Kaari Toren / Salem OR Senior Photograper

You are going to flip when you see Kaari! Why? Because she's simply gorgeous and has the most captivating eyes. She's got that soft romantic look that makes me swoon when I'm behind the camera! In one of the sunset photos she reminded me of Bella from, you guessed it, Twilight. Although (confession) I still haven't seen the movies OR read the books myself, we all know it's impossible to leave the house without some twilight paraphernalia crossing your path.

Kaari is a hopeful photographer, talented singer and plans to travel Europe this summer with her choir group. JEALOUS! Sometimes I miss the freedom of being 18!

She's good at hiding the fact that it's 30 degrees outside, despite the warm sunny look of these photographs. We started around the Bush Gardens, freezin our buns off, then went downtown into Casey's to warm up a bit, and back outside to Riverfront park as the sun was setting.

Crooks Christmas / Salem OR Photographer

What says "Merry Christmas" better than a tree crammed full with ornaments and lights, a couple dressed in royal red, and an attentive pug with a big red bow? Seriously, if you can think of something tell me!

Pardon the fact that it's February and I'm posting a Christmas photo, but this is cute and worth showing! Oh sorry, I haven't introduced you to Eric & Hannah. They're one of the cutest couples I know, always full of energy, drama (the good kind) and great sarcasm!

I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!

The Story Of Our Engagement / Guest Blogger on Luxe

I couldn't be more excited to share that I am guest blogging on the ever so cute Luxe Event Production's Blog. If you're wanting inspiration, tips and the scoop on local wedding buzz, Luxe is the place to go! I'll be sharing twice a month about my wedding, beginning to end, so you can read here or head on over to Luxe's blog for my story and a whole heap of wedding ideas!

I am so thrilled to share my personal journey of engagement, planning, and how I, with the amazing help of Misty with Luxe Event Productions pull it off! I’ve got all sorts of blog subjects in my head, and all are geared toward inspiring, uplifting, and equipping YOU as a bride in training to have a fabulous wedding, and enjoy the process right along with me. I’m like you in many ways, anticipating that day I’ve dreamed of all my life, but wondering how the heck I’m going to pull it off (on a budget) without stressing myself and those around me. I’ll be sharing twice a month on Friday, and am of course available by email for any questions.

My advice is to pause, fix coffee, take some deep breaths and use this time as a relaxing indulgence!

Here’s a shot of me minutes before the proposal.

This photo of Ryan I took last summer.

So a little back story on me, how I met my fiancé, and the PROPOSAL! Ever since I was three I’ve dreamt of my wedding, renaming myself ‘fancy-girl wedding girl’. I am now grown up and a full time photographer, running my business, Ashley Sturm Photography here in Salem, OR. I love my job mostly because of the people I get to meet and their stories I tell through photography. I adore art, coffee, deep friendships, and my family is as good as it gets! I have unruly curly hair, a love for good food, too many gray sweaters, and I rarely read, which is lame.

Ryan and I met through a mutual friend, and despite our ‘just friends’ approach, it become apparent after spending over 3 months of coffee, movies, thrift store runs, photo trips, and one amazing beach day that we were perfect for one another. We’ve been dating now for a little over a year, and engaged for about three weeks!

Ryan couldn’t have picked a sunnier, more happy day to pop the question. I had wanted some updated photos of myself to use on my website, so we trekked out to the field next to my house and started doing what we did from the beginning, capture memories on camera. It’s crazy now to look back at those photos and think I had NO idea he was about to propose! We had finished our little photo sesh and I was ahead of him, carrying some props when I heard him say, “Ash,” in a bit of a shaky voice. I turned back to face him and he was on his knee with all his emotions and love for me bursting from his face. I knew, this was it. He fidgeted to get out the ring while telling me what a blessing God has given him in me, and tears were flowing from my eyes.

These are moments after he proposed, so special!

I couldn’t imagine a more special, intimate way to ask me than this field, next to my house, which we’ve shared so many memories in already. I said yes. : ) It felt amazing, like the happiness I felt Christmas morning as a child.

Take a look at my beautiful ring he picked out...couldn't have done any better!

So here I am, gushing and telling my story but I know mine’s not the only one.

How did your man pop the question?

Have you started planning?

What’s the most exciting and most scary part of pulling off your perfect day?

Share your thoughts and let’s walk this journey together!

Expressive Sofia / Salem OR Baby Photographer

I am still laughing out loud as I post this entry. My little niece Sofia is as cute as they come. I posted her newborn portraits here a few months ago, adorable! She's a Sturm girl alright, 4 months old and full of spunk and plenty to say! I just had to put these hilarious expressions together to show just how funny she is! The upper right just kills me...!!!

Can't wait until her and cousin Sailor are old enough to play dolls, wear pony tails and take shopping!

Bair Family Previews / Giving Is Awesome / Salem OR Family Photographer

Just a quick preview of the Bair's Family shoot. This is the AMAZING family you selected for the Giving Is Awesome give-away. I can't wait to share their story of strength, hope, and God! It's one that is sure to inspire.

Congrats Giving Is Awesome Winners!

First off a BIG Thank You to all who participated in the Giving Is Awesome portrait give-away! I was so blessed by all of you who took the time to share the stories of someone special and deserving in your life! I apologize in my late announcement, you just made it so hard to decide! It's always good to have a little reminder to stop and really appreciate the people God has put in our life, and purpose to thank them for all they have done.

I am undoubtedly blessed to have such a strong support group of family, friends, and customers, and I couldn't thank you enough! You are the foundation on which I stand. When I question my ventures in this business I think of all the people who have encouraged and believed in me and I find my strength. My BIGGEST thanks goes to my Lord Jesus, You give me wings to soar and a are the inspiration for the love and creativity that make my job possible. :)

Now back to Giving Is Awesome! I'm so excited announce the winner of $500.00 towards photos and prints is the Bair Family!!! They certainly are deserving, and my prayer is that this really blesses and reminds them of all the people that God has put in their life to love and support them! Jim & Lisa Bair have given so much with their lives and have endured the unimaginable, and I couldn't think of a more deserving couple and family than them!

The fabulous woman who nominated them, Rae Hallman is getting a complimentary portrait session as a thank you for getting involved in changing someone's life for the better!

I can't wait to do this again, there's really nothing more satisfying than blessing someone. Love is the best gift, hands down! ; )

May you think of little and big ways to honor the people you see everyday.

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!