Ashley Maxwell Photography » Weddings

Jessica & Jeremys Tahoe Wedding…

Ashley — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:33:41 +0000

There were many incentives for Jason and I to move to Sacramento a little over a year ago….a fresh start….being a bit closer to family and a handful of dear, dear friends….a bit of a” slower pace” than the bay area……OKKKK….and being closer to TAHOE was definitely shuffled in there amongst them:) Before a crazy snowboarding accident right before Jason and I met.. snowboarding was his life…and his job…so he pretty much followed the snow year round…so naturally..Tahoe is like a little piece of home to him. While I was never really a “snow bunny” on the mountain growing up..or a “spend the summer at the cabin” type of gal…there is something so idyllic and beautiful about Tahoe…that takes my breath away every single time we make the drive over there… makes me feel like I could just pack up my family and set up shop in musky cabin nestled in the forest somewhere….buuuuuut then I realize Im terrified of bears, being cold, and being more than a 10 minute drive from a Starbucks… so who am I kidding???? BUT….I DO LOVE photographing weddings in Tahoe…and I think it is truly one of the most romantic places you can choose for a somewhat “local-destination” wedding.

I was thrilled to meet darling, chipper, ray-of-sunshine -Jessica..and her quiet, yet giddy fiance Jeremy….and to learn they would be saying their I-Do’s beachside beneath the trees…*SWOON* . Jessica and Jeremy have known eachother for sooo long..that you could tell they have already been a part of eachothers families… for what seemed like decades. My absolute favorite thing about Jessica and Jeremy..which is so simple…yet so imperative in any relationship…is their LAUGHTER together. I feel like they were these little kids who were whispering and giggling with eachother all day….they arent afraid to be goofy, or feel the need to edit who they are when they are around eachother. What is more beautiful than that? J&J–THANK YOU for being so transparent with us and letting your love shine through in these!!…& on a totally-tangent -sidenote… Jess: I have been dying to photograph a red head for like 8 years..thank you for making me one happy girl! XO

Kate & Scotts Wedding {Minnesota}…

Ashley — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:12:13 +0000

Jason and I got married when I was just barely twenty….I had started my photography business a week out of of highschool..did a 2 year design program immediately following…..got married a week after graduating….and shortly after, started having kids. Somewhere in there, I had dreams of traveling the world…but with our new little family and a business that was trying to take flight..it just wasnt realistic. We shot every wedding locally…and our only travel was within a 50 mile range . Many years later, with the rise of the internet, social networks and wedding blogs, we have been soo blessed to have these incredible brides from all over the U.S somehow find us. This last year, Jason and I finally got to live out our inner travel bugs..and that is all because of weddings!! One of our favorite states we went to was Minnesota..We fell in love with Kate and Scott last year when they flew us out for their engagement session. We were smitten by the beauty of St. Paul…the freezing crisp air, beautiful trees..historical homes that look like they belong in story book pages…. Kates family welcomed us into their home both times…showed us around town…gave us recommendations for local thai food:) Every single person in their lives is so inviting & charming…like you have just known them your whole life:)

Kate and Scotts Wedding wedding was so classic and elegant…which is no surprise if have ever met Kate. She is truly lady….a breathtaking wonder with her simple beauty and poise:) These two have such an authentic love..and we feel so immensely fortunate to have spent a few days in their beautiful hometown!!

Pretty.Lovely.Things.

Ashley — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:05:06 +0000

This weekend I had the pleasure of photographing some frilly bridal accessories..and spending some amazing girl time with the precious souls who helped me out!! Heres just a glimpse of whats to come…XOXO

Tina & Bens Wedding…

Ashley — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 07:51:06 +0000

Tina and Bens wedding took place at two of the most gorgeous little properties in Kellseyville.. (which is nestled a few hours past San Francisco.) The ceremony was held at a friends ranch…which was dripping with beautiful antique finds left and right…( I felt like I was on “American Pickers”…I wanted to see if the owners would sell me anything!! haha…) The reception was at Bens family property…which is a nut farm that over looks the whole valley. YES. SWOON GALORE:) Jason and I were scheming about how we can come back and do engagement shoots in both of their backyards:)Tina and Ben are the warmest kids in town….and are pretty much just overflowing with love for their family and friends….when you are with them..you ARE family.

