New Boutique Packaging / Salem OR Photographer

I have to show off my new boutique packaging, isn't it cute? Who doesn't love receiving something in a nicely wrapped package? I really enjoy the pop of teal against the natural Kraft paper boxes, and the texture of my Referral Card case sealed with a hot pink jewel. It's taken some time to gather all the parts and I'm so pumped everything has finally come together! Packaging is something that really speaks to me, and gets me excited about what's inside. I believe it says a lot about a business and how important your business and continued happiness is to them. Why not leave the best impression possible?!

My plan is to find a different tissue, hopefully one with a fun print like zebra, and a similar teal ribbon in a small size to replace the thin pink ribbon so there's a nice consistency.

Be sure to check back in tomorrow for my personal entry on Wedding Planning for Brides; it's all about getting organized, setting your course, and choosing your vendors.

Sailor Metzger / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

I checked the forecast on this blog post, and the cuteness level is officially off the charts! These photographs are some of my favorites I've shot to date, and the joy it brings me to capture and share these with our family make all the annoying parts of my job so worth it! I'm going to reference the Olympics again, bear with me...Think about the amount of work the athletes invest for one brief moment of victory, and the satisfaction that must bring when they've done their best and stand on the podium! I guess I feel a slice of that emotion every time I know I've done my best and capture moments a family will cherish for a lifetime. Have you seen the tears part, where they're so overwhlemed with joy at their victory? Maybe it's because I'm sentimental and carry my heart on my sleeve, but I get choked up when I see my client is emotionally connected to their photographs. Ahhh, I really do love my job!

Last week I had the delightful opportunity to photograph my dear sister Sally's first child, beautiful Sailor Danielle Metzger. Remember Sally? I posted her maternity session about two weeks ago, I bet you'll see where Sailor gets her pretty feminine features! ; )

This was the ideal newborn shoot because we were at our parent's house and I had the afternoon to photograph Sailor, who, as they always do, took a long time to fall asleep. Here's a tip if you're a photographer or mother wanting newborn portraits done: you must have patience and NEVER rush the baby. Is it just me, or does the newborn sense your presence and put all efforts to staying awake? Anyway, this is my 5th newborn shoot and I've learned a great deal already, which I plan to share in a post later this week.

OK, I don't think I need to keep rambling, just look at these photos!

Sailor Metzger Preview / Salem, OR Newborn Photographer

I couldn't help but post this preview of my niece Sailor Danielle Metzger from her newborn shoot yesterday. At 16-days-old she's the cutest thing I've laid eyes on in a while! I'm swooning over all her photos, CAN'T WAIT to share!

Courage / Personal / Salem OR Photographer

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with Jim & Lisa Bair, along with sons Ryan & Chris. I'm so thankful I was able to do family portraits for them as part of my Giving Is Awesome give-away (previews here), I've thoroughly enjoyed our time together. They've taught me so much about courage, and I left today feeling inspired. Jim has been battling cancer now for about 3 years, and to be as happy, thankful, and hopeful as he is takes more courage than you and I may understand.

As a business owner I often forfeit the comfortable easy route for one that will push me forward and make me succeed. It's tiring, intimidating, and often scary. There's a hundred reasons why I'm not cut out for this, why I won't ever make this succeed, and I would be lying if I said I didn't question my ambitions at times. There's an easy job waiting for me to clock in and out and leave all these headaches behind. But then I think of people like Jim who keep fighting because he's had a good taste of life and all it has to offer, and refuses to take the easy route. I think of the athletes in the Olympics, how they dedicate their whole life to train for that coveted gold medal. Can you imagine the kind of passion that must take? I'm no Olympian, but I do have a drive that I attribute to God and my Grandma. God for creating me with the giftings I have, and my grandma for her intense drive and go-getter mindset. Call me obsessive, you might be right, but I've got this fire to pursue my dreams and not back down. Every good photograph, every smile, every person I meet keeps the flame burning and solidifies why I am pursuing my dream for portrait photography.

Today I feel courageous, perhaps an ounce of what keeps Jim going wore off on me. : ) I found a few quotes that put wind to my sails, I hope you feel as encouraged and empowered as I did after reading them!

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar."
~ Raymond Lindquist

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for."
~William Shedd

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'."
~Mary Anne Radmacher

"Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged man who kept working."
~Unknown

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.