We’re Alison and Zach, a husband and wife photography team with a love for timeless imagery and meaningful connection.
We’re inspired by old books, soft color palettes, and architecture that tells a story. Whether we’re wandering the streets of Florence or chasing golden light with our couples, we’re always seeking quiet, beautiful moments that feel true to who you are.
At home, we spoil our two huskies, Nova and Willow, and our 29-year-old tortoise, Tiny. We believe in slow mornings, heartfelt conversations, and creating space for people to be fully themselves.
This work means the world to us, and we’re so honored to be part of this season with you.
We'll work together before your session to ensure that we capture your dream engagement images! From location to outfit choices, we'll cover it all to make this a once in a lifetime experience!
From my decisions while looking for backdrops to the way I pose you for portraits, every move I make is done with great care for honoring your unique personalities, vision and love story.
I know that getting your photos taken can be intimidating but I'm on a mission to change that! I'll bring a calming presence and a fun energy that will help you relax and feel comfortable so you look your best in your photos.
We love crafting meaningful engagement sessions with our couples - whether the enchanting gardens of Newfields, a sailboat on the lake shore in Chicago, snuggled up at home with your pets, or perhaps even in NYC or Italy if you’re up for an epic adventure! From planning locations to moodboard inspirations, I take great care to help you plan a day that is not only a dream shoot, but also has aspects that document the life you currently live.
It’s truly not just a session. This is a day to reminisce, live in the moment and dream together. And in the end, you’ll have photos that document your life and your love; your every day, raw and real, intimate and genuine, love.
Creating
Resources Included
guides designed for the best possible engagement session
alison mae engagement experience
The Engagement Collection
We offer one collection that includes everything you need:
1000
Engagement sessions take place in the greater Chicago, Indianapolis or Cincinnati areas. For a destination engagement session, contact me for a custom quote.
These high school sweethearts celebrated their engagement at a stunning garden on a warm summer evening. It was a dream of lovely blooms and glittering sunlight.. Click here to view the gallery.
An overcast day on the golf course. We celebrated Lauren and Conner's engagement at th very place they met: Woodstock Country Club. Click here to view this love and links inspired engagement session.
A day of exploring a place that means so much to Maggie and Isaac. Brainard Lake in Colorado set the scene for this picturesque engagement session in Rocky Mountains. Click here to view.
In our years of photographing weddings together, we’ve had the joy of capturing some truly unforgettable celebrations all across the country. And we have to say, there’s something really special about weddings outside the Midwest. Whether it’s a mountaintop ceremony in the Pacific Northwest or a sun-soaked weekend in the Arizona desert, we love traveling to the places that mean the most to our couples.
No matter where your wedding takes you, we’re right there alongside you. From the welcome dinner to wandering with your closest people, we’re capturing every moment as it naturally unfolds so you can fully soak it all in, knowing those memories will be preserved with care.
We also offer special rates for couples based outside the Midwest who schedule their engagement session with us. It’s a beautiful way to connect before the big day, and we’d be so honored to be a part of your celebration.
I am endlessly inspired by the old world and the soft, romantic and thought provoking paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in mid nineteenth century England. This inspiration can be found through out the photographs I take and is woven into the value I place on truly connecting with you and finding ways to capture your unique spirit and love story in your wedding images in a refined, elegant way.
To capture outer beauty, we must look within.
Inspired By
We recommend booking your engagement session at about two months in advance to secure your preferred date.
How far in advance should we book our engagement session?
Our engagement sessions are 90 minutes long, giving us plenty of time to capture a variety of images in multiple settings.
How long is an engagement session?
We suggest bringing two outfits for variety – this allows for a mix of styles and adds depth to your gallery.
How many outfits should we plan for?
Absolutely! All of our booked clients receive an engagement session planning guide with tips on outfit styling, location ideas, and more.
Do you provide any resources to help with outfit and session planning?
We are happy to provide guidance on locations based on your preferences! We want your session to feel meaningful and unique to you.
What if we need help choosing a location?
Yes! Payments are split into two equal installments. A 50% deposit is due at booking to secure your date, and the remaining 50% is due one week before your session.
Do you have a payment plan for engagement sessions?
You can expect to receive a gallery with an average of 50-75 edited images.
How many images can we expect to receive?
We usually recommend scheduling your session during the "golden hour" (evening or late afternoon) for the most flattering and romantic lighting. This is usually two hours before sunset.
What time of day is best for engagement photos?
We reserve two dates on our calendar after booking to ensure that we have a rain plan built in.
What happens if it rains the day of my session?
Of course! Pets are family too. Just let us know ahead of time so we can plan the session accordingly and select a pet friendly location.
Can we include our pet in the session?
Have a question you don't see? Contact me and let me know how I can help!
Design By Mariposa Design Co
© Alison Mae Photography 2025