Matthew and Cortney's Ashton Depot Wedding | Girt and Gold Event Co. | Ellen Ashton Photography

Talk about Souther Charm!

Courtney and Matthew are truly some of the kindest people. About 6 months before their wedding I gave them a call and was honestly terrified. I was pregnant. A totally, unplaced miracle that I had prayed for for eight years. As I told her the news Courtney rejoiced with me and told me she trusted me completely even though she knew I would be so pregnant at her wedding. She will never know how much that meant to me. Being a women and being a business owner is hard because sometimes with pregnancy the world doesn’t always view you as capable, but a liability, but she didn’t.

Working with Courtney and Matthew was a true joy! I have so many fond memories of these two. The way that Mattew looks at Courtney and the way they laugh together is something that truly melts the heart. Just to give you an idea of how incredible these two are, they were concerned about me on their wedding day. I shot their wedding at 38 weeks 5 days pregnant and it was the best decision and I would do it all over again if I could. Working hard for such deserving people was my pleasure. These two deserved all the pretty pictures on their wedding day and I am honored that they trusted me with their memories.

I will always love and appreciate these two.

AS SEEN ON

Photographer | Ellen Ashton | Floral | Moss Floral | Planning & Design | GRIT & GOLD | Invitations | Pretty Post | Ceremony Site | Robert Carr | Reception Venue | The Ashton Depot | Linens | La Tavola | | Cake | Creme de la Creme | Band | Emerald City | HMUA | Meg B Beauty | Entertainment | Party Poet | Video | Company N Films | Draping | Its Your Night | Rentals | Perch Decor | Transportation | Premier of Dallas | Bridal Retails | Warren Barron | Bridal Dress Designer | Monique Lhuillier | Tux | The Black Tux

Beka & Michael's Engagement Session | Robert Carr Chapel | Treasured Heart Events | Ellen Ashton Photography

Personal touches are great to incorporate into your engagement session! I especially love them when they are subtle and not so obvious, like the location for example!

What I absolutely love about Beka and Michael’s engagement session is that the photos were taken in his childhood home! This was the most beautiful backyard! I just can’t get over the fountain and green house! It was the perfect backdrop to capture the love that they share in an intimate setting that is special to them!

We had the best time photographing Beka and Michael’s engagement session!

Enjoy!

Alceia & Matthew's Engagement Session | Dallas Arboretum Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographer

Believe it or not, this day was extremely cold! Regardless, these two took the chilly weather and wind like champs! We had an absolute blast photographing these two! I absolutely can’t wait for their Wedding in October!

Wedding Planner: Grit and Gold Events Co.

Florist: Max Owens Designs

Rehearsal Dinner Dresses For 2021 | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers | What Should I Wear To My Rehearsal Dinner

REHEARSAL DINNER DRESSES FOR SPRING 2021

If there’s one thing I love, it’s helping my brides find amazing dresses for their rehearsal dinner. What most of my bride don’t know, is that before I was a wedding photographer I use to be a fashion blogger photographer. I have always really enjoyed fashion, and of course love sifting online for dresses that are one of a kind. Every girl deserves to feel amazing on her wedding day, but she also deserves to feel like the bell of the ball at her rehearsal dinner as well. I have selected some of my favorite “little white” rehearsal dinner dresses for spring 2021.

Enjoy!

-E

LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? CLICK YOUR FAVORITE DRESS TO SHOP THE LINK!

Ashton Depot Engagement Session | Courtney and Matt's Arbor Hill's Engagement | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

We had so much fun at Courtney & Matt’s engagement session! These two were so comfortable with each other and we shared a lot of laughs at their session! Y’all I LOVE IT when my couples show up ready to have a good time!

Courtney and Matt choose to use the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano and Y’all, it was the PERFECT location for them! All the soft colors from the grass matched perfectly with their outfits! Courtney did an amazing job pairing hers and Matt’s outfits together!

One thing is for sure, after having such a great time with these two at their engagements, it makes me that much more excited to celebrate with and capture their wedding day!

