Category Archives: couples

Introducing Breese Finley….

Wow…choosing a name for our daughter was so much harder than the boys. Name meaning/signifcance is important to us. We look forward to the days in the future when we can tell our kids why they received the names they did and why we pray certain things over them. With that said, I would like to share with you about our daughter’s name. Breese (Reese with a b…not “Breeze”) was my grandmother’s maiden name. If you knew my grandma, you knew she was a firecracker of a woman. Small in stature and big in presence. She was deeply committed to and loved her family. She was simple, liked simple things and could make one killer blackberry cobbler.  I’ve spent most Saturday nights (from childhood to the present) at her home – gathered with my loud and fun family. She LOVED my boys and lit up when they would barrel through the door. Grandma passed away on Mother’s Day 2008, she never got to meet a great-granddaughter. I can only imagine the joy she would have had to see little Breese with a big ole’ bow on her head.  A couple of months ago my grandpa mentioned how happy grandma would have been to meet my daughter. Then he asked when she was due. When I told him “July”, he responded, “I knew it. She’s going to be your firecracker.” We pray that in many ways she would grow up to be a bit of a firecracker that deeply loves her family, is committed and loyal to those she is around, that she would appreciate the simpicities of life and that she would leave a strong legacy behind her.

Breese’s middle name is Finley…which means “fair warrior”. For obvious reasons “fair warrior” is a great meaning for a girl with three big brothers. We love this name for many other reasons. We pray that she would be a warrior for those that can’t fight for themselves, a voice for those who can’t be a voice for themselves…one who is not afraid to defend the defenseless and is willing to give of herself to fight battles so much greater than she is….that she would make an eternal difference. While doing all that we pray she is “fair” in the sense of feminine. That she can embrace and appreciate the uniquely feminie way God created her and placed her in a home with big brothers that she will likely want to imitate. We look forward to the breath of ‘fair and girly’ air she brings to our family….

And, of course, a few pictures from the hospital….

This one just cracks me up…looks like she already picked up some mad karate skills from her brother.

When we put the dress on her she was not too happy about it. Then once the flower hat went on, she was totally good. I guess she is a hat girl.

For those wondering why we are just now sharing her name, it was important to me that I get to tell my grandpa her name. I didn’t want it to get back to him, so I waited to post it online. We drove straight from the hospital to his house. Naturally (and perfectly) we found him in his favorite place – outside in his garden. This is me introducing Breese to him…

For obvious reasons I won’t be doing daily posts for a while, but I’ll still be posting…..

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Jenn - What a beautiful story! Welcome Breese!

christina larsen - Welcome to the big wide world Breese. What a wonderful story of her name and what an amazing future that she will have. Thanks for sharing. She is gorgeous.

Serena - What a Beautiful Name…Breese! I love her story…she is precious and very blessed!

Jolene - Oh welcome to the world little Breese! And what a beautiful, thoughtful, meaningful name. She’s utterly gorgeous…well done, you clever mama you! (And you’re *really* not helping the baby fever with that little dumpling!!!)

meredithj - Congratulations on your sweet, precious baby girl! She is absolutely beautiful! With a gorgeous name to match! LOVE it!!!! Well worth the wait. ;) And I love, love, love all the sweet thought that went into her name. Perfect!!! Welcome to the world sweet Breese!!!

Lisa - she is so beautiful!! the name is perfection! i have to admit i got a little teary when i saw the pic of grandpa. i can imagine how touched he must have felt by her name.

katie - I LOVE the name and the story behind it, Ashley! What a beautiful picture of your grandmother you shared, too! Good luck in the next few days of getting adjusted! :)

Trinity - BEAUTIFUL! ABSOLUTELY BEUTIFUL!

Erin - Beautiful in every way: the baby, the story, the name.

Jenn G. - What a perfect name for such an incredibly beautiful baby girl. The meaning and significance is wonderful and so well thought through. I hope she is a firecracker and will give her brothers a run for their money.

Melissa - What a perfect name…she is so beautiful and so is her name. Enjoy that little new baby girl…she makes my heart just melt.

Love the pictures too!

Mandy Metcalf - Oh Breese is absolutely beautiful! I love her already. She is incredibly blessed to be part of your family. Oh precious… thanks so much for sharing.

