Capturing your love story
Let's craft an engagement photo session that authentically reflects your unique story and connection.
Whether it's capturing your favorite spot in the city, cuddling with your beloved pet, or sharing a toast at your favorite café, every moment is an opportunity to celebrate your love.
Beyond just taking photos, I'm here to create an experience that makes you feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera, ensuring you're fully prepared for your wedding day.
My focus is on capturing the essence of your relationship and telling your love story in a way that feels genuine and heartfelt. These are the moments that define your journey together, and I'm here to preserve them for eternity, so that each image becomes a cherished memento of your enduring bond and the love that surrounds you.
A Personalized Engagement Photo Experience
Engagement Photo Portfolio
When I got my photos, they were so beautiful I cried because they were so uniquely us.
Ashley somehow was able to capture our 9 year history together and all the little moments that we never get to see from the outside.
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Teresa
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Teresa
For engagement photoshoot requests, kindly complete the form below or email ashley@artistrieco.com. I'll be in touch with more information regarding pricing and availability within 48 hours, Mondays—Thursdays.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT
Your inquiry is the first step towards creating lasting memories through photography.
While I review your details and check availability, I invite you to explore our Frequently Asked Questions for additional insights.
Additionally, I would love to learn more about your unique vision through our Engagement Photography Questionnaire. Your thoughtful responses will guide us in crafting a personalized experience tailored just for you.
Expect an email soon to discuss availability and your preferences in greater detail. In the meantime, feel free to dive into the Questionnaire and FAQs. I look forward to connecting with you soon!
Thank you for reaching out to Artistrie Co. to capture your beautiful Engagement PORtraits!
Through a thoughtful blend of beautiful natural light, tranquil settings, and candid moments, your engagement photos will authentically capture the unique love you both share.
I cherish the opportunity to work with couples and strive to make the experience enjoyable and memorable, preserving this extraordinary moment in your journey together.
Imagine your engagement session as the ultimate romantic date, with a photographer discreetly documenting the magic. My goal is to make your photos feel natural and effortlessly reflective of your true selves.
If my portfolio resonates with you, and you seek photos with a candid editorial flair, reach out for booking and package details. I'm excited to connect with you and discuss creating the engagement photos of your dreams!
Immersive moments, effortless love
Chicago engagement photographer
I can’t express how much joy it’s brought me to look at the engagement photos Ashley took for us. I LOVE the way she captured everything — from the posed shots to the spontaneous moments.
They’re so gorgeous and these photos will be a keepsake to show our grandkids one day of the time when it was just us in Chicago, starting our life together.
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Megan
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Megan
WHAT IS AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION?
An engagement photo session is a scheduled photography session for couples to capture their love and excitement leading up to their wedding day.
It's a special occasion where the couple gets to express their unique personalities, showcase their bond, and create timeless images together.
Typically held in picturesque locations, these sessions provide an opportunity for the couple to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories while the photographer captures candid and posed shots that reflect the essence of their relationship.
Engagement photos are not only a beautiful way to announce and celebrate the upcoming wedding, but they also serve as cherished mementos that can be treasured for years to come.
If you're beginning to plan your own Chicago engagement photos, here are my 5 favorite tips to share with my clients to help you have a fun & successful pre-wedding shoot.
5 ENGAGEMENT PHOTO PLANNING TIPS
Trust me. The more fun you have with your outfits, the more fun you'll have taking photos!
There are no rules. You can dress as casually or as glamorously as you'd prefer; it's about whatever feels most true to you.
The prompt I typically offer my clients is: Dress for your engagement session as if you are heading out on the town for a fancy date night together. Wear colors, styles and silhouettes that make you feel like a million bucks. Coordinate your styles, but never match exactly.
For my brides, I highly encourage booking a hair & makeup appointment to get you camera ready for your shoot. A professional stylist will help make sure your skin looks flawless and they'll use the right products to ensure your hair and makeup lasts through the final shot.
No. 1: Go ALl Out with Wardrobe
I love scheduling my engagement sessions at either sunrise or a few hours before sunset to get the most magical light for your photos.
The sun is at its lowest point in the sky at these times of day which creates soft, romantic lighting that is incredibly flattering for portraits.
No. 2: Schedule around best lighting
Your engagement photos should focus on the two of you and the special little ways you show your love for one another. Yes, the location is important, but it's only secondary to you.
When you are considering locations inside or outside of Chicago, think about the places that are most meaningful to you, where you feel most like yourselves or that tell a story of your day-t0-day lives.
The experience shouldn't be a giant checklist of recreating all the same shots that everyone else has done a hundred times before. Be creative, think a little outside the box and allow your photographer help!
No. 3: select locations that Feel Personal
The most important tip of all: have fun!
Your engagement session is NOT the time to bring up the bills, work drama or the stresses of wedding planning or nag one another. Leave the serious talk for another day.
Couples who get the best photos are the ones who show up to have fun, go with the flow and take it as an opportunity to make each other feel loved.
No. 4: Have fun!
Make your engagement session a day to celebrate!
Take the day off from work, have a relaxing afternoon together and make a reservation for dinner and drinks at your favorite spot to reward yourselves for a job well done.
This will help add to the excitement, make it a fun experience and a day to remember.
No. 5: Turn the day into a celebration
Veteran Acres, Crystal Lake
Fullersburg Woods, Oak Brook
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle
Chicago Botanic Gardens, Glencoe
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, Lake Forest
Chicago Suburb Locations
Northerly Island
The Field Museum & Rice Gardens
The Chicago Riverwalk
Local City Neighborhoods
The Art Institute
Lurie Garden
Chicago Locations
Shakespeare Gardens, Evanston
The Financial District
The Chicago Lakefront
With over 15 years of experience working as a wedding and engagement photographer in Chicago, I know the city like the back of my hand. To help you find the best location to match your engagement photo vision and aesthetic, these are a few of my personal favorite settings for an engagement session in the Chicagoland area.
The Best Chicago Engagement Photo Locations
Your work is beautiful and I now understand it's in part how you make your couples feel!
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Chrissie
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Chrissie
Ashley Biess is the owner and lead photographer of Artistrie Co, a wedding & portrait photography boutique in Chicago, Illinois. She has been photographing couples for over 15 years and shoots in a hybrid candid, editorial style to capture your life's moments in a personable, artful way.
MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Request Booking Information
For over 15 years, Chicago wedding and engagement photographer, Ashley Biess, has become known for her innate ability to make her subjects instantly feel at ease in front of her camera.
From full wedding days to engagement photo sessions, Ashley values building relationships with each of her clients so that she can capture the nuances of their love in a way that feels perfectly them.
To start the process, please complete the contact form below and Ashley will be in touch shortly to schedule a call and get to know you!
For the engagement photos of your dreams
If you have a question about working together in Chicago, throughout the midwest or across the country, please complete my contact form or email me directly. I'd love to hear from you!
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Artistrie Co. is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer serving Chicago, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona and beyond.
