THE AKP HIGHLIGHT REEL | AKP DASHING DINNER: FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY | MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Another weekend has come and gone. If you had weather like us, you may be grateful of its passing. It has rained almost every day lately, or simply remained gloomy, as though it was on the cusp of doing so. The skies were so grey, despite the warming temperatures, but we never let a sprinkle and a moody sky get us down!

A few months ago, we started discussing opportunities in our photography community of offering in person meet-ups. Since the majority of my workshops are travel based, we had decided to try and make social activities monthly that everyone would be welcome to attend. We started with a coffee date here and there, organized a fun bowling trip, last month we met for a picnic brunch at Kanawha State Forrest, and this month… we went WAY bigger!

Lara-Jill Reynolds, Kaylyn Cole, and I put our heads together and came up with a plan to hold a styled event for our photographer friends that would also double as a dinner party. The girl’s paid a small fee to help us obtain food and florals, but we took care of the rest! From the elegant farm tables, colorful flowers, delicious comfort food, peach champagne, mini pies, and rustic details.. it truly was a beautiful night. There was much to capture and we even managed to arrange an Airstream trailer as a portrait prop!

We were so thankful that almost 30 women signed up to attend this fun-filled evening. Despite a little drizzle when the girls arrived, everyone kicked into gear and treated it like a real wedding. These professionals jumped right in and held umbrellas for each other while shooting, passing them along to our bride and groom as well, and they kept going. They found cover shooting details on wrap-around porches, and we finished the evening listening to the rain over food and drink. I washed dishes that night with the laughter of a group of women behind me, which fills my heart so much! It’s such a joy being able to bring creatives together, and always gratifying when they walk away having enjoyed themselves.

As many of you know, I have taken a recent obsession with video. It’s all a work in progress, but I focused my energy on putting together a highlight reel of our time together from Friday and I hope you love it as much as I loved putting it together. :)

Please check out the amazing vendors and team that made this event happen, below. I can’t thank them all enough for being involved and offering us so many amazing resources to share. We are so lucky to work with the best!

Interested in attending a similar experience? We are planning another “Dashing” event for North Carolina so if you are near the area, let us know! We’d love to have you for dinner. :)

-Ash

VIDEO | ASHTON KELLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

DESIGN & FLORALS | SIMPLY GORGEOUS EVENTS BY LARA-JILL

VENUE | PRIVATE HOME OF KAYLYN COLE

DESIGN SUPPORT | LAURA RADER & LESLIE SHAMBLIN

INVITATION & SEATING PIECES | EALEXDESIGNS

CATERING | BEAN AN TI

MUSIC | COLTON HATFIELD

WOODEN SIGN | HELEN HANDMADE

VINTAGE PLATES | FAD VINTAGE

NAKED CAKE | SARA LANE

MINI PIE FAVORS | CAKE WALK BY ASHLEY

RINGS | CLASSIC JEWELRY & LOAN

AIRSTREAM | RENAY & RANDY JARRELL

BRIDE & GROOM | TAYLOR & EVAN BIGLEY

BRIDESMAIDS | KATE VOGELAAR & JESIKA WOODY

BRIDESMAID MAKE-UP | KATE VOGELAAR