A Fun Little Getaway I Owasso Photographer

This past weekend we went to a little town called Gore and cabin camped. My husband thinks I'm silly when I say we are camping when we're staying in a cabin, but we're doing all the things you do on a camping trip, but with climate control and a bed. I camped a lot as a kid in a tent and it was fun and all, but I have to say I like cabin camping much better.  I'm sure one of these days we'll take our daughter good ol' tent camping, but for now she's 3 and her and I both like warm cozy beds. 

The place we stayed is called Marval Resort. "Where families create memories" is there logo and that is just what we did. What a perfect logo especially for a photographers family! :) This is was our second time to go to Marval and we had just as much fun this time as we did the first time. It's so peaceful, the fishing is good and there's a family center where you can do activiites and rent bikes. There is just so much to do there.

I recommend this place to any family that just wants to get away for a peaceful relaxing weekend. 

Here are some fun images of our weekend. 

Pond fishing

 Exploring

 Golf cart rentals

 sand art, painting, tshirt making and so much more at the activity center

 Had to add a picture of me wearing the boots my husband got me in the river. My feet did not get wet at all.  Hunter boots are amazing!

 Playing and fishing in the river

 Playground

 Fun exploring on the golf cart

Beautiful and peaceful

I recommend this little getaway spot to anyone. 

<3 Ashley 

VALUE

I've often wondered if I'm doing what I'm meant to do in life. Am I suppose to be a photographer or should I should I just focus completely on Jesus and my family. Instead of dividing my time between it all.  I know I love photography and capturing special moments in people's lives, but am I doing God's will for me? I believe when in doubt, PRAY! I pray all the time for guidance and just to know when something is right to stay and when it's wrong to go.

 Today, while editing I got an overwhelming sense that I was right where I needed to be. I am capturing moments for people that they will never get back, but my job allows you to relive it through a photograph everyday. That's pretty amazing if you ask me. These photographs are family heirlooms. Your children and their children are going to enjoy these for decades to come.  These photographs should be valued in your home more than any other possession. Display them and be proud of them. This is your precious family and you are so blessed to have them!

Recently, we suffered the loss of our family pet. It was very sudden and heartbreaking for us.  It really made me start thinking about the value of photographs. Every day we wish we could have her back. Just to see and hold her again, but we can't. That's the funny thing about life, it doesn't always go the way we planned or expect. Looking at photos of her have really helped us get through this hard time. My daughter is almost 3 and our precious Edie and her were the best of friends. My daughter probably won't remember her when she gets older, which breaks my heart, but we do have photos to show her and keep her memory alive in our home. I'm so glad I took a lot of photos and I value them so very much.

You never know when the end of this life will come. Life is short. Cherish your loved ones and value your photos, because those will be around a lot longer than any of us.

In loving memory of Edie.


Ashley

Happy birthday sweet baby E!

This was my first ever birth photography experience and I sure hope it won't be my last.  The B family are good friends of ours, so that made it even more special. 

This is the only birth I've ever experienced other than my own daughter being born and it's so neat to see it from a different perspective. Lindsey was so calm and stayed strong throughout the whole process. Truly inspirational. 

Here are a few images of sweet E's birthday. 

 

Until next time,

Ashley

The Johnson's are expecting

When the Johnson family asked me to take their photos to announce their pregnancy, I was so excited! 

They are such an amazing family and sweet Hannah just can not wait to be a big sister!

 Are they not just the cutest......

I am so very happy for them and can't wait to meet their sweet little Mr. or Miss. 

xoxo, 

Ashley

The B family

I had the pleasure of photographing this adorable mother and daughter a few weeks ago.  Aren't they just stunning?!

Julie is a massage therapist and today she's giving away a one hour massage of choice. Check it out on Fb. 

https://www.facebook.com/BGracefulPhotography and go like her  https://www.facebook.com/JulieBarronCMT.

Julie has been a certified massage therapist for eight years and a certified Ashiatsu deep feet bar therapist for seven years.  She specializes in deep tissue work and Ashiatsu, which is known as the deepest and most luxurious massage on the planet. 

Valentines is just around the corner, so call her today to schedule your massage.

I know what I want for Valentines day!

xoxo,

Ashley

GIVEAWAY TIME

I love giveaways...I mean really who doesn't?!  I also love wreaths, so I decided to team up with the very talented Lisa Martin at Just a little Okie Flair. Check out her FB page here https://www.facebook.com/OkieFlair.

Lisa's work is absolutely amazing and she can do any custom order. 

Here is the wreath posted on my FB page today.

Head on over to my page at https://www.facebook.com/BGracefulPhotography and Lisa's page at 

 https://www.facebook.com/OkieFlair and like them, then like, share and comment on the giveaway post. 

So easy! Good luck!

xoxo, 

Ashley

After Christmas blues

I always seem to get a case of the blues after Christmas....all the anticipation and preparation is over way too soon. Here are a few tips that get me through the days after the holiday cheer is long gone. 

1. Compile Memories 
Take all the pictures you have still hanging out on your camera from the holidays and put them on your computer. Look back and reminisce on those fun times. Start a scrapbook or make a photo book. You will be amazed at the sense of accomplishment and the years of enjoyment you'll get from this project.  You may even score some awesome after holiday sales. 



2. Give to others
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to do something kind for others. Take your neighbor, best friend, mother, sister lunch or dinner for no reason other than to just be nice. Reach out a hand for someone you know is in need. Helping others is a great way to feel a sense of worth when your feeling down. 


4. Exercise 
The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry, but when the holidays are over it's hard to be merry when you've gained five pounds. So, get to exercising. Even if you haven't gained weight, you will feel more energized and better about yourself. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of exercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. 



5. Take time for yourself
Once you have organized all your photos from the holidays, took your mom dinner, helped a neighbor in need and started exercising your probably going to need some down time. Go shopping, take a hot bath, get a mani and pedi.  Don't neglect yourself a minute longer. You won't regret it. 

and last, but not least......

6. Book a spring photo session
Spring is one of my favorite things to look forward to after the holidays.  Booking a family session will give you something to prepare for and get excited about. Picking the right outfits, colors, and location for your family will take your mind of the holidays and help you look forward on the fun times ahead. 

 Here's one of my Spring sessions from 2013. Hope your getting excited to book yours.

This beautiful family will have a new addition this year, so I'll be seeing a lot more of them.  Ekkk! So exciting!

Ashley