Ashley Brokop Photography Blog

Summer + Matthew

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:53:46 -0500

Summer and Matthew were married at one of the prettiest places I have ever seen. The drive up was windy and crazy, but beautiful and memorable. This wedding had a whimsical circus theme that had fun written all over it. There were no bearded ladies, but party this crowd did!!
I will update this post with the details soon. I just wanted to get this up with pics first. I am so excited to show you this. Lots of thought and preparation and love went into this wedding and I believe you will agree...Even with 103 degree fever and strep throat, it was one of my favorites this year!

Ceremony Site: Pretty Place Chapel

Reception Site/Catering - Wyche Pavilion at Larkins on the River
DJ: Vic Thomas with Alleycats Mobile Dance Party
http://www.alleycatsdj.com/
Cake- Gretchen's ABS Cakes - Gretchen Groundsell
Flowers- Bought at Carlstedt's Wholesale and designed by bride's mother, Gloria Isreal Barker
**Her mother also handmade all of the red and white pennants!
Bridesmaid Dresses- Lula Kate, purchased at Bella Bridesmaid
Bride's Dress- First dress- designed by Christos, purchased at Poinsett Bride
Second dress- purchased from LightintheBox.com
Groom/Groomsmen Attire - JCrew
Lighting- Optrics
Day-of Coordination- Jennifer Wahlquist
Kissing Booth/Stand Up Cutout- built by Matthew Johnson :) and artwork by Andrea Christopher Snipes
Invitations: designed by Andrea Harrel

Seasons

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:13:48 -0500

So my good friend Dargan told me that life is a bunch of seasons...and she is right.
This season for us has been turmoil, heartache, loneliness and sunshine. If that makes any sense.

Summer is my favorite time of year...and 5:00 is my favorite time of night. Summer is awesome...without explanation. 5:00 is awesome because that is when I could expect my favorite man to come walking through the door...or at least to call me and let me know he was comin' home to me. I used to look forward to that time of day, every day.
They say live day to day...well I live by the hour lately. I live in three-hour increments for instance, today we did
(1) breakfast/pay sales tax/daddy called/Abby napping
(2)then doing lunch/kids watching a movie so I can pour my heart out to my blog/catch up on orders and emails
(3)then off to the pool. The pool will be a three hour tour so to speak...then the last three hours will be the gym...and supper.
Then the last 3 hours of the day will be me making popcorn/editing/catching up on emails/sleeping/chatting with my mom (on ichat or phone) and sister.

And in between I have to water the garden, clean up dishes, change diapers, wipe bottoms, feel sorry for myself (just kidding), thank the sweet Lord Jesus that I have a husband that is coming home and kids that are healthy and listen 8 out of 10 times when I speak to them. That number is an estimate...a generality if you will...but they are pretty good ;)

I saw an old friend in Illinois around the 4th of July...Independence Day (Mom gets annoyed when people call it the 4th because it takes the meaning away) So on the weekend of our fantastic Independence, I saw a friend and we were talking about how we were, etc. I said my usual...I am "missing Billy" She was telling me about when she lost her husband. I will never forget when I got the news. I was in Iraq...in one of Saddam's palace bathrooms in Baghdad when I got the news about the accident. I remember falling to the floor and crying for her...for what she was possibly feeling or going through.
She then said "remember this, at least you get to talk to him again...I remember thinking, I will never get to talk to him again." And with that it was like i was punched in the gut...I felt so horrible and sorry for everyone that won't have a homecoming or a happily ever after. This seven months is not that bad...get outta yourself Ashley...this will pass. She was so right.

