Uh it's been awhile since a Tuesday Top 5, eh? Don't hate me! I have been so busy with weddings and the new website! And you know, going to Hawaii! So for this week my TT5 is getting a bit of the Aloha Spirit! Hope you don't mind!1. The Kahala. The Kahala hotel on Oahu is like one of the BEST PLACES EVER. They have an amazing, amazing beach that I LOVE. I love beaches where the water is pretty flat. I'm a tiny girl and I don't really like being pushed around by the ocean. The Kahala also has some seriously DELISH places to eat! And the best high tea ever! The tea they use is by Mariage Freres and it is the most tasty, flavorful tea ever! The Marco Polo tea tastes like TROPICAL HEAVEN! Wow, yowzas. It is good. I also love the grounds of the Kahala. The landscaping is beautiful and the architecture and interior design is luxurious yet welcoming. Honestly, it would be my DREAM to shoot a wedding here! It is THAT amazing.2. Leonard's Malasadas. "Mala-what-a's?!" you may be saying. Malasadas are this Portuguese doughnuty type treat found in Hawaii. They were brought to Hawaii via the wave of Portuguese immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. All I have to say is THANK YOU PORTUGUESE PEOPLE. Cause malasadas? They are AMAZING! Leonard's makes, hands down, the BEST malasadas on the island. They are so very good because they are FRIED TO ORDER. And if you know anything about fried food, you know it is ALWAYS tastiest hot and fresh from the oil! The best way to describe malasadas would be like a cross between a donut and a beignet ONLY BETTER. They are warm, doughy, yet light, and buttery. I love the original style, but I also like the Haupia malasada that Leonard's makes! It is a regular malasada stuffed with a coconut custard! DELISH. Dang now I am craving one! Too bad I'd have to fly 3,000 miles to get it!3. Lani Kai beach. We stayed with family in Kailua, which is probably my favorite area of Oahu. It is very lush and green and a whole lot less crowded than Honolulu! The best part of staying in Kailua though (besides visiting my fun family) is LANI KAI beach!!! This beach has been voted many times as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the world, and I can clearly see why. The water is warm and never to choppy. It is more of a locals beach (not even a parking lot) so it never gets too crowded. And it has two tiny little triangular islands floating in the not too far off distance. So you just look at the crystal clear turquoise water, and you see the horizon, and you see these two little islands, and you feel like YEP I found paradise. It is seriously so beautiful! I could lay on that beach and swim in its waters for hours.4. Turtle Bay. I also LOVE the Turtle Bay hotel on Oahu's North Shore! I stayed there the last time I was in Oahu, but this time we just made a day trip out of it! What I love about this hotel so very much is the setting. It's pretty secluded on the North Shore and they just own acres and acres of land. There is hiking trails and horse back riding, and TONS of secluded shoreline. There is SO much natural beauty at the hotel. They also have a great calm swimming beach which of course I LOVE. I have even seen turtles swimming at the beach! Nothing better than swimming near little cutie sea turtles in Hawaii!! Turtle Bay also has a restaurant called Ola's which is right on the beach. The food is just okay to be honest but the view is worth the mediocre eats! LOL! But yeah my favorite part about this hotel is just being able to really walk the grounds and explore nature and swim at the beach! This hotel would also be a GREAT place for a wedding! Definitely another place on my dream destination venue list!5. Bubbie's Mochi Ice Cream. This place was named by Oprah as one of her favorite things, so you KNOW it is good! Bubbie's serves up homemade mochi ice cream in a plethora of DELISH flavors. It is unlike any place I have ever been on the mainland. I seriously WISH we had a Bubbie's in Los Angeles... I think it would do superrrr well here! Hello, look at how well Yogurtland has done! Think about it Bubbie's peeps! Anyways there isn't much to say other than the mochi ice cream is nom nom nom. I really like the lilikoi flavor and the guava flavor. Oh and the chocolate espresso! That is pretty bomb too! Man, I could really go for one right now because it is so hot in my apartment! Bubbie's....Culver City has some open real estate ready and waiting for your west coast debut!! ;)
From left to right: Leonard's Bakery box from Leonard's Bakery official website, sushi-like Mochi from Bubbie's official website, Mariage Freres tin from Mariage Freres official website, Kahala Resort from Kahala's official website.
Jeanette and Pete found me through one of my past brides, Erika! I am always THRILLED when I get to work with friends of past clients. Because you see, my clients always end up being my friends! And then when I get to work with their friends, it's like things come full circle! And I feel a part of a little fun group! And I meet more wonderful people! And it's AWESOME! So I was very excited to shoot Jeanette & Pete's engagement session at El Matador beach and get to know them better!Jeanette and Pete are such a fun couple! They are playful with each other. They laugh out loud. They are vibrant. And they have a beautiful family together! These two are just so sweet together and I can see that they are already married in their hearts. But, I am SUPER STOKED to attend their wedding in September, and photograph everything as they make it official! ;)Enjoy the photos from this super fun beach session! As you will see, the light was GORGE (yes I just abbreviated the word gorgeous), and Pete & Jeanette are not afraid of the ocean!! ;)I LOVE this photo! Jeanette you are sooooooo beautiful!
