Kriztelle Halili Photography

04/09/2024

Some of my favorite heart warming moments and details from Mia and Nick’s wedding

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DJ: DJ Mayo

23/08/2024

19/08/2024

Can’t believe it’s been two whole years since Sav and Jonny’s beautiful Vegas elopement, officiated by Elvis, of course 🤌🏼✨

Sav and Jonny chose to elope in true fashion—Vegas style—which, if you know them, is sooo ✨THEM✨. But even in all the glitz and glam, they made sure to include their loved ones in the celebration.

Your wedding day should be a reflection of who you both are, a celebration that feels right for you. Don’t get lost in trends or opinions—what truly matters is how *you* want to celebrate your love.

16/08/2024

Last week, we were sitting on the curb in front of a fancy restaurant in New York crying our hearts out because we just witnessed one of our fur babies, Leo, cross the rainbow bridge through FaceTime. It has been the most painful, heartbreaking thing we’ve experienced over the last five + years.

Last year, we got to check one of the big items we had on our bucket list — buying our first property. Seeing our dreams slowly come to fruition has been such an exciting and heart warming experience.

Two years ago, we welcomed Leo🐰 in our lives and we didn’t know that Gigi had a soft side. Our little family of 3 became 4.

Three years ago, I took a leap of faith and decided to leave my full time job and work full time as a wedding photographer and you supported and encouraged be all they way. No ragrets 🤘🏼

Four years ago, the world shut down as COVID took over. You graduated grad school and soon after, you got your first big boy job at an amazing architecture firm.

Five years ago, you asked me “are you down?” while I was driving you home from a long night of studying and working on your architecture projects, it took me a second to realize what you were doing. I laughed and asked you “is this you proposing to me?!” But I immediately said yes. It was the easiest yes of my life. It was the most Paul way of proposing and I loved it. Later that year, we spontaneously decided to get married at the court house and the rest is history.

Life hasn’t always been easy, but I can’t imaging doing life without you. I feel privileged and blessed that you allow me to share this lifetime with you. I’m so honored to be able to call you my husband, and my best friend.

I truly wish many people get to experience a love like ours because it’s the most beautiful and purest thing. To love and be loved by you is the best thing that’s happened to me and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I know that we’ve been talking more about where we’d move, but honestly, home is wherever I’m with you. I love you so freaking much mi amor.

Happy 5th anniversary ❤️‍🔥✨

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13/08/2024

Mia and Nick are saying ‘I do’ all over again this weekend at their dream wedding in Dallas.

After tying the knot at the Chicago City Hall last summer—the city where their love story began in college and where it continues—they’re now celebrating in the place that tested and strengthened their bond during years of long distance.

Dallas holds so much of their journey: the challenges they overcame, the moment Nick proposed, and the place where they brought home their fur baby, Matisse.

Being able to celebrate their love in both of these special places, on their own terms, has made this journey even more meaningful.

07/08/2024

Happy to announce that I've been published on Brides & Weddings 🥰

Kelsey and Jimmy’s Halloween-Themed Friday the 13th Wedding at Chicago Athletic Association Hotel 5 days ago Captured & submitted by Kriztelle Halili LLC   Kelsey and Jimmy’s journey began during their senior year of college, thanks to mutual friends. As their nine-year anniversary approached, ...

04/08/2024

When creativity is practiced, art isn’t just being made; new facets of talent are discovered, skills are sharpened, and joy is found in the unexpected.

Let us know which one is your fave!! 🫶🏼

31/07/2024

Lauren and Greg’s wedding at Thalia Hall was an absolute dream come true. These two concert lovers chose one of their favorite spots in Chicago to tie the knot, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

They met online, bonding over their love for baseball, and had their first date at a Twins-White Sox game. Through grad school, finishing degrees, and navigating life together, they built a beautiful life full of love, their kitties, and music.

Even though they did things a bit out of order (booking the venue before the engagement!), everything fell into place. Greg proposed in their dining room with their adorable, bow-tied kitties as witnesses, and it was pure magic.

From catching the Foo Fighters at Innings Fest in Tempe to cozy nights in Chicago, their journey has been full of amazing moments. Celebrating five years together, they planned a wedding that was so them—fun, genuine, and filled with love.