Lauren - I love the significance of her name. She is such a blessing to your family and many others. I hope she is your firecracker…strong in spirit, and strong in love.

amy stamm - She is precious– I love all the pictures—her little legs are sooo long—and I love the krate one. Very very sweet and special one with your grandfather….What a neat family!!
God Bless and ENJOY that bundle of joy!! Love her name!!! :)

Kari - Oh Ashley, how precious! I love the name and love the story behind her name! My favorite picture above is of Chris holding Breese in the black & white…it reminds me of the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Congratulations!

Emily Lusk - What a beautiful and special name! How can one not be a fire cracker with three older brothers!! :) Congratulations on such a beautiful baby girl! Hope you are getting some sleep and getting used to seeing a baby with bows on her head. :)

Jeannette Swan - Crying here!! Beautiful name for a beautiful girl!! How special and sweet you introducing her to your grandfather. I can’t wait to get to meet her in person, I just couldn’t bring myself to come visit in the hospital with all my kids in tow. Enjoy settling in!!

mary - CHRIS AND ASHLEY…SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL FOR SUCH A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY. LOVE TO YOU ALL… MARY C.

Georgia Davis - I LOVE IT! Picking a little girls name is so hard and you guys did a great job.

bopha - I love her name and more importantly, I love the significance behind it. Your grandpa must have been so proud and touched.

meg duerksen - she’s beautiful. with a beautiful name.
i wish i could cuddle her…and smell her head. :)

tanya - she is simply beautiful. and what a beautiful name–didn’t expect to have to pull out the tissues when checking in to the blog today. :) thanks for sharing her beautiful pix and story. be blessed!

patti - wow, congratulations! what a beautiful name and such great meaning. enjoy your new baby girl!!

Ashley - Tears came to my eyes when I saw the last picture. What a blessing! Welcome Breese!

Lisa Keen - Wow! I love the story behind her name! She is precious…congrats!

Sophie - Congratulations! She is absolutely beautiful and has a name to match.
May God give you a lifetime of wonderful years with your wonderful little angel.

Rachel - Wow….I was on the verge of tears the entire time I was reading this post…unti I saw your grandpa’s face…then, the tears flowed. I can’t imagine the great pride he feels knowing that the legacy of his Breese continues…..just beautiful.

Samantha - Oh my goodness!! Congratulations – she is just DARLING. I love her name, I love the pictures, and I especially love the look on your Grandpa’s face. Congrats!!!!

Melisa Colvin - She is absolutely beautiful! We are so happy for you and your family. We pray abundant blessings on your happy home.

amanda torres - I got a little emotional when you shared about your grandma and grandpa. Very awesome of you to carry on your grandma’s legacy. On a funnier note, I love Breese’s karate skills. Those will definitely come in handy!

Ethel White - Congratulations!!! What a PRECIOUS little girl. Love the name and it’s significance.
Breese has the prettiest little hair line. GOD Blessings on the entire family.

Jill J - I just found your blog a few days ago (through Design Sponge) and I love it! Your photos are inspiring. Congratulations on the birth of beautiful Breese. I look forward to reading along with the others in the future.

Jami Helm - Congrats! I am so excited that you got a girl!I hope you are doing well. I look forward to seeing more pictures!

Charissa - Just curious. What is the meaning behind all the other names in the family? She is beautiful, enjoy these few short weeks that she is so tiny. You do remember how fast that changes, right?

Mindy - She is breathtaking!! And what a beautiful name it suits her! Congrats to you and your family I bet her big brothers are in love. Where did you find the white blanket with polka dots. It is so sweet. I’m expecting my first girl in September. Enjoy every second and thanks for sharing.

Michelle Murry - What a Beautiful expression of love to put such caring thoughtfulness into her name. It is perfectly wonderful and I am just sure that your grandfather could not have been more pleased. She is just as beautiful as her name. Enjoy even the hard times, they all pass so quickly.

Andrea Jett - Girl, you almost made me cry. Part sentimental, but mostly joy! For your whole family. Welcome to the girl world little momma! She is a lucky girl to have a family like yours. God bless!

Julia - What a beauty! Her name is perfectly fitting. I’m so happy for you all. Congrats!

Liz - She is so precious! I love her name and the story behind it! Thanks for sharing!

Ashley S. - Wow, congratulations! She is just beautiful! I love the significance of her name.

Aunt Sandy - Just thought I would let you in on the conversation with Dad (grandpa in the pics). He called right after you left his house with Breese. I can’t remember the last time I heard so much excitment in his voice. He was beeming with pride and said Grandma would have loved the name, what an honor. He also asked me if you told me that he had big ole tears in his eyes when you intorduced him to Breese. Thanks for sharing the story of her name and putting the biggest smile on Grandpa’s (Dad’s) face I seen in a while.
welcome to the family….Breese.

