Cursed to be Born Beautiful...

Click here: 1878 Studios to see my newest Story Session, "The Poison Apple."

Thank you so much for checking it out! We had a great time creating it. Shelby Kennedy stars as Snow White in my re-imagined tale of the woodland princess. Styling, makeup, and photography by me.

Part II coming next week!

Feel free to "like" my Facebook photography fan page in the meantime to keep up with all my updates on photo shoots, as well as fun offers. Click here: Facebook Fan Page for 1878 Studios

THANK YOU!

Amanda Plus Chris Equals Adorable

Please click here to see all the photos from this gorgeous shoot. Amanda's makeup was done professionally by Kirstyn at Everyday Glam Girl (big thanks!) Amanda's dress is BB Dakota and her headband is vintage, purchased on Etsy (wish I could remember the shop!)

Amanda is the kind of girl who smiles the biggest, most genuine smile right before she hugs you. She means it. Always. There is nothing fake about this girl whatsoever. I love that.

She has a depth of emotion of someone three times her age. You can see that shining through her beautiful eyes. Amanda is a pleasure to work with and to know. I photographed her and her wonderful boyfriend, Chris at an abandoned park in Fort Worth, Texas. Their feelings for one another are genuine and they are so respectful and sweet to one another. Chris was a great sport and didn't even hesitate when I excitedly said, "hey, I know! How about you roll your cigarettes up in your sleeve like a 1950s Greaser and we take some funny pictures?!" We called it our "But, Daddy I Love Him!" photo shoot. As in, the bad boy boyfriend and the sweet Daddy's girl. :)

Meet me at the playground...let's run away...

Ah, wish we'd had more time for this shoot. So many possibilities! I always think that, though even if it lasts like 5 hours. This is what I love to do. This is my passion. I hope you will visit the link above and enjoy a glimpse into our little afternoon of swings, slides, pony rides, and love!

xoxo,

Ashley

Product Love // Geranium Soap

The geranium has many varieties, but the scented version is my favorite. There's something so old-fashioned (in a good way) smelling about the slightly rose scent. The photos above show a wonderful product that I am obsessed with: Arran Apothecary Geranium Hand Wash. Produced in the Scottish Isle of Arran, and sold at retail stores such as World Market, this line of soaps and lotions not only works well, it smells amazing. Even kitties like it, see? :)

Geranium has historically been used for many different things, from warding off evil spirits by planting in front of the home, to relieving stress and tension. I like this hand soap and keep it in nearly all of the bathrooms in our house because it truly does make your hand feel clean, smell fresh, relaxed, and free of evil spirits.

It's also extremely beautiful, a pale pink color with an excellent minimalist, yet antique style label. Functional and lovely to see. Just another thing that makes me happy.

xoxo,
Ashley

Beautiful Amanda

I had a fantastic time shooting photos for the gorgeous Amanda yesterday. Pool, vintage soda, cocktail umbrellas, and dreamy light. I am in love with summer. Please click here to see the full set of photos from our shoot, located on my portfolio website.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

xoxo,

Ashley

Snapshot Vacation // Fort Worth Stockyards

A few photos of buildings and such from our visit to the Stockyards in Fort Worth. It was a hot day with no breeze and I got a margarita sno-cone. Fun city!

Do not criticize my oddly-shaped feet. Hehe

I like to imagine that this is what some people who watch a lot of TV, but don't go anywhere think the entire state of Texas is like. Cue the tumbleweeds.

I've been obsessed with old faded signs painted on buildings for ages. So neat! And check out the New Isis theater...could be so amazing, but needs some work.

This was, indeed the only shady spot that day. Right under this blue striped canopy...apparently sponsored by CBS. What a great day this was! We will have to go back for more before we move...in less than 2 months...eep!

xoxo,

Ashley

Overture // Our Wedding

Photo Credit: Dee Hill Photography, 2012. All rights reserved.

We're not your typical couple. If you know us personally, you are probably going "uh...ya think?!" by now (and we love you for it.)

Our wedding music was certainly not typical, either. There was no dah da da dum or Canon in D. That would not have been us. So! I picked out the majority of the music for our wedding, but it was (mostly) Thomas approved. If these songs seem strange, know that they are meaningful to us and therefore, wedding appropriate. The Bing Crosby is in honor of my Papa Dean, who was unable to travel to be at our wedding, but will surely be present for the real deal next year. Yes, real deal. This was supposed to be an elopement...!

Here is our rad playlist:

Seating Guests: "Getting Ready for the Party (Instrumental)," MGM Orchestra - Meet Me in St. Louis Soundtrack

Groom's Entrance: "Little Wing," Jimi Hendrix

Bride's Entrance: "Over the Rainbow," Celtic Woman

Recessional: "Boom Boom," John Lee Hooker

First Dance: "Forever Yours," Guthrie Kennard (played live by Guthrie himself, thanks Guthrie!)

Additional Songs Played During the Reception:

"Maps" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

"Wicked Game" - Chris Isaak

"Hotel Yorba" - The White Stripes

"Dreams" - The Cranberries

"Blue Angel" - Squirrel Nut Zippers

"Dancing Barefoot" - Patti Smith

"If I Knew You Were Comin' I'd Have Baked a Cake" - Bing Crosby & Bob Hope

"You and I" - Arthur Freed & Denny Markas

"Harvest Moon" - Neil Young

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Patti Smith

"White Wedding" - Billy Idol

"It's Only a Paper Moon" - Ella Fitzgerald

"At Last" - Etta James

"I Put a Spell on You" - Marilyn Manson

"Back Door Man" - The Doors

"The Way You Look Tonight" - Bing Crosby

"Your Southern Can is Mine" - The White Stripes

Photo Credit: Dee Hill Photography, 2012. All rights reserved.

Our Lolita-inspired moment by the pool...after the ice cream truck...

Yes, it was a perfect day for us!

A big thanks to our wonderful friend and photographer, Dee Hill for capturing our special day.

xoxo,

Ashley

A Few Details // Our Wedding

My vintage, Audrey Hepburn style reception dress from Ruche.
Vintage pearls from my Mother.
Tropical flowers for my Bridesmaid & lifelong best friend, Christie.
Rose from the River Walk in San Antonio, our Honeymoon.
Photos taken by me, with love.
More to follow.