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**

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 

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

Bishop Art District Engagement Session | Brent and Carley's Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photogrtapher

Brent And Carley's Downtown Dallas Engagement Session

I am so excited to share with you guys this precious engagement session taken right in the heart of Dallas. 

I met Brent and Carley via the internet and met up with them for coffee to discuss taking their engagement photos. I knew instantly that I for sure wanted to be apart of and capture this special time in their life. 

I enjoyed hearing all about their wedding day plans as we sipped on coffee and chai tea. This is such a treasured season in life and getting to hear all their preparation for when they become one makes my heart smile with joy! 

These two are truly the cutest and the sweetest!

Their genuine love for each other shines in each photograph. I LOVE it when couples are relaxed and themselves in front of my camera and these two were just that. 

We photographed the first portion of Brent and Carley's engagement session in the Bishop Art District. This part of town is a vibrant little neighborhood filled that all types of art galleries, boutiques and my personal favorite, emporium pies!  

Enjoy! 

PART TWO

I love it, I repeat, LOVE IT when couples choose to have a casual look and a dressier outfit for their engagement session. 

Part two of Brent and Carley's engagement session is to die for! I absolutely adore the romantic setting of a city skyline and that dreamy glow from the sun. BUT most of all I love the twinkle in their eyes. It just gives me all the feelings! 

I just can't get over how sweet they look! Aren't they just adorable?? I can't get enough! 

Sometimes the last few snaps on my camera are my favorite. 

We were about to part ways, but decided to snap a few more images agents this baby blue wall, and I am so glad we did. This is exactly what I love about being a photographer. Taking those last few impromptu shots really completed this beautiful, authentic and romantic engagement session. I always say, "the best images are the ones that just happen." This statement still rings so true. 

As always, much love and many blessings, 

-E 

Dallas Texas Fine Art Engagement Session | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

I am so excited to share with you all Daniel & Amanda's downtown Dallas engagement session! 

I met Daniel and Amanda when we were all poor little college students. I was thrilled when I heard these two got engaged and am so honored to have been able to photograph this special time in their lives. 

As most of you know, I adore all things pertaining to love and weddings so of course this downtown session was right up my ally! 

I hope you enjoy this sweet session as much as I enjoyed taking it.

As always, much love and many blessings

-E

Y'all have absolutely no idea how overjoyed I was when we snagged this dreamy roof top location. It was really a dream come true and I am so thankful for the people who helped us get into this location. It literally made this shoot 10 million times more special.