Ashley Brokop Photography Blog

Hello Lover!!! It's ready!

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:40:13 -0500

///Update your info please www.ashleybrokopblog.com is my new blog.///

I won't be updating this blog anymore, so add this to your bookmarks and RSS feed.

Thank you!! Hope you enjoy ;)

A new Blog

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:04:14 -0500

Stay tuned tomorrow, as I am going to unveil my new blog to you.

This blog has served me well, but I am unable to change anything as it was custom and times are changing so I had to just call it quits with this poor blog :(

I am so excited to show you my new branding and blog and will do that tomorrow.

I have tons of photos to blog, and current BroFam pics...lots going on. Good night to you all, and to you all a great Wednesday!!!

Aubrey + Ryan //wedding Sumter, SC//

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:29:55 -0500

I wanted to share a few images from Aubrey and Ryan's wedding. Aubrey is pretty special to my family and is one of the sweetest people in the world. I am getting behind, as the fall wedding season is ramping up. I have had sessions everyday and am ready for a few days off before my wedding this weekend.

There are some really great things on the horizon...heading to Chicago next weekend for an esesh downtown plus Billy's class reunion. eeeeek. I have never even been to my own reunions, so this is going to be something. Not to mention I am five years younger, so I hope he walks in proud with his young bride. (that was a joke, as Billy is always saying -jokingly- that I was so much cuter/hot when I was 25//silly billy ;)

So anywho, Ashley Brokop Photography is undergoing a mini facelift... I can't wait to unveil some new and amazingly beautiful things for you so soon!!!

Enough about me...and on to Aub. Enjoy, and hope to blog again tomorrow!!!

I love Beth

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:47:09 -0500

So one of my best friends in the WORLD, just happened to marry an Italian she met while vacationing in Sarajevo. Quite kidding about the vacation, but an Italian she did meet, marry and mate with. And for this I thank my lucky stars. She met her husband while stationed with Combat Camera, the unit we were assigned to together.

Beth and I met in Tech School...photography school, when you used to have like 3 months of darkroom and film shooting, and butt chewing.

Beth was fiery and talkative and loud. I loved her from the moment I met her. I was sort of intimidated by her, because she was a few years older, few months ahead of me...and had HER OWN ROOM, and HER OWN BATHROOM. I had to share a room, and had to use community showers.

Anyway, I loved Beth, and loved watching Beth, and then poof...she was gone.

I lost her for a long time and then to my amazement I got selected for an assignment to Combat Camera, where she was also stationed!!! I arrived and saw her immediately, in the parking lot!!! (and boy was she pregnant.) I was so happy to see her, and she barely recognized me!! I had lost some weight; I was sort of in that chubby, not sure of who I am or what I am supposed to eat out of basic training mode, when we had first met.

Beth and I became fast friends and spent a lot of time together. My boyfriend (soon to be husband) was in New Mexico and her husband was out of town/aka out of the country on an assignment. He was part of the Italian military.

I think it is so funny, so many people are married to Italians...but these are usually like 4th gen Italians that don't speak Italian, never been to Italy..that sort of thing.

Beth's husband didn't speak much English when they met, and their love story is one of which books are written. She learned to speak Italian, and he learned more English...She learned to cook Italian meals. Real ones, not Olive Garden...and that is what lead me to this post. Beth has a fantastic blog where she shares fantastic recipes. Real Italian recipes, taught by her Mother in Law and her husband.

I don't love to cook, but i really like to. It is sort of a chore and only because my children are at funny ages and taste levels. Like the baby is allergic to everything, Betsy hates meat, Wesley will eat anything if I convince him his best friends love it...don't judge.

But the kids are almost force fed the meals we create and it takes the joy out of it. If I was merely cooking for Billy, I would be more creative, more inspired and more passionate about it for sure. But I have three other picky, feisty toddler/youngsters to please and it squeezes the passion right outta my body.

