Karen Shoufler Photography

06/12/2026

Some wedding days just come together perfectly, and Grace and Nick's wedding at Pear Tree Estate was one of those days! From the beautiful weather to the incredible details, meaningful moments, and the people who surrounded them, every part of the day felt full of joy. After photographing their engagement session, it was such a gift to celebrate alongside them as they officially became husband and wife!

Grace and Nick's elegant Pear Tree Estate wedding photographed by Illinois wedding photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.

06/05/2026

It feels impossible that we’ve already reached the final chapter of Livia’s senior year! We’ve documented so many pieces of her story throughout the past year, and now that graduation is checked off the list, it feels like the perfect time to look back on everything Livia has accomplished!

A look at Livia's South Newton High School graduation photos taken by Central Illinois senior photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.

05/29/2026

After weeks of rainy weather and more reschedules than we could count, Kiah and CJ’s engagement session finally came together on the most beautiful evening in Central Illinois. This session was just so easy and joyful, and it makes me so excited for their wedding day later this year!

Kiah and CJ's spring Central Illinois engagement session in Milford with Chicagoland wedding photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.

05/25/2026

After months of planning a wedding while in law school, through long separations of the bride and groom in different countries, and the general stress of wedding planning from another state, Grace and Nick’s fairytale wedding arrived on the most beautiful late spring day. I think Grace might actually be a princess who found her Prince Charming in Nick. Their vows had us all in tears as they shared their hearts with one another as they became husband and wife.

Venue:
Florals:
Photo:
Video:
Catering:
DJ: Matt Walsh - Engaging Entertainment DJ
Cake:
HMUA:
Bridal Boutique:
Tuxes: .alanformalwear.stmatthews
Ceremony Music: Vine Street Ensemble

05/21/2026

Four years ago, Carly and Saige stood in front of my camera as high school seniors getting ready to graduate from high school. Now here we are again! Only this time, they showed up in college caps and gowns with degrees finished and new careers beginning. Thankfully, the rain held off just long enough for us to sneak in this graduation session together. So excited to feature this session on the blog!

Central Illinois graduation photos in Bourbonnais, IL with Central Illinois senior photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.

05/16/2026

When I talk about how good the light is multiple times during a session, it's because good light make you look your best! This session got rescheduled at least twice due to rain and gloomy weather, but last night was *chef's kiss* for Kiah and CJ's engagement session.

Karen Shoufler

05/15/2026

I'm beyond excited to share Grace & Nick’s engagement session at The Art Institute of Chicago on the blog! Between the dreamy Chicago architecture, greenery in the gardens, and the sweetest moments together, this session was such a fun one to photograph. Counting down the days until these two say “I do” at Pear Tree Estate next week!

Grace & Nick's engagement photos at The Art Institute of Chicago with Chicagoland wedding photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.

05/12/2026

Grad sessions are happening throughout the rest of the month!

🎓It's that time of year!🎓

It's time to celebrate all that you've achieved!! Whether it's high school, college, or even preschool . . . a cap and gown mini session is a fun way to celebrate the moment!

Grad sessions are happening the next two weeks. I have a couple of openings tonight at Olivet starting at 6:45 pm. If you have another location in mind, let me know!

Karen Shoufler

05/03/2026

Grace & Nick made it up from Louisville today for their engagement session in Chicago. I love that they chose the The Art Institute of Chicago for the architecture, beautiful staircases, stained glass, and because Grace loves Ferris Bueller (see the photo with Chagall's "America Windows"). Though it rained all the way to Chicago, is stopped just in time and warmed up a bit at the end of their session. And, if you are a wedding photographer in the Chicago area, you know how excited I was to find the gardens open!

Karen Shoufler

04/28/2026

This girl does it all! I loved photographing Livia's spring senior session, and I can’t believe graduation is around the corner. I know she’s going to do great things in the future, and I’m looking forward to one last time with her for a cap and gown session next month!

Spring sports and dance senior photo session in Kentland, Indiana with Central Illinois senior photographer Karen Shoufler Photography.