Dancing on the Roof
During the 2020 Quarantine
This quarantine has presented a space for me to create: to have projects where there are no intensions of selling the product. This idea of creating just to create hasnt come up in my life in years. The hustle is real, and the drive is strong. This time reminded me to slow down, and get lost in a new artform. For me, that was video and editing.
I hope you take the next 2 minutes to just relax, ease your thoughts, and have a moment . . . while I share mine. Stay Safe + Sane, Friends. We’ll make it through.
“Tell me about your passions.
Tell me what makes you tick.
Tell me all the things you’ve discovered about yourself...
after all these years of searching.
Why do you do the things you do?
And how did you get to be such a beautiful creature?
So often we strive to be ordinary in life
Try to be normal.
But is there such thing as normal?
We all have different beliefs,
we all have different interests,
and we all have different dreams.
Why not embrace your differences to live your best life.
I will remain utterly obsessed with all things outside of the ordinary.
What society calls madness, I call being alive.
You can have your normality,
I’ll have an extra doss of strange happenings.
”
Traveling Storytellers - Oregon
Our Travels
If you know anything about Shea and I, its that we love to travel. I don't care where the location is, close or far, we love everything about it. Our latest trip was so amazing, we're already planning on how to get back to Oregon. Like soon.
I decided to head out to the beautiful state a day earlier than Shea to get some solo camping in. I'm a field scout for a rad company called HipCamp, (which means I photograph campsites to showcase how cool they are before the public camps there). So, I booked a stay at a property west of Portland just outside of the Tillamook State Forest, picked up a Eurovan Weekender through GoCamp named Trillium, and went out to spend some time in the woods by myself.
This property I stayed at was one of those places that you pinch yourself while there. A farm sporting a rare breed of furry Hungarian pigs with 360 views of mountain ranges, volcanoes and the the far off city lights. A yurt had just been built on their property, and I was asked to be their first guest. I nearly didn't let them finish their question before I jumped right in to volunteer. Just like in the Hunger Games. Stunning, doesn't even describe it. Elk Moon Yurt was absolutely perfect. The bed is situated so that when you look past your feet at the end of the bed, you look right out the door to the mountains. #swoon. It took everything I had to leave that place in the morning.
more of our adventures after these photos below...
TRILLIUM. What a beaut, huh?
After picking up Shea at the airport, we decided to head straight to the coast. Being from Nebraska, and living in Colorado for almost a decade, one could say that I've been landlocked my whole life. Man, the ocean is hypnotizing. We started at Cannon Beach, drove south, and just stopped at little towns along the way. When we wanted to chill for a while, we found a place to park the van and explored a little. This is our favorite way of traveling. Not really having a plan, just truly embracing where we are and if it feels right, we stay. If not, we drive.
We found ourselves at ease while in Cape Kiwanda, so we spent a whole day exploring the beach and the restaurants. This little town had such a cool vibe. Along the beach was a huge incline very popular with the tourists. We climbed up and walked around, taking in the views, the waves. I could have stayed there forever. The ocean is such a magnificent piece of this world that we don't experience often. Shea even helped me out with a little photoshoot that you can see here, along with other photos I took throughout the trip. Self timer magic at its best. :)
Our second to last evening in this state that we now want to move to, I booked another field scouting property outside of Salem, OR close to Silver Falls State Park. This farm is a historical landmark, and an absolute gem of a place to camp. AND THEY HAVE A TREEHOUSE! The staff was wonderful, the land was full of friendly animals, and we loved every second, even the Oregon rain that pushed us into the van at an early hour of the night. A game of Shithead was played, beers were drank, and laughs were loud.
After sleeping in Trillium, our trusty camper van, for almost a week, we headed back into civilization and spent our last night exploring Portland, only solidifying our want to move to Oregon. Who knows if we will, who knows anything really, but knowing that we feel so passionate about the places we travel will continue to get us out exploring.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into our lives. Cheers, my friends.
Self-Timer Magic
Dancing Alone in the Woods
When I'm scouting locations, or hiking around, very rarely am I with someone else. This part of my business is my time to strategize, dream, and just be my weird, creative self. Everytime I go out, I'm carrying a dress or a unique piece of clothing, jewelry: You name it : so if the opportunity presents itself, I can point my camera towards myself and embrace the situation.
