After a busy end to 2017, it’s been SO great having some R&R time these last 3 months. I thought I’d check in on the personal homefront and share what I’ve been up to!

 

Traveling

After kicking off the New Year with some besties, I headed straight to the California sunshine to escape Chicago winter. I spent most of that time in Palm Springs enjoying my share of spicy margs (obviously) and exploring all the beauty that is Joshua Tree. My BFF Cindy and I had one of the best brunches of our lives at Norma’s. So good I’m still dreaming about it.

Other than that, traveling has been on the lighter side this winter. I’m still in deep savings mode to hopefully buy a house this year. I’m so close I can almost smell the lawn I’m going to eventually have to learn how to mow.

I did a quick weekend getaway to Milwaukee (yes, basically a northern suburb of Chicago) and loved it. We stayed in the trendier Historic Third Ward district (basically Milwaukee’s West Loop) and had fun rummaging through shops, art galleries, and eating/drinking all the things. After dying to go for years, I finally made it to the Milwaukee Art Museum. What a gem! The museum itself is a thing of beauty. I’ll definitely be visiting again, but hopefully next time it’s above 40 degrees. Forget this spring. I’m ready for summer.

 

Photo Happenings

Despite it being “off season”, I had 2 stunning weddings in February that I’m still obsessing over! The first was Angie and Alex’s highly anticipated wedding at the Rookery. The second was Jackie and Steve’s stunning celebration at my number one, Cafe Brauer. Both weddings went off without a hitch thanks to the amazing talent at both Amelia Cole Events and An Affair to Remember. Thanks to everyone involved for making our job so easy!

I very recently checked off a “photo bucket list” item! I *finally* did a photoshoot at the Art Institute of Chicago. I go on and on about it in my blog post, but this museum is my favorite place in all of Chicago. I’m hoping and praying to actually shoot a wedding here this year or next. I’d probably go straight to heaven, so someone please help me make this happen. K, thanks.

And I know, I almost always turn down baby photos (guys, babies are hard…like, really hard), but I HAD to for Sara and Mike. I’ve photographed their love story a countless number of times over the last 7 years. Photographing the two of them with their newborn baby felt like the right thing to do. While this photo is more of a blooper, it’s definitely my fave from the bunch. Sums up the new world of parenting pretty perfectly.

Framing

The framing part of my biz has been going exceedingly well! Thanks to everyone who has supported this little part of my dream so far. If you’ve been interested, but I haven’t connected with you about it, email me anytime (ashley@artistrieco.com). In March, my grandpa invited me to his workshop and taught me how to build a picture frame from start to finish. Me + power tools still might not be the best idea that ever graced the planet, but it was a learning experience for sure. We were successful and now I need to finishing mulling over what print I’m going to pair with it. This definitely got my wheels turning about a possible Artistrie exclusive line of frames. It’s still too early to tell on this one, but definitely a project I’m going to be dreaming about.

Boudoir

An impromptu mini Boudoir Marathon took place in February for a few fave Artistrie brides. All it took was one BTS Instagram post and my email blew up asking when I’d be doing another boudoir event. Rest assured, another date has been set for this June! Only 4 spots are available. If you are hoping to join, get on it! You can sign up for more info here.

2018 Season

Other than that, it’s been quiet but in the best possible way. I’m getting ready to run my 4th 10K at the Morton Arboretum next weekend. Hoping for good weather and a new PR!

My first wedding of the busy season kicks off later this month and I can’t wait. This spring, summer and fall will be filled with some beauties, that’s for sure. I’m just about booked up for the year, but have availability for 2 more weddings in either August, November or December. My intention for this year is to push myself creatively and take my photography work to the next level. I have no idea what that’s going to look like yet, but I have a great feeling about what’s to come!

Thanks guys! See ya on the other side of the camera. 😉