To see more of Jeanette & Pete's lovely Malibu engagement session please watch the SLIDE SHOW below!
I am back from Hawaii and SUPER THRILLED to announce the launch of my new website!!! Check it out my friends! www.ashleightaylorphotography.com
I knew I wanted to take my business to the next level, and after talking with friends and the fabulous Jasmine Star, I knew it was time to move beyond having just a blog and get a separate website of my very own! This website has been a labor of love for the past few months and it was definitely a collaborative effort! So I have a lot of people to thank for making it come together!!I decided to get a SHOWIT site because I was not at all interested in a template site and I had heard so many great things about the software and service from my friends. Showit is super cool because the software allows you to completely customize and update your site whenever you want. They are also super good with support and have soooo many great features! I am excited to learn even more about Showit as I update my site in the future.Nick Haskins of Spilled Milk Designs designed my website in Showit for me! I do not at all pretend to be a designer and I know that hiring SMD to design and build a custom site for me was one of my smartest business investments ever! Nick and the team had great ideas and totally made all my visions and wishes come true and they were very accommodating throughout the design process! :) I am SO happy with how it turned out! SO happy!The video was made by Floataway Studios and I can not recommend them enough for all your video needs! Mary and Scott were so fun and awesome to work with! And dang, do they have talent!! I am in LOVE with my video and I really hope you love it too!!The photos of just me on my about page were taken by my fabulous friend Katie Neal! I always love having my picture taken but Katie made it especially fun! And I LOVED how they turned out! The photos of me & AJ on the about page were taken by Palos Studio (our FABULOUS wedding photographers)! We love the Palos-- they are talented and FUN! And I will always treasure the pics they took of me & AJ!So yeah, I pretty much had a dream team working with me to make my dream website a REALITY! I am stoked about it! Go check it out and let me know what you think!!
Wow. I can hardly believe how busy I have been with photography lately. It has been AMAZING and a dream come true! However I could really use some r&r. So..... I am OFF to Hawaii!!! Oahu to be exact! I am really stoked to be going and I know this trip will rejuvenate me for the rest of my busy wedding season!So I will be out of the office until August 19th. My internet access & phone use will be limited. All emails will be returned on August 20th. :)Aloha!!!! And have a good week readers!PS- Yes I am aware I have been SUCKING at my Tuesday Top 5 lately. I will get back on track when I return I promise!!!
Zoe + Nima are a super sweet couple, and, ever since their RAD engagement session at the Pier, I have been so stoked for their BIG wedding! The day did not disappoint one bit!When AJ, Cindee, and I arrived at the bridal suite at Pickwick Gardens, Zoe was getting all dolled up. She was very calm but definitely giddy with excitement too! She had the cutest accessories picked out-- a lovely chiffon rosette to adorn her hair, and purple flats which also had rosettes on them! So adorable! Zoe has incredible style and her whole look came together wonderfully! Meanwhile Nima was getting ready with his groomsmen and they were all laughing as they tried to figure out how in the world to pin on their boutinierres. Thank goodness for their fabulous coordinator, Shana Fu of East West Events, for saving the day!Zoe and Nima are an amazing couple! They are so sweet together and always taking care of each other. They enjoy being silly and making each other laugh! And they enjoy just holding hands and having quiet moments together just as much! Another thing is that they are very caring and generous. They made sure that we were filled with yummy Indian food through out the entire day, and that we had a place to sit with the guests! Very lovely!The reception was very festive and filled with customs from Nima's Indian heritage! There was, as I mentioned, NUMMY Indian food, Indian music, and two special performances. Then things got really romantical when Nima took to the microphone himself and serenaded Zoe with his rendition of Jason Mraz's "Im Yours." Everyone was in awe. It was pretty much the SWEETEST THING EVER. Later on in the evening, Zoe and Nima changed into traditional Indian Wedding outfits and we took some fun night shots outside! It was a prefect end to a great day!Thank you to Zoe and Nima for trusting me with your special memories and for being so generous and sweet! Thanks to my hubby AJ and friend Cindee for shooting with me! Thanks to Shana for coordinating, Floral Elements for the pretty florals, White Night Designs for the elegant draping and linens, Jaqki's Cakes for the yummy cakey goodness, DJ Sandeep for rocking the dancefloor and Sarah Young Make Up for making Zoe and her girls so very glam! I loved how this day came together thanks to everyone's hard work! So now....onto PICTURES!!!!!! Woooohooo!!!!Zoe and her friends were so excited as they got ready!
Jennifer booked me a LONG time ago. So for months we chatted via email, got to know each other a bit and anticipated our session! When the day finally came it was a bit surreal-- is this finally happening?! Jennifer was so sweet and so fun to hang out with that morning! It was honestly like being with an old friend! We laughed, talked weddings, and just had FUN! Which honestly is really what boudoir photography is all about-- having fun & celebrating your life!I LOVED that Jennifer put so much thought into the session and into the outfits she chose! She brought a veil (which I always love), an Alice In Wonderland costume because she is having an Alice themed wedding, and some other sexy outfits! It was good times! Just look how fun the session was!
