Steve + Jessii + Haylee

[by Ash-a-ley]

There are certain clients that begin to feel more like family than clients.   I remember the morning that I first met Steve and Jessii.    Seriously...the date and everything (weird, I know, but sometimes certain dates stick out to me).    I knew I was going to love Jessii as soon as she agreed to do a sunrise shoot with me for her Ripe Belly Session yet.   Those kind of shoots take serious dedication and discipline.....not just on the clients part either!   Her enthusiasm about the shoot was contagious.    I could feel it in our phone conversations and email exchanges.    Somewhere along the journey from the Ripe Belly Session to the most recent 18 Month photo session, Haylee, Jessii and Steve all stole my heart and acquired that "feel like family" title.   Jessii's excitement, enthusiasm has never dulled in the slightest.   We work together before each and every shoot to come up with a new, creative, how are we going to beat the last shoot idea.   Her excitement for the shoot only amplifies my excitement, and the results leave my heart happy each and every time.   :)

We made our way to Midtown, because I wanted to shoot around the Fox Theatre.   Little did I know, but the Fabulous Fox is actually where Steve and Jessii had their wedding.  :)  

 We finished up the shoot with a sweet treat at the Fountain on Locust.   This cute little spot had been on my "Must Try" list for a while now.    The milkshake we ordered was seriously INCRED.  

Aaron +Meg:Saint Louis Engagement

(by Ash-a-ley)

I never know who I am going to meet when I show up to shoot a wedding.   Before I even arrive, I already know I love the bride and groom.  Throughout the day, I meet, interact, and make friends with bridesmaids, groomsmen, officiants, vendors, and yes, even the valet guys.  Fast forward anywhere from 8-12 hours, and I end up leaving the reception feeling like a part of the family.   Last summer I met Miss Meg.   She was a bridesmaid in one of my favorite weddings of the year (HI MARSHALL & AMY!!!).   That wedding was on the HOTTEST day of the year, but you would have never guessed by looking at the pics, because Amy and her girls were troopers.    Here is a flashback of that June day.......

(Amy is on the far right)

Aaron + Meg's wedding will be here on June 1st!   We met a few weeks ago for their engagement session.   We kept the session in Webster, because it is not only where they live, but also where they spend quite a bit of their time.  It made for the most lovely location.  

Meet the Knorrs: Sally + Richie

One Love.  One Heart.  Let's get together & feel all right.   

-Bob Marley

There are so many things I admire about Sally.   She is a perfect example of beauty, inside and out.  She is the kind of friend people wish they had, and I truly feel blessed to have.  She goes out of her way to be a shoulder to lean on, an ear to hear your problems, or a cheerleader to support you when you are feeling that ting of doubt within.  She is one of the hardest workers I know.   Never expecting a thing to be handed down to her, she works her butt off to have everything that she has.    Not only does she work hard, she loves just as hard.   I always knew Richie was a lucky man to have a woman as amazing as Sally in his life, but after spending this important day with them and their families, I realize that they are both the lucky ones.   The adoration and gratitude that this groom feels for his bride is something you can feel.  He is there for her, and he knows with out a doubt that this is the woman he wants by his side, forever. Richie's family made a lasting impression on me this day.  I could feel the connection between them, the love between them, and that feeling that people go their entire life wishing that they had.  The feeling of being so connected that you know nothing could ever come between you.   Leading by example, Richie's parents have been a display of what is truly important in this life.    Things come and go, but when you can find that person to stand by your side thru thick and thin, it makes this journey all worthwhile.   Richie- I know with out a doubt that Sally is that woman who has the strength, dedication, love and work ethic to provide the kind of family that is as close as the Knorr Family I witnessed on your wedding day.    Love you both! 

 I love me some shoes.    I had to go a little overboard on capturing these red-sole'd beauties!  :)    And Sally had me so very proud....she wore these shoes the entire day....not one complaint!  :) Trooper!

