The first days of summer always feel like a shift. It’s the best and most exciting season to be here in Chicago. It’s time to be outdoors again, to soak up the sunshine, to dine al fresco, go to concerts, have picnics, visit the local farmer markets, watch sunsets from the beach. This year, that feeling has landed even deeper.

Like many of you, I’ve felt the weight of the world in the background, navigating uncertainty and absorbing hard news daily. But I try to keep coming back to the small things. Not to ignore what’s difficult, but to remember what’s still good.

For me, that beauty shows up in:

— Early morning walks with my dog
— Fresh veggies from the garden
— Inventing new ice cream flavors (my new unexpected hobby)
— Quiet summer getaways to Northern Michigan (see some recent vacation photos below!)
— The scent of sunscreen
— My lung health remaining stable 5 years post-diagnosis with LAM
— And the work I get to do, capturing people in love, in celebration and in reflection

It’s been a full year already, in the best way. I’ve stayed steadily busy while still finding space to rest and feel balanced. That balance is SO important to me and I’m glad I’ve been able to find it. I spent nearly all of my 20’s hustling to build my business and focusing my time on capturing memories for other people. Now in my late 30’s, I know how important it is to do the work I love but while still giving myself space to make my own memories too. And lately, I’ve been especially inspired and thought I’d share some of that with you. Here are a few ideas I’m excited about…

For couples planning engagement sessions

Let your photos feel like a date… unrushed, personal and packed of meaning. This summer, I’m especially inspired by sessions that include a little everyday magic.

Here are a few session ideas I’d love to bring to life:

1. Morning in the City
Begin with the quiet calm of sunrise on the lakefront, coffee in hand, wrapped in each other. From there, wander through a beautiful garden or down the streets of Printers Row for a cozy stop at a neighborhood café. I love the idea of starting slow, soaking it all in, and ending the morning somewhere iconic and historic for a hint of something unexpected. The whole thing can feel like a fun date, with photos to match.

2. Home-to-Heart Session
Start at home with something simple: sharing a crossword and sipping espresso while curled up on the couch. Then dress up and walk to a favorite spot: a farmers market, a hidden garden, a tree-lined street you both love. We’ll stage a sweet picnic or stroll through Lincoln Park with champagne in tow. These sessions feel like a love letter to your real life.

3. Golden Hour Date Night
Dress up, hit your favorite park or garden, share a drink at your go-to bar, and end the evening watching the sun set over the skyline. The energy is flirty and relaxed, perfect for couples who want something that feels a little elevated but completely natural.

Bonus idea: Nature never goes out of style
Some of the most timeless engagement photos happen in nature. Think: open fields, woodsy trails, quiet beaches, lakeside cliffs. The North Shore has so many beautiful spots that feel like an escape without traveling too far from the city.

Outfit inspiration:
Neutrals and pastels always photograph beautifully, but don’t be afraid to lean into summer’s energy, like bold color, breezy fabrics and a look that makes you feel like your best self. Think: linen, silk, denim or a slip dress that moves with the wind. View my Pinterest Board for Summer Wardrobe Inspo here.

For boudoir sessions, reimagined

This summer, I’m especially inspired by boudoir sessions that feel elevated, editorial and a little unexpected. I’m dreaming of work that blends some new, fun locations along with bolder fashion choices.

A styled session at Soho House Chicago 

Moody light, velvet textures, a cocktail glass in hand… the bedrooms at Soho House Chicago are gorgeous and would make for such a beautiful boudoir setting. Check them out here. Clients, if anyone would be interested in upgrading their session to work in one of these gorgeous bedrooms, email me! It’s been on my mind for awhile now and I’m looking for someone who appreciates that interior design style.

Let’s have fun with fashion
Wardrobe is one of my favorite ways to set the tone. I’ve been drawn to looks that blend softness with a touch of vintage glam, like sheer layers, delicate embellishments, silky slips or even a bold piece that catches the light just right.

It doesn’t have to be traditional lingerie. An oversized button-down shirt, a dramatic robe, or something unexpected can be just as striking. Imagine a sheer, bejeweled two-piece, light as air, sparkling with movement and entirely unforgettable. See some of my boudoir wardrobe ideas here!

Move with it
Some of my favorite boudoir images happen in motion. A swirl of fabric, hair caught mid-turn, the light shifting across your skin. You don’t have to hold still to be powerful. Let’s make space for movement, FUN and a little magic. Need some help feeling comfy during your shoot? Prep a playlist that makes you want to dance!

If any of this sparks an idea for your own session (or if you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally book one) consider this it! I’m always excited to collaborate and create something one-of-a-kind, especially with clients who want to explore something new.

For weddings

The most beautiful photos often come from timelines that leave room to breathe. My favorite moments usually happen in between the big ones, unscripted and unexpected.

If I could give one tip to every couple, it would be this: build space into your day. A few quiet minutes after the ceremony, time for golden hour portraits, or just a pause before the next event… those unplanned moments are where the magic lives.

Whether we’ve already worked together or you’re dreaming about an opportunity in the future, thank you for letting me be part of your story. It truly means so much to me. This little business of mine feels like such a gift every single day and I’m so grateful to all of you who continue to support my work.

Here’s to wishing you all a summer filled with a little bit of everyday magic.

With gratitude,
Ashley
Artistrie Co.