Camera Equipment to Bring To You Honeymoon | What to Wear on your honeymoon | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographer

This weekend it was the internet was screaming for me to make a “honeymoon must have” list for all of you beautiful brides to be!

Honeymoons are a time for you and your new husband to connect, relax and enjoy each other. But often I see my brides taking photos with their husbands while away on their romantic getaways and I keep thinking to myself “I should make a list of photography items they should take with them.” So, this is it!

Below I have listed some photography equipment that ranges from iPhone cameras and equipment to a great point-and-shoot sony camera. Your honeymoon is a once in a life time opportunity and I want you to be able to capture the memories in a way they deserve to be remembered! In addition, I’ve added some fun items that I think would make great photo opportunities or just cute outfits for your honeymoon photos!

I hope this post is helpful to you as you plan your honeymoon!

Kelli & Mason's Wedding | Perkins Chapel Wedding | Room on Main Wedding | Shannon Rose Events | Ellen Ashton Photographer

AS SEEN IN BRIDES OF NORTH TEXAS

I met Kelli & Mason with their amazing wedding planner Shannon Rose at a coffee shop and we instantly connected. I loved hearing from them what they envisioned for their wedding and day and watching it unfold the day of! Shannon did such a great job on the design! Perkin’s Chapel and The Room on Main came to life with all the love that was shared on their wedding day.

Kelli and Mason are truly some of the kindest people and working with them to capture their gorgeous wedding day was a dream. I always enjoy shooting on the wedding day and watching and listening to all the laughter and fun that the clients family and friends are having in their honor. One thing is for sure, everyone who was in attendance loves this sweet couple and it was so fun celebrating them!

Planning & Design: Shannon Rose Events

Photographer: Ellen Ashton Photography

Ceremony Venue: Perkins Chapel

Reception Venue: The Room on Main

Wedding Planner: Shannon Rose Events

Videographer: Cinema Story Wedding Films

Florist: R Love Floral

Hair + Makeup: Grand Slam Glam

DJ + Lighting: Royal Dukes Band

Catering: CN Catering

Cakes: Sweet Somethings by Ashleigh

Dress: Posh Bridal

Dress Designer: Enzoani

Caitlin's Creative Chateau Bridal Session | Houston Tx | Ellen Ashton Photography

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!

Top Wedding Shoes for 2021 | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers | Wedding Shoes for 2021

Wedding Shoes for 2021

Styled by: Grit & Gold Event Co.

Truth be told, I have always loved shoes. Since I was a small child I’ve appreciated and been attracted to beautiful and unique shoes. I remember seeing the red glitter flats at the store and begging my parents for them. My mom would say “what would you wear them with those?” All my four-year-old self could think was; “It will look great with my leopard coat!”

I remember the first time I photographed a pair of my brides’ wedding shoes that were multi-generationally worn. Her mother and sister wore them first, and now it was her turn. I remember styling the shoes and thinking, “wow, this is so special!” I didn’t even realize families passed down wedding shoes. I looked at the brand of shoes, and of course, it was a well-known designer brand. It was such a beautiful thing to behold!

At weddings, it is my job to document the day. Photographing and styling heirloom keepsake images is something that really brings me joy, and I’ll tell you why. I never knew what my mother’s wedding ring, shoes, or anything aside from her dress looked like. I can remember looking at my parent’s wedding album and feeling like things were missing. Things I really wanted to know… like what her shoes looked like. So, every wedding day I carve out time while the bride is still getting her hair and make-up done to document rings, shoes, invitation suites, and anything of sentimental value that my client may want to remember or to show their future children and grandchildren one day. Out of all the things I style for my clients, shoes are hands down my favorite!

Everyone wants different things from their wedding shoe. Some want comfort, a statement piece, some are designer shoe collectors, and others want a good quality brand to pass down as a family heirloom. With that, I am excited to give you the insider scoop of why picking the right wedding shoes matters.

1. The Statement

Styled by: Grit & Gold Event Co.