Sexy Alice.
I love this shot! Its like Jennifer fell down the Rabbit Hole. In like, a totally SEXY way!
Me-owwwwww!
Jennifer you are GORGEOUS!
If I could use one word to describe Roy & Kristine it would be: rockin'!! These two have got it goin' on! They have such a killer sense of style, and are so fun to be around!! I knew their wedding was going to rock when I saw the bridesmaids & groomsman gathering around the back of the Los Angeles Temple. The bridesmaids wore casual-chic black dresses and flip flops. The groomsmen wore these sweet gray ties that matched their gray plaid Vans. It was awesome! Roy & Kristine didn't fail to impress me! They came out of the temple looking like rock stars, effortlessly cool & stylish and the crowd of their family & friends cheered them on! Yep, I knew right then that the day was gonna be rad!And it was! It was hot too! Probably one of the hottest days West LA has seen all summer. And there were like literally 20 other weddings going on, and we were all fighting for the good light to take pics in. But we worked out! ;) We managed to beat the heat, and the crowds, and create some super fun images worthy of a rockin' couple like Roy & Kristine! I really love the way the pictures capture Roy & Kristine's unique since of style, super fun personalities, and how in love they are. Roy & Kristine are the type of couple that can be fierce one second and laughing so hard the next. They joke with each other and get lost in their own world. They smile genuinely. And they smile big. :) It is truly a joy to be around them! Their super cool style totally inspires me but their love inspires me even more!Thanks Roy & Kristine for trusting me to capture your memories! I had such a great time with you! :) I am so glad we got to know each other! And thanks to my buddy Cindee Bae for second shooting with me! You rock too my friend! :)And now...pictures!!!Just announced as the new Mr. & Mrs, Roy & Kristine exit the temple!! Such a happy moment!
Kristine chose super cool bridesmaid outfits! And they rocked it so well!
Stylin' bridal party!
This is kinda Reservoir Dogs. Awesome.
Thanks to Cindee for capturing these lovely bouquets while I was photographing the bridal party! I like how we tag team it ;)
Birdcage veils! Swoon!
Ah! Kristine!!! You are GORGEOUS!
Work it girl.
I love everything about this.
Bride & Groom rockin' Vans. I like!
I'll leave you with the bling!
Can't get enough of the super rad Roy & Kristine?! Check out the SLIDESHOW below, which is set to the tune of one their favorite songs of all time--"Close To Me" by The Cure!!
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Matt & Patricia are one of the sweetness couples ever! They are both so caring and tender. They also balance each other so well. They sort of remind me of how AJ & I are together. Matt is quiet, laid back but he is always watching out for Patricia to make sure she's okay and happy. And Patricia has a huge, bright smile and laugh that just lights up her face as well as the faces of everyone around her. And when she looks at Matt, that's when she smiles the biggest! It was so great to see!AJ & I had so much fun wandering around Shoreline Village in Long Beach with them and documenting their love!I also got to say, Matt & Patricia know the key to my heart, which, by the way, is through my taste buds. They treated me & AJ to the nummiest funnel cake EVER after our shoot! It was deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious! And I am still touched by their generosity! It was oh so unexpected and so very sweet in more ways than one! Thank you both again for that! :)This first shot is one of my all time faves! Love what the light is doing!
I might be weird but I love capturing people laughing! There is something so beautiful about laughter. It makes the whole face light up. And of course it makes people look so joyful. So I made Patricia laugh and hit the shutter button. I love the results! She looks radiant!
