Ashlee Cole is an engagement and wedding photographer based in Chicago, Illinois, serving couples across Chicagoland, the shores of Lake Michigan, and destinations worldwide. Photographing weddings since 2017. Most couples are investing between $6,240 and $7,800 in their wedding coverage.
How will you remember the day? Through the photographs and the film — the main thing left long after the last dance.
photographs and film for the romantics
meet me in the city
or at the lake.
Engagement + Wedding Photographer in Chicago
I photograph weddings, elopements, engagements, and surprise proposals across Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs, and film them too. I also run a portrait studio in downtown Naperville for families, maternity sessions, and newborns.
What i do
Weddings & elopements: full-day and intimate coverage, from $780/hour. Proposals & engagements: surprise proposal planning and photography, from $735. Wedding films: content creation and short films available alongside photo coverage. Studio portraits: families, maternity, and newborns in downtown Naperville, from $580
Since 2017 I've photographed 300+ weddings and 350+ sessions, at venues including the Wrigley Building, The Rookery, Haley Mansion, the University Club Chicago, The Arbory, Morton Arboretum, Meson Sabika and The Grove Redfield Estate — plus destination work in Greece, California, and Texas.
The Coffee Chat Files: Sit down and grab a coffee with us.
Ep. 05
The Guest List File: Keeping the guilt out of wedding guest decisions.
Ep. 04
The Budget Files: Ashlee and Jessica go in depth on wedding budgets.
Ep. 03
The Reddit Files: Ashlee and Jessica read wedding Reddit stories.
Ep. 02
The Sister Files: Ashlee and her sister talk about their first wedding together.
Ep. 01
A behind-the-scenes look at the wedding world—uncovering secrets, sharing stories, and spotlighting real industry expertise. It’s memorable, modern, and versatile. Hosted by yours truly, Ashlee Cole and Jessica Stewart. Listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
— Lidia Cannon
Creative, generous, funny and brilliant. Hands down the best!
— Tyler Bakersfield
Creative business owners HAVE to listen to this. Sound and solid advice!
— Raving Reviewer
A stunning pull quote to show social proof about your podcast!
No matter the season of life you're in, whether your little ones are big, small, or even furry, these moments deserve to be captured in a way that goes beyond a quick snapshot on your phone.
portraits
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As one of Chicago’s leading proposal photographers, I specialize in creating timeless, heartfelt images that preserve the raw emotion, joy, and beauty of this milestone.
proposals
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As an engagement and wedding photographer in Chicago, I specialize in capturing those heartfelt moments—both big and small—that make your day uniquely yours. With a timeless and intentional focus on creating images that not only look beautiful but feel authentic to your story.
weddings
for
learn more
megan + andrew
There are no words to describe how much we loved working with Ashlee. Thank you for capturing the best day of our lives!
hannah + nicholas
Wow, where do I even begin? Every single image is incredible, and we’re already looking forward to diving back in to relive more of the magic.
caitlin + destiny
She made it so effortless and took away that awkward feeling of posing for photos. Ashlee went above and beyond!
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PORTRAITS
IN-HOME FAMILY SESSIONS - CAPTURING BABY CALVIN
PROPOSALS
MY FAVORITE INDOOR PROPOSAL SPOTS FOR CHICAGO WINTERS
TRAVEL
LUNCH AT THE POLO LOUNGE - BEVERY HILLS
recent journal entries:
I'm a wedding and engagement photographer and videographer based in Chicago. I founded Ashlee Cole LLC in 2017 and have photographed more than 300+ weddings since, in Chicago, along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Illinois and west Michigan, and on location from Tripoli, Greece to Southern California.
I believe the moments you want to remember aren't always perfect or scripted. They're uncut, raw, and writhing with emotion. I work with couples who value meaning and who'd rather feel something when they look back than tick a shot list.
If you like effortless & honest photos , I’m your girl.
Hi, I'm Ashlee Cole.
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Photographer, VIDEOGRAPHER & Your Newest bestie
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A fresh overview of what 2025 had in store! Articles on First Looks, Getting Ready, Real Weddings and what we expect to see in 2026.
2025 Review
Ashlee Cole Magazine
