Nathan and Laura {Langley Wedding Photographer}

WOW~ There is so much I want to say about this wedding!!  I just love these two, they are truly near and dear to my heart.  Their wedding was held at the Langley Golf and Banquet Center, I have shot here before so I was excited to be shooting there again!  Little did I know Laura had some amazing things in store….  purple was her colour so everything had  a touch of it, a locket with her grandparent’s photo in it attached to her bouquet, a quartette, gorgeous flowers, and so much more.  I was also happy to meet Lisa Gregory Laura’s wedding planner, she had everything and everyone in line.  I truly appreciated having her a part of the wedding day, not to mention her lovely assistant who helped with many tasks.  Lisa was amazing and if you ever need a wedding planner I highly recommend her.  Getting on to the photos we headed to Campbell Valley Park, one of my preferred places to shoot. We arrived and it was gorgeous!!  Even though the forcast called for a day full of rain, the clouds parted and we had sun!!!!  The barn, school house and massive field were beckoning me, I was in heaven.  I probably could have stayed there for four hours shooting, but having everyone getting hungry and having to stay on schedule, we made our way back to the venue.  Dinner was fabulous and so was dessert!  Laura and Nathan’s cake was unbelievable…. it was white, with rhinestones in the center of light purple flowers, and it was so yummy looking too!  The first dance came shortly after and then father daughter dance. It was so emotional they were tearing up and so was I…. so beautiful.

Thank you Nathan and Laura for a spectacular day, I was so honoured to be a part of it.  A special thanks to my husband and partner in crime for second shooting.  Also to my assistant Stacie, you are awesome!!

Laura, you are stunning!!

Laura’s grandparents in a locket.

Love this veil!!

Wedding Coordinator: Lisa Gregory

Jewelry: Lanka Jewels

Florist: Design 358

Cake: Icing on the Cake

Makeup and Hair: C2 Makeup and Jenna Strange

DJ: Silver Disc Music

Blossoms and Love {Vancouver Wedding Photographer}

Oooooo!!!!!  I just love spring!!!!  Ben and Christine met me in Vancouver at UBC, such a gorgeous place to do engagement photos.  As soon as I seen Christine I was loving her look, the dress, belt and those cute shoes!  Yup, later that week I went and copied her…. I bought that dress and belt…. We walked around the grounds and found some amazing spots, the rose garden, a field of dandelions, and we found a really cool rock wall.  I’m not too familiar with UBC, but this place was so neat.  I had Christine and Ben sit up in the window, they were chatting to each other and I was backing up to get “the shot” and then it happened I fell backwards, legs up, and into a planter!!!  I was so embarrassed!!!  After gathering myself up we headed over to another one of the gardens, Christine wanted a head shot of each of them for their guest book…. thinking of me falling into the planter really gave inspiration for their smiles!!  So funny!  I am so excited for their wedding, only a month and a half to go!!!!!!!!

Loving your style you two!

Here’s “the shot”…. yup into the planter I went!

For The Love Of Shoes {Tuesday’s Tips}

I love shoes, and I love to see what kind of shoes my brides are going to wear!  Here are some great tips when buying your wedding shoes.

1. Shoes with colour!!  There’s nothing that pops in a photograph more than a beautiful white dress paired with a fun coloured shoe.
2. Think of comfort, you want to feel good walking around all day, dancing and having your photos taken in different locations.
3. Have some back up….. sandals or flats… if you are wearing 6″ heels for most of the day, your feet might thank you for it.
4. Have some bling.  If your dress is simple and you’re not into jewelry, try having some extra bling on your shoes.
5. Add something sentimental to your shoes like a flower from your mothers dress, a charm with a photo of a loved one, or something that reflects what you love.

Alyssa loves peacock feathers, so adding them to her shoes really was a nice touch.

Aviation Love {Crescent Beach Wedding Photographer}

After a much needed spring break with my husband and kids it’s time to update you with what’s going on!!!  So here is my first wedding of the season!  I met Andrew and Alyssa at a wedding I shot last summer.  I was so excited when they asked me to photograph their wedding!  The wedding was held near Crescent Beach at the Chateau Cargill, this is such a beautiful venue.  Andrew is a pilot so naturally the wedding was all about aviation.  I loved all their plane details, different types of planes in place of table number cards, lots of planes for the seating chart, they even had a pilots log book for the guest book.  Alyssa also loves peacock feathers, so each bridesmaid had a feather in their hair, Alyssa’s shoes had peacock feather near the buckle,there was a feather on top of the cake and little peacocks holding the table cards.  We did all the photos at Stuart Farm House, (LOVE it there!) and we even had time to bust it over to Crescent Beach!  Alyssa is stunning so clearly it was easy getting gorgeous images!  Some of the photos from Crescent Beach are my all time favorites!  Thank you so much Andrew and Alyssa, I loved being a part of your wedding day!  Also a special thanks to Kerensa for all your help 2nd shooting!

