THE ashley helen EXPERIENCE
a collaborative creative team
My favorite part of working in the wedding industry is being part of one big creative team. Although your creative professionals each come from their own businesses, the collaboration that goes on is a thing to behold. I love maintaining communication with the entire creative team (planner, designer, floral artists, et al.), to come together, and deliver an incredible experience for our clients.
There's no such thing as oversharing when it comes to your vision. I revel in style boards, design decks, signature cocktails, bespoke experiences, and heirloom details to pre-conceptualize. I will arrive on your wedding day ready to document it all! I accept a very limited number of projects each year, so that I'm able to give each client my full attention.
1. Let's Meet
I love getting to know my couples before taking on a new project. It's so important to make sure that we are 100% the perfect fit for each other, since we will be spending so much time together on such an important day for the two of you!
If you’re like most, you’re likely scouting a few options right now to find the right photographer to carry out your vision. I respect that process, so during our initial call, we will simply get to know each other, talk about what your ideal wedding would look like and feel like, and see if we are the best fit for each other.
So at the very least, if I can assist you with a little creative brainstorm to serve your vision, those are 20 minutes well-spent in my eyes.
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2. Engagement session
During your engagement session, you will get to see exactly how I work, and I will have the chance to learn how you and your fiancé interact together. My favorite (and most common) thing to hear from a camera-shy groom is "that was actually SO much fun, and I can't wait to do that again!" When your wedding day arrives, we will know each other even more, which allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed.
I love thinking outside the box, and travel often. If you have a destination in mind for your engagement session, let's vision cast together!
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3. creative collaboration & final details
Pre-planning is essential to telling the full story of a wedding. This is where your planner and I will align everything to your vision and create the to-die-for images you are dreaming of. We will put a plan in place, and talk through all the final details, creating a solid photography timeline. We will talk portrait locations, family portrait groupings, bespoke details throughout the day. Looking at color pallets, design decks, and prototypes will help us go into the day ready to create magic together.
I want to serve you and your guests as best as I possibly can. Does your Nanna need her photos done first so she can rest sooner? Do you need a quiet moment for you and your new husband/wife to simply take it all in? Whatever you need, we will plan for it. I have your back.
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4. wedding day
After months and months of planning, it's going to feel like this day is here at long last. Because we already have a detailed plan, and know what to expect, you are going to feel so much more relaxed. You need not worry about the logistics on the day, because you've brought in a top-notch creative team.
I will at times be a fly on the wall, capturing candid moments as they unfold, and at other times stepping in to pose and direct. As an Enneagram Nine, even when I step into director mode, I'm never abrasive or stressful... always calm and collected.
I will maintain communication throughout the day to make sure we are on track and capturing everything you put so much care and attention into.
NEXT
5. gallery delivery & artwork design
Within 60 days of your wedding, you will receive an online gallery of your photographs. You can easily download your images & share with friends & family.
Artwork design is a bespoke offering I cherish with couples. I will artfully design an heirloom quality album that tells the story of your day from start to finish. This is the showstopper piece that your family will revere for generations to come.
In as little as a one-hour video chat, we can also custom curate museum-quality framed prints to adorn your walls. With a quick snapshot of your home wall, I can virtually show you what's possible.
Seeing your images live in and take part in your home is the most rewarding part of my work!
NEXT
a look into
Our creative Process
1. Let's Meet
I love getting to know my couples before taking on a new project. It's so important to make sure that we are 100% the perfect fit for each other, since we will be spending so much time together on such an important day for the two of you!
If you’re like most, you’re likely scouting a few options right now to find the right photographer to carry out your vision. I respect that process, so during our initial call, we will simply get to know each other, talk about what your ideal wedding would look like and feel like, and see if we are the best fit for each other.
So at the very least, if I can assist you with a little creative brainstorm to serve your vision, those are 20 minutes well-spent in my eyes.
NEXT
2. Engagement session
During your engagement session, you will get to see exactly how I work, and I will have the chance to learn how you and your fiancé interact together. My favorite (and most common) thing to hear from a camera-shy groom is "that was actually SO much fun, and I can't wait to do that again!" When your wedding day arrives, we will know each other even more, which allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed.
I love thinking outside the box, and travel often. If you have a destination in mind for your engagement session, let's vision cast together!
NEXT
3. Planning Consultation
Pre-planning is essential to telling the full story of a wedding. This is where your planner and I will align everything to your vision and create the to-die-for images you are dreaming of. We will put a plan in place, and talk through all the final details, creating a solid photography timeline. We will talk portrait locations, family portrait groupings, bespoke details throughout the day. Looking at color pallets, design decks, and prototypes will help us go into the day ready to create magic together.
I want to serve you and your guests as best as I possibly can. Does your Nanna need her photos done first so she can rest sooner? Do you need a quiet moment for you and your beloved to simply take it all in? Whatever you need, we will plan for it. I have your back.
NEXT
4. Wedding Day
After months and months of planning, it's going to feel like this day is here at long last. Because we already have a detailed plan, and know what to expect, you are going to feel so much more relaxed. You need not worry about the logistics on the day, because you've brought in a top-notch creative team.
