Dream your perfect day & i will capture it
$2,000 starting price
Chicagoland area, Destination Photographer
Service area
Videography services available
Michelle Mereness
MAIN PHOTOGRAPHER/OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (2X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Based near Plainfield IL, Red Photography by Michelle is a wedding photography company. Understanding that no two weddings are alike, this professional goes the extra mile to capture what makes your celebration unique. She is happy to travel throughout the Chicagoland area and further afield for destination celebrations.
Owner Michelle Mereness's love for photography started when her grandfather gave her her very first camera. She loves being able to freeze a moment in time, giving her clients a way to relive their most treasured memories. Michelle has been documenting weddings for more than 15 years and has worked with more than 700 couples.
Michelle takes a photojournalistic approach to her work, preferring to capture candid, natural moments and interactions. She is happy to work with a second photographer to make sure no detail goes unnoticed. Some of the products and services offered by Red Photography by Michelle include drone footage, wedding albums, printed enlargements, and digital files. Engagement photoshoots are also available.
Hispanic or Latinx-owned and Woman-owned Business
+19 years in business
Speaks English/Spanish
Prices & packages
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Details
Destination Weddings
Destination Wedding Packages
Photo Shoot Types
Boudoir
Bridal Portraits
Engagement
Photo & Video
Digital Files
Drone
Online Proofing
Photo
Printed Enlargements
Same-Day Edits
Second Shooter Available
Social Media Sharing
Wedding Albums
Photo & Video Styles
Artistic
Classic
Documentary
Dramatic
Lifestyle
Modern
Vintage
Wedding Activities
Getting Engaged
Rehearsals & Parties
After Party
Wedding
After Party
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 2
- Michelle MerenessMain Photographer/OwnerI got my first camera from my Grandfather when I was 9 ,He was a Professional Photographer in the Dominican Republic. Since then I tell people I have Super Powers, I can freeze time. That's what Photography is to me, A way to Freeze Time , to capture moments & to have them forever. I Started shooting Weddings 18 years ago , I have shot over 1,000 Weddings. I adore Weddings, Every Wedding is different and unique. I Love being able to capture Love stories, It warms my soul . My style is artistic Photojournalistic. The magic is creating moments so the images don't look super staged/posed, making it seem like I just got lucky :) Let's Chat!!
- Casandra McReynolds2nd PhotographerSince picking up a camera, Casandra has never felt like she has worked a day in her life -because photography isn’t just a profession; it’s a true calling. Every click of the shutter is fueled by creativity, emotion, and a deep love for the art. Whether it’s a candid smile, a breathtaking landscape, or a once-in-a-lifetime event, she is dedicated to preserving the beauty of each moment with authenticity and style. With a fun-loving approach and a keen sense of artistry, she makes every photoshoot an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
Availability
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.0140 reviews
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Review Summary
This AI-generated summary is a snapshot of this vendor's ratings and feedback.
Reviewer feedback for Michelle's photography services for weddings is overwhelmingly positive. Michelle's professionalism, dedication, and talent are consistently praised, with many noting her ability to capture special moments beautifully. Reviewers appreciate her guidance during photoshoots, from posing to setting the right atmosphere, and commend her for delivering exceptional results promptly. Clients express excitement and gratitude for Michelle's impressive work, noting her efficiency, affordability, and ability to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Overall, Michelle receives high recommendations for creating stunning and memorable wedding photography.Review photos
Showing slide number 1 out of 9
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Jamie H
5.0
4/13/2025
Michelle photographed my wedding and delivered on all fields. As the bride, there were many things I did not get to experience firsthand (cocktail hour, guests arriving, our wedding party walking down the aisle, my husband getting ready, etc) but thanks to her I have photos to look back on to see how all those events unfolded. I’m so grateful for her professionalism and enthusiasm of her craft. We love Michelle so much that we continue to see her every year for our family Christmas photos. She is one you do not want to pass up!!
