I am so very excited to share with you these adorable and precious images from baby Lawson's first photoshoot! This shoot is so special to me for many reasons. But mainly, it's amazing to see one of my early clients (and biggest supporters) grow their family and have a baby. Just three years earlier I shot their engagement session in nearly the same spot.... and now here I am in 2014 photographing their newborn. Wow! Oh life, you are crazy! What a tremendous joy to see Carolyn & Prescott so happy as new parents. What an honor to be asked to photograph this milestone.I have never photographed a newborn before and had been pretty adamant about not wanting to... Why? Well, I am not a fan of overly & unnaturally posed baby photos... something about it freaks me out! So that aspect of newborn photography was never appealing to me. I was also terrified of shooting babies for fear I might break them or something while posing them (since I don't have babies and am an only child I haven't been around babies too much to realize how bendy and resilient they are)! I honestly thought I'd never photograph a newborn... But luckily Carolyn & Prescott insisted I'd be great at it and encouraged me to do this for them! How could I say no to one of my favorite couples of all time?!! Obviously, I did not say no and surprised myself by just how much fun I had!!! Babies are adorable, and photographing baby Lawson was easy peasy (maybe he is just a born model like his parents). And the photos? Well the photos are so tender and heart warming I cannot stop oohing and awwing over them.So who knew? I like photographing babies! Thanks Baby Lawson, Mommy Carolyn and Daddy Prescott for believing in me and choosing me to capture this milestone. I am smitten with you three and what we created together. And even more so I am so proud of you and know you are already the most perfect little family! I cannot wait to document the rest of this momentous year for you!

BOOK A SHOOT: Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Join The Mailing List 

You may remember the lovely Carolyn & Prescott's wedding that I photographed two years ago. It was an amazing celebration and I was so overjoyed to photograph the wedding of two such adorable and loving people. Carolyn has been so awesome to keep in touch and support my work over the last couple years. And I was BEYOND honored & excited when she told me her & Prescott are expecting a baby boy and that she wanted me to take some gorgeous maternity photos for them! I think there is nothing more special than following my clients through their major life milestones and documenting it all for them. Amazing!We started their session in my downtown Santa Barbara studio to give Carolyn some signature Ashleigh Taylor glamour style portraits. Then we headed about ten minutes to the Mesa so they could have a few outdoors in nature photos! I can't get over how gorgeous the whole thing was and how glowing and beautiful Carolyn is!I can't wait to meet the little Mr. Lawson soon! Congrats Carolyn & Prescott! I know all three of you will cherish these photos forever!

BOOK A SHOOT: Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Join The Mailing List 

I absolutely LOVE shooting "Bridals" photography! Unfortunately it's not very common here in Santa Barbara and a lot of California girls don't know about. It's a Southern Tradition!Well, lucky for me Kendall, a sweet and stylish Texas gal, moved to Santa Barbara and wanted some bridals photos taken! I jumped at the chance to do a fun session like this... and it left me wanting MORE! Of course, it's partly because Kendall is so fun, sweet, gorgeous stylish and all around amazing!But also... it's just plain fun to take pretty pictures with JUST the bride... stress free and not full of wedding day jitters. It's nice to have over an hour with just the bride and be able to play with locations, light, posing and not be on that tight wedding schedule. I could definitely get used to it! And when I think about it, brides why wouldn't you want this? A stress free session that allows for more FUN photos of you in your very expensive wedding dress! Instead of only getting to wear it once, BOOM, you get to wear it TWICE! And, if you would like, you can bring your man along and we'll get extra photos of both of y'all!Once you see these photos, I think you'll see why you NEED to get in that Southern spirit, baby, and book your bridal session STAT!

Is that not just GORGEOUS? If you feel like a bridal or day after session would be fun, contact me! 

PLANNING A WEDDING? Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Join Our Mailing List | Like Us on Facebook | Stalk on Pinterest

About a month ago I got to participate in a very special editorial/stylized bridal shoot at the AMAZING Sunstone Winery here in Santa Barbara (Santa Ynez to be exact)! I am absolutely obsessed with this wedding venue. If you were blindfolded and taken there, you just might think you were somewhere in the middle of Tuscany! The Villa is made out of beautiful rustic stones imported from France. And the grounds are overflowing with trailing bushes of rosemary and lavender. And it is set in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, with vineyards all around. It is truly a spectacular place and would be the most gorgeous setting for a real wedding!

I had such a blast on the shoot. Below is a list of everyone who organized the event and made it happen! Thank you all for such a special day and opportunity!

