KANAWHA STATE FORREST | AKP BRIDAL BRUNCH | WV WEDDINGS | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Now that the holidays are over, the tree has been packed away, the new year is already a week old, and weddings are less frequent-I finally have time to get back to some of the projects I worked on recreationally last year. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be featuring some creative shoots I did. These will include stylized sessions as well as boudoir. Stay tuned!
For today, I’m sharing some of my favorites from the first AKP styled shoot we did in July of 2014. This was one part styled shoot and one part bridal event. I invited all of my WV local brides to attend a lunch with me and my support shooters. This gave us all a chance to mingle, talk about their upcoming weddings, and share stories about their planning experiences. I had a vision of a gorgeous Summer day, sharing in a picnic with these special ladies. Alas, the weather did not cooperate.
We planned the event for weeks, recruiting WV vendors to provide services including floral arrangements, vintage rental pieces, a cupcake bar, bridal gowns, a delicious lunch spread, and so on. Everyone, especially me, was excited for this to come together. Then, a storm rolled in. It started days before. It was too late to find another location during such a peek event season, and the schedule was too tight to postpone.
My team kicked into gear. We called Kanawha State Forrest and they supplied us a large shelter. I got help moving the large picnic tables so that we could maximize room. My father showed up and helped string lights from the ceiling to create a romantic ambiance. I purchased a large tent to extend the space and create an entrance. On the two shorter sides of the shelter, we hung miscellaneous floral sheets and quilts. As it came together, completely unlike what I had planned for or envisioned, I kept telling myself-“this is still going to work.”
Despite a lack of natural light, damp hems, and frizzy hair-we pulled off the event. In fact, we had a lot of fun. I recapped the event with the brides last year, but I never addressed the styled shoot. Here are some of my favorites from our rainy day styled shoot… the picnic that we stubbornly threw in spite of the rain.
Another big thank you to all the vendors who showed up and got soaking wet to enable this event to still happen. I had a blast, loved shooting these, and enjoyed the time I got to spend with each of you!
– Ash
Photography | Ashton Kelley & Hallie McComas
Model | Amanda Foster
Hair & Make up | Rachael Summers
Paper Goods | EAlexDesigns
Dress | The Dressmaker’s Closet
Decor | Salvaged to Sassy: Rehab for Reclaimed Goods
Venue | Kanawha State Forest
Catering | The Gallery
Flowers | The Gallery
Cupcake Bar | Sara Lane
Leave a Reply
January 9th, 2015 at 6:34 am
I absolutely LOVE this!! I am thinking along these lines for mine and Frank’s wedding. Something rustic/country but still chic. This blog entry got some of my creative juices flowing!!
January 9th, 2015 at 12:32 pm
Awesome! Let me know if you need any help at all. So excited for you two!!
You can hover over the images and add them directly to your pin board to reflect back on later, as well! <3
January 9th, 2015 at 7:54 am
Wow! This event looks like it was amazing! I love all the details. You always go the extra mile on your events. Good job!
January 9th, 2015 at 10:56 am
You are so creative Ashton! This is a great idea and a beautiful job! I can see some ideas for my shower here! Thanks!
January 9th, 2015 at 11:04 am
I actually was able to attended the event, and everything was just as gorgeous in person. I loves the lipstick canvas and wish I would have though of that for a bachelorette party keepsake, but maybe I’ll recreate for a girls night. It was nice to be able to trade stories and advice with all of the brides/brides to be. Love all the detail shots !
January 9th, 2015 at 11:04 am
This is absolutely stunning! My wedding is coming up this year and unfortunately you were all booked for photography the weekend I’m planning. However it appears you should also be a wedding planner!! This is beautiful and definitely the look a lot of brides are leaning more towards lately! I may even use some of the ideas at my wedding! Thanks Ashton, you’re the best!
January 9th, 2015 at 11:07 am
I’m so sad I’m not available for your big day. I just know it’s going to be GORGEOUS. Thank you so much for your kind words. We actually started off as a planning business, and I ended up going full time with photography. Creative shoots like this still allow me to tap into my love for decor. Thanks! :)
January 9th, 2015 at 11:10 am
You are beyond talented and have the heart to go along with it!
January 9th, 2015 at 1:02 pm
Ashton, you are multi-talented and it shows with everything you create! I find this to be an asset for you as a wedding photographer. I believe every bride who comes to you feels reassured that you have an eye for detail that’s just simply incredible. Your photography is a feast for the eyes, because you go above and beyond to capture all the details that make an event truly special and unique. And you are able to do this under any circumstance, just like a wedding planner. I believe there’s value in all your talents, and brides can rest assure you will exceed any of their expectations and dreams. You have for me when you have photographed my family…every time!
January 9th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
This is such a beautiful comment, Sara. Thank you so much! <3
January 9th, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Beautiful as usual. I am so looking forward to having you photograph my wedding, as you always do such an amazing job! June is right around the corner and I cannot wait. Any plans for a bridal lunch for your Maryland brides? Seems like a fun day!
January 9th, 2015 at 2:02 pm
I am so looking forward to it! I am thinking a girl’s night with dinner will be a great plan for MD brides of 2015. Maybe when it gets a little warmer!! <3
January 9th, 2015 at 1:35 pm
I’m going to have to agree with what Sara said! You made a bulk of my wedding so stress free, it was fabulous! This event was beautiful & I had so much fun meeting the other girls, and watching Mrs.Hoffman throw elbows with a bouquet, LOL. A day to remember, thank you!’
January 9th, 2015 at 2:39 pm
I am so glad I was the one of lucky brides to see those in person! I was so hesitant to attend since I was attending by myself while most of girls were bringing someone with them. However, I had an amazing time there by meeting AKP brides, games, talk, and to see beautiful settings! Even though it rained, you pulled it off beautifully and made all of us welcomed. Great job Ashton!
January 9th, 2015 at 4:38 pm
I am sad I missed this, but have really enjoyed seeing the blog about it. Your talent goes well beyond fabulous photographs. The style and mood you bring to the venue is amazing. I love all of the little details, the kiss and tell is the most adorable idea. Not that you have any time for extra – but I’m pretty sure you have a second calling in event planning!