I've come to the point where I schedule our vacations around these types of situations. (Sorry babe!) Our latest trip to Oregon - Blog Post Coming Soon - was primarily to scope out the land and I found some epic spots to dress up. I brought along an outfit that could very well be worn for a wedding dress, and I hope to attract brides that think outside of the box for their attire.
A majority of these photos were taken by myself, using a Pulse (Nope that's not an affiliate link. I just love this product so much that I need to share it) but some were taken by my fiancé Shea. It's gotta be annoying to travel with a photographer. I'm constantly stopping and holding up our progress because of some pretty scenery or foliage. So for putting up with me and my camera: I thank you, Shea.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them. There's something magical about hiking into a remote location, putting on a dress, and dancing alone in the woods. Cheers friends.
Photo Native
An Excursion to a Photo Conference
Hey-yo friends! I'm on a journey to be better than I was yesterday. ((Aren't we all?)) So, I embarked in a trek outside the bubble known as my comfort zone to a Photo Conference in Utah. Photo Native, was a cool space to let my brain wonder and expand on my dreams and my questions about my photography business. I love being surrounded by creatives, especially ones who are open-minded and push the creative boundaries.
Among the amazing speakers and vendors, was Rebecca Johnson of Nhiya Kaye Photo. I took her class to learn more about styling a couple, evoking emotion through direction and posing, and just to meet one of the industries radest photographers. She was inspiring, funny, and 8 months pregnant! What a rockstar.
Anyhooters, instead of boring you with all the nitty gritty details and all the nuggets of info I learned, how about I make your eyeballs happy and show you the photos from the styled shoot. Okay cool.
Vendors
Mentor: @nhiyakayephoto
Venue: @thestartupbuilding
Styling: @renatastone
Florals: @thepottedpansy
Cake: @flourandflourish
Jewelry: @marrowfine_
Hair + Makeup: @alexcrabtreehmua
Dress: @altamodabridal @ruedeseine
Rugs: @shage.co
Ceramic Plates + Flower: @innerspacism
Table + Backdrop: @halitecity
Stationary: @anthologyprint
Models: @aubreecarter @lifelikecarters
The Best of 2017
What a year.
Years come and go. priorities advance and fall to the wayside. Goals get fueled and more defined.
Many moons ago I had an idea of taking my hobby of photography and making it into a career. Into a full time passion machine to pump out happiness for me and memories for my clients. That idea had been examined over many beers and many tearful conversations, always coming to a different conclusion of possibility.
This year, I snapped. “To hell with it!” I said. To hell with putting my dreams on hold, letting thoughts of failure overtake dreams of happiness. I said “yes.”
What happens when you say yes. If you do say yes to an idea, and now it's showtime. Now your job becomes both simple and difficult. You have officially entered into a contract with inspiration, and you must try to see it through, all the way to it's impossible-to-predict outcome. - Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert.
Among that happy path of saying YES, I found the rigid dichotomy of entrepreneurship and balance. The stress of paying bills and power of being my own boss. Of having all the time in the world, and no time at all.
You guys, why did I not do this earlier?
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. That's for damn sure. But it’s my dream, now paired with my soon to be husbands dreams on this road to whatever the future brings. His dreams and mine collide in a beautiful dance of give and take.
This year has been a doozy. An amazing ride. I’m so humbled to be where I am, writing this blog post, celebrating 365 days of the unknown. This year, I got to travel all around Colorado to some of the most beautiful venues, photograph 2 of my closest friends weddings, my future brother- and sister-in-laws wedding, and many rad coupes that have turned into friends.
I can’t wait to hustle and make some crazy moves in 2018. I get to be a bride and witness this wedding industry from your eyes. I get to be a wife and keep supporting Shea’s dreams in the medical field. I get to be a fur-baby mom to the cutest dog and monster-cat I know. I get to decide how I live my days.
Keep your frequency high and do your work from a place of power and joy. - You Are a Badass, Jen Sincero.
