a weekend consisting of:

the wedding reception of my oldest friend, Mitch, who is finally married to his gorgeous high school sweetheart (cutest couple award status, these two) 

said wedding reception turning into a home ward reunion (which was both good and awkward - it seems like forever since i've been to my home ward)

a date night with my baby brother, who is almost 17 - which i am finally coming to terms with. 

letting said baby brother drive my car to redbox, hearing all about how he's getting his license and already had 2 dates lined up (he's so grown up!! and such a stud!)

eating an entire bag of cookies with said little brother while we half-watched "Dark Shadows" and half-babysat my crazy dog

sleeping in until 11:00 a.m. on saturday with my puppy while devin went to work

a lot of episodes of gossip girl (new favorite - so embarrassing and awesome at the same time. p.s. i want to be blair waldorf)

some home made mac-n-cheese making (failed the first try, emergency trip to the grocery store, and made the best damn mac-n-cheese this world has ever tasted on round two)

a family thanksgiving dinner in my parent's church's cultural hall with my dad's side of the family

smoked turkey (melt in your mouth deliciousness)

my first go with cranberry sauce (verdict: it's good.)

fresh pumpkin pie

my cousin announcing her pregnancy! (first great-grandbaby in the family! plus, my aunt looks way too young to be a grandma - so exciting!)

a hilarious round of white elephant (we came home with a wooden wreath in the shape of ears of corn)

my brother in law Sean getting the giggles, which resulted in devin, kelli and I all getting the giggles, too. funniest moment of the night. none of us could stop! 

realizing that i need to see my sister and brother-in-law way more often (we have so much fun together! wish they weren't in layton :( gah!)

sleeping in on sunday

getting called as the Young Single Adult Representatives / Ward Missionaries in our ward 

making a chocolate chocolate mousse pie

doing a you-take-ours-we'll-take-yours family photo session with Jared (our wedding photographer and friend) and his family

lots of wind and a crazy-hyper puppy

the world's most beautiful 9 month old baby, miss ellie medley (i'm not kidding. she's cuter than any gerber baby)

an amazing dinner made by Lynn after our photo shoot 

the discovery of roasted garlic for bread (uh-mazing)

devouring said chocolate chocolate mousse pie 

ooh-ing and aah--ing at our photos (so excited to share them!)

rain (not snow... dang it. it's december for crying out loud!)

homework :( (for devin, at least) 

needless to say, it was a pretty great weekend.

mini sessions!

that's right, folks! Devin and I are back at it! We are so excited to offer these mini sessions just in time for the holidays! Whether you want to send out Christmas Cards or replace that outdated family photo on the mantel - let us know! This is the perfect opportunity to grab a few photos! Quick and easy :) I've got all kinds of cute ideas for styling the shoots and lots of props to personalize them! If you're interested, send me an email! katieashby26@gmail.com or text/call me at 385.201.6529

The Keele's!

I was lucky enough to grow up with 2 cousins my age on both sides of the family. I happened to favor my dad's side, more though, because those 2 cousins were girls - and more? All 3 of us were dancers!

Sure I had neighborhood friends, and friends from school, but a large portion of my childhood memories are with my cousins. I so thank my parents for staying close to their own siblings - because that in turn has created a closeness in our own immediate family, and our extended family!

Anyway - today, one of those cousins my age, Nichole, got married!!! I was so excited when she asked Devin to be her photographer, and we quickly got to work on her bridals. Devin shot them at the State Hospital in Provo - turned out absolutely gorgeous! We also took a few in the orchard close by - it was full of deer!

CAPTURED BY DASH PHOTOGRAPHY

Today is the day for Nichole and Ryan! Unfortunately, the day started off horribly for Devin and I. Devin dropped his camera bag while putting it in the car the morning and broke his biggest, nicest, most versatile lens! we are so bummed! we'll figure something out though. fix it. replace it. it's not like we're gonna go without it! We were already running a few minutes late, which only added to our frustration!

But you know what's the best? Having friends like the Medley's! Jared, who took our wedding day photos and bridals, has been one of Devin's friends for years, and was Devin's "mentor" per-say, when he began his professional career as a photographer. We gave Jared a call and he was generous enough to lend us his equipment in our moment of crisis! We had to miss the sealing, and drove down to PG to pick up his camera bag, but from then on, the day went perfectly! Jared is a hero. We owe him big time!

