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I’m excited to share this preview of Casey and Erin’s beautiful spring Basignani Winery wedding! This beautiful winery, located in Sparks, MD was the perfect location for their intimate union attended by a small group of family and friends. Not even the scattered rain and lightning storms were enough to damper the joy, love and pride shared by the couple. After getting dressed I took the brides and their immediate family into the vineyard for some portraits and family photos. We then went inside, where Casey, Erin, their two witnesses and the officiant signed the Ketubah, which is the Jewish marriage contract. Prior to walking down the aisle, the brides performed another Jewish ritual called the Bedeken or Un-veiling. Casey and Erin stood back-to-back with their eyes closed and were then invited to turn around and open their eyes in order to see and accept each other for who they really are. During the ceremony under the Chuppah, each bride circled the other 3 times before taking the seventh circle together to represent their safekeeping over one another and the home they’ll create together with their new family at the center.
Casey and Erin exchanged rings unadorned by stones or decorations and then as their ceremony came to an end, they stepped on and shattered a glass wrapped inside a bag. The breaking of the glass represents the reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago and the preciousness of life and relationships. The ceremony was followed by music, dinner, wine and delicious desserts, including a simple yet elegant cake made by the bride (Erin) herself. The bright, colorful and yummy cookies and cupcakes were made by the brides’ friend, Lindsey Satterfield. Cookies shaped in the form of Washington state and Baltimore row homes, representing where the brides are from was such a creative idea! Casey’s dad gave a heartfelt toast, and they spent the remainder of the reception talking and laughing with their friends and family. It was truly a beautiful evening, and I was honored to capture these memories for Casey and Erin. I wish them many years of joy, love, and happiness! Enjoy this preview of their special day…
Venue: Basignani Winery
Flowers: Butterbee Farms @butterbee_farm
Cookies/Cupcakes: Lindsey Satterfield @oneponypaper
Caterer: Zefert and Gold @zeffertandgold
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Mayanka & Robert were the sweetest couple! I am so excited to share this sneak peak of their big day which was filled with so much love and joy. They were actually married in a traditional Indian ceremony some months ago, so this was ceremony number two for their family and friends here in the states. The couple got ready at Hotel Indigo downtown Baltimore and in true Baltimore fashion we didn’t know what to expect with the weather in March… the morning of the wedding we got a snowstorm go figure! Thankfully the snow stopped, and the weather cleared before everyone left the hotel. The couple had a lovely ceremony at Gertrude’s Restaurant on the covered patio. They recited their handwritten vows in front of family and friends and then enjoyed a night of amazing food, heart filled toasts, a surprise guest singer, great music and lots of dancing. It was truly a wonderful celebration! I wish Mayanka and Robert many many years of love and joy as they embark on this new chapter of life together!
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Meet Joshua & Earl Conte, the owners of Upscale Medical Transportation.
Joshua established Upscale in March of 2013 to help fill a void in the medical transportation industry located in Essex and Union County, New Jersey. Since then the healthcare and medical insurance industry has gone through major changes that made it very difficult for him to stay afloat as a small business in his industry. He experienced some significant ups and downs and more than once came to the edge of throwing the whole business away. But Joshua has been the embodiment of persistence, patience and hard work. This summer he teamed up with his dad, Earl, and together they decided to make a massive effort to resuscitate the business… I’m talking about a "charge to 300 and clear" type of effort!
When I tell you that they have been grinding… they have been GRINDING!! Full steam… around the clock. Earl and Joshua have been working on a total rebrand for Upscale including their mission, services, customer service experience, vehicles, policies, operating procedures… the whole nine! Part of this massive rebrand includes creating a presence and personal brand that potential clients will recognize, be drawn to, and trust. So of course I was honored when they asked me to plan and execute their personal branding photoshoot!
I took them through an in depth planning process which started with identifying their brand story, mission, values, and unique value proposition. We discussed what they wanted to get out of the branding session and how they wanted to use their photos and then came up with a plan to meet those objectives. I helped them find 3 locations for the shoot and we strategized as a team to come up with a shot list, props, outfits, etc. The day of their shoot was relatively stress free because of the advanced planning. We got some amazing shots and had a lot of fun in the process!
It is important to pick a photographer who will help you plan and strategize ahead of time so that you can get the most out of your branding session. More often than not, unexpected circumstances and challenges will arise and require a change of plans, but know that having a plan to start with is going to help you feel more relaxed and confident the day of your branding session. The Ashley Marie Photography branding experience is designed to guide you from the planning phase of your photoshoot through how to best use your photos once your gallery has been delivered to you.
I am not just your photographer, but your strategist and coach as well!
I have continued to work with Earl and Josh on their content planning, social media strategies and how to use their images to tell their brand story and connect with their clients. Their new website Upscale Medical Transportation is up and running and instead of stock images, it features the photos we took during their first AMP branding session. You can also check out their Instagram & Facebook accounts to see how having custom branding images is helping them stand out in their industry and connect to their clients.
This is what Earl and Josh had to say about why their clients choose Upscale over other medical transportation companies, “We are committed to excellence! Our clients are not objects to be moved and we actually value and care about them, we treat them like people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our drivers and clients know each other and have meaningful interactions during their transportation services. Our clients often become a part of the Upscale family. Because our clients are a part of the Upscale family we treat them as such. We provide reminder calls the day before their pick- up to confirm arrival time, we provide bottles of water and snacks for their ride, we send cards for their birthdays and holidays and periodically just call to check on them to see if they need anything. Often we just voluntarily provide care packages to our clients as many of them are on the lower end of the social-economic spectrum and struggle with the daily necessities of daily living.”
Enjoy the rest of this sneak peak into their AMP Branding Photography Session and if you want quality custom branding images to help establish or refresh your business or brand Contact Me for more information.