Jeremy G
5.0
3/23/2025
Michelle has been taking my pictures since I was in junior high! She has gone from taking amazing action shots of jumps, stunts, and tumble runs throughout our cheer seasons, she has taken beautiful and creative photos for all proms and homecoming dances throughout high school, and now she does weddings! Michelle gracefully captures the beauty of love in her photos and she puts time and effort into making everyone comfortable throughout the experience. My fiance and I have officially hired her for our 9/20/25 wedding, and we could not be more excited to have such an incredible photographer on our side. We LOVE our engagement photos that she took, and we can’t wait to see the magic she captures on our special day.
Any questions?
Anna B
5.0
3/22/2025
My fiance and I can’t recommend Michelle enough! She has been there to capture so many special moments in our lives—from our high school photos to our engagement shoot, and now our upcoming wedding. She is incredibly talented, professional, and makes every session feel effortless and fun. Our engagement photos turned out absolutely stunning, and we can’t wait to see the magic she creates on our wedding day. If you’re looking for a photographer who truly cares and delivers beautiful, timeless photos, Michelle is the one!
Jaclyn G
5.0
3/22/2025
Michelle is great! She’s very nice, helps a lot with poses and fixing hair and little details. Gets everything done quickly, and isn’t afraid to move you around to get the absolute best pictures! 1000% book her and you won’t be disappointed!
Rachael H
5.0
2/26/2025
We cannot recommend Michelle enough! From the moment we started working with her, she went above and beyond to ensure our wedding photography was nothing short of perfect. She first captured our engagement photos at a beautiful forest preserve, making the entire experience fun, natural, and effortless. The pictures were absolutely stunning, and we knew right then that we had made the best choice for our wedding photographer.
Michelle traveled with us to Punta Cana and not only documented our wedding day beautifully but also researched and organized an incredible off-resort location for pre-wedding photos. Her dedication, creativity, and attention to detail were truly unmatched. She was there for every special moment—from getting ready to the ceremony and all the unforgettable moments afterward—making us feel comfortable and capturing breathtaking images we will cherish forever.
If you're looking for a photographer who is not only talented but also genuinely invested in making your wedding memories last a lifetime, Michelle is the one. We are beyond grateful for her and couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
Kellie H
5.0
1/16/2025
Michelle was great to work with and we absolutely love our wedding and engagement photos! She gave us and everyone in our wedding party directions to have the best photos possible. She had phone call meetings with us leading up to our wedding day to discuss our wants and recommendations for best flow/to get the most of our day. She definitely delivered! I would recommend Red Photography by Michelle!
Taylor H
5.0
11/26/2024
Michelle is the coolest photographer around! So personable and fun to be around. We aren't super familiar with posing, and she made all of our photos from the engagement session so natural and provided plenty of direction so we didn't look or feel awkward. On the night of our reception, she kept us on track and within our timeframe so I did not have to worry about it at all. She is open to any ideas we had and the feel we wanted for the pictures, and knows exactly how to make it happen. Her work is exceptional and I can not wait to see all of the photos when they are ready. Highly recommend working with her!! Thank you Michelle!
John D
5.0
10/09/2024
Michelle was absolutely amazing! Our pictures all turned out so perfect. We got so many compliments about how awesome she was from our guests. We definitely recommend using Michelle if you’re in need of a photographer!
Madisyn D
5.0
10/06/2024
Michelle is amazing! She captures every moment of your special day!! Definitely recommend michelle to be your photographer for any special event ❤️❤️❤️
Abby Z
5.0
8/17/2024
Michelle did an absolutely amazing job!! Our photos and our album are gorgeous and I can’t wait to see our print. Her vibe was so genuine and easy going and it made my husband and I (who almost never take photos of ourselves) feel so comfortable and at ease! 10/10 would recommend if you want to love your photographer.
