READING TIME: 6 min 32 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/04/2025
UPDATED: 02/04/2025
Lily Kozubal of Kozubal Photography isn’t just a wedding photographer—she’s a storyteller, an observer of moments, and a creator of timeless memories. Originally from Ukraine, now based in Chicago, Lily brings a deeply personal approach to wedding photography, ensuring that each couple’s love story is captured in the most authentic, emotional, and elegant way possible.
"My approach is based on the individuality of each couple and their stories; I always strive to convey the atmosphere of love and joy through my lens, paying close attention to details and emotions," Lily shares.
With over eight years of experience, she has photographed weddings across Ukraine, Europe, and the United States, learning to adapt to different cultures, traditions, and wedding styles—from intimate elopements to grand celebrations. "Every wedding is different, and that constant variety keeps me inspired and engaged," she says. "I love capturing moments of inspiration, feeling the emotions of newlyweds, and preserving priceless memories with their families and friends."
Lily’s approach to photography is both personal and artistic. She blends candid, emotional storytelling with a touch of editorial elegance, ensuring that her images are both natural and beautifully composed. "I aim to capture the genuine, unscripted moments of a wedding while also focusing on the beauty of the scene through thoughtful composition and attention to detail," she explains.
Rather than forcing stiff poses, she lets the real magic of the day unfold, balancing raw emotions with sophisticated artistry. "I love to blend candid shots with a touch of artistry, creating images that not only reflect the true emotions of the day but also have a sense of elegance and sophistication," Lily says. "Ultimately, my goal is to create photographs that feel personal and authentic, allowing couples to relive the magic of their day for years to come."
Lily’s passion for wedding photography started in Ukraine, where she developed a love for documenting emotional, meaningful moments. Over the years, she expanded her work across Europe, gaining experience with different cultures and traditions before moving to Chicago. This international background has shaped her ability to adapt to any setting, whether she’s photographing a luxurious ballroom wedding in Chicago or a romantic outdoor ceremony in Italy.
Lily understands that being in front of a camera can feel overwhelming. That’s why she focuses on making sure couples feel comfortable, relaxed, and truly themselves. "I approach working with clients by first taking the time to truly understand their vision, preferences, and personalities," she explains. "Communication is key, so I make sure to ask detailed questions about what they want from their photos and how they envision their wedding day. I also take into account the unique aspects of their relationship, as every couple has their own story to tell."
She doesn’t just capture photos—she builds trust with her clients, ensuring that their wedding day experience is stress-free and enjoyable. "Throughout the process, I ensure that my clients feel comfortable and at ease, which helps them be natural in front of the camera," Lily says. "I guide them through the day, offering direction for poses and shots while allowing for organic moments to unfold."
The result? Images that feel natural, emotional, and uniquely “them.”
Lily’s artistry is supported by top-tier professional equipment, ensuring that every wedding she captures is done so with precision and beauty. "I use high-quality, professional equipment to ensure the best results for every wedding," she shares.
Her primary camera bodies are Canon EOS R5, paired with a selection of prime and zoom lenses, including: Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L, and Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L – "which allow me to capture sharp, beautiful images with great depth of field and versatility in any lighting."
"I also rely on off-camera flash for controlled lighting setups when necessary, ensuring that every shot is perfectly lit, whether indoors or outdoors. This equipment helps me capture every moment with precision and creativity, no matter the conditions," she explains.
When it comes to editing, Lily believes in enhancing natural beauty while keeping the images timeless. "In post-processing, I focus on enhancing the natural beauty of each image while maintaining an authentic and timeless feel. My process typically involves adjusting exposure, contrast, and white balance to ensure the colors are vibrant and true to life," she says. "I also work on fine-tuning the skin tones and removing any distractions, while keeping the overall atmosphere of the image intact."