Having a fun pair of shoes that matches your style and personality is a great way to showcase a personal style. Often times brides want to spoil themselves on their wedding day. Think about it like this- getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a way to feel like a queen and wear something special that maybe you wouldn’t otherwise. I am a big believer in “when you feel good you look good.” Having pretty feet makes a girl feel good. You are worth the price tag of a beautiful pair of shoes!

2. Getting Published

Most of my brides have dreamed about their wedding days since they were children. What girl wouldn’t want her wedding published in a magazine or even an online wedding blog? Something that my Ellen Ashton brides have done well through the years is have amazing taste in shoes, and it definitely helps to have a unique, fun, or classic wedding shoe. I just about died when I saw my bride had a matching set of Jimmy Choo heels and flats for the reception. Touches like this really help set your wedding day apart. It allows for a more one-of-a-kind experience rather than a cookie-cutter one. Small details like wedding shoes can very well set your wedding apart.

3. COMFORT

Styled by: Grit & Gold Event Co.

Styled by: Grit & Gold Event Co.

While some of my brides would rather have style over comfortable, I do have quite a few brides who want both fashion and comfort without going the flats route. Kitten heels are a great way to not compromise on either. These sweet mauve Valentino kitten heels (photo on the left) were quite possibly the sweetest things I’ve ever seen. If comfort is important to you, have no fear! It is possible to have both!

4. VERSATILE

Not too long ago, I walked into the bridal suite and was greeted by one of my sweet brides. She handed me her wedding shoes to photograph and I LOVED them! They weren’t what you would typically think of when you think of wedding shoes, which was partly why I adored them so much. As I was telling her just how amazing her shoes were, she told me she wanted something that she could wear over and over and enjoy for years to come. So there you have it. If you want wedding shoes that you can enjoy for years to come, have at it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a pair of shoes you love and planning to wear them on the weekly.

5. SOMETHING BLUE

I’m not sure, but I have a feeling that the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” might perhaps be the oldest of all the wedding traditions. Don’t quote me on that, but still, having blue shoes as your “something blue” is really fun.

6. HEIRLOOM

Believe it or not, wedding shoes are becoming the new family heirloom. I kinda love this in a lot of ways. Some of my brides choose to invest in bridal shoes that will stand the test of time. They hope that one day their daughters or grandchildren will be able to wear or have these beautiful shoes as a keepsake. I have seen some of my brides purchase classic shoes and others fashion-forward that will one day tell the times of the era. Either way, this is becoming a tradition that I love! Believe it or not, I have kept my own wedding shoes in a safe place for my own daughter to enjoy one day.

Knowing what your reasoning is for the purchase of your wedding shoes will hopefully allow you to see the true meaning behind the purchase. Whatever your reason it is, I have found some really fun options for you in 2021.

CLICK THE IMAGES TO SHOP THE LINK!

Holiday Gift Guide For Him 2021

It never fails. Men are the hardest to buy for in my opinion. So, I got together with my husband and we made a holiday gift guide with gifts for him! Enjoy! If you see anything you like you can click the images to purchase! Enjoy!

Little White Dress Finds | Rehearsal Dinner, Bridal Shower & Bachelorette Party Dress Inspiration | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographer

Welcome to this weeks “little white dress” finds! Every girl needs an amazing look for her rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or bachelorette party! Click the photos to buy the dress!

What Should I Wear To My Engagement Session? Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers | What You Should Wear To Your Engagement Session

“What should I wear to my engagement session?” Well, you’re in luck! I have an answer for you!

This is by far one of the most popular questions I get asked by my clients. It is in fact a very complex question that has several key components. Knowing what to wear to your engagement session and if your outfit matches your shooting location; to me, is probably the most important thing to consider. Of course, you should wear something that makes you feel like a million bucks. Every girl deserves to look like she walked out of a magazine, but finding the right outfit can feel like a huge undertaking. So, I am here to help! Before I give you some helpful tips on what to wear, let’s cover what you shouldn’t wear.