I asked Tina and Ben what their favorite part of their day was..and it was unanimously ….the ceremony. While some couples like to make it quick and to the point…Tina & Ben really spent time to make it personal. It was such a labor of love for them.. there was an abundance of guest participation, readings, songs, their wonderful dear friend Jane officiated…. even the snafus (like when the wedding recessional didn’t play, which gave them opportunity to kiss…and kiss again…and yet again!) Like everything that day…It was simply, perfect…

This was my first time ever encountering “Chinese Door Games”…where the groom and his groomsmen are blocked at the front door by the bridesmaids. The groom is not allowed to see his bride until he and the guys pass all the “tests” set by the ladies. This is to the grooms chance to show he is truly worthy of her hand in marriage…and well…its just hilarious. Lets just say there was a lot of bartering..singing..yoga..and an iron chef challenge. Now THAT was a “first moment” like any other:)

Graphics (invitations/save the dates): Gerri Groody
Hair/makeup: Lisa Schur
Ceremony Venue: Big Oak Ranch
Reception Venue: The Grooms family property
Flowers: No Drama Mamas

Laura & Brendens Wedding {Villa Montalvo}

Ashley — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:01:51 +0000

This wedding was so polished and elegant…..and reminded me how beautiful SIMPLICITY in a wedding can be. Laura and Brenden have impeccable taste in fashion and this overall collected ease about them…I learned this very fast at their engagement session..my camera couldnt get enough of them:) In the short time I have known Laura, I have been so blessed by her sweetness, and the amount of people she has referred to me…It is people like her that keep our business going:) We are so immensely grateful for that kind of support:)!! I loved every inch of this well tailored-glam-yet-graceful wedding…how she frolicked in her Vera gown..and how he gently pulled the hair out of her face when the wind blew. Reminded me that there is truly, truly, NOTHING more exquisite than the look of LOVE. XOXO.

Erica & Karls Wedding…

Ashley — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:33:12 +0000

Sometimes you meet a couple….and there is just this magical goodness about them, that you just cant quite put your finger on. From the very first time Erica emailed me..I knew I just had to have her:) She was this spunky little burst of personality…and had this infectious radiance about her when she spoke of her fiance Karl..and their adventures together. You all know..Im a sucker for the “Story” in every couple…Jason sometimes tells me to stop interrogating people when I first meet them..because I ask SOO many questions right away…I guess it can be intimidating:) But I am just a Nicholas Sparks kinda gal…and every detail that leads up to chance meetings…fallin in love beneath the trees….marriage and babies…is worth knowing to me:) While Erica and Karl have quite a story…the “Proposal” chapter is my favorite…..here is a little snippet from Erica..

The Proposal.

“In January of 2010, Karl and I went to a local jewelry shop to look at a ring I had seen and fallen in love with a few weeks prior. The owner of the shop kindly came out to speak with us about the ring. After talking for some time, he mentioned a “high-tech” scavenger hunt that The Vault (a jewelry shop)was going to put on. It was to be held on February 13, 2010. The clues were to be delivered via text message, and the participants were to use nearly any mode of transportation that was not motorized (i.e. walk, run, skateboard, bike, etc.). The prize: a diamond engagement ring. He advised that we apply for the scavenger hunt, and if we won, perhaps he would allow us to trade in the prize ring in for the ring I wanted.

To apply, couples had to submit a short story about themselves and their partner. The day before Valentines Day the scavenger hunt took place. For 2 hours and 15 minutes that day, Karl and I rushed around Santa Cruz on our bikes, being sent back and forth with each clue we received, obtaining as many points as we could. When the time was up, 300 couples piled into a local restaurant; sweaty, exhausted, and hopeful that they would hear their name at the top of the winners list.

Winners 2 through 10 were called up by name, receiving a variety of prizes. To recognize the first place winner, the announcer read the story that was submitted by the participants. It began with “Hello… Karl and I………” We had won!!! We had miraculously won the scavenger hunt and were about to receive first place prize; a diamond engagement ring! With tears rolling down our cheeks, and trembling hands, we walked to the front of the crowd to accept the ring in disbelief. Standing at the front of the crowd, all eyes were on us, including my mom, little brother, and a few friends throughout the crowd. We hugged, kissed, cried and laughed, all at the same time. And in that surreal moment, Karl bravely got down on one knee and proposed.

It was the most amazing day of our lives.

And of course, the inevitable… we traded the ring we won for the ring I had fallen in love with.”

