I’m Gia Dragoi of Gia Photos, a Chicago wedding photographer with 600+ weddings over 20 years. From the Rookery Building to Lincoln Park and Millennium Park, I photograph every wedding I book myself: no associates and no substitute shooters.
I’m Gia Dragoi, the photographer behind Gia Photos. I photograph every wedding I book myself, from getting ready to the last dance, with no associates and no substitute shooters. I work from two locations, Buena Park in Chicago and Glen Ellyn in the western suburbs, and photograph weddings across Chicago and the suburbs.
Hear from couples who trusted Gia Photos to capture their wedding and engagement moments:
“My husband hired Gia when he was planning on proposing and from the very start we clicked with her. She truly captured our moment so beautifully and we knew right away she had to do our wedding pics. … Every single shot she captured was perfection!”
“Gia was the perfect person to capture our wedding. … She knew exactly how to organize us all—which was not easy with such a big wedding party—and she did it with grace and professionalism. All of our friends who have seen the photos were so impressed.”
“Gia captured my surprise proposal perfectly and helped me with the timing and logistics. Very professional and reliable! Great to work with and very kind. One of the best photographers in the Chicago area!! Thank you Gia!”
Want to see the venues behind the reviews? Browse real weddings Gia photographed: Lauren & Nicholas at the Greenhouse Loft, Anum & Dennis at Crystal Tree Country Club in Orland Park, and Yvonne & Jerry’s Chinatown wedding. Read more on the reviews page.
Explore real wedding and engagement photos captured across the city’s iconic venues and neighborhoods
Recent love stories I photographed downtown and around the city. See all real weddings.
Love, Laughter & Lauren & Nicholas
Maria & Robert: A Chicago Winter Celebration
Inside Yvonne and Jerry’s Fun Chinatown Wedding
Your wedding deserves a photographer who captures every moment with heart and precision. At Gia Photos, I document the joy of getting ready at venues like the Drake Hotel, the emotion of your vows at the Chicago Cultural Center, and the celebration at the Art Institute of Chicago. My photojournalistic style keeps the candid moments honest, and classic portraits round out the story.
With over 20 years of experience and 600+ weddings captured, Gia Photos is a name local couples have trusted for two decades. I work closely with you to understand your vision, whether it’s a grand celebration at the Palmer House or an intimate ceremony in Grant Park. From the vibrant energy of Wicker Park to the serene beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden, I tailor each shoot to your style, so the photos feel like yours, not a template.
Why choose Gia Photos? I’m not just a photographer—I’m a storyteller who anticipates every moment, from your first look to the last dance. My attention to detail, expert lighting, and calming presence ensure a stress-free experience, leaving you with an heirloom album that brings back the butterflies years later.
Your engagement is a milestone that deserves to be captured in the city’s most romantic settings. Whether you’re strolling hand-in-hand through Lincoln Park, laughing by the Chicago River, or posing against the skyline at Adler Planetarium, Gia Photos creates authentic, joyful images that reflect your unique connection.
I make every session feel natural and fun. With a deep knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods—from Lakeview to the Loop—I help you choose the perfect location, like North Avenue Beach or the Chicago Riverwalk, to tell your story. These photos are ideal for save-the-date, wedding announcements, or simply for the two of you.
What sets me apart? My ability to make even camera-shy couples feel at ease, ensuring natural poses and genuine smiles. With over 700 sessions captured, I know how to highlight your love against the city’s landmarks, and I know the angles most couples never think of.
Ready to plan your engagement session? Contact Gia Photos to plan your session.
A surprise proposal happens once, and I’m here to ensure it’s captured with precision and heart. Whether you’re proposing at Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) in Millennium Park, by the serene Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, or against the skyline at Adler Planetarium, I’ll blend into the background, preserving every emotion—the surprise, the joy, the tears.
As a leading proposal photographer, I offer discreet planning and expert timing to make your moment perfect. I’ve captured countless proposals at iconic spots like the Adler Planetarium, Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Chicago Theatre, and I know where to stand so your partner never sees me coming. No one will know I’m there, but the images will freeze that once-in-a-lifetime moment forever.
Planning a proposal? Let Gia Photos help you create a seamless, stress-free experience with photos of the real reaction, not a staged recreation.