WHAT YOU SHOULDN’T WEAR:

Bright colors. What some brides don’t know, is that bright colors can be reflecting. Which means, if you have on a bright pink dress, or a neon top, the sun will hit the bright color and reflect onto your skin, turning your skin the color of your clothes. Horrifying, right? No one wants to get their photos back and have their skin be completely thrown off by the color of their outfit. So, a good rule of thumb is to avoid, bright and neon colors.

WHAT COLORS SHOULD I WEAR?

Colors that are more muted, dull or complimentary are super important. I always tell my clients to consider the shooting location, what makes them feel the most beautiful and confident, and what looks best with my photography style. You can never go wrong with blues, creams, greens and neutral tones. However, I do love it when my brides have an eye for fashion and adventure, and incorporate that into their look. I am not afraid when my brides choose something more on the colorful side for their engagement session, but please keep in mind that color and bight colors are very different when photographed.

OK, GREAT! BUT WHAT DO I WEAR?

Girl, I got you! If you are anything like me, you are busy! You don’t have time to go galavanting around to all kinds of stores or even have the energy to browse online for THE PERFECT outfit after a long day of work. So I have spent quite a while looking for the perfect dresses for you to look through! I SO WISH when I was getting married that someone would have just sent me a link to all the perfect outfits. As a little disclaimer: My thought process for this post is to share dresses for brides desiring a more formal or dressy look for their engagement session. Soon, I plan on having a shopping guide for a casual engagement session look as well!

YOUR OUTFIT CHOICE SHOULD REFLECT YOUR SHOOTING LOCATION

Once upon a time, early on in my career, I did a destination shoot with one of my clients. It was stunning! However, the outfit choice was not a fit for the shooting location. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful! However, It was then that I realized how important it is to educate my clients on what style fits best depending on location. So I have come up with some examples for you to visually see.

Disclaimer: Some of the examples listed could be used for different locations! It’s important to be creative and think outside of the box. Doing so will give you a one of a kind experience and make your engagement session unique.

GARDEN LOCATION

Being a Dallas wedding photographer, a lot of my brides LOVE having their engagement session taken when all the beautiful flowers are in bloom. Here are some really great examples of dresses that would work perfectly in a garden setting for Spring 2021.

Below are outfits that feel whimsical, classic, romantic and even a little fashion forward. Gardens are a beautiful choice for a shooting location, but it’s important that you don’t get lost behind all the beautiful scenery. So, these are some fun dresses that I found that if a client of mine showed up in, my heart would literally explode from joy.

LIKE ONE OF THESE OUTFITS? CLICK THE IMAGE TO SHOP THE DRESS!

DOWN TOWN OR CITY LOCATION

Art museum’s, historical land marks, and city scape views are always some of my clients favorite locations to have their engagement photographs taken. I am 100% a lover of travel and history, so I love it when my clients want to go to the city they met in or maybe one of their favorite spots in downtown. I also ways love it when my brides wear outfits that have elements of structure, high fashion or something classic. I personally draw a lot of inspiration from architecture and fashion, so I am always down for a city shoot! These styling elements just makes for some stunning photos!

LIKE ONE OF THESE OUTFITS? CLICK THE IMAGE TO SHOP THE DRESS!

EPIC VIEWS & OPEN FIELD

Being a native Texan that grew up in the Scottish countryside I have a deep love for locations filled with nature. Im talking, open fields with talk grass, Joshua trees, the rolling hills in Malibu or the gorgeous tree groves of the south… Regardless of the nature location that you choose, there are a lot of ways you can go with it! From casual fun to long flowing dresses, I just love the different outfit options that can fit this type of scenery.

LIKE ONE OF THESE OUTFITS? CLICK THE IMAGE TO SHOP THE DRESS!