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Personal Branding Photography is more than just headshots, it is about capturing the personality of your brand and your business. The images you use on your website, social media, and other marketing platforms should convey your brand message, your mission, and your unique personality. Your images should match the mood and the feeling of your business. Investing in quality and consistent personal branding images is an amazing way to increase exposure for your business, services, and/or products. It is a way to tell your story, connect with your audience and showcase what makes your business unique beyond what you sell.
More and more consumers are wanting to buy from a real person, and they want to “know” who they are buying from. You are the most unique thing about your business and sharing who you are and the story behind your brand is a great way to build buying trust with your ideal clients.
I had the pleasure of capturing some personal branding images for Ashley Conyers, a talented Black woman entrepreneur. She is amazing and passionate about life and her work... and I am not just saying that because we have the same name, lol! Ashley is the founder, and owner of Time Capsule Photography LLC.
Ashley is a licensed social worker and a lifestyle and personal branding photographer. TCP exists to empower entrepreneurs (especially women) through imagery when it comes to building and maintaining their business(es). As a licensed social worker, photography is another way for Ashley to build connections with others while being creative in the process. She views it as a form of a therapy. “Everyone has layers, it’s my goal to uncover them one portrait at a time. I am here as your cheerleader and business bestie to make sure you feel confident from the beginning to the end of our sessions together.” Ashley’s unique value is that she brings a sense of empathy and a level of understanding to meet every client where they are in their business journey and level of confidence in front of the camera.
For this session, Ashley wanted to highlight the importance of working space, her love of tea, her unique fashion style, and the fun behind the scenes work of a photographer, like editing. She chose a cozy little café in Metuchen, NJ called Cai’s Café.
Ashley says, “Working spaces or Co-working spaces make such a difference for me. The environment that I’m in needs to help me stay focused. Being surrounded by others that are also working helps a lot. Also, the fact that you can potentially network with others in these spaces are amazing as well.
When I work, especially when editing images, I do love a nice cup of tea to keep me going. No coffee for me!”
This is the advice Ashley has for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and her potential clients, “Investing in yourself and your business can be scary, but it is more than worth it. The most motivating and rewarding step you could take for yourself is to invest in creating content that is eye-catching and effectively represents you and your brand. Your ideal clients want to know the person behind the brand and who you truly are. Sharing more about yourself and the story behind your brand using high quality, unique and meaningful images is a great way to take your business to the next level.”
If you live in New Jersey or the Tri-state area and you are looking for a lifestyle or personal branding photographer, check out Time Capsule Photography LLC.
Entrepreneur: Ashley Conyers
Business: Time Capsule Photography LLC.
Service Location: NJ/Tri-State Area
Website: www.shotsbytcp.com
Email: photographytimecapsule@gmail.com
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Coleman Carter's 7 month photo session
Newark, NJ
Weechquaic Park
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So excited to share this sneak peak of Kylie and Trent’s wedding day, which was filled with love, glam, bling, family & friends, fun and more melanin magic than should be legal! The Haven Street Ballroom was transformed into a glamourous space for the wedding ceremony and reception. The morning started with hair and make-up… the bride’s hair was slayed by Darcell Howard and her make-up by Takia Ross of Accessmatized. Kylie’s blinged out bouquet, by Samia Events LLC, was absolutely gorgeous! Between her bouquet and her ring Kylie needed topflight security… and Nate, the ring bearer made sure the package was delivered safely down the aisle! Kylie and Trent shared the sweetest first look before their ceremony started… and let me tell you, Trent was speechless when he first laid eyes on his beautiful bride. The ceremony was beautiful and included a traditional handfasting. Mr & Mrs. Thomas were announced husband and wife, shared their first kiss as a married couple, and the party began immediately! All their family and friends were so overwhelmed with love and excitement that not even the heat could stifle the party! There was dancing, lots of kissing and singing, amazing Caribbean food, more dancing, and heart felt toasts. One of the highlights of the reception was the custom-made African dress that Kylie changed into… like I said… more Black Girl Magic than could be handled! It was truly an honor to capture Kylie and Trent’s engagement and wedding! They are an amazing power couple and genuinely good people! I wish them nothing but happiness as they move into this new chapter of their lives!
Wedding Vendors
Venue: The Haven Street Ballroom
Hair: Darcell Howard, @thehairsnob @Snobbishbridal
Make-Up: Takia Ross, Accessmatized @accessmatized
Bride’s Bouquet: Samia Events LLC
Entertainment: Dej Kicka
Food: Dukes Catering
Drinks: F&Btainment by Daniel
Cake: Ashley David Cakes By Yours Truly
Décor: Luxury Event Styling
Day of Coordinator: Keaonia Shaw
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When it comes to engagement stories that just make you smile from ear to ear and say “Awwwwww” this one here is at the top of my list. Meet Kylie and Trent. Kylie is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the US House Financial Services Committee, and Trent is a Firefighter. They met online and have been dating for almost 3 years. Trent said he was sure that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Kylie, but he wasn’t sure how and when he was going to pop the big question. On April 4th, Kylie, Trent and a friend of theirs decided to go down to Patterson Park to get some fresh air and exercise, and during that outing Trent was overcome with the feeling that that was the perfect time to propose! He got the ring from his car where he had been hiding it and asked Kylie to marry him at a beautiful duck pond in the park. Kylie said it was very romantic. She said YES… of course… and then they walked to Bmore Licks, which was right across the street and had ice cream!
So when deciding where to take their engagement photos, going back to where it happened just felt right. We started their session at Bmore Licks which was perfect on a hot summer day. The couple enjoyed their cones and then we walked over to Patterson Park to the duck pond. They were such a joy to work with and their chemistry was just so natural. Kylie and Trent will be getting married over Labor Day Weekend. They are excited about the wedding and their future together which includes plans to travel the world and make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. Kylie and Trent pray for each other, look out for each other and want the best for each other.
Enjoy this peak at their summer Saturday engagement session at Patterson Park!
