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: Beautiful! Stunning! Gorgeous images. Wow what a beautiful pregnant mama too!
Julie Delgado: WOW. So beautiful. The momma to be is stunning! The light is yummy! The emotion you captured is amazing!
Lina: absolutely stunning captures of amazingly gorgeous mom!
Julie Wagoner: Ack! My fave session of yours EVER. What a stunning mommy, adoring daddy, beautiful light, lovely posing....it all came together into magic. LOVE!
Ashlie: These are incredible! She is going to treasure these forever.
Carrie: Simply stunning! LOVE LOVE LOVE this session!
Dawn: wow, Ashley, you really captured some great emotion with these. Absolutely fabulous.
Lisa Holloway {Las Vegas Photographer}: Stunning work Ashley! What a GORGEOUS mommy to be...she is positively glowing, and the emotion in these is so pure and beautiful. Loving the purple and green combo too...so pretty!
Kara Layfield: Wow!! These images are fantastic!! I love love love the gorgeous light and Mom to be looks amazing!! Seriously gorgeous session Ashley!
Danielle McCarty: Amazing, amazing session Ashley! This mommy to be is stunning, love everything about these!
Cherise: Simply beautiful....
Kel Ward: Oh, WOW! She is absolutely STUNNING and they make a gorgeous couple! I can't wait to see the newborn photos!
desi: gosh ashley, these are really, really lovely. they are going to be smitten
Michelle Geis: Oh my goodness! Stunning images. Mom is gorgeous. I can't wait to see the newborn portraits!!
Sylvia Borgo: GAH!!!! Love! Love! Love! Love! Gorgeous couple, gorgeous location, gorgeous color palette!
Krissy Allori: Wow, Ashley, these are all so gorgeous! You can just feel the love these two have for each other and their baby.
Kathleen: Wow - what a beautiful mama! And I LOVE that purple dress. Great photos as always Ashley. Love that yummy light.
Kristin: These are incredible and so gorgeous! The light is wonderful and your rich color is amazing!! Great set!
Donna: Wow!!! Theswe are absolutely STUNNING! Gorgeous mama and beautiful images! :)
Leah Jent: STUNNING is right! What else can I say? These photos, the mama, the light, the love... WOW, these are gorgeous!
Dee: Everything about these is gorgeous, Ashley - the light, the couple, the emotion. So wonderful!
Liz: Loooove these! Beautiful momma and beautiful lighting!
Leiba Bernstein: So so beautiful, glowing mama!
Rachel Aberle: What a gorgeous mom to be! Mom and dad together are so special.
Tammy: What a beautiful radiant mum to be!! Stunning photos.