That’s right! I am excited to kick off the 2013 season…and in two cities!

This spring I am making a big move down to Dallas for a new opportunity. I look forward to capturing smiles across the sunny Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. But I’m not about to leave my wonderful St. Louis clients behind. I plan on returning to my hometown often, so with advanced notice I will be available for a limited number of St. Louis sessions, as well.

If you are interested in a spring session, whether in St. Louis or the Dallas-Fort Worth area, be sure to check out the session information and send me a message.

I look forward to photographing smiles that can be treasured for a lifetime!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

Wow! Just stunning, Katie!!

Katie wanted one thing any Chicago bride in the winter would want:  snow. The forecast had a slim chance of snow, but between the time of walking down the aisle and saying, “I do”, there was a beautiful snowfall! Fluffy, white flakes fell from the sky and created a fresh sheet of snow just in time for a few pictures outside.

Aren’t these mittens adorable? Paul’s mom knitted them herself!

Because the bakery had placed cardboard between the cake layers, it was not the prettiest slice of cake cut but, believe me, it was very delicious! Katie and Paul had requested for slices of cake to individually be packaged for guests to take home after the reception. Who could ask for a better midnight snack after a night of celebrating and dancing?!

Congratulations Katie and Paul!!

Katie & Paul | January 5, 2013

For decorating commitment-phobics, like myself, simple accents like pillows, lampshades and picture frames can easily liven up a room without making dramatic changes. How cute would an emerald pillow look on a white couch? Not to mention it would be a nice holiday addition in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day!

Here are a few of my favorite emerald finds!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

Every girl needs to treat herself to fresh cut flowers every now and then and this DIY vase has the perfect excuse to do so. The vase adds a nice accent to a living room and is both easy and affordable to make. Likewise, the technique is very versatile. Create makeup jars, pencil holders, candle jars, etc… using various jars and colors of sequins.

Supplies:

• Glass jar
• 6 yards of sequin strand (found at local fabric shop, may need more for larger jars)
• All-purpose glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Flowers
• Paint (optional)

I chose to stick with gold sequins for a classic look. To start, have the strand ready and unfolded so it can easily be applied. Place a light amount of glue all around the lower 1 inch of the jar. I recommend using a strong glue and applying a thin coat. Starting at the base, begin wrapping the sequin strand around the jar. As you work your way up the jar, the sequins should almost be touching the row below. Continue placing glue all around the jar in small increments as you work your way up the jar. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

Tie ribbon around the top of the jar. Add fresh flowers and enjoy!!

(If you prefer, instead of adding a ribbon, another option is to paint the bare glass area not covered with sequins.)

Fresh flowers and a shiny new vase on the desk- perfect work environment!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

Even today, I get all giddy inside when I go past the nail polish section in Target. There is something so satisfying about nails covered with a fresh coat of colorful polish. While I love almost all shades, here are some of my favorite colors that are perfect for the winter months, Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day.

From left to right:

Butter Trustafarian | OPI You Glitter Be Good To Me | L’Oréal Eiffel For You | Nars Storm Bird | Deborah Lippmann Gilded Ultra Violet | Revlon Revlon Red | L’Oréal Safari Chic | OPI Tomorrow Never Dies | Essie Leading Lady | Essie Where’s My Chauffeur | OPI I Think in Pink | Sinful Touch of Opal | Estee Lauder Blue Blood

~Ashley at Coco Belle

It just so happened their grandparents were in town from Pakistan!

It’s very apparent these three get their brains from both of their parents. In fact, I was very fortunate to have their dad as my preceptor earlier this year for a hematology/oncology rotation! 

Sameer, you are so adorable!!

Mehreen….absolutely stunning. 

Sonya, you are so pretty!!

Sunglasses and scarves…such stylish ladies!

Absolutely gorgeous!

Haha, this family knows how to have fun and strike a pose!

I had such a great time with all of you! Mehreen, Sonya and Sameer, the world is at your finger tips!

“I hope your dreams take you….to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.”

                                                                 -Author unknown

Atif  ::  Physician, Hematology/Oncology

Nadya  ::  Physician, Internal Medicine

Mehreen  ::  14 years

Sonya  ::  11 years

Sameer  ::  6 years

Dr. S,

Thank you for everything you have done to help me advance my career and fulfill my dreams of helping others! I had a wonderful time working with you and your family. I look forward to passing along everything you taught me…and will always remember to take the stairs.

Sincerely,

Ashley

When I was editing his portraits, someone asked me why I had a huge smile on my face. You cannot help but smile when you see these expressions!

Even his serious face is adorable.

We had a wonderful time playing on the playground. Kelton loves the swing!

After the swing, we immersed him in a colorful pile of leaves. He could not stop laughing as he threw leaves up and they fell around him. 

Just look at those eyes!

Aww, so precious. Isn’t his hat so cute?

At his first photo session he was hiding between his dad’s legs playing peek-a-boo. Now, 6 months later, he he’s grown so much that he had to get on his knees.

Kelton, you have the sweetest, most innocent expressions. Better watch out, he might become quite the little ladies’ man!

Oh my, Kelton you just melt my heart! Just love this one!

Happy 18 months, Kelton. Hope to see you again soon!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

And lastly, I have been looking forward to sharing these blooming beauties!

With the work week around the corner, don’t forget to take time to stop and smell the roses!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

L to R:  Homemade ice cream cake with raspberries for a birthday celebration *  Visit up to the Miller Brewery in Milwaukee *  Weekend trips to Chicago * Delicious firecracker sushi * My little buddy helping me study * Wild display of cop cars in downtown Chicago, likely as part of a movie scene *  Cardinals games * Best custard in town, Ted Drewes * Pre-season Rams football game * Getting settled after moving *  Looking ahead to the fall:  104 days til graduation!

~Ashley at Coco Belle

For those who aren’t familiar with my style of photography, I invite you to take a look around and visit my gallery. Hope to see your smiling face soon!

~Ashley at Coco Belle