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On September 5th, I had the honor of documenting the sweetest and most elaborate proposal. With the help of his family and friends, Eric was able to pop the big question to Felicia in complete surprise. She started the day thinking that she was getting her hair and nails done as part of a promotional/marketing project for her friend. Then Eric took her out to lunch and a casual stroll at Columbia Lake. As the couple walked down near the docks, a random photographer… hahaha A.K.A. me… stopped them. I told them I was prepping for an engagement session for a couple the next day and asked if they would help me test out some shots and in return, I would send them the photos for free. Felicia was not really feeling the idea or the interruption of time with her beau and Eric didn’t help LOL… but I asked her to help support a Black owned business and she did.
Needless to say, when Eric got down on one knee, it threw Felicia all off! Her expressions, her surprise, and her excitement were so contagious! After she said “Yes” Eric walked Felicia over to the amazing picnic that was staged ahead of time… it was honestly the cutest, most picturesque and comfortable picnic I have ever seen. They enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, roses, and each other. Oh yea... did I forget to mention the harpist?! Then we walked around the park and took more photos. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny day! Eric couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day!
I wish Felicia & Eric much happiness and joy as they plan their wedding and their future together! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations are in order to newly engaged couple, LaTasha & Jemel! The couple first met at a Fraternity/Sorority party. LaTasha is a Delta and Jemel is a Que. Jemel popped the question this summer on a day trip to the TurtleBack Zoo where he laid out a romantic picnic... of course LaTasha said yes! Their date is set for August of 2019. I had a great time shooting their engagement session out at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ. Both LaTasha and Jemel are from NY, so they wanted to use the beautiful NYC skyline as their back drop. We had plenty of challenges that day including the blistering cold winds that were blowing over the river. Despite the cold temperatures and the winds we had a clear day and gorgeous blue skies. Both Jemel and LaTasha braved the cold and we got some amazing shots with the skyline. We even got some shots after sunset; the orange and purple colors in the sky were breath taking. Enjoy this peak at LaTasha and Jemel's engagement session.
I am excited to share Nuha & Amr’s River Creek Club engagement party! Their event was phenomenal despite the torrential rain. The celebration began with a traditional Arab grand entrance called a Zaffa performed by a local dabka group, Fares El Layl. They did an amazing job getting the guests excited and energized. Family and friends joined the couple on the dance floor as the dancing continued well into the evening. The music was provided by DJ Yasir. Dinner was catered by the River Creek Club. And the videography was provided by Ellen Bee Productions. Nuha and Amr are such a wonderful couple and I wish them all the best. Enjoy this preview from their engagement celebration!
Introducing Dr. Lucas & Dr. Parham! Tammira and Shaneka are Baltimore City natives who met freshman year at Paul Laurence Dunbar Community High School where they quickly became best friends. They graduated from Dunbar High School together and now 14 years later they have graduated with their Doctorate degrees together. Despite all of the challenges and barriers that they have faced, they both had the determination and perseverance to pursue their goals. Tammira received her Doctorate degree in Business and Shaneka received her Doctorate in Psychology. In addition to their academic accomplishments, they are also super moms to their children and devoted wives to their husbands. They are also members of the elite Divine Nine. Tammira is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Shaneka is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.. They are very proud of where they have come from and thought what better location for their Doctoral graduation photo shoot then at the school where their journey as friends began. They both have incredible stories to tell and they are wonderful examples for all our African-American inner city youth… anything is possible if you put your mind to it! Congratulations Dr. Lucas & Dr. Parham!!
Kim and Mike had the most beautiful and intimate destination-wedding weekend at the Captain’s Quarters vacation home in Cambridge, Maryland. The estate sits on 3 acres of land facing the Little Choptank River, which opens up to the Chesapeake Bay. Mike and Kim's closest family and friends spent the weekend at the vacation home and witnessed the two declare their love for one another in holy matrimony. On their wedding day I got to hear the stories of how Mike met the girl next door and ended up finding his best friend and the love of his life. Kim and Mike are truly a sweet and very down to earth couple. They love spending time out on the water boating, which made Captain’s Quarters the perfect venue for their wedding. There were lots of custom made items integrated into the wedding decor, and lots of royal blue, including Kim's gorgeous custom made wedding ring and band. Kim and Mike have a beautiful blended family including Mike’s son and daughter and their 3 French bulldogs, who were never trailing too far behind her! They were even wearing custom made doggie wedding attire, which was adorable. The ceremony was followed by a lovely reception, tasty food, good music, and lots of heart felt toasts. I am so grateful that Kim and Mike chose me to capture their very special day and I wish them the best as they start this new journey in life together. Congratulations and enjoy this preview from their wedding day!
Vendors
Venue: Captains Quarters
Bride Hair & Make-Up: Melissa Mangrum & Co.
Florist: Seasonal Flowers
Caterer: Chesapeake Celebrations
Bakery: With Sugar On Top
Event Rentals: Dover Tents & Events
]]>Aurora & Devin tied the knot on a beautiful Saturday evening in the presence of God of their closest family and friends. Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Thomas Birkby House, a historical and rather charming venue in Leesburg, Virginia. The Birkby House provided a very elegant setting for the Fentress wedding including a beautiful outdoor ceremony site, landscaped gardens, blooming flowers, an adorable gazebo, a great tent for the reception, and even a small pond with Koi fish. The fresh floral arrangements designed by Affordable Arrangements, a family owned florist in Leesburg, definitely added another level of elegance to the decor. After Aurora & Devin's heart warming ceremony, we explored the grounds of the Birkby house to take some photos of the bride and groom, and we were even joined by a surprise guest... Devin's dog Vegas! Vegas was such a good boy and worked well for treats LOL! And when it was time to get the party started DJ Drex, definitely got the guests out of their seats and on the dance floor; even the wait staff couldn't resist grooving to the beats! All in all, Devin & Aurora had an amazing wedding day filled with love, laughter and fun. It was a true honor to be apart of this momentous occasion and I wish them the nothing but blessings and joy in the years to come. Congratulations Aurora & Devin!
