Well I have yet another sneak peek to make you drool. Recently, the awesome Sarah Sotro of Sarah Ashley Photography hired me to do wardrobe styling for a Black Swan inspired fashion shoot. When we met to go over the ideas she had for the shoot, I was incredibly thrilled! Here’s just one shot from the day, featuring our “Dark Swan”.

There will be more to come soon enough. Let me know what you think!

<3 <3

<a

If you all remember the Ethereal styled shoot back from a few months ago, that particular shoot marked the start of The Fantasy Series with the lovely photographer, miss Kristen Booth, and the also lovely hair and makeup artist, miss Celeste Bernabe. These awesome ladies and I got together again for number two in the series, and it was honestly beyond anything we had expected. As you can tell from the title, this is an ocean-inspired shoot with a nice kick of fantasy. Kristen found the perfect location for this shoot AND an amazing trunk that looked like it washed up from a pirate ship! Everything was pitch perfect and I am so honored to have been a part of it.

I know it’s cold outside right now, and it may seem odd to post a summer wedding inspiration the week of Christmas, but let’s just say if you’re getting married this summer, we’ve got some ideas for you! Plus, I think looking at beach-scapes helps to warm the soul a little as well.

Enjoy! <3 <3

The ring

Every queen must have her crown, so I made one! This baby was both my biggest obstacle for this shoot,

and also my pride and joy after actually completing it.

Our queen with her crown…

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is our veil. When Kristen came to me about the theme for this shoot, I immediately thought of using a net as a birdcage veil. With the help of some pearls, a starfish, and a few shells, this baby looks like its straight from the ocean.

If any readers are interested, I could do a DIY post on how to make and personalize your very own! Just comment below and let me know if that would be something you’d like to see!

Lastly, Kristen has this awesome idea to put a very nautical-looking book we found right into the water. Once she did, the waves actually washed over it and turned the page! This was the striking result:

I hope you all enjoyed viewing these as much as we enjoyed making them. For you ladies who are having a summer wedding, you could always consider having an ocean theme, then you could rock a fishing net as a veil! If you’re daring enough, you can make anything work for your wedding. I believe that brides should add those types of details to their own special day to make it even more special.

<3 <3 <3

So lately I’ve been considering some new ventures, one of which I may be revealing and sharing with you soon. The other, I’m actually going to share with you now!

Since I’ve begun my endeavor as a stylist, I’ve accumulated various nick knacks from every shoot. Now, I generally purchase these rather than rent them to try to keep things original, and frankly, because of my inner OCD perfectionist and wanting to find ‘exactly-the-right-thing-that’s-inside-my-brain-to-accomplish-one-specific-task-for-that-one-shoot-ever!’ If I use a prop for one shoot, it literally might just kill me to use it for another. This, alas, has led to an ever-growing collection of stuff. And this stuff is sitting in my ever-growing storage in my ever-shrinking living space. This is also quite the range of stuff: from clothes to vases to my own personal junk to Spanish moss (don’t ask). So, one recent day I was muddling through my crates and massive tupperware boxes that are housing the stuff, and it came to me:

Hey! I could have a blog sale and perhaps give this awesome stuff a new home!

This would accomplish a number of things:

A) I would have less stuff to store myself that may never get used in another shoot of mine, ever.

B) Some other people would have the chance to get some super neat stuff for cheap.

C) My itty-bitty living space gets a tiny bit bigger (temporarily) (also, bonus points if you guess what movie that’s from!)

D) I have a peace of mind that all this stuff will be finding a happy new home where it won’t be put away in dark, cold, lonely spaces….

~~

Now, here’s where YOU come in!

If I’m going to do this blog sale thing, like REALLY do it, I need to know that people are actually interested. If I put a bunch of junk on here and then have no bites whatsoever, then it’s a waste of my time, a waste of your time, a waste of internet space, and, to be honest, I’m a natural-born packrat, so my first inclination is just to forget it all and to just keep everything! SO— I would really appreciate for every reader of this post to vote in the little poll posted below, that way I can see some legitimate statistics. And, for some basic information for those that are curious, the kinds of stuff that would be listed would be as follows: clothes, shoes, purses, vases, photo frames, banners, baskets, books, handmade hair pieces, starfish, shells, etc., etc. All item prices would include shipping, and I would try my best to keep each item pretty reasonably priced as well.