Melissa - Lovely name, lovely photos, have a wonderful time getting to know your new daughter

Jenny Collier - Congratulations Ashley and family! She is one gorgeous little girl.

Carrie Sowell - I’m speechless! I pray that she is truly that firecracker girl that I’m sure she will be. As those who have girls will probably agree with, little girls sure bring a different level of joy and excitement to a family. Enjoy bonding with her and I’ll call you soon!

Kenna S - What a precious baby girl! I know that you must be head over heels in love with her by now. I’m so happy for you and Chris. Enjoy all that pink!

Brenda Hillhouse - She is one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen! I love her name and the meaning that it holds. May God bless you and your family!

erin conrad - these are all so adorable and i love the story of her name. wow! beautiful.

Robert & Rachel {and adoption makes 3}

Where to begin on this post? Rachel and I have been close friends since 6th grade and that means more memories than I can even begin to think of. Robert and Chris have been friends since elementary school. A true life scenario of 2 guy best friends marrying two girl best friends. Rachel probably knows more than anyone how crazy it is that I am 29 and about to have my fourth child…not really the plan I had back in the day. She survived 6-12 grades with me and all our awkwardness, stood beside me at my wedding, and celebrated with me the arrival of my boys. She also has watched me go from picking up a camera to having a business and now this crazy blog. I have been anxiously awaiting when I would finally get to photograph her and Robert…knowing it would take the arrival of their first child. Soon and very soon I hope to get a call to rush to the hospital when their child is born…and wouldn’t it be a dream to be able to photograph a strong beautiful birth mom placing a delicate baby into my dear Rachel’s loving arms (hint, hint Rachel). They are putting the final touches on a book about themselves for their domestic adoption. It was my GREAT honor to attempt to capture a bit of who they are for that book. Obviously all the pictures below won’t be for that book, but since I finally got to photograph them I was going to have some fun with it. I can’t wait to post again when they are a family of three!

A little bit country and a little bit Rock’n'Roll

I think this is my favorite from the session. I love how he makes her laugh…I have too many favorites from this session!

These last two make me smile. The first just seems so Rachel to me. The second so Robert. Chris has TONS of pictures from high school of him, Robert and a few other guys making this pose. Just makes me laugh, so we had to do it for their session.

Totally embarrassing myself here…I told Rachel this is as close to a ‘being pregnant together’ picture as we’ll ever get.

Next time I’ll be the one adopting and will look all cute and skinny…she’ll be the miserable, sweaty, pregnant one :)

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Rachel - Ash – I am honestly speechless (which, as you know, is totally rare). I will treasure these pictures as they will always remind me of God’s call to us to adopt. I can’t wait for a birth Mom to choose us as her forever family, and these pictures will be her introduction to us. I love you and have been blessed to have known you my whole life. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the love and time and energy you put in to these pictures. Our life book will always be a family treasure.

Jill - Amazing pictures for an amazing family to be! One little baby out there has no idea how lucky he or she is about to be. Rachel and Robert – you are going to be terrific parents!

christina larsen - Ashley, that is so cool. Beautiful pics. I met Rachel at the last Adopted community group. So excited for them that they are going to adopt. Congrats.

Jeannette Swan - I’m crying!! The pictures are so beautiful and so is the story. I can’t wait to celebrate the baby when he or she joins the family!!

Kristen - This post hit very close to home as one of my best friends is at the same stage in their adoption process. I literally have a lump in my throat. You truly captured their personality and I didn’t even have to read the story to know what a fun-loving couple they are. I wish them (and you!) the best of luck with your new babies!! Ashley, you look amazing!

Trinity - AWESOME!!!!! It doesn’t matter how many times I hear an adoption story, it totally overwhelmes me everytime….it overwhelmes me thinking of God’s love for us in adopting us into HIS family and how he allows us to have that same privilege with little ones! Can’t wait to see the pictures. AWESOME!

bopha - Ashley, the pictures are beautiful but you had a beautiful subject. Rachel, I am so happy for you guys. Any child would be lucky to have you 2 as parents. You are a beautiful person inside and out and I am lucky to have had you as a friend for so long. I wish you the best of luck!!

Charissa - I love them! They will be such great parents. I absolutely cannot wait to see how this story unfolds.

Beautiful photos. Seriously breathtaking. My favorite it the below the waist shot, although Ashley I have to admit I was trying to figure out how in the world you were able to manage shooting that from such a low angle. I wish there was a picture of that on here as well! :)

Kari - These photographs are great! You two have more in common- those shoes she is wearing looks just like your favorite pair in the big canvas on your living room wall!! Great minds must think alike! You are so talented!

