And it was! It was hot too! Probably one of the hottest days West LA has seen all summer. And there were like literally 20 other weddings going on, and we were all fighting for the good light to take pics in. But we worked out! We managed to beat the heat, and the crowds, and create some super fun images worthy of a rockin’ couple like Roy & Kristine! I really love the way the pictures capture Roy & Kristine’s unique since of style, super fun personalities, and how in love they are. Roy & Kristine are the type of couple that can be fierce one second and laughing so hard the next. They joke with each other and get lost in their own world. They smile genuinely. And they smile big. It is truly a joy to be around them! Their super cool style totally inspires me but their love inspires me even more!

Thanks Roy & Kristine for trusting me to capture your memories! I had such a great time with you! I am so glad we got to know each other! And thanks to my buddy Cindee Bae for second shooting with me! You rock too my friend!

And now…pictures!!!

Just announced as the new Mr. & Mrs, Roy & Kristine exit the temple!! Such a happy moment!

Kristine chose super cool bridesmaid outfits! And they rocked it so well!

Stylin’ bridal party!

This is kinda Reservoir Dogs. Awesome.

Thanks to Cindee for capturing these lovely bouquets while I was photographing the bridal party! I like how we tag team it

Birdcage veils! Swoon!

Ah! Kristine!!! You are GORGEOUS!

Work it girl.

I love everything about this.

Bride & Groom rockin’ Vans. I like!

I’ll leave you with the bling!

Can’t get enough of the super rad Roy & Kristine?! Check out the SLIDESHOW below, which is set to the tune of one their favorite songs of all time–”Close To Me” by The Cure!!

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I also got to say, Matt & Patricia know the key to my heart, which, by the way, is through my taste buds. They treated me & AJ to the nummiest funnel cake EVER after our shoot! It was deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelicious! And I am still touched by their generosity! It was oh so unexpected and so very sweet in more ways than one! Thank you both again for that!

This first shot is one of my all time faves! Love what the light is doing!

I might be weird but I love capturing people laughing! There is something so beautiful about laughter. It makes the whole face light up. And of course it makes people look so joyful. So I made Patricia laugh and hit the shutter button. I love the results! She looks radiant!

And if you want to see even more gorgeous pics from this fun, fresh engagement session please watch the SLIDESHOW below:

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And now its that special time of the week…another round of Tuesday Top 5!

1. Swimming. Well what is summer without swimming anyways? I am very blessed that my mommy who lives about 5 minutes away from me has a lovely swimming pool. I get to use it pretty much whenever I want and it is no doubt the best way to relax and beat the heat! The party really gets started when AJ & I get to swim with my niece & nephew too! I cherish these summer play days with them! Makes me feel like I’m in grade school on summer break…even though I’m not!

2. California Gurls. Yep, I have caught the bug. I am obsessed with Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” just like the rest of America! It’s one catchy jam, no? The video is kinda crazy and over the top, but I kinda love it too. Maybe I should start sporting a blue wig…JUST KIDDING!!!!

3. Man V. Food. Do y’all watch this show? If you don’t you’re missing out because it’s AWESOME!!! When it first came out I was prepared to hate it. I thought “great just what America needs. A show about a chubby guy trying to eat massive amounts of food. Most of which seems like junk food. Greaaaaaaat.” BUT I gave the show a chance and learned I was wrong. Yes, Adam Richman could stand to lose a few pounds. And yes, he does sometimes have to eat mass amounts of less than healthy stuff. But the show is more about him traveling to different American cities and finding some awesome awesome food. Also Adam Richman is hilarious and it is pretty entertaining watching try to take down the food. I would say 50% of the challenges aren’t even about big portions, many challenges just require him to eat something SUPERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR spicy. Anyways it a fun show and I suggest you watch it!

4. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Yes ladies you heard right. The BEST sale of the year is happening now. Brace yourselves and your bank accounts! You may ask why the Nordy Anniversary sale is THE best…And I will tell you! Because this is the one sale where you aren’t getting out of season items. Nay, you are getting the HOTTEST FALL STYLES ON SALE before the season even starts!!! Amazing! The only tiny issue is that it is a little hard to be in the mood to buy boots in July. But still. I already scored some Seven Jeans and a Miss Sixty Jacket. And it is taking all the strength in the world not to buy MORE. But that it was husband’s are for. To keep your shopping habits in line. Hehehe

5. Being a busy photography bee. July has been without a doubt my busiest month for weddings as well as portrait sessions so far! I have been LOVING it. I am getting a major taste of life as a true full time photographer and I never ever want to go back. It’s great having so many fun shoots and really breathing photography on a daily basis. I want my life to be like this ALL the time. So I am super anxious for those 2011 bookings to start rolling in!! I have made it my duty to ensure next year is even more awesome than this year, if possible!

I will leave you with two shots AJ grabbed of me shooting my most recent engagement session! It was HOT and bright out which required me wearing a summer dress and sunglasses atop my head. Obviously.

…I was showing my client how to pose in that picture. Yeah it’s silly but it’s awesome too. In a giggly way.

Here I’m just rocking it out with my camera. Clickin’ the shutter and smiling. Because that’s how I roll. With sunglasses atop my head.

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So Ryan & Kristina. These two are perfect for each other. They make each other laugh. They take care of each other. They are already a family, and their kids are so super amazing. I can’t even imagine a more perfect pairing. And during their vows I learned even more about these two and just how good they are for each other. How they have survived some trying times together. And how they have always grown closer and stronger through it all. Together these two have found the fairytale love they had always hoped for, but weren’t sure really existed. And that is amazing. It’s inspiring and it proves to me that fairytales DO exist in real life. Sigh…

So Ryan & Kristina, thank you for trusting to me to document your big day. I loved the day so much and I have had a blast reliving it as I edited these images for you! You two have something special, and it inspires me! Also thank you to Jenn for second shooting with me– shooting with you is always a blast!!!

And now onto the photos…..

Kristina’s shoes were fabulous!!!! If my feet weren’t totally child-size I would so ask to borrow them!

Did I ever tell you guys I am really funny?! This picture is PROOF! I am HILARIOUS. I am a modern day Lucille Ball

For more from Ryan & Kristina’s happy, vibrant, fun wedding…and to see why the song she chose to walk down the aisle to made me bawl my eyes out… please check out the SLIDESHOW below:

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What I didn’t know was how over the year, despite the long distance, I would become friends with Pam! I was so excited to get updates from her with details of their big day and to hear about the excitement in their lives! My hubby AJ was actually already online buddies with Justin and Pam for years, so it was really cool us all getting to know each other and finally meeting face to face on the big day! I can now say I have two super awesome homies in the DC area now! Holla!

Justin and Pam’s wedding was held in the beautiful Ceresville Mansion in Frederick, Maryland. I felt like the Mansion totally represented them as a couple– sophisticated, timeless, charming. Pam and Justin are just so sweet together. Their faces totally light up when they see each other, they get lost in each others eyes, they lean on each other through everything, and they still have the passion of a brand new romance! They are perfect for each other. It is totally obvious that their love is timeless. So, I loved the historic feeling of the venue they chose, and how the whole day was filled with classic details. From the the three piece string band that played during their ceremony, to the elegant decor, to their impeccably written vows (Justin quoted Proust in his vows!!),  to the reception filled with amazing and warm toasts from so many family members and friends, the day perfectly represented them. It was amazing, and I was truly honored to have captured the day for them. Thank you so much Justin & Pam for having me and AJ come all the way across the country to be a part of your big day. I loved every single moment & I am so happy for you both!

And also thank you my east coast buddy, Laurie Bracewell, for second shooting with me and AJ. Also thanks to Wayne at Ceresville for coordinating the day beautifully, and to Carla Ligon-Miller for rocking Pam’s make up & hair!! And now onto the photos!!

I love this shot of Pam’s mom seeing Pam all made up for the first time! It was a very touching moment!

AJ snagged some shots of Justin getting ready across the hall, while Laurie & I were with Pam!

I loved how excited Pam was when she saw herself in the mirror! She really lit up the room with her beauty!!!