Now Beth's recipes are a real crowd pleaser with my family. She makes pizza from scratch, the best pasta I have ever tasted and created guacamole lovers out of Bill and myself.

Beth's philosophy is simple...simple is better. You don't need all that extra stuff. Test out some recipes and you will be a believer.

I write all of this with some sadness. She is moving in about a month back to Italy where they own a home. I don't know when she will be back and it makes me really sad. Lucky for me, her parents live in SC so I will always be close to the ones she HAS to see ;)

We are planning a trip to Italy for next summer. I am really excited to visit the place she fell in love with and the home that her sweet husband is from. I am not sharing his name & info because he loves his privacy and I respect him a great deal. He is a wonderful man, husband and father (and wildly creative to boot). Did I mention Beth is also a photographer? She is also a teacher!! She also edits a great deal of my work. I send her work via FTP and she is an amazing editor. She always had an amazing eye. Back at Combat Camera I would listen to her edit someone's work, mine too, and think "I never would have thought of that". She just sees things that not everyone sees. After I have a long shoot, I put my heart and soul into it, coming back to edit something isn't the easiest thing to do. Sending it to someone with fresh eyes, is something I am very happy that I can do. She ends my photographic sentences. Beth is that friend you pick up with the second you speak or text. She is the first one that knew I was going into labor after Bill knew, when my water broke with Betsy. Bill told me to get online and get a number for the ER at the hospital, and of course I was on ichat with Beth. She called me immediatly. We've been pregnant together, sad together, happy together...she is someone I love and hate to debate with, someone I know will support me when I need it. A great listener, great advice...and a great Mom, Wife, teacher, cook, singer, and friend.

Here is the world's best pizza crust recipe, and sauce recipe at the bottom. I use this sauce for everything!!! It's amazing!

Beth's Test Kitchen: The Link

The photographer: Beth Caporaletti

btw, I have way better pics that this, but I am so unorganized. I swear I will post more when I find em. I love you beth.

Emma {bridal session}

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:34:03 -0500

Emma, and my sister, were the two people that helped me stay motivated while Bill was deployed last year. Emma got me into spinning (spin class), and I just loved it!!! I had tried it before, many years ago, but when you go with a friend and have that encouragement, it makes a huge difference.

Emma is super kind and supportive, and just an amazing person. She was a beautiful bride and a blast to make pictures with.

lately

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:04:20 -0500

I have lots to blog, but first I wanted to share some iphone pics of the fam. The girls love to have tea parties, duh ;) There is one creative shot of Wesley in "time out" on the stairs, and a walk we took, dinner out, a DIY project (refinishing table/chairs) and the always-an-adventure Sumter Mall kiddie rides. Also, I promise to blog more. I hate going to a blog and it's the same post that I have read, and maybe it has been a week or two...well guilty. It makes you feel like it has wasted 30 valuable seconds of your life. no more time wasted.

Also, Ashley Brokop Photography is now visible on the iphone/ipad/most any mobile device!! I have lots of stuff to add, and more pictures to upload, but hey at least you don't get the stupid flash message that makes you wanna scream. boo-yah!! you're welcome ;) love to you on this late thurs.

Jessica + Joe {Sumter, SC wedding}

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:26:39 -0500

Jessica and Joe were married in Sumter on a beautiful, but really rainy day. I was looking back through my blog and noticed I totally forgot to blog their wedding (sorry guys!!!). There is a bridal I forgot also :( This was a really tumultuous time for my family as this was the day that Billy's Dad's lung collapsed. Just as I began shooting the site/tent Bill called to tell me he was on the way to the hospital because his Dad's lung had collapsed.

Jessica was a great sport about the weather, which is what you hope every bride is. She is really laid back and took the whole thing in stride. The power went out and the moment she entered the church to walk down the aisle, the power came on again. It was a really cool moment.

Here are their images.

Back to School Bash: Elevation Global Columbia

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:34:48 -0500

tiny picture- sorry

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: FB link here

Where: Elevation Global Columbia

1216 Piney Branch Road

Eastover, SC

When: 5:00

Why: Good message, good music, good friends, free school supplies

free food, bounce house, live band!

