Best 2021 Chicago Wedding Photographer Engagement Professional Photographer in Chicago

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WEDDINGS-MORE INFO

ENGAGEMENTS - MORE INFO

SURPRISE PROPOSAL

Top 10 Outdoor Photo Locations in Windy City for 2021

Gia reviewed personally over 15 locations from the iconic Adler Planetarium and North Avenue Beach to the Baha'i Temple and Chicago Botanic Garden

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Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories from Lincoln Park all the way to The Morton Arboretum

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, and we will be there to help make it, from a photography stand, as great as possible, stress free and capture the most important moments of your special day. The only thing you will have to do on one of the most significant days of your life, is to relax and enjoy every second of it without being worried about any photographic aspect along the way.

I will make sure to capture every detail of your special event, from the smallest design of the wedding gown to table settings and expressions of guests, while making every image a memorable moment that you will be able to enjoy and remember for the rest of your life. Every aspect of this day will be captured in unique and memorable photographs, to have and to hold, to look at and to share with your future kids and grandkids.

Amazing Beach Engagements and Secret Surprise Proposals

From a quality point of view, I feel it's very important to set up an engagement session before the wedding. You get to know me (the photographer) and the photographer gets to know you, and by the time the session is finished, you know exactly the way your photographer works, and the quality of work you can expect from him/her.

Normally at an engagement session the photographs are even more photojournalistic then at the wedding due to the fact that there is more time alone and free to be as creative as you want to be.

Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories

Baby photos are something that each parent can't wait to have. Nowadays, each step that a baby takes, from that first day in the world to the first day of school and everything in between, us, parents get photos of just about every movement. However, sometimes it's nice to have some professional photos taken. Although getting a baby to smile and model on cue is rather hard, but not impossible.

I try to capture the best facial expressions and movement a baby makes by keeping him/her in their environment and keeping them comfortable. Some of the best photos are taken outside and in nature, but when that's not possible, a nice indoor session is always welcomed. Also, having props and costumes make the photo funner and leaves room for more creative ideas.

Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories

Trash the Dress is a new post-nuptials trend that calls for trashing the prized wedding dress. You’ve said your vows, exchanged rings, and made a commitment to each other. You're married for life, which means you’ll never need the dress again.

So, why not trash the dress and get some great fun pictures while you do it? In most circumstances the dress gets only get wet or dirty, and in rare cases it gets completely destroyed, this is up to the bride and groom.

Capturing Unforgettable Moments for a Lifetime of Memories

Our Albums are all uniquely designed for you. We don't use templates, and we don't use any one else's designs, so your album will be as unique as you are. At Gia Dragoi Photography, we take our time to make your album as great you desire. We will take into account all your ideas and suggestions and you will have the last ok before we send it to print.

Your wedding album will be the most important piece and the wrap-up of all these significant moments that took place during the ceremony and the reception, and if you want, from the engagement session too.

Looking for the perfect engagement photos?

From a quality point of view, I feel it's very important to set up an engagement session before the wedding. You get to know me and vice versa, so by the time the session is finished, you know exactly the way I work, and the quality of work you can expect from me. Normally at an engagement session the photographs are even more photojournalistic then at the wedding due to the fact that there is more time alone and free to be as creative as we want to be.

WORK PROCESS

Capturing Unforgettable Moments that Last a Lifetime.

1. Preparation

From the moment a contract is signed, I start the preparations for the wedding, as we all know, preparation is key in every project.

A few months before the wedding, I get in touch with the bride and groom to set up the engagement session. We need to get that finished in order to have photos for save the date, invitations or anything else needed.
A couple of weeks before the wedding I double check the information for times and locations for ceremony, reception and wedding party photos.
I time the driving distances between home and locations for the wedding and make sure I allow myself more than needed time between each venue.

2. Wedding Day

My style of Photography is mixed between photojournalistic and traditional. I know most couples these day like the "reportage" Photography, however family and friends are more used to the traditional, posed type. Because of this I do both and everyone is content.
Ceremony will be covered from every possible angle, covering bride being walked down the aisle and groom waiting for her, along with the rituals of the ceremony. From there we go to the wedding party locations, that have been previously chosen by the couple and all permits have been taken care of. Throughout the reception, I always make sure that there is at least one photo of every couple there, and photos of the bride and groom interacting with their guests and dancing.

3. Post Production

I personally believe that every photo I deliver to my client has to be the absolute best. I use only digital cameras and equipment, all Canon, always having back-ups in case of emergency, therefore the post-production has to be done accordingly.

