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

a&be bridals Dallas Texas Photos | Ellen Ashton Photography | Dallas Wedding Photographers

A&Be Bridal 

A.K.A. my favorite bridal store! 

I am thrilled to share this wedding vendor interview with you all! 

A&be is a bridal salon that started in Denver, Co. and has migrated into Minneapolis and Dallas. As most of you know, my career as a wedding photographer blossomed in Minneapolis, MN. That is where I was introduced to this FABULOUS dress shop. I have been addicted ever since! 

Designer: Anna Campbell

As I have stated before, I love a&be! They carry all kinds of fabulous designers and I have had the honor and privilege of photographing a few of them. Because I love this company so much, I wanted to give all you Dallas brides the opportunity to get to know a little but more about the company and the girls who run the Dallas store.

Which; btw, the girls who run this shop are truly the sweetest women you will ever meet! I recently went into the shop to select a gown for a shoot and was blown away by how helped, hospitable, relatable and encouraging these girls are. They truly value and care for their brides! You will not be disappointed by the service or their gown selection! 

Meet the a&be babes 

DISCLAIMER: “The opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of a&bé.”

Meet Mandi 

Mandi is the manager of the a&be store in Dallas. She is a total doll and so good at what she does! We had so much fun getting to know each other the day I interviewed her and the other girls. It's clear that Mandi truly values the store and her workers. During our chat I learned that Mandi is going to be getting married soon, won't she make such a beautiful bride?! One thing is for sure, she has amazing taste! She showed me a few of her favorite dresses in the store and they were amazingly gorgeous! 

Mandi's Instagram: @mandi.e.smith

Ellen Ashton: How did a&be start? 

 Mandi: Our owners Anna and Bre had been in the wedding industry for a while running their first store, anna be. When they started to see a new wave of brides gravitating towards more indie and creative designs they had the idea for a second location that could serve this new need in the bridal industry. With that a&be was born in 2013 in Denver, and has since then grown to Minneapolis and now DALLAS!  

Ellen Ashton: What services do you offer?

Mandi: We offer bridal gowns, accessories (sashes, headpieces, jewelry) and veils. 

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Mandi: So many things. I love working with my stylists, they constantly keep me laughing and watching them interact with the brides with so much love and care makes me so happy! I also love the numbers and forecasting that goes on behind the scenes. Staying on top of what is selling, what brides are wanting and what is trending and then turning that into a plan for market in New York is so much fun to me! And of course being able to share in such a big occasion for the brides; it's such a special experience to witness a bride find "the" gown! 

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Mandi: Houghton - the designer, Katharine Polk, has made a major splash in the bridal industry. Polk's designs are unlike anything I've seen done before in bridal. Houghton speaks to the wild at heart, and the rock and roll spirit while staying true to timeless designs. Spoiler alert - I am wearing a Houghton gown for my own wedding this October :)  

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Mandi: When it comes to wedding gown trends - Texture. Whether that be in the form of embroidered details, floral appliques, fringe, etc. these elements bring just the right amount of interest to the typical wedding dress.

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

Mandi: Kevin Hart -- any unfortunate situation is instantly made better with a little laughter. 

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Mandi: Kendall - I more easily relate to her style, and more down to earth personality. Plus she could introduce me to Gigi Hadid and we could all just be BFF's!!!! 

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Mandi: ice cream always! 

MEET BETHANY! 

Bethany is one of the stylist at a&be and let me just tell you, this girl is truly one of the sweetest and most genuine girls you will meet! Well, all the girls are really! I worked with Bethany on finding a dress for an upcoming shoot and she was such a doll! She was helpful, kind and her taste was on fleek! She has this gift for being warm and truly wants to make all her brides feel special and beautiful. You will love working with her to find your perfect wedding dress! 

bethany's instagram: @ bethanyharkins

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Bethany: Our brides and their inspiring visions we get to help bring to life! I think the bride should set the tone for her big day. And I love being a part of discovering what makes a bride feel most like herself.

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Bethany: Tara LaTour - she's a dream! The quality is phenomenal, the dresses are hand made with so much passion, and the designs are each touched with the most unique twists. 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Bethany: Neckline drama! I love both the deep deep v's and the high high necklines. 

Ellen Ashton: What do you think is the best season to buy a wedding dress?

Bethany: Depends your wedding date! We suggest 9-12 months out so that your bridal look truly sets the tone for the rest of your wedding day details and so you have peace of mind and no need for rush orders.

Ellen Ashton: How far in advance should you buy your wedding dress?

Bethany: 9-12 months if possible! We can always happily accommodate shorter engagements the selection might just be more limited.