They got married on a sweet sunny day in September…that was filled with more family, friends,DIY projects, and beautiful moments than a girl can ask for:) The table numbers were a collection of vintage clocks that Karl’s father had collected over the years prior to his passing, and an Oreo cookie and milk bar in memory of her father’s parents who years ago had also passed. But in the end, the focus of the day was about uniting their lives as one…and becoming their own little family of two. Erica + Karl….ahhhhhh! We just love you guys. Cheers to your adventures to come! XOXO

Ceremony & Reception Location: Hollins House at Pasatiempo

Floral Arrangements: Fiona Floral

Photo booth: Magnolia Booth

DJ: Nick Handley

Hair: Laina Welsh

Cake & Cupcakes: Edith Meyer

Dress: Victoria Nicole Style #616 Champagne Satin & Ivory Lace

Brides Shoes: Something Bleu Bow-Topped Slingbacks in Ivory

Bridesmaid Dresses: Butter by Nadia Signature Jersey in Black

Groom’s Suit: Jack Victor/Men’s Warehouse

Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole/Men’s Warehouse

ETSY VENDORS:

Mustache Letterpress Coasters: Etsy.com Seller: ruffhouseart/ Crepe Paper Carnation Poms: Etsy.com Seller: TreasuredEditions

Garter: Etsy.com Seller: PoshBridalCouture/ “Drink Me” Straws: Etsy.com Seller: bbond0520

Elizabeth & Bergs Wedding…

Ashley — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:28:52 +0000

Elizabeth & Berg tied the knot in a darling little town in California called Murphys. Larraine Winery had some of their favorite wines..and is pretty much the most gorgeous little property..it was an easy decision to visualize their “I Do’s” nestled between the vineyards ..overlooking the sunkissed valley below. Elizabeth is a crafty soul..and it was very important to her to do lots of DIY goodies because she was SO thrilled to marry Berg ..that she wanted to put together something that would reeeeaaallly express their feelings for each other. She wanted it be stylish, very personal, sweet & shabby chic… and most important, FUN!FUN!FUN!
Her and her girls made: the satin fabric pomanders, napkin rings with vintage buttons (which can be used after for bracelets, rings, accessories or brooches for the guest..) table number frames, fabric bunting, the seating chart, and pretty much everything else!! My favorite of these things was the Jar of BBQ sauce for Favors…(totally wanted to steal one!!)

Berg’s signature sauce is one of his specialties and people LOVE it so it was the first thing they thought of for favors. They gave it out at Christmas last year and it was a huge hit. Berg made a giant 8 gallon pot of it! Berg’s nephew Asher (the tiny ring bearer )started calling him “Uncle Bergie” and a few of her friends actually call him Bergie too so she had to call it “Uncle Bergie’s signature bbq sauce:)

Elizabeth and Berg..Thank you for your sweetness…& letting us be your paprazzi all day!!…& also a huge thank you to my second shooter and amazing friend Bri for sharing this day with me! XOXO

Venue- Laraine Winery

Catering (dessert included)- Lila and Sage- (Murphys)

Florist- Botanica floral designs (sacramento)

Officiant- The Honorable Patrick Tondreau

DJ- Jeremy Seaton

Dress- Maggie Sottero

Bridesmaid dresses- Alfred Sung

Her sash was custom made from Etsy along with the bridesmaid necklaces.

Jenn & Andys Wedding….

Ashley — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:27:34 +0000

LOVE.LOVE.LOVED THIS WEDDING.

As the store manager of Anthropologie…as well as being an avid vintage collector with Andy…Jenn & Andy knew they wanted their wedding to be ECLECTIC. They left it open..no specific colors.. (They told wedding vendors that their colors were “the rainbow”) no formal bridal party..just friends..no bouquet toss, just a loose theme that allowed lots of interpretation. They searched for a “non wedding” wedding venue..and stumbled upon the amazing Coloma Country inn…and their wedding started to feel like “them” rather than a wedding out of box:) Jenn wrote the ceremony herself..they boogied down the aisle to “Putting All My Eggs in One Basket” by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong…danced through pom poms on the way out…and pretty much stole our hearts with every spectrum of the day.

I think I want to move in to the Coloma Country Inn. I felt like Alice in Wonderland walking through this place…well, my kind of Anthro Wonderland I guess:) I was so proud of Jenn and Andy for going against the grain…and for doing their wedding exactly how they wanted. It was such a beautiful reflection of their quirky sense of style…and best of all..their undying LOVE for one another. Every corner of this site had pretty little things to look at…and stories to back them up:) We felt SO blessed to have scored front row seats in seeing these two become a Mr. & a Mrs!!! XOXO

Just had to grab a quick pic with the sassy bride before I either fell in the pond or…or put my trainwreck “reception hair” up in crazy bun by hour 8 of the day:)

Venue: Coloma Country Inn
Day of Coordination & Rentals: Inncredible Events and Celebrations
Cakes: Sweet Cakes by Rebecca
Photo Booth: Magnolia Photo Booth Co.
Carmel Apples: Danville Chocolates
Flowers/DJ: Wylie Weddings

Invitations: Sleepy Dreamer on Etsy
Love Letter Box Ceremony: Amazon
Catering: Beth Sogaard Catering
Dress: Wtoo by Watters
Birdcage Veil: Dolly Couture More info on: www.foundinfebruary.com

Mia & Drews Wedding….