And if you want to see even more gorgeous pics from this fun, fresh engagement session please watch the SLIDESHOW below:
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This past week finally felt like SUMMER! 80 degree weather. Sunny days. Swimming pools. Love it all. Except when you are shooting a wedding outdoors in 90 degree weather, that IS a little rough. But still fun! Today it seems to have cooled off a bit, which I welcome because I'm too busy to swim this week. And if there is one thing I hate it's a perfect swim day when you're working too hard to take a dip. So continue week of coolness, you can stay till Sunday! ;)And now its that special time of the week...another round of Tuesday Top 5!1. Swimming. Well what is summer without swimming anyways? I am very blessed that my mommy who lives about 5 minutes away from me has a lovely swimming pool. I get to use it pretty much whenever I want and it is no doubt the best way to relax and beat the heat! The party really gets started when AJ & I get to swim with my niece & nephew too! I cherish these summer play days with them! Makes me feel like I'm in grade school on summer break...even though I'm not!2. California Gurls. Yep, I have caught the bug. I am obsessed with Katy Perry's "California Gurls" just like the rest of America! It's one catchy jam, no? The video is kinda crazy and over the top, but I kinda love it too. Maybe I should start sporting a blue wig...JUST KIDDING!!!!3. Man V. Food. Do y'all watch this show? If you don't you're missing out because it's AWESOME!!! When it first came out I was prepared to hate it. I thought "great just what America needs. A show about a chubby guy trying to eat massive amounts of food. Most of which seems like junk food. Greaaaaaaat." BUT I gave the show a chance and learned I was wrong. Yes, Adam Richman could stand to lose a few pounds. And yes, he does sometimes have to eat mass amounts of less than healthy stuff. But the show is more about him traveling to different American cities and finding some awesome awesome food. Also Adam Richman is hilarious and it is pretty entertaining watching try to take down the food. I would say 50% of the challenges aren't even about big portions, many challenges just require him to eat something SUPERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR spicy. Anyways it a fun show and I suggest you watch it!4. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Yes ladies you heard right. The BEST sale of the year is happening now. Brace yourselves and your bank accounts! You may ask why the Nordy Anniversary sale is THE best...And I will tell you! Because this is the one sale where you aren't getting out of season items. Nay, you are getting the HOTTEST FALL STYLES ON SALE before the season even starts!!! Amazing! The only tiny issue is that it is a little hard to be in the mood to buy boots in July. But still. I already scored some Seven Jeans and a Miss Sixty Jacket. And it is taking all the strength in the world not to buy MORE. But that it was husband's are for. To keep your shopping habits in line. Hehehe ;)5. Being a busy photography bee. July has been without a doubt my busiest month for weddings as well as portrait sessions so far! I have been LOVING it. I am getting a major taste of life as a true full time photographer and I never ever want to go back. It's great having so many fun shoots and really breathing photography on a daily basis. I want my life to be like this ALL the time. So I am super anxious for those 2011 bookings to start rolling in!! I have made it my duty to ensure next year is even more awesome than this year, if possible!I will leave you with two shots AJ grabbed of me shooting my most recent engagement session! It was HOT and bright out which required me wearing a summer dress and sunglasses atop my head. Obviously.
...I was showing my client how to pose in that picture. Yeah it's silly but it's awesome too. In a giggly way.Here I'm just rocking it out with my camera. Clickin' the shutter and smiling. Because that's how I roll. With sunglasses atop my head.
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I loved Ryan & Kristina since the moment I met them. Our meeting was easy, fun, and just awesome. We chatted like old friends, we laughed and before the night was through they booked me on the spot. From that day forward I have been waiting for their wedding. And let me tell you the day did not disappoint at all! Ryan & Kristina had a beautiful vibrant, Hawaiian inspired wedding held at The Castaway Gardens in Burbank. The day was filled with so much laughter, tears of joy and even a little rain. What? Rain in LA in July?!!! Yep!!! About 2 minutes before the ceremony was set to start the sky opened up and gave us a little Hawaii-esque tropical shower. We all jumped up and huddled to the ONLY covered area on the Luau Garden grounds! But as soon as the sun came back everyone went back to their seats and the day just moved right along. It was quirky but perfect. It definitely added a funny little story to the day-- one I'm sure Ryan & Kristina will tell to their grandkids!So Ryan & Kristina. These two are perfect for each other. They make each other laugh. They take care of each other. They are already a family, and their kids are so super amazing. I can't even imagine a more perfect pairing. And during their vows I learned even more about these two and just how good they are for each other. How they have survived some trying times together. And how they have always grown closer and stronger through it all. Together these two have found the fairytale love they had always hoped for, but weren't sure really existed. And that is amazing. It's inspiring and it proves to me that fairytales DO exist in real life. Sigh...So Ryan & Kristina, thank you for trusting to me to document your big day. I loved the day so much and I have had a blast reliving it as I edited these images for you! You two have something special, and it inspires me! :) Also thank you to Jenn for second shooting with me-- shooting with you is always a blast!!!And now onto the photos.....Kristina's shoes were fabulous!!!! If my feet weren't totally child-size I would so ask to borrow them!
For more from Ryan & Kristina's happy, vibrant, fun wedding...and to see why the song she chose to walk down the aisle to made me bawl my eyes out... please check out the SLIDESHOW below:
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I am super stoked to blog these images from Pam & Justin's fabulous wedding at the Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Maryland! Pam & Justin were the first couple to book me for 2010, and their wedding was going to be just outside the Washington DC area no less! I can't tell you how giddy I was-- not just to have booked my first wedding for the next season, but to book a destination wedding! I LOVE traveling and absolutely love to photograph weddings outside the SoCal area! I knew their wedding would be a real treat!What I didn't know was how over the year, despite the long distance, I would become friends with Pam! I was so excited to get updates from her with details of their big day and to hear about the excitement in their lives! My hubby AJ was actually already online buddies with Justin and Pam for years, so it was really cool us all getting to know each other and finally meeting face to face on the big day! I can now say I have two super awesome homies in the DC area now! Holla!Justin and Pam's wedding was held in the beautiful Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Maryland. I felt like the Mansion totally represented them as a couple-- sophisticated, timeless, charming. Pam and Justin are just so sweet together. Their faces totally light up when they see each other, they get lost in each others eyes, they lean on each other through everything, and they still have the passion of a brand new romance! They are perfect for each other. It is totally obvious that their love is timeless. So, I loved the historic feeling of the venue they chose, and how the whole day was filled with classic details. From the the three piece string band that played during their ceremony, to the elegant decor, to their impeccably written vows (Justin quoted Proust in his vows!!), to the reception filled with amazing and warm toasts from so many family members and friends, the day perfectly represented them. It was amazing, and I was truly honored to have captured the day for them. Thank you so much Justin & Pam for having me and AJ come all the way across the country to be a part of your big day. I loved every single moment & I am so happy for you both!And also thank you my east coast buddy, Laurie Bracewell, for second shooting with me and AJ. Also thanks to Wayne at Ceresville for coordinating the day beautifully, and to Carla Ligon-Miller for rocking Pam's make up & hair!! ;) And now onto the photos!!