ESTATE & EUROPE

Estate photoshoots make my heart SING! On occasion, brides want their engagement session captured somewhere like Paris; which is rich in architecture and gorgeous photo opportunities, and some want their engagement photo shot at the estate venue they booked for their wedding. Y’all, I LOVE an over the top engagement session. While I usually shoot both a dressy and casual look for my clients at the engagement sessions, I live for the drama of the over the top look.

LIKE ONE OF THESE OUTFITS? CLICK THE IMAGE TO SHOP THE DRESS!

Who knew there were so many things to consider when deciding what to wear to your engagement session?! I hope this post is helpful to you! If you have already booked for your photographer for your wedding day, and have your engagements already scheduled, it’s not a bad idea to reach out to them and get their feed back based off their photography style and expertise.

In my opinion, the best thing you can do when selecting what to wear for your engagement session is selecting clothing that makes you feel beautiful and confident! Get your hair and make up professionally done and really enjoy this special, once in a lifetime moment. When you feel good about yourself, it really shows in the images. You are worth that!

Stay tuned for more engagement session outfit inspiration <3

Much love,

-E

CLICK THE INSPIRATION IMAGES TO SHOP THE DRESS

Alecia's Bridal Session | Dallas Arboretum Bridal Portaits | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographer

This bridal session is seriously some of my favorites to date! Alecia was an absolute dream to work with! Something that I loved about Alecia is her free spirit and her ability to trust her wedding vendor team! After meeting with Lottie from Grit and Gold Even Co, Lottie told her she needed a bridal session, and I am so glad she listed! Bridal sessions are important, y’all! They allow you to see how you photograph in your dress, and allow us to see if there are any additional alternations that need to be made or if you want to commit to your hair and make up look. Honestly, I could go on and on about why it’s so beneficial to have a bridal session! One of my favorite things about this photo shoot is that she brought her adorable bundle of joy Zoe to her bridal session! If I remember correctly, Alecia found Zoe on the side of the road and took her in. Y’all, I AM OBSESSED! Alecia is a natural in front of the camera and a total sweetheart in real life. It’s been such an honor getting to know her throughout her wedding journey!

Wedding Planner: Grit and Gold Weddings

Studio: The Lumen Room

Dress Shop: En Blanc La

Dress Designer: Chosen by one day

Hair & Make up: Ashley McNabb Artistry

Clark Garden Wedding in Weatherford Tx | Shannon Rose Events | Featured in Brides of North Texas | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

You guys! I have been DYING to share Kelsey & Stevens wedding! I was waiting patiently because their wedding is currently in the latest issue of Brides of North Texas! It is so much fun to see my beautiful and happy couples grace the pages of such a great publication!

One thing is for sure, weddings like this don’t happen without a incredible team of vendors! Shannon, of Shannon Rose Events did an outstanding job on the design and execution of this event.

Our day at Clark gardens starts off like most wedding days, However when it was time to go in and photograph the bride, Kelsey was so claim and collected! We laughed and joked as we photographed her, and let me just say-WOW. She looked absolutely stunning!

Steven and Kelsey were all smiles on this special day! I had tears in my eyes as they prayed and cried tears of joy together. It was SO SWEET and I am so thankful I got to be apart of it! There wedding day was absolutely perfect! These two deserve all the joy and happiness!

Vendor Love:

AS SEEN IN BRIDES OF NORTH TEXAS

Wedding Planner: Shannon Rose Events

Photographer: Ellen Ashton Photography

Venue: Clark Gardens

Videographer: Cinemstory Wedding Films

Florist: Blushington Blooms

Hair + Makeup: BA Beauty

DJ + Lighting: Everlasting Sounnds

Catering: Abuelo's

Cakes: Creative Cakes by Monica

Rentals: May I Serve U

Photobooth: The Pretty Booth

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!

Meredith's Bridal Session | Lumen Room Dallas | Bridal Session | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

Meredith is a true beauty overflowing with so much grace. Even more so, her a kind gentle spirit peeks through in the photographs. What I love most about her is how contagious her smile is! Being able to photograph sweet Meredith during this exciting time in her life brings me more joy than I can express. All I could think about while photographing her bridal session was how excited James would be when he saw her for the first time on their wedding day. She is glowing in the gorgeous gown from A&be bridal shop. This precious ray of sunshine deserves all the gorgeous photos! Enjoy!