I will at times be a fly on the wall, capturing candid moments as they unfold, and at other times stepping in to pose and direct. As an Enneagram Nine, even when I step into director mode, I'm never abrasive or stressful... always calm and collected.
I will maintain communication throughout the day to make sure we are on track and capturing everything you put so much care and attention into.
NEXT
5. Gallery Delivery & Artwork
Within 60 days of your wedding, you will receive an online gallery of your photographs. You can easily download your images & share with friends & family.
Artwork design is a bespoke offering I cherish with couples. I will artfully design an heirloom quality album that tells the story of your day from start to finish. This is the showstopper piece that your family will revere for generations to come.
In as little as a one-hour video chat, we can also custom curate museum-quality framed prints to adorn your walls. With a quick snapshot of your home wall, I can virtually show you what's possible.
Seeing your images live in and take part in your home is the most rewarding part of my work!
NEXT
a look into
Our creative Process
visual storytelling that honors you & your individuality
I value personal connection, and honoring your story. The subtle glances you share and the happiness that radiates throughout the day are glimpses into where you began, that your loved ones generations from now will be grateful to one day find. I work closely with each couple throughout the wedding planning to ensure that everything falls into place for the photos you are dreaming of!
COLLEEN'S STORY: Her grandmother wore Chanel perfume every day, the scent encapsulating her memory. On her wedding day, Colleen wore that same perfume as a way to have a piece of her grandmother's memory present. With each catch of the scent, it was like a loving embrace from her beloved grandmother.
a turn-key experience at every turn
ASHLEY WAS ... SO LAID BACK AND EASY TO GET ALONG WITH!! Ashley captured the at my wedding, of all of the families and friends merging together. All of the pictures were so bright and creative!
ASHLEY WAS ... SO LAID BACK AND EASY TO GET ALONG WITH!! ASHLEY CAPTURED THE
AT MY WEDDING, OF ALL OF THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS MERGING TOGETHER. ALL OF THE PICTURES WERE SO BRIGHT AND CREATIVE!
so personable
essence of everything
the joy
— Bethany & Winston
Featured On
Because an heirloom beyond a lifetime.
endures
Do you work with a 2nd shooter?
Yes! My second shooter transitions between the secondary getting ready room, a 2nd vantage point for the ceremony, cocktail hour & guests, and candid moments throughout the day.
how many images will we receive?
We typically deliver 50-75 images per hour we are photographing.
are digital files included?
Yes! Once your images are ready, you will receive an online gallery. Through your gallery, you will have easy access to upload your images as high-resolution for printing, and low-resolution for social sharing.
Do I have to order prints through you?
I highly recommend ordering artwork through the studio, but it is not required. I source the best in the industry when it comes to fine-art print quality, so I encourage clients to allow me to help with artwork.
Do you photograph destinations?
Yes! I am a seasoned traveler, both domestically and abroad, and would love to follow where your celebration unfolds. Travel fees will be included in your customized wedding collection.
What is your turnaround time?
We spend a great deal of detail and hand-editing to each delivered image. Your final gallery will be carefully curated and lovingly retouched to reflect our exquisite style. Portrait galleries are delivered within 6-8 weeks, and weddings within 10-12 weeks. These times also reflect the nuances of shooting, developing, and processing film.
How do we reserve our date?
Reach out as soon as you have your date set. As we only accept a very limited number of projects each year, dates do fill quickly. You can contact us easily HERE. Upon creating your wedding collection, your signed contract and 50% retainer will official reserve your date.
do i need to send you a shot list?
A benefit of working with a seasoned professional, is you do not need to stress about creating a shot list. We will be so well informed of the ins and outs of your celebration through our planning process, that we will be fully ready to authentically capture everything as it unfolds.
What equipment do you use?
Working with both film and digital systems, I have an array of equipment I will use at your wedding. For film images, I shoot with the Contax 645 medium format camera (named Lady Mary) and Canon F1 35mm camera. For digital images, I use the Canon digital mirrorless system.
HOW DO WE RESERVE OUR DATE?
Reach out as soon as you have your date set. As we only accept a very limited number of projects each year, dates do fill quickly. You can contact us easily HERE. Upon creating your wedding collection, your signed contract and 50% retainer will official reserve your date.
NEXT
DO I NEED TO SEND YOU A SHOT LIST?
A benefit of working with a seasoned professional, is you do not need to stress about creating a shot list. We will be so well informed of the ins and outs of your celebration through our planning process, that we will be fully ready to authentically capture everything as it unfolds.
NEXT
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
Working with both film and digital systems, I have an array of equipment I will use at your wedding. For film images, I shoot with the Contax 645 medium format camera (named Lady Mary) and Canon F1 35mm camera. For digital images, I use the Canon digital mirrorless system.
NEXT
FreQuently asked Questions
READY TO GET STARTED?
your
story
BEGINS HERE
I'd love to chat with you about your plans and vision, and just get to know you and your fiancé. As our dates book in advance, it's always wise to inquire as soon as you're able.