So, if you please, just tell me what you think below! I’m leaving the poll open for about a month, but basically, once I see what I think is a reasonable amount of feedback, I’ll probably make my decision then.

Well, thanks so much for your time, and go right ahead and clickety-click down below!

Take Our Poll

So I’m pretty fantastically excited to bring you this new peek at my most recent work. Just this past week I had the incredible pleasure to style wardrobe and set design for actor Amadou Ly. The photographer (the amazing Edmund Prieto ) mentioned to me that a couple of the shots were already being used for interviews and such, so naturally I had to take it to Google to see for myself. Well, I got a hit! I’ve linked the actual article (here) for your reading pleasure, but right here is the first revealed image, and it’s already hit the world wide web:

A full-length blog will follow soon, but I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share just one little nugget  ;)

You can read the full interview that Amadou did with Team Twilight (where this image is featured) by clicking here!

As I said earlier, there is just so much new and exciting stuff to show you all, and it is my utmost pleasure to bring you my first fashion shoot!!!!

This AMAZINGLY-fun *mock* fashion shoot was thrown together pretty last minute. That makeup friend of mine, little miss Martha got us connected with an awesome portrait photographer, the fabulous Nick Wisda. I really recommend you guys to check out his stuff, because this guy is uber talented, and he’s pretty much a lighting genius. The shoot was so much fun, from start to finish. Martha and I recruited two girls, Elyssa and Mechelle, to model for this, and though they’re both amateurs, they did a fantastic job. We shot at Nick’s studio, and the vibe was just fun for the whole night!

The main idea here was just to have some fun, get some great shots, and do some experimenting! So, I hope you like this first attempt at a fashion editorial! Oh, and don’t forget to check out the website for INVT, who took video of the entire shoot (You can find a trailer here!) !! These guys are so fun, and I can guarantee you’ll enjoy their videos!

And a quick re-cap of the lineup before we get into the photos:

Photography: Nick Wisda Photography

Videography: INVT Media

Hair and makeup: Martha Does Makeup

Wardrobe styling: Yours truly!!!

Enjoy!!

<3<3<3

]]> http://patternsonwalls.com/2011/11/07/styled-fashion-shoot/feed/ 0 Wisda-110822-8523 patternsonwalls Wisda-110822-8417 Wisda-110822-8470 Wisda-110822-8523 Wisda-110823-8575 Wisda-110823-8579 Wisda-110823-8585 Wisda-110823-8605 Wisda-110823-8615 Wisda-110823-8630 Wisda-110823-8631 Wisda-110823-8689 Wisda-110823-8714 Wisda-110823-8738 Wisda-110823-8816 http://patternsonwalls.com/2011/11/03/style-engagement-sleeping-beauty-themed-engagement-shoot/ http://patternsonwalls.com/2011/11/03/style-engagement-sleeping-beauty-themed-engagement-shoot/#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:12:20 +0000 patternsonwalls http://patternsonwalls.com/?p=1411 Read more]]> Well now…

If you’re thinking what I’m thinking, you’re thinking that it’s been absolutely WAYYY too long since I’ve blogged. Am I right?

There has been so much to show you all, and I have not the slightest bit of time to show ANY of it to you. This is my issue. However, on this Thursday afternoon, between one class and my designated tutoring time, I MADE time. I’ve recently discovered that this will be the only way I’m going to live life, plan a wedding, and even venture to remain a stylist. However, soon enough, I know I will have more time for this wonderful part of my life.

In the meantime, I’ll begin with this Sleeping Beauty themed engagement shoot that the ever-sweet Sara Lucero recruited me for. It was our first time working together, and she’s just a stinking pleasure. She captured the details and our (very beautiful, might I add) couple perfectly. You’ll see her awesome talent by these photos, because this girl can shoot. She made the shoot fun and comfortable, and I’m looking forward to working on more stuff when we can, girl!!! She also called in my amazing friend Martha for makeup, and she totally pulled it off. Kate is a blonde beauty anyway, so her role as Aurora was meant to be. Martha did a fabulous job enhancing that beauty, getting her camera-ready, and really incorporating what Briar Rose really looked like on-screen. I love you, Fatboy!;) OH- and as for the amazing braid you’ll see in Kate’s hair, my equally amazing friend Ashley is the mastermind behind that. Sara said, “Yea, I’d like to have a braid.” Next thing we know, Kate’s hair is pulled back into the most unique and beautiful braid that was perfect for the shoot. Ash, you rock!