Extend your celebration with a daring trash the dress session. Whether you’re splashing in Lake Michigan, dancing on the sides of Buckingham Fountain , or exploring the vibrant streets of Fulton Market, I transform your gown into a work of art, capturing the fun and freedom of this unique experience.
I bring creativity and energy to every shoot, so your photos are bold and full of energy. From the gritty charm of the West Loop to the serene beauty of the Morton Arboretum, I create a final chapter to your love story. This is your chance to let loose and celebrate your love in a way that’s uniquely you.
Ready for a trash the dress session? Contact Gia Photos to plan a session that’s as fearless and beautiful as your love.
From intimate ceremonies at the Chicago History Museum to grand celebrations at the Field Museum, Gia Photos offers tailored wedding photography packages for every couple.
Whether you’re planning a rooftop wedding at the London House or a garden ceremony at the Chicago Botanic Garden, my affordable and premium packages ensure your day
is captured with elegance and authenticity. Explore my options to find the perfect fit for your vision.
Compare packages · What a Chicago wedding photographer costs
While I am based in the heart of the city, I provide premier wedding, engagement, and proposal photography to couples throughout the entire Chicagoland area. My mission is to capture your love story at your favorite local venues and landmarks, ensuring you have timeless memories regardless of where you say “I do.”
Planning your wedding or engagement? Here are answers to common questions to help you choose the perfect photographer:
With over 20 years of experience and 600+ weddings captured, Gia Photos is a name local couples have trusted for two decades. My personalized approach, blending photojournalism with classic elegance, ensures authentic photos that look like you.
The city offers great photo locations like Millennium Park, Adler Planetarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Gia helps you choose the perfect spot, whether it’s the vibrant Riverwalk or the historic Rookery Building, to match your style.
Most Chicago couples pay about $2,500 to $6,500 for a full day of wedding photography. My packages run $2,950 to $4,950, and every package includes up to 10 hours of coverage, unlimited photos and full copyrights. I photograph every wedding myself. See my packages page for what each one includes.
Yes, I offer free rescheduling for any reason, including the city’s unpredictable weather, ensuring a stress-free experience for your wedding or engagement session.
Gia Photos creates a relaxed, fun experience, guiding you through poses and locations like North Avenue Beach or the Chicago Theatre. Your engagement photos will capture your love and personality, perfect for save-the-dates or keepsakes.
I recommend booking 6–12 months in advance for peak wedding seasons (spring and summer in the city). Contact me early to secure your date and discuss your vision.
I’m the founder and lead photographer behind Gia Photos, and I specialize in capturing the elegance and authenticity of your story. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve had the honor of personally documenting more than 600 weddings, earning recognition from top bridal platforms like The Knot and WeddingWire.
From intimate surprise proposals to classic weddings and adventurous “trash the dress” sessions, I am dedicated to preserving your most meaningful moments. I know Chicago’s most iconic backdrops inside and out, whether you’re planning a session at the Art Institute of Chicago or a gorgeous outdoor shoot at the Morton Arboretum.
What Makes Me Different? My approach is completely tailored to you. I don’t do stiff, fake-smile poses; instead, I focus on your unique connection. Whether you’re envisioning classic romance at the Chicago Theatre or modern elegance with a view at the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, I blend documentary-style, photojournalistic candids with timeless portraits. I’m there to capture every genuine laugh, tear, and dance move.
Your Vision, Beautifully Documented! My clients love my ability to make everyone feel completely comfortable and natural in front of the lens, even if you consider yourselves camera-shy. I’ve documented love stories at stunning venues all over the city, including the Peninsula Chicago, the Chicago History Museum, and the vibrant streets of Wicker Park, always adapting my style to match your specific vision.
From the lush greenery of Lincoln Park to the serene beauty of The Morton Arboretum, I love capturing engagement and wedding photos in the Windy City’s most picturesque settings. Because I know this city inside and out, I can ensure your photos beautifully showcase the Windy City’s charm—whether I’m catching the iconic skyline from Northerly Island or the historic elegance of the Chicago Cultural Center.
To me, engagement photos are so much more than just a checklist item; they’re a celebration of your unique love and a perfect chance for us to get comfortable working together before your big day. You can use them for save-the-dates, announcements, or just as beautiful keepsakes.
