Andrew & Jessica's Backyard Elopement in Covington, VA

I am SO excited to be sharing Andrew & Jessica’s wedding with you guys! This sweet couple has had so many ups and downs with planning everything! With COVID, they had to move their big wedding day celebration until June 2021, but they didn’t let that stop them from having a fun celebration with their families and closest friends.

I was so surprised to see how much planning they had put into this day! From selecting a totally different color and style of bridesmaids dresses, florals, cake- they truly thought of everything! They got ready in their beautiful home in Covington, Virginia, and then had a gorgeous ceremony overlooking a neighbors pond, and had a reception with burgers and hot dogs in their back yard!

Congratulations you guys! It was such a stunning day and I cannot wait to see you get married again next year! (and honestly- how many people can say that?! haha!)

My Favorite Things || 5 things I cannot live without!

Taking a break from sharing photo sessions and sharing 5 things I cannot live without! I always love hearing about what other people are loving, and I have some things I seriously loved the heck out of in 2019, so why not share! I use these each at least every single day!

Disclaimer: A few of these have discounts with my links, and others are just things I legit love!

1- Rothy’s

Oh my gosh- I freaking am obsessed with my Rothy’s. What started out as a single pair of shoes to help my poor feet at weddings has now turned into multiple pairs, different styles, and colors, and I am still just as in love with them! They are a sustainable shoe made from recycled plastic water bottles. I know- it sounds bizarre and no way they can be comfortable… but they’re magic and super comfortable- plus- THEY ARE WASHABLE. No more stinky flats after a long, hot summer wedding!

A few tips… I size up half a size, make sure to NEVER dry them, and prepare to be obsessed! (I love the loafer style the very best!)!

For $20 off, you can use my link here: https://share.rothys.com/x/ck0mYr

2- Ice Roller

I know, I know, this is so ridiculous. But I love using my ice roller! Every morning, after I make my cup of coffee, I pull it out of the freezer and it feels sooooo good! Plus, I can use as much help as possible to try to depuff my face and look less tired! ;) I got mine on Amazon, and bought one for all the people I love this year for Christmas!

The link for the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Teenitor-Muti-Purpose-Preventing-Migraine-Puffiness/dp/B07PFG7GNJ/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=ice+roller&qid=1578363952&sr=8-14

3- Chat Books

My family LOVES these little books so much! They print automatically from your camera roll, your instagram account, or you can manually upload and have them printed! They’re super affordable, have a replacement policy if your crazy kids accidentally destroy them, and are a great way to look through your memories and photos! I’m such a fan of printing your photos and love that the kids can look through them over and over again and I don’t have to worry about them!

To get started & get $10 off, you can use my link here: http://invite.chatbooks.com/ashleyeiban21k

4- Honeybook

I’ve talked about Honeybook before, but it’s worth bringing up again and again! It’s the program I use to keep track of my current clients and projects, invoices, payment reminders, contracts, calendar, and more! It’s helped streamline my booking and contract process SO MUCH! If you are dealing with client projects, this is a must have!!

Use my link here for 50% off! http://share.honeybook.com/gNBpM

5- Ninja Foodi

Guys. This is probably my most favorite purchase of 2019. I am not exaggerating when I say that this has completely changed our dinner game. The Foodi is an instant pot, air fryer, crock pot, steamer, and more in one! I have wanted an instant pot and an air fryer, but do not want all the machines. This is AMAZING! I cook in this at least once a day, even usually every meal! We love brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, pork chops with green beans, soups and chilis. Literally. EVERY single meal!

We got ours at Target on Black Friday, because #redcard for an extra % off! https://www.target.com/p/ninja-foodi-tendercrisp-pressure-cooker-op301/-/A-53653982

Dayton & Cara: A classic, backyard Cullen, Virginia Wedding

GUYS! I am so excited to share Dayton & Cara’s backyard wedding in Cullen, Virginia! Their day was SO perfect! I’m not even exaggerating when I say that! Usually there are some bumps along the way on the wedding day that we help guide and navigate through, but not yesterday! It was AMAZING!

I knew it was going to be an amazing day when we walked into the cutest getting ready Farm House, that was built by Dayton’s Great Grandparents, AND was recently perfectly renovated by his amazing parents— and was greeted with hugs, excitement, and all of the bridesmaids singing to each and every song that played! Cara had a pretty big wedding party- but oh my goodness- they all seemed like the best of friends and just so much fun!

Their ceremony overlooked the gorgeous pond between his parents and grandparents house. It was STUNNING. Every little detail was thought of! Their reception was set up in a tent in the hay field and guys- this group loved to dance! It was seriously such a FUN wedding day!