To be honest, I was kind of scared out of my mind to do this shoot. No, really!! The lovely bride, Kate, wanted a Sleeping Beauty themed engagement shoot, and, Sleeping Beauty just happens to be one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. Hence, the intimidation. Kate didn’t want the shoot to be too costume-y or kitschy in any way (DUH- they’re her engagement photos), and for some reason my creative juices just had a hard time flowing.  However, I do think that in the end it all turned out well. I was finally able to pull some inspiration into play and grab some fun stuff, and in the end, Kate was pleased, and really, that’s what matters MOST in this situation.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy a ride through our modern-day love story of a very sleepy girl:

Much of the shoot was inspired by the berry picking scene when Aurora meets Prince Philip for the first time. I decided to go berry-crazy and just have them everywhere!Ain’t they just cute??

Killer braid, anyone??

True love’s kiss….<3 <3 <3

So, this past month and a half (or so) has been absolute insanity!

I have begun some amazing new things, and also encountered quite a few brand new challenges, so I wanted to just update you all and share what’s going on in the little world of Ashley.

First off- many may or may not know that I’ve been in school for quite a while to become an elementary school teacher. Yes, I realize this might not be what you would quite expect someone who aspires to style photo shoots to say, but nevertheless, I love kids, and hope to one day make a difference in a few of their lives. {Also, as a side note, the whole “hey how about I try something crazy and fun like styling as a business” thing has really only begun in the last year or so, whereas my schooling for teaching has been going on for a few years.} ANYwho, so this fall I have started what is called Phase I of my teaching credential. The university I attend offers a piggyback program that I am enrolled in as well, which means I’m working to earn my bachelor’s degree AND my teaching credential at the same time. For those of you who have no idea what I just said, all that means is that when I graduate, I’ll have killed two birds with one stone. What this also means is that my schooling schedule can tend to be a bit hectic, especially since I’ve started what are essentially post-graduate courses while I’m also finishing my undergrad. I’m a busy little bee.

Now, I have always loved school. Call me crazy, call me a nerd, but I love to learn! This is also probably why I would like to become a teacher as well. Here’s the catch: this quarter (my college is also on the quarter system, which is only 10 weeks long!), I have encountered the worst stress related to school I have ever experienced. This is not something I’m accustomed to, since school has always been very enjoyable to me, and has also been fairly easy to handle. But, I digress. Really, this whole situation is pretty dang exciting for me. I’ve been in school for five years now, plus a year off in the middle, so this final stretch is a combination of stress as well as relief that in just a few months, I’ll be done. I will have officially accomplished what I set out to do many years ago, and the even the thought of that is a huge blessing.

Another blessing that’s come of this new, crazy school year is that I have been FORCED to become organized. I really believe that the Lord, is His utmost wisdom and sovereignty, designed that I be hammered with crazy, insane busyness just to teach me a few things. I mean, just since mid-September, I’ve begun using a planner (and actually using, USING it!), managing my time better, and not procrastinating, which is tremendously huge. So, once again, God in His providence, allowed me about a week and a half of panic so that I could start to [just now] settle in to my new schedule and time requirements.

Which brings me to my next little announcement:

I’M ENGAGED!

Okay, okay, so maybe that’s not a little announcement, but I had to work up to it, guys!!!

Yes, I’m getting married! The Sunday before school started, my wonderful, amazing, godly man of a boyfriend planned a beautiful, amazing, wonderful proposal, and I, of course, said yes. Now, our relationship has been quite the adventure, so needless to say, I’m verrrryyyyy excited!!! Perhaps if anyone is interested as well, I can later divulge the 411 on our engagement. My man is super romantic, so he planned everything carefully and thoughtfully. I just love his big heart!

So, not only am I in the last year of school, but I will be getting married at the end of it! Prayerfully, if all goes as we’ve planned, we’ll be married soon after I graduate. Next summer is looking to be really productive!

