of […]

arrow

Venues

Canal Street Eatery Chicago Wedding

Canal Street Eatery: A Chic, Intimate Wedding Venue in the Heart of Chicago’s West Loop When it comes to finding the perfect wedding venue, couples often dream of a place that is both stylish and functional—somewhere that offers beautiful photo opportunities, excellent food, and an atmosphere that makes their day feel truly special. For couples […]

arrow
A stunning fall wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. The vibrant autumn foliage serves as a breathtaking backdrop for a couple’s ceremony in the Horticulture Hall, with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the perfect natural light. Captured by Violet Carter Photography.

Venues

Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago Wedding

A Fall Wedding Dream at the Garfield Park Conservatory | Violet Carter Photography As a wedding photographer, there are few venues as magical as the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. When Helen and Tony asked me to capture their fall wedding at this stunning botanical oasis, I knew we were in for something extraordinary. From […]

arrow

Newest Blogs

Thank you
for being here

browse by category

Weddings

Engagements

Personal

Education

©Violet Carter photography LLC 2025

photos by Violet Carter

|