Ashley Maxwell Photography » People

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…}

Mesh Salon {Featuring Lauren}..

Ashley — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 06:12:55 +0000

There are alot of great things about moving..but perhaps one of the best of these is……new neighbors. Us Maxwells have moved homes about 11 times in the last 7 years..but this was our first time moving into a retail location for our business. Downtown Willow Glen is perhaps one of the greatest places on earth..lets just call it Pleasantville. The people are incredible, the buildings are historical…the type of place where it almost seems like there is music playing in the bushes like at Disneyland. Its that awesome. Our studio/store Betroth is located inside an old movie theater building downtown..and we happened to be moving in the same time as a Sassy little Salon called “Mesh” . We are neighbors:) And we love it. It has been so great getting to know the owner Erin throughout the process..and to see their business do so well from the minute their doors opened. The girls over there have been so wonderful to us..coming over daily to buy our accessories…sending over last minute girls going to prom..prospective brides..you name it..We are so grateful for them and for being cheerleaders for us:) While I have so many amazing hair dresser friends..I needed to experience this salon!! It was so great to sit and get my hair done by the oh-so-fab Wendy Tai over there..Im convinced that there is nothing better sitting in a cute salon..having someone play with your hair..getting to catch up on magazines..and listen to “salon chatter”. If anyone is in the Willow Glen area and looking for a little spruce..check it out..you will be in LOVE!

Anyways…we teamed up with Mesh last month for a little photo shoot to promote both of our new businesses…they provided the incredible hair and makeup..and we supplied the tops and accessories from our store. Lauren works at Mesh and was our over-the-top-amazing model..there were moments where I would go to pose her and before I would even utter the words she would just roll into this amazing pose..and I would be like. Uh-yeah-do-that! She is a natural and I am so grateful she came out to play dress up..my all time favorite passtime:)

You can see our store names on the Garden Theater sign…Eeeeh! So exciting!!

Asal is..{Pregolicious}..

Ashley — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:10:14 +0000

I met Asal at our ladies night out a few weeks ago..I couldnt tell what I noticed first..her radiant prego glow, her bright blue sequined hat, or her enormously awesome belly. I instantly found myself in a happy place rubbing my hands on her belly and swaying back and forth as we exchanged hello’s…..(its a mama thing). We began to chat about her makeup business, our mutual friend Shadi and the joys of being in your last trimester..ready to pop:) I knew that I just HAD to photograph her in the last weeks before her due date, because she never did it with her first child, and that is just wrong! There is something so captivating about an “expectant” mama..& I am in LOVE with this season of life. Asal was proof that motherhood can be ultra sassy:) Please keep her in your prayers as she is scheduled to have a C-section tomorrow!

Asal-here are just a few faves.. there are a katrillion more:) xoxo..

Snazzie Drawers Shoot {Necklaces.that.make.my.heart.sing.}

Ashley — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 09:13:22 +0000

We had the privelige of photographing some incredible necklaces from the ever so talented Joy Stallard. She has her own little Etsy shop called Snazzie Drawers where she sells patterns to her lacey-feathery-one of a kind creations..She sent them to me all the way from Texas..and I have to tell you..I am soo glad I get to keep a few of them..because I just fell in love the minute I laid my hands on them..you better believe I am going to buy the patterns!!! U know I am a sucker for dress up..this shoot was over the top fun. We used some dresses from our new store “Betroth” ( I know, I know..more info on that coming soon)..We have an amazing girl from the city named Della who sells insanely cute vintage gowns out of our studio..Delbarr, thank you for second shooting with me..and carrying all my furniture and purses…and random ropes:)A shout out to Camille Monique for doing beautiful makeup!!! Most of all… A huge thank you to Kellie and Mia for modeling for us..letting your hair down and getting a little sassy:)