During our time together, I’ll guide you through a relaxed, fun session that feels completely natural—no stiff, forced poses here. My goal is to capture joyful, authentic images that reflect your true connection. Whether I’m doing a sunset shoot at North Avenue Beach or sharing a romantic moment by the Chicago River, your photos will look like the two of you on your best day.
I would love to be the one to document your wedding day and create beautiful, lasting memories for you. Reach out, and let’s discuss your vision and plan a session that’s as unique as your love.
Let’s collaborate to create a photography experience that is just as vibrant, authentic, and unique as the city itself.
I’m Gia, a Chicago wedding photographer with over 20 years of experience and more than 600 weddings, every one photographed personally, never handed off to an associate. My passion is turning your big day into a record you will actually want to look at—blending photojournalism with refined creative portraiture to preserve every raw, unscripted emotion.
From grand celebrations at the Field Museum and the historic Rookery Building to intimate moments in Grant Park, editorial-style events in the Gold Coast, trendy industrial spaces in the West Loop, or elegant estates along the North Shore and Lake Forest, I capture it all against the Windy City’s iconic backdrops and hidden gems.
With a personal, caring approach, I’m there to anticipate every moment—from the first look and happy tears to candid laughs and the final dance. Let me be your dedicated storyteller, creating a vibrant, authentic heirloom album as unique as your love story and as timeless as Chicago itself.
Gia Photos is the city’s trusted wedding and engagement photographer, offering personalized service, local expertise, and a passion for capturing your love story. Here’s why couples choose Gia:
Finding the perfect photographer in Chicago can feel overwhelming, but it’s about finding someone who feels like a partner in your day. Gia Photos brings over 20 years of experience and has captured 600+ weddings across the city and suburbs, from the elegant Drake Hotel to the vibrant Chicago Riverwalk.
What makes Gia Photos stand out? My personalized approach, deep knowledge of the city’s iconic venues, and commitment to making every couple feel comfortable. Whether it’s a grand celebration at the Willis Tower or an intimate vow exchange at the Lincoln Park Zoo, I ensure your photos reflect your love and the spirit of the city.
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, love, and joy. Professional photography ensures every moment is preserved, from the first look at the Chicago Athletic Association to the dance floor energy at the Peninsula, Chicago. Gia Photos arrives with a calm presence, blending into your day to capture authentic moments without adding stress.
As your photographer, Gia offers:
When you look through your wedding album years from now, you should feel the same butterflies from your first dance at the Art Institute of Chicago or the joy of celebrating at the Adler Planetarium. Gia Photos creates timeless images that preserve not just how your day looked, but how it felt, because that is what you will want to remember.
Whether you’re envisioning classic, urban, or nature-filled engagement photos, the city has a spot for it. You can choose from over 15 iconic locations, including the Adler Planetarium, North Avenue Beach, the Baha’i Temple, the Chicago Botanic Garden, or the indoor greenery of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Planning a wedding in Chicago? Here are expert tips to make your day unforgettable, paired with stunning photography by Gia Photos:
The city offers a range of venues, from the historic elegance of the Palmer House to the modern charm of the LondonHouse rooftop. Consider your guest count and style—intimate venues like the Chicago History Museum are perfect for smaller weddings, while the Field Museum suits grand celebrations. Gia Photos knows each venue’s best angles.
Chicago weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Have a backup plan for outdoor ceremonies, like a tent at the Chicago Botanic Garden or an indoor space at the Adler Planetarium. Gia Photos offers free rescheduling to ensure your photos are perfect, rain or shine.
Make your wedding photos distinctly yours by incorporating landmarks like the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park, or the Art Institute of Chicago’s South Garden. Gia’s local expertise ensures your photos use the city’s light and architecture well.
An engagement session is a great way to get comfortable with your photographer and test poses for your wedding day. Choose locations like Lincoln Park or North Avenue Beach for vibrant, romantic photos that feel like you.
The area is home to top-tier vendors, from florists in Wicker Park to caterers in the Loop. Gia Photos can recommend trusted vendors to make your planning seamless, ensuring every detail of your day is captured beautifully.
Tel: (312) 927-7238
Email: contact@weddingphotographerinchicago.com
Hours of Operation: Monday–Sunday, open 24 hours
Let Gia photograph your wedding or engagement personally, start to finish. Check availability for your date today.
Tell me your date and venue and I’ll reply personally.
