Mariela / Senior Portraits / Salem, OR Photography

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed Mariela's shoot! We wanted to avoid the cold windy outdoors so most of out time was spent in downtown shops, something I haven't done a lot. I couldn't be more happy with the result however, the locations we choose really give her pictures a fun colorful personality!

Her clothes were A-MA-Zing, (I'm a sucker for well dressed subjects), and she brought such charisma to each photo making them truly hers. These first two were taken in Ranch Records.

LOVE the colors in these two!

Casey's is a downtown gem, just thinking of them makes me want a good hotdog!

The Book Bin. I love the smell of used books!

Briggs Brill Wedding / Salem OR Wedding Photographer

What better time to share Racquel & Casey's August wedding than the end of December? The past 6 months have gone by so fast, and although I'm incredibly grateful for all the business and busy-ness I've had, it's nice to have a little pause. The flurries of preparations for family gatherings and holiday events lead to one grand pause...a moment to sit back and savor all your hard work has accomplished. With my family the 'savoring' definitely involves food, not to mention meaningful fellowship shared over coffee.

I see weddings being very similar; lists of to-do's and carefully detailed preparations that make up one monumental event shared by all the people closest to you. Hopefully at one's wedding they have time to sit back and savor the fruits of their labor; friendships they've invested in, family they've loved and supported, and one big bash to bring them all together.

Racquel & Casey's wedding was just such an occasion. I love my family and the closeness we share, and that's something I noticed about these two families right away. The best part was they pulled this wedding off with little planning time and a budget, and look how amazing everything turned out!









Their color scheme was a vibrant orange and teal with coral accents. The eclectic table settings surrounded by lush gardens supplied the wedding with a fresh, cheery atmosphere that complimented the bride and groom well.




First look.










Casey's mom.



Crazy guy on the left is Nolan, Racquel's son. Definitely NOT lacking in spunk!







Racquel's grandparents and great aunts and uncles = adorable!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas too all my dear readers. I've been busy wrapping, cooking, cleaning; making preparations all day for tomorrow, CHRISTMAS! Wishing all of you a wonderful day to reflect on all God has given you and his most precious gift to us, Jesus Christ.

I couldn't resist sharing this photo from Landon's newborn shoot this week, he was adorable!!!

Love you all,

Giving Is Awesome

I'm so excited to share that I have signed up for Giving is Awesome, a worldwide cause to promote photographic giveaways to a family who deserves amazing photographs!

I'm giving $500 credit to cover the session and plenty of prints to the winning family, and a free session to the person that nominated them (valued at $150)! Pretty neat, huh?

Here's what you gotta do. Think of a family or two that you'd like to nominate for the give-away and send me an email explaining why they deserve some awesome new photos. It could be a family that wouldn't be able to afford photos, or just some folks you admire for their selfless giving to others. This is a great way to give back to those around you, so spread the word and let's find a truly deserving family to bless the socks off of!

To nominate others, email me at ashley@ashleysturmphotography.com with a family's story! The nomination will be open until Monday, January 4th 11:59PM (two weeks from today) and I will announce a winner on Wednesday January 6th!

Can't wait to hear who's deserving in your life! Thanks everyone!!!

www.givingisawesome.com

- Photography will be limited to the Salem/Portland area

Christmas Give-Away

Week Before Christmas Give-Away: FREE Family Portraits! Going to one lucky family. Interested?

Kaari Previews / Senior Photographer / Salem OR

Simply stunning. More photos of Kaari coming soon, had to share some previews!