Blog - Ashley dePencier Photography

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Kevin and Robyn’s Kynsi Winery Engagement Session

Kevin and Robyn chose Kynsi winery as their engagement photo location. Kynsi is one of the most serene wineries located on the Central Coast (and one of my favorite photo spots!). This shoot was exciting for a few reasons: they are my cousins, Robyn had two amazing outfits, and we were at a winery….does it get any better?!

The session started under a tree amongst the vineyards. We loved this spot, Robyn and I have a thing for pictures under giant trees! Robyn wore a white lace dress that looked absolutely amazing on her and Kevin was in a collared shirt and jeans. After getting some stunning shots in this spot, we moved to a hill that was adorned with oak trees and overgrown grass. While the first location was beautiful, this spot was beyond romantic! Robyn changed into her second ensemble and Kevin remained in his perfectly fitting outfit. We were overlooking the hills and our timing was perfect for the sweet light of almost sunset (they don’t call it magic hour for nothing!). The lighting was so magical and made the images so, so awesome! I’m pretty sure they could hear me gushing as I clicked the shutter while photographing them with my film camera on that hill. The film picked up the magic light PERFECTLY!

We had a blast hanging out and taking photos, photographing family is so much fun. When we were done, of course we stayed around to sip some wine…what else do you do at a winery?!

Mila’s 6 month and 1 year Session

I had the opportunity to photograph Mila, and her older brother Jax for this outdoor portrait session. I also shot the entire session on film, which was a lot of fun for me. I love film photography

Mila is one of our “As You Grow” babies…we have been photographing her since she was in her mommy’s belly and have been watching her grow into the adorable little one year old she is today. It’s a great way to capture a child’s first years of life, they are changing so much in the first few years and time just goes by in a blink! Capturing images of their growth is a great way to keep the memories of how little they were.

Jax is one of my favorite little models (and I think he knows it too!). He totally kills it in some of the portraits below with his little khaki shorts and button up shirt. He’s also an amazing older brother to his little sister Mila.

We shot both the six-month session and the one-year session outside and both times Mila had on some of the CUTEST outfits. I just love adorable baby clothes! And that little yellow bow!? SO CUTE!

As you can see, Mila is not one for smiling for the camera but boy did I get some adorable crying shots at her one year session! I personally think those are just as cute as the smiling ones.

If you’re interested in doing an as you grow session to document the growth of your little ones, get in touch with me so we can plan something!

Alana and Andrew’s CALM wedding

Alana and Andrew got married at CALM, one of Bakersfield’s secret gems. The ceremony took place under the most magical gazebo, surrounded by friends, family, and some wild animals.

The venue was so unique and allowed so much versatility as we were shooting. I decided to use film for this occasion and could not have been more pleased with that decision. As we travelled through the zoo, we found tons of nooks and crannies that were absolutely stunning and the lighting was just perfect for film!

Though the venue was amazing, you should have seen the bride. Alana’s hair was beyond gorgeous. It reminded me of Rapunzel (one of my favorite princesses): it was the most beautiful blonde with flowers cascading down it! I mean, who wouldn’t be obsessed with that hair? As if her hair wasn’t enough, she was in a low back lace dress that looked so perfect on her. In true fall style, Alana’s flowers (both in her hair and bouquet) were beautiful shades of purples and oranges.

Andrew and his groomsmen we adorned in tan suits and could not have been more handsome. I loved this color because it was a perfect choice for an outdoor fall wedding and it played off so well with the color’s of Alana’s flowers.

Shooting this couple was beyond fun. From the choice of the venue, the amazing styling, and the magical lighting, it was a blast. However, the best part of this couple was their laidback vibe and radiating love for each other.

Congratulations Alana and Andrew!

Meghan and Andy’s Orange Grove Engagement Session

It was a beautiful sunny day in the orange groves when we photographed Meghan and Andy’s engagement session.

They had two outfits, one casual, one dressy. We all loved both outfit choices but I particularity loved the color scheme of the casual outfits. The dark red and white really meshed well together and contrasted the cool greens of the orange grove, making Meghan and Andy stand out that much more.

Their session was photographed on film, as it was really the perfect day for it.

They were able to bring their dog to the engagement session – what a cutie pie he was! I couldn’t get over his adorableness and had a great time taking pictures of their fur baby. He was really well behaved too and enjoyed his day thoroughly in the orange grove.

Meghan and Andy were so cute, I especially love both of their laughing faces. I was lucky enough to catch a bunch of those on camera too!

If you’re recently engaged, drop me a line and let’s plan your outdoor engagement session!

maternity portraits of a woman in a milk bath

Alex’s Milk Bath Maternity Session

If you were to ask me what my latest photography obsession is I would tell you – milk bath maternity photos! I was beyond excited when my friend Alex told me she was obsessed also.

So of course this meant we HAD to do a milk bath session. I commandeered my mom’s bath tub for the day (thanks mom!) and we got to work. Alex’s sister Jacqui volunteered to be our helper for the day as well, and assisted us throughout the shoot.

You can’t tell it from the portraits, but the three of us were squeezed into this tiny bathroom space. For most of it I was standing on a ladder, squished between the ladder and the ceiling, just to get over head shots. It was worth it though because they turned out amazing. And of course I shot all film….because how can you not?!

We had a blast and Alex was just loving laying in the warm milk surrounded by all the pretty flowers. Alex wore a gorgeous lace robe. The texture mixed so well with the milky water and gave it the exact look we were going for.

What a fun time playing with Alex and Jacqui (aka my handy helper for the day!). Can’t wait to play some more when their little bundle arrives!

Flowers were provided by Mint Design.

This isn’t the first time I’ve worked with Alex recently, as I also had the pleasure of shooting Eric and Alex’s outdoor snowy maternity portraits. Click here to check them out!

Michelle and Larry’s Central California Wedding

Michelle and Larry are, for starters, awesome! They loved taking photos with us so much that they even joked about not letting anybody into the wedding and just taking pics all day (talk about my kind of client!)

Their wedding took place at R Wedding House in Dinuba California. It had all the things that I truly love…an outdoor ceremony, farm tables, gold silverware, a fun bridal party, and a fantastic bride and groom….OH and their cake table…YES!

We shot film at this wedding (of course). I have so many favorite images from this wedding.

Michelle and Larry did a first look prior to their ceremony, she had on this GORGEOUS lace mermaid dress with a high collar that hugged her figure perfectly. I absolutely loved everything about it. Larry wore a very sharp navy blue suit. (my favorite color on grooms)

They kept it small and special with only 3 attendants in their bridal party (and all family…the best man was Larry’s brother while the two bride’s maids were Michelle’s sister and sister-in-law) Their color palate fit the venue perfectly. The girls blush dresses stood out from all the greenery so beautifully. Michelle had a surprise for Larry on the wedding day….she had TWO dresses. We changed her at the reception (prior to the first dance). Larry didn’t notice all night. It was pretty funny, after about 5 minutes it turned into a game between myself, the bride, and the bridesmaids. I got a text from Michelle the next day to let me know the results. We were all cracking up.

Michelle and Larry were full of life and love…they danced their way into their reception, danced a choreographed dance for their first dance, and on our way out, they posed in front of a vintage limo for their last photo of the night. Such great friends and people. We just loved everyone! Can’t wait till the next time I get to photograph these lovelies.