Work it.

I love everything about this!!!

The first look…

A few fun bride & groom shots! I took the photo on the left, and AJ grabbed the photo on the right!

It was truly a beautiful ceremony!! Not a dry eye in the house!

A few more romantics with the newlyweds!! I loved this lily pond!

The bling!!

The reception decor was very elegant.

Pam and Justin were so happy throughout the night! And they laughed and smiled as they listened to all the amazing toasts their guests made.

Can’t get enough of Justin & Pam’s beautiful wedding?? Watch the SLIDESHOW below!!

So DC was amazing, though hot. I really had fun exploring the DC food scene with my hubs and I definitely feel a lot smarter & cultured from all the time we spent in museums! And the two weddings I shot this past week were AMAZING. They were both so different but so  so so fabulous! I am on a high. A wedding high. I can’t believe how amazing my clients are, how much love is in the world, how awesome my job is! I am a lucky lady!

So now onto Tuesday Top 5!

1. Volt. If you said, “what was the best meal of your trip Ashleigh?” I would say. “going to Volt! Duhhhh!” Yeah it was that good. Volt is Bryan Voltaggio’s (of Top Chef fame) restaurant in Frederick, MD. And it is truly a-maz-ing. We had the 3 course prix fixe lunch. It started with in-house baked sealt-rosemary breadsticks, in house baked bread, and in house made sea salt butter. The waiters present your food to you in perfect form, making sure your flatware is appropriate, and that you know all the delectable components to your dish. Very much like how the chefs present their dishes on Top Chef. For my appetizer I had the yellowfin Tuna Tartare which was to die for. It was wrapped in a thick jasmine rice paper and finished with cilantro oil and a soy foam. Um AMAZING. AJ had the goat cheese ravioli with wild mushrooms and it was in this insane sauce. The raviolis melted in your mouth. Mmmm baby. For the entree, I had the halibut with pea puree and carrot risotto. Everything was so uniquely presented and perfectly cooked. AJ had a homemade pasta with braised lamb sauce. We finished with dessert which we shared. First for our anniversary, they brought out an orange-mint semi-fredo which was quite refreshing. Then there was Textures of Chocolate. Yes the dessert was called Textures of Chocolate which is as fancy and delish as it sounds. It was a chocolate ganache that you could mix with other chocolate textures on the plate, such as chocolate syrup, chocolate ice cream, cocoa powder, crunch chocolate and more. It was very interesting and wonderful. Lastly was my favorite– cheesecake with sour cherries. The cheesecake was deconstructed which was an unexpected twist. The flavors were spot on and I loved the cherry ice cream! Seriously every dish was a presented in an original and unexpected way. Yet the flavors were spot on and divine. I’m SO glad we made it to Volt! It was a totally fab experience!

2. Good Stuff Eatery. Another place we ate in DC that I am still drooling over is Good Stuff Eatery. Owned by another Top Chef contestant, Chef Spike Mendelsohn, Good Stuff Eatery is like slow food fast. Good food. Farm fresh, organic, earth friendly ingredients in a fast food, burger joint set up. If fast food was like this everywhere, I would not hate it so much. So Good Stuff is a burger place and AJ said the burger was legit. But y’all I ate the “Vegetarians Are People Too Shroom Burger” and it was AWESOME. Fresh baked bun. Pickles. Good Stuff sauce. Lettuce, tomato, onion. And the piece de resistance….A portabello mushroom cap, stuffed with cheese, rolled in panko and flash fried as the patty. WOW. Eating this was so satisfying and tasted so meaty. But it was vegetarian. But it had all the great classic burger flavors. It was GREAT. I only wish I could eat it all summer long!!! I hope Spike will expand Good Stuff and bring it to LA. I know I always say I hate chain restaurants…but Good Stuff Eatery seems like the kinda chain I could get behind, if did in fact become one! I love the principles of this restaurant and I love the food! Oh and I almost forgot…they have AMAZING milkshakes! The toasted marshmellow shake is mind-blowing. Seriously.

