Ashley Maxwell Photography » Ashley

Heather & Kevins Wedding..

Ashley — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:30:28 +0000

Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Bronte

There is an incredibly gentle presence about Heather and Kevin. A quiet simplistic nature and grace about both of them..that is far more beautiful than any physical attribute one could have. Heather is the oldest of 4 sisters..and comes from a family that holds faith and values in the highest regard…and that completely transcends through her 100%. We have only been parents for 5 years, but the greatest compliment we get, is hearing someone say that our kids have “sweet spirits” or that they are “respectful & loving”….we have days we feel like lousy parents, then we think…well, we must be doing something right??:) I cant even imagine the overwhelming emotion that was filtering through their parents that day.. after years of pouring into them…Im sure its a total “Father of the Bride” moment where you have a flash of them sitting at the dinner table, 5 years old, talking about getting married…then you blink, and they are walking down the aisle….where it seems as no time has past..yet they have become these amazing individuals, that have surpassed your every prayer and expectation..

Heather and Kev-you love eachother so fully..it is inspiring!! Find comfort in the fact that you have found another soul to cherish, that is truly worthy for the job:) And thank you for playin up the sassiness when I know you are both a bit shy:) Heres a super-mini-preview:) XOXO..

Curtis & Keiras Wedding {Pleasant Grove}..

Ashley — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:08:18 +0000

It’s no secret. I LOOOVVVEEE the country. There are many locations that inspire me, but there is something dreamy about the middle of no where…tall grass is kinda my thing. If there is a pretty good chance that there is a snake in close proximity to where you are standing..thats probably where I want to go. Curtis and Keira got married at a family members house in Pleasant Grove, Ca…a quaint front and backyard wedding..where you pull up, smell the BBQ , see homemade desserts being carried inside the house..and just know its gonna be a good day. Luckily their neighbors had incredible farm equipment hangin around the yard, that provided moments of shade on this seemingly, 100 degrees day..( and lets be real…provided incredible backdrops). Curtis and Keira blessed us with their sweetness and pure excitement for eachother. Jason and I both mentioned on several occasions that day that “this” is what marriage was intended to be. It was valued and sacred, and you know they felt “set apart” for the other.

So..I posted a million romantics on this one…why..well, because Curtis and Keira were just “bringin it”:)…and because I wanted to show brides how important it is to make the time in your day for the romantics.. hands down the most important pictures in your 8 hours with us..I promise if you give us the time to be inspired..you wont regret it:) C + K….hope you love these as much as we do…xoxo..

Jasmine & Rick’s Casa Real Wedding….

Ashley — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 05:18:09 +0000

I might as well start off with an apology because this not going to be moving or life changing because I lack the writing skills of my amazing wife. A couple times a year Ashley and I will separate and each do an event. We try not to make a habit of it because even though we are working, weddings are great quality time with one another. But when you have the opportunity to work with people like Jasmine and Rick, you kiss the wife goodbye, tell her to have a great day and do it!

Jasmine and Rick are just good old fashion GOOD PEOPLE! They are the type of people that you want to be your neighbors, that is if you are okay with your neighbor being in a band. Jasmine and Rick… your love and emotion for one another is inspiring. There is nothing more awesome than seeing a 6’5″ man crying like an old woman all day long. Trust me Rick, I know how you feel. Jasmine, I see why Rick is madly in Love with you. Thank you both so much for allowing me to be a part of your day and I wish you two all the best.

Courtney & Adams Engagement Session..

