It’s that time again — time for another installment of our Local Wedding Guide! We’re selecting various locations to highlight the numerous resources available from our vendor guide members and their favorite pros they love to work with. We’ve tackled five locations so far: North Carolina, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest. Next up is Illinois + Indiana! Most vendors love to travel, so fret not if you’re not in their immediate area!

Chicago, IL:

Above images by Chicago photographers Tru Studio Design

What is your favorite tip for couples for being photographed on their wedding day?
Tru Studio Design: Try to remember when you are walking down the aisle, or anytime you are being photographed with flowers, to hold them down by your belly button. Usually the most interesting part of a dress is the intricate details of the bodice and, of course, the beautiful neckline and necklace. It’s always such a shame if you hold the flowers up by your neck and cover that all up!

Above images by Chicago photographers Studio Starling

Tell us a bit about you:
Studio Starling: We are natural born photographers. Nicole and Lizz met in the college darkroom where we both studied photography. We mix a little bit of our art school background by shooting film at every wedding. We like to say we are traditionally untraditional. We are here to document your day in an artful and meaningful way.

What is your favorite tip for couples for being photographed on their wedding day?
Studio Starling: First, it’s best to relax and have fun. Let go of any stress you are having, breathe. You look beautiful, it’s your wedding day, you are standing next to the man you love, enjoy it! There is no need to always be “on”. The best images come naturally to you and your partner. We will also guide you to look your best, but the smile they make you feel is always is best.

Above images by Chicago photographers Studio Finch

Tell us a little bit about you.
Studio Finch: We like our clients to focus on the fun. We love love, especially when friends, family and love come together to be celebrated, and that’s what weddings are truly about. We (Jason and Ela) are relaxed, and love to see weddings play out in their true form.

Above images by Chicago photographer Melissa Hayes

Any favorite photo spots for engagement sessions or must see sightings?
Studio Starling: Our favorite spots are the Calder Lilly Pool on Fullerton, Foster Beach, Fullerton Beach, Montrose Harbor, Morton Arboretum, Cantigny, Botanic Gardens, Hubbard St. Murals, West Loop for a more gritty urban feel, and 63rd st. beach.
Studio Finch: We are big fans of all of the lakes and parks in Chicago – along with urban areas like Kinzie Street Bridge, 8th Street and Hilton, North Avenue Beach, the koi pond in Lincoln Park and of course, Hyde Park!

Above images by Chicago photographers Rojo Foto
See featured wedding here

Above images by Chicago photographers Sweet Monday Photography
See featured weddings here and here

Indianapolis, IN:

Above images by Indianapolis photographers Rogue Art Photography

What is your favorite tip for couples for being photographed on their wedding day?
Rogue Art Photography: Be yourself!!

Tell us a little bit about you.
Rogue Art Photography: We shoot very much out of the box and try to take the environment that we are shooting and bring out the best parts of the couple with that background. We want our clients photos to be a piece of art they can put on the wall like a beautiful painting.

Any favorite photo spots for engagement sessions or must see sightings?
Rogue Art Photography: We love to shoot at Fountain square in a very vintage location in downtown Indy.

See Also

Honey and Coral Wedding Designs Inspired By Mountain Sunsets at Ashton Hill Farm

Venues:
The South Shore Cultural Center (Chicago)
Salvage One (Chicago)
Northerly Island (Chicago)
The Morton Arboretum (Lisle)
Drake Hotel (Chicago)
Botanic Garden (Chicago)
Art Institute (Chicago)
The Mavris (Indianapolis)

Photographers:
Rogue Art Photography (view portfolio), based in Indianapolis + will travel worldwide
Melissa Hayes (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide
Robert Wojtowicz (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide
Rojo Foto (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide
Studio Finch (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide
Studio Starling (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide
Sweet Monday Photography (view portfolio), based in Chicago, IL + will travel worldwide
Tru Studio Design (view portfolio), Chicago + will travel worldwide

Florists:
Fleur (Chicago)
Exquisite Designs (Chicago)
Bottle and Branch (Chicago)
A New Leaf (Chicago)

Stylists + Planners:
Ryan Alexander Events (Chicago)

Makeup:
Nika Vaughan (Chicago)
Eye Max Studio (Indianapolis)

Invitations:
Paper Stories (Chicago)

Transportation:
Vintage Chauffeuring (view portfolio)

Studio Starling is offering free engagement session for couples that book their 2012 or 2013 wedding with Studio Starling by July 1 and mention they saw them on Ruffled!