3. Landing Safely. I love traveling. LOVE it. But flying? It makes me a little nervous. Not like I need to take a valium nervous. Just a tad nervous. I actually never used have nerves at all. But when I met AJ and fell in love, all the sudden I’d get nervous flying. I got afraid of something bad happening. I think it’s because I love him so much and I love our life and I’m so excited for our future…so I don’t want that to end…you know? But I try to disregard these nerves. Because I know deep down it will probably be okay. And life is about LIVING and not being afraid. And I should see as much of the world as I can during my short time here! I know all this. I do. But still. The whole flight there is always this little pit in my stomach. So when the plane touches down and we are all safe and good, I get really happy. I thank the universe and feel a big sigh of relief! Anyone else feel this way about flying? Anyone? Bueller?

4. Seeing my kitties. Basically from the second we left for DC I missed my cats. Call me lame. Call me a crazy cat lady. Tell me to get a life. Whatever, ain’t no thang. Cause I know that me and my kitties got something very special going on. Every night in DC was hard to sleep. I am so used to having my nightly kitty-cuddles and feeling them curled up by my feet while I sleep. On the plane back to Long Beach I kept thinking “almost time to see those sweeties!” So finally we were home. And I saw there sweet faces. And I was so very happy! And ever since I have been in cuddle city. Because apparently they really missed me too. Like I said, we have a special thang going on, those kit-kats and I!

5.  My Seriously Amazing Clients. Besides being creative and getting to take photographs for a living, one of my favorite parts of my job is getting to meet,  know and work with so many amazing people. My clients continually blow me away with their kindness, and with their warm and genuine hearts. This week especially so. Pam & Justin’s wedding in Maryland was so lovely and so fun. I truly felt like I was amongst friends all day…and honestly that’s because I was! Then there was Ryan & Kristina’s wedding on Saturday. Another couple who are just so welcoming and caring and feel like old friends. I was so giddy all day long for them! Then I came hone to such a sweet thank you note from the lovely Serene & Mike! When my couples take the time to thank me, it means so much! Because really, I thank all of you for allowing me to live such a dream! And lastly, there was the sweet Patricia & Matt on Sunday. They bought me & AJ a funnel cake after our session, which was so unnecessary but oh so very very awesome!!! And it was great to just chill with them over deep fried goodness and develop even more of a friendship. You see, 4 days packed with wonderful client interaction that melts my heart! I really am so ecstatic about all my weddings and all my clients, and so thankful for everyone of you. I can’t wait to see who the next generation of awesome clients will be! But I’m sure they will rock just as much! Because I really do run my business based on the philosophy that my clients should be friends! It’s just so good that way!

I remember walking into the room where Katie was getting ready and there was such an excitement in the air! The girls were giggling with nervous energy but yet Katie remained completely calm. She opened a very sweet card from soon-to-be-hubby Jon and was just beaming. It’s moments like that where I go “Man, I LOVEEEEEE my job!”

Katie & Jon’s wedding was held at Jon’s parents Camarillo home. On the wall in the entry way is a beautiful family tree mural and that morning Jon’s mother painted Katie’s name on the wall. Katie was so excited and it was a great way to welcome her to the family! After the ceremony, we drove off to Jon’s favorite park to steal some sexy and romantic shots of the bride & groom. An open field. Gorgeous light. Happy newlyweds. Again, its moments like this where I go “Holy McMoly I LOVE my job! So freaking much!!!” So without further ado, Jon & Katie.

1) I won a contest on photosister.com to get a sweet new black rapid women’s camera strap! I’ve been anxiously awaiting this strap since I tried it on t WPPI in March! So to win was super sweet!

2) Zoe & Nima’s awesome engagement session was featured last week on the new Style Unveiled!! Check it out!

3) And lastly but not leastly….I HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS A FINALIST BY WEDDING CHANNEL AS ONE OF THE TOP WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BLOGS! That’s sooooooooooooooooooooooooo cool! Like, Elizabeth Messina is another nominee. And little ole me is nominated in the same category. HOLLA. But y’all. I need YOUR VOTES so I can win “Best Wedding Photography Blog.” Yep, this little lady has her eyes on the prize! So if you read my blog & love it (or even just like it a little) please take a few secs to vote for me HERE!