CHATEAU RAMEZAY WEDDING | FRENCH BRIDAL SESSION | MONTREAL, CANADA |

This editorial bridal shoot is everything I have ever hoped and dreamed for in a bridal session.

In July, Lottie with Grit and Gold and Meagan with Meg B Beauty and myself decided that we would do a bridal session in Montreal Canada, so we all got on a plane and went! 

After the bridal session was over, we knew that we had just accomplished something special, something that we were all genuinely proud of. So, we went out for celebratory dinner. As we strolling the cobble stone streets of Montreal, laughing and living in the moment, I couldn't help but feel overcome with gratitude. This whole trip was magical and such a piece of my creative heart. 

Enjoy!

Click HERE to see Magnolia Rouge Feature

VENDOR TEAM

Planning + Design | Grit + Gold |  Photographer | Ellen Ashton| Dress Retailer | The Lovely Bride Dallas | Dress Designer | Sarah Seven | Venue | Chateau Ramezay | Furniture Rentals | GALA Design | Tabletop Rentals | Bravo Party | Floral | Les Petites Excuses | Paper | Someday Art Co | Jewelry | Single Stone LA | Silk Ribbons | The Poetry of Silk | Shoes | Harriet Wilde | Custom Veils | Kata Banko Couture | Vintage Sheer Grey Gown | Lace Atelier| MUA | Meg B Beauty |

The White Sparrow Barn Wedding | Ivory and Vine Events | Ellen Ashton Photography

" At the end of each day, I like to acknowledge or jot down a few things that made me smile. On the top of that list today will surely be this slice of garden-inspired goodness from Ivory & Vine Event Co., which ended in THE sweetest real surprise proposal. Fellow wedding lovers, there's even a video documenting it below!—be sure not to miss it after you peruse all of the lovely captured by Ellen Ashton. P.S. Get a load of those Sarah Seven dresses, dreamy right?" -Melissa Baran

From Ivory & Vine Event Co.... This shoot was inspired by the Garden of Eden. We wanted to create an intimate wedding scene surrounded by elements of lush floral, greenery and vibrant pops of color to bring the Garden of Eden to life. The White Sparrow Barn made an incredible backdrop, surrounding us with stunning white walls and a grand space to set the stage.

The vibrant, spring color palette of deep berries, pinks, blush and creams helped to add so much color to the neutral walls of the White Sparrow. Kate Foley Designs created an amazing installation of floral and greenery, climbing the walls of the White Sparrow and evoking the feeling of a lush, hidden garden. From the bridal bouquet to the centerpieces, each element was designed with the intention of elevating natural elements into something elegant.

A few weeks into planning the editorial shoot with our model couple, the “groom” reached out to me asking if I would help plan his girlfriend’s proposal at the end of the shoot. He knew she loved The White Sparrow barn and that she would be getting her hair and makeup done specially for the shoot, and decided that it would be a great opportunity to ask for her hand.

We decided to split the shoot in two different sections, the wedding section and the “day after” portraits which have become popular among many couples. During the day-after section, as the models stood in the center of the room, Jaden got down on one knee and proposed. We opened the barn doors to reveal all of Havyn’s best friends standing there with balloons. She was absolutely stunning as she said “yes” to her future groom!

Ellen Ashton did such an amazing job of not only capturing the intricate details of the shoot, but the emotions of the day as well. Her aesthetic eye helped to bring an entirely different perspective into the space, capturing each intimate moment.

Pink Champagne Paper created a gorgeous stationery suite, with so many fun elements. From the custom map of the White Sparrow hand-drawn on textured paper, to the wax seals and barn drawing, each stationery element helped to tie the concept of the piece together.

We were thrilled to showcase two stunning Sarah Seven gowns. For the wedding portion of the shoot, our model wore the Carlisle gown by Sarah Seven. This piece gave a nod to the Garden of Eden concept through it’s illusion lace detailing and floral pattern design. During the day-after section and real proposal moment, our model adorned a buttery-yellow Sarah Seven slip dress, full of movement.