These two are the perfect match, constantly learning and growing together. Cheers to a lifetime of love, music, and countless more happy moments!

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25/07/2024

Elopements hold a special place in my heart, as each one is a testament to love’s unique journey. If your dream is to wander through Banff’s forests and share a quiet smoke after exchanging vows, then that’s the path we’ll tread together.

Crafting moments that resonate with your authentic love story is the very foundation of my work.

11/07/2024

Reliving Leanne and Andrew’s wedding day where everyone hit the dance floor and had a blast—lolo’s (grandpas) included, showing off their moves! 🕺💃

02/07/2024

One thing I make sure to include on all wedding galleries are genuine reactions around the room. Especially from their immediate families 🥹

Sarah and Sean planned for a slightly different kind of parent dances for their wedding day. They both danced to both sets of parents simultaneously.

This was such a beautiful moment to include on their big day.

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15/05/2024

Congratulations to K and S for tying the knot this past weekend.

Their day was filled with so much as they were surrounded by their immediate families in the city that they fell in love in.

Last photo: We ran out of time with the trolley to go to the Montrose Bird Sanctuary for more newlywed photos but after spending the whole day with K, S and their families, I chased the Northern Lights with my husband and ended up to the bird sanctuary. I just knew I had to incorporate this special cosmic event with their special day somehow. 🫶🏼

09/05/2024

As a photographer who can capture the connection between two people, I am enchanted by the magic of love unfolding before my lens.

In each frame, I immortalize the unspoken language of affection, the tender glances, and the gentle touches that speak volumes about their bond.

Through my camera, I become a silent storyteller, preserving moments of intimacy and shared joy that transcend words. It’s a privilege to witness such profound connections and to translate them into timeless images that speak to the heart.

Can’t wait to get these two married this summer ✨🥹🫶🏼

04/05/2024

May the fourth be with you ✨

Throwback to this beautiful wedding of E + J at last year. It might not have landed on May 4th exactly, but their common love for Star Wars made an iconic appearance at their wedding.

Your wedding day is YOUR special day. You both call the shots. If showing off your personalities is important to you, do it. Your day, your way 🤘🏼

01/05/2024

Don’t be scared of the dark.

To new photographers, photographing in dark locations can be intimidating. I know when I started out, I was intimidated but never scared.

I’ve been loving experimenting with different light setups, on and off camera flashes lately.

I’m no expert, but I love the journey and amazing results I’ve been having.

You can’t grow/ evolve if you’re doing the same thing. Find something that you’re not good at, learn about it and keep practicing until it becomes second nature.

This is a throwback from a workshop in Cali back in ‘22 🤘🏼

19/04/2024

Favorite documentary and candid-like moments from my bestie’s elopement.

I’m so honored that trusted me to document their special day back in December. I wouldn’t be who I am as a wedding photographer without her.

From countless second-shooting gigs for her, to witnessing and documenting her very own. 🥹🫶🏼

Congratulations again to the both of you.
(Yall don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to share these but I had to wait for the green light from her 🤭🫶🏼)

17/04/2024

One of my favorite moments is the quiet time just before the big reveal, like when you first see each other or right before walking down the aisle. It’s when both of you get a moment alone, feeling those excited nerves and butterflies in your stomachs.

It’s special to capture these intimate moments with a camera because they’re full of raw feelings and anticipation. It’s like watching a magical transformation as the nervousness fades away when you finally see each other.

It’s a quiet reassurance that you’re both there for each other, ready to take on whatever comes next.

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29/03/2024

This is a reminder to have fun on your wedding day!!

As you approach your wedding day, take a moment to breathe and remind yourselves: it’s time to have fun. After all the months of planning and stressing over details, this is your chance to let loose and enjoy the celebration.

Don’t let worries consume your thoughts; instead, delegate specific tasks to trusted friends or family members who can help ensure everything runs smoothly.

If you don’t have a planner or coordinator, it’s even more important to distribute responsibilities among your inner circle. Let them handle the logistics while you focus on soaking in every moment.

So, kick back, relax, and embrace the laid-back vibe. This day is all about love, laughter, and making memories to last a lifetime.

29/03/2024

In crafting their own celebration, Amir and Noshin seamlessly blend their cultural backgrounds, weaving a narrative that honors tradition while embracing the unconventional.