Julia, Julia {Sweet 16}…

Ashley — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:47:06 +0000

Oh, to be 16 again:) When you are 15..I think most people dream about the shining gloriousness that surrounds those those two little numbers. Most beg parents for new cars… clothes & parites with 6 layer cakes . Not Julia. Julia wanted a photoshoot:) I met Julia a little over a year ago at a wedding…I talked with her darling mother in the buffet line, and she told me how her spunky daughter had been following my blog since she saw the brides engagement photos. She pointed to the dance floor at the bubbly little brunette that was floating around like a social butterfly…later that night I approached Julia and told her I would LOVE to photograph her if she was ever up for it..she said she was already planning on it..”Oh, I said,,Cool..when do you want to do it?” “For my 16th birthday she said..its in April!!”..(this was June 09 at the time)”…”Its a deal I said.”..and that was that. We have literally been talking about this birthday ever since..and I have to say, I have been so humbled and flattered that someone could have so much excitement for a girly session with me. Julia is truly a ball of energy and enthusiasm wrapped up in this little teeny thing. A Taylor Swift Lover, avid Bible study-goer, sparkly- bubble gum- cuteness type of gal. She showed up with her mom for our shoot..with a mini van full of props. Now you know I LOVE props:) Her windows were painted with birthday wishes and sweet 16 remarks..she was livin this up:) You could tell she felt like a million bucks as she jumped out of the car with a suitcase full of Forever 21 goodies and her ballet shoes. Julia is a dancer as well..and Im so glad we got to incorporate this into a few shots…..She got to trespass for the first time…(which she was excited about) She was so camera ready, and pretty much just danced around all day..and worked it, like none other. Moments of this shoot felt like something for Teen Voque or something. I couldnt tell who was more excited amidst it all, me or Julia:)

Julia..Thank you for being such a darling little cheerleader for me over this last year..I was so honored to be part of your birthday..thank you for inspiring me and being a JOY to photograph..enjoy:)

*Oh, and a sidenote..the little green dress Julia is wearing in the fields was her moms when she was 10….she saved it so her daughter could wear it some day. Mission accomplished:)

Julia, Julia…cutest little thing I know:)

Elise + Liz…{BFF’S}

Ashley — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:57:46 +0000

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous” – Coco Chanel

In the history of Best Friends I think I found the two 21 years olds who invented the catch phrase BFF. We have all had a best friend at some point or another in life..who feels closer than family, who in some way..completes us. Whether its in first grade, high school, your 30′s or 90′s… that ONE person who completely “gets you” who sees your soul and the face without the makeup and loves you all the same. Friendship is made up of many things… uncontrollable laughter…trust, clothes swapping,boy talk, mascara sharing…encouragement, secrets, dreams…it lends a shoulder and ear when in need..and sometimes nudges us to be better person, even when we don’t feel like we can. Im so blessed to have had 27 years of perhaps some of the greatest friendships imaginable.. and spending the day with Liz and Elise truly reminded me how fun GIRL TIME is…

I have known these two for about a year now…I did an ultra sassy shoot with Elise last year, and we decided that since these two are moving to Hawaii together in the next few months for the ultimate adventure …it seemed appropriate to celebrate this season of their lives…with dress up, tractors, and lemonade. Elise and Liz met in high school and are truly each others counterpart. One picks up where the other leaves off..and they define the word inseparable. As I sat in the backseat of Elises car on the way to the shoot…listening to Lady Gaga, eying her pink Juicy Couture sticker on the rear view mirror, and listening to BFF stories from two of most adorable 21 years olds on the planet…I thought Hmmmm..who wants to dress up with me and take pictures…??? To all my friends who have walked through life with me..past, present, and even for a season..thank you for being part of my story….Love you madly and am so grateful for you:)…Here is a glimpse into the never dull and always fabulous friendship of Elise and Liz….XOXO…

Melissa + Travis {Teaser}…

Ashley — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:20:09 +0000

Before my head hit the pillow tonight… I simply HAD to post a few pictures from our INCREDIBLE session with Travis (T.C) and Melissa Cole..This was a day after/promo session we have been wanting to do with them since we photographed them back in December..I will do a full post with many more details in the next few days..but here are a few pictures shot from Jasons camera that he edited right before he crashed for the night…I know I am always shooting the same thing as he is, but it blows me away what he captures..

Details:

Dress-Pronovias from Adorn Bridal Boutique- (Which is now on sale for $900.)

Bouquet- Asiel Design..Linnae, you are amazzzzzzing!

Suit/Vest-Ted Baker, shirt-J.Crew

Cupcakes-Jens Cakes

Video-(to come) Dave Ethridge at AVR and Ryan Black of Ryan Black Films

Hair accessories, belts and fabric boutonires-Me (Ashley Maxwell)

Table set up- Jason Maxwell (More details SOON!)