I love this shot of Pam's mom seeing Pam all made up for the first time! It was a very touching moment!
AJ snagged some shots of Justin getting ready across the hall, while Laurie & I were with Pam!
I loved how excited Pam was when she saw herself in the mirror! She really lit up the room with her beauty!!!
Work it.
I love everything about this!!!
The first look...
A few fun bride & groom shots! I took the photo on the left, and AJ grabbed the photo on the right!
It was truly a beautiful ceremony!! Not a dry eye in the house!
A few more romantics with the newlyweds!! I loved this lily pond!
The bling!!
The reception decor was very elegant.
Pam and Justin were so happy throughout the night! And they laughed and smiled as they listened to all the amazing toasts their guests made.
Can't get enough of Justin & Pam's beautiful wedding?? Watch the SLIDESHOW below!!
Hey everybody! I'm back from DC and my photography filled weekend! Which means, the office is back on track and we're rocking and rolling like never before! I've been so busy this past 5 days, but I'm LOVING it. Busy is a good thing ;)So DC was amazing, though hot. I really had fun exploring the DC food scene with my hubs and I definitely feel a lot smarter & cultured from all the time we spent in museums! And the two weddings I shot this past week were AMAZING. They were both so different but so so so fabulous! I am on a high. A wedding high. I can't believe how amazing my clients are, how much love is in the world, how awesome my job is! I am a lucky lady!So now onto Tuesday Top 5!1. Volt. If you said, "what was the best meal of your trip Ashleigh?" I would say. "going to Volt! Duhhhh!" Yeah it was that good. Volt is Bryan Voltaggio's (of Top Chef fame) restaurant in Frederick, MD. And it is truly a-maz-ing. We had the 3 course prix fixe lunch. It started with in-house baked sealt-rosemary breadsticks, in house baked bread, and in house made sea salt butter. The waiters present your food to you in perfect form, making sure your flatware is appropriate, and that you know all the delectable components to your dish. Very much like how the chefs present their dishes on Top Chef. For my appetizer I had the yellowfin Tuna Tartare which was to die for. It was wrapped in a thick jasmine rice paper and finished with cilantro oil and a soy foam. Um AMAZING. AJ had the goat cheese ravioli with wild mushrooms and it was in this insane sauce. The raviolis melted in your mouth. Mmmm baby. For the entree, I had the halibut with pea puree and carrot risotto. Everything was so uniquely presented and perfectly cooked. AJ had a homemade pasta with braised lamb sauce. We finished with dessert which we shared. First for our anniversary, they brought out an orange-mint semi-fredo which was quite refreshing. Then there was Textures of Chocolate. Yes the dessert was called Textures of Chocolate which is as fancy and delish as it sounds. It was a chocolate ganache that you could mix with other chocolate textures on the plate, such as chocolate syrup, chocolate ice cream, cocoa powder, crunch chocolate and more. It was very interesting and wonderful. Lastly was my favorite-- cheesecake with sour cherries. The cheesecake was deconstructed which was an unexpected twist. The flavors were spot on and I loved the cherry ice cream! Seriously every dish was a presented in an original and unexpected way. Yet the flavors were spot on and divine. I'm SO glad we made it to Volt! It was a totally fab experience!2. Good Stuff Eatery. Another place we ate in DC that I am still drooling over is Good Stuff Eatery. Owned by another Top Chef contestant, Chef Spike Mendelsohn, Good Stuff Eatery is like slow food fast. Good food. Farm fresh, organic, earth friendly ingredients in a fast food, burger joint set up. If fast food was like this everywhere, I would not hate it so much. So Good Stuff is a burger place and AJ said the burger was legit. But y'all I ate the "Vegetarians Are People Too Shroom Burger" and it was AWESOME. Fresh baked bun. Pickles. Good Stuff sauce. Lettuce, tomato, onion. And the piece de resistance....A portabello mushroom cap, stuffed with cheese, rolled in panko and flash fried as the patty. WOW. Eating this was so satisfying and tasted so meaty. But it was vegetarian. But it had all the great classic burger flavors. It was GREAT. I only wish I could eat it all summer long!!! I hope Spike will expand Good Stuff and bring it to LA. I know I always say I hate chain restaurants...but Good Stuff Eatery seems like the kinda chain I could get behind, if did in fact become one! I love the principles of this restaurant and I love the food! Oh and I almost forgot...they have AMAZING milkshakes! The toasted marshmellow shake is mind-blowing. Seriously.3. Landing Safely. I love traveling. LOVE it. But flying? It makes me a little nervous. Not like I need to take a valium nervous. Just a tad nervous. I actually never used have nerves at all. But when I met AJ and fell in love, all the sudden I'd get nervous