Once I get all images in my computer, I go through all of them and edit them for best printing quality, working on contract, luminosity and color.
The files that the couple gets, just a few weeks after the wedding, are always digital and in high resolution, on a DVD along with the copyrights.

Want to see more works?

See Our Portfolio

Why Choose Us?

We're Professional

We take pride in the professionalism we have and like to provide to all of our clients. We give free consultations and take into account everyone's ideas and thoughts.

We're Punctual

As a professor of mine once said "if you can't be on time, be early." I try to live by that rule in professional and personal life. The last thing a couple needs on their wedding day is for vendors to run late or not show up. I get to every photo-shoot early and make sure everyone involved is calm and relaxed.

We're Flexible

Considering that we live in the Chicagoland area where the weather is very spontaneous, it's only natural to reschedule and postpone photo-shoots. Also, I always have a couple of indoor locations that can be used in case of sudden weather change. There are no extra charges for rescheduling, regardless of the reason.

We Love Your Input

I don't believe that there is such a thing as a bridezilla. Only women/couples who know exactly what they want from their wedding or engagement photos. And because it is your wedding day, not mine, I like to hear what you want and any ideas and thoughts for photos are welcome.

We’re Creative

Most photos are done with a photojounalistic point of view, however, for weddings I also like to have the traditional, staged family photos. You do have a final say in what kind of style photography you like. I do like to have most candid and artistic styles, but it's your wedding and we'd like your input.

We Care

Having been a bride myself, I know the importance of the wedding day and everything leading up to it. I want to be certain that you get everything you wanted for that day.

What People Say?:

Gia is wonderful! Not only is she incredibly easy to get along with, which is an essential attribute you should seek in a photographer, but her photography is phenomenal. She has an exceptional eye for detail and if you are looking for a blend of creative as well as traditional, Gia is for you. Additionally, it was important for us to have a photographer that had previous experience with ethnic weddings and she does. It was important for us to not have to explain things regarding the ceremony and what kind of pictures to take and all that jazz. With Gia, we didn't have to - she knew what she was doing and we're very happy with the work. On our quest to find a photographer, we kept seeing the same old shots and really boring photos - not with Gia. Gia has a vision and executes. She's not the kind of photographer that you would get with one of the those expensive-big-company-but-unpaid and unskilled-photographer-shops that are creeping up all over the city. She's cutting edge in a great way and her work proves it.

Venetta L, Yelp

Gia photo!!! One word, BOOK THIS LADY!!! She was totally nice and down to earth, and she knew exactly what she was doing! We came from out of town, and the first photo shoot was on a cloudy day! We chose our two locations, and she drove us there to have our photos done. The garden photos turned out GORGEOUS!!!, however the beach was not so hot, as the clouds covered Chicago's skyline. Needless to say she was fine with us redoing our second location shots, free of charge. The second photo shoot was the perfect day and the photo were absolutely STUNNING!!! Gia does wedding as well and she covers wedding outside Chicago, so if you need to have absolutely great memories for your special day, I would recommend Giaphoto!

Moby M, Yelp

What was your favorite wedding photo? It is very difficult to pick a favorite photo. We love the one that captured the rings exchange. It is so real, so expressive, and full of emotions. One glance at it and we are back to that memorable summer day. How did the wedding photographer avoid disrupting the day? Great with candids? Action shots? Portraits? We even forgot she was around. She was very personable and courteous with all our guests. She was great at getting the right angles. We loved all the details captured, like jewelery and accessories which had a sentimental value to us. What was included in your wedding photo package? Albums? DVDs? Engagement pics? Two photographers? Our package included engagements pictures and albums. How did the photographer make you and family comfortable? We felt like she was part of the family. My mom still remembers her name. I saw her chatting and laughing with our guests. They were very comfortable with her. I am not very good at posing, but Gianina made me feel like I am posing for a living.

Traian, OneWed

ABOUT GIAPHOTOS

More about us

★ ★ ★ ★★100% Google Rating

Originally from Romania, I grew up and studied Photography in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I currently live in Chicago with my husband, and my puppy Rocky, who is the subject of my many pet photos. Most recently, my work has been officially recompensed with the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Best of Chicago Wedding Photographers Award by the US Commerce Association (USCA).

For me, Photography is more than a job; it is my passion, my career, and my life. As I think my images show, I love to photograph most of all happy people in exquisite settings. I take most of my photos in a photojournalistic way and my approach as a Chicago wedding photographer is that of a narrator, and my style is a mix of photojournalism and creative portraiture. To that end, I'm more interested in capturing the moment, rather than a fake smile, and so, after many years of experience, I know when to capture life as it happens without restraints.