Erin B
5.0
8/03/2024
Michelle was very professional and efficient with pictures. The end results were stunning. Would highly recommend her for any photo shoot.
Shannon S
5.0
7/24/2024
We just want to thank Michelle so much! We both thoroughly enjoyed her first for being an amazing human being, AND an amazing photographer with a great eye! Thank you for capturing us so beautifully. Thank you for bringing the calm to the wedding day when things were starting to go left... we appreciate all that you did for us. She really went above and beyond and we have gotten so many compliments on our engagement photos and wedding photos. Thank you for bringing elegance and professionalism all while being down to earth and easy to work with. We just love you! And how quickly you turn around the finished product definitely exceeded our expectations.
Emily M
5.0
7/23/2024
Michelle was great, she was friendly and easy to get along with. She is super experienced and definitely knows what she is doing! But she was also open to any specific photos or ideas we had too. We got some photo highlights the very next day!! and we got the full inventory of our photos in only a few weeks, I have never seen a photographer get back so many photos that quickly! She has affordable prices and great talent, you won't regret choosing her as your photographer.
T.L. B
5.0
7/19/2024
We hired Red Photography by Michelle for our May 2024 wedding and we could not be more pleased with our photos.
From start to finish, Michelle was there to answer questions, provide reassurance, and offer ideas when needed. She was available whenever we had questions or were simply unsure. We are excited that we hired Michelle and will definitely hire her again for any photography needs.
Thank you again, Michelle.
Hannah H
5.0
7/17/2024
Michelle is absolutely amazing! I could not have asked for anyone better to take our wedding portraits. I hate pictures of myself, but I can confidently say that Michelle makes me feel beautiful in every single photo she takes of me. Communication was outstanding, our pictures were back extremely fast! The next morning, we already woke up to highlight photos! Cassandra was our second photographer in our package and she was absolutely wonderful! Everything flowed well and felt so natural!
The timeline of the day was perfect and we persevered through the rain and had beautiful shots. If you are looking for a photographer for ANYTHING, Michelle is always the way to go!
Sierra S
5.0
7/12/2024
Awesome photographer! Made our special day so much fun, and made lasting memories for us(:
Jenn W
5.0
7/11/2024
Michelle was amazing! My photos came out fantastic and I couldn’t be more pleased. Highly recommend Michelle's photography. On a day when you’re going to be stressed no matter how well you plan, she’s prompt, creative and very fun to work with. I seriously cannot recommend her enough!
Alyssa H
5.0
7/11/2024
Michelle does a wonderful job! Our wedding pictures and engagement pictures came out even better than we could have imagined! I definitely recommend Red Photography for all your photo needs :)
Paige C
5.0
7/08/2024
Michelle was amazing to work with and she provided the most beautiful pictures for my wedding. She went above and beyond to make sure I had every photo I wanted and gave me ones I will cherish forever. 🩷
Jenny C
5.0
7/08/2024
Michelle takes some MAGICAL pictures!! Please book her for all candid shots and needs! She is totally down to add her own flare, but also is great at listening to make specific visions happen. My husband and I didn't really have a specific theme or pose in mind, and she was ontop of it. Communication was easy, results were earlier than expected and with amazing quality! Thank you!!!
Vanessa K
5.0
6/05/2024
Michelle is amazing!!! She captured every moment and every smile at my wedding!! I felt like I was reliving my own wedding (I cried) such beautiful quality. She definitely understood the assignment ! Loved her
Danielle M
5.0
2/07/2024
Michelle is absolutely amazing! She is very organized and fun to work with. She made sure we got all the best shots for our most special day. Highly recommend working with her for all your photography needs!
Gemma P
5.0
1/28/2024
Michelle exceeded our expectations for our wedding day. Her professionalism was evident throughout the entire process, from planning to execution. It was clear that she has considerable experience in wedding photography, as she effortlessly navigated the day capturing every special moment with precision and artistry. Michelle's attention to detail ensured that no aspect of our big day was overlooked.
