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 Intention


A Thoughtful Beginning

We start by getting to know you—your story, priorities, and what matters most. Candace listens closely, offering guidance that goes beyond documenting the day.


Intentional Storytelling

With your vision in mind, she approaches your wedding with care and creativity, anticipating the moments, people, and details that deserve to be preserved. She serves as both a trusted resource and a steady presence throughout your journey.


A Seamless Wedding Experience

In collaboration with your planner, Candace shapes a timeline that allows the day to unfold naturally. From refined portraits to emotion-filled moments, every detail is captured thoughtfully so you can be fully present.


Thoughtful Delivery

After your celebration, Candace curates and refines your images with the same attention she brings to every moment. Within 6–8 weeks, you’ll receive a beautifully edited collection that reflects the emotion, atmosphere, and artistry of your wedding—timeless, cohesive, and designed to last.


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

Let’s create your story.

Explore the collection that best fits your wedding day.

The Heirloom Experience - $10,500

Perfect for immersive wedding weekends, this collection offers seamless coverage from your pre-wedding celebration through the joy of your wedding day. From elegant details and heartfelt toasts to the natural flow of your celebration, each moment is captured with care and intention—preserving your story with timeless elegance.



Engagement session

Two hours of coverage for one pre-wedding celebration (bridal shower, wedding shower, rehearsal dinner, or welcome party)

Ten hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

1,200+ edited high-resolution images

Sneak peek gallery delivered within ten days

Private online gallery with digital downloads and printing rights


Inquire


A beautiful Black bride in a beaded white gown with elegant makeup and flowing dark hair poses for a portrait. - University Club of Chicago

The Signature Experience -$8,500

Designed for couples planning a larger celebration with a full guest experience in mind—from the excitement of getting ready alongside your bridal party to the energy of a packed dance floor. Perfect for weddings with extended timelines, multiple locations, cultural traditions, and all the meaningful moments shared with the people who matter most.


Engagement session

Ten hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

1,000+ edited high-resolution images

Sneak peek gallery delivered within ten days

Private online gallery with digital downloads and printing rights


Inquire



A beautiful Black bride in a beaded white gown with elegant makeup and flowing dark hair poses for a portrait. - University Club of Chicago

The Essential Experience - $7,000

Perfect for couples planning an intimate or traditional celebration, this collection is ideal for weddings with a smaller bridal party—or none at all. Designed for weddings where getting ready, the ceremony, and reception all take place in one location, it offers seamless coverage that captures the natural flow and meaningful moments of your day with ease.



Engagement session

Eight hours of consecutive wedding day coverage

Candace and a second professional photographer

800+ edited high resolution images

Sneak peek gallery delivered within ten days

Private online gallery with digital downloads and printing rights


Inquire


A beautiful Black bride in a beaded white gown with elegant makeup and flowing dark hair poses for a portrait. - University Club of Chicago
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

Optional Services

PRE-WEDDING & ENGAGEMENTs

A portrait session with your future spouse at a beautiful location where you'll get to know Candace and create fun memories together. Use these images for your save-the-date cards, display them on your wedding website and throughout your ceremony and reception space. Love the costal vibe; make it a destination shoot. The possibilities are endless!


Additional Services

Two hours of Bridal Shower coverage

Two hours of Rehearsal Dinner coverage

Additional Wedding Day Coverage

Third Photographer (6-hour minimum)

Two hours of Post Wedding Brunch coverage

Expedited Editing (2 weeks vs. 2 months)


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
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.