My Whole Heart Collective
Illinois Wedding & portrait Photographers
The magic you are searching for, happens in front of our cameras - you're the magic.
The magic you are searching for, happens in front of our cameras - you're the magic.
Hi, we’re Nicole & Ashley; and we help preserve your once in a lifetime memories.
In the end, we all become stories – and this is ours.
My Whole Heart Collective was born from friendship and a shared passion for storytelling. After meeting in 2020, we quickly became close friends and creative partners, blending our lives and work through seasons of growth, love, loss, and transformation.
In 2022, we joined our individual businesses—Nicole Kilday Photography and Ashley Bowling Photography—to create a space rooted in authenticity, kindness, and community. Our goal has always been to offer more than just beautiful images: a place where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
Now, four years later, as we continue to evolve, so does My Whole Heart Collective. Beginning June 15, 2025, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be transitioning from a formal partnership to a collaborative friendship. Nicole and Ashley will continue working side by side in the industry—just under their own names once again. The bond remains strong, and the heart of our mission is unchanged.
While the Collective will pause on new bookings for now, we’re dreaming big behind the scenes and look forward to future projects together. Our commitment to heartfelt storytelling and human connection is unwavering.
No matter which of us you work with, you're likely to see us both cheering each other on—and showing up, as always, with our whole hearts.
Connect with either Nicole Kilday Photography or Ashley Bowling Photography—two artists with a shared heart and vision. While we’re now operating individually, we continue to offer the same experience, values, and storytelling approach that My Whole Heart Collective was built on. Whether you reach out to Nicole or Ashley, you’ll find the same warm, intentional, and heartfelt photography experience we’ve always been proud to share. And chances are, you’ll still see us working together on many of our projects—because connection remains at the heart of what we do.
N&A
Get to know us & reach out,
-
Nicole Kilday, Northwestern Illinois based Wedding, Elopement, and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer
Serving the Northwest Illinois Region, Greater Chicago Area, Greater Milwaukee Area, Southwestern Wisconsin Area, and more.
Nicole's approach to photography begins with friendship and the desire to meet her subjects where their love is the loudest, allowing the full opportunity to create art that screams, "this is us".
-
Ashley Bowling, Illinois based Wedding, Elopement, and Lifestyle Portrait Photographer
Serving the Illinois Region, Greater Chicago Area, Greater Milwaukee Area, and more.
Ashley’s approach to photography combines trust, creativity, and meeting the moment. We can fully utilize this space to get creative and feel wildly inspired - this is where art meets possibility, with no limitations holding us back.
Thank you so much for being here—it truly means the world to us. Whether you’ve been part of our journey from the beginning or you’re just finding your way to us now, we’re so grateful for your support and interest in what we do. We can’t wait to meet you, learn your story, and create something meaningful together. Our hearts are in this fully, and we’re honored to be considered for such an important part of your life.
+ All of our love, Nicole Kilday and Ashley Bowling