Whisk Until Sweet provided an incredible cake adorned with fresh floral, dripping chocolate and fruit accents to tie in our concept. This two-tiered beauty was simple, but full of so many fun details.

Each moment of this shoot was so truly unique. This team of vendors put so much thought and care into every detail not only to elevate the design, but to give our couple one of the most memorable days of their lives. It was truly an honor to plan something so beautiful for this couple!

• Planning & Design: Ivory & Vine Event Co.
• Photography: Ellen Ashton Photography
• Floral Design; Kate Foley Designs
• Cake: Whisk Until Sweet
• Stationery: Pink Champagne Paper
• Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon Co. 
• Suit: The Black Tux
• Rentals: Rent My Dust
• Dress Boutique: AandBe Bridal Shop
• Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven
• Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn
• Hair & Makeup: Meagan Bechtel
• Video: Peyton Frank
• Venue: The White Sparrow

Brae Loch Wedding Venue | Dakota and Katie's Engagement Session | Dallas Wedding Photographer | Ellen Ashton Photogaphy

It has been a hot minute since I last blogged, so tonight I'm going  to share a little something with all you lovelies. 

I met Dakota and Katie at a Bible study earlier this summer and I am so glad I did! I had the honor of photographing these two when Dakota proposed to Katie this past July. (Click HERE to see photos).  Katie had the surprise of her life that day and it's still one of my favorite sessions to date. 

Last week Katie, Dakota and I loaded up into a car and drove to a dreamy destination to take their engagement photos. I loved chatting in the car with them as we went adventuring together. I learned so many things about them that made me love them even more than I already do. 

As we were chatting, Katie was telling me that her dad had past away a few years ago, and in honor of his memory Dakota was wearing one of his shirts in their engagement photos. Honestly I cried a little when Katie told me this (not so uncommon if you know me.. Compassion and empathy are my middle name!). 

Hearing how these two met and started dating was truly so fun to listen to! Katie couldn't stop smiling, and honestly, that's one of my favorite things about her- she always has a smile on her beautiful face. Both Katie and Dakota are so full of life and joy. The love they share, the pure excitement and happiness they have about getting married really shines through each photograph. Let me just tell you, all the happy smilies were infectious and I LOVED EVERY SECOND IT. 

I hope you enjoy this precious session as much as I enjoyed photographing and getting to know the people in them. 

Much love and happy belated thanksgiving, 

-E

If you loved the first half of Dakota and Katie's engagement session, then you are going to DIE when we see the second portion. Y'all, they are slaying it. On our way up the mountain we found some awesome foliage that we added to Katie's wild flower bouquet. Honestly, I could go on and on about how amazing these guys are but I'll just shut up now and let the images do the talking. ** insert emoji heart eyes**

The White Sparrow Barn | Surprise Proposal | How He Asked Feature | Ellen Ashton Photography

This proposal was one in a million! 

As we were planning for a styled shoot at the White Sparrow Barn, Karli, from Ivory and Vine Events co. asked some of her friends from college to model for us. Then, the best thing happened!

Jaden, told Karli that he was going to ask his girlfriend Hayvn to marry him! So, from there we started planning a proposal for Jadon and Hayvn that would be both special and insanely beautiful! And by "we" I mean Kari! However, pulling off this surprise proposal truly was a team effort! It took every single vendor to really make this happen! From a&be bridal salon who lent us a gorgeous Sarah Seven dress, to Kate Foley for the impressive floral insulation that helped frame the couple, to all the heart and love that Karli put into the behind the scenes work to make this proposal such a special one for the couple. 

We LOVE making dreams come true and making every girl feel like a queen!