Event Organizers- Emma + Josh Smithhttp://coutureclicks.emmajanephotos.com/http://www.facebook.com/emmajanephotographyhttp://www.facebook.com/coutureclickshttp://www.emmaandjosh.com/818-533-1011

Event Decor, Design and Coordination - Serendipitous Events by Julia - Julia Whitley

http://www.facebook.com/julia.d.whitleywww.serendipitouseventsbyjulia.comjulia@serendipitouseventsbyjulia.com

Event Venue- Sunstone Winery

http://www.sunstonewinery.com

Anna Rice805-688-9463

Bride/Bridesmaid GownsThe White Dress

http://www.thewhitedress.com

949-723-0121

Brides-Watters "Palm Spring"Reem Acra- "Candlight"

Bridesmaids

JLMCouture

Gary's Island, Fashion Island

Suits by Hugo Boss, Armani

http://www.garysonline.com/

949.759.1622

Bridal Accessories and wardrobe styling

Renee Pawele -Renee Pawele Bride

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Renee-Pawele-Bride/164189221263http://www.reneepawelebride.com

Lighting

Pacific Event Lighting

http://www.pacificeventlighting.com/1-800-757-7216

Designer Specialty Linens - Dahlia Wexler

Linens and Chair rentals310-548-5183www.designerspecialtylinens.comhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Specialty-Linens/174874645152Makeup/Hair

ASquared Makeup Artistry - Amber Artiaga

562-883-0971

http://www.facebook.com/#!/amber.artiagahttp://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Squared-Makeup-Artistry/300485890023456

Make Up by Theresa Marie - Theresa Marie Aguilar

310-347-5997

Hair Stylist - Sharone Patterson

span2007@yahoo.com

http://www.facebook.com/#!/sharone.patterson.5

Cakes, Catering and food displays - CCK, Cakes and Catering by Karie

310-710-1201

Invitation Suite - Special Letters - Diana Jo Giebler

www.specialletters.net

http://www.facebook.com/julia.d.whitley#!/pages/Special-Letters/110110839013608

http://www.facebook.com/julia.d.whitley#!/diana.j.giebler

Bouquets- Santa Ynez Valley Florist - Kathy Sechlerhttp://www.syvflorist.com

1-805-688-7656

Accomodations - Meadowlark Inn - Bed and Breakfast -

www.meadowlarkinnsolvang.com

800-344-9792

Hair Stylist: Sharone Pattersonhttp://healthyhairandme.com/

Cakes and Catering by Kariewww.cakesandcateringbykarie.com

And now for part one of my beautiful photos!

I loved working with the Sunstone Villa's architecture!

But of course the vineyards were fabulous too!

Love. Sunlight. Vino. Does it get better?

STUNNING! The hills!!

Can I get a wedding redo please?

Sexy love!

Oh my gosh! I LOVEEEE the architecture so much!

PLANNING A WEDDING? Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Follow Ashleigh on Twitter | Become a Fan on Facebook | Stalk on Pinterest

Paola of Just Chic Events planned my wedding. For a whole year I emailed with her almost daily with questions and ideas. Through it all, she happily guided me through the world of weddings. She was basically my fairy-wedding-godmother and I just adore her. So early this year when I found out Paola was having a baby girl, I was thrilled!!! And when Jessi, a fellow planner on the Just Chic Events team, asked me to photograph Paola's baby shower I was delighted! The whole day was beautiful and I was so excited to be a part of it. It meant a lot to me to document Paola's precious memories, because by planning my wedding to perfection, she created so many wonderful memories for me!Jessi of Just Chic Events planned and designed the shower! It was lovely! One of my favorite florists ever, Kate Baker, did all the florals and they were loverly for sure! Also, My Sweet and Saucy made the cute dessert bar which was as beautiful as it was delicious. The retro theme was so cute and clever, but also very classic and elegant.I couldn't be more happy to see this event featured on Hostess With The Mostess! Go check it out on HWTM:And.... Here are a few of my favorite shots of the day:Paola + her hubby Eric posed for some shots in the new nursery! How cute is that room??The tables were so pretty! Loved Kate Baker's floral clusters!YUM! Dessert bar by My Sweet and Saucy!! What could be better??Treats!!!Deeeeeelicious.I'll end with this touching photo of Paola with her mom!! So sweet!!!