AshleyAnn - Charissa – I was laying on the concrete floor for that. I gave Robert a bit of hard time for it, but it was worth it…

Terri - Rachel, I’m just blown away. The pictures are beautiful as is the sentiment. I am so happy to be a part of your journey.

Katie H. - As the sister of the most incredible brother and sister in law imaginable you captured the true essence of them as a couple. I know that they are going to make the best parents…and I can’t wait!!

Carrie Sowell - WOW! I have tears in my eyes! Ashley, these pictures truly captured who they are. Knowing Rachel from birth I can’t say there is anyone more perfect and deserving than Rachel and Robert to be chosen as parents! Rachel, that is SO exciting. I can’t wait to hear more…..now YOU can start a blog!!!

Courtney Connelly - First, Rob and Rachel…you two look AMAZING and I love how the pictures capture your love and personalities so well! Yes, I have huge tears running down my face as I read Ash’s comments and then saw the pictures. What an exciting time this is and can’t wait to spoil that precious baby! Much love.

Mandy - Awesome pictures of an awesome couple! I can’t wait for the rest of this story to unfold. Ashley, I am voting for a spot for you as official documentor (is that a word?) of all the details, so we can all have a sneek peek.

georgia - Rachel, I’m so overwhelmed with emotion right now. These pictures are breath taking. I’m so happy for you guys and agree with everyone else that you will be an amazing mother. I’m also so sad that I don’t live close enough to experience this with you first hand. I love you and miss ya! On a lighter note, your hair looks wonderful!

Jenn G. - I am going to say what everyone else is thinking… you all are stinkin’ HOT!!! These pics are amazing and soooo cute. Way to show some married PDA. On a more serious note, I am so thrilled for you all and can’t wait to see how God is going to build your family.

Molly (Murphy) Shockley - Ashley and Rachel! I LOVE THESE! Rachel, I am officially stalking you! Courtney told me Ashley took your pics and I am so glad to “meet” you and see your sweet, sweet face and handsome hubby. I am so looking forward to this journey of adoption and cannot wait to see the miracles God has laid out before you. Hang on girly, God is getting ready to bless your socks off! Thanks for letting me watch you on this fabulous, intense, emotional and spiritual joy ride! ASHLEY…seriously, we need you to take pics of our family!

denise - Okay I’m bawling—you are killing me! What sweet pictures–sweet story and sweet friends! Literally you two are blessed with one another—you little cuties!!

Amber Dearman - Okay, not sure if it’s the pregnancy hormones kicking in or what…but I’m crying!!! What a precious story! And the pictures are incredible!! Ashley, you’re amazing. And Rachel, you’re stinkin darling!!

SnapShop Round 2 {some ’student’ pics}

Here are some of the shots the ladies at the April SnapShop took during the day…you should see what they have been shooting since.

One of these days I’ll get together a post of those! Enjoy (in no particular order)….

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michele v. - Great models and great pics. I am looking forward to getting my turn to learn from Ashley next month. Can’t wait.

amanda - bopha, can i hire you? great job to all. ashley, you are one amazing teacher.

Lesley - Wow! These are all so good. Mad props to such a great teacher.

Shane & Christy {couple turned engagement session}

Here ’s some more from Shane & Christi’s proposal/engagement session. The original plan was to do some fall pictures and then some with more of a Christmas feel…her smile just kept getting bigger. Priceless.

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Cassie - ADORABLE! We were actually at Woodward Park and saw you photographing them! We were attempting some fall pictures of the kids… but they were running through the leaves like crazy people! It was so beautiful there. I love that his proposal to her… so precious!

fussball - Gute Arbeit hier! Gute Inhalte.

Aaron & Emily {couple session}

I really enjoy couple sessions…you all with toddlers know I am not much of an entertainer, so with couples I don’t have to go much out of my comfort zone to get them to smile. Aaron is so great at making Emily laugh. You might remember them from last year. I had the honor of photographing their wedding in August 2007….I love that they wanted pictures near their first anniversary. Emily’s sister was in town, so at the end we grabbed a few family shots…


The girls will probably want to kill me for posting this, but I love it. It just says so much about sisters. The pose is one they do all the time…just not picturing 3 brothers doing this. I love how much fun they seem to have with eachother. Funny as I watched them it made me want a sister…OH YEAH I have a great sister (who everyone describes as the ‘fun’ one)…. Yeah for sisters!