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

Bethany: Ryan Gosling - 'cause he strikes me as the type that could actually survive on a deserted island if need be but he's also gorgeous and has a sense of humor. Doesn't seem like a bad situation at all.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Bethany: Khloe -- 'cause she's funny as can be and makes fun of herself as much as the rest of the world does. I love people who don't take themselves too seriously.

Ellen Ashton: Cupcakes or ice-cream?

Bethany: Tacos! I'm not much for the sweet stuff but I'll take tacos for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & dessert. (:

MEET ASHTYN! 

I so enjoyed getting to know Ashtyn! First of all, we share one of the same names so I knew immediately that she as going to be awesome. It's a proven fact that if you have the name Ashtyn/Ashton you are grafted in as a cool kid for life. I love her free and adventurous spirit! I think that's what makes her such a great stylist! I saw her in action helping a customer and she pulled some amazing dresses that were so flattering to the bride who tried them on. This girl for sure has it going on! 

ashtyn's instagram: @ashtynstringer

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Ashtyn: Being apart of making someone's dream come true is pretty rad. I also love working with our close knit team and meeting new people all the time.

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer? 

Ashtyn: Rue De Seine. First of all, its a husband and wife duo who kinda tackle different parts of the biz, which is just precious. I relate to their spontaneous life and her off-beat style, making her number one in my book!

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Ashtyn: I am a flowerchild. I LOVE seeing what florists make happen! From floral installations, to crazy bouquets, to flower crowns-- I am constantly in awe!

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

Ashtyn: Ellen Degeneres. Because she's hilarious. and I can build the fire.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Ashtyn: I don't really Keep Up With the Kardashians...

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Ashtyn: uh. both?

MEET VICTORIA! 

Last, but certainly not least, is Victoria! Victoria greeted me as I walked in to the store to interview the babes and she was so welcoming and heartfelt. I absolutely love that about her! She has a super cute style (I secretly or not so secretly want her hair!) and personality to go with it. She made me laugh quite a few times which made for a fun interview! Just like all the other stylist, Victoria is so good at what she does! As we walked through the store and talked I could tell that she is a great help to the brides she works with because of her sweet, funny and helpful nature. You'll love working with her!

Victoria's instagram: @ victoriaexplores

Ellen Ashton: What do you love most about working in a bridal salon?

Victoria: Helping brides find their gown for their big day! This is my absolute favorite thing! I love seeing people happy and helping take off the huge pressure of finding "the one". <3

Ellen Ashton: Who is your favorite wedding dress designer?

Victoria: Well, we are all big fans of Rue De Siene here. We were already big fans and then we met the designers and fell in love even MORE with their sweet love story and how they started their company. I am a big fan of their gowns as well! The first wedding gown I ever tried on was Rue De Siene. So I feel like I have an allegiance of sorts to them.

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Victoria: I love the minimalist bridal look! White, greenery, and a touch of gold. It's lovely! Intentional little details, those get me.

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

Victoria: Christian Bale! First off, he is batman..so he could get us off the deserted island (i'm sure). Then he is just very intriguing, so we would always have something to talk about. Also, strangely enough I just feel like we could be best friends.

Ellen Ashton: Kim, Kourtney or Khloe?

Victoria: I don't really care or know much about the Kardashians!!

Ellen Ashton: cupcakes or ice-cream?

Victoria: I SCREAMM FOR ICECREAAAMM! Ice cream. every.day. Anything Ben&Jerrys - more specifically.

One things is for sure, these girls are full of life and are rock stars at what they do.

Brides, you will LOVE shopping with them to find the perfect dress you have been dreaming of your whole life. 

DON'T FORGET! 

Social media is a great way to see all that a&be has to offer! Make sure to follow them! 

BE SURE TO FOLLOW A&BE! 

FACEBOOK: a&be bridal shop dallas

INSTAGRAM: @aandbe_bridalshop

PINTEREST: @aandbebridal

As always, 

Much love and many blessings, 

-E

Whitney Bailey Owner of Engaged Events in Dallas | Dallas Texas Wedding Planner

IT'S FINALLY HERE!

I am so excited to share with y'all a little project I have been working on these past few weeks.

For a while now I have been thinking of doing several blog posts featuring wedding vendors in the Dallas & Fort Worth area. 

So, that's just what I am going to do! 

For the next few weeks I will be posting blogs with Q&A style interviews of wedding professionals in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. 

Kicking off our blog series is the lovely and oh so talented, Whitney Bailey. 

Meet Whitney! 

Whitney is the owner of Chic Fleur Weddings and Event's in Dallas, Texas.