PLANNING A WEDDING? Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Follow Ashleigh on Twitter | Become a Fan on Facebook

When I was in Las Vegas for WPPI, I had the awesome opportunity to participate in a editorial shoot/mini-workshop with photographer Victor Sizemore and Summer Watkins, stylist and editor of one of my favorite blogs, Grey Likes. The shoot was based around the hit TV show Mad Men, and was oh so 1960's-- with a little Las Vegas twist of course! We got the opportunity to shoot in a penthouse at the amazing Palms hotel and it was super awesome!One thing that I found really cool about this shoot was that Victor asked us all to play with a more editorial style of shooting. Meaning, a collection of images and details that will give off a mood and a feel. Rather than focusing on making each shot a work of art, focus on the story and mood at hand. I really like this notion because at when I shoot a wedding I really want my photos to portray the mood, vibe, ambiance, and story of the day. So this little mini-workshop helped me see things a little differently and grow in a new way......and of course I love the images too! Hope y'all will enjoy!And thanks to the following for making this opportunity so awesome & valuable!- Mentor Photographer: Victor Sizemore (http://www.vcsphoto.com)- Stylist: Summer Watkins (http://www.summerwatkins.com) of Grey Likes Weddings (http://www.greylikesweddings.com)- Hair and Make Up: Amelia C (http://amelia-c.com)

PLANNING A WEDDING? Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Follow Ashleigh on Twitter | Become a Fan on Facebook

On Monday, I blogged all the details from the Serra Plaza Launch Party which I had the honor of photographing! Well part of the event was a FABULOUS bridal fashion show, styled by the amazing Hope Stanley and made up by Vivian Tran and the All Made Up Team!!! :) LOVEEEEE!!! The models all looked so amazing and as each one walked the runway I found myself swooning and saying "oooh if only I was getting married again I'd wear that!" "No! I'd wear that!!!" Yeah, I'm kinda a sucker for wedding couture!After the show, I got to have a little photo shoot with the models who could hang around! The idea was that Serra Plaza could use the photos for promotional reasons, but hey, who am I kidding, I just wanted to take pictures of these amazing models!!!!! So I did. And I LOVED it! Here's a look at those photos!!I love this first look! It's not too formal and has a great casual-chic feel to it! I LOVE the look of layered necklaces with a wedding dress! Fab!!!

Aughhhhhhh. This look KILLS me!!! If I was getting married again I totally would go this route. Honestly, I originally wanted a dress like this but never really found one that worked for my uber petite body. SO I ended up wearing a lace dress! LOL! So opposite. But yeah, if I ever get a redo, I'm all over this!!

I had so much time with the last model, Amanda, and I had a great time photographing her! I also LOVED her look! So chic and retro! And I love that the dress is short! Some times I wish I would've worn a short dress because they are so unexpected and stylish. But truth be told I guess I'm just a little too traditional. Still...maybe for a vow renewal I could wear this?? AJ do you approve??

Hello shoes!!! I love you? Will you be mine? Oh what's that? You don't come in size uber tiny???? BUMMER! Okay fine, I'll just live vicariously through my photographs.

Is Amanda fierce or is a Amanda FIERCE?!  You betta work!

The photo on the left is one of my favorites of all time! Ohhhhh Amanda! You are GORGEOUS!

So if you haven't gotten your wedding attire yet, you should definitely check out Hope Stanley. Because she will help you find the PERFECT wedding outfit and accessories. And then contact Vivian Tran and she will glam you up mayjah!!!

Special Thanks again to all the *fab* vendors who made the Serra Plaza Launch Party possible:

In The Now Weddings and Events (Rachel took the lead on this one!)

Andrei’s

Annabelle’s Coffee

BBJ Linen

Cheesy Photo Booths

Creative Media Print

Cynthia Bower at Classic Party Rentals

Delicieuse French Ice Cream

French Buckets

Good Gracious! Events

Hope Stanley at Mary Me Bridal

Izze

Jay’s Catering

Joel at Studio EMP

Martin at Waveform Events

Serra Plaza

Sundried Tomato Cafe

Sugar Tart

Vivian Tran and the All Made Up Team

PLANNING A 2011 WEDDING? Contact Ashleigh | View More Of Her Online Portfolio | Follow Ashleigh on Twitter | Become a Fan on Facebook

