Our Approach

We document wedding weekends with intention and ease—creating effortless portraits while allowing each celebration to unfold naturally. With a calm, observant presence, we focus on genuine connection and the in-between moments that define wedding celebrations, resulting in imagery that feels timeless, refined, and enduring.

Armour House Wedding in Lake Forest - Ceremony Recessional
The Armour House Wedding in Lake Forest - Reception Details

What to Expect

An Experience Designed Around You


A Personalized Beginning

Every couple’s story is unique. We begin by getting to know you—your vision, priorities, and the moments that matter most. Candace takes the time to understand what makes your celebration meaningful, offering guidance and support from the very beginning.


Storytelling With Purpose

With a clear understanding of your vision, Candace approaches your wedding day with intention, creativity, and a thoughtful eye for connection. From the emotions shared between loved ones to the carefully chosen details, every moment is documented with care and authenticity.


A Seamless Wedding Experience

Working alongside you and your planning team, Candace helps create a timeline that allows your day to unfold naturally. With a calm and confident presence, she captures refined portraits, genuine interactions, and the unforgettable moments that make your celebration uniquely yours.


A Meaningful Delivery

After your wedding, Candace carefully curates and refines your images with the same attention brought to every part of your experience. Within 6–8 weeks, you’ll receive a beautifully edited collection that reflects the emotion, atmosphere, and story of your day—preserving the memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

The Armour House Wedding in Lake Forest - Outfit Change Bride and Groom Staircase Portraits

Let’s create your story.

Explore the wedding experiences designed to capture your day with intention, artistry, and care.

The Classic Experience — $7,000

Thoughtfully designed for couples who want their wedding day documented with care and intention. From the quiet anticipation of getting ready to the elegance of your portraits and ceremony to the joy, movement, and celebration of the reception, each chapter is documented with an editorial eye and an effortless sense of refinement. The result is a timeless visual narrative—preserving the atmosphere, emotion, and meaningful connections that make your celebration entirely your own.


Eight hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

Personalized photography timeline planning

Wedding day guidance and support

Curated online gallery with high-resolution images & personal printing rights


Schedule a Consultation



A beautiful Black bride in a beaded white gown with long wavy hair and elegant earrings poses for a portrait.

The Signature Experience -$8,500

(Most Popular)

Designed for couples hosting an immersive celebration with an extended timeline, larger guest count, multiple locations, or meaningful traditions woven throughout the day. With additional coverage, your photography experience unfolds with intention and ease, allowing us to thoughtfully document every chapter—from quiet preparations and cultural traditions to portraits, ceremony, and the energy of the reception. More time means more space to preserve the people, details, and moments that make your celebration uniquely yours.


Engagement session

Ten hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

Personalized photography timeline planning

Wedding day guidance and support

Curated online gallery with high-resolution images & personal printing rights


Schedule a Consultation


Bride and groom share a kiss surrounded by bridesmaids in burgundy gowns and groomsmen in black tuxedos.

The Heirloom Experience - $10,500

Created for couples hosting an elevated, multi-day celebration, The Heirloom Experience offers a complete and thoughtfully considered approach to documenting your wedding weekend. With coverage across two days, there is room for each chapter to unfold naturally—from the anticipation of the welcome festivities to the beauty, emotion, and celebration of the wedding day.


From meaningful details and genuine connections to the fleeting moments in between, your celebration is captured with an artistic eye and a timeless sensibility, creating a collection of imagery designed to be cherished for generations.


Engagement session

Two hours of rehearsal dinner or welcome party coverage

Up to eleven hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

Personalized photography timeline planning

Wedding day guidance and support

Curated online gallery with high-resolution images & personal printing rights



Schedule a Consultation


Bride and groom kissing, showcasing a pink diamond engagement ring and silver watch, with groom in ivory tuxedo.
String quartet performing beneath ornate stained glass windows. - University Club of Chicago Wedding Ceremony
Elegant wedding ceremony venue with ornate wood-paneled walls, chandelier, stone fireplace. - University Club of Chicago Wedding Ceremony
Elegant wedding reception table with tall floral centerpieces, candles. - University Club of Chicago Wedding Reception

Enhance Your Experience

Enhance Your Experience

Bridal Gown Fitting (2 hours) $1,500

Bridal or Wedding Shower (2 hours) $1,500

Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Party (2 hrs) $1,500

Farewell Brunch (2 hours) $1,500

Additional Wedding Day Coverage $850

Additional Professional Photographer $1,000

Priority Full Gallery Delivery (2 weeks vs. 2 months) $1,000


HEIRLOOM ALBUMS

Refined flush-mount albums, with linen, leather, and suede cover options printed on professional photographic luster paper known for its sharp details, rich colors and contrast.