Ashley — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:36:38 +0000

Some little girls lay in their beds at night and dream of someday becoming a professional ballerina, a veterinarian, a dancer on the Mickey Mouse club, a doctor, a teacher, movie star…..anything and everything that meant they are “30 flirty and thriving”..{Yes-13 going on 30 quote for you movie goers out there:} While Mia had dreams like this for her own…her biggest dream was to be a wife. I have known Mia for about 10 years now..and I think she has been praying for her future husband for all her life. On the day of their wedding, Mia gave Drew a husband Journal that she has been writing in for several years…pouring out her heart for the one she had been holding out for all these years….what a treasure, right??? You can read a little more about Drew & Mia from their engagement post…to hear more about how they have know eachother since they were kids:) PRECIOUS! We have such a soft spot for Mia and Drew..we keep trying to convince them to move closer to us in Sacramento so we can spend more time with them!! Totally not gonna happen..since they are all cozy in their newlywed cottage in the bay area…but a girl can dream right? Mia and Drew..cling tightly to the words that you spoke to eachother on your wedding day. In a world that has made vows and promises seem nothing more than empty, fleeting words…..CHOOSE to LIVE those promises. Commit each and every day to serving and loving one another. CHOOSE EACHOTHER each and every day…LOVE YOU BOTH!!!!

Thankfulness…{& Sneak Peeks}

Ashley — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 18:20:01 +0000

One of my favorite things about tucking our kids into bed at night, is getting to pray with them…..our kids have grown quite accustomed to it, and occasionally mommy gets into trouble if I “forget something”. While we dont always pray for the exact same thing every night…now and again I will finish the prayer, kiss their foreheads and walk out of the room…just to hear one of them say “MOMMY! YOU FORGOT TO SAY HOPE THAT I HAVE SWEET DREAMS!” This usually comes from Hayden, since he explains the reason he comes into our bed EVERY single night is because of “the dark…and bad dreams”…but Kyla on the other hand…tends to let me know every time I accidentally forget to say “THANK YOU FOR OUR BLESSINGS”…its like she is waiting for it in her prayer, like its her favorite line from a Justin Bieber song or something. I think it is so cute that she hangs on every word of that….and she should…because God has given us so many beautiful blessings..in big things, and in small. I am totally guilty of sometimes rushing through life…and forgetting to stop, and be thankful for everything we have. I love the quote, “What would you do if you woke up today, with only the things you thanked God for yesterday”…..

This year..I am thankful for SO many things…but the word that keeps coming to my mind that is stitched to the very fabric of every area in my life is..PATIENCE. I am thankful for Patience. I am thankful that my husband is patient with me when I get so “tunnel visioned” with work and projects that I forget to tell him I love him as much as he deserves to hear it….I’m thankful for my kids who are patient with me when I tell them to wait a few minutes longer to read a book, because I am on the phone… Im thankful to my family and friends who are patient with me, when they have to call me 2 or 3 times before I call them back…because Im in “hibernation” mode trying to plow through editing and emails…I’m thankful to my Lord and Savior for being patient with me…as I am so prone to have a wandering heart…to find other things to fill my time, than to spend a few minutes reading my devotional book, or spending a moment to pray….& the last….I’m thankful for our amazing clients who have been SO PATIENT with us in our busy season. We have been so blessed these last 2 years with such growth in our photography business…but with that, comes growing pains…new expectations…more expectations…more work…less sleep. We are continually learning the balance between work life, and home life…and how to do the best jobs we can in both roles. Its humbling to wake up and realize you are not superwoman….and that being everything to everyone is really….hard and overwhelming at times. Im so thankful for everyone who has helped give me encouragement to power through those moments when I am feeling I dont have the energy to finish everything on my plate. We are so incredibly blessed for each and every person who has helped support our business..whether it is an encouraging email from an aspiring photographer in Canada..a mother of bride leaving a kind comment on our blog….or one of our darling brides who waits that extra bit of time for her wedding photos. We are so grateful, so immensely THANKFUL for your patience and love for us…

I wanted to post a few “Sneek Peeks” of some of the weddings and sessions we have not been able to blog yet, since we are feverishly trying to edit as many weddings we can before Christmas time…Hope you enjoy them! Happy Thanksgiving!