• Planning & Design: Ivory & Vine Event Co.
• Photography: Ellen Ashton Photography
• Floral Design; Kate Foley Designs
• Cake: Whisk Until Sweet
• Stationery: Pink Champagne Paper
• Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon Co. 
• Suit: The Black Tux
• Rentals: Rent My Dust
• Dress Boutique: AandBe Bridal Shop
• Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven
• Jewelry: Trumpet & Horn
• Hair & Makeup: Meagan Bechtel
• Video: Peyton Frank
• Venue: The White Sparrow

The End 

The Nest At Ruth Farms Wedding Venue | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

I had the pleasure of visiting The Nest a Ruth Farms! This stunning, new venue is nestled in Ponder, Tx. 

As a walked into the venue I was created with one of the owners, Whitney! She is truly one of the kindest souls! She took me around the venue and gave me the grand tour! 

Something that is really great about the nest is the friendly atmosphere as well as the blank canvas that their venue provides for brides getting married there! As you can see the venue photographs like a dream! Which to me is so important! 

I think one of my favorite things that the Nest provides for their brides is an indoor ceremony option, as well as great places to take photos indoors should weather turn bad. This is something that as a photographer I think is so valuable! Of course, we always pray for good weather! But, it's nice to have the option if you need it and know that you will still have stunning images!

I think the Nest is a great option for any bride looking for a venue!

The Farmhouse Weddings in Montgomery Texas | Braeden and Taylors Wedding | Ellen Ashton Photography

Taylor and Braeden's Wedding was an absolute dream! I still can't believe how amazingly fabulous this day was!

Every vendor from this wedding did an outstanding job and this wedding came together so beautify. The Farmhouse is such a magical place and I love shooting there 

I hope you all enjoy this wedding as much as I enjoyed shooting it! 

Congratulations to Braeden and Taylor! 

-E 

Vendor Love: 

Planning: Wed and Prosper
Venue: The Farmhouse
Florist: Bramble & Bee
Video: Jake Austin Films
Linens: Artistique Events
Rentals: Love Birds Vintage
Photographer: Ellen Ashton Photography
Hair and make up: Hey Lovely Makeup

Christie and Brian's Houston Engagement Session | Farmhouse Weddings in Montgomery Texas | Ellen Ashton Photography

I love traveling to magical destinations to photography my clients. Christie and Bryan's Houston engagement session was an absolute dream! Aren't they just STUNNING?! I can't wait to photograph their Farmhouse Wedding in August! It's going to be one for the books <3

Keep and eye out for part two of their dreamy engagement session! 

Much love,

-E 

Venue: The Farmhouse

Designer/Planner: Rachel D'annunzio with Wed & Prosper

Northeast Wedding Chapel | Dallas Engagement Photos | Payton and Alyson's Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography

I have no words for Payton and Alyson's engagement session. 

Ok, that's a lie.. I always have something to say! ;-) 

Payton and Alyson's engagement session was so much fun to capture. They really had so many personal touches incorporated into their engagement session that made the love they share sparkle bright in the photographs. The last portion of the session we went to the land where they plan to build their home as husband and wife. How precious is that?! I just love all the thoughtful, romantic and dreamy pieces that went into this session so much!

One of the things I adore about this couple is the genuine love they share for each other. I have known Alyson for almost 20 years and as I went through their film I began to tear up at how happy they are in the pictures and how much Payton just adores Alyson. All the sweet smiles, tender touches and loving glances are just a testament to how truly delighted they are to have each other. Their excitement is so contagious and I absolutely cannot wait for their April wedding!

Congratulations to these two on their engagement. They deserve all the happiness in the world! 

Much love, 

-E 

Rocky Mountain Wedding | Carbondale Wedding | Patrick and Erin's Wedding | Ellen Ashton Photography

       " I love you to the mountains and back."

Patrick & Erin's Wedding Day

08.27.16

Last October 

I was about to board a plane from Minneapolis headed to Dallas. It was a full flight and as usual, I was looking for kind eyed people to sit next to, because lets face it.. Stranger danger is real and I didn't feel like throat chopping anyone that day. As I was scanning the ocean of people I saw a middle seat open and in the two other seats sat two kind looking women. So, I quickly took the seat. Of course, my massive camera bag did not fit in the cabin above us so the stuartist took my bag to the back. She was extremely rude about a lot of things which in turn got the conversation moving as soon as she walked away. 