 Sally is super close with her father and her brother.   She has not only one, but two strong influential and loving men in her life that have played a huge role in shaping her into the beautiful woman she is today.    She opted for a first look with the two of them.   This moment was full of tears and love.  

 Then I found this random alley.........Love finding random treasures while shooting!

Seeing how proud Sally's father was to be the man to walk his little girl down the aisle, dance with her was moving.    It happened to not only be a celebration for Sally + Richie's wedding day, but it was also her father's birthday.    Being the thoughtful lady that she is, she made sure to shine a spotlight on her father's special milestone.   Look closely, I think you can see a tear in his eye.   :) 

Vendors:
Ceremony: Peace Lutheran
Reception Venue: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Transportation: Fun Tyme Limo
Cake: Harter's Bakery
Hair/Makeup: Salon Fleur De Lis -Hair: Alicia Strobl - Makeup: Klsey Williamson
Dress:  Simply Elegant Bridal
Shoes: Christian Louboutins

Easton + Lola: Growing Every Day

{Ash-a-ley}

This family has grown.   We have been there all along the journey.    Lola's entire first year was captured by my camera.  While celebrating a big milestone for Lola, her first birthday, we received the news that Jan + Mike were expecting baby #2.   They had not shared the news or made it facebook official, but they knew one thing was certain, they were doing a BirthStory.   Soon enough, we were there to meet Itty Bitty Easton.   My mouth dropped as I saw him for his 6 month photos.   He was as cute as could be with his chubby little cheeks, his big blue eyes, and his heart melting smile.    Lola was so excited to show me her little brother, and even sang me her own version of the wheels on the bus which went a little something like this:

The Ash-ee on the bus goes

click, click, click

click, click, click.

The Ash-ee on the bus goes click, click click....

All thru the town.

Yeah, I guess that is what happens when someone grows up in front of the camera.    :)    Regardless, made me feel very special, and this family will ALWAYS have a special and sweet spot in my heart.  -xo

 Oh-mahhhhhh-----goodnesssssss!!!!!!    I can't take it!  So cute!!!!!

And this might quite possibly be the sweetest thing ever.    If I am ever having a bad day, I think this may be my new go-to thing: 

May: Ripe Belly in El Mirage

{Ash-a-ley}

Meet May.   She is a model, a wife and the creator of the organic May Lindstrom Skin.   Becker invited me to shoot with him at the El Mirage Dry Lake bed, and I was blown away by the confident and elegant way May embraced Motherhood.  As we road tripped out to the desert, I could not help but smile when I would look to the back seat and see May and her husband in complete and utter love with each other.   Then we arrived at the shoot location, and May embraced every beautiful curve of this new stage in her life.  She was due any day (and as far as I know still expecting), but I think I told her that my due date guess was either August 1st or August 2nd?    I posted some of my favorites from the shoot below, and at the bottom of this blog post you will find a link to a few more of my favorites that are more PG-13.    Thank you May and Robert and I hope you savor each moment along this roller coaster of an experience.   After witnessing the love you two show towards each other, I know the sweet baby girl that will soon be in your arms will have no shortage of love and affection.  With all of that being said, I'll just go ahead and start with my FAVE!  This sunset was like nothing I have ever witnessed.      

After seeing Robert admire his BREATHTAKING wife from the sidelines, we pulled him over for a few of them together.   

And here is a little behind the scenes action with Becker.    He actually shot pics of May years ago and has always wanted to shoot pics with her once again.   Capturing her in this beautiful stage in her life was perfect! 

Check out some of his favorites from the shoot on his blog HERE.

 I got my new car just in time for my road trip out west, and I absolutely LOVEEEEE it!!    As soon as we started driving onto the dry lake bed, I felt as if I were in one of those car commercials you see!    So fun!

To see a few more of my favorites (the ones that are a little more PG-13) click HERE for the link to the private gallery.