Alayna H
5.0
1/27/2024
I have known Michelle for quite some years now and nothing beats her work. My family and I love her. Michelle’s images are always clear and sharp. She is extremely dedicated, accommodative, and professional. She will make you feel very comfortable during your sessions. Her personality is described as outgoing, bubbly, and fun. You will not be disappointed by booking her for your next session.
Haley E
5.0
1/27/2024
Hands down one of the best photographers in our area. Not only is Michelle’s work phenomenal, but she was also fairly priced for her work. She did a mini Christmas shoot for us, and did our wedding pictures in September of 2023. I have gotten so many compliments on our wedding photos, and I had an even bigger problem narrowing down what pictures to get big print outs of. My husband and I couldn’t have been happier with our wedding photos. Not only were Michelle and her assistant very professional, but they were also super fun to work with. They made it super easy throughout the whole process, and it was awesome Michelle sent me like a 80 photo preview the next day after our wedding. 100000% would recommend her for any photo occasion.
Ashley P
5.0
10/02/2023
If you are looking for the absolute best wedding photographer, Red Photography by Michelle is the way to go! My husband and I have had the honor of working with Michelle since we were in high school. From the very beginning of the wedding planning process, Michelle was in constant communication with us. She frequently checked in on us to see if we needed assistance with anything. When it was time to create a timeline for the big day, Michelle sat down with us and helped create it. Our wedding was captured perfectly in every single way. We have had so many people tell us how beautiful our pictures are. Choosing Michelle for our wedding photographer was the best decision we made. If I could give her more than 5 stars, I would do it in a heartbeat.
Alexa S
5.0
9/25/2023
Where do I even start! Michelle is amazing!!! She took our engagement pictures, wedding, and a boudoir shoot as well. She made us feel so comfortable for each shoot, and she made sure we got all the pictures we wanted before she was finished. She is the only photographer that we will continue to use throughout our lives. I could not recommend Michelle enough!!
Dana M
5.0
8/23/2023
Michelle was such a delight to work with! She was assertive with group photos ensuring that everyone in the photo would look their best; she was fun and creative so each picture was something special; she let us make suggestions as to any ideas for pictures we wanted and was willing to give them a try; she not only met us at one place but two places with two different times! She was easy to work with and has fair pricing and not to mention a quick turnaround for getting our pictures back! We will definitely be using her again!
Nicole B
5.0
8/21/2023
Michelle’s skills are exceptional. After seeing her work online, we knew we wanted her to photograph our wedding. Timeless photo journalism. Her vision behind every photo is so creative and she got the photos to us within the next 72 hours. Cannot recommend her enough. A pleasure to work with!!!!
response 08/22/2023
Hi Nicole ! I was so honored to be able to be a part of your special day ! Thank you so mu...
ch for your beautiful words 🖤
Jordyn B
5.0
8/21/2023
Michelle recently did the photography for my wedding and she made sure that we captured every moment beautifully. She is accommodating, thoughtful & a wonderful choice to have photograph your wedding. 10/10
Abby V
5.0
8/19/2023
Choosing Michelle as our photographer was truly one of the best decisions we made for our wedding! She captured our wedding day in such a gorgeous and artistic way. She took a variety of pictures that perfectly capture every emotion of the day. My family and friends loved her and she was wonderful at getting everyone organized and where they needed to be. She met with my husband and I several times before the wedding so that we could get to know each other and have a clear vision. I knew going into the day that I completely trusted her. I could not be happier that we went with Michelle!
Lyndsay K
5.0
6/11/2023
We were so happy with Michelle as our wedding photographer. She was easy to work with, had great energy, and kept things lighthearted for us on our special day. Her photos are beautiful. She helped us stay on schedule throughout our day and had a plan in place. We highly recommend Michelle for your wedding day!
