Gretchen and I first shot a wedding together in 2019 (shoutout Lauren and Ryan!), so I am BEYOND excited to have her as an official part of my team to associate shoot weddings for me so that MKP can work with even more amazing couples each wedding season. She'll be your go-to girl behind the camera (capturing all the special moments and details on your wedding day) and I'll be your go-to girl behind the computer screen (answering all your wedding questions leading up to the day, helping create your timeline, and most importantly, editing each and every photo of your final gallery of images!).
Scroll on down to hear more from Gretchen herself and to see some of her work (shot by her and edited by me!).
Meet Gretchen
associate photographer
for Marissa Kelly Photography and lover of all things Chicago
I first fell in love with photography when I was in high school, and my focus has been weddings since I moved to Chicago, my favorite place in the world, in 2019.
My approach to photographing weddings centers around making each couple feel they’re in a comfortable, friendly, supportive space that allows the day to unfold naturally and allows you to be your most authentic selves while celebrating your love with all of your favorite people. My primary goal is that when you look back at your wedding photos in one year, five years, and 40 years, you are taken back to the moments and the feelings of the day, exactly as you remember it.
I can't wait to learn more about the two of you and your hopes and dreams and visions for your wedding day!
- I was born & raised in Cincinnati, OH - yes, skyline chili does run through my veins and yes I do know it's made with cinnamon and yes I will give a friendly Midwestern eye roll if you say you’ve tried it and don’t like it.
- I'm a graduate of THE Ohio State University - honestly that’s the first time I’ve emphasized the THE in years because when I first moved to Chicago I learned being obnoxious about Ohio State in a Big Ten city was a quick way to get a friendly Midwestern eye roll in return.
- I've lived in Chicago for 5.5 years & have loved every second of it. It’s my favorite place in the world.
- Huuuuuge reality TV girl. Housewives, VPR, Love Is Blind, Bachelor (Golden only from here out pls), etc.
- Fav hobbies include: exercising, long lake walks, trying new & revisiting Chicago’s restaurants, rooftop/patio happy hours, wine nights, near daily trips to the hot tub, and staring at and saying “what a cutie wittle puppy” in my head at other people’s dogs.
inquire here
What exactly is an associate photographer?
An associate photographer is one who shoots weddings and sessions for another photographer's business, while the business owner (Marissa!) will do all the editing of the final images so that they match the look of her portfolio and brand. Just like you see on this page—taken by Gretchen, edited by Marissa!
What will the process look like if we book Gretchen?
If you book Gretchen as your photographer, she'll be your go-to girl for all your in-person things: your engagement session, your final timeline meeting, and shooting your wedding day! Marissa will be your girl for all communication leading up to and after the big day: she'll be the one sending (and editing!) your sneak peeks and full galleries, answering any questions you might have, and scheduling things like your engagement session and check-in meetings!
Can we meet Gretchen before booking her?
Absolutely! For the initial inquiry call, you'll meet with Marissa to go over all your initial wedding day/photo questions, but if you'd like to schedule a second consultation call with Gretchen to meet face-to-face first, we'll get a video call on the calendar! If you'll be doing an engagement session, she'll also be your girl shooting that so you can meet and be in front of her camera before the big day!
Lastly, here are the answers to a few FAQ!!
Please reach out with any other questions you may have for me about wedding or engagement photography, the booking process, or anything else wedding-related!
WE Can't wait to hear from you!
reserve your day