Uncle Todd (Elder D. Todd Christofferson - my dad's uncle!) sealed them at the last minute! He had originally been scheduled with meetings the entire day of the wedding, but gave Nichole's family a call just 10 days before saying he had rearranged his schedule so he could perform her sealing. I sure love that man! I love the opportunity to spend time with someone who is so clearly a man called of God. It is so clear in the way he carries himself and presents himself and speaks that he is truly an Apostle of the Lord - but at the same time, he's still our Uncle Todd! I love that. It is so great to spend time with he and his adorable wife, Kathy. Love them!

As we did shots outside the temple after the ceremony, I peaked over Devin's shoulder with my iPhone so I could give Nichole a "sneak peak" - and naturally, blew up instagram with all my posts! They are going to turn out amazing though!

We kept saying how great it is that Nichole and Ryan have such great natural chemistry. When we've taken their photos, they are constantly making jokes and cracking each other up! They are so great together - and so obviously happy! I am so excited for them! It was such a great day to spend with all our family!

Here's my iphone pictures from the day - I love how they turned out! For a phone, these things are pretty great cameras!:

A Change

The "Captured By Dash" tab is gone. 

But that doesn't necessarily mean that Captured By Dash is. 

After a lot of thought and consideration, Devin has decided to dissolve his LLC. It was a hard decision to make that he and I have been mulling over for a few months now. The business isn't headed in the direction we anticipated, but it isn't really a bad thing. Just not what we expected. He is still a photographer. I know that part of him will always be here. He loves it too much to ever stop. But after having a year like 2011, with so much else going on, and no sign of it ever slowing down, he has realized that CBD is no longer as high of a priority in his/our life. 

He is still doing photography, but we aren't going to advertise anymore. Any business can come by word of mouth, or as favors for friends and family. We just did a wedding today, in fact! 

We both think this is best for now. Things could change in the future, but we are going to have a big couple of years coming up, and we needed to put things in their place and prepare ourselves. 

His website and blog are still up for now, and probably will be for awhile. (the blog has a recent post about Devin sharing the news, himself.)

We can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us! 

...

you know what's really great?

when I expect to have the kind of dinner where we just fend for ourselves in the kitchen, but instead, Devin is in the mood to cook and goes all out (once again) and makes amazing breaded chicken.

when my batch of homemade oreo cookies comes out of the oven just right.

when the truck blocks the mazda in the driveway, so I "have" to drive Rex (we named the truck, btw. nbd) to the grocery store for some last-minute things.

when Thursday is my Friday, and I get to sleep in and spend all of Friday making things with my best friend, Valeri. (more christmas ornaments, wreath, cake pops, and frost said homemade oreo cookies)

when I realize it's Thursday which means there's a new episode of The Big Band Theory on.

when Devin "kisses me goodbye" before retiring to the office for a night of photo editing and homework.

when my new tab "STORIES" gets lots of hits, even when I didn't even tell you guys I had added it :) (P.S. I will update my "FIND US" tab because I... uh... (looking anywhere but at you)... uh... got a twitter... I don't think it's permanent. I guess I just wanted to test the waters. See if it's worth it. I feel like it's just updating my facebook status. I don't know. We'll see how long it lasts.)

when a bridal shower for a girl in my parent's ward gives the opportunity for me to bake a ton of whatever I want. (hence the cake pops and homemade oreos. Devin and I just don't eat a lot of sweets [besides muddie buddies], but I LOVE to make them!)

when I walk by the bookshelf in the dining room and catch a wiff of my bouquet. It's totally dried, and has been for about 6 months... but it still smells like roses. Actually that's not true. It depends on the day. some days it smells good. other days it smells rotton. but lately it's been good...

when Devin edits photos from a session, and I am absolutely amazed at how much he can enhance an image that was already amazing. (visit his website!)

when Carter can read EVERY SINGLE flashcard without giving up. (he is such a trooper! reading is HARD for a 5-year-old! oh man!)

when Aria will sing a song on any topic on demand. (i.e.: garbage trucks, sippy cups, katie, and her baby). It's absolutely hilarious. I wish I could upload the audio from my phone!

five things: weekend.

my weekend described in a 5 things post:

On Friday, I didn't have work, so after getting my eyelash extensions refilled by the amazing Baylee Taylor (let me know if you want extensions and I'll give you details! she's awesome!), I had lunch with one of my best friends, Valeri. That night, Devin and I headed down to Velour to see our good friend, Cory Mon play! Devin and Cory have been close friends for several years, and he promptly introduced me to his music when we started dating. He isn't your typical provo hipster artist. not at all. his following is actually a lot more centered around the Salt Lake area, and he's not like anything I've ever heard. As I've gotten to know Cory a little, I have gained so much respect for him. As a person, as a musician, and as a friend. He is one of the most respectful, kind-hearted, hilarious individuals I have ever met, and I am always impressed with him. After watching him play, it is so obvious how much his music means to him, and I feel like that is an aspect of the industry that a lot of artists tend to lose site of. It was refreshing to see someone who is still performing for the sake of the music.