So a happy, sad, extrospective (is that a word?) thought for my Tuesday. Shannon I love you so much...thank you for helping me see past myself and my three hour time blocks. Life for me will go on...so happy your life has gone on too. You are my hero, with your beautiful kids and life and spirit.

here is me and my girls, taken by Em

Blakely + Brian

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:59:27 -0500

Blakely and Brian were married at 701 Whaley and had one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever seen. Blakely is one of the most creative people I have ever met. She seemed to have touched every detail about this wedding in some way. Whether it was her idea, or crafted by her, her touch was everywhere. From jewelry, to vows...the handcrafted feel was there. She cut out all the birds might I add and you can see them on each chair end for the ceremony. She has a twin sis, which I think is really neat and intriguing (and another sis who is super too). Blakely + Brian chose to see each other before the ceremony which explains the embrace in the stairwell. They wrote their own vows and I don't know if there was a dry eye in the crowd. I will add vendor info in a bit...they had a bluegrass band which I loved...loved! And the cake...and the china...okay okay already!!
(btw...had to add this, when reviewing the shots I chose to show you...the groomsmen at the urinals was just us being silly...I could feel some Southern Baptists gasping ;)

Emily & Justin

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:13:31 -0500

So I had the pleasure and adventure of going to Savannah to photograph a beautiful couple that will be married in less than 2 weeks. I will be heading back to Savannah for the wedding and couldn't be more excited. I had a great time and we finished right before the storm of the month...or the week. Who knows it seems to rain there every afternoon. But anyway..here goes.

3:16

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:41:17 -0500

I have grown to become friends with a group of individuals whose goal is to make you look and feel beautiful. They make up 3:16 Salon & Spa.
I was petrified moving to a small town, trying to find someone to do my hair after the variety of salons and day spas in Charleston, and was in luck when I found 3:16. They all came from different venues but have become the salon that I know and love, who also employs my sister part time. If you need your hair cut, colored, waxed, shaved...or a fantastic massage please call them...803-773-4316. This morning I had the pleasure of getting an hour massage from Billy and it was one of the best massages I have ever had! He is so reasonably priced it is crazy, and a total professional and gentleman.

Blakely

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:30:14 -0500

Here are some from Blakely's bridal session. She is one of the most creative people I know. She made her jewelry, shoe accessories, and her hair piece...she brought her own props and
had fabulous, maybe my favorite in a loooong time, wedding hair. I am such an advocate of soft, flowy wedding hair. I am not a huge fan of the hair-sprayed-pageanty style hair that you see sometimes. It is not my wedding so this is just my opinion, but I love a soft, natural hair style like what you see on this beautiful girl's head.

Kiley + Matthew

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 00:49:29 -0500

Kiley is also a photographer. She is a transplant from California. She is a vegan. She is tattooed. She loves our environment and keeping it from becoming a big dump. She is super, duper sweet and thoughtful and soft spoken. I don't think you could get a negative word out of Kiley and I love that, and envy (yes I said envy, poo on me) that about her. I love how excited she was about my ideas...I love seeing her passion and talking photography with her. I am so sad that she will be moving in the end of summer, but know that she wants to be near her family. Kiley recently lost her mother, suddenly and painfully...which made this wedding that more emotional and touching for everyone. This family has been on my mind so much and I think and pray for them all the time. She has two beautiful sisters who you will see in the pictures. They were two of her bridesmaids and are both blond and in the makeup shot a few pics down on the left, and helping Kiley get dressed.

Kiley chose to wear her grandmother's wedding dress which she wore in 1952. It had to be let out because her grandma weighed only 92 pounds (i think that is right) when she was married. When they told me that, I was shocked, because Kiley is so tiny. She paired the dress with a birdcage veil and a sash with a brooch (sp?), which gave the dress a look that was all Kiley. Her hair and makeup was done beautifully by Sheila and Kristin. I enjoyed everything about this wedding from the location- Matthew's Father's house, to the 100% vegan food that Matthew prepared, to the decor and flowers which were diy by Kiley. The utensils were 100% compostable, Matt's Dad's girlfriend Mary made all the artwork you see. The plants are from her garden...I could go on and on. I love you guys, and I mean that, and I hope you feel I did your day justice. Your family was so open and awesome and I am so honored and ecstatic you let me share your day and a bit of your life with you. Here's to rescued animals, enjoying our planet and lots of kiddos ;)