Congratulations Dayton & Cara! We had THE BEST TIME ever and I am not even joking when I’m forcing myself into your friends and having your Momma adopt me! <3

A BIG BIG BIG thanks to the amazing vendors that made this day so great!

Venue: Dunnavant Family Farm in Charlotte Court House, Virginia

Hair & Makeup: Bobbypins Bridals in Central Virginia

Wedding Coordinator: Family Friend, Cathy Paschal

Flowers: Sams Club Online

Officiant: Reverend Tony Reeves

Brides Dress: Simply Blush Bridal in Zebulon, North Carolina

Bridesmaids: Azazie Online

Groom & Groomsmen: Mens’s Warehouse Online

Tent: Overstreet Hardware in Lynchburg, Virginia

Catering: Cooper’s Landing in Clarksville, VA

Cake: Vicki Bailey

Facilities: Royal Restrooms in Lynchburg, Virginia

Photographer: Ashley Eiban Photography in Lynchburg, Virginia

Videographer: Farmer Visuals in Raleigh, North Carolina

DJ: Glory Days Events in Wendell, North Carolina

Trivium Estate Wedding || AJ & Kimberly classic, fall wedding day

Everything about AJ & Kim's wedding day was so beautiful and classy! From her gorgeous venue at The Trivium Estate, that ahhh-mazing gown, the gorgeous florals, and her super sweet groom, that had a smile on his face all day. 

I know you've heard this before, but AJ & Kim just radiate their love for each other! It's so inspiring to be around a couple that is so happy and joyful- and you could just tell from all of their friends and family there for the day! These two needed no direction from me, they just automatically cuddled up together, laughed, kissed, and got lost in the moment. I was in portrait heaven with these two- I wish we had another hour for portraits! ;) 

Their first look was stunning & so sweet! AJ surprised Kim with the most thoughtful gifts and notes, and he was almost speechless when he saw her put together in her dress! Ahh So sweet! I've been so excited to share these photos with you guys! 

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The amazing vendor dream-team: 

Venue: The Trivium Estate in Forest, Virginia

Coordinator: Heidi with The Trivium Estate 

Makeup: In Your Face Makeup Art in Lynchburg, Virginia

Hair: Kristina's Beauty Shop in South Boston, VA

Bridal Gown and Accessories: David's Bridal

Groom & Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse

Bridesmaids: David's Bridal

Florist: Bloom by Doyles in Lynchburg, Virginia

DJ: Official Entertainment in Lynchburg, Virginia

Catering: Charley's Restaurant and Catering in Lynchburg, Virginia

Bartender: Tabby Bennett Wedding & Event Bartender in Lynchburg, Virginia

Cake: Angela Hudson Cake in Lynchburg, Virginia

Wedding Day Details: What to Include

This is a talk that I always have with my couples.  And include in my wedding guide that all my couples receive.  And I send a reminder email to my brides before the big day.  So, you know it's a super important topic! ;)  Wedding day details! 

I start my day off photographing the details.  I come in and say hi to the bride, give a big & excited hug, and then dive right into the details.  It's one of my very favorite parts of the wedding day, helps me warm up my creative side and get a feel for the entire day.  It really sets the stage for the look of the whole wedding.  I always love having the time to stylize and photograph everything from the dress, to the jewelry to grandma's special purse! 

One tip I give all of my brides is to collect all of your items before the wedding day and have them in one place! Assign the job to your Maid of Honor, or one of the bridesmaids to keep track of your box of details, so when I arrive, it's all put together and ready! 

What to gather: 

* Dress & pretty hanger 

*Veil and/or hair piexes

*Full set of invitations (envelopes, RSVP card, maps, etc.) 

*Shoes

*Jewelry

*Perfume

*Bouquets (Brides and Bridesmaids) 

*Your something borrowed and something blue 

*ALL THREE rings 

*Anything else that's special and meaningful to you. Including a Bible, gifts to each other, cufflinks, etc. 

 

The most common thing that is missing when I arrive are the rings.  Make sure you communicate with your wedding party, Mom, officiant and/or wedding planner, as they will always tell you to hand over your wedding bands to the best man before your day begins.  It's actually better to hand it over during the wedding party portraits so that I can shoot some ring shots! The less time I have to spend tracking down someone and something, the better! 

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Farmville, Richmond, Roanoke, and surrounding areas. Currently booking a limited number of weddings and portrait sessions for 2017.  Available for travel world-wide.  

Ashley is passionate about capturing moments as they authentically happen to ensure a successful session that gives you time to enjoy each other and savor the wedding day moments.  Contact me today for additional