In 2018: I’m going to put boundaries on social media, screen time, and negative emotions. I’m going to embrace what my mind and body tell me and push them to the limits. Opening closed doors to new ways thinking and respecting the earth. Become a better friend and better listener. Become the best woman I can be, when I marry my best friend.
Bring it on 2018. I’m ready for ya. Let’s dance.
... To my rad friends of 2017, I laughed so hard on the plane to and from my hometown while compiling all these photos. What great memories you created and let me be an intimate part of. I truly hope we stay in touch. Let’s grab a drink, go on a hike, FaceTime, whatever.
Photographer turned Bride-To-Be
WE'RE ENGAGED!
All photos taken by my amazing brother, Ryan, who grabbed my camera sitting on the couch and captured this amazing moment for us.
It's taken me a little bit to write this post, as my mind is a complete blur. We just got back from a vacation to Sayulita, Mexico. If you haven't checked out this surf town, you're missing out! ((And behind trend!)) But shhhhh, we don't want it to become the next Cancun.
Sayulita has easily become one of my favorite places, because during our stay, Shea asked me to be his wife! It was the most magical moment filled with tears, hugs, smiles and one loud YES!
The story: Shea and I love traveling, and we recently got word of Sayulita, Mexico from some close friends. We gathered up our family and their significant others and made our way down to this colorful surf town, right outside of Puerto Vallarta. The house we rented at the top of a hill was stunning, with views of the whole town, the beach and the sunset was insane. Another fun fact: we love to cook. We're always cooking up a storm at home so on vacation, you better believe we'll be cooking just as much. With a huge outdoor kitchen on our rooftop patio, the food was prepping hard. The scene is set.
As the sun started to go down, I'm elbows deep in garlic shrimp getting them on skewers to grill. Shea stops and gathers everyone around for a toast to the view, the company, and ultimately to us. At the beginning of his toast, I'm a little preoccupied as I couldn't find a towel to dry my hands after washing them. Dripping water from my fingers, he turns the toast to me. "And that's why in front of you all, I would like to ask Ash to be my wife." Wait, what?! OMG it's happening!
Shea is down on one knee and I start to tear up. The ring is stunning! I'm pretty sure at this point I cussed a few time "F*€% yes I'll marry you!" Or something to that effect. Honestly, I don't remember. I think I blacked out a bit. Haha. Can't take me anywhere.
Dinner is served and we eat our bellies full. Then after a ton of photos we hit the town and find live music at a rooftop bar. My life couldn't be better at this moment. I have a my best friend that I get to marry, our family is with us, we're in another country dancing to live salsa music. Pinch me.
Well, that's the story of the best day of my life (so far). I can't wait to explore more of this world with my soon to be husband. Holy shit, it's so cool to say that. I love you, Shea.
So, what's been the best part of wedding planning for you? Your favorite store? The best advice you have received? Tell me everything, friends!
Making the Leap
It's time for me.
Oh that pup? That's Teller. Our blue heeler mix furbaby.
Yesterday was my last day I'll sit in a cubicle. My last day of working towards someone else's dreams. Today, I woke up, and sleepily strolled into the next room, to my home office. My studio space. The tiny little bedroom-converted-office that will be the space where I'll make my dreams come to life.
I'm no stranger to hustle. I can not remember a time where I was only working 1 job. During college, I worked on campus at multiple spots, off campus serving tables, played collegiate softball, and took a full schedule of art classes. Since college, I have had full-time jobs, plus tons of side-hustles. I have glorified "being busy", until today. Today, I woke up with 1 job. A full-time photographer.
holy. shit.
I am full-time photographer. I made it. I'm shouting and giggling with excitement. Doing a little happy dance in my office. Dance with me, dangit! This is exciting! My cat, Elton, thinks I'm crazy. Maybe I am.
Now that I have left my corporate job to work full time in my business, I'm excited to slow down a bit. To think through what makes me tick. I now have time to expand knowledge, learn all the things, try and fail, and try and succeed. I am so happy I am here. My face hurts from smiling so much.
I'm so happy you're here with me, reading this. I'm pouring my fears and dreams out to you through this blog. Please follow along as my journey continues, but now in a different capacity.
