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

Surviving Busy Season || Motherhood and Small Business series

It's that time of year, where getting dinner on the table seems like a major accomplishment. Heck, even taking a shower and putting on clothes that aren't leggings is a huge accomplishment! This is coming at the very end of the busy-season, but blogging during the busy September, October and early November months is almost non-existent.  When the work piles up, there are photoshoots every night, and it's easy to push other things aside, like family time. It's moments like this when I've found I have to put super intentional with scheduling time off, and putting the work away for the evenings.  

1- Learn to say No. I know, I talk about this all of the time, but it is so difficult to turn down work, especially knowing that the next few months are going to be way slower.  But saying yes to everything means you're having to say no to the things that really matter.  

2- Take the time to Schedule your week.  At the beginning of every week, I look through my shoots and schedule the time for the office work that is required.  I try to have at least one day where I don't schedule any appointments out of the home and I know that I'll be able to answer emails, and get my editing done.  

3- Schedule time off.  If you look at my (color coordinated!!) calendar, you'll see where I have dates that I schedule off ahead of time.  I know that these are the days I can spend some time at school with Emerson, I can do brunch with some friends, and really, just take some time for myself to re-coup and re-energize.  

Trust me, I totally understand how difficult it is to turn down paying clients.  But, I've learned from the past, I've learned from being burnt-out and sacrificing important family time that it really isn't worth it.   

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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 

Staunton, Virginia Church Wedding || Central Virginia Wedding Photographer

It's difficult to even know where to start for this sweet wedding! Ryan & Rachel were seriously super sweet, and their gorgeous Fall wedding day was so perfect! The leaves were just starting to change colors, I was so excited to find a few spots perfect for photos with those golden yellows and oranges! All of their friends and family were so sweet, loving, and excited for these two! I love being at a wedding and feeling like a part of the family by the time I go home! 

Ryan and Rachel chose to do a "no peek" instead of a first look, and it was so sweet. They held hands around the corner and prayed together before walking down the aisle.  For our bride and groom portraits, these two walked through a field, through some trees, and even across the street to the rows of corn! I love when couples trust me and are up for anything and everything! And their photos turned out so well because of it! 

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving Staunton, Richmond, Charlottesville, Bedford, Lynchburg, Farmville, Roanoke, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world-wide.  Currently booking a limited number of weddings for 2017.  Contact me today for additional information! 

Weekend Update || And that's a wrap for my 2016 Wedding Season!

Guys. This weekend wrapped up my 2016 Wedding Season! My 12th wedding in a row through the Fall weekends, and wedding #25 for 2016! I am so thankful I had a cut off at 25 this year, it really helped me ensure each of my brides got the full wedding experience and my full attention!  This weekend was so much fun and the epitome of balance between family and work balance! I was so thankful to be able to join Emmie and her class for a "play date at the park" on Saturday morning, and spend Sunday with my family talking about our dreams and the future! 

Saturday's wedding was so gorgeous! The temps last week ranged from 86 degrees and dropped down to the 40s over the weekend! We've been waiting for these Fall temps all year, so having them for my last wedding was amazing! We bundled up and enjoyed the day at The Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center! This couple was so sweet, had such a special no-peek moment before the wedding, cried through their vows, and the reception dances! So basically, this couple made ME cry all day!! 

I cannot wait to share more from their big day this week!!! 

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding & portrait photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving couples in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Farmville, Bedford, Richmond, Roanoke, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world-wide.  Currently booking a limited number of weddings for 2017! Contact us today for additional information! 

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding || Lynchburg, Virginia Wedding Photographer

When I dream of a gorgeous backyard wedding, THIS is exactly what I dream of! A backyard on a mountaintop, overlooking the entire city of Lynchburg, surrounded by gorgeous greenery, friends and family! Such a beautiful day from start to finish! Barrett & Isabelle's wedding was gorgeous! They got married at their childhood home nestled in Lynchburg, Virginia with THE most amazing views of the city that you've ever seen! 

One of the things that Isabelle loves most about Barrett is that he can always make her laugh- and goodness could you tell on their wedding day.  They were both so happy and carefree, it was such a blast! 

Thanks so all the amazing vendors that helped so much with this gorgeous wedding! 

Hair: Carol at Classic Hair & Tan in Lynchburg, Virginia 

Florist: Meg Laughon 

Venue: Basten family home

Bridal Gown: Celebration Bridal in Lynchburg, Virginia 

Bridesmaids Dresses: Celebration Bridal

Band: Dragonfly in Central Virginia

Catering: Avenue Foods in Lynchburg, Virginia

Cake: Kissed Cupcakes

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Ashley Eiban is a wedding and portrait photographer based in Central Virginia.  Serving Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Roanoke, Farmville, Winchester, Hampton Roads, and surrounding areas.  Available for travel world wide.  

Ashley is passionate about serving her couples, creating genuine relationships built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  Currently booking a limited number of weddings and portraits for 2016 and 2017.  Contact us today for additional information!