How: walk, drive, hitchhike- no really, we'll come pick you up

We will be giving away TONS of school supplies. There will be an ipod giveaway, a live band, a bounce house for the kiddos, free sack lunches (just like I used to carry to school!!) and tons of new friends waiting to meet you

There is nothing like being connected in your town or a town near you. Like the song from the show "Cheers" "you wanna go where everybody knows your name".

Bill and I used to go to church, for years actually where we wouldn't talk to anyone, wouldn't say anything. We would just walk in...hear the message...and walk out. THEN we had kids, and started almost wanting that connection, and it was hard not to because when you drop your kids off at the nursery people start to get to know you.

There is nothing like going through life, with people like you. People with heartache and pressure, and hurts and insecurities and addictions...I could go on forever. We are all made of the same stuff and need fellowship/human interaction. This is not that church where you stand up and everyone claps when you are a first time guest...I have been to TONS of churches as a first time guest. I've been the only white person, been the only not dressed up person...you name it, I've got church stories.

You often hear people ask...why so many churches SC? Well no one says there are too many restaurants. There is a church for every type of person. And nowadays you can test the water before you take a bath...I am posting some of my favorite messages below. If Steven Furtick speaks to you, like he speaks to me...then this might be your cup of tea...or your sushi roll. If you rated churches like you rate movies, this one would probably be PG13. A lot of people want G church, where you go, you listen, you leave. I want a church that changes my train of thought and empowers me to make a difference every week. I don't always do that, but every day and every week is a new chance to do something instead of doing nothing.

These messages are full of hope, and passion if you are still reading then you should watch one. This may just be the hope or change or thing you needed.

Treatment series: any of them. they are all amazing.

There is a message about anxiety, depression, addiction, and self-esteem (current sermon)http://www.elevationchurch.org/sermons

Jenn + Mark {the reception}

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 23:56:15 -0500

Here are the beautiful details from Jenn and Mark's wedding. CB Events coordinated this event. Carrie and Brenda are a lot of fun to work with and I am really glad we all met. The Huegenot Loft is a beautiful venue in downtown Greenville. The transformation of the space was spectacular. Look at the before pics on the Peace Center/ Huegenot site!

And with Jenn's face after the send off...Yes bird seed always seems like a better idea until you have it in your cleavage, scalp, shoes, mouth, ears...

Vendors:
Church: Daniel Chapel (Furman)
Venue Reception: Huguenot Loft
Planners: CB Events
Cake: Buttercream Bakehouse
DJ: Sami automatic
Shutterbooth
Caterer: Good Life Catering
Dress: Martina Liana
Hair: Meghan at MOD
Make-up: Shantel
Sound & Lighting: Advance Audio

Jennifer + Mark {Greenville, SC Wedding}

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:45 -0500

Jenn & Mark were married in Greenville, SC. This wedding was fantastically beautiful, just you wait. The reception was so beautiful that I need another post to contain all the amazing details. the girls wore different blue dresses, with different jewelry (gifted by Jenn) and unique bouquets for each unique bridesmaid. Mark and Jenn are both super striking. both tall + good looking. I can't wait to see their love child, cause it's (he or she, whatevah) gonna break some hearts, already betting on that ;)
Jennifer is hilarious...mentioned that in her bridal session post. she is just the girl you send your bday invite to, first!
As I post this I am putting together the reception post. It's a real stunner, just like our lovely Jenn!

Jennifer {Greenville, SC Bridal Session}

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:30:33 -0500

Jenn & I met in Greenville for her bridal session. I will be blogging her wedding next. I am a little out of order with these posts. I wanted to share these with you. Jenn is amazing, no? I wish you could get a text or two from her, she's huh-lar-ious. Whatta dress, huh!

Wait till you see the wedding shoes. I know you can barely...soon, promise!

