Memories that will
last forever?
You’ve got that covered.
Photos you’ll love forever?
That’s where I come in.
I’ll take care of you throughout your entire wedding planning process, whatever that looks like for you, all while delivering candid, fun, and true-to-life photos you’ll cherish for years.
With 14 years in this industry and 200+ weddings under my belt,
I’m here to rock this out with you every step of the way,
delivering photos that you’ll be obsessed with forever.
I’ll work hard for you. Like climb through tall prairie grass or stand in the middle of Michigan Ave to get the perfect photo hard. Like bring you emergency snacks when I know you’re hangry or handle your wild and loving family so you can be present on your wedding day hard.
Your experience is just as important as your photography, so I’ll make sure it’s a great one.
Adding me to your wedding vendor team means photos that look and feel like your wedding day, telling the story of your celebration and celebrating your relationship.
Wedding photography is a collaboration, and
I’m here to guide you through the process while working with you to create the perfect images
of your best day ever.
“If you want a wedding photographer that is going to make sure you and your people are having a blast at all times, hire AJ. She is the most kind, vibrant, fun person ever and my husband and I had an absolute blast working with her. She has a way of making everyone around her feel great, and it really shows in the photos! Our bridal party still
talks about her to this day and we got married months ago”
THEIJU + DAN
I’ve been called a “bonus bridesmaid” and
“a breath of fresh air on
a stressful day”
Of course I’ll remind you to take the phone out of your pocket or take the hair tie off of your wrist, but I pride myself on going beyond that; scouting locations ahead of time to make your photos shine, working with you to bring your vision to life, and making sure everyone is comfy to make for natural, candid images. From pulling you outside for a moment when the sunset is incredible, to checking in with you when I sense you need a break. My favorite compliment? Clients regularly share what a great impression my team has made on their
wedding parties, families, and guests.
Weddings are about you two, but they’re also about being surround by your favorite people!
They’ll be as obsessed with your photos you are!
The moment you hire me, we’re on the same team
Getting to know each of my couples on a real, personal level pays off in photos that really feel like you. By limiting the number of weddings I take each year, every client knows they have my undivided attention, whenever and however they need me.
From queer, size, or diversity inclusive vendor recommendations, to exclusive-to-my-clients resources, I’m here for you every step of the way.
Wedding planning can be stressful and overwhelming, but it should also be fun- I’m here to help!
My couples aren’t the “thanks for the pics,
see ya never!” type
This business is built on referrals (which I lovingly call “daisy chains”), and most of my clients are family members, friends, or colleagues of couples who’ve hired me in the past. Whether you met me at a wedding, came to me because your coworker vouched for me, or just befriended me on social media, once you hire me, you’re part of my favorite club on earth!
I love to cheer on all of my couples as they accomplish their dreams, and to stay in touch! After your wedding, I’m here for anniversary sessions, pregnancy photos, and family pics too
(bonus points if your newest family member has paws).
Building real relationships takes time, and we’ll be bonded for life after celebrating your wedding day!
I can’t wait to get to know you so that I can start cheering
you on in your real life, too.
FAQs
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Talking about budget is the least fun part of planning your wedding, but it’s important, too, so I keep it super straight forward and easy. No two weddings are the same, so I don’t treat them like they are. Custom packages, custom pricing, every time. We’ll work together to create the perfect package for your wedding day.
My wedding day packages start at $6k, with elopement and courthouse packages starting at $3.5k.
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AJ Abelman Photography is a queer, fat, and woman-owned business based out of Chicago, IL. This business is loudly and proudly in support of and a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and believes that Black Lives Matter and stands for a Free Palestine. Reflecting the diversity of the world we live in is important to me and every member of my team. We celebrate love in all its forms by creating joyful and authentic wedding experiences for every client who trusts us with their memories . We are dedicated to providing a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for clients, vendor partners, and guests, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, culture, ability, or background.
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Heck yeah! For you, I’ll go anywhere. I’m based in Chicago, but I love to take gorgeous photos of my rad clients, wherever that may take you - especially if it's to the mountains, to the beach or to your favorite hidden spot in your neighborhood. Bonus points if it’s somewhere I’ve never shot a wedding, or somewhere with reallllly good food (On my bucket list right now: Newport, Southern California, the Oregon Coast). I'd love to travel with you and to document your first adventures as a married couple- even if that just means a trip to city hall! Throughout the year, I also frequent Providence, RI and Philadelphia, PA so travel costs are complimentary if we’re headed to the East Coast!
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Challenge accepted. I pride myself on taking apprehensive or self-proclaimed “awkward” folks and turning them into photo-session rockstars! Having your photo taken professionally is rare, but that just means that I have a blank canvas to work with! I make having your photo taken so fun, easy, and relaxing that you’ll be like “wait, how did I ever think we were awkward?!” in no time.
“Looking at AJ’s ‘daisy chains,’ it’s so clear why her clients are so loyal. She has such a great eye for the perfect, unique shot, but even the expected photos came out incredible. My guests repeatedly (and well after the wedding was over) made a point to tell me how much they liked her and how comfortable she made them.
AJ is worth every penny I paid her.”
Kate + Greg