:::And, cue the ring picture!:::

SO- this is my lovely vintage ring from around the 1940′s…… Yep………. AND, I die.

I love it so! The fun history of it as well is that it came from the estate jewelry store that used to be inside of Disneyland in New Orleans Square. Unfortunately, this quaint little place closed down this past year. But, if anyone knows me, they know that I love anything Disney related, so the fact that this ring technically came from inside The Happiest Place on Earth, makes me a very happy girl.

I also love how unique this ring is. You can’t really find modern rings like this these days. The band itself is incredibly dainty, and the over all look of the ring, to me, is just stunning.

Alright, so enough of my ramblings.

The main purpose for this post was really to update you all and to ask for continued patience as I have yet to post many projects I have so carefully and lovingly worked on. I’ve been forced to push my creative limits lately, which is always a good thing, and so far, the Lord has blessed me with the results.

I also think the prospect of planning a wedding is so exciting for me because of my recent entry into the world of styling. I can make all of my design dreams come true for mine and my fiance’s big day.

Well, I think that’s all for now! Again, thank you all for your support and (I stress this) patience!

Loves <3

Oh, and to end off, here ya go!

Yes, this is us on the right being EXTREMELY romantic next to our dear friends Justin and Martha

*Photo courtesy of the lovely Sara Lucero’s wedding photobooth <3*

So if you’ve been to my new portfolio page, you will definitely recognize these photos, and frankly, this post is WAYYYY overdue.

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Kristen Booth and Celeste Bernabe for this gorgeous ethereal themed bridal shoot.

This was the first in a series of themed bridal sessions we’re going to do over the next year and a half… Yes, we are CRAZY, BUT, we absolutely love it

The main inspiration for this session was simply the word, “ethereal”. Our entire shoot was designed and focused around that one word. In the end, our goal was to make the gorgeous Gabi look like a little forest nymph who was born and raised in the woods. Hopefully, we succeeded. Another important part of the idea behind this shoot is also the theme of fairytale. This is really the underlying theme of our whole series, but, I’ll get to that later one. For now, let’s just see those images!

Since my handiwork is in the details, I’ll start this baby off with the main detail shots. I am SO SO pleased with the way they turned out, both Kristen and Celeste brought their A-games as usual. No matter what I make or pull together, if the photography and hair and makeup styling don’t work, then really, nothing else works. These two are a pleasure to work with, and I hope the images are as pleasing to you all as they are to us.

Loves!

This amazing box and the next couple of items actually belonged to Kristen, and partially helped inspire this shoot. They fit SO well with our theme that we HAD to include them!

This is the first of the two headpieces i made for the shoot. I love the lacquered look the leaves have to them!

For the second half of the shoot, I made a flower crown for Gabi. To make it a little more natural and, of course, ethereal, I wanted to mostly use wildflowers from our location. They were gorgeous and it was so fun to make.

This last shot is my absolute favorite! She looks just like a nymph surrounded by fireflies. Love love love!

I hope everyone loves this as much as we do! We had so much fun doing it, and everything came together so amazingly.

Photography by: Kristen Booth Photography

Hair and makeup by: Celeste Styling and Artistry

Props, design, and floral by yours truly!

Until next time, folks! <3

So during the entire shoot this past week, there was a killer video crew recording every single moment of the evening. Joshua Adams and Aldo Lihiang make up what is INVT Media, and were the ones doing the honors. It was quite interesting having someone document every step of the shoot, but actually pretty fun as well!

Aldo put together this little trailer as a peek into our evening. He did a great job editing and really making the viewer excited for more (although I could be a little biased on that point………..)

Let me know what you guys think, and hopefully this leaves you wanting more

~Ash

So last night I was honored to be a part of an amazing fashion shoot last night with Nick Wisda and Martha Davenport. I am beyond excited and can’t wait to see the finished product. Martha did an amazing job on hair and makeup, and Nick worked hard and rocked it out with photography. I was soooo blessed to style the clothing, shoes, and accessories for it. I’m so excited that I wanted to share this little sneak peek!

Photo credit goes to Aldo, our trusty videographer who actually documented the whole shoot!

Hope this little peek gets you guys excited for the rest. I know I am!