My dress: in 1952, in a small dress shop in Red Bluff, CA,

Groom & Groomsmen suits: Banana Republic
Makeup: Kristin Williams

Flowers: Costco online

Cake: All vegan - made by Rebecca McGarrigle, Columbia, SC

Cups, Plates, Utensils: Eco Products (ecoproducts.com), 100% compostable, made from corn, sugarcane, PLA, and plant starch

Votive Candles: Country Light Candle Company (countrylightcandle.com), 100% soy

Vases for centerpieces: Thrift stores, recycled glass jars and cans. Kiley added lace and ribbon.

Tent, chairs, tables: Palmetto Party Rental, Columbia, SC

Band: Drive South, Columbia, SC

Food: "Vegico", Matthew Mullen Catering, 100% vegan

Hair: Sheila McMillan, Columbia, SC

Guest Favors: Personalized soy candle tin, Candles and Favors (candlesandfavors.com)

Michaela + Jeremy

Fri, 21 May 2010 20:21:33 -0500

Michaela is one of the most ravishing brides I have ever shot! Her bridal session was another of my very favorites. Her and Jeremy were married at the Springdale House in West Columbia on my birthday (April 24th). There is nothing like wedding cake on your bday. The day provided clouds and showers, but it didn't faze this fabulous bride. I couldn't tell if she was mad about the weather. Everything was perfect no matter what the sky did. We got some pictures outside when the sprinkles let up after the ceremony. Her sisters were some of her bridesmaids and I loved seeing them interact. The hair that was done for this wedding is my favorite wedding hair to date. Very Guinevere in my humble opinion...
I loved this wedding...loved the father/daughter relationship...love Jeremy (he was in the Air Force, love that!)...love the Springdale House & Gardens...the whole wedding was just fantastic from start to finish. These two were surrounded by tons of people come rain or shine that are crazy about them and couldn't wait to witness them starting a beautiful life together!!!

Bride's Dress:
Crystal Crane Bridal from the Winnie Couture Collection
Florist:
Roses Florist
Venue- Ceremony/Reception:
Springdale House & Gardens
Catering:
Sprindale House & Gardens
Cake:
Parkland Cakes
Bride/Bridesmaid Hair stylist:
Joyce from Avalon Salon
Bridesmaid Dresses:
Alfred Angelo
Men's Tuxedos:
Men's Warehouse

Greener!

Wed, 19 May 2010 08:42:19 -0500

I was notified that my package was approved and I am now certified a Greener photographer! Looks like I am the only SC photographer...which saddens me, but excites me about what photographers in our state can do! We can only get better and more involved from here!

I have a few projects going, and I want to start posting ways to green up your life...just stuff we have made a part of our daily routines.

-unplug everything that isn't being used ie coffee maker, hair dryer, radios, you name it!
-(we have our tv on a power strip that we turn off every time it isn't in use) this will help you stop wasting power, and save your electric bill!
-set your computer to sleep after 15 min and put it to bed at night too!
-water your lawn in the EARLY morning!! We water around 4:30 or 5 before the sun is hot
-recycle.period
-set up bins to recycle household waste...most of your "trash" can be recycled.
-here is a some helpful info
-if you would like more info about becoming a Greener photographer please see their website or contact me!

Caitlin + Daniel

Mon, 17 May 2010 23:44:04 -0500

Caitlin had one of the most relaxed bridal sessions I have ever shot. It was just me, her, my camera, and a boatload of pollen. I can't stress enough how awesome it is when a bride comes without a huge entourage to possibly make her feel uncomfortable and self conscious. Not too many people besides professional models do well in the situations...just my 50 cents.
That being said...with the session not so far behind us, I knew the wedding would follow suit.
There were so many moments from the wedding that I loved...Caitlin's sons walking/pushing each other down the aisle. Caitlin's son Gavin trying to cut the wedding cake...The horse Austin was a benefactor also.
Probably the coolest wedding gift ever, was given at this wedding. Caitlin had a guitar made for Daniel by one of his best friends. They said that one night they were in the car together...Caitlin happened to be in the backseat taking notes and listening as Daniel mentioned what the most perfect guitar would look and feel like, down to the color and everything. She took good notes and had the exact guitar of his dreams fabricated by one his closest friends. He was shocked and excited and well speechless.
I wish these two a life of great love and great music!!!