VENDORS
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Thomas Birkby House
Florist: Affordable Arrangements
DJ: DJ Drex A.K.A. Drexel Shorter
Rentals: Something Vintage Rentals
Officiate: Dr. Judy Williams
Caterer: Tuskies-Jonathan
Bakery: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes
Hair & Make-up Stylist: Kayla Mullen
]]>Meet my cousin Jalissa and her fiancé Shawn. I have known this couple for a very long time and I am so excited that they are preparing to tie the knot! Jalissa met Shawn outside of her high school, University High, in Newark, New Jersey. Shawn didn't go to the same school, but he lived right across the street. They dated throughout college and their love for one another has grown tremendously over the years. They have so much in common... They are both quirky, love to laugh, and are family oriented. They both love fashion and shopping. For fun they also enjoy going to the movies and Netflix and Chilling (lol)! They are both members of the divine nine historically black Greek organizations. Shawn finally worked up the courage to pop the big question last year on Lisa's birthday (10/10/15). He took her out to a romantic dinner downtown Baltimore at the Inner Harbor. Lisa said while they were waiting for the waitress to bring dessert, he started fidgeting with his jacket and looking nervous. He got down on one knee and the surprise took over her, all she could say was "Oh my God is this real" over and over again... reality eventually set in and of course she said YES! They have been in planning mode ever since. The big day is set for August 12, 2017 and I am honored to be Lisa's matron of honor. Everyone is excited for this next step in Lisa and Shawn's life. I was definite excited and honored to photograph their engagement session, which we did in Branch Brook Park, Newark, New Jersey. I hope you enjoy this sneak peak of their photos.
Vendors
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill
Caterer: Putting on the Ritz
Cake/Baker: Fresh Bakery
Custom Cake Topper: Etsy- store Dealeasynet
Florals/Bouquets: Wicked Willow
Bride & Brides Maid’s Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom & Grooms Men’s Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Make-up: Tamika Janae, tamikajanaemua@gmail.com, 443-841-5327
Hair: Rasheeda Mitchell, sheedamua.hair11@gmail.com
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Xavier and Keila are one amazing couple and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to document their wedding day! Both the bride and groom spent the morning getting ready at The Embassy Suites Hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. Keila and her bridesmaids enjoyed champagne, memories, and laughs in the cutest robes. The guys also had some bonding time and shared a toast before everyone left for the ceremony site. The ceremony and reception took place at the Durant Arts Center in Old Town Alexandria. It was a great space and a rather unique venue filled with some wonderful artwork. The bride and her aunt did an awesome job creating all the ceremony and reception decor themselves! It's amazing what you can do with a ton of wine bottles and some gold spray paint! After Keila and Xavier's beautiful ceremony, we took it to the streets for some photos. The bride found the cutest cobble stone street, and although it made a challenging time for walking in heels, it made for some amazing photographs! Florida Avenue Grill catered the reception, and you would have thought that grandma was in the kitchen! The food was delicious! There were heart warming toasts, a beautiful cake, a mother & son dance, and even a Delta Sigma Theta ritual for the bride. And finally the bride, the groom, and all of their guests turned up on the dance floor for the rest of the night thanks to DJ One Luv. I wish Keila and Xavier nothing but love and prosperity as they begin their new life together as husband and wife!
Vendors
Day of Coordinator: Brittany McKenna
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Durant Arts Center, Alexandria, Virginia
DJ: DJ One Luv, Jamal Muhammad (202) 725-4916
Caterer: Florida Avenue Grill, Shawnda (202) 276-7357
Cake/Baker: Desmond Pickins/Janee Browne (813) 391-1032
Make-up: Make up Euphoria, Jessia and Jennifer (443) 256 3843
Bride's Dress: David's Bridal
Groom's Tuxedo: Men's Warehouse
Bouquets: Bride
Table Decorations & Center Pieces: Bride
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Katina and Courtney have such a sweet and simple story…
Katina never thought that her next-door neighbor would turn out to be the love of her life. They met one evening… he was watering the grass as she was coming home from work… and things took off from there! I was grateful to be able to capture their wedding day, the day they chose to permanently tie themselves to one another. Both the bride and groom spent the day getting ready at the BWI Hilton Hotel. Katina’s beautiful gown came from David’s Bridal. Her shoes were from DSW and she customized the bottom of them with the cutest “I Do” stickers, something blue. She also incorporated her grandmother’s pearl necklace into her bridal bouquet, something borrowed. Katina & Courtney’s wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Overhills Mansion in Catonsville, Maryland. The record-breaking rain that day did not diminish the beautiful and emotional ceremony. It also didn’t stop any of the guests from enjoying the reception, the wonderful meal, the stunning cake, or dancing the night away. Congratulations to Katina & Courtney! They are such a sweet couple and I wish them many blessings in their new life together!
WEDDING VENDORS
Venue: Overhills Mansion, Catonsville, MD
Caterer: Whitehouse Caterers at Overhills Mansion
Cake: Dessert Connoisseur, dessertconnoisseur@gmail.com
DJ: Steve Taylor
Videographer: Ellen Bee Productions
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Bride’s Shoes: DSW
Florals/Bouquets: Sam’s Club
Hair: D&V Hair Salon, (301) 336-2361
Make-up: Blessed and Beautiful by Monica, blessednbeautifulbymonica@gmail.com
]]>Christina and Daryl got married on a beautiful summer day at the National Golf Club in Fort Washington, Maryland. Both the bride and groom spent the morning relaxing and getting ready with their closest family and friends. The primary colors for the wedding were black and white, but there were a lot of rich purple tones to give the day a pop of color. The bride wore a stunning gown from Lefty’s Bridal, an independently owned bridal boutique. The ceremony took place on the green, and although it was a hot day, all of the guest were excited and more than happy to witness Christina and Daryl declare their love to one another. Both the bride and groom wrote their own vows, which were very moving and emotional; there were tears and laughter all around. The reception space was beautifully decorated, the food was amazing, the cake was a work of art, and DJ Mark Dennis had no problem getting people out on the dance floor. Christina and Daryl had an amazing wedding day and were blessed to be able to share it with so many of their family and friends. I wish them the best as they embark on their new life as husband and wife.
