Deep dive
Storytelling from the Shores of Lake Michigan
41.91° N
-87.62° W
bespoke Photo & video
chicago, illinois and beyond
Engagement + Wedding Photographer in Chicago
Bespoke photo & video for
the romantics
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 $6,000 and $8,000 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.
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.
What i do
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.
Highest of Praise
There are no words to describe how much we loved working with Ashlee. Thank you for capturing the best day of our lives!
megan + andrew
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.
hannah + nicholas
She made it so effortless and took away that awkward feeling of posing for photos. Ashlee went above and beyond!
caitlin + destiny
Behind the Brand
Photographer, VIDEOGRAPHER & Your Newest bestie
Read the full story
Hi, I'm Ashlee Cole.
If you like effortless & honest photos , I’m your girl.
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.
Read MY favorite blog post
the
AISLE FILES Podcast
browse episodes
Creative, generous, funny and brilliant. Hands down the best!
— Lidia Cannon
Creative business owners HAVE to listen to this. Sound and solid advice!
— Tyler Bakersfield
A stunning pull quote to show social proof about your podcast!
— Raving Reviewer
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.
Ep. 01
The Sister Files: Ashlee and her sister talk about their first wedding together.
Ep. 02
The Reddit Files: Ashlee and Jessica read wedding Reddit stories.
Ep. 03
The Budget Files: Ashlee and Jessica go in depth on wedding budgets.
Ep. 04
The Guest List File: Keeping the guilt out of wedding guest decisions.
Ep. 05
The Coffee Chat Files: Sit down and grab a coffee with us.
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your invite to say hello
Ashlee Cole Magazine
2025 Review
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.
read the first issue