Golden Globes 2012 – Roundup

There aren’t many things these days where we can combine the love of fashion, television and movies – thankfully award season just kicked off celebrating the best in the acting world! The red carpet was flooded with the good, bad and downright ‘what were they thinking?’ As my friend Kelly and I sat on the couch, indulging in delicious food, critiquing the fabulous celebrities attempting to step out of their vehicles without ripping their zippers, we were dreaming of being a girl on Ryan Gosling’s arm (even though he wasn’t present at the GG Awards), or even just being a sit filler, can you IMAGINE getting to be the person who sits in George Clooney’s seat as he accepts his award for Best Actor?! Holy crapola, I would die! Last night’s show was alright, if you didn’t watch, let me fill you in… the movie to see this season is The Artist. It stole the award show, winning almost every category it was nominated in! It’s on my list of movies to see along with The Iron Lady, Hugo and The Adventure of Tintin. Otherwise, I’ve done a pretty good job keeping up with the movies and actors who were nominated this season. One of my FAVORITES so far has been War Horse, if you haven’t seen it, please please please do yourself a favor and see it! Yes it’s 2 hours long but worth every minute; you won’t regret it – the score is incredible along with the brilliant screenplay and acting. A must see!!!

Let’s get to the good stuff though – the gowns and men in suits! Who did you think was the best and worst dressed of the night?

Why not start with the worst? I’m thinking maybe it should be recategorized as the “why did my stylist think I looked good”?

I ADORE her but this look was not working for her – Reese Witherspoon, it made her hips look huge and her hair looked like she just rolled out of bed. Sorry Reese, not a good look for you at all – do better at the SAG awards PLEASE!

Sarah Michelle Gellar – “My daughter picked out my dress” should never be a good excuse for such an ugly outfit. Why are you letting your 2 year old pick out your dress to such an important event?

I’m not a huge fan of Lea Michelle anyways, but this dress makes me think of a mermaid stuck in seaweed. Her hair is pretty, but that’s all she’s got going for her. No thank you!

Now on to my FAVORITES of the night:

Miss Emma Stone, I firmly believe she can do no wrong! There’s just something about this dress, the glam but little bit of edge to her. With her hair pulled back it is the perfect ensemble! Way to go Emma!!!

Michelle Williams, winning best actress tonight and dedicating her award to her daughter was touching, just thinking how proud Heath would be of her. Beside the point, even with that headband she looked flawless tonight… her hair, skin and the dress is something a bit different but flattered her perfectly!

Not only is she hilarious and has curves for days but she is freaking GORGEOUS.. Sofia, can we please be friends?! Thanks! One of the trends this year was the mermaid dress and she rocked this out! Her simple hair with the dress, those jewels… How can you not love this?!

She’s had 2 kids, are you freaking kidding me?! Jessica Alba was stunning in her light purple dress…

Mila Kunis – do I really need to say more? Simple black, similar to other dresses she has worn, but thought she still looked beautiful.

Last but not least, my absolute-hands down-wish I could be her – best dressed – Kate Beckinsale looking like a goddess in nude. There don’t even need to be words!

What did you think of the award show? Best and worst part? Ricky did an alright job, the speeches were sweet – otherwise, I can’t wait for the SAG, Grammy’s and Oscars… it’s just the start!:)

HERLIFE Magazine – January

Last month I had the pleasure of photographing a few local business for a new magazine, HERLIFE, started by the amazing Lindsey Lee. As most of you know I usually photograph kids and families so this was a wonderful new experience for me. Through doing these spotlight pieces I actually had the opportunity to discover places I didn’t know existed like Touch Boutique in Eden Prairie, Sundet Dental in Edina and Enchanted Getaways in Albertville. If you get a moment, click on the magazine cover below to check out their January issue – there’s a lot of great information about local businesses and just a few of my own photos too!:)One of my favorite little guys to photograph was also chosen for this issue’s ad – he’s on page 2!

Pam and Jackson – Minnetonka Family Photography

My adorable Godson and his mama made the trip back to Minnesota for the holidays but we couldn’t let this time go by without a few pictures! He’s already getting so big, 3 years old now – where has the time gone? We just did a quick session yesterday around the area – because what do you get when you have a 3 year old who just wants to love on his mama? Lots of cuddly, snuggle pictures with mother and son:)Next time we do family photos, Billy will be here or I will be there in Virginia!!! Love you guys!

My favorite:)

He’s even cute making a sad face… seriously…

After taking these – I finally noticed how alike these two are, they have the same face(s) when they laugh:)

“Alright, Ashley – I’m done!”  Love you J:)

Dear Santa

*I believe you are never too old to write a letter to Santa – how is he suppose to know what you want if you don’t tell him..?*

Dear Santa,

It’s been quite a year – as I’m sure you have seen – many people are struggling to give their families everything they want this Christmas. There’s a certain family, very important to me, who is without their father/husband this Christmas while he is out at sea serving our country with many other men and women. I wish they could be with their families this year, I will make sure to appreciate my time with my family even more. If you could possibly teleport him here to spend Christmas with his loving family, that’d be wonderful! For all the children out there, it would be greatly appreciate if you could sprinkle a little of the white snow over us this weekend… it’s been hard to get into the spirit of Christmas while we stare at the brown grass and bare trees. All those kids who will wake up wanting to throw on their snow pants and grab their brand new sled will be ecstatic to see the ground covered in beautiful snow.

The one thing I would really love this year is for people to just be happy… whether that’s in their personal or professional life, these days it seems people tend to focus on the negative aspects of life when I just wish they could take a moment and smile. Be happy for those family members you have in your life, for the roof above you, the food in your fridge and the love you feel every moment when you get to spend another day here. This time of year has a tendency to go by so fast and we forget to really enjoy it – I’m making a promise to you, Santa, that I will be happy – for me and everyone else – because I truly believe it’s contagious. Yes, sometimes those overly happy people can be a bit annoying – but isn’t that better than the negative nellies?:)

Oh and Santa – if you wouldn’t mind wrapping up Ryan Reynolds or Ryan Gosling  (make sure they have a few air holes) and putting them under my tree, I would be forever grateful. That’s not asking too much now, is it?

With love always -

Ashley

(you are welcome ladies!)

 

Anne and Randy – Minnetonka Maternity Photography

I’m pretty excited to have a mama to be on the blog – feel like it’s been awhile and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect person to show off! Anne is meant to be pregnant, she is gorgeous and has the perfect baby bump! Baby boy B will be joining us in March and we all can’t wait to meet him! Thanks for letting me capture you guys at this exciting moment in your life!:)Here’s your sneak peek !!

F a c e b o o k