Vendors
Wedding Planner: Senithia Martin, My Elegant Occasion
Caterer: Christine Kuhn, National Golf Club
Baker: Cakes Plus
Videographer: Ellen Bee Productions
Decorator: Sheta Decorations, shetadecoration@hotmail.com
Wedding Dress: Lefty’s Bridal
Make-Up/Hair: Mischelle Avant-Moody, MAC MUA, 240.274.0241
Hair: Aiko Love, www.styleseat.com/aikolove
DJ: Mark Dennis
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Carolyn and Robert are a sweet couple who met while attending Haverford College in Pennsylvania. Robert is a schoolteacher and Carolyn is currently studying to be a veterinarian. Their wedding day took place at the historical Bunker Hill Farm in Millersville, MD. The property was originally constructed around 1820 and has been in Carolyn’s family for generations; it’s where her mom and dad were married years ago. The bride and groom had lots of family and friends come in from out of town to be a part of their special day. Carolyn was breathtakingly beautiful a stunning, non-traditional, gray/blue chiffon gown with lace and detailed beading at the top. She wore her grandmother’s Tiffany pearl around her neck; her sandals, broach, and hairpiece were also adorned with pearls. Robert and his groomsmen wore navy blue tuxedos and ties. One of the most important photos that Carolyn wanted me to capture was of her and Robert standing in front of a row of white outhouses. This was a recreation of a photo from her mom and dad’s wedding day. Robert also chose a striking diamond engagement ring with a blue center stone, which is what Carolyn’s dad gave her mother. There were so many amazing, unique, and meaningful elements in this wedding. The floral arrangements by Little House of Flowers were stunning, the food was by Palate Pleasers was delicious, and the cake, pastries, and macaroons by Sweet Hearts Patisserie were out of this world! I wish Carolyn and Robert all the best as they embark on their new life together!
Venue: Bunker Hill Farm
Caterer: Palate Pleasers
Cake & Pastries: Sweet Hearts Patisserie
Bouquets & Flowers: Little House of Flowers
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Venue: The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill
Caterer: Putting On The Ritz
Wedding Day Coordinator: Corey Chapman
Wedding Cake Display: Jamar Gagum
Wedding Sheet Cakes: Mel Rose Jenkins
Officiant: Rev. Terumi Culmer
DJ: William Epps a.k.a. DJ B-Eazy
Videographer: Ellen Bee Productions
Cello & Violin: Ursula
]]>Rashida and Shegun had a true fairytale wedding! Rashida was treated like royalty, as she and her bridesmaids got ready in the presidential suite. Her wedding dress was modern and elegant and her jewelry, which included a beautiful tiara was fit for a queen. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the beautiful College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The weather forecast was calling for rain throughout the day, but thankfully the rain stopped just in time for their outdoor ceremony. There were beautiful flowers, a harpist, and even a horse and carriage! Rashida and Shegun had a beautiful ceremony and said their vows in front of all their family and friends. The Marriott did an amazing job with the reception décor, which included lots of rich red and gold accents. The tower wedding cake fit well into the royal elegance of the evening. The night was filled with heart-warming toasts, music, dancing, and fun. Rashida and Shegun are such a sweet couple and I was glad to be apart of their special day. I hope they enjoy their Happily Ever After!
Vendors
Venue & Caterer: College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Wedding Cake: Cakes Plus
Florist: Creative Floral Designs
Bride’s Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
DJ: Bobby’s Music Machine
Videographer: Ellen Bee Productions
Horse & Carriage: Harmon’s Carriages
]]>Chanel and Andy’s love story started 7 years ago when they met at church. They got to know each other and became friends overtime. Andy moved away for a few years, but the couple reconnected in 2014 and their friendship grew from there. Andy proposed to Chanel this past Thanksgiving with a romantic breakfast in bed; they truly have so much to be thankful for! I enjoyed hanging out with them during their engagement session. We spent a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon exploring the Hampden area of Baltimore City. They picked Hampden for their session location because of its eclectic feel and variety of scenery. It was my first time visiting the area and there were lots of interesting people and things to see. Chanel and Andy are such a friendly and fun couple; they definitely have amazing chemistry. They described their relationship as magical and have come to realize that they are truly soul mates written in the stars. They have accepted each other’s quirky ways and Andy likes to say that they have a “telepathic connection”. They are best friends and so excited about spending the rest of their lives together. I can’t wait to document their wedding in September and I wish them the best of luck with the rest of their wedding planning!
Even though it’s officially spring, Mother Nature has been taking us on a rollercoaster ride with the weather. We have had 80 degree weeks followed by snow, followed by rain, followed by intense winds… I was completely unsure what to expect for Midori & Scott’s engagement session and that was particularly worrisome since they wanted to take photos down at the DC Tidal Basin where the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom. Well, I can’t tell you how relieved I was that Mother Nature threw us a break. We got down there bright and early to try and catch the sunrise and although it was colder than we would have liked, the sky was clear and the sunrise was absolutely beautiful!
Midori and Scott are such an awesome couple! They met in grad school and will be getting married this October. I am so excited for them and honored that they chose me to capture these special moments for them… I can’t wait until the wedding! After spending time by the river taking photos with Midori, Scott, and their adorable puppy Jack, we caught an Uber (my very first one LOL) to the Library of Congress. This historic building was quite beautiful with all of its amazing architecture. Take a peek at the engagement session below and stay tuned to my blog as wedding season is just beginning!
There are so many beautiful and exciting moments to capture on the wedding day, from the bride laughing while sipping mimosas with her bridesmaids while they get ready to the moment the groom sees the love of his life walking down the isle. Another amazing part of the wedding day is the reception, where the newly wed couple gets to celebrate their new union with their closest family and friends. Receptions are where couples can incorporate traditional elements like parent dances, tossing of the bouquet, and cutting of the wedding cake. Some couples incorporate cultural/ethnic traditions and activities. You may even get to see a choreographed dance off between the bridesmaids and groomsmen, lol, that’s always a good laugh.
