I’m so happy you’re here!

A woman with red hair in a floral blue off-shoulder dress standing next to a decorative stone wall with carved floral patterns, smiling at the camera at the University of Chicago

Chicago wedding photographer capturing romantic, art-inspired moments for couples who value connection and intention

Hi, I’m Erika. I’m a romantic at heart and a storyteller by trade.

I get to capture love, joy, and all the fleeting moments that make life unforgettable. It’s something I don’t take lightly.

I love finding the beauty in every glance, laugh, and embrace, turning those moments into photos that feel like memories, not just images.

Since starting Lovers Locket in 2023, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings, elopements, engagements, proposals, maternity sessions, graduations, senior portraits, and more. Each one a unique story waiting to be told.

My husband, our dog, and I recently made Chicago our home after years of moving all over the country.

I’m drawn to connection, to emotion, and to the quiet in-between moments that often matter the most. Those are the ones I want you to hold onto.

In the past few years, I’ve been reminded how meaningful certain moments become with time, especially the ones shared with the people we love most.

It’s why I pay close attention to the quieter, in-between moments, the ones that might otherwise be missed.

Heart-shaped locket necklace that inspired Lovers Locket Photography, a sentimental piece representing love, memory, and meaningful stories kept close

The story behind Lovers Locket Photography…

The name Lovers Locket was inspired by a heart-shaped locket my grandmother left to me, a gift my grandfather had given her. It’s something I’ve always held close, and to this day, it sits on display in my home as a quiet reminder of her and the love they shared. I keep it alongside a few other pieces that carry the same kind of meaning—small, sentimental reminders of the people I’ve loved.

When I first started my business, it carried my name. But over time, I realized I wanted it to represent something more meaningful. In early 2025, I renamed it Lovers Locket, something that felt more connected to the stories I’m drawn to document.

To me, a locket is more than just a piece of jewelry. It’s a place to show what matters most. That’s how I see photography too. Moments kept safe, remembered, and carried with you long after the day has passed.

A woman in a blue dress stands with her back to the camera, observing a large classical painting in the Art Institute of Chicago. The painting depicts an ancient architectural scene with columns, statues, and clouds.
A woman with red hair smiling while taking a selfie outdoors on a sidewalk in a city.
A dog sitting on a beige couch by a window with sheer curtains, looking out.
Colorful stained glass windows in a church or cathedral, with intricate designs and natural scenery depicted.
A woman with red hair in a blue dress standing on a staircase, holding the railing with her right hand, smiling.
Entrance archway with a stone structure covered in green ivy, open black gates, illuminated lantern hanging inside, lush green trees and pathway beyond.
A person sitting cross-legged on a wooden dock by a calm lake, with the sun shining brightly and blue sky overhead.
A couple dancing outdoors in a park, with the woman in a flowing, floral blue dress and the man in a white shirt and beige pants, holding hands and smiling.
Marble bust of a woman with curly hair and a headpiece, displayed on a pedestal in front of a framed painting of ancient ruins at sunset.
Close-up of an ornate, classical-style building facade with decorative moldings and archways, against a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Illustration of a vinyl record representing Erika Duffy’s current editing playlist, a creative detail that reflects the music behind her workflow