Ashley — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 02:31:59 +0000

I commonly refer to things as being my “sixth love language”..{for those of those who have read the book “The 5 Love Languages”..you know what I am talking about}..I often joke that my sixth love language is getting Starbucks from someone..which c’mon, it should be on the list…but in all seriousness..I think “Being Known” should be the sixth..for reals. Not being known in a public way, but having someone know the little details about you that make you literally stop in your tracks and say “OMG-I cant believe you remembered that! Like a friend remembering one of your childrens b-days without you telling them, or just knowing a significant detail about you that you thought was an afterthought to the outside world. Courtney and Adams session, started with FEELING KNOWN. It was our first time meeting in person and we were on our cell phones from across the street, trying to explain what we were each wearing and waving our arms in the air in hopes to somehow spot eachother in busy downtown San Luis Obispo. I finally spotted her and Adam crossing the street holding a little bundled up purple-something as we got closer to meet. As we exchanged hugs, she handed me what seemed to be a purple tourist shirt from an ABC store in Hawaii..until I unfolded it, and realized they had bought me…..an AVETT BROTHERS T-shirt. My heart melted instantly. I suddenly became a 5 year old on Christmas morning, holding a brand new Cabbage Patch doll or something. Seriously..the Avett Brothers are my favorite band in the world. I edit photos to their CD’s..I hum them in the car..they literally speak to my soul. I knew Courtney had mentioned they liked them too, but the fact that they went out of their way at the last concert they attended, to think of me, just blew me away. I already knew they were darling and sweet, but this solidified that they were just thoughtful people. It was going to be a good day. We had come straight from another session in Paso Robles, and were feeling a bit tired, but were instantly energized when we saw their playfulness and just began hanging out with them..they were so easy to photograph because they were always just swooning with eachother..

I knew they were like minded as us, when we pulled over on the side of the road by a tractor, and they opened up their trunk…I saw old windows, a pitch fork, and other junk treasure finds..they literally, saw an abandoned property on their way to SLO, and decided to gather a few fun items for their wedding later this year…I think that night they even went back when it was dark and snuck out a dresser:) (sorry-was that top secret? haha) Anyways, after our session they asked if they could take us out to dinner… we felt so honored, and excited that they still wanted to hang out with us:) We ate at this little creek side brewery, where we listened to the sounds of bullfrogs, about their lives in the entertainment industry and gushed over Courtneys darling Cookie Company. Getting to hear their story and sharing a bit of ours, left us wondering….”Soo…when can we hang out again???”.. ROADTRIP!!!:) Thank you for your sweetness and speaking my language through my new cherished tee. XOXO..

Ashley & James Wedding..

Ashley — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:18:38 +0000

You can tell the sign of a true friend, when your voice goes 10 octaves higher upon answering their phone call..{ the deep breath, then Hiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!….like you are 12 again } It feels like I have known Ash my whole life..I think I am just going to start telling people we met in kindergarten, because that’s what it feels like. I might need to say I even remember what she was wearing that day, to make my story seem legit:) Their wedding day was only the second time I had ever seen Ashley in person …which is not out of the ordinary for us when we have couples that book us out of the area…..except it is, because we are truly soul sisters. Ashley crossed over from a client to friend within moments of our first phone call, and even though I have only gotten to know her history with James through luchbreak calls, cards and texts…I felt like an emotional sister of the bride or something during their ceremony….tears.tears.tears.

Ash & James….I am soo proud of you both..I know it seemed like your wedding day took forever to come..but know that God saw every minute that you spent preparing yourselves for that day…you will have a lifetime of being thankful that you were patient… and loved each other enough to be the best person you be could be for another:) I loved every shabby-chic detail about your day… but even more, how much your LOVE was the focus in everything you did. May it be like that every day….xoxoxo P.S-I.miss.u.already.

Britney & Jonny’s Engagement Session..

Ashley — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:44:29 +0000

Britney & Jonny are our little sassy couple from San Clemente..They met at a Bar & Grill named Beachfire..It was destined.It was love.Boy meets girl. Boy obviously likes girl, so keeps showing up to check out girl. Finally, girl is tired of waiting for boy to ask her out so she gets brave and says, “when are you going to ask for my number”…and the rest is history. This was our first time meeting Brit and Jonny..I am so thankful for the Green Wedding Shoes blog for bringing us together:) We ventured to a small little farm nestled on top of windy road near Paso Robles..that was just gorgeous! We barely had enough gas to make it there..but had we needed to get out and walk the rest of the way..it would have been SO worth it! We are so excited to travel down that way next month for their wedding…Just LOVE these…

Allison & Craigs Wedding {Mountain Winery}..

