about
“I'm not a mess but a deeply feeling person in a messy world. I explain that now, when someone asks me why I cry so often, I say, 'For the same reason I laugh so often - because I'm paying attention.' I tell them that we can choose to be perfect and admired or to be real and loved. We must decide.”
- Glennon Doyle Melton
At my core, I’m a giggly, bubbly, empathetic goofball with a laid-back attitude and a welcoming heart. I consider myself a softy who experiences life very deeply and emotionally. Because of this, I have a desire to explore the depths of the full human experience and to connect with other humans and the world around me on a much deeper level. I thrive in environments where I can be present, intentional, loving, empathetic, real, raw, and share in this vulnerable space with others. I believe this is the driving factor behind my “why”.
Creativity is where I thrive, and where I’ve always thrived. It’s where all my talents, skills, and strengths really shine through, and where the pieces of "me" that drive me to be my best, most authentic self come to light. I’m a traveler, a crafter, a story-teller, a DIY-er, a sucker for details and aesthetics. It’s this combination of traits that fuels my passion for photography and allows me to thrive in both my personal and professional life.
Prior to wedding photography, I worked for many different commercial photography studios within the Chicagoland area serving big brand names. I’ve also had the opportunity to step into other roles within the wedding industry, which allows me to bring more talent & experience to my profession and create a well-rounded experience for my couples. I’ve played the role of florist, helping my local flower shop with wedding floral set-ups and installations. I’ve also worked directly for wedding venues as a venue representative and event coordinator.
When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me in the kitchen whipping up something 5-star worthy, at a music festival jamming out to some dance music, making jokes that no one thinks are funny, in the sun soaking up all the vitamin d the sun god’s are willing to spare, or walking out of a thrift store with more clothes that I don’t need.
HI I'M ASHLEY
I'm a self-taught wedding photographer based in the Midwest & Chicagoland area.
In a nutshell, I aim to be more than just hired help. I am fully committed to making your photography experience worthwhile and 110% worth the investment. I provide dedicated planning, location + outfit assistance, creative direction, guidance, photoshoot curation, + post-processing. I take on many roles and wear many different hats throughout our time together, especially throughout the wedding journey. I’m a dress fluffer, tissue supplier, emergency kit stocker, cheerleader, supporter, messenger, planner, coordinator, director, team mate, and friend. I am fully invested and dedicated to helping you achieve the wedding photography experience of your dreams.
I know the wedding planning journey can be just as daunting as it is exciting, so I aim to help take the weight off as much as possible by curating a seamless experience and guiding you with support & die-hard enthusiasm every step of the way. I provide you with helpful resources, timeline assistance, engagement session planning, periodic check-ins, and meetings. I also set you up with an organized project space, so we can keep track of proposals, files, emails, and communication all in one place - when I say I got you, I mean it.
the experience
My approach combines friendship and professionalism. This is where trust really comes into play and is an integral part of the photographer-client relationship. I know being in front of the camera can be intimidating for most, so my goal is for you to feel comfortable letting your guard down and inviting me to connect and engage with you in your natural element and intimate spaces; allowing me to meet you where you are. Fully trusting my creative eye and allowing me to collaborate with you and take the wheel to steer you in the right direction.
I combine a candid, “fly on the wall” approach while also leaving room for creative freedom & experimentation. We can fully utilize this space to get creative and steer the ship wherever we want it to go - this is where art meets possibility, with no limitations holding us back. I use lots of movement and fun prompts to encourage genuine reactions and get you interacting authentically in the moment with each other. However, I also provide direction, flow, and purposeful posing. It’s poised, yet playful. All you have to do is show up with an open mind and the intent to be fully present, and trust me to take what I see and pull it through my lens in a way that speaks to you.
Where artful storytelling rooted in friendship meets dedication & professionalism.
