Anchored Films, Winfield, IL (2026)

08/26/2026

It’s that time of year again!!! 🍂 Super excited to announce that I’ll be doing THREE days of mini sessions this year!!

One date in September, October and November 💛

SPECIAL NOTES:
- The October session will be at Morton Arboretum during THEIR DOG DAY!! So if you have a pup that you want to include in your photos, this would be the time to sign up!

Also for the November session - that will be INDOOR in a studio in Wheaton with the option of a Christmas theme + decor! 🎄

Sign up link in my stories for all! 💛🍂

**If none of these days work for your family - DM me! We can find a workaround 🫶🏼

08/15/2026

Will scream No. 3 from the mountaintops 📣📣📣.

For real - any newbies (or honestly seasoned vets) who like perspective and another person’s POV 👉🏼 comment below or DM me a question you have about wedding videography that you have or had.

Let’s build some high quality vendors out there, fam 😎🤙🏼

08/11/2026

POV: you’re pouring your heart out during your wedding vows and suddenly realize… you forgot to write the rest of them down. 😂

The slight panic. Jake’s reaction. The immediate laughter. Ended up being a hilariously perfect moment 👌🏼

And this was SOOOOO Kristen + Jake.

These two brought the most golden retriever energy to their entire wedding weekend. 😂 From the welcome dinner to the very last song on the dance floor, we’ve basically just been grinning along with them ever since.

And I weirdly love that this happened right in the middle of such a meaningful moment. Because their day was full of deep sentiment, but never without FUN.

These two are the epitome of “don’t take themselves too seriously”.

This moment felt like a perfect reflection of Kristen + Jake’s love in a nutshell. 😂🤍

10/10 wedding blooper. No notes.
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Chicago wedding videographer, Chicago cultural center, Chicago wedding, Chicago wedding ceremony

07/29/2026

Happy (belated) birthday, America 🇺🇸
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July has been a FULL month, but wanted to make sure these treasures got a permanent spot on the feed 💛. Usually July is filled with TONS of Swider family memories, but this year we got a big dose of Buell memories too 🫶🏼

We were able to spend the 4th with my parents in Missouri and celebrate in some new, fun ways 😏

• Papa provided our own personal firework show 🎆
• The girls got LOTS of late night cuddles from Nonna 🫶🏼
• We got to listen to Papa sing at church
• Saddled up the horses and Patch the Pony 🐴
• Accidentally explored some new trails 🥾

Such a special way trip for all of us and can’t wait to go back to Nonna + Papa’s house 💛

07/17/2026

There is actual video evidence of me ugly crying during this wedding... so I guess I have to tell you why. 😂

This entire weekend was just... FUN. And it FLEW by, mainly because it was legit just a blast and the people were tippity top tier.

Abby and Eric have become such treasures to me. Abby is absolutely stunning inside and out, and Eric is the sweetest, steadiest presence beside her. But what moved me most wasn’t just the two of them. It was watching how deeply they are loved.

The first look with Abby’s dad. 🥹 Her brothers seeing her for the first time while her parents watched from across the room. The first dances. The speeches. Every interaction reminded me that this wasn’t just a beautiful wedding. It was a family celebrating two people they genuinely adore. 🤍

I was full on crying during the first dances. 😂 Like... tears down my face. Julianna does in fact have video evidence if anyone would like to fact check me. (Might post on my stories 👀)

And let me telllll you about this vendor team.

Every single vendor showed up ready to serve Abby and Eric with allll they had! Julianna and her team orchestrated an incredibly thoughtful day! AND I got to hang out with Erin Graham and Joanna Bastermajian | Chicago Bridal Makeup Artist all day? Say less 😎

And walking into the reception to see more than 450 candles filling the room with the dreamiest warm glow... I genuinely GASPED.

I also have to give a HUGE shoutout to my own team. Five of us (yes FIVE) had the privilege of serving this weekend, and I could not be more proud. I’ll be hyping Tyrie up in my stories because she went so far above and beyond for these two, but truly every single person on our team poured themselves into this weekend with such generous energy and care. Felt so humbled all day 🫶🏼

Ten years into this career and weekends like this still leave me in awe. Not because of the details, although they were absolutely immaculate. Not because of the venue or the candles.

Because of the people.

Abby and Eric, thank you for letting us come along and bear witness to such an amazing story and day 💛
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All vendors tagged in photos!

07/09/2026

“I’m really not good in front of the camera.” - Gianna

Gianna, respectfully... You hustled me. 😂🤍

One of the very first things I told these two was to treat this session like a date. Less “photoshoot,” more “let’s hang out in the city together and see what happens.”

And let me tell you... these two UNDERSTOOD the assignment. (Especially Evan)

This man had Gianna laughing nonstop, had me laughing nonstop, and somehow managed to look incredibly suave while doing it. The whole evening felt effortless, playful, and so genuinely them.

Were we a little heartbroken that it was too windy to make it up to the Trump Tower terrace? Absolutely.

But honestly, I think it just means we need a double date and a redo. 😉

What I loved most about these two wasn’t how photogenic they were. It was how caring, thoughtful, and kind they are. The kind of people you leave feeling grateful to know. The kind of people you can’t wait to celebrate!! Like... for REAL!!