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Emily - Can’t believe you posted those, cute though!

Emily - I love these pics girl, thanks for being a part of our relationship, you’ve been there for the engagement, the wedding, and the anniversary. Thanks so much!

alison - This makes me laugh!! I’m glad we now have a progression of our “leg” picture from the solid pose, all the way to the ground!! Thanks, Ashley! These are great and I can’t wait to see the rest!

Valerie - So cute! I hope we’re still doing this pose when we’re 80. Thanks Ashley!!

Jeannette Swan - What did you do to the pictures that are sepia – they look old or something – I love it. The sister pics really make me want a sister – I’ve always wanted a sister.

Jamie - Hey, Emily, all those kissy pics are pretty saucy!!! :) I love the first b&w pic; it just seems so calm and peaceful.

Emily - Thanks Jamie! I love that too..

Carol - I remember a piciture of you and your sister with feather boas!!You were teenagers at the time I believe. So you are also the fun one!

Lesley - maybe they should change it to “the fun, yet forgettable one”. Not sure what I think about that…

Anyway, Aaron & Emily, too cute. I love the one in the tress. What a great shot! And the ones with the sisters, (I wonder if they ever forget about each other?), are hilarious. I would want to print & mount the whole sequence on my wall!

jesse peak - TOO Cute!

Cardyn {3 weeks}

Yeah!!! I have a rad, rockin’ new blog. Thanks for visiting, browse around, leave a comment! Well to officially kick off my new blog, I am starting with a newborn post…new life, new blog!

Isn’t she beautiful! J & B, thanks for having me over. It was great to spend a little time with your incredible family. Congrats, Cardyn is precious!

This picture just makes me laugh a little, this is the 4th member of the family. We were attempting to get him to take a picture with the baby….who looks TINY next to him. He could be the biggest dog I have ever seen. I told them my boys would love to go for a ride on his back.

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Bryn Smith - Ashley! We love the pictures!!! Thank you so much for capturing our little Cardyn. You are so talented! We can hardly wait to see the rest of the pictures.

Jesse Peak - Lo..Lo..Love the new site! Looking forward to seeing you in July!

Cindy - You are amazing… how can you be the best photographer, the coolest mom, and have the funest website/blog.
Part of me feels like I’m friends with the new and improved Martha Stewart. Love it!- Cindy

amanda torres - I love the new site! Thanks for the finger paint recipe. I’ve been wanting Mason to start painting, but
EVERYTHING goes in his mouth.

Courtney Connelly - I have spent over an hour checking out the new site! It is fantastic, your creativity and talent never ceases to amaze me. I love your links and tips section!

bopha - I LOVE your new site, i will probably spend way more time on here then i need to. You are really blessed with such creative talent.

Rachel - I love the website!! It’s perfect!! It totally represents the more full you – family, creativity, fun, giving, sharing, serious, spiritual . . . and on, and on . . . I’m so happy for you!! Props to Lesley as well…It’s really fabulous!

grandma campbell - you are just too too creative, love it all and will enjoy visiting this from time to time, love you so much and am so proud of all you do, don’t let the boys keep you too busy, grandma campbell

Jeannette Swan - LOVE IT! How fun to get to share more of your creative ideas with all of us. That Baby “C” you posted is pretty cute!! Thanks Ashley! Jeannette

Carrie Sowell - I love the new blog, and yes the picture with the dog is my favorite too! You’re awesome Ashley!

Meredith - Love, love, love it! You are way too creative! Great pics! Great ideas! I’ll be calling you early Jan to book a time for you to capture some crazy times with our girlie girls. :)

liz winsby - Love your new site. These are great and I especially love the last picture of the entire family!

liz winsby - I just tried to post but it didn’t show up. I love the new blog. I love the photos I especially love the last one of the entire family!

Metcalfs - Wow girlie! This is incredible!!! Well done!! Oh, to have one speck of your creative talent!!! :)

Brenda Hillhouse - Ashley,
Your new site looks great! I love the new layout.

Amber Dearman - I’m so PROUD to tell people about you!!! Keep up the good work! The new website looks awesome!!

Lauren - You never cease to amaze me! Your new website ROCKS!

Denise - YOU AMAZE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John & Jessica {August 08}

I wanted to get at least one post in each category before releasing the new blog…so those of you that followed my old blog will recognize this couple. I am so excited about their August wedding!

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ashley - I love this picture ash you really captured their happiness.. I am so impressed

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