Sitting to my right was the ever so sweet Erin. She and I chit chatted over the duration of the flight. In the first ten minutes of sitting next to each other I learned that Erin was newly engaged and was going to be getting married in her home state of Colorado. I inwardly (and probably outwardly) smiled and said "how funny, I am a wedding photographer!" Throughout the rest of the flight was talked wedding day details and Erin told me all about her plans to marry her fiancé Patrick up in the rocky mountains. 

You know when something just feels right? That's how I felt when I met Erin. She truly is one of the sweetest and most genuine people I have ever met. Long story short, I skyped with Erin and Patrick over Christmas of 2015 and they booked me to be there wedding photographer. 

Words cannot express how thankful I am for Erin and Patrick (all my couples really) for letting me be apart of and witness the joining of their covenant in marriage. I can't tell you how many times I teared up during their wedding day. Erin was so smiley and giddy, and Patrick was so filled with emotion every time he looked at her. As a photographer these are things I live for. They literally made my job SO EASY. They lived in each moment as the day passed by, which is clear to see from the photographs. They were relaxed, easy going and just excited to spend forever with one another. Their joy and excitement was contagious in every since of the word.

Erin and Patrick, thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of being your wedding photographer. Sitting next to Erin on that airplane one year ago was meant to be. I truly believe with all my heart that God doesn't make mistakes, and our divine appointment was no different. 

I am so excited to share these beautiful wedding day with you! 

Some of my favorite memories to capture are the ones immediately after the ceremony. It is not uncommon for me to walk out behind the bride and groom so that I can photograph their sweet reactions of being husband and wife. There is so much joy and emotion in these faces. It's hard not to love everything about love. 

Much love, 

-E 

A HUGE Thank you to Kaylan Robinson for being such an amazing second shooter. You rock, girl! 

Dallas Engagement Session | Jordan and Ashley's Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography

I am so excited to share Ashley and Jordan's downtown Dallas engagement session with y'all!

I met Ashley through a couple I had photographed a few months ago and I knew when I talked to her over the phone that we were the perfect fit! She had me at rooftop ;-)

As most of you know, engagement sessions are some of my favorite types of photo shoots. There is something so precious about the "engagement season" in a couples life that is so joyous and contagious. I love it and I love getting to be apart of it!

I absolutely loved joking, laughing and photographing these two. They made my job super easy as you can tell ;-) The love they share is so sweet and plain to see through each photograph. I mean, can we just talk about these rooftop pictures for a sec?! D.R.E.A.M.Y 

I hope you enjoy this session as much as I enjoyed taking them! Stay tuned for Ashley & Jordan's wedding in April! 

Much love, 

-E 

These rooftop pictures are some of my favorite to date! I just can't get over how amazingly cute and in love these two are. 

Lost Gulch Lookout Engagement Inspiration Photos | Jana and James Session | Ellen Ashton Photography

I have been DYING to share these photos from Jana and James's gorgeous Rocky Mountain session. 

There is something so majestic about the Rocky Mountains. The colors of the trees, the cool breeze and the scenic view all create the perfect setting for a couples session! 

I met Jana this past February at Sarah & Brendan's  Colorado wedding, and I knew when I met her that she was a sweet and genuine person. I so enjoyed getting to hang out, photograph and to get to know her better as well as her light hearted boyfriend, James.

Jana and James were total rock stars at this session! Believe it or not, the weather was not "all that and a bag of chips"... It was actually quite cold and it had been raining moments before we started the session, not to mention we were basically standing on a cliff!! BUT those things didn't stop us! These two were amazing sports and I could not be more pleased with how awesome the pictures turned out. 

I hope you all enjoy these pictures as much as we enjoyed capturing them! 

Much love, 

-E 

White Rock Lake Engagement Photos | Jasmine and David's Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography

I am SO excited to share Jasmine and David's beautiful engagement session!

