Smiling Toad Films

27/01/2026

Less than one month away from Chicago’s best kept wedding event secret, message me for free tickets and don’t miss it! https://sustainableeventscollective.com/committed

23/12/2025

Erin and John’s wedding day celebrates a love that began next door. Growing up with just one house between them they built a lifelong friendship that grew into something more. Surrounded by family and faith they said I do at St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge and celebrated at Drury Lane in Oak Brook having truly found their person in each other.

20/12/2025

A Hinge match meant to be deleted turned into endless laughter and a lasting love. Mike surprised Natalie with a proposal in the Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University. She said yes with joyful tears and they later celebrated with family and friends at the Eaglewood Resort in Itasca. Congrats to Natalie and Mike!

08/12/2025

Kate and Eric first met playing intramural soccer in Lincoln Park and reconnected on Hinge. Eric proposed during a walk along the Chicago riverwalk before a planned date night. Kate and Eric celebrated their beautiful day at The Arbory in Chicago. Their wedding film captures the joy of their journey from teammates to partners for life, congrats Kate and Eric!

13/11/2025

Kate and Liam’s wedding day at the beautiful Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook celebrates a love story years in the making. From middle school teammates to high school sweethearts who always found their way back to each other, their journey led them from youthful sparks to lifelong commitment. Surrounded by family and friends, they joyfully say “I do,” beginning a new chapter filled with love, laughter, and endless memories together.

03/11/2025

Megan and Benj’s wedding day was a beautiful celebration in Chicago, beginning with morning preparations at the Loews Hotel and a romantic rooftop first look. The couple shared joyful moments with family and friends at Galleria Marchetti, where laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts filled the night. From their elegant ceremony to surprise music and late night pizza, every moment reflected their love, joy, and unforgettable energy.

26/10/2025

Kathleen and Yuto’s wedding day at the Warwick Allerton Hotel was filled with joy and elegance. From heartfelt moments during their first look to stunning photos on Michigan Avenue, every detail reflected their love story that began at U of Illinois. Surrounded by family and friends, they shared laughter, tears, and endless dancing as they celebrated the start of forever together in the heart of Chicago. ⁣

14/10/2025

Tiffany and Jon’s unforgettable wedding day at the iconic Drake Hotel in Chicago was filled with heartfelt moments, joyful laughter, and timeless elegance. From a touching first look to rooftop golden hour portraits, every detail was beautifully thought out. A true Chicago love story, full of magic from start to finish.

09/06/2025

Thanks MediaZilla! Cheers to another 10 years!

MediaZilla Filmmaker Feature: Telling Love Stories with Heart — John Severson

Filmmaker Spotlight: John Severson

This week, we’re excited to feature John Severson, founder of Smiling Toad Films (https://www.smilingtoad.com), a Chicago-based wedding filmmaker known for his warm, authentic storytelling style. John’s films are intimate, emotional, and full of personality — perfectly capturing each couple's unique day.

Having used MediaZilla for nearly a decade, John values both the platform’s reliability and the support behind it.

“I've worked with MediaZilla for nearly a decade now for our wedding films and absolutely love it! The MZ team takes time to follow up with any support issues and is always quick to add helpful features :)”

We’re proud to support filmmakers like John who bring care, consistency, and creativity to every project.

🎬 Check out a few of John’s featured films:

💍 Film 1 (https://mediazilla.com/iITUipkbLp)

💍 Film 2 (https://mediazilla.com/gYOaePRBkI)

💍 Film 3 (https://mediazilla.com/NevQDKF9Vh)