I love the look, and I love the moments she captured. Tender moments that may have lasted only a second, we have memorized in film.
— Artistrie Co. Groom, Nicholas
— Artistrie Co. Groom, Nicholas
Our Signature Engagement Sessions
If your engagement photos could be anything you dream, what would they look like?
As a photographer, I believe engagement sessions are such a fun opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of you and your partner in a meaningful way. Maybe it's returning to the place where you fell in love. Maybe it's Sunday crossword puzzles in a cozy neighborhood cafe. Maybe it's playing tourists for the day in the city you call home.
My signature engagement sessions offer a personalized half-day experience, documenting the love and connection between the two of you in an artful, emotive way to celebrate this time in your lives.
It's not just about traditional smiling-at-the-camera portraits; it's about a day of exploring, movement, laughter and making some new memories along the way.
Your engagement photos will be a perfect blend of candid emotion, naturally beautiful portraits and editorial moments that tell a story.
- Approximately 4 Hour Session
- My Engagement Session Style Guide
- Creative Planning Appointment
- Whatever Locations Your Heart Desires
- Chicagoland Area
- scheduled Mondays—Sundays
- As Many Outfits As You’d Like
- 225+ Edited Images
- Photo Reveal Appointment
- Online Gallery
- Printing Rights
My Engagement Session Style Guide
Creative Planning Appointment
Whatever Locations Your Heart Desires
Chicagoland Area
scheduled Mondays—Sundays
As Many Outfits As You’d Like
225+ Edited Images
Photo Reveal Appointment
Online Gallery
Printing Rights
Includes:
Before the session, we meet to curate a personalized creative plan tailored to your special connection and vision. From strolling through city streets to cozy moments in your favorite coffee shop, I'll capture the nuances of your relationship in candid yet beautifully composed portraits.
This is a unique experience meant to create memories and be a celebration of your love and this special time in your lives!
Dream sessions | $2,700
- Approximately 2.5 Hour Session
- My Engagement Session Style Guide
- Creative Planning Appointment
- About 2 Locations
- Chicagoland Area
- scheduled Mondays—Sundays
- 2 Outfits
- 150+ Edited Images
- Photo Reveal Appointment
- Online Gallery
- Printing Rights
My Engagement Session Style Guide
Creative Planning Appointment
About 2 Locations
Chicagoland Area
scheduled Mondays—Sundays
2 Outfits
150+ Edited Images
Photo Reveal Appointment
Online Gallery
Printing Rights
Includes:
Whether it's exploring a scenic garden or revisiting the place where you first met, we'll create a relaxed environment that brings out your very best.
This session is designed to be more than just a photoshoot; it’s an opportunity to celebrate your love and preserve this special chapter in your lives with stunning, heartfelt images.
DeLuxe sessions | $1,800
Treat yourselves to a late night pizza and cocktails for a job well done!
9PM
Take a stroll along Lake Michigan and watch the sunset together.
7PM
Visit the college campus where you first met and fell in love.
5PM
Explore your favorite city neighborhood. Stop into your favorite cafe or bar for a drink!
3PM
Chicago, IL
A Sample Engagement Photo Timeline
Celebrate the evening with a bonfire, s'mores and a glass of wine.
9PM
Wander through beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and watch the sunset along Lake Michigan.
6PM
Stop and smell the hollyhocks and enjoy a tasting at Tandem Ciders.
4PM
Explore historic Fishtown and make a stop for ice cream or coffee.
2PM
Northern Michigan
A Sample Engagement Photo Timeline
End the evening with dinner and margaritas to celebrate!
6PM
Watch the sunset from your favorite vista in Sedona.
4PM
Pay a visit to DA Ranch for a glass of wine and wander their rustic vineyard.
2PM
Go on a private horseback riding adventure along the Verde Valley.
12PM
Sedona, Arizona
A Sample Engagement Photo Timeline
SIMPLE SESSIONS
If you are hoping to work together but in a smaller, simpler way, a simple session may be the perfect option!
While my signature engagement session offering is typically a half day experience, my simple session offerings range from mini sessions in the Chicago suburbs to multi-hour shoots at the location of your choice.
Simple sessions are more traditional in nature. We typically select one location, oftentimes scheduled around sunrise or sunset, and capture some naturally beautiful, candid moments between you and your partner.
- Approximately 1 Hour Session
- Engagement Session Style Guide
- Creative Planning Appointment
- 1 Location in the Chicagoland Area
- 1 Outfit
- scheduled Mondays—Thursdays
- 50+ Edited Images
- Photo Reveal Appointment
- Online Gallery
- Printing Rights
My Engagement Session Style Guide
Creative Planning Appointment
1 Location in the Chicagoland Area
1 Outfit
scheduled Mondays—Thursdays
50+ Edited Images
Photo Reveal Appointment
Online Gallery
Printing Rights
Includes:
We'll collaborate beforehand to craft a creative plan, ensuring every moment reflects your unique story. While focused on one location and one outfit, this session still captures the magic of your love in candid and heartfelt portraits.
It's a beautiful glimpse into your journey together, preserved forever in timeless images.
Simple SessionS | $850
- 30-Minute Session
- Nature Setting in Wheaton, IL
- 1 Outfit
- scheduled Mondays— Thursdays
- 20+ Edited Images
- Online Gallery
- Printing Rights
Nature Setting in Wheaton, IL
1 Outfit
scheduled Mondays—Thursdays
20+ Edited Images
Online Gallery
Printing Rights
Includes:
Ideal for couples seeking a swift yet meaningful experience, these Mini Sunset Sessions promise to capture your love against the backdrop of nature's breathtaking beauty.
Mini Sessions | $450
The Process
Following the session, we'll schedule a Photo Reveal appointment where you'll get to see the beautifully curated images for the first time. You'll receive high-resolution digital images in a personalized online gallery that you can cherish and share with loved ones for years to come.
04. Image Delivery
On the day of your session, we'll meet at the agreed-upon location and begin capturing beautiful moments together. I'll guide you through natural poses and prompts to create authentic, candid images that showcase your love and connection.
03. Engagement Session
After our consultation, I'll put together a personalized creative plan based on our discussions. This plan includes suggested locations, outfit ideas, and a timeline for the session. We'll collaborate to ensure every detail aligns with your vision and preferences.
02. Session Planning
We'll start with a conversation to discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific locations or themes you have in mind for your engagement session. This consultation allows us to tailor the session to perfectly reflect your unique story.
01. Initial Consultation
+ Napa Valley, California
+ Mount Hood, Oregon
+ Seattle, Washington
+ San Diego, California
+ San Francisco, California
WEST COAST
+ Sedona, Arizona
+ Scottsdale, Arizona
+ Denver, Colorado
WEST
+ New York City
+ Maryland
+ DC
+ Maine
+ Atlanta, Georgia
EAST COAST
+ Chicago, IL *
+ The Quad Cities
+ Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
+ Northern Michigan
+ Southwest Michigan
Midwest
While I call Chicago home, here's a list of some of the many places I've traveled to for engagement sessions over the years. I'm always happy to travel somewhere new and explore!
Where I've Worked
Ashley’s thoughtful, creative, and able to capture the humanity of the people in her photos.
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Margaret
— Artistrie Co. Bride, Margaret
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