Truly, I will never stop feeling blessed that this job allows me to spend my evenings with couples like Gianna + Evan. What a gift. 🤍 2027 here we come!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

05/18/2026

“Goop really wants a photo of him playing pool. He’s REALLY good at pool.” Say less. 😏

First wedding (semi) back from maternity leave and WOW what a way to kick off the season 🤍

This day felt special for so many reasons. Katie and Goop have the sweetest story. Katie is an art director, Goop was her personal trainer. Annnnndd that’s how these two met 🥹 When we first spoke, Katie described their relationship as “effortless,” and after our team spent the day with them, I truly cannot think of a better word.

Chicago Athletic Association was not just a beautiful venue choice, it carried so much meaning. Katie’s parents had their reception there 40 years ago, which made the entire day feel even more full circle and sentimental.

Now let’s talk about Katie’s vision because WOW. She told me she wanted the day to feel like “class meets color” and that is EXACTLY what it was. Bright, unique, elevated, joyful, and completely reflective of who they are. And honestly… Katie being the very best kind of type A bride absolutely contributed to how seamless and intentional this whole day felt 😂 This girl made her OWN design deck and my jaw is still on the floor over the level of detail and thought woven into every part of the experience.

Huge thank you to Sue and her incredible team for sending these two our way because this is one wedding we’ll look back on with so much joy for years to come. 🤍

And personally, it felt really special to be back. Back at one of our favorite venues. Back in the creative saddle if you will. And back serving couples alongside an incredible team. This maternity season would not have been possible without the amazing associates and friends who stepped in for me in both the photo and video world, especially Tyrie and Emma. So thankful for them.

And just like that… wedding season is officially in FULL swing over here ✨

I’ll be back soon to share sneaks from not only this day, but our OTHER wedding that same day on the video side because yes… we are fully back at it 😂

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Venue: Chicago Athletic Association
Planner: .events
Photo: (Tyrie as lead, Emma as second)
Florals:

04/08/2026

A really special “pinch me” moment over here 🤍

I’m so honored to share that I’ve been invited into Société Privée, a collective of luxury wedding professionals from around the world who are committed to creating exceptional work and even more exceptional experiences.

What drew me in most is the heart behind it all. A community that truly values collaboration over competition, and cares deeply about not just what we create, but how we serve.

This feels like a catalyst for so much of what’s ahead. As we step into 2026, we’re becoming even more intentional with every part of the experience. From the moment you land on our site, to the way your story is captured, to the final delivery of your film. Every touchpoint matters, and we want it to feel thoughtful, elevated, and truly personal.

This is just one of a few exciting things coming for 2026, but it holds so much of the why behind everything else.
Grateful to be in a room that inspires growth, excellence, and connection at the highest level. 🤍

Ok! That’s all for now - I’m technically still OOO on maternity leave, buuuuuuut just couldn’t help but share the fun news! 🫶🏼
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Photos from one of those said investments:
Workshop
Workshop Photographer:
Planner and Designer .affair
Workshop Host
Content Creation
Venue
Floral .anfloraldesign
Hair
Makeup
Cake
Live Painting .curtiscreations
Rentals
Stationery
Tabletop
Horse
Sponsors .co .official
On-Site Support:
Back-end Business Support .managed
Dresses
Suit
Models

02/19/2026

Before you book your videographer, ask them THIS question 👇🏼

❔How do they approach a wedding day? ❔

Do they talk about rigid shot lists and must-get moments? Or do they talk about anticipating moments as they unfold, even when nothing goes exactly as planned?

This question gets to the heart of how someone handles the unscripted, unposed, in-between moments.

The hug right after family photos.
The quiet squeeze of a hand.
The moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

Those moments are never on a timeline. And they matter sooooo much! They quite literally make up the genuine moments of your day.

I’m curious…
What’s a question you asked your vendors that you’re glad you did?

Or, if you’re still planning, what’s a question you WISH you had thought to ask?

Let’s crowdsource this for future couples 🤍👇

02/12/2026

To our 2026 couples:

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on 2025 lately… and dreaming about what I want 2026 and 2027 to feel like. 🤍

If I’m being honest, I just want everything to feel *more* intentional. More deliberate. More personal. Not only for our couples, but for our team and the way we show up to each incredible day we get the honor of being a part of.

I want every couple, no matter what their wedding looks like, to feel like they’re getting our absolute best. ✨ An experience that feels thoughtful, elevated, and deeply considered.

The kind where you feel seen and like your moments matter as much as to us as they do to you. 🫶🏼

2026 is already starting to ramp up and there is so much excitement over here at Anchored. We’re refining, refreshing, and raising the bar while keeping the same heart behind it all.

A little reset.
A lot of intention.
And we truly can’t wait for what’s ahead. 🤍

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Workshop:
Planning + Design:
Workshop Host:
Photography:
Venue:
Florals:
Tabletop:
Linens:
Tables + Chairs:
Stationery:
Beauty:
Dress:
Suit:
Models: .and.emma

Chicago wedding videographer
Luxury wedding videography
Chicago luxury wedding
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Anchored Films

08/26/2026

08/15/2026

08/11/2026

07/29/2026

07/17/2026

07/09/2026

05/18/2026

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