James + Dani MARRIED

What does family mean to you? Is it your mom, dad and any siblings? Maybe your crazy aunt from up north? What about your friends and relationships who spend every day with you? 

All of the above? Yes.  

James and Dani demonstrate the meaning of family with no error. Their son Derek is a bright young boy with a personality to fill a room (and dance moves to challenge anyone on the dance floor). Not only do they show love to their son, but to everyone around. Their wedding day was no less. They are kind, passionate, and caring. And damn fun people to be around. 

Evergreen painted the picture for the day they made it official. A faint dusting of snow made photos a bit chilly, but worth it as we scampered around in the hills.  As as made our way to the venue, they popped champagne to celebrate the love. 

What a fan-flippin'-tactic day.  

Now if you've made it this far in my blog, I'm guessing that you've read through my wedding day packages. But if you haven't (what are you waiting for?) you'll notice that in every package it mentions that I'll dance at your wedding in some form. I believe dance is one of THE BIGGEST and BEST avenues of happiness. So why not dance at my clients receptions? I'm not some amazing dancer, but I can cut a rug and it gets people to relax. However, at the Ford wedding I stepped it up a notch. 

I got word that Dani, some of her bridesmaids and a good friend of mine, Sally (a phenomenal Zumba instructor!)  were planning a secret flash mob to surprise James after the garter toss. OF COURSE IM JOINING IN! The details were tough to sort out as I had to get photos of the flash mob as it happened and see James' reaction. Which was priceless. Seriously. 

Midway through the songs I jumped in the flash mob, camera in tow. Praying to the camera gods that I don't drop my equipment, I dance my little heart out with my girls while their guest list cheer and go nuts. 

Yep. That happened. Video to come, but those who know me even a little bit know that this story is most definitely true. "Yea, that sounds like Ashley" you're all thinking.  

I love my job. That's really what this boils down to. I love seeing families join forces, couples give themselves to eachother for eternity, and friends dance the night away. I'm thankful that James and Dani are not only a part of the Ashley Tiedgen Photography family, but that I'm a part of theirs. 

I wish you a lifetime of family adventures, inspiring moments with Derek, and loving date nights. Cheers to the Ford Family! 

Matt + Wendy MARRIED

Aspens. Canned champagne. 80s cover band. Good food paired with alcohol. Glow sticks. These 5 items Make up Matt and Wendy's wedding in the mountains. These two are so chill and fun which is a combination I am extremely fond of. 

While taking photos before the ceremony, driving from location to location, we kept her flowers alive by placing them in her iron man glass full of water. Yea, my brides complete iron man competitions. I seriously get the coolest brides! 

The ceremony was on top of a mountain with a view to die for. The scene was of love, happiness, nature and the land. It was a dream wedding through and through. 

Their reception was at Artwork Network, a gallery I tend to gravitate towards on the daily. Their curations are always on pointe. Wendy's hand made decorations, aspen branches in every corner, and delicious food stations made this reception sensational.

As good food and great people circulated the space, I felt at home. Never was a time where I felt like I was working - a perk of wedding photography. I gain new friends and families, welcomed into their big day, and have the chance to celebrate their love.  I love my job.

Congratulations to Matt and Wendy. I wish you a lifetime of Ironman competitions, very few injuries, love, laughter and lots and lots of adventures. Cheers!

Dave + Whitney MARRIED

Dave and Whitney, and let's not forget Charlie, had a beautiful photoshoot in the hills of Evergreen CO. We met for a beautiful afternoon walk, chatting about dogs, hikes, just getting to know each other and I can tell you - these two are so rad! They are outdoorsy, funny and some of the sweetest people I know. 

I can't wait to see what the future brings for this amazing family. Congratulations Friends!

Dirty Thirty

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.

The McKelvey Family

The McKelveys have been in my life for quite some time now. Freshman year of college at Nebraska Wesleyan University (we'll just say that was a few years ago, wink wink), Liz lived across the hall from me, and I believe Sam lived on the first floor of the same building. They are now married with two beautiful girls, living in Colorado!

I get to take their family photos, and check in with how the girls are doing. They are growing up to be such sweet little ladies. Just check out their smiles! I'm so happy for this beautiful family of four. Cant wait to see what the future holds for you all! Cheers.

Road Trip to the Land of Green Chili

My soul glitters at the mention of a roadtrip. Like explosions of confetti from my heart out into the world. And No, I'm not being dramatic.

To start off any road trip, we seem to have started a tradition of camping at Four Mile campground outside of Fairplay, CO. We arrive after the sun has gone down and set up camp. It's almost second nature by now. However this time, we have Shea's truck that he outfitted with a topper and a bed.  I am seriously a lucky woman to be by this man's side. He has created a camping dream on wheels. Tent camping is great and all...and I enjoy the opportunity to sleep in close proximity to the dirt... But memory foam in the back of a truck is mighty comfortable. So we make ourselves at home and cook salmon by the light of a headlamp = perfection on all accounts. 