“I just want to have a completely adventurous, passionate, and weird life.”
— Jeff Buckley
Me too, Jeff. Me too.
Relax + Play
A Photoshoot for Inspiration
Most people think Photographers have it easy. Our job consists of just clicking a button and enjoying sunsets, right? WRONG! Yea, we have it pretty damn good. We get to hang out with amazing humans, during their weddings, family outings, celebrating newborns, cheering on business owners etc. But its not all sunshine and laughter.
We are faced with the constant changing of technology, social media algorithms, with new trends and styles, and constantly searching out for the next best session location. It can get exhausting.
Ashleigh with Red Aspen Photography and I got together for a session to just play. To let our minds relax. To engage with lighting in new ways, to focus on being in front of the camera, as well we behind the camera. Directing, moving, revising and let's be honest, laughing!
Its important for us to let our guard down every once in a while and learn from each other. To see things from another artist's viewpoint. To the first of many inspiring photoshoots with this beautiful gal, Cheers!
AND THEN I DID SOMETHING I ALMOST NEVER DO. I GOT REAL CLOSE AND DARK. Eeeeeeep! I love the turnout!
An End to the Season
My Tearful End of 2016 Wedding Season
As I sit in my hotel room, unwinding from today's wedding, my eyes are misty. Tonight was my last wedding of the 2016 season and I spent it with one of the most amazing couples. One I hadn't met until today. One that will leave an impact on me forever. Just like each of my newlywed couples.
Today is also my 31st birthday. And how else would I want to spend it but in a room full of so much love, doing what I love most: photographing life's most precious moments. I'll never forget the DJ playing "Go shorty, it's your birthday" and dancing with the wedding party and guests like it was my night. They showed love to someone on the other side of the guest list, because they chose to show love to everyone.
Weddings aren't just a bunch of people wanting to have a few free drinks and dance to "shout!" - Leaving at the end of the night only to return to everyday-normal life.
Weddings are about reflecting on our lives. Taking a long look at how we love each other. Are we loving our family and friends enough? Are we showing everyone our true feelings or appreciation and admiration? I urge you to show love more. Way more.
Tonight my eyes are most definitely misty. Because I realize that I love my job with my whole heart. It's a part of me that I get to share with all of my newlyweds. And I am one of the lucky ones.
To my brides and grooms: How can I even tell you how I feel? I guess I'll start with the simple fact that I appreciate your love. I appreciate you allowing me to capture that love and spend your wedding day by your side. To capture your laughter, tears and memories. To become a small part of your beautiful lives.
As I said goodbye to my stunning bride tonight, through undeniable misty eyes, I am happy.
Cheers. Cheers to you, friends. #lovemore
Dirty Thirty
So, I turned 30.
Let me start by saying this: Everyone is so scared of turning thirty. WHY?! It's the end of your 20s where partying and drinking consumed your life. And while that's exactly what I did in my 20s, and had a blast (understatement of the year), I'm excited for the next decade I am thankful to live through.
Well. Today, I turn 30.
I've moved to across state lines, started a company, made new friends and lost touch with some. But most importantly I've figured out how I want to live life and what's unique to me. Nature, music, relationships, photography.
When breaking down what makes me happy, I've found it's the people I surround myself with. I love my alone time where I can refresh and think uninterrupted, but the souls that walk beside me, inspire me, love me, rely on me, and make me laugh are the ones that my make my life so beautiful. I am so lucky to have them in my life.
Turning thirty just means I get to grow these relationships and let them florish for more time. Turning thirty means I can say "I don't feel like going out tonight" and be okay with it. Backyard conversations while laying in a hammock with Shea are better than any bar scene. Turning thirty means I get to go on more hikes to catch the sunrise. More roadtrips with my love, to see more of this amazing land. Turning thirty means I can sneeze and throw out my back, just to sit on the floor and laugh with him. Just more of what makes me, well ME!
Currently, Shea and I are traveling around Seattle and the San Juan Mountains, getting into something amazing. So come back here later on to see what we did.
Thank you for spending a bit of my birthday with me by being here reading this. I appreciate all of you, more than you know. Cheers to being thirty. I'm pumped.