Veronica P
5.0
2/12/2023
Absolutely beautiful photography. She is fun, engaging, caring and really wants to capture the most important moments for the couple to look back at and relive that day all over again.
Angela D
5.0
2/04/2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Michelle is amazing!!!!!!!! Several of my family members have hired Michelle for their weddings, engagement photos, family photos and more! I’d never consider using anyone else. Her talent, love for what she does and personality are top notch! We all love ❤️ Michelle!
Christi O
5.0
2/02/2023
Michelle is amazing! She has an eye for unique shots and her images reflect that. I have used her multiple times for events, head shots and family portraits. She delivers every time!
Deborah M
5.0
2/01/2023
Absolutely goes out of her way to get the shot. Love her commitment ❣️
Taylor P
5.0
2/01/2023
Michelle is absolutely amazing! She is my wedding photographer and she goes above and beyond for her clients! Planning a wedding can be stressful and yet she comes in and makes everything simple and pain free. She has photographed so many weddings that she has amazing advice and recommendations if you need it. Simply put.. she makes you excited for your wedding! She is an absolute pro!
Heather H
5.0
2/01/2023
I normally don’t write reviews but Michelle was amazing!! I was nervous about how the night would flow and when things would be done. When we met with Michelle as our final meeting before the wedding she outlined everything for us, which was a huge relief. She even coordinated with our DJ to ensure our night went smoothly. Our wedding photos and album turned out great. We were able to view our photos and got our wedding album within a reasonable time. The whole process with Michelle from start to finish was amazing!! I would definitely recommend her and I plan on using her again in the future!
Kati F
5.0
2/01/2023
Michelle is extremely personable, incredibly easy to work, with and has a exceptional eye for detail. I look back at photographs from my wedding, years later, and can relive the entire day and the feelings of utter happiness come flooding back like it just happened yesterday. Thank you Michelle, for not only capturing my special day, but for never letting me forget a single thing about it. Stop your search here. Michelle is a passionate photographer who delivers, every single time.
Amy P
5.0
2/01/2023
I met Michelle while she was photographing my friend’s wedding. She was so personable that I found and followed her on social media. Her candor with whomever she interacts, I believe, is what helps cultivate amazing photos — she has a special talent for creating moving imagery. Check out her work!
Kim N
5.0
2/01/2023
My daughter used Red Photography by Michelle for her wedding in July 2022. She was excellent and captured all the important moments. I would most certainly recommend her to anyone needing a professional photographer.
Danielle T
5.0
2/01/2023
Such a great wedding photographer! Had the best direction, kept things on time, made it fun and caught the best photos! And so fast at editing and getting the photos done! Would recommend to all brides!
Alexis S
5.0
2/01/2023
Michelle is amazing! I love how she just knows to pose you so that your favorite side is showing. My husband loved how our pictures turned out and he normally doesn’t care about those things. Thanks for always giving us the best pictures Michelle!!!
Bailey S
5.0
2/01/2023
Amazing!
Kristen P
5.0
2/01/2023
Michelle is wonderful to work with and her photos are exquisite. She is very talented and unique. Recommend her to anyone
Angela M
5.0
1/31/2023
We had the most beautiful wedding pictures thanks to Michelle! She had the best picture ideas and knew exactly how to make us look our best.
Jamke H
5.0
1/31/2023
Michelle was amazing! I am a very type A person and from the intro phone call to receiving the photos she made me feel calm and was so helpful! The day of she helped me plan my schedule and captured all the photos I wanted and was flexible when I wanted to add on an hour the week before! She had a sneak peek ready before we even boarded the airplane! I suggest Michelle to all of my friends and the pics turned out great!
Donna F
5.0
1/31/2023
Michelle can make ordinary shots magical!!! I have worked with her many times, including my sons wedding!!! She is high energy and keeps the day rolling!!! Her talent increases the beauty of any event ten fold!!!! I highly recommend her !!!DF
Shana S
5.0
1/31/2023
Michelle was our photographer for engagement photos and our wedding, I could not recommend her more. We had a slight mishap with my wedding dress the day of my wedding and Michelle went above and beyond to help. She is the best!