I met Jasmine from a Facebook group for entrepreneurs last year and I knew through our email conversations that she was my kind of girl! 

Jasmine is the lovely lady behind the amazing fashion, beauty, and travel blog Jasmine Elias (click HERE to view her website).

I was so thrilled and excited when I saw via Instagram that Jasmine had gotten engaged to the love of her life, David. 

Photographing these two was literally the easiest things. I, mean, they are literally so precious!

These two are so fun and so incredibly in love. Seeing them interact with each other warmed my heart in so many ways. I always ask my couples how they met and I adored Davids response! He has so much admiration for Jasmine and it's so clear to see through the photographs that the love they share is a deep bond. Seeing people who truly love each other and so excited to spend the rest of their lives together is truly a contagious kind of joy.

It was amazing getting to hang out, joke around, and laugh with Jasmine and David as I captured their engagement photos. 

Not even the rain could keep the love they share from shining bright. 

I hope you all enjoyed this session as much as I enjoyed capturing it! Make sure to check out Jasmine's Instagram to see all her lovely work! (Click HERE for her Instagram).

Much love, 

-E

Weatherford Texas Wedding Photographer | Bryson and Mandy's Anniversary Photos | Ellen Ashton Photography

"When our lips touch, I can taste the next sixty years of our life together."

I am so very excited to share with y'all this fabulous anniversary session! 

Anniversary sessions are becoming the new "it" things and I absolutely LOVE it! 

It's hard to believe that I have known Mandy for almost nine years. NINE. Are we really that old?!? (insert sobbing emoji face X10). It seems like only yesterday I was a 17 year old kid moving into the college dorms. Mandy was one of the first people that I met at our little campus and she has been a treasured friend ever since.

As I was thinking of what to write, I was reminded of all the many memories and mile stones we have shared over the years. From marrying our spouses, Mary Kay meetings, impromptu Starbucks counseling sessions, hard times and joyous times, business ventures and lots and lots of laughter. Our love for the Lord has always been the heart of our friendship and I am so thankful for that. 

I am beyond honored to have captured this monumental years of marriage for Mandy and Bryson on their cozy acreage out in Weatherford, Texas.

My husband came into my office while I was editing and the first thing he said was "wow, they looks so happy and in love." 

As a photographer I document moments, laughter, loving glances and precious memories that last a lifetime. I feel like being a photographer/memory keeper is my "life calling" and it brings me so much joy. As I was photographing Bryson and Mandy my heart just wanted to explode! I love that they wanted this time in their lives to be documented on their land, the place that they call "home". Just the thought of them always having this amazing spot to come back to for anniversary pictures gives me goose bumps! Years from now, they can see how their love and family grew via photographs. What a beautiful thing to have! 

The love that these two have shared over these past eight years has been a beautiful thing to watch. 

It's a little early, but Happy Anniversary, Bryson and Mandy! Y'all deserve to all the happiness in the world. 

Much love, 

-E

Kimbell Art Museum | Shannon Rose Event's Photos | Dallas Fort Worth Wedding Planner | Ellen Ashton Photography

Hi Friends! 

Last week was a bit crazy for me and I am still trying to recover. Obviously I didn't post a DFW wedding vendor interview last Tuesday because I simply didn't have the time. BUT it's a new week and I am back in the saddle again! 

I am so excited to share this weeks featured wedding vendor from Shannon Rose Event's! 

MEET SHANNON! 

I met Shannon a few months ago and I am so glad I did! Shannon is a very talented wedding planner and is a total rockstar at what she does. What I love most about her is that she is a down to earth, fun loving and genuine person. She is an amazing wedding planner who would be an asset to any couple who hires her. 

When I met with Shannon to take a few images for this blog we ended up sitting and chatting for over an hour. I very much enjoy her company and you will too! Her sweet spirit and funny sense of humor will make you adore her even that much more! I truly believe these elements are what make her a darn good wedding planner!

I am so very impressed with Shannon's good attitude and quick thinking skills. I am telling you guys, you will love having Shannon be apart of your wedding day! She is a true gem inside and out!