Slap Happy {April + Ian, married Columbia SC}

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:14:44 -0500

April and Ian were married at 701 Whaley in Columbia, SC. It is one of my favorite venues in Columbia, duh. Not much is needed to make this place perfect, but April's creative & feminine touches made it simply beautiful. You can see how much thought was put into every detail and I am so grateful that April found me. Leslie helped pull it all together and her and her team were fantastic. There is nothing like giving a vision to a wedding coordinator and letting go (or trying) and watching your vision come together. I am a believer, wedding after wedding- worth the $$!

April's family is full of beautiful women and of course her handsome dad- that dances as nicely as he smiles ;)

btw -Shagging is something I've yet learned to do, but would love to someday...

I hope you enjoy this beautiful yellow and gray wedding as much as I did, shooting it. Never to forget :Thanks Emily for all you do ;)

My sincerest condolences for Ian's family. Ian lost his Dad in the recent past and they paid respects with a bagpiper who played from the hall outside of the ceremony room. The bagpipes + moment of silence = not a dry eye & a really touching moment. God Bless you all!

You can check out April's Bridal session: here

And their engagement session: here

The groom chose to wear a kilt, and changed after the ceremony into a suit that matched the groomsmen. April and Ian chose to see eachother before the ceremony- those pictures you can see a few images down after the portraits...ps love the Mothers looking through the window to watch- Em, way to go on that one!!!

Vendor Info from April:

Info from her bridal session stayed the same... hair/makeup by Jami Svay, shoes by Nina, dress by Watters (from J. Majors), hairpieces made by me minus the veil, garter made by

my aunt.

Venue: 701 Whaley, Columbia, SC

Wedding coordination and planning: Leslie Ellison Dreamy Affairs, Signature Weddings

Bride's Getaway dress: by Tory Burch

Groom's Suit: Brooks Brothers

Catering by Food For Thought (Corey Ellsworth)

Cake by Harris Teeter

DJ - Cameron Glover with Big Time Entertainment (www.BigTimeDJsc.com)

Photobooth - Shutterbooth

Rentals - Palmetto Party Rentals

Officiant - Mark Bredholt

Bridesmaids dresses were from Anthropologie (they selected their own nude heels)

Groomsmen wore their own grey suits

Button boutonnieres: made by the bride

Emma + Scott {Sumter SC Wedding}

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:05:06 -0500

Emma and Scott were married at the First Baptist Church in Sumter, SC. I rarely shoot in the town I call home, and when I do it is a pleasure as I am home before it is officially Sunday!!!

I was so pleased that the church was obliging and allowed us to move around with a fair amount of freedom. We are able to move around without being a compete distraction and I just want to say thank you to the director and to First Baptist for trusting us as professionals and allowing us to make even more beautiful imagery from more vantage points. I believe God is pleased, but you all can ask him if you like ;)

I want to also take this time to thank Emily, my second shooter and sister for being so awesome and for being such a hard worker. She is dedicated and motivated and is becoming a pretty awesome photographer!!! I post these pictures in strips but am working on a watermark for her so you can get a feel for just how creative this girl can be. She is a history major but I think her calling has found her. Most images from a normal vantage point are mine. If you see images from behind or somewhere like rafters or a mountain top...that's Em. I talk to the clients, make them laugh or cry with my sometimes crude humor (PG of course) and Em is off trying to one-up me with her creativity, and she has done it once again. I am so blessed to have a sister that I can call a friend and share so many fantastic wedding days with. To be honest with you South Carolina, she is one of the main reasons we are not moving. I have dreamed of the day I would have a motivated and creative 2nd and I found one. Booyah!

I have spoken too much, as always.