Ashley — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:48:40 +0000

I could write a novel about Allison and Craig. One part love story, the other, a “How to” on enjoying your wedding day. From the second Allison climbed out of the limo that afternoon..a smile did not leave her face, nor did she stop squealing with joy. Weddings have moments of unexpected blunders and nervous angst..that sometimes overshadow the excitement of that day..and it is so easy to lose sight of why you are actually there. To marry your man!!! There was a moment when Allison stepped out of the building right before driving down the hill to see Craig for the first time, (we had literally been outside for less than 30 seconds) and she stumbled over a mysterious pothole of tar on the cement. Black tar. Black tar+white dress=potential for meltdown and NON happy tears. I had a panic moment holding her dress before she saw the few black spots on the bottom layer of material..where I reasoned that even though it would be unnoticeable in pictures, this could be the moment where it all goes downhill. As I calmly showed my darling Allison the few spots, she said..”Ehhh…thats ok…the dress is gonna get dirty..lets go see Craig!” As she climbed in the car, I looked at one of the videographers Rob, as we dabbed the tar (with a sock) and I think we were both a little surprised at how well she handled it. I knew after that, nothing was going to stand in her way of enjoying her day. It was about marrying Craig..and nothing else mattered. Their love was sweet, and I found myself totally squealing during the romantics…there is no better feeling than being totally “into it” when you are shooting..and falling in love with every frame as it is snapped. Craig and Allison..you both come from such wonderful families that have clearly taught you how to love and welcome people into your lives..because we all feel it when we are around you..We are soo excited to see the video from the amazing Jesse Tarnoff , so we can relive each moment with you!! LOVE YOU GUYS! Flowers: Bloomsters

Videography: Jesse Tarnoff and Cherish Films

DJ: Los Gatos DJ

Cake/Cupcakes: Jens Cakes

Walter & Margarets Wedding {San Francisco}..

Ashley — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 07:11:32 +0000

In life, you have your family…you have your friends..then you have your friends that become family. This is where Walter and Margaret come in. Walter has been Jasons best friend forever. It is truly a brotherhood like none other. SO much in fact that they are going to get matching wolf tattoos on their arms..{The “wolf pack” terminology for all of you who get it}. I have adored Walter since the first time Jason introduced me to him..when I went to watch his band play on one of my first dates with Jason. He is more than a friend to Jason, he really is a brother..I dont think I have ever met anyone that Jason cares for as deeply, than Walter. Then there is darling Margaret…truly tailor made. We got to vacation with these two in Hawaii last year..10 full days of off roading and exploring with the boys:) I spent countless hours really getting to know Marg. She is so endearing and laid back..and truly compliments Walters humor in every way. We cant get enough of these two & hope to continue to travel the world with them..finding the best Thai food trucks around the globe:) It has been an honor to be in their lives leading up to this day. Jason was SOO proud to be Walters best man..I was getting so choked up seeing Jason losing it during the ceremony….

Their day was so beautiful and simple..They got ready next to the salon Margaret manages in the city..had a small ceremony and reception in Golden Gate Park..and ate sandwiches and ginger beer while listening to The Avett Brothers via ipod dock. Perfection..For lack of a better word..I have to say with everything that is in us..that we LOVE you guys, and will be there for you today, tomorrow and always…thank you for your friendship, being part of our family, and letting us be part of yours…xoxo..

Whats to come….

Ashley — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 07:21:48 +0000

A Huge THANK YOU for all of our clients who have been so patient with anticipating their pictures over this last month..we have been SO blessed for busy weekends and traveling to photograph wonderful couples…we absolutely edit as fast as we can for each of you…all the while trying to treat each session as it is our only..to insure all the love and attention to detail as possible:) Here are a few snapshots from this last month, so you can see what is to come!! {Full posts soon…}

Jailyn & Marks Wedding..

Ashley — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 06:48:17 +0000

Jailyn wins the award for “most thorough” bride of the year:) I have shared sooo many conversations with Jailyn over the course of this last year going over details and excitement for her day…Although I never did an engagement session with her and Mark, I am so grateful for our phone, text and emails..that allowed me to get to know her in the process..This wedding party was a lively bunch..and were truly seeping with personality…not.a.dull.moment!!! Here are just a few faves of the day…looking forward to an uber romantic day after session with these lovebirds in a few weeks!!