flying. I got afraid of something bad happening. I think it's because I love him so much and I love our life and I'm so excited for our future...so I don't want that to end...you know? But I try to disregard these nerves. Because I know deep down it will probably be okay. And life is about LIVING and not being afraid. And I should see as much of the world as I can during my short time here! I know all this. I do. But still. The whole flight there is always this little pit in my stomach. So when the plane touches down and we are all safe and good, I get really happy. I thank the universe and feel a big sigh of relief! Anyone else feel this way about flying? Anyone? Bueller?4. Seeing my kitties. Basically from the second we left for DC I missed my cats. Call me lame. Call me a crazy cat lady. Tell me to get a life. Whatever, ain't no thang. Cause I know that me and my kitties got something very special going on. Every night in DC was hard to sleep. I am so used to having my nightly kitty-cuddles and feeling them curled up by my feet while I sleep. On the plane back to Long Beach I kept thinking "almost time to see those sweeties!" So finally we were home. And I saw there sweet faces. And I was so very happy! And ever since I have been in cuddle city. Because apparently they really missed me too. Like I said, we have a special thang going on, those kit-kats and I!5. My Seriously Amazing Clients. Besides being creative and getting to take photographs for a living, one of my favorite parts of my job is getting to meet, know and work with so many amazing people. My clients continually blow me away with their kindness, and with their warm and genuine hearts. This week especially so. Pam & Justin's wedding in Maryland was so lovely and so fun. I truly felt like I was amongst friends all day...and honestly that's because I was! Then there was Ryan & Kristina's wedding on Saturday. Another couple who are just so welcoming and caring and feel like old friends. I was so giddy all day long for them! Then I came hone to such a sweet thank you note from the lovely Serene & Mike! When my couples take the time to thank me, it means so much! Because really, I thank all of you for allowing me to live such a dream! And lastly, there was the sweet Patricia & Matt on Sunday. They bought me & AJ a funnel cake after our session, which was so unnecessary but oh so very very awesome!!! And it was great to just chill with them over deep fried goodness and develop even more of a friendship. You see, 4 days packed with wonderful client interaction that melts my heart! I really am so ecstatic about all my weddings and all my clients, and so thankful for everyone of you. I can't wait to see who the next generation of awesome clients will be! But I'm sure they will rock just as much! Because I really do run my business based on the philosophy that my clients should be friends! It's just so good that way!
Katie & Jon are such a fun couple, and I had an absolute blast second shooting their Camarillo wedding with my good friend Katie Neal. Thanks girl for having me along! It was such a fun day!I remember walking into the room where Katie was getting ready and there was such an excitement in the air! The girls were giggling with nervous energy but yet Katie remained completely calm. She opened a very sweet card from soon-to-be-hubby Jon and was just beaming. It's moments like that where I go "Man, I LOVEEEEEE my job!"Katie & Jon's wedding was held at Jon's parents Camarillo home. On the wall in the entry way is a beautiful family tree mural and that morning Jon's mother painted Katie's name on the wall. Katie was so excited and it was a great way to welcome her to the family! After the ceremony, we drove off to Jon's favorite park to steal some sexy and romantic shots of the bride & groom. An open field. Gorgeous light. Happy newlyweds. Again, its moments like this where I go "Holy McMoly I LOVE my job! So freaking much!!!" So without further ado, Jon & Katie.
I'm feeling like I am on fire! I landed safely in LA today after an AH-MAZING DC Trip & wedding and found out 3 awesome things.1) I won a contest on photosister.com to get a sweet new black rapid women's camera strap! :) I've been anxiously awaiting this strap since I tried it on t WPPI in March! So to win was super sweet!
2) Zoe & Nima's awesome engagement session was featured last week on the new Style Unveiled!! Check it out!
3) And lastly but not leastly....I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS A FINALIST BY WEDDING CHANNEL AS ONE OF THE TOP WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGS! That's sooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool! Like, Elizabeth Messina is another nominee. And little ole me is nominated in the same category. HOLLA. But y'all. I need YOUR VOTES so I can win "Best Wedding Photography Blog." Yep, this little lady has her eyes on the prize! So if you read my blog & love it (or even just like it a little) please take a few secs to vote for me HERE!
