Welcome Itty Bitty Charlie!

Meet Charlie.   He was our little Valentine Itty Bitty.   And what could you possibly NOT fall in love with when it comes to this little guy!?!?    Alicea and I gave our Valentine an A+ LeLe Report Card!   Charlie's mom gets an A+ on the personalized nursery too!   Not only was it my favorite.....gray with pops of color......but I knew I had to incorporate it into his announcement design!   Here is the front.....

 And then you flip it over and the awwwwww's continue.....

I have seen so many different nurseries, and I can only imagine how difficult it is to decide on what theme and look you are going to go for.   I am amazed over and over again by the LeLe mama's who put so much time, effort and personalization into perfecting their Itty Bitty's room.   I absolutely loved every single thing that Kim did to make Charlie's room his own.   :)   

LeLe Photographers.  St. Louis Newborn Photography by Ash-a-ley & Alicea

Blogged by Ash-a-ley

Reid has arrived!!!

This little guy surprised everyone with his fast arrival.  Can't wait to share more of his adorable pictures!  For now, here is his announcement design...

This is the front:

This is the back:  

City Love: A New York Engagement

"They say life's what happens when you're bus making other plans.  But, sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you're waiting for a table."  - Carrie Bradshaw

The girl knew what she was talking about.   The city thrives off of spontaneity.   There is a certain magic in the air.   No really, it really starts in the air.....each and every trip.    From the moment I spot the city skyline, even 30,000 feet above.....my heart rate elevates.   I get giddy.   I suddenly feel free.   There is something about this city.   Maybe it is the sound of sirens that serve as a lullaby and soothe you to sleep.  It is the way that you can miss your train, make the next one, find out there is a detour that takes you 1/2 way around the city, then it starts pouring....and you realize you forgot your umbrella.....you know, one of those days where it seems like the city is out to get you.   The beauty of it all is that out of nowhere, your day from Nyc hell turns into the best day of your life.  You meet someone who changes your life, offers you your dream job, or turns into your best friend.   It is the one city where you are only one subway ride away from anything you can possibly imagine.  Anything is possible.   In the words of Miss Keys and Jay-Z, it is the "concrete jungle where dreams are made of....there's nothing you can't do."   It is the city full of dreamers, and at the same time, the city that never sleeps.  It is the city you can go to when you don't want anyone to know you, and the city you go to when you want everyone to know your name.  Personally, it is the city I go to when I need to spark that certain something inside of me.  The spark that awakens my soul, allows me to breathe a little deeper, and refreshes my outlook on life.    There is something about walking around realizing how small I am in the big picture of things that sends me home feeling so big that there is not anything I can not conquer.

I have been meaning to post this blog for a while, so when I woke up this morning missing New York a little more than normal.....I knew I had to post it for the weekend.   Meet Jim and Taryn.   We stuck around the Upper East Side for their city session.....which I just happen to love.   Jim works for the Apple store on 5th Avenue....which happened to be my first stop on this trip, and the place I purchased the MacBook Pro I am currently typing what you are reading from.   

If you live in NYC and you are thinking about hiring me (Ashaley)......do it.    :)   Email me HERE.

Welcome Mycah Price!!!

Little Mycah was welcomed into a huge family.  At the hospital he had quite an excited crowd waiting to meet him with kisses and love.  We shot his entire BirthStory and I can't wait to share it with Mom and Dad.  But first, here is his announcement design. 

This is the front...

 This is the back!

Jenn & Amaya - San Diego

365 days.   52 weeks.  One trip around the sun.  Another birthday.   12 months.  Four Seasons   Whatever measurement you use, it is all the same.   There is so much that can change in one year, and yet so much that can stay the same.  Your life takes you to places you never planned, introduces you to people who you may have underestimated just how large of a role they would actually play.   In one year, people can move, they can meet someone who is their other half, they can become parents, and do things they never imagined they would be doing.  Kids are one of those things that are always changing.   No matter how much you wish they could remain that little baby you held in your arms, they seem to do one thing better than anything else....grow up entirely too fast.   They are constantly learning, exploring questions and growing up a little every day.   There are some things that don't change.   I met Amaya and her mom, Jenn, last year when we did a beach photo session.  In one year alone, Amaya has grown into quite the little lady.   I could not believe how much she had grown since the year I saw her last.   But some things remain....like the spirit this little girl has.   She is spunky, full of charisma, and still has that same smile that could captivate an entire audience.  