Last year I got to meet a very special and amazing family, Sarah, Shay, and their son Kaden. Sarah and Shay had a beautiful ceremony at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel where they said their vows and made a commitment to love and take care of each other for the rest of their lives. When it comes to wedding receptions, theirs is one that I will never be able to forget; it was a true celebration of their union and they turnt all the way up! The excitement and joy during the reception was overwhelming. These two women were incredibly down to earth and had no shame in expressing their love for one another! The night was filled with music, dancing, laughter, and love. The highlight of their reception for me was witnessing their son, Kaden, completely demolish the dance floor all night long! He was the life of the party; his love for his moms was clear as day, as was the love that Sarah, Shay and all of their family and friends had for Kaden.
Every now and then we meet someone who makes an impression on us, someone who displays so much strength and resilience to the challenges and obstacles of this world, that it inspires a certain level of admiration. I was fortunate enough to meet Sarah and Shay, who have to be two of the strongest people I’ve met. Just 3 months after they got married, they experienced a tragedy that no parents should ever have to go through… the death of their 6-year-old son. As a mom myself, it is difficult to even imagine the impact that this unexpected and devastating tragedy had on this family. Til this day, my heart goes out to them. Kaden Fanning was a bright light on this earth that now keeps watch over his mommies from up in heaven; I am so glad that I got a chance to meet him. I will always look back over these wedding photos and remember his lively and contagious spirit. As Sarah and Shay learn how to live life without their Little Man, I pray that they will continue to be each other’s biggest source of love, support, and encouragement. And I once again thank you ladies for allowing me to be a part of your special day!
Despite all the doubts I had about this winter storm... Jonas really turned out to be a beast! I've been snowed in all day so I decided to share some sunshine and warmth with you guys in the form of this beautiful fall wedding from 2015!
Lisa & Matt are college sweethearts and they had a beautiful sunny wedding day at the River House Golf Club in Easton, Maryland! The groom and his groomsmen spent time before the ceremony relaxing and bonding... They enjoyed a game of corn hole and hung out by the bar while they had a few drinks and watched the football game. Lisa and Matt had an outdoor ceremony and let me tell you, there were so many beautiful details and decor. After they exchanged vows and said "I Do" they took some beautiful photos down on the dock near the water. The reception was indoors; the reception decor, lighting, and details created a romantic and stunning ambiance. And then when you thought the night couldn't get any better, they surprised their guest with a fire pit and s'mores bar out on the reception patio. I wish Lisa and Matt a long happy life together! I hope you enjoy looking at their photos on this cold blistery evening!
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Happy Thursday my good people! Thursday in this day and age is dedicated to throwbacks... so I am sharing one of my favorite weddings from 2015... Jocara Sr. and Teara Knight! Teara and Jocara met and fell in love at Frostburg State University. They both played on the university's basketball team, I'll share their Love & Basketball engagement at a later date ;)
Their wedding took place at the beautiful Patuxent Greens Country Club in Laurel, Maryland. The weather was beautiful that day... warm with intermittent overcast. The day ran very smoothly thanks to Trina Green of Affairs Remembered, Teara and Jo's wedding planner/coordinator. She also gets the credit for the beautiful wedding and reception decor. The ceremony took place on a covered patio; they were fortunate enough to be married by Jo's father who is a pastor. After the ceremony we went out on to the golf course for some photos... my favorite part was riding around on the golf carts! The reception was a blast as their family, friends, and guest enjoyed an awesome meal and danced the night away. It was truly a "Knight To Remember"... I wish the Knight family much peace, love, and prosperity in the new year!
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I was thrilled when the Stewart family invited me back to capture their 2015 holiday photos. Last year we had a lot of fun, but this year was even better. I'm talking Rudolph pajamas for the whole family! The girls also baked Christmas cookies with their mom, and boy oh boy, what an adventure that was <wink wink> they know what I mean! LOL! Of course the girls had tons of creative fun ideas and poses they wanted to try with the holiday props. They always have so much enthusiasm and it was such a joy working with them. Of course none of this would be possible without mom and dad who were amazing as well. Dad has already started planning the family's 2016 holiday photo session... No I'm serious, LOL. We're talking location, outfits, and the whole 9 yards. I'm as excited about it as they are and I can't wait for next year. In the meantime I hope they enjoyed this year's session and I know their Christmas cards will be awesome!
Annie and Jon were two rays of sunshine on a cloudy day. The weather may have been a bit gloomy, but you couldn’t tell with all the laughter, joy, and excitement, from Annie, Jon, their family, and their friends. The day started at Annie’s parents’ house where everyone got ready. Annie wore a beautiful tea length, lace detailed gown. Her shoes and accessories complimented her vintage look perfectly; she was absolutely stunning! I also found out that Annie is quite the creative. She loves origami, which is why she spent a great deal of time making the most perfect origami bouquets for her and her bridesmaids. Annie and Jon exchanged vows during a beautiful ceremony at the Saint Louis Parish Chapel in Clarksville, MD. From there we all traveled to The Great Room at Historic Savage Mill for Annie and Jon’s reception. The reception décor included more of Annie’s unique handmade pieces including the place cards and centerpieces featuring origami paper cranes. There was delicious food, tasty cake, and lots of dancing. I wish the bride and groom a lifetime of happiness, love, and prosperity!