I was super flattered when Ala asked me to second shoot this wedding with her! I had admired her work for such a long time, and getting to know her and, better yet, work with her was totally awesome! I learned so much that day and also captured some great shots of Courtney & Tomojii's beautiful Los Angeles wedding!Courtney & Tomojii grew up together. They were in the same circle of friends, they went to the church, their families knew each other. But it wasn't until they were adults that things changed. That they saw each other as more than friends. But once they got together, they realized it was fate. Everything clicked and a short time later they were engaged! I can see why, these two are truly great together! I so enjoyed watching them commit their lives to each other and also getting to know their love story.
AJ and I made it safely to the Nation's Capitol on Friday and we have been having a pretty good time. Except that's its CRAZY hot here. Like heat that melts you within 60 seconds. Which isn't so good when you wanna walk around and see the sights. Thank goodness for air conditioned FREE museums. The other thing that's been bugging me here is all the tourists & crowds. YES, I am a tourist too. But I like to see myself as a classy traveler, not a tourist. ;) I just don't like crowds, nay mobs, of people around me. Makes me claustrophobic! My last little gripe would be the ESCALATOR OF DOOM at the metro stop by our hotel! Folks, this is the largest steepest escalator I have ever seen. I have seen & ridden plenty of escalators in my life. But this one is like no other. I'm not even normally afraid of escalators. But as I ride this one I can't help imagining that my legs buckle beneath me & I plummet to my demise. Okay now you know how secretly neurotic I am. And that I am the world's biggest whiner.BUT I really am having a great time in DC! Honest! Here's some highlights in my Tuesday Top 5:1. Anniversary Dinner at Cafe Atlantico. GUYS, Saturday was my ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. And I wanted to blog about it and brag all over the interwebs, but I was too busy seeing DC. We spent the day being awesome, and I got so tuckered out from the fun (and the jet lag) that I forgot to brag! Anyways, I will start now. By bragging about our AMAZING anniversary dinner at Cafe Atlantico by Jose Andres. I've been a little obsessed with Chef Andres since I ate at Bazaar in LA. Cafe Atlantico is great. The hubby enjoyed everything he ate (such as Organized Cesar Salad with Quail & a Brazilian Pork Chop) and I enjoyed everything as well! I ordered 3 appetizers, instead of 1 app & 1 entree. I enjoyed seared scallops, tuna ceviche and some local soft shell crab! HEAVEN.2. The National Gallery of Art. I was a major art-history nerd in high school & college. Lately I've been spending more time checking out weddings than the truly great artistes of the world. And though weddings do rock, it was great to get back to my roots and check out some of the art-history-homies. Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, Lautrec, Lichtenstein, Goya, El Greco, Cezanne, Monet, Rothko, Dali....how I love you all. So much. I felt totally inspired by all the art & know I am going to rock Justin & Pam's wedding this Thursday in a whole new way! Awesome!!!3. The Smithsonian Museum of American History. Okay it was crowded like whoa....but it was worth it. I have actually been before. But long ago. When the museum was housed in another building, when the star spangled banner hung in the entry way and when there was also a pendulum hanging somewhere. Since then the museum has been given a face lift, and some new hot additions like Julia Child's kitchen, but its still as fun as I remembered. I LOVED seeing the first ladies' gowns!!! I want to steal and then wear Maime Eisenhower's inaugural gown! Its soooo me! It was also really cool to see Michelle Obama's gown and accessories up close & in person! I love Michelle O & that dress was really pretty in person! I can see why she chose it!4. Blue Buck Pancakes at Market Lunch. We heard via Yelp about how Market Lunch, a little stand in Eastern Market (kinda like a mini version of Farmer's Market in LA) serves up these awesome Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes only on Saturdays. They are apparently famous & locals wait in line for an hour to get them. So on Saturday we woke up early and rushed to get in a looooooong line. For pancakes. But it was SOOOO worth it. The pancakes were delish and the experience was quite fun too! And afterward we checked out the farmer's market & flea market across the street! Fun fun!5. Legal's Seafoods. This is kinda lame of me. I ADMIT IT. It's not really even very DC at all. Legal's originated in Boston but has several locations on the east coast. I was OBSESSED with Legal's when we lived in Boston. Every time a little extra money came my way I went to Legal's for chowda and lobster. Cause that's how I roll. Honestly, one of the worst things about LA is no Legal's! So when I heard Legal was in the Nation's Capitol, I HAD to go. And after a horrible mishap (we took a cab to go eat at Granvile Moore's made famous by Food Network only to find they closed today only because their a/c broke...so we had to walk through the crazzzy heat over a mile to the metro), I decided tonight was the night. Grumpy Ashleigh was instantly fixed with some chowda & lobsta. Just like old times! Love it!Okay so that's the scoop. Today we are out to see more museums, trying take 2 on Granville Moore's and maybe see the Lincoln Memorial! Yay!Below are some pics taken with the point n shoot! I am LAME. It's been way too hot to lug my pro camera around. So point n shoot will do!