We woke up to the sun rising over the horizon. I can't imagine a better way to start the day. Well, I can, and its with coffee, but if you know anything about us, you know it was brewing on the tailgate of the truck already. Coffee, mountains, sunrise, fog, him next to me. Yep: I have won.

Time to get moving. We've got some green chili to eat. Some is an understatement. We ate it for every meal, every restaurant. We're obsessed. And we don't care. But first, Roadtrip Photos because the Aspens are changing and it looks like everything is on fire. I'm glad its not real flames  - but it sure is stunning.

Road trips stir up the best conversations. Shea and I like to talk about life. Dreams, aspirations, goals, plans. You know, all the realizations that get the to do list doubled and the dreams more solid. We drove for hours and it seemed like minutes.  We come across a small little town that says they have a diner: we stop. We're starving and need to refuel. Saguache it is. Oh hello green chili and biscuits and gravy.  And not to mention this cute little parade going through main street for high school royalty. Shea, myself and Teller lined up along the sidewalk and waved at the teenagers on decorated trucks, cars and trailers. So cute.

Of course anywhere I go, I find something abandoned. In this town, The Saguache Hotel. I took photos through the window of the front door. Locked and locked up good. That's okay - I'm happy there are at least windows to catch a glimpse into the history of this cute little town. 

Once in New Mexico we explored Taos then stayed at an airbnb right outside of Santa Fe. A casita just for the two of us. We took the pup for a walk as the sun was setting over the desert.

Our trip to New Mexico was one of the best. We stopped at the spa Ojo Caliente where we shared in hot springs and mud baths. I couldn't be happier spending every experience with this man. My part of the trip has come to a close, as Shea continues the roadtrip to visit family, canyons and more wilderness living. I fly home and wish I was kicking my feet up on the dashboard with him, singing at the top of my lungs to "electric love" by BORNS.  Have you heard that song?! Shame on you if not. It's the perfect theme song for such a great roadtrip.  

I love coming home and looking through photos and reliving my travels to put into words for you. I makes me remember how happy life can be when lived so simple, like out of the back of a truck watching the sun do its thing.  

Cheers friends. To you and green chili.  

Baby Micah: Beautiful At 5 Days Old

Newborns are such interesting beings. So fragile. So beautiful. I had the pleasure of hanging out with 5 day old Micah and her mom, dad and grandma the other day. What a precious little bundle of amazingness.  

Her smiles, yawns and and even cries are exciting and I can't tell you how happy I am that she came into the Wigton family! I'll get to check in on her throughout her years and see how she grows into a beautiful young lady. 

Until now - sweet dreams, happy play times and go easy on mom and dad! 

Welcome Micah!  

Jim + Alicia ENGAGED

Laughter. All. Day. Long.

This is what happened while on our train themed engagement shoot. We reenacted the Titanic, Danced on train decks, and ended the day by getting yelled at by security guards :) Oops!

It doesn't get any better than this folks. These two jokers are madly in love, have a great dog, a beautiful house that I'm gonna party at in the new future, and to top it off ... They're my friends! I win. 

Actually they win because they have found the meaning of life. Laughter. Love. Dance. Dogs. Beer. Trains.

Sheldon Cooper would be so proud, minus the beer.  

Alicia and Jim: I can't wait to see where this crazy thing called life brings to you. But it's going to be a fun train ride.  

Love you guys! Cheers!  

Michelle + Shaundell MARRIED

I got to spend the day surrounded by people who understand what life is about. Love and laughter. My cheeks have never hurt so much after one day behind my lens.  

Let me describe to you the preceremony mood. I walk into Michelle's moms beautiful Boulder home to Michelle in curlers with the biggest smile on her face. Now THIS is how I want every wedding day to start. A huge spread of breakfast and fruit prepared by Michelle's mom, six bridesmaids scattered about getting hair and makeup done, and nothing but love and happiness.  

I head over to check on the boys and they are out back on the porch listening to 90s rap and bustin' out the Kid n' Play moves. Seriously, how is this my JOB?!  

The "first look" at the church and their personal vows were enough to make a girl shed some tears while trying to hold it together and take some photos. Even though I couldn't hear their
vows, their body language said it all. I am so happy for these two love birds. 

The ceremony started off with the wedding party and Shaundell dancing down the aisle to "Latch" by Sam Smith. As soon as I look up for a split second from my camera, I notice the wedding guests start to bust a move in their seats. I crack up and quickly get back to taking photos. This is the BEST. DAY. EVER.

To end the day, we celebrated in Shaundell and Michelle's backyard, under lights strung throughout their massive tree. They started to learn a formal dance that they'll continue to learn throughout their lives. They only knew a few steps for their first dance, and it was beautiful. To not finish a routine for your wedding, and have the plans to continue to learn and add to it, is the same idea of a marriage. Continually learning and growing together.

This is what weddings are about. Not how much money you can spend on champagne fountains and chair covers. Its about a gathering of family and friends, dancing together to music and toasting to loving one another. 

This is one wedding I'll never forget. Congratulations Shaundell and Michelle. May you have a marriage more beautiful than your perfect wedding day. Cheers.