When I think of Njeri Bishota, I think of laughter, and big, beautiful pops of color. She’s just that kind of girl – happy, joyful – and that’s how she photographs her clients – with bright colors, and so much love. Her tagline is “LOVE. JOY. HAPPINESS.” so you can see why my thoughts went there. Not only are these three qualities essential to the Njeri Bishota client experience, Njeri herself exudes them in everything she does. Those couples who get to call her “their photographer” are lucky couples indeed. Having just announced her decision to focus exclusively on intimate weddings of 150 people or less AND the opening of her new studio, this Illinois and Destination Wedding Photographer’s year is off to a truly, wonderful start. And you know what else? She can’t wait to meet you and capture your memories of a lifetime – from marriage to baby and beyond!!

{Who is Njeri} “I’m originally from Tanzania, Africa. I came to the States with my brothers when I was 12. I’m the only one in my family who chose to stay and make a life here in the States. It’s been an interesting journey and discovering photography has truly been the highlight of my time here. I am living the American dream of doing what I love and it’s been amazing. I am the youngest of 5 and so I’ve always had to compete to prove myself. My photography is no different except I get to be overwhelmed by tremendous support from my clients, friends, and colleagues. Photography has been the best gift to my parents because they simply wanted me to find something I’m passionate about and can succeed in doing.”

{How She Got Started} “I prayed one day for God to give me something to be passionate about that would also help me support my family. And sure enough, not even two weeks later, I bought my first camera out of the blue and instantly fell in love.”

{Her Photography Business} “I specialize in Weddings, Bridal Glamour Portraits, and Bumps-to-Baby for my couples. With me, it’s not a “sign here and I’ll be at your wedding” type of transaction. I really do get involved! I love knowing about the details that my clients care about. I love going through the planning stages with them. It helps me really craft a beautiful story for my couples on the day of, one that makes them remember it all as though it happened yesterday. Especially those moments when they thought the camera was off. Those are the ones that really make a lasting memory of the day my couples start their journey as Mr & Mrs.”

{Why She Loves What She Does} “Joy. Happiness. Love. That’s what I love to photograph.”

{Who is Her Ideal Bride} “She appreciates the finer things in life, but loves doing it within her means and saving for it. Chances are she’s debt-free and loves it. Money is not an issue because she is smart with it. She believes that you invest in good things, and save on the day-to-day. She is sweet, savvy, and knows her style. She is warm, kind, and quirky at times, but that’s what makes her who she is. She is powerful in her own right, loves what she does, and would be considered “successful” by outsiders looking in. Although this is her reality, she is humble and loving enough to share a meal with a homeless person during a food drive. She doesn’t take herself too seriously, and loves to laugh. She loves to travel and has been to several places around the world. She invites the diversity in her world and embraces it. It wouldn’t be strange to find her eating at an Indian, Thai, or Ethiopian restaurant. She loves her world. She loves her family even with their dysfunctions. She understands that no one is perfect, but always lovable. Most of her friends would describe her as super nice, always there, thoughtful, caring, and fun to be around. Much like me, she loves to love! She loves to laugh! She loves to hug! She loves love! She loves to dance (like no one is watching), and she loves to sing (even if she doesn’t sound like Adele)! She loves living a life filled with love!”

{A General Wedding Planning Tip} “Always remember that after all is said and done, your wedding is about celebrating the beginning of your marriage. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and keep the main thing the main thing: You and Him!!!”

{About Wedding Photography} “You have spent or plan to spend tireless hours investing in and planning your wedding day. Make sure that your day is captured by someone who cares about it as much as you do. All of those details should be captured in such a way that tells the whole story of the day that begins the rest of your life with your best friend. Photography is the only thing you’ll have left (other than your awesome new hubby, of course) when the day is all said and done. Remember that when considering your budget.”

{Why Brides/Couples Will Love Her} “Because I care! I care about the love. I care about the day. I care about the details. I care about the little things, and best of all, I am there through it all for my couples. I accept them fully: their story, their worries, their nerves, their fears, their joy, their love. They have the freedom to truly be themselves around me, and I appreciate and encourage that. To top it all off, they don’t have to worry about their day being captured in a beautiful way. My team and I have that taken care of, so they can check it off their list!”

{Her Favorite Love Song} “Who am I to Say” by Hope

{Her Favorite Love Quote} “I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

{Need to Know} Portraits with Njeri start at $500 and Weddings at $3250. She is happy to capture all of life’s precious and important moments from glamour fashion and bridal sessions, to online profile services (headshots), and a really sweet session she likes to call “Bumps-to-Baby”!! Njeri works out of the Chicagoland area, but is happy to travel to you, wherever you may be.

If you would like to know even more about Njeri and her photography services, please visit her website!! Loads of beyond beautiful images are waiting there for you to view. Njeri would love to chat with you about your special day via email, she is also available on Twitter and Facebook. Have we mentioned how incredible this girl is?? We know you will love having her there to capture every moment of your very special day!! xoxo