Yes, I am alive! I don’t think I have ever been away from my blog for this long before and I promise to really really try not to ever let this much time go by without a post again! It has been a wild few months with workshops and business developments and a fun-filled amazing wedding week at Folly Beach. But before I go there….just a few things I need to let my friends, clients, would-be clients, and general blog stalkers know about.
I want to thank all of my clients and all my supporters for spreading the word about Ashley Ward Photography. I am so thrilled with the growth in my business since returning to Columbia a year ago. It has been amazing and I am so very grateful. At this point, I am actually having to decline some sessions because my calendar has filled up so well. I hate to turn away any client who appreciates my work and wants me to document their family, relationships, celebrations, and happiness. But to be fair to the clients I already have scheduled, I have to be careful not to overbook. I am starting a waiting list for session inquiries for appointment from now through mid-September. If you are interested in a session during these times, let me know as soon as possible. I currently have 2 spots available in late September, 2 in October, and 1 spot for any kind of session in November. That is only 5 more spots for family sessions until the end of the year! However, I have a couple more spots for newborn and baby session in November and December each, provided no prints or products are required before the holidays. If you need a session in a certain time frame, please contact me as far in advance as you can. For newborn and baby sessions, early bookings are extremely important.
Now for the good stuff:) So, my sister married an amazing man on July 10th at my mother and step-father’s home on Folly Beach…..a man I am so happy to call my brother-in-law. My daughter must have told me a hundred times how happy she was that “Mr. Mike” was now “Uncle Mike”. Amy and her new husband were surrounded with the love and support of family from both sides, and a great many of their close friends who traveled from New York (where my sis and Uncle Mike call home) and LA and lots of places in between. I know there were many more who were there in spirit and who sent their love and best wishes in all kinds of ways.
The celebration of this union was truly special. Despite the heat and the spells of rain that put a few things on hold, it was a beautiful wedding. The bride wore a pink lace Betsy Johnson frock, some killer shoes and a petite crown, and carried a lovely bridal bag that was hand-made by and borrowed from her dear friend Robin. The groom was so dapper in his seersucker suite. The flower girl and flower girl/ring bearer were precious in their gray and pink dresses – even if the smaller one made a rather quick (but precious) retreat from the spotlight! The ceremony took place in front of the little tea house in the Folly House back yard and was highlighted with readings from the groom’s mother and bride’s father and music from friends.
The celebration afterward was fabulous. I have no doubt everyone enjoyed all the sinful southern dishes and incredible entertainment. Amy and Mike started the entertainment off by singing and playing to friends and family and were followed by their fabulous friends who performed their own musical tributes to the couple. Some even wrote songs just for the occasion – tender or hilarious! Everyone was really treated to an amazing show of talent and friendship. The show was followed by decacent desserts, including the surprise delivery of gelato trucks by a dear friend who was unable to attend. Yummy! Then, dancing, photobooth mania, sparklers, hot tub soaking, pool……it was crazy fun.
I am not a wedding photographer. But I was honored to be asked by Amy to document the joy. Just sharing a few images from that week and the blessed day itself:) I hope they can relive some of the emotions and beauty of the day when they see these. I love you guys!
(oh – and I have to add a thank you to my husband, Jeff, who worked so hard helping me and who I never could have done this without:)
Justyna: I have fallen in love with your work, Ashley! You so rock. And your clients' home decor is so exquisite! That last image is my FAVE!
Fiona Colvin: So great Ashley. I'm totally jealous of your gorgeous blankets - we miss out on all the cool things here in Australia :)
Lynn: these photos are just FANTASTIC! thank you so much for sharing them with your flickr friends! : )
Julie Wagoner: Gorgeous session Ashley! I love how you incorporated their own items and decor...perfect!
Laura: Aww...this is one adorable baby! Wonderful job Ashley! I LOVE the family images.
Allen Groom: Amazing work! That bean pod blanket is so cool.
Jennifer Musgrave: These are wonderful pictures! Absolutely love them!
Kari Wright: These are STUNNING Ashley! I love the expression on the purple one - so adorable.
Susan Turner: These pictures are absolutely adorable! I love them all!!
Gail: What a smooshy little face! LOVE the smiling peanut pic - adorable! Great images of a beautiful family - awesome work Ashley!!!
Papa: Jasper, Veronica and Karla: You are my world. You also look pretty damn good in a photo!
Amber Brown: OMG!!!! My family looks great in these pics! Jasper looks PRECIOUS as does the family!!! Great skills photog!
Kym: AMAZING photos! I wish you were in NC. What a schmoop that Jasper is!
Kelly Mack: Perfection Ashley! The family must love these.
Sandy Truax: The pictures are beautiful! I am sure they will cherish these forever!
amy: I just love that one with the baby smiling.. To cute.
Andie: I simply adore your work Ashley and what a cute baby boy & awesome pictures!
Brandi-lee: These are so fantastic Love his pouty lips and oh my gosh, that little smile, so sweet!!
ellan: These photos are amazing. Jasper and his big sis are so gorgeous!
Jason: What a session, Ashley! Love them all but my goodness the image with the bear hat! It looks like the light is just pouring down on him. Awesome shot!
Dawn Kitley: I love that little crease above his nose. Great looking family!
shalonda: dear heavens the gorgeousness of this session makes my heart flutter....brilliant work ash
Leiba Bernstein: Cute! Love the last two with his sister!
Ashley: Thanks so much everyone. He is so precious and sweet and I loved working with this family:)
stella: Love the pictures. I cant wait to frame them and show off my beautiful little family. Great job Ashley!!
stacey overstreet: Superb photos!!!
Meghan Rickard: So cute! LOVE the last one!
michelle: Ronni and Jasper look so sweet together. I would love a bowl of baby please!
desi: well he is just the most gorgeous little thing. great images!
CINDY PRATT: When we will get some pictures? Gigi is giving me a list of the 1's she wants!
Vickie Elliott: These pics are BEAUTIFUL....Jasper is precious (glad he is doing better) & Veroinca is a cutie---she is getting so big. Ashley & Karla, you have a beautiful family!!
Amanda Anderson: LOVE LOVE LOVE these pics of my sweet precious little nephew!!! Jas is beautiful and is so very photogenic just like his big sis:) Yall really take great pictures and they look awesome in your new home!
Karla: I couldn't have been happier with the artist, the process, or the results. Thank you, Ashley!
Rick: Really like the unique photos! Great pics of the family! Cute kid!
Sheradan Pate: this is so beautiful!!!
Jen: These are absolutely stunning! Gorgeous work!
mindi: wow!! Every pic's is amazing... gorgeous family!
Sylvia Borgo: I just adore the ones of big sis with little bub!
Nikki: These pictures are absolutely amazing!! What a wonderful keepsake! This photographer is very talented.
Katie: These are so beautiful and creative and amazing.
Amber: Ashley, I swear each of your sessions blow me away! I'm in love with the skateboard shots! Again, your lighting is always so perfect!
Michelle: I love your work! These are fabulous.
Amanda Leatherberry: You just keep bringing it all to a new level....LOVE this session!!!!