Everyone loves a good love story, so meet Darian and Jonathan! These two met on a blind date set up through a mutual friend. Their blind date led to a 4 year relationship, and now these two are preparing to commit to one another for the rest of their lives! Exciting right? I photographed Darian and Jonathan’s engagement session at the Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, Maryland and let me tell you it was a beautiful fall day! During our time in the garden I got to learn so much about these guys. Darian is a college professor and Jonathan is a research consultant in the chemistry field. While their professions may sound a tad intimidating, they are very down to earth and have a ton of amazing hobbies and interests! You think I’m exaggerating? Well, Darian plays the trombone and Johnathan plays the cello, and they love playing music together. Darian loves the outdoors so he enjoys running (including marathons), camping, hiking, and doing crazy things like the polar bear plunge! Jonathan enjoys cooking, baking, and gardening. I even got a little plant and flower tutorial as we walked through the gardens…thanks Jonathan! Oh and if that wasn’t enough… they also enjoy traveling, tennis, and Darian has even developed a passion for painting. Trust me when I tell you that this is one well rounded and busy couple! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to document such a special occasion for this amazing couple! I wish them nothing but the best. I hope you enjoy this preview from their engagement session.
This is the story of a Baltimore inner city community who came together to build a playground in just 6 hours! And let me say it was an amazing and success feat to witness and be a part of. This playground was built down on North Monroe Street in Baltimore, MD. The build day was made possible by Light Health & Wellness, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and KaBoom, 3 wonderful non-profit organizations. KaBoom is a national organization dedicated to ensuring that children, particularly American children living in poverty, get the balance of active play they need to become healthy and successful adults. There were so many volunteers, sponsors, and residents of the community that came together to make this effort possible. Councilman Nick Mosby and other city and state officials even stopped by to contribute and lend a helping hand! The volunteers arrived at 8:30am and the ribbon was cut around 3:00pm, isn’t that amazing?! I was so glad to be able to document this wonderful event. The day was filled with hard work, positivity, laughter, joy, fun, and an overall spirit of teamwork. The children of this community will have the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful top of the line playground for years to come.
Meet Vivian and Erick. I had so much fun shooting their engagement session. They are such an adorable couple and they had me laughing almost the whole time. Erick and Vivian met at North Carolina Wesleyan College when they were both in their freshman year. “Love at first sight” was not how their story went down. In fact they started arguing shortly after their initial introduction, lol. Although I got two different versions of what happened the day they met, the one thing I could tell for sure is that these two are head over heels in love! Now almost 7 years later here they are planning their forever together.
Vivian is a school psychologist and Erick is a police officer. Sometimes their careers keep them apart during the week, so when they have down time they like to spend it together watching movies and catching up on their favorite shows. They also enjoy visiting different parks and enjoying nature; Vivian is an avid reader (for work and pleasure) so she loves taking reading materials with her anywhere she goes. Vivian wanted to incorporate some of their interest/career aspects into their session. One of the funniest moments of our session was when she was trying her best to convince Erick to let her use his gun as a prop… Erick was not having that lol, but her did loan us his handcuffs for some pretty neat ring shots!
These two lovebirds were a joy to work with and I wish them the best of luck in their future together!
They are engaged and in full wedding planning mode. I got to spend some time with this wonderful couple out at Wilde Lake in Columbia, MD. It was a true fall day... the leaves were vibrant, the temperature was brisk, the wind was whipping, and love was definitely in the air! There were lots of beautiful scenery and details around the lake, but one of my favorite details of the day was Kim's beautiful engagement rings featuring blue diamonds! Kim is actually from Minnesota, which is where they will be getting married. Luckily, she has friends and family back home who are helping her plan. I wish her and Alex the best of luck in their future together!
Baltimore, Maryland is known for its harbor and waterfronts among many things. It was at the harbor, Canton Waterfront Park to be exact, where Antonio (a.k.a. BJ) proposed to his beautiful girlfriend of 2 years. BJ and Cynthia met online and after a few weeks of communicating, they went on their first date down at the harbor for dinner, drinks, and a stroll by the water. It was fitting that BJ popped the big question down at the waterfront where their journey began, and with such thought and romance of course Cynthia said yes! I really enjoyed working with this beautiful couple. They were a little nervous about the session initially, but their chemistry, affection for each other, and their sense of humor eased the tension and we ended up having a lot of fun. These two will be headed up to Cynthia’s home state of New York to get married, I wish them the best of luck in their future together, and I can’t wait to work with them again!
On the evening of September 28, 2015 Lacy and Andre tied the knot at the beautiful Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD. The two have been together for 9 years, so needless to say this was an exciting and highly anticipated day for them! They met in church and so it was fitting that Andre proposed to Lacy in church while he was doing a short sermon called the Short Word.
The excitement was evident from the beginning of the wedding until the very end. Lacy's expression was priceless when she first saw herself in her dress and make-up (which was done by Tee Ade (Toyo) of Omoge Beauty Services. Both Lacy and Andre were grinning from ear to ear when they first saw each other at the ceremony, and when they kissed and were announced husband and wife.
The bride and groom were fortunate enough to share their day with lots of family and friends. Their reception had some traditional American, African, and Jamaican elements. The catering, coordinating, and decorating, were done by Natasha and her crew from Too Blessed to be Stressed Catering. The bride and groom had their first dance and the bride also had a dance with her son. There were two traditional African dances, one was the Grand March and the other was the Bride Money Dance. And then there were a few games including the shoe game… I think it is safe to say that the bride’s shoes were in the air most often LOL!
Congratulations to Lacy and Andre! I hope you are blessed with many many years together!
Venue: Newton White Mansion
Make-up: Toyo, Omoge Beauty Services
Bride's Hair: Olive Thomas, His & Hers Unisex Hair Salon
Catering/Coordinating/Decorating: Natasha, Too Blessed To Be Stressed Catering
Videography: Lavon Surratt Ellen Bee Productions
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Well these two sure can!
Arpitha and Shiva are head over heels in love and I had the privilege to shoot their engagement session. We spent our time in downtown Baltimore near Federal Hill and the Inner Harbor. We thought we'd get rained out, but the weather ended up working in our favor, mostly overcast with a few peaks of sun. We walked around the park for a while and Arpitha and Shiva even entertained their inner child by riding on the swings. We found some beautiful mosaic artwork at one of the museums and we ended our session down by the docks. This couple will be tying the knot on December 5, 2015 in their home country of India with lots of family and friends! They were an amazing couple to work with and I wish them the best of luck in their future life together!
