About Arianne

Visual storyteller and documentarian of moments that matter.

Arianne Kelley

My work is rooted in an anthropological perspective. I see beauty in the mundane moments. Whether I'm filming a wedding or creating content for a brand, I approach the work with the same question: what will this mean when we look back on it?

This philosophy, which I call archaeography, shapes everything I create. For weddings, it means capturing your day with the warmth and authenticity of vintage Hi-8 cameras and documenting moments discretely as they actually were, as genuine artifacts rather than polished content. For brands, it means creating marketing that tells real stories instead of manufactured narratives and following trends.

I spent years studying aerial arts, philosophy, journalism, and traveling the world. Those experiences taught me about observation and what makes something worth remembering. I approach the mundane moments of life with the reverence and respect they deserve. These small moments are what make up our lives.

I think we need less content and more substance. That's why you won't catch me over-posing couples and turning your wedding day into a production. It's also why you'll see me seeking out the real brand stories with attention to detail, not just aesthetic emptiness.

Now based in Chicago's Lincoln Park, I split my work between wedding videography for couples who want something different from the typical wedding film, and strategic marketing for creative businesses and luxury brands who value substance over social media trends.

My Approach

I don't create content for algorithms. I create work that will matter in five, ten, twenty years—images and films that feel like discovering something precious from the past.

This means saying no to trends and yes to authenticity. It means vintage Hi-8 cameras for weddings when everyone else is shooting 4K. It means documentary-style brand content when others are staging perfect Instagram moments.

Substance over content. Stories over aesthetics. Real moments over manufactured perfection.

Background & Experience

Aerial Arts & Performance

13+ years as an aerialist and as a certified aerial fitness instructor and performer. Developed curriculum, and learned performance and power of emotion in storytelling, skills that translate directly to communication, visual storytelling and capturing authentic movement.

Education & Observation

Studied philosophy, journalism, and developed an anthropological lens for cultural documentation through travel and observation. Photography since age 12, with deep roots in visual composition and documentary storytelling.

Business Building

Built social media agency from zero to 8 retainer clients in under a year, managing creator networks and facilitating brand partnerships. Now focus exclusively on Arianne Kelley Media.

  • 300K+ impressions across campaigns
  • 50+ brand partnerships facilitated
  • Luxury interior design clients
  • Professional service branding

What Drives My Work

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Authenticity Over Polish

Real moments captured honestly matter more than manufactured perfection.

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Historical Perspective

Every project is treated as future history—documented with care and intention.

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Partnership Approach

Collaborative relationships built on trust, transparency, and shared vision.

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Strategic Thinking

Creative work grounded in business objectives and real-world results.

Let's Work Together

Whether you're planning a wedding or building a brand, I'd love to hear about your vision.