So I met 19 REALLY cool photogs at The J* Workshop! Like they are really cool! And I'm not sure how it all started but a few of us got together to take pictures of each other. A headshot swap if you will. Anna, Brittany & Laurie came over to my place and us gals got our make up did by the *fabulous* Elena. Then we hit up Santa Monica! Well, technically I snagged a few shots of Anna then she went to catch her plane at LAX. And me, Brittany and Laurie hit up SanMo.Now, besides photography I really love to be in front of the camera. I just love cameras. Period. Whether in my hand or pointed right at me. I'm kinda diva like that. So I may have been a camera hog during this session, and I can't wait to start seeing the girls blog photos of me. But since you know I'm not really a model, and I am PHOTOGRAPHER, I figured I better blog the pics I took of them, stat!Here's a peeksy at our fun girlie-photog day!Here's Anna right in front of my place. The sun was bright, which made it the perfect opportunity to take what I had just learned from J* about natural reflectors and shooting in bright sun! I think I did well! Hope Jasmine approves!

Anna you are gorgeous! And pure awesome!

Then Brittany and Laurie and I at cupcakes at Vanilla Bake Shop. Shhhh it's a secret! And then we hit up The Viceroy! I love this shot of Brittany. It's SO her!

Brittany is amazing! She is from Chattanooga and has the BEST Southern Accent! She is like butter. Ah to be a Southern Belle...

Then there is Laurie! So cool! So fierce! Look at her rock it!

But I made her laugh. Cause I am hysterical!

Brittany strutted her stuff like a total LA Chick!

Brittany you are gorgeous girl!!!!!!

And Laurie!! You are gorgeous too!!!

Seriously look at those high cheek bones! Those piercing hazel eyes! GOR-GEOUS!!!!

We finished our awesome day looking at the beautiful Santa Monica sunset. And it hit me. WHOA! I'm so lucky! I'm so lucky to be a SoCal girl! To see beauty like this! And to be capturing it all in photos! Lucky lucky lucky!

And then we ate really good Korean food. And I felt even luckier ;)

Contact Ashleigh | Follow Ashleigh on Twitter | Become a Fan on Facebook

So I grew up as an only child...but somewhere along the way I became a middle child. Both my parents re-married (my mom married my step-dad when I was 11, and my dad married my step-mom when I was 19) and each of my step-parents has a son. So yep I went from only to middle. Kinda. I never really grew up living with either of my step brothers so I don't know what its like to, um, share and fight and go on family trips with a sibling. But nonetheless I LOVE my step-bros bros more than I can say! My older brother is 20 years older than me. I was at his wedding to my sister-in-law, Angie, when I was 8. When I was 12, their daughter Georgia was born. And I can not tell you how friggin' excited I was to be an auntie!!!! I am still excited to be an auntie, especially because now I have a niece & nephew! I take the job very, very seriously.  I love babysitting my niece and nephew, and just hanging out with them. I also love hanging out with Mitch & Angie! They are such an integral part of my life now, I'd be lost without them! Heck, they are even our neighbors, living just blocks away from us! Yep I pretty much can't get enough of them! Soooo...when Angie asked me to take some family portraits of them a few weeks ago, I was thrilled! I was honored actually, because Angie studied photography and is a pretty amazing photographer herself!So here are a few shots from our family portrait session, which we took at Kenneth Hahn Park. I really need to enjoy this park more often because its so big and beautiful! Because we're family and chatty with each other, we kinda lost track of time and got a late start! The sun was getting low, but did offer up some cool lens flare!

Kenneth Hahn has a beautiful lake and creek thing running through it! Yes, it's man-made but it still makes for a pretty background!

Here's my Leo! My nephew and I have this crazy bond! He cracks me up and actually reminds me a lot of myself when I was little. He is a unique little kid who loves to ham it up, get attention, be the boss and is dangerously smart! Yes, that can mean he doesn't always listen to the adults when he should...but I think its kinda awesome. hehe. I love that he beats to his own drum! I feel like we are kindred spirits and that I was destined to be his Aunt. It's kinda amazing how things work out in this world...sometimes your family isn't born to you, it finds you!

My niece Georgia had a playdate with her BFF Molly that day, so Molly tagged along as my assistant ;) Of course I had to shoot some pics of these two girls! Aren't they fierce?!

The girls already have developed such style! Check out their awesome shoes!!!

I love this sweet moment. :)

Mitch & Angie have been married 15 years!!! :) And they are still sooo in love!

This last shot was at the end of the day and Leo was not having any more of the "smile and look at the camera" thing. In fact he told me his face was hurting from too much smiling! LOL. I told you he beats to his own drum! So, it is what it is. An almost perfect picture. But maybe what makes this picture perfect is the fact that Leo is goofing off and just being Leo. Its so much more real! ;)