Wedding Planner: Ivory & Vine Events Co.

Dress Shop: a&be bridal

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 

Creative Bride and Groom Portraits WITHOUT the Couple Seeing Each other! The Farmhouse Weddings, Montgomery Texas | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

On December 15th I photographed Arturo and Kenya's wedding!! It was such a beautiful and love filled day!! However, there is a magical twist to this story... WE CAPTURED ALL OF THEIR BRIDE AND GROOM PORTRAITS WITHOUT THEM SEEING EACH OTHER!!!!! WHAT?!?!? I know! I'm still just as shocked as you might be! In this blog post I am going to share with you how I went about photographing their portraits! 

Because Kenya and Arturo got married in the winter the sun was scheduled to set at around 5:25pm, BUT their ceremony wasn't until 6:30pm. This created somewhat of a problem... 

1. The couple DID NOT want to do a first look. It was very important to them that they see each other for the first time at the alter.

2. the couple really wanted to have outdoor, naturally lite photos.

My natural response was to offer an "after session" (where we would photograph portraits the next morning), and while we tried hard to make this option happen, it just wasn't going to work out. So, what now?

Well, my dear, sweet Felecia at Wed & Prosper suggested doing "creative portraits". Where we try and get photos of them without seeing each other. When the words left her mouth, I thought "I freaking love this." All of a sudden my mind got all of these ideas and from there we worked together as a team to pull off something we had never seen before. (side note, even if you don't think you need a wedding planner, YOU DO! Worth every penny!) 

We brought the idea up to Arturo and Kenya, and showed them some examples of what I wanted to give them as far as photos go, and they agreed to move forward with the creative images!

This made my creative heart sing! Trusting your photographer is a 100% must! For me personally, I want to give my clients my best, and when they trust me to do that, they get my best work!

The day of the wedding, Felecia had purchased a blindfold that we used for Arturo. 

Now, let me just say, that Arturo is literally one of the sweetest human beings I have ever met. I could tell he was a little nervous because it was very important to him to not see Kenya, so before we put the blindfold on, I talked with him, showed him some examples of my work and the poses I wanted to use and just walked him through my ideas verbally. This did two things, it put his mind at ease, and two, it made him feel like he was somewhat in control and knew what was kinda going on. I mean, having someone completely guide you and you can't see what's going on is a HUGE trust exercise! Arturo, was a total champ! He let Felecia guide him by the hand and let me touch his face and adjust him until he was in the right pose. HE DID AMAZING! 

Once we got the bride and groom into position, Felecia would remove the blindfold and I would instruct the couple on what to do. 

This was SO MUCH FUN FOR ME! I have always loved a challenge, and this was no different. As we took the images I showed Felecia the back of my camera and we were both just so happy. We did it! 

In review, how I went about capturing their portraits was: 

- Educate the couple, I gave them examples of what I wanted to do so that they could see what I wanted to give them. 

- purchased a blindfold 

- worked with the couples coordinator to create a plan of action. 

- made the groom feel at ease by letting him in on the plans so he could feel somewhat in the loop. 

- work together as a team 

- be creative! I didn't really have anyone to tell me what to do or how to do it. I just let my mind and creativity take over. I looked at some of my past work and looked for poses that I had used before where I could manipulate the image where his eye could be closed or they couldn't see each other. This was truly SO MUCH FUN for me. 

All in all Kenya and Arturo were great sports and the both did an amazing job! 

I hope this is blog is helpful to you and gives you some ideas if s first look isn't an option for you! 

Full blog post to come <3 

Much love, 

-E

Vendor Love: 

Planning: Wed & Prosper

Venue: The Farmhouse Events 

Catering: City View Catering

Love Sign: Sweet Tea and Linen 

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