5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Photos by Ariel
Wedding Days That Feel as Good as They Look
Central Illinois & Beyond
Travel area: No travel restrictions See details
Ariel not only took the most beautiful pictures, but she was there through the entire planning process helping make decisions. She went with every idea we had and delivered the most beautiful galleries with an amazing turn around time!
Working with Ariel was one of the very best decisions we made for our wedding. From the moment we booked her, she went above and beyond — not just as a photographer, but as someone who genuinely cared about making our day run smoothly. During the planning process, she helped us map out our entire timeline, offering thoughtful advice on everything from when to start the ceremony to the best lighting for portraits and even how to structure the reception so we could actually enjoy it. Her organization and experience took so much stress off our shoulders.
We also did an engagement session with her, which we absolutely loved. It gave us a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and get a feel for her direction and style before the wedding.
Ariel was amazing on the wedding day — calm and organized. She kept us on schedule without ever feeling rushed and handled every little hiccup with ease. We never once felt stressed because she was already on top of it.
We really felt like she had our back from start to finish.
When we received our gallery, we were so touched by how beautifully Ariel captured the day. The photos are natural, true to us, and filled with emotion. Every image felt real and full of life, like we were right back there again.
About this vendor
Ariel
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
After 13+ years, 300+ weddings, and countless hours behind the camera, stress-free wedding days are what I’m best known for.
Whether you’re planning an intimate backyard wedding, an adventurous destination celebration, or a high-energy day with your loud (but loving) crew — I’m here to make sure your day feels calm, connected, and genuinely fun.
I’m intuitive, adaptable, and deeply invested in my couples. The best photos happen when trust is high, communication is clear, and you feel fully supported from start to finish. That means thoughtful preparation ahead of time, zero rushed energy, and a wedding day where you can actually enjoy being married.
And when it comes to editing — I do things a little differently.
After years of refining my craft, I’ve perfected bright & airy, true-to-life, and dark & moody styles. Instead of boxing you into one look, I invite you into the process.
During editing, I send sneak peeks from different parts of your day — getting ready, ceremony, sunset portraits, reception — in multiple style options. You’ll see bright & airy, true-to-life, and dark & moody versions, and you get to share what resonates most. Want to tweak warmth? Contrast? Depth? We refine it together.
You’re not directing the art — that’s my job. But you are part of the conversation. The final gallery is crafted through my artistic lens, with your preferences thoughtfully woven in.
No drill sergeant vibes here — just a photographer who knows when to guide, when to step back, how to keep things flowing smoothly (even with the most spirited crowd 😉), and how to deliver a gallery that feels cohesive, intentional, and unmistakably yours.
If you value collaboration, calm energy, and a photographer who confidently leads while still listening — I’d love to connect.
Meet the team
Ariel
Owner
Hi, I’m Ariel.
I’m a mom raising three strong, curious girls who challenge me, inspire me, & keep me grounded in what really matters (& humble me on a regular basis).
I’m an artist in more ways than one. I love music, painting, and drawing. I read constantly, write often, & have a deep appreciation for rainy days, long walks, & slow mornings. My house is full of plants (zero self-control in a garden center), & while I currently have one cat, I was raised with dogs & will forever be an all-animal lover.
Pizza is my favorite food. It's basically a personality trait at this point.
Travel lights me up. Exploring new cities, wandering unfamiliar streets, & getting to know the people who call them home. I’m endlessly fascinated by the stories people carry. Driven by connection, authenticity, & understanding who someone is beneath the surface.
Psychology & the “why” behind human behavior captivate me. I love deep convos that stretch for hours & leave you seeing the world differently. And yet, I’m told I bring lightness & laughter into a room just as easily as I bring depth. In fact, I’m fairly certain I was a comedian. Making people laugh & breaking tension with humor are my thing. Joy matters to me just as much as meaning does.
I’m passionate, outgoing, & a little bold in the best way. I have a knack for helping people open up & feel comfortable — for turning nerves into ease & strangers into fast friends.
I’m also a protector. Not always for myself, but protecting others boundaries, experience, & dignity comes as naturally as breathing. Creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, & respected is my life mission.
At every wedding I show up with heart, humor, depth, & the kind of presence that makes people feel fully themselves, while ensuring you’re having fun.
If that’s the energy you want surrounding you on one of the most meaningful days of your life, I’m your person.
Service area & Contact info
Travel area: No travel restrictions
Additional charges may apply
Start the convo
*=Required
Use this secure form to reach out and share your wedding vision.
Photos by Ariel
Ariel
|
Owner
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in Lincoln
Why use The Knot to message vendors?
Messaging our verified vendors on The Knot is free, safe and secure. Conveniently track vendor messages and planning details all in one place. Our mobile apps make it easy to stay in touch with vendors while you're on‑the‑go. For personalized pricing and package details, sending the vendor a message is the fastest way to get info.