Her approach ensures that every gallery she delivers is polished, yet authentic—a perfect reflection of the day as it truly was. “I love to add a touch of warmth and richness to my photos, often using subtle color grading to create a soft, romantic look. In some cases, I will also apply light retouching for portraits, ensuring the couple looks their best while still feeling natural. Ultimately, my goal is to create a polished set of images that reflect the unique emotions and moments of the day while retaining their authenticity,” she adds.
Lily believes that every couple deserves a photography package that fits their unique needs. "I believe in offering a personalized experience for each couple, so I’m always happy to work with them to create a custom package that aligns with their specific needs and vision," she says.
From adjusting the number of hours of coverage to adding an engagement session or additional photographers, she works closely with clients to ensure they get exactly what they need. "My goal is to ensure the couple feels comfortable and confident with the services they’re receiving while making sure their wedding photography is everything they imagined."
She typically provides 8 to 10 hours of coverage but is always open to extended hours for larger events or destination weddings. “My goal is always to ensure the couple has a complete and beautiful collection of images that tell the full story of their day,” Lily concludes.
Lily understands that for many couples, a wedding photo shoot can feel both exciting and nerve-wracking. That’s why she offers simple yet effective tips to help her clients feel relaxed, confident, and ready to shine in front of the camera.
"Share your ideas, preferences, and any special moments or details you want captured," Lily advises. "The more I know about your vision, the better I can tailor the experience to your needs."
Don’t be afraid to let her know if you have a specific mood, style, or must-have shots in mind. Whether you’re drawn to romantic, intimate moments or candid, joyful celebrations, your input helps her create a collection of images that truly represents you as a couple.
"While I’ll guide you throughout the shoot, it’s helpful to practice some natural poses in front of a mirror before the day," she suggests. "This will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during the session."
A little practice can boost your confidence, but don’t stress about perfecting every movement—Lily is there to direct you, ensuring that each pose feels effortless and natural.
"The best photos often come when you’re not overthinking it," Lily emphasizes. "Let yourself enjoy the day, laugh, and soak in the emotions—you’ll look the most beautiful when you’re truly yourself."
Instead of focusing on the camera, focus on each other. Cherish the moment, embrace the excitement, and trust that the magic is happening in real-time.
"The more fun you have and the more relaxed you feel, the better your photos will turn out," she says. "Trust me to capture your best moments, and enjoy the process!"
Your wedding photos should reflect your true emotions, and nothing looks better than pure, unfiltered joy. Whether it’s laughing, dancing, or stealing a quiet moment together, the best pictures come when you’re simply being yourselves.
With Lily’s expert guidance, you won’t just have stunning wedding photos—you’ll have a fun, relaxed, and memorable experience that makes the images even more special.
Lily loves traveling for weddings and has photographed in some of the most stunning locations worldwide. "Yes, I absolutely love shooting destination weddings! It’s such an exciting experience to capture love in unique and beautiful locations while exploring new places. I enjoy working closely with couples to incorporate the beauty and atmosphere of their destination into their wedding photos," she shares.
Some of her favorite wedding destinations include:
Miami – "with its stunning coastline and lively energy."
New York City – "with its urban charm and iconic landmarks."
Lake Como, Italy – "with its tranquil lakeside views."
Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine – a deeply personal favorite—breathtaking scenery and rich traditions make it so special.
She works closely with couples to ensure that their wedding location becomes a seamless part of their love story.
For Lily, wedding photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving memories that last a lifetime. "I truly believe that the best photographs come when couples feel comfortable and at ease with me, which is why I make it a priority to build a relationship of trust before the big day," she shares.
Whether through pre-wedding consultations or engagement shoots, she takes the time to understand each couple’s personalities and vision, ensuring that every image feels personal and meaningful. "Every wedding is a unique adventure, and I feel incredibly lucky to be entrusted with the responsibility of documenting such an important day in people’s lives," she says. "It’s this blend of artistry, storytelling, and emotional connection that makes my work so fulfilling."
For couples looking for a photographer who will capture their love story with honesty, artistry, and care, Lily Kozubal is the perfect choice.
