hi, i’m Dana
After 14 years in the wedding industry, I can confidently say there is nothing I love more.
When I first picked up a camera I felt a passion, but it wasn’t until the first wedding that I felt that passion ignite. Not a single wedding in the hundreds I’ve photographed has been the same. Ever. Isn’t that incredible? I take my role seriously as the sole preserver of your wedding memories. It’s equally exciting to me to bring the fun that elicits those joyful in-between moments throughout the day.
This is such a special process.
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A few major factors influence a photographer’s style: the creative eye and ability to see things from a unique perspective, confidence to guide you throughout the day, and the editing process. The process should be FUN- it should be emotional. I’m here to capture that and give natural direction so you can look and feel like your best selves. I work with each client to determine the nuances of style they are drawn to most.
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I take on 1-2 destination weddings per year. I’ve had the pleasure of shooting weddings in Europe, Central America, The Caribbean, Mexico, California, Montana, Colorado, North Carolina, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin Indiana, and Michigan.
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The most weddings I ever in one season was 45. I quickly learned how limiting that was for my creative process. To create the best experience for my clients and personal balance, I only accept 15 weddings per year.
14 years in the making
2009
Shot my first wedding
As a Junior in highschool I interned at a photo studio and dipped my toes in with an opportunity to third shoot my first wedding. -thank god you can’t see my very first wedding images!
2015
the rebrand + video
I finally got into the rhythm. In college, I studied photography and business while growing my first business. I had technical and artistic confidence in my craft- it was time to stretch myself further by adding a photographer and bringing video into the mix. Soon after came the launch of Golden Hours Weddings.
2019
Founded an agency
I co-founded a content, design, marketing, and branding agency in Chicago. This stretched me in a multitude of creative and professional ways. I had the opportunity to work with Fortune 100 brands, was published in People Magazine, and worked alongside many talented folks!
2023
Forbes 30 Under 30
SOMEHOW I was awarded Forbes 30 Under 30…and I still can’t believe it. Not only was this an incredible honor but it has allowed me to connect with inspiring thought leaders from around the globe.
Today!
Back to what I love
The last two years I’ve taken my newfound expertise in the commercial world and am bringing new ideas to the wedding industry. I am SO thankful to be doing what I love.
Services
Wedding photography collections with Dana start at $8,000
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We provide a range of wedding packages tailored to your needs, with the option for full customization.
Our wedding photography packages start at $8,000 with most couples averaging $10,000 for their package.
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To ensure I prioritize what matters most to you, I’ve built a simple but detailed process that helps us discover the elements of your wedding day that hold the most significance for YOU, ensuring every special moment is beautifully preserved. Together we take the time to understand your preferences, style, and the unique aspects of your relationship, so we can tailor our approach to perfectly suit your vision for your big day.
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We have a passion for shooting film! While we enjoy the conveniences of the digital age, film offers a special and unique supplement to our work.
You can add film to any wedding package for $1,000, which covers the cost of film processing and scanning.
Wedding video collections start at $8,000.
20% off video when bundled with a photo package
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For most of our couples, we provide both photo and video coverage for their big day, ensuring seamless coordination with our unified team. However, we are also happy to collaborate with your other vendors!
Packages start at $8,000 with most of our couples averaging $9,000. We offer 20% off your full video package when booked alongside any photo wedding package!
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Our style is best described as documentary, capturing genuine moments throughout. For Video this is especially important to maintain a natural and seamless flow. Our photography team excels at guiding without making it feel posed, which is essential for capturing these special moments on video.
We collaborate with each couple to determine style preferences, song selection, audio narrative, and to prioritize your most cherished moments of the day.
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We have a passion for shooting film! While we enjoy the conveniences of the digital age, film offers a special and unique supplement to our work.
You can add film to any wedding package for $2,000, which covers the cost of film processing, scanning, and a delightful separate 60-second Super8 edit.
Portrait Sessions
Engagement, Family and Lifestyle sessions start at $1,100
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We absolutely love engagement sessions! They provide a fun opportunity to express yourselves beyond the wedding day, especially if there are meaningful locations, activities, or furry friends that can't be included on the big day.
Our engagement packages start at $800, with a 20% discount when booked alongside a wedding package.
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It’s SO special to have our wedding couples come back with their growing family for future sessions!
Sessions start at $800 with 20% off if you’re a previous client.