From their intimate Nikkah ceremony, which sealed their bond in the eyes of loved ones days prior, to this ‘engagement and Nikkah celebration,’ every detail reflects their journey and the love that unites them.

Here’s to rewriting the rulebook and cherishing a union that respects heritage while carving its own path.

10/03/2024

OH GNOMES!

The first half of L & G’s engagement session was at the Lincoln Park Conservatory and we didn’t anticipate the whole place to be covered with gnomes lol.

As much as we avoided the gnomes, we couldn’t help but include them in some of the photos just for the heck of it.

Guess what? We still freakin got amazing photos and fun ones. Definitely a core memory experience ✨

I surprised them with polaroids at the end of their session and I had to include a photo of the giant gnome for memories sake 🤭🤣

09/03/2024

Surprise proposal captured during our sunrise hike in Sedona.

After taking photos at Devil’s Bridge, we switched and I gave her my camera so she could take Paul and I’s photo. We were second in line, and as I was looking around, soaking all the views around me, all I heard was “WOOO!!” and cheers. Then I saw the proposal happening right in front of me.

I didn’t have my camera with me at the moment but KC was able to take some bridge photos for this beautiful couple as best she could with how I set up my camera setting for her to take our photos.

After a while when Paul and I we through getting our photos taken on the famous bridge, we went back to meet up with KC. Luckily, the newly engaged couple was still hanging around the bridge, in awe of what just happened.

They didn’t have a professional photographer with them, they just asked someone to take their photo and the surprise happened. So I did a thing.

I congratulated them and chatted for a little bit, then asked if they wanted some photos of this beautiful moment. Told them it will only take a couple of minutes, but totally no pressure.

So happy to be able to take these few photos of their engagement for them 🥹🫶🏼

22/02/2024

Big Wedding VS Elopement

If you’re planning a Big Wedding or Elopement (or both) and are still looking for a photographer, submit an inquiry with the link in my bio! Let’s do this thing!!

13/02/2024

Love letters that make my heart happy 🤍

Started my wedding season at the beginning of February with a beautiful elopement downtown. I’ve been counting down the days until their big day because this was a special one.

Skye had been following me since 2021. Mind you, I was a year into my wedding photography journey. 2021 was the year I went full-time with lots of doubts, and still lots to learn. Nonetheless less, she admired my work and occasionally talk to each other🥹🫶🏼

I feel like we’ve seen each other grow over the years, me with photography, and her, finishing Pharm school and other huge milestones.

Anyway, I’m so grateful for the internet for connecting me with amazing humans who I eventually call my friends.

Thank you Skye and Ryan for not only supporting me since day one, but trusting me with your special day 🥹✨

13/12/2023

13/11/2023

Kissing photos are overrated. Yep, I said it. 😗

Don’t get me wrong, kissing photos still happen during sessions but I want to show your love uniquely besides the obvious.

Showing your journey together, the highs and lows, genuine emotions through imagery by paying attention to the finer details of your body language, the silent conversations happening is truly one of my favorite things to photograph.

29/09/2023

14/02/2023

Happy V-day peeps!! There’s so much stress about today that I will never understand. I believe in showing love on a daily basis. BUT!!! If you are celebrating Valentine’s day, go crazy!! Take the time today to show love to yourself, your boo, your family and friends in a way that feels right to you. Don’t feel pressured to do something based on society’s standards. Do s**t your way 🤟🏼

Today, Paul and I are celebrating Valentine’s Day in the comfort of our own home with a slice of Big G’s pizza, Mike’s Hard lemonade and our little LED candle (a thing we do since college).

Are you doing anything special today?

10/11/2022

One thing I liked about the pandemic was how it slowed down time and brought many people closer together.
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Don't get me wrong, living through a pandemic is terrible and I don't wish for anything like it to happen again, but I did love the fact that it brought us together. As shut downs were happening, life slowed down since living in a fast paced world. We got to spend time with our families, partners, kids, etc. like never before. Connected with strangers online and fell in love by spending quarantine time together, getting to know each other without outside influences other than being at the comfort of your homes.
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As the world is back to "normal" I hope that people don't forget to spend quality time with their loved ones like they did during quarantine. Make it count, because you never know what's going to happen tomorrow.