Elizabeth Z
5.0
1/31/2023
Michelle the owner of Red Photography captured great quality photos, candid memories, and unforgettable moments. She is very well prepared for the day, and is great at directing people to get that picture perfect image. I would highly recommend Michelle for any of your photo sessions! She is also available at anytime you need and uploaded photos super quick!
Erica H
5.0
1/16/2023
We had the best experience using Red Photography by Michelle for our engagement and wedding photos. The pictures turned out beyond stunning, and Michelle was a godsend to have on our wedding day. From helping me button my sleeves to fixing my hair, and putting all the boutonnieres on the guys - she was such a gem. Definitely recommend Michelle for all your photography needs!!
Kamryn A
5.0
1/14/2023
Michelle is amazing! She took my wedding photos and captured every single moment of our special day. They turned out even more amazing than I would have ever expected. Highly recommend if you are looking for a wedding photographer!
Anne S
5.0
1/05/2023
Michelle went above and beyond at my daughters wedding. She even went so far is to crawl around and help me get her dress straightened from inside the hoop. There really is nothing that she won’t do to make sure that you get the most beautiful pictures of your special day. We had a first look within 24 hours of her wedding, even though she had a wedding that same day. I don’t know how she sleeps or how she does it. The priceless moments that she captured will be cherished forever.
Celeste M
5.0
12/31/2022
Michelle is the absolute best photographer I’ve ever worked with! My family and I have used her on multiple occasions and the pictures have been perfect every time. Especially recently she photographed my wedding and it turned out absolutely beautiful she was on time, professional and helped way beyond photographer duties. 10/10 recommend!
Andy & A
5.0
10/31/2022
If you are still searching for an AMAZING photographer for your special day, lucky you your search ends here! Michelle was truly the best person for the job! Not only was she amazing at taking and staging photos she was also the bride personal therapist, dress toucher upper after some balsamic got on it. She stopped everything she was doing to run the bride to the washroom to calm and clean the bride. We would recommend Michelle for all your photography needs as she does Family & Seasonal portrait pictures as well. With the bride working in the wedding industry herself, she know how difficult it can be to find the perfect person for the job and you will never regret having Michelle for any and all occasions! We love you, thank you for documenting our special day!
Caty K
5.0
10/07/2022
Michelle did an amazing job with our wedding photos!! She was so easy to communicate with while planning for the wedding, and did an amazing job on the day of! I highly recommend using her for your wedding photographer!
Yesenia S
5.0
10/03/2022
Michelle was amazing she was so accommodating and made sure to get plenty of shots of our wedding party and of me and my husband. The photos we have we will have for a lifetime!!!
Amaris C
5.0
9/11/2022
Michelle is amazing! I have used her for pictures since junior high, high school, college graduation, and now my wedding. She always goes above and beyond, and it is one of my favorite qualities about her as a person and photographer. She is so creative with her gift and it shows through every picture she takes. So thankful we had her to shoot our wedding in August!!! She is simply amazing and her service is outstanding. Again, she really goes above and beyond and it's appreciated.
Delaney K
5.0
9/04/2022
Michelle is so so wonderful! She captured every beautiful moment from our special day! I couldn’t have asked for a better photographer! The turn around on photos was so fast too! Would always recommend Red Photography!
Amy P
5.0
7/06/2022
Michelle did an absolutely wonderful job capturing the love between my husband and I through her photography. She was very prompt with sharing all of our wedding pictures with us and extremely professional all around. I would highly recommend Red Photography for your wedding pictures. You will be so glad you did! Michelle is truly amazing.
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Red Photography by Michelle
Michelle Mereness
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Main Photographer/Owner
Typically responds within 24h
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