We were driving to Charleston when I checked my email and saw her message that she was getting married!! I recognized her last name from photographing her brother’s wedding several years ago and I immediately remembered a photo I snapped of her on the dance floor having a blast with her sister! There was something about that photo that day that caught my eye. As I photographed Jeff and Ashley for their engagement session I realized what it was, Ashley is a like a bowl full of sunshine and you can’t help but be drawn to her! To see her with Jeff and witness how in love they are makes me just as anxious as they are for their wedding next June!
Ashley and Jeff live in San Francisco so we scheduled their engagement session for their next visit out here which happened over Labor Day weekend. I’m so glad the weather was perfect because our next shot might not have been till Christmas!! Jeff is big into horse racing and has gotten Ashley interested as well so it was quite appropriate to have their session surrounded by horse farms in Middleburg, Virginia. I love getting to know more about my couples before their session and I was so happy to hear from Ashley how much fun she and Jeff had filling out my questionnaire! A few of their answers really spoke to me and I wanted to share them here!
I asked them to name 3 personality traits of the other! She said he was comforting, talented and passionate. He said she was adventurous, beautiful and fascinating. I love those answers! As I photographed them I could see how perfect they are for each other, they complement each other beautifully. When I asked what do you think is unique about you as a couple? They said “We are so entertained by each other. We literally make each other belly laugh until our stomach hurts on nearly a daily basis.” That my friends is the true recipe for a great marriage, laughter will get you through the good times and the bad.
I’m so excited for their wedding next June, I know Ashley will look amazing and I can’t wait to photograph her and Jeff as husband and wife!!
These two look good in black and white!!
I love love love this black and white image of them, so sweet!
Yes I make my couples dance sometimes 🙂
Field of yellow flowers, yes please! Thank you Mother Nature for your wildflowers!
Ashley you are gorgeous and I love your look! Those boots rock! Jeff is looking pretty handsome too!
A stunning ring! Good job Jeff!
Show Ashley & Jeff some love by commenting below and sharing this post with your friends! 20 comments will earn them a complimentary 8×10 Fine Art print of their favorite image. Thanks!!! (All comments are approved so your comment will not show up right away, no need to re-submit it will be approved shortly!)
Melissa Arlena is an award winning lifestyle newborn photographer in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia who has earned her Master Photographer Certification from NAPCP in maternity, newborn and family photography. Her natural and simple work has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She has been named Best Maternity and Newborn Photographer in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA in 2023.
Oooh, I love her ring! So pretty! And I’ve been itching to shoot in Middleburg- I love driving through and seeing all the open fields and low stone walls. Sigh. Beautiful images!
Shmoe and Jeff–
Your love, respect, and caring for each other truly shines in these pictures. They make me smile so much when I looked at them. Thank you for letting me a part of what will be a beautiful day celebrating you two! I can’t wait for June!
Melissa- Thanks for capturing the love my two friends share for each other in your beautiful pictures. They are perfect.
All the best,
Dina
Ashley and Jeff, what beautiful pictures of an adorable couple. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Ashley, that ring is stunning!!! Good job Jeff! Love, Tara Kyman, LA CA
What a beautiful couple! Jeff, I love the way Ashley makes you smile, even when you’re not smiling. Dad
WOW, ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!!! The photographer captured you exactly as you are… happy and in-love! It warms my heart to see you having so much fun during your photo session… your love for each other is transparent!
I love both of you very much, xoxo always & forever ‘the mama’
Well, it has been a pleasure getting to know you Jeff. I must say Ashley chose wisely… as did you! The pictures are beautiful and I am so looking forward to the day before June Tenth! (an inside joke that I will gladly share on June Ninth with those of you not on the inside) You guy’s really look great and so happy, what a celebration it will be!
On a side note Dina, you looked beautiful on your wedding day.! I wish I could have made it. My best to you and Bill… ( another inside joke). Luckily ” Grandma” does not have a computer!
… now if you guy’s are free this Sunday…
I’m so very happy for you both!
Jeff, you look great in love!
Ashley, you’re a beautiful woman!
Best wishes for a lifetime of health and happiness!
Sincerely,
Diane