Good morning friends!  I hope everyone had a nice weekend!  Saturday, I photographed Seth and Kara’s wedding at the John Marshall Hotel-beautiful!  We were even able to take photos outside(thankfully the rain was on and off in the afternoon!)  I can’t wait to blog the images! 🙂  Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous, I hope you all were able to get outside and enjoy the weather!  We spent part of the afternoon at a local park with some friends and played kickball while the kids(and fur babies) ran around and played.  It was a lot of fun and a well deserved day off!

Soooo…this is the last week the kids will be at home before they head off for a two week camp from 8:00-4:30!  On one hand, I am looking forward to getting a lot of work done….on the other, I feel a little guilty for sending them….but I have to remember that they are going to have a blast and probably do a lot more than they would around here with me working all day!  Its a win-win for everyone! 🙂  This week, I have a TON of editing to do, so I will be glued to my computer all week….BUT, I am excited to have this entire weekend shoot-free and to be home celebrating the 4th with the family!  I am not sure what our plans are and unfortunately, we dont have a river house or anything where we can spend the weekend, but I am sure we will find something fun to do!  What are your plans, I would love to hear them!

Below are a few photos from the last day of school(and Kaleigh’s very last day of elementary school….she said she cried at school, but she is mostly happy to be going to middle school!)  My friend and neighbor, Carri, and I brought her popcorn machine with balloons to the bus stop for a treat for the kids!  I know these are a little late getting posted, but better late than never!  And below the photos are my goals for the week!  Hope everyone has a great holiday! 🙂

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This week’s agenda:

Personal:

-Ok, really am going to get back into the gym this week!

-finish taking down decorations from the birthdays

-order a new album for our family

-girl scout sleepover at the Diamond we went to the game, but the sleepover was cancelled due to rain

 

Business:

-follow up emails

-order Sara’s album

-design and order sample album–Im going to hold off on this for a while

-meeting with a bride

-begin editing Ryan and Kelly’s wedding

-blog Ian and Liz’s engagement session

-shoot Seth and Kara’s wedding

-possible cookout with photographers group

-client meeting

 

This week’s agenda:

Personal:

-clean downstairs and put party decorations away

-decorate for the 4th of July

-blog Kaleigh’s party

-kids yearly check up

-celebrate the 4th of July!

 

Business:

-continue editing Kelly and Ryan’s wedding

-begin editing Seth and Kara’s wedding

-send bridal guide to my brides for 2016–I finally finished it yay!

-meeting with Leah for her July wedding

  
  • June 29, 2015 - 3:35 PM

    Alina - Story of my life! Love all the thrilled smiles!ReplyCancel

    • September 2, 2015 - 2:38 PM

      ashley - Haha! Thank you Alina!ReplyCancel

Well, I am finally getting around to posting my kids’ birthday session!  Its pretty rare these days that I am able to do a “photo shoot” with them because…..well….they just aren’t cooperative with me as they would be with someone else.  It usually involves a lot of bribing and some frustration, but I make it a point to do this a couple of times a year, especially near their birthdays.  Thankfully, their birthdays are around the same time, so I get it all over with at once haha!  This year, I made it a point to make the drive to Maymont to do their pictures.  It is such a beautiful park and I have done so many family, couples, and bridal sessions there, but have only been there once for a few photos with them.  I knew that the Italian Gardens would be perfect because everything was in bloom.  I even chose their outfits with the Italian Gardens at Maymont in mind haha!  And even though they argued and fussed a little, I am happy to say that they did have fun.  We made our way down to the Japanese Gardens, where Kaleigh asked if we could come back to explore another day.  So, we will make another trip during the summer and I now have beautifully displayed portraits of them in my home. 🙂 Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (1)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (2)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (3)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (4)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (5)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (6)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (7)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (8)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (9)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (10)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (11)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (12)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (13)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (14)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (15)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (16)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (17)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (18)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (19)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (20)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (21)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (22)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (23)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (24)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (25)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-Portrait (26)PIN IMAGE Maymont-Park-Richmond-VA-Portrait-Session-Richmond-Virginia-Portrait-Photographer-Virginia-PortraitPIN IMAGE

  