Alyssa!  Your dress is amazing!

Nathan & Laura {Abbotsford Engagement Photography}

Nathan doesn’t like photos too much so I wanted to make it quick and painless!!!  It was quite cold… so going fast wasn’t a problem.  We jetted around Abbotsford, and caught the sun setting.  These two couldn’t stop laughing!!  They were having a lot of fun, but you could also see just how much they love each other.  I am sooooo excited for their wedding, stay tuned this June for their wedding.  :) 

They Met At Timmy’s {Abbotsford Wedding Photographer}

I went to high school with Duncan and when he contacted me to shoot his and Alex’s engagement photos, I was super ecstatic!!

When we picked a date, we were hoping for sun….  little did we know it would pour!  So after chatting we went for it anyways…. we had an exciting day of umbrellas, going under cover, and stepping out in the rain.  Since Tim Hortons was such a big part of them coming together, we had to stop by for a shot or two!  I wanted to hear the whole story so I asked Duncan to email me exactly how it happened…..

Duncan: I was at work, renovating a Tim Hortons in Richmond. Mollie (Alex’s little sister), worked at the Tim Hortons. Mollie had been bugging Alex about “This tall guy I think you’d like” working on our store. So…Alex came to check me out lol.

Word had spread to one of my co-workers that Alex had the hots for me, and she was actually outside waiting to pick Mollie up from work. This was the last day of construction so it was now or never if I was going to get the courage to approach her.

Thanks to Facebook, Mollie discovered that I had a connection to them, and told me about it. So that was my icebreaker!
I approached Alex outside asking her how she knew my best friends girlfriend only to discover that they are related, AND are both named Alex…..small world… It doesnt stop there though, by fluke chance, I worked with Alex’s OTHER cousin at a Panago when I was 15 years old…oh…and his name was ALEX!

How could this NOT be fate? I think it was then when I realized I had met my soulmate. 

Tim Hortons…. where it all started~

WOW!  This ring is gorgeous!  Nice job Duncan!!

Kissing shots are so fun!

Duncan and Alex will be married in Vegas this November, I am sooooo excited for them.

Love In Ireland {Abbotsford Wedding Photographer}

Travis and Tanya have the most romantic engagement story….. a castle, a walk, and a proposal in Ireland!  Swoon….. sounds amazing!  Meeting through friends they started their journey together as friends for a year… friendship then developed into love.  Seeing these two together, the chemistry is undeniable.  Travis and Tanya travelled together to Europe with his sisters and a cousin, they stayed with extended family in Ireland.  Everyone had known what was coming for Tanya, when she and Travis left for a walk….. soon Tanya’s life would change forever.  Travis took her to Blarney Castle, they walked down a wooded path with a stream near by……sounds gorgeous!!!  Travis got down on bended knee and asked the question, the question every girl wants to hear.  With tears in her eyes, Tanya said YES!  WOW! I love their story, such an amazing experience and memory.  Tanya, here are your photos, you are gorgeous and Travis you aren’t bad either.  ;)

Can’t WAIT for the wedding!!!!!

A Big Thanks To My 2011 Clients! {Favourite Photo Contests}

Welcome!!  This is my first “Favourite Photo” contest.  I love going through my session folders choosing my favourite images of 2011.  Now it’s your turn to cast your vote and let me know what you think.

{The rules}

1.  Each individual person may vote for one photo, one time only.

2. To cast your vote, just leave me a comment in the comment section below with your email address.  Please include your comment under this blog post “Favourite Photo” and NOT within another blog post comment box.  Comments left inadvertently under a different blog post will NOT be counted.  Please identify by coordinating image number and image title.

3.  If you’re not a Fan on Facebook, head on over and hit “Like” now.  Fans, and only fans, will get a ONE MORE VOTE! Please indicate in your comment below that you have “Liked” the Fan Page.  Do not comment twice.

Also, winners will be announced on the Ashley Martens Photography Facebook Fan Page so keep checking there for updates!

4.  Please double check to be sure your email is typed in correctly.  Very important.

5.  Send this to ALL of your friends and family and get them to vote for your favorite image and “Like” Ashley Martens Photography on Facebook.

{The prizes}

1st place : One complimentary weekday session!!!! (Value $200)

2nd & 3rd place : $100 gift card towards future session.

4th & 5th place : $50 gift card towards future session.

Additional $100 Gift certificate toward a future session will be

given randomly to one of my Facebook fans!!

So if your not a fan become one!!!

So please vote and “Like” Ashley Martens Photography!!!!

Contest will end Friday February 10th at 11:59pm!!  So go cast your vote!!

without further ado, here are the images in no particular order!!