Whitney welcomed me to DFW with open arms and I am convinced that her warmness and fun loving spirit is what makes her a top notch wedding planner and coordinator. 

One of the things that I love about Whitney is her genuine heart and amazing organization skills! 

It's clear to see that Whitney loves what she does and because of this she provides her clients with phenomenal services.

Whitney is most certainly an assist to any bride and groom who hires her! 

So, lets get to know Whitney! 

Ellen Ashton: Why Did you start your business?

Whitney: I’m a firm believer in “do what you love” and that is exactly what I did! With a background in design and the love for people and hospitality, I thought I would give weddings a try. I love the idea of creating an event that brings two people together and is one of the most special days in their lives. 

Ellen Ashton: How did your first client find you?

Whitney: I think my first client found me on theknot.com. I was also very lucky to have family and friends support me and refer me to anyone they knew was getting married.

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

Whitney: We will travel wherever our bride wants to get married. A majority of our brides get married in Dallas but we do have some Fort Worth brides. We also have a few destination weddings on the books for 2016/2017 and we are so excited for this!  

Ellen Ashton: How do you survive the wedding day?

Whitney: With the perfect timeline, some fantastic vendors and a Venti coffee I am good to go! 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?

Whitney: My favorite 2016 trend is the “garden look”. I am all about a lush floral garland for your head table and lots of greenery. 

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

Whitney: I am loving the combo of lavender ivory and greenery. 

Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite television show?

Whitney: I am a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan and The Bachelor fan!  I have been watching both shows since the beginning so I will forever be a far. 

Ellen Ashton: Wine or Ice-cream?

Whitney: For sure wine (specifically a good Cabernet). Although what’s this I hear about ice-cream wine? I need to try this! 

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

Whitney: My favorite package is of course our Full Planning in addition to our Design Package. I love getting to know the couple and being able to insert pieces into their wedding that resemble them. With a huge passion in design I love to help create an unimaginable experience for both the couple and their guests. 

Wedding planners/coordinators work hard behind the scenes before and during the wedding day. They keep you on budget, find you good deals and hustle months before and during the wedding day. They insure that you get to experience your dream wedding and get to soak up every special moment with your family and friends. Who wouldn't want this?! 

 Let me just tell you, it takes a village to make a wedding day happen and a good planner like Whitney is key for a smooth wedding day. 

Each and every wedding vendor is SO IMPORTANT. I hope this blog series will help brides of all kinda find the perfect vendor for them! 

 Follow Whitney! 

Website: chicfleurweddingsandevents.com

Instagram: @chicfleurweddingsandevents

Pinterest: Chic Fleur Weddings and Events

Facebook: Chic Fleur Weddings + Events

Thanks so much for visiting the blog and reading about our featured wedding profession, Whitney! 

Stay tuned for next week! 

Much love, 

-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. 

We Own The Night Styled Elopement Shoot | Minneapolis Fine Art Wedding and Portrait Photographer

I am so honored and excited that Ellen Ashton Photography (along with many other talented Minnesota vendors) have been published on ArtfullyWed!

The idea for this shoot came to me when I was jamming out to a popular country song in my car. As I was belting the song mid chorus the idea struck me that the name "We Own The Night" would make a killer styled elopement shoot. 

After this thought came to me, I knew I needed to contact someone who could make this shoot come to alive and I knew that Kelly & Jenny from Maven would be the perfect girls for the job.

We sat in a coffee shop brainstorming on what this collaboration would look like... I just want to say that this shoot far exceeded my expectation! Kelly's styling and design was far better than anything I could have ever dreamed up and Jenny's florals were to die for! 

As excited as a am about seeing my images published, it's important to me that everyone is aware that it took a lot of pieces to make these dreamy and romantic images possible. It takes a talented team and a lot of hard work to make a shoot like this. I am so thankful for each and every one of these vendors who made this idea breath life. 

Make sure to check out these vendors and follow them on social media so you can keep up with all of their lovely work! 

Much love, 

-E

Dress Store: a&bé bridal shop minneapolis
Location: Able Seedhouse & Brewery
Jewelry: Adorn by Emily Rose
Cake Designer: Amy's Cupcake Shoppe
Hair Stylist: Andria Johnson Artistry
Apparel: Banana Republic
Specialty Foods: Bittercube Norseman Distillery
Rentals: Collected Vintage Rentals
Calligrapher: Hooked Calligraphy
Floral Designer & Event Stylist: MAVEN events / floral / styling
Dress Designer: Rue De Seine
Cinematographer: Acowsay Cinema