Happy Tuesday

Tue, 11 May 2010 22:07:59 -0500

So I got to skype with my gorgeous husband today for the first time. We tried a few weeks ago...but it kept freezing our faces and it was sort of freaky so we just called it quits.
It seems like forever since I have seen him laugh or smile or just look at me.
I have plastered his face around our house so that the kids, and me too, can see him wherever they go, but it just isn't the same as real emotions. We talk about once a day, if I am lucky, but in those conversations it is bill due dates, whether or not his unit is moving to "no hope Pope" (Pope Air Force Base), and updates on the kiddos and what they are up to. I put him on speaker sometimes so he can discipline from afar, if needed, and stuff like that. It has only been about 8 weeks, but it seems like an eternity. There are so many moments I wish I could do over and could relive again...I feel like I am missing a limb. But regret will get you no where. I just have to live for my kiddos and this summer and each moment.

"There are only four questions of value in life.
What is sacred?
Of what is the spirit made of?
What is worth living for?
What is worth dying for?
The answer to each is the same. Only love."
-- Don Juan Demarco

All that being said a funny pic (thanks to Caitlin, Daniel & the horse) to brighten your hump day...here's to seven hours of uninterrupted sleep...yeah right!

Laura & David...part 2

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:12:46 -0500

Here is the sequel to Laura and David's beautiful Columbia Wedding. Below you will find vendor info for the wedding that was styled by Lizzy and Laura's Mom Cindy! Lizzy is contemplating a wedding planning biz and I think she has found her life's work (besides the fantastic work her and her husband are doing in Africa). I loved the flowers and the details of this wedding so much...hope you enjoy!

Fantastic Vendor Info:
Venue, ceremony + reception: The Hall at Senate's End

Cake: Vintage Bakery
Dress: Hayden Olivia in Charlotte, NC
Dress Designer: Tara Keely
Bride's earrings and necklace were her great grandmothers
Bmaid's dresses: JCrew (girls got to choose the shade of purple and the style and their own shoes, hair, and jewelry)
Guy's suits: Express
Florist: American Floral
Wedding Stylings: the fantabulous Lizzy Lancaster & Mrs. Cindy McCartney

Katherine & Tyler

Sat, 01 May 2010 23:12:40 -0500

Prom just isn't what it used to be. Girls are sexier and sassier and more accessorized than they ever were when I was in high school. I wouldn't go back to high school for all the money in the world...but I almost would consider if I could skip the school part and just go to football games, prom, and have little to no responsibility again. Katherine's big sis is one of my bffs who also runs a fabulous salon in town (3:16 Salon & Spa), is a neighbor of mine, and makes me laugh every time I see her. We all know prom pictures are usually super-sucky, super-posed and just well tacky...so Shellie gave me a call.

Laura & David...part 1

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:44:28 -0500

There are so many shots that I really loved and wanted to share...Christie hugging Laura after she hooked all the buttons on the back of her dress. And I love the garter Laura chose for her military husband...the earrings that were her grandma's (hope I remembered that right)...and I loved the flowers, all of them!
All the details and the rest of the pics coming soon! Happy Saturday!!!

Laura + David...sneak peek

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:41:46 -0500

There are more coming..maybe even today. I am so excited about this wedding. The details are so fantastic, the dress, the weather, the bridal party...there was a dance off, A DANCE OFF.
Just you wait...I would love to hear whatcha think;)
BTW, I hear you guys and gals saying you have "read my blog for three years"...but you have never commented. I would love to hear from you, and I am serious!