I have been spending quite a bit of time on the west coast and during one of my recent Cali visits, I made my way to San Diego for Amaya's yearly pictures.  Thank you Jenn & Amaya for  inviting me into your lives to capture the past two years for you.  :)

We invited Amaya's cousin and Aunt along to snap a few while we were strolling around downtown San Diego.   I see cute kids run in the fam!  :) 

 We headed to the pier at sunset for a few more minutes of perfect, golden light and a sunset you have to see to believe.

 The photo directly above on the right brought me right back to this moment one year ago.......   (Check out more of Jenn and Amaya's blog from last year HERE.)

And I put Jenn to work too......we'll work on the weird focusing system I use on my next visit.....    :)   Amaya showed me her ballet moves and then I busted out some yoga moves of my own for Amaya.....had to get those cool points with the kiddo.    :)  

Meet the Kurtzeborns : Lauren and Bobby

"I understand, because my heart and hers are the same...

And in January, we're getting married." 

January Wedding . Avett Brothers

Laughter.

Did you know it is medically proven to benefit your health?   True story.   It releases these chemicals in your brain which actually reduce stress and tension.   If you want to get all technical and stuff, it stimulates your immune system, adds endorphins into your body, and even reduces your blood pressure.  Beyond the physical benefits, sharing a laugh also provides physiological benefits as well.  It binds two people together and creates a synchronization between the two sharing the laugh that emotionally connects them.  When you find that person that you can make you laugh as deep as you love them....hold onto them.   This is the connection and love people spend a life looking for.   The kind of intimacy and love that is so deeply rooted that you can have nothing and still know you have everything.   The kind of love that leaves you spending the day lounging around on the couch and laughing until your stomach hurts.  Sure the tv is on, but you have that one person in your arms who manages to steal every ounce of attention and turn your favorite sitcom into pure background noise.    Lauren and Bobby kept me smiling and laughing all day.  That is what is so special about laughing, it is contagious.  The way these two can make everyone around them laugh, including each other, brings joy into the lives of everyone they touch, including my own.   

Not to get all quote-ey on you, but e.e. cummings once said, "The most wasted day is the one with out laughter."  Bobby & Lauren: I toast to your future together.  Here's to sharing a lifetime together with life, love and laughter which forbids you to waste a single day of it.     xo

I love the little looks I kept catching these two giving each other.....

The new Mr. & Mrs. 

Lauren had about 3 hair changes!  LOVED it!   Birdcage veils are my fav!  Then....to top it off she had top hats and canes for her groom and groomsmen!  Have I mentioned I just adore this girl??!!   

I could not get enough of these two!!!     

Keep in mind, it was January, in Saint Louis.   It was about 30 degrees this day.   Lauren straight rocked out her pictures the entire time.  Not ONE complaint from this little lady.....and it shows in the pics, she makes me forget how cold it really was!    

*Secret Pointer for future winter brides, get little packets of the Hot Hands.....it will keep you and your bridesmaids hands warm.....Lauren had one stashed away by her bouquet.   

 Quite possibly one of my favorite shots of the day, no....ever.

Then we were off to the reception at Old Hickory Golf Course.   Not only was the food far beyond superb (I am still salivating thinking about the Tenderloin Medallions with Cognac Sauce)......the customer service provided by this venue was unlike anything I have ever seen!   The staff here went the extra mile to make sure that everything was perfect from the food to the decor to the candle placement.  They did not want anyone to do anything besides simply enjoy themselves and celebrate the occasion.  

One of my favorite moments of the day....their first dance.   As "You and Me" played throughout the room, everyone else disappeared.   They only had eyes for each other.   I know there are so many different types of loves, but this is the only kind I want.   

Raw. Consuming. Authentic.  Genuine Bona fide love.  

Check out their slideshow HERE.

Big shout out to all of the vendors who worked together to make Lauren and Bobby's wedding that perfect winter wedding full of personality!
Florist:  ZuZu's Petals & Design
Ceremony: Immanuel United Church of Christ
Reception :Old Hickory Golf Club (Rachel - Wedding Coordinator)
Cake: Wedding Wonderland 
Limo: Absolute Perfect Touch Limo
First Dance: "You and Me" Dave Matthews Band

And a LeLe wedding would not be complete with out some Behind the Lens Shenanigans.....

Pulling out my super secret, matrix, ninja moves.    Putting all that yoga to good use!   Feel that burn....but oh so worth it for the shot!  :) 

 Thank you Bobby and Lauren for coming into our lives and inviting us into yours.   Hope you are having fun on your honeymoon!!!   :)    Live, laugh, and love every minute of it.  

Contact LeLe Photography HERE.