Courtney & Tomojii grew up together. They were in the same circle of friends, they went to the church, their families knew each other. But it wasn’t until they were adults that things changed. That they saw each other as more than friends. But once they got together, they realized it was fate. Everything clicked and a short time later they were engaged! I can see why, these two are truly great together! I so enjoyed watching them commit their lives to each other and also getting to know their love story.

BUT I really am having a great time in DC! Honest! Here’s some highlights in my Tuesday Top 5:

1. Anniversary Dinner at Cafe Atlantico. GUYS, Saturday was my ONE YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. And I wanted to blog about it and brag all over the interwebs, but I was too busy seeing DC. We spent the day being awesome, and I got so tuckered out from the fun (and the jet lag) that I forgot to brag! Anyways, I will start now. By bragging about our AMAZING anniversary dinner at Cafe Atlantico by Jose Andres. I’ve been a little obsessed with Chef Andres since I ate at Bazaar in LA. Cafe Atlantico is great. The hubby enjoyed everything he ate (such as Organized Cesar Salad with Quail & a Brazilian Pork Chop) and I enjoyed everything as well! I ordered 3 appetizers, instead of 1 app & 1 entree. I enjoyed seared scallops, tuna ceviche and some local soft shell crab! HEAVEN.

2. The National Gallery of Art. I was a major art-history nerd in high school & college. Lately I’ve been spending more time checking out weddings than the truly great artistes of the world. And though weddings do rock, it was great to get back to my roots and check out some of the art-history-homies. Picasso, Matisse, Van Gogh, Lautrec, Lichtenstein, Goya, El Greco, Cezanne, Monet, Rothko, Dali….how I love you all. So much. I felt totally inspired by all the art & know I am going to rock Justin & Pam’s wedding this Thursday in a whole new way! Awesome!!!

3. The Smithsonian Museum of American History. Okay it was crowded like whoa….but it was worth it. I have actually been before. But long ago. When the museum was housed in another building, when the star spangled banner hung in the entry way and when there was also a pendulum hanging somewhere. Since then the museum has been given a face lift, and some new hot additions like Julia Child’s kitchen, but its still as fun as I remembered. I LOVED seeing the first ladies’ gowns!!! I want to steal and then wear Maime Eisenhower’s inaugural gown! Its soooo me! It was also really cool to see Michelle Obama’s gown and accessories up close & in person! I love Michelle O & that dress was really pretty in person! I can see why she chose it!

4. Blue Buck Pancakes at Market Lunch. We heard via Yelp about how Market Lunch, a little stand in Eastern Market (kinda like a mini version of Farmer’s Market in LA) serves up these awesome Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes only on Saturdays. They are apparently famous & locals wait in line for an hour to get them. So on Saturday we woke up early and rushed to get in a looooooong line. For pancakes. But it was SOOOO worth it. The pancakes were delish and the experience was quite fun too! And afterward we checked out the farmer’s market & flea market across the street! Fun fun!

5. Legal’s Seafoods. This is kinda lame of me. I ADMIT IT. It’s not really even very DC at all. Legal’s originated in Boston but has several locations on the east coast. I was OBSESSED with Legal’s when we lived in Boston. Every time a little extra money came my way I went to Legal’s for chowda and lobster. Cause that’s how I roll. Honestly, one of the worst things about LA is no Legal’s! So when I heard Legal was in the Nation’s Capitol, I HAD to go. And after a horrible mishap (we took a cab to go eat at Granvile Moore’s made famous by Food Network only to find they closed today only because their a/c broke…so we had to walk through the crazzzy heat over a mile to the metro), I decided tonight was the night. Grumpy Ashleigh was instantly fixed with some chowda & lobsta. Just like old times! Love it!

Okay so that’s the scoop. Today we are out to see more museums, trying take 2 on Granville Moore’s and maybe see the Lincoln Memorial! Yay!

Below are some pics taken with the point n shoot! I am LAME. It’s been way too hot to lug my pro camera around. So point n shoot will do!