Scott is a cop (ahem-an officer of the law) and Emma, a teacher. I took a picture of them at Brittany's wedding a year or two ago and who knew they would marry!! Btw to toot Emma's horn, she lost about 25 pounds right in time for this wedding and she looks marvelous!!! I am so proud when people set a goal and achieve it and never is it more obvious than with your own body. I can post some chubby pics and tell you my story someday. (I used to be called "big-boned".) I hope her story and other's I have shared with inspire other people out there. I want to uplift, not make you feel bad. Love who you are, but be the very best you ;)

I am so glad they invested in each other and found love. Emma is a true friend and beautiful person and Scott is one of the funniest guys I know. He can turn your worst day into your best with a few sentences. I am so glad you guys chose me ;)

btw, the badge was my idea.

I love Scott's face in the above pic! He looks so proud.

Hair: Julie Weatherly & Amy Racine

N Salon and Spa

Make-up: Savannah Davis N Salon and Spa

Make-up: Courtney Freeman: Southeastern Laser Med Spa

Dress: Alfred Angelo

Bridesmaids: Forever Yours

Bride's Shoes: Charlotte Russe

Tuxes: Men's Warehouse

Cake: Baker's Sweets

Flowers: Flowers and Baskets

Church: First Baptist Church

Reception: Sumter County Museum

DJ: Seaco Music: Francis Hanna

Pearls: from Emma's Mother in Law

Garters: she wore three, one from her Step-Mom, and of course

a Clemson & Carolina garter to cover all the bases ;)

Maggie & Harwood {Charleston SC engagement session}

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:27:19 -0500

I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed shooting them. Maggie is just another bff bride's that I am so lucky to get to know, be part of their life for a bit and watch just a small portion of their fairy-tale. Maggie is a gem, and anyone that knows her will back me up on that. She is the perfect match for the Southern Harwood that admitted to me, "she talks really fast". Maggie is a transplant from up north, that just as I did, made SC her very happy home. Maggie and Harwood had one of those chance (and fantastic) encounters, that great movies are made of. Here is the story as told to me by Maggie : "We were introduced by a mutal friend, Harwood was representing the seller and I was the buyer. Ironically (or not) Harwood typically manages commerical/land instead of residentail real estate. This particular sell he was helping out a friend and participated in a residential deal (of a lifetime!), little did he know, he would meet his future wife!"

Make-up: Pamela Lesch

Hair: Carrie McLeod/paper dolls

Home

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:18:32 -0500

After all the talk of Texas, then Raleigh...

A few things have happened

1) Bill's Dad's lung collapsed and he had major surgery just a few weeks ago. Things like this really make what is important so obvious.

2) After many prayers, and downright begging to God (and praying for his will)...our house never sold. Not even an offer. This is the 2nd time mind you, that we have tried to sell this house, with zero luck. This isn't a sucky house, it is a pretty cool house with space and room and a big yard and low utility bills and...you get the idea. It isn't Elm Street. (yeah yeah 80's moving on)

And yes, we prayed to the sweet Lord and his Son, and even buried the St. Joseph statue*- to cover all the spiritual bases, if you will.

3) We were asked to be part of a core team to get an Elevation Global site in Columbia started. (our FB page) If you know anything about Pastor Steven you know he believes in audacious faith and sun stand still prayers. (His book is blowing my mind, btw- see quotes below)

4) Bill reminded me that he once said he wouldn't do a day over 20 years in the service and poof...he's way over "a day over". So he has decided to retire...

There it is...next June we are done!! We are staying put for a while.

I do not believe in coincidences and I think we are right where we are supposed to be. "Bloom where you are planted". I hear & read this all the time & nothing could be truer. When you are in God's will, you are in the right place. We have wished for years to have family close and my MIL & FIL are here and my sister is here too. Sometimes the best friends you could ever ask for are right in front of you...

I want to leave you with two quotes from "Sun Stand Still", Pastor Steven's new book, because they ~~took my breath away~~ punched me in my stomach.

"1)If you're not daring to believe God for the impossible, you're sleeping through some of the best parts of your Christian life.

2) If the size of your vision for your life isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God."

*I'm not really looking for opinions about this...if you don't believe in the statue, just don't buy one :) Spiritual bullying only makes people feel like poop.