1. Rustic Farm Wedding

2. Sleeping Angel

3. Shining Sun

4. The Bouquet Toss

5. Baby Bump

6. Falling For You

7. Hugging Him

8. Brick Love

9. B Is For Bathe

10. Under a Bridge

11. Family of Three

12. Abbey and her sick bug

13. Coloured Leaves

14. Snow Bride

15. Exit With Bubbles

16. Golf and Puppies

17. Pink Roses

18. Love This Family

19. Kisses For The Cheek

20. Big Red Barn

21. Holding The Belly

22. Floating Veil

23. Scooters In The City

24. Momma Gets A Kiss

25. Brothers

26. Big Girl

27. Kisses On Grass

28. Too Cute Scrunchy Face

29. The Dip

30. Sweet Family

31. Cutie

32. Romance At A Barn

33. Pop A Heal

34. E Walk

35. Stunning In Red

36. Handsome Young Man

38. Laughing

39. Baby Blues

40. Heritage House

41. Top Hat

42. In Front Kisses

43. Group Shot

44. Little Piggies!

45. Pink Head Band

46. Stanley Cup

47. Flowers

48. Beautiful Baby Girl

49. Squishy Lips

50. Little Monkey

51. Field of Dandelions

51. Sweet Smile

52. Held By Mommy

53. Pink Hat

54. 2011 Grads

55. 4 Hats

56. Big Sister

57. 2 Years Old

58. Sun Glasses

59. Baby Kisses

60. Holding You

Thank you for Voting!!! Please vote under this post only!

(Please note that all photos are from 2011)

If your not a fan on Facebook please join us!

Hot Yellow Car { Langley Wedding Photographer }

Sorry to have taken so long to get another post up, but lately blogging has been a struggle with all the family photo craziness.  Better late then never! Here is Leanne and Curt…. one word fabulous!!!  Leanne is one stylish bride!!!  From her gorgeous veil to her sparkly, silver shoes that on the bottom said “I do”, she looked fantastic.  Curt, and his “Me too” shoes, was looking pretty spiffy himself.  Their venue was wonderful, as the Langley Golf Course is always a beautiful place to have a ceremony and the reception.  The wedding party helped to make the day a lot of fun as we rushed around Redwoods Park snapping shots before it got too dark.  Leanne had an amazing wedding co ordinator Shae Fowler, who took care of everything.  Also, Curt’s sister did all the decor, and she’s also one of my clients, as I did her sweet baby boy’s photos last year.  Check these ladies out as they are both amazing!!!!   Overall the day went great and I can’t wait to give them all the images. Thanks, Leanne and Curt, for letting me a part of your truly special day.

Champagne Dreams {Amazing Vendors}

When I first met Chrissy it was at a Mission Bridal Show, she was personable, kind and she did beautiful work!  We kept in contact and passed along cards and references.  I am so amazed at how her business has bloomed and has been incredibly successful.  I asked Chrissy if I could feature her incredible talent on my blog for all to see and she gladly accepted.  I would love you to get to know her a little better so here is her story.  From Chrissy: Christina Nelson, owner of Champagne Dreams.

“I love what I do and wouldn’t change it for anything. I work full time at Costco in Abbotsford – where I have worked for 10 years now. I play softball during summer and ice hockey in the winters. I originally wanted to be a police officer , and got my diploma in Criminal Justice from UFV, but due to hearing loss in my right ear I am unable to go into that field that I was interested. I still volunteer at the Abbotsford police department 1 day a week.   I have 1 dog wicket; and about 20 fish – all named after canuck players. ”

“My company started in 2009 when my dad had become critically ill and was given 6 months to live – at which point my little sister was planning a wedding and they decided to move their wedding up by 1 year so my dad can attend. Unfortunately my dad passed away 1 month before the wedding. My sister had no budget for any decorations, so I made it my mission to take care of them. I called around and got prices for decor rentals – finding it very expensive; so I searched online for the best deals, ordered everything myself and provided all decorations for the wedding. At that time I was thinking I would just hang onto the chair covers/sashes/misc items and rent them out to friends.”

“A couple months later a met a lady that was getting married on Halloween and she was looking for a decorator, and provided the decorations for her wedding as well. From there I had a booth at a local wedding show and things took off like crazy from there with over 80 weddings this year alone. I became part of the Better business bureau in 2010 which holds Champagne Dreams accountable to a higher standard of ethics.”

“Today we offer complete wedding decoration services, including chair covers, fresh flower bouquets, linens, runners, napkins, centerpieces, ceremony, banquet hall decorations and much more. We guarantee you the most competitive prices and best service in the lower mainland and surrounding areas .We will create a full ensemble to make certain that your wedding has the visual unity and flawless appearance.Whether you prefer a full package, selected services, or flower decorations only, we will work with you on developing a customized package for your wedding, carefully tailored to your preference of design and color, while considering your budget requirements.”

Thank you so much Chrissy for sharing your story and your business, if you are planning a wedding please contact Chrissy as she has a wonderful talent and a good heart.  She will make your special day beautiful and unique.

Chrissy Nelson at www.champagnedreams.ca