40-Page Lay Flat Album 10x10"

40-Page Lay Flat Album 12X12"


Destination Weddings

Your destination wedding is more than a single day—it's an unforgettable experience shared with the people you love most. Whether you're saying "I do" overlooking the sea, celebrating in a timeless French château, or gathering at a private mountain estate, your celebration deserves photography that is as intentional and unforgettable as the destination itself.


Because every destination wedding is different, we create custom proposals designed around your vision, travel plans, guest experience, and coverage needs. From welcome parties and rehearsal dinners to the wedding day and farewell brunch, we'll create a collection that perfectly fits your celebration.



Inquire


Elegant outdoor wedding reception with long tables, floral centerpieces, and string lights at a French chateau. - Chateau de Lartigolle

Chapters & Milestone Sessions

Chapters & Milestone Sessions celebrate the moments that deserve to be remembered. Thoughtfully designed to capture life’s most meaningful seasons, each session blends timeless imagery with authentic connection to create heirloom photographs that preserve your story for generations.


Sessions begin at $1,000


Learn More

Pregnant woman in white dress with husband holding toddler son during autumn family maternity photo session outdoors.
testimonials
Testimonial The University Club of Chicago Wedding | Candace Sims Chicago Luxury Editorial Wedding Photographer

Aisha & Patrick


The University Club of Chicago Wedding


Candace is incredible! She is thoughtful, flexible, organized, communicative and has a way with making us feel totally comfortable in front of the camera.


If you're wondering whether you should book her. DO IT! I am a person who usually hates photos of myself and I LOVED every single photo that Candace captured of my wedding. She has an elegant, documentary style that is unlike others I have seen. She is worth the investment 100 times over. I will definitely book Candace for all future life moments as well!

Two people share a sweet moment together in a restaurant setting with soft pendant lighting and greenery.

Devon &  David


Morgan's on Fulton Chicago Wedding


We had a wonderful experience working with Candace. Starting with the engagement shoot, we appreciated her warmth, creativity, and guidance. She offered recommendations while also incorporating our ideas and values. She takes her work seriously finding the perfect light and backdrop for our photos. During the wedding weekend, she was timely, professional, and kind. We were genuinely happy to see her again. She provided a calm amidst the wedding weekend chaos. The photos are gorgeous!

Testimonial - The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Wedding | Candace Sims Chicago Luxury Editorial Wedding Photographer

Yande & Scott


The Waldorf Astoria Chicago Wedding


When my husband and I started wedding planning, one of the most important elements of our day was photography. We wanted images that would take us back to our special day.


From the moment I saw Candace's work, we had to hire her! Her photos were crisp, timeless, not overly-edited, and soft. Candace captured absolute gems! From the detail shots to capturing our friends and family, every image told a story. I would recommend Candace to any bride wanting a timeless wedding photography look.

FAQ

How do we book you as our wedding photographer?

We require a 40% retainer payment & signed contract upon booking. Your reminder balance will be due 30 days before your wedding date.

How long does it take to get our wedding photos delivered?

You can expect your engagement photos within 4 weeks, wedding photography gallery within 6-8 weeks following your wedding event (this may vary during peak season).

How long do we have to book ahead?

Some dates and months are more popular than others, so it's best to book as far ahead as you can to avoid disappointment.

What equipment do you use & do you have insurance?

I use professional Nikon Z8 mirrorless cameras and lenses. I always carry both backup cameras and lenses as well as extra memory cards, flashes, batteries, etc. My gear is regularly maintained and updated all to ensure you receive stunning photographs.

Yes, I do have liability insurance and can provide a copy to your planner and venue.