I have a special place in my heart for wedding planners because they do SO much for each couple to make the wedding day happen. Most of the time the things that they do are way above and beyond and 9 times out of 10 we never even see all that they do. They work long and hard before the wedding and after. Wedding planners do their very best to make sure that every couple has a smooth and worry free day. Who wouldn't want that?!

I can't wait for you to get to know Shannon through her interview, so lets get started! 

THE INTERVIEW

Ellen Ashton: Why Did you start your business? 

Shannon: When I first graduated college I had trouble finding a full time job in architecture and being an event planner was always something I had in the back of my mind.  After a few weeks I was able to find a random graphic design job and an internship with an event planning company in Dallas.  I knew I wanted to do this full time when I could not sleep the night before an event because I was so excited to get to work the next day and I was not even getting paid ( It was crazy I was driving one hour to her office and one hour back through $10.00 tolls and working 10-16 hour days and still loved every minute of it without making a dime). To be honest I really don’t know exactly why I decided to start my own business it just felt right at the time.  After my year internship ended  I started working for an Architecture firm and I was miserable working (55-60 hour weeks and not enjoying what I was working on) and my husband (a business owner as well) told me…”Why are you working all these hours working for someone else it is obvious you are meant to own your own business and do something you love” and then I decided to save money and just do it.  It was as simple as that!

Ellen Ashton: How did your first client find you? 

Shannon: My first client was someone I worked with at my old job.

Ellen Ashton: Do you service Dallas or Fort. Worth, or both?  

Shannon: Both 

Ellen Ashton: Best advice you could give a bride and groom looking for a wedding planner?

Shannon: Find someone that you feel like you can “gel with”. The wedding planning process is not only stressful for some, but it also involves a lot of trust.  You need to find someone you can trust, let go with, and maybe even have a few laughs with (it is a fun time after all!).  .  This will help relieve some of the stress and you can feel more at ease once you begin the wedding planning process.  You can’t do it all, and the more you let go and trust your wedding planner the more you will enjoy the actual day and all the weeks leading up to the big day.

Ellen Ashton: How do you survive the wedding day? 

Shannon: Coffee, LOTS of Coffee & breakfast burritos in the morning

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend? 

Shannon: Pops of bold color with soft tones in florals

Ellen Ashton: What is your most favored color palette for weddings this year?  

Shannon: Dusty Blue! I love how it be romantic and modern. 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite show at the moment?  

Shannon: Bachelor & Bachelorette!

Ellen Ashton: Wine or Ice-cream? 

Shannon: Wine

Ellen Ashton: What is your most favorite package you offer to couples? 

Shannon: My full planning package, it is my largest package I offer and it assures I am able to be more involved in the process.  I assist with design, budget, vendor meetings, timelines, hotel blocks…etc. (you name it and I include it in this package). 

Thank so much for reading Shannon Rose Event's interview! Make sure to follow Shannon on her social media handles! 

FACEBOOK: Shannon Rose Events

INSTAGRAM: @shannonroseevents

PINTEREST: Shannon Rose Events

WEBSITE: www.shannonroseevents.com

Much love, 

-E 

Oh Deery Floral Photos | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

Happy Tuesday, everyone! 

I am so excited to share with all you lovelies the wedding vendor interview of the week! 

As I'm sure most of you have already gathered that I am interviewing all types of DFW wedding vendors! I have so enjoyed showcasing a little bit of what they do and of course allowing all you darling people to get to know the talented faces behind the brand. Click HERE to read last weeks featured vendor.  

Todays Wedding Vendor interview is with Briley, from Oh Deery Floral! 

MEET BRILEY 

I actually heard about Briley's business "Oh Deery Floral" several years ago and have been following her on social media ever since. When I decided to do this blog series I knew that I for sure wanted to interview Briely and show y'all how crazy talented and sweet she is. 

I met with Briley in her quaint little studio and we sipped on La Croix's and chatted for hours! I knew that when she had La Croix's in her fridge we were going to be great friends! 