Mary and Matt had an amazing summer wedding day out on the eastern shore! I had such a blast photographing the groom and his groomsmen getting ready. If Matt was nervous, I sure couldn't tell! His grooms men kept him smiling and laughing, and of course the fact that he was about to marry the girl of his dreams. Some of my favorite highlights from the morning were the custom batman shirt made for the ring bearer, the great pocket square debacle (which included you tubing how to properly fold a pocket square), and the grand finale performance of "Stacy's Mom" by the groom and his grooms men! From there, we went to St. Michaels Catholic Mission Church where Mary and Matt tied the knot during a beautiful ceremony. It was a beautiful sunny day for an outdoor reception at the Harbourtowne Resort in St. Michaels, MD. There was great food, laughing, dancing, heart felt toasts, cake, and a breath taking sunset. This was definitely a wedding to remember, and I am so glad that I had a chance to photograph it!
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I have always been a die hard summer time girl! So when the weather starts to cool off and the leaves start to fall I have to remind myself of what I like about fall. Visually, fall really is amazing. Since it's Flash Back Friday, I decided to share this super cute photo session from last fall. Lena and Carl were such a fun and adventurous couple. They wanted to explore the city and enjoy each other, we even spent some time up on Federal Hill.
Looking back at this session is getting me so excited for the upcoming sessions I have scheduled for this fall!
It's not too late to schedule your appointment :)
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Lauren and Josh are an amazing couple! They have been together for 4 years. They are both from New Hampshire and they’ve been together for 4 years. Lauren is a physical education teacher at an elementary school in New Hampshire and Josh moved to Washington DC to join the police academy. They were inseparable before Josh moved to DC, so living apart has been the hardest thing that they’ve had to deal with in their relationship. Although it’s been tough living in different states, Lauren is very proud and supportive of Josh’s career and training with the police academy. Since that has a big impact on their lives, they wanted that to reflect in their engagement photos. Lauren suggested that they have a DC themed photo session incorporating some of Josh’s police gear including his handcuffs and boots. Although Josh is the police officer, I think Lauren is the one who has him on love lock down!
We started the session at West Potomic Park. Although it was after the peak of cherry blossom season, we were still able to experience some of the beautiful blooms. From there we walked a little bit around the National Mall and I got to know a little more about them. They usually like fishing, going to the beach, and going for joy rides. But since they live in different states now, when they see each other, they just like to relax and watch movies with their two dogs Lola and Bella. Lauren and Josh are such a fun, easy going, and loving couple; I really enjoyed working with them! I wish them the best of luck in their future life together.
Just as I predicted, my 1-year photo session with Miss Morgan B was super fun. It was a hot day in the park with mommy, daddy, and yummy cake! Morgan's mom and dad can't believe how fast she is growing. Morgan was dressed in the cutest outfit featuring a custom Minnie Mouse onesie and custom Minnie Mouse bows on her sneakers.
One of the biggest differences between this session and her last session was definitely mobility. Morgan started taking her first steps a little over a week ago. It was amusing to see her staggering and even trying to run. After capturing her interacting and having fun with her parents, we bought out the birthday cake and let her have at it! She dug right in and boy oh boy did she make a mess! Take a look at some of the photos from Morgan's birthday session below...
(See the whole session http://www.ashleymarie-photography.com/morganb)
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I am sharing her first photo session with you because today she will be coming back for me to take her 1 year-old photos. Yes, that's right her 1 year-old photos! My... my...my how time flies, especially when you have children. In a couple weeks Morgan will be turning the big 1! She has a huge personality and just starting walking, so needless to say I am super excited for our photo session today. I can't wait to share her big girl photos so stay tuned!
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Miss Ryann Lucas is a 5-year-old who is not afraid of being in the spotlight; some may even call her a diva. She loves to sing, dance, and learn. She has quite the charismatic personality and will have you laughing hysterically after just one conversation. Ryann is also a mini mogul and quite the fashionista. She has her own line of children's accessories; check out her products at www.ryannscloset.com. You can also follow her on Instagram @ryannlworld. We had an awesome photo session in preparation for her big trip to New York where she has meetings lined up with two talent agencies. I am wishing her the best of luck in New York and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for her!
Check out some of the photos from our photo shoot...
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- Schedule enough time for the photo session. With adults and older children a 50-60 minute session may be more than enough time to get the shots that you want. When it comes to infants, you have to ensure that their needs are met so that they will be happy and content. That means accounting for feedings, diaper changes, soothing/cuddling with mom. Time will also play a factor in getting those adorable napping shots vs. the shots that capture those beautiful bright eyes.
This beautiful little girl was wide awake during her entire session; she was determined not to miss out on a thing...
This little beauty fell asleep half way through her session... perfect timing...
- Personalize your photo session by including items that belong to or comfort your baby. For example you may have a favorite blanket that they use frequently that smells like them (or even you) or stuffed animals. Other cute props include hats, headbands, necklaces, tutus, bloomers, and customized items with the baby’s name on it. Pinterest is a good site to look for ideas.
This cutie had plenty of adorable head bands and cute outfits
Such a cute personalized blanket...
- When you think about location the preferable setting is going to be somewhere that has lots of natural light.
Daddy decided to guest star in these photos. The light is coming from 2 large windows located in the baby's nursery...
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“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.”― Karl Lagerfeld
Have you ever thought about the importance of photographs??
Life is full of importance moments. We live in a fast paced society and it’s often hard to slow down enough to relish in those moments.
Photographs allow you to capture important moments forever. You can look back and re-experience them, even after your memory fades.
Don’t let your special moments pass you by... Live, Laugh, Photograph!
Fall means cool weather, cute boots, pumpkin flavored treats, Halloween, and beautiful changes in the color of nature... What do you love most about fall?
This is the perfect time to take advantage of this wonderful season so schedule an outdoor photo shoot today before it's too late!!!
Live, Laugh, Photograph!!
Ashley Marie Photography