I am so happy to share these images today!  Originally, I was supposed to have shot Ian and Liz’s engagement session a few weeks back, however, with the car break in that occurred, I regretfully had to cancel our session together.  Ironically, that evening they ended up going to a friends house in the same area where my camera equipment was stolen!  Crazy!
A little introduction on the two of them….Ian and Liz met in fall of 2009 when they were both getting their PhD’s at the University of Michigan. On the last night of the college football season, they found each other at the Heidelberg, a hangout spot that was popular with each of their groups of friends. After convincing Liz that she should go out on a date with Ian, they have enjoyed each others’ company ever since.
Ian and Liz got engaged over the weekend of Father’s Day on the beach in Cape May, New Jersey, Liz’s native state. After a weekend of sunshine on the Jersey Shore, Ian proposed on a moonlit balcony that overlooked the ocean.  How romantic!!!!
Ian and Liz’s favorite date spot is a little wine bar in Ann Arbor, MI called Vinology.  This was also where they had their first date.  Their favorite pastimes are entertaining their friends, seeing live music, and exploring museums together…..the National Portrait Gallery is their absolute favorite.
I enjoyed reading the things they love most about each other and I just had to share!
Liz: Ian is one of the most kind, sensitive and thoughtful people that I know.  I admire how he cares so much about his friends and family, and loving him comes effortlessly to me.  He is so incredibly humble, considering he is brilliant.  We rarely fight because we communicate so well, and we get along awesomely because we have so much in common.  We both are huge science nerds who love good food and wine, but also sports, live music and the arts.  We’ve been in DC for about a year and a half now, and really enjoy finding uniquely DC things to do on the weekends.
Ian: Liz’s intelligence, ambition, and sense of humor makes her the perfect companion for me. She is very level headed and that keeps me grounded. Whether it is traveling to new places or sitting at home on the couch, I never grow tired of her company.
I had a great time getting to know these two better…they are such fun, genuine and down to earth people!  I could tell throughout the session how much they care for each other and how loving each other really is effortless for them.  As for the session, it was a pretty humid day and there was a chance of severe thunderstorms, but we took a chance and the day ended up being beautiful!  The heat eventually gave way to some cooler air and we enjoyed walking around the park and documenting this special time for them.  Thank you Ian and Liz for a wonderful engagement session and I am looking forward to sharing your special day with you this fall!  I hope you enjoy these beautiful engagement photos at Lady Bird Johnson Park in Washington D.C.

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  • June 23, 2015 - 4:46 PM

    jawad khan - AwesomeReplyCancel

    • September 2, 2015 - 2:38 PM

      ashley - Thank you!ReplyCancel

Well, it was our first official week of summer school last week and it went pretty well for the most part.  I had a busy week for the business, but the kids did great and I was able to get most of my work done!  Kaleigh had a great birthday outing on Tuesday….we went to all of her favorite places…Target, Barnes and Noble, Shoe Carnival, Claire’s, Justice, Jumpology, and Stevi B’s for dinner.  She received a few gift cards from her birthday party and surprisingly, was very picky with her purchases.  She didnt get nearly as much as I had expected haha!  She ended the day with a sleepover with one of her good friends….I think she had a great 11th birthday celebration! 🙂

I am a little disappointed in myself that I have been slacking off in the exercising department, but I am determined to get back in the gym!  I struggle mentally with feeling bad about myself when I dont go to the gym and I have definitely been feeling those affects this past week.  It still surprises me that something so small can have such a big impact on the way I feel about myself.  So my big personal goal this week is to just get into the gym!

Last week was a great week socially…I was able to get together with a group of moms and relax….I met up with a small group of photographers for some business small talk, and I caught up with my friend James for a bit!

Below is a quick recap from Kaleigh and Carter’s birthday and a few shots of Kaleigh on the day she turned 11!

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Last week’s agenda:

Personal:

-start exercising–I have been slacking!

-make calendar for the summer so we have a consistent schedule!

-get my house back in order from all of the birthday craziness!

-catch up on laundry!

-celebrate Kaleigh’s 11th birthday on Tuesday!

-girls night out with some friends on Wednesday

-celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday!

 

Business:

-edit 4 sessions

-blog sessions and send galleries

-send client packages

-record expenses

-follow up emails

-celebrate Ryan and Kelly’s wedding day on the 20th!

 

OK!  Onto the business goals for photographers and me alike!

 

This week’s agenda:

Personal:

-Ok, really am going to get back into the gym this week!

-finish taking down decorations from the birthdays

-order a new album for our family

-girl scout sleepover at the Diamon

 

Business:

-follow up emails

-order Sara’s album

-design and order sample album

-meeting with a bride

-begin editing Ryan and Kelly’s wedding

-blog Ian and Liz’s engagement session

-shoot Seth and Kara’s wedding

-possible cookout with photographers group

-client meeting

 

  

I have known Kristi and Nicole for many years now….we went to the same high school and I actually shot their wedding a few years back!  They are the most down to earth people and I feel like I can be myself around the two of them!  Their little boy, Kolby and little girl, Kennedy are so precious!  They both LOVE animals, as evident with the alligator and elephant that they brought to the session!  Kolby loves anything to do with sports and ball games, a typical boy, while Kennedy loves her accessories and being a princess, typical girl!  It reminds me so much of Kaleigh and Carter….I know that our families have raised our children in the same way, but its something about genetics.  And I never would have agreed with that statement until I had kids of my own.  Haha!  And Kristy and Nicole are awesome parents!  Watching them and hearing them speak to Kolby and Kennedy, I can tell that they are such loving parents.  Even the gentle redirection of, “Yes, ma’am” and “No, thank you” really show how wonderfully these two are raising their children.  I know how much they love and adore Kolby and Kennedy because I can see it not only in the way that they look at them, but I can see it in the way that they interact with them.  I had a great time capturing them as a family last weekend….below are some favorites! Enjoy!

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  • June 18, 2015 - 7:39 PM

    Dez - Such great photos!ReplyCancel

    • September 2, 2015 - 2:39 PM

      ashley - Thank you Dez!ReplyCancel

  • June 18, 2015 - 7:47 PM

    Shawn Fleek - How do you choose just one!?!?!?!? What pure beauty!!ReplyCancel

    • September 2, 2015 - 2:38 PM

      ashley - Thank you Shawn!ReplyCancel

  • June 18, 2015 - 8:40 PM

    Alina - These are super sweet!!ReplyCancel

    • September 2, 2015 - 2:38 PM

      ashley - Thank you Alina!ReplyCancel