The West Family {starring Maddie}..

Ashley — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:26:45 +0000

There is something to be said about having your first child. I know as parents we are not allowed to have favorites..and sometimes that is the beauty have having your little “one and only” for that period in life….b/c there’s no hiding fact that they are 100%, without a doubt, the center of your universe..and thats OK!!!! Little Maddie is all girl and Ive decided, is made of pure sugar. There really isn’t a better word for her, than YUMMY. I had moments where I wanted to just grab her and kiss her cheeks like she was my own…. and then I reminded myself that I just met this family 5 minutes ago, and they might not be down with that:) Nile and David live in Maryland and were down for the holidays.. I’m so thankful for Niles darling sis Dawn, for setting up this shoot:) Nile and David love the beach so much that there wasn’t even a question as to where we would go for this. They had such an appreciation for the simplest things like brown Santa Cruz tide water and scenic coastlines..things we surely take for granted living here. There’s nothing like photographing a sweet family..and a scrumptious baby…hopefully I will get more time with them when the West’s come west..

The Petrinovich Family..

Ashley — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 07:30:12 +0000

You have nine months of pregnancy to prepare yourself for a baby. 5 baby books..check, 2 gallons of paint and nursery gear..check, diapers, pacifiers and millions of frilly things..check,check check. No matter how much you prepare..the one built in necessity that can’t be purchased on any registry is that 4 letter word…L-o-v-e. C’mon, don’t shake your head and say I’m cheesy, that’s the only word that sums it up. When I had both of our kids, and they were handed to me..I wasn’t thinking about the pain, or how horriable I looked in my hospital gown, or even about the millions of doctors that had flooded my room..I was wondering how after 3 seconds of holding this little 6lb bundle..I was head over heels in love. Call it maternal or what have you, but there is something oddly spectacular about this instant adoration for your little mini me.

Tekla and Jamie welcomed itty-bitty Makena into the world about 6 weeks ago. This tiny little penut has a better wardrobe than any girl I know. Tekla had a “shoe shower” for Makena, so she is pretty much set until 4th grade:) She has an array of colorful tutu’s, preppy leggings, fur coats and Anthro-esque skirts that make you wish they made it in your size. This particular day was abnormally freezing and it deeply saddened me to hear Makena’s newborn cry out of pure shiverment. Whenver she would cry, Tekla and Jamie would cuddle in tight and sing Jingle Bells to her, to calm her down..I had never seen that before. Note to Self: *Jingle Bells in a blizzard. How appropriate:) Tekla bundled her and bundled her until she fell asleep, then I worked FAST…I love families.. and I love itty-bitty’s..Hope to photograph Makena as she continues to grow into her wardrobe…

Melissa+Travis (just because.)

Ashley — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:09:15 +0000

One thing Jason and I have been blessed with tremendously this year..is incredible clients. The ones that you meet for the first time, and when they look away, Jason and I discreetly look at each other with the same expression, nodding in their direction..like….”amazing right??..nicest couple EVER!” The couples that cross over from the “Client” to “friend” boat in a matter of minutes..Travis and Melissa were no exception..This darling duo live in Sacramento and have been married for about a year..they just wanted some fun pictures for Christmas..little did they know that we were going to take 5 million pictures of them..we couldn’t help it. I totally had moments where I would watch Jason snapping pictures of them and I was totally that dorky photographer on school picture day saying “THATS GORGEOUS…BEAUTIFUL..STUNNING..DO YOU MODEL?..YOURE A NATURAL”….all I needed was a black comb in my pocket and a horrible gray speckled backdrop..and that was TOTALLY me today. We were blown away by their sweetness with one another and complete ease amidst the sub zero temperature and rain. Jason was a rockstar and photographed today while I set them up..sessions like today remind me how much I love working with him…Melissa and Travis…so glad God brought you through our doors…time to bust out the wedding clothes and have an excuse to hang out and photograph you again:) Melissa-you are a doll..thank you soo much for giving me YOUR necklace today…its kinda like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Necklace…those pearls are making their way through all my brides this season:)…enjoy this everlong sneak peek:)