Mandi and Dan are two of my amazing friends. The last few years they have been there for me so much, and I only hope I am as good a friend to them as they are to me. Mandi and Dan have been together over 7 years, which is CRAZY to me. Seven years! That's a long time!!! Yet it makes perfect sense. As she told me once before, Mandi is fire and Dan is water and together they make steam! So true! After all these years, they seem like two college sweethearts in love. Their passion for each other is palpable. And I have know doubt that when they are 87 years old they will still have that steam between them. Another thing I love about Mandi & Dan is that they are both such driven, passionate, and active people! They never sit around and wait for things to come to them, they are always actively pursuing their goals! And its always so inspiring. I always thought I was a go getter, but then I met Mandi & Dan and felt superrrrr lazy! LOLBut seriously, Mandi & Dan are a major inspiration to me. Because they always say yes. Nothing is impossible. And I love that about them! They are constantly challenging me & inspiring me to be more positive, to always try harder, to never quit, and to not get lazy! And that's what friends should so, inspire you to be the best you possible! So thanks you two for all you give me!And also thanks a bundle to Kristin Brancaleone of The Treasured Petal for providing Mandi's awesome headband, and Miss Annie May for providing the beautiful necklace! It really made her look!!! And thanks muchos muchos grande to Elena Galaviz for the *fab* make up, and Liz Cadillo for giving Mandi this super cute hair do!
I love Mandi's look! It's so vintage glam and yet so modern and fresh! Don't you think she is stunning and adorable?
Below is MY FAVORITE SHOT EVER.
Cuties!!!
Can't get enough of Mandi & Dan? I can't either! So let's check out their SLIDESHOW below!
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I just wanna let everyone know that I will be out of the office from July 2 - July 11. I am going to be in DC for a week and then I am booked with weddings practically the second after I return! I will be checking email while in DC but I don't know how frequently. So please be patient, and understand I may not be able to get back to you as fast as I normally do! I will be returning all emails on Monday July 12. :)Thanks! And happy 4th of July to everyone!!!
I have been dying to shoot a wedding or an engagement at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. DYING. So when the opportunity arose for me to shoot Susannah & Justin's Mr. & Mrs. session at the Viceroy I was thrilled! I had worked with Susannah before and I knew she was just so fun to photograph! She is STUNNING, has impeccable style, and the sweetest most genuine heart ever, what more could you ask for in a client?! Susannah & Justin were married in April & I'm so happy for them! They are a great pair. They kinda remind me of me & AJ...Justin is caring, tender but a little shy & quiet. He is happy to just chill but also is always keeping an eye on Susannah and helping her and making sure she's okay! I love it!I have to thank these two for still rocking the shoot despite all the madness with the Lakers finals! But when you get an opportunity to shoot at the Viceroy, well sports has got to wait! LOL!! I also want to give major thanks to Megan Gray of Honey & Poppies for ROCKING Susannah's bouquet & Justin's boutonniere. I've said before but Megan is INSANELY talented and designs some of the most stylish and unique florals ever. It's always fresh & exciting with Megan, and if I got to work with her at every wedding that would be a dream come true! Seriously brides, RUN don't walk! I also gotta thank Kristin Brancaleone of The Treasured Petal (who by the way also designs amazing florals) for providing Susannah's *FABULOUS* birdcage veil/cocktail hat! Seriously stunning! And also Miss Annie May for providing the beautiful jewelry that Susannah wore! Simply gorgeous!!! Lastly, gotta holla to my friend Elena Galaviz & her friend Liz for rocking the hair & make up!!!!
I love laughter. I think people are prettiest when they are genuinely laughing!
Susannah you are FIERCE. And Justin ain't bad on the eyes either! ;)
And be sure to check out the SLIDESHOW below! It's set to the tune of one of my fav songs ever! "Love Today" by Mika.
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OMG, internet. I apologize. Like seriously. I feel as if I have abandoned all of you. :( There are honestly no words to describe how crazy the last few months have been for me personally. Honestly, even I am amazed at how time consuming & difficult a process it is to be an executor of an estate. Emptying my grandparents apartment & distributing their belongings was a serious chore and one I spent every.single.day. for the last six weeks doing. And besides just being a physically daunting task, it was also a crazy emotional one. Its a weird thing....you know that someone you loved has passed, but there is their home all just the way they left it. As if they were coming back. Yesterday I closed the door on an empty apartment. And it hit me. They are gone. Their stuff is gone. They have no home anymore. Because they are not coming back. It was....rough.But the world turns and life goes on. And honestly I am so relieved to be closing the chapter on dealing with my grandparents death every single day and am looking forward to getting back to my life, and more importantly my business. And the timing worked out because July is a CRAZY busy month! I have a wedding every weekend!!! Woooooohoooo!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait! Bring it on!So I am back. I will be blogging 2-3 times a week again. I will be clever on Tuesdays and share my top 5's. And I have some other big, fun things a-brewing too!But.....I will actually be out of town from July 2 (that's tomorrow! whoa!) through July 9. I'm going to DC for business & pleasure. First, AJ & I are celebrating our FIRST ANNIVERSARY!! WOOOO! And then we are shooting Pam & Justin's wedding, which I know will be awesome! So yeah, I am back but not...but back!To prove that I'm back in action, here's a teaser from a shoot I will be posting later today!