I really enjoyed getting to know Briley! She is sweet, kind and a has the heart and mind of a crazy talented, creative entrepreneur.

I loved hearing Briley's passion about floral design and the services she offers to her clients.

As we talked it became very clear that Briley takes great care in providing her clients with beautiful and unique floral creations.

After I saw and heard Briely describe her work the thought came to me that Oh Deery Floral is not just a floral arrangement shop for weddings, but a place that create gorgeous pieces of art work with flowers. I am truly amazed at the outstanding services she offers her clients. If you are a bride looking for a florist, you should highly consider investing in Oh Deery Floral, you will not be disappointed! All of your guests will rave about your florals! 

Let's get to know a little it more about Briley and her business! 

OH DEERY INTERVIEW

Ellen Ashton: How did Oh Deery Floral start?

Briley: I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur from a young age. I started my "first business" in 8th grade selling vintage necklaces and tried a handful of things before I ended up in college needing an internship and landing one with a floral designer. Honestly, one of the best experiences of my life! The first day there, I was literally just processing the flowers (taking off leaves, thorns, bad petals, etc.) but fell in LOVE and knew that I had to work with flowers. They called my name! I grew a lot there and was so privileged to work with someone who was so willing to teach, share knowledge, and invest in me and encouraged me to continue practicing floral design. Long story short, she had a baby and slowed down a bit with business so I had the opportunity to branch out and do my own thing and the rest is history. I continually feel so lucky that my business has grown and developed the way that it has in just 3 short years!

Ellen Ashton: How did you come up with the name Oh Deery Floral?

Briley:  In college, when I was experimenting with one of my many business ventures (with my best friend and business partner at the time) I needed a name but had no clue where to even begin to come up with one. One of our roommates took all the letters from our names and came up with several different words and phrases and Oh Deery was one of them! It just stuck and here I am - five years later, ha! 

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working as florist?

Bailey:  Hands down the flowers and color combinations. There are endless combinations and varieties and I still have moments when I see new color palettes that just stop my dead in my tracks. Finding those colors that just work together and make your heart flutter are what it's all about for me. 

Ellen Ashton: Where do you find the most inspiration? 

Bailey: My favorite place to find new inspiration is walking around plant nurseries! I find that it's the best place to see new unexpected color combinations, shapes, and movement. It breaks up the norm of wedding flowers and gives me new ideas for how to change up what I'm doing with my arrangements. If I'm stressed out during busy work seasons, I'll usually find an excuse to go take at least a 5 minute walk through a nursery. Something about it just relaxes me! I always think that I'll end up working at a nursery when I retire. I'll be the lady with a visor and hose talking to the plants!

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite flower?

Briely: It changes with the seasons but right now it's spirea.

Ellen Asthon: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Briley: Dusty blue! I love LOVE blues and greens and have been waiting for the moment that blue would be in!

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite wedding season?

Bailey: SO hard to choose! But you just can't beat the springtime flowers. Everything is so fresh and happy in the spring!

Ellen Ashton: How far in advance should one book a florist for their wedding?

Briley:  For me, 6-8 months is comfortable for planning for floral. 

Ellen Ashton: If you had to pick a celebrity to be stranded on a deserted island with, who would you pick and why?

Briley:  Taylor Swift! I feel like we'd have a lot to talk about and have a lot of fun.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney, or Khloe?

Briley: Khloe! I want to be her friend!

Ellen Ashton: Favorite tv show?

Bailey: Game of Thrones!

Ellen Ashton Cupcakes or ice cream?

Briley: Fudgy chocolate ice cream :)

Thanks so much for reading this weeks interview and getting to know Briley of "Oh Deery Floral"! Make sure to check her out and follow her on social media! You will love seeing all her pretty creations! 

WEBSITE: www.ohdeery.com 

FACEBOOK: Oh Deery 

INSTAGRAM: @ohdeeryfloral

PINTEREST: Briley Studdard

As always, 

Much love and many blessings, 

-E