This was the first time I have seen Cory perform live, since the other times he's performed in Utah lately have all been in 21+  venues. I was amazed! He was so good live, and he shared the stage with his good friend, Wes Kirkpatrick, who I am guaranteed to start listening to on a regular basis. So great! A band called Lady and Gent opened for Wes and Cory, and they weren't too bad either! They had won battle of the bands over the summer, and I loved their harmonies. It was such a great show, even though we didn't get home until 12:00, it was totally worth it. (Oh! Plus also, Dustin Christensen played with Wes. And we love Dustin. He does a lot of his own singing and songwriting, and he's also in one of our favorite bands, The Lower Lights, a hymn revival kind of band.)

On Saturday, Devin and I shot a wedding in Draper for a couple we've been working with for a few months now (we did their engagements and bridals as well). It was awesome to finally see everything come together for them. We got to the temple way early and finally got around to shooting (um. the draper temple is SO windy. poor Jill (bride), her veil kept flying out! There were probably about 80 people at the temple, and I thought that getting all the group pictures was going to be impossible. To get 80 people to listen to one person? yeah right. Devin is the man! He got everything done so fast, and it all looked so great. I heard a guy behind me saying "whoa. this guy is business! he knows what he's doing!" -- it's true, it's true.

After the temple pictures, we decided to head to Salt Lake to do a little shopping and get some lunch.

1. We headed to Trifecta, one of our favorite stores. Our good friend Brittany works there, and they sell those Middle Kingdom vases I'm always raving about. We caved and bought 3!

our three new additions.

our ever-growing collection!

2. Brittany recommended we had lunch just a few doors down that The Soup Kitchen, so we did! I had the best creamy tomato soup ever, with a California sandwich. It was delicious!

(photo not taken by me)

3. On our way back to the car, Devin did something I think he will regret. He let us go into Central Book Exchange. I was immediately engrossed in the stacks and piles of books all over the store and ended up leaving with 7, and only paying $32! I would post pictures of books I got, but they will all be gifts, except for an AWESOME copy of To Kill A Mockingbird that I've never seen before (which is weird).

(photo not taken by me)

After all that, we headed back to Draper for the reception, which was in a huge backyard. It was awesome, and Devin got some amazing shots, including family pictures for the groom's family of 24 adults! We didn't shoot any kids, and we still had tons of  people! Again, it would have been a huge challenge for any photographer, but Devin did so great, and handled it all so well. I was even frustrated and I was hardly doing anything! He is just that good I guess.

Other things:

4. My new earrings. I think they're my new favorites.

5. After the reception was over, we drove home but stopped at the grocery store to pick up some last minute things for dinner on Sunday (we are having Devin's family over. It's our turn to cook!), and we stumbled upon THIS. Wild Berry 7-up. It's delicious! Way better than the pomegranate that I thought I loved. I'm nervous it won't be around for very long, so we have plans to go back soon and stock UP.

It was a good weekend.

five things

if she wants to take a picture, she'll walk over to my purse and say "cheese, cheese"... I get the point. it's pretty hilarious though.

the quiet jar in action. totally doing it's job. 

We played chemist with C-man! I taught him about primary and secondary colors and he practiced mixing them! it was so much fun!

our apple crates! we were trying to work out a time with the lady that we could pick them up but she wasn't available when we were and visa-versa. before heading up to Big Springs to take some family pictures, we decided to do some exploring in consignment shops just for fun. We went to My Finer Consigner in Lindon off state street, and found lots of awesome furniture that we have no room for... then we went to Mona Lisa Consignment in AF and fell in love. Aside from all the weird clothes and shoes, they had some awesome stuff! It was sort of like the antique mall, but not necessarily antiques. Anyway, we spotted these long crates hiding behind some chairs and inquired. The owner said that a cute old man makes these and sells them through her shop. So they aren't antique or authentic apple crates, but they are way sturdier and will last us a whole lot longer. We might paint them, but for now, they're functioning as a kitchen cart type thing in the dining room, filling up some more awkward space. love them.

i'm so glad devin doesn't mock me when i elaborate on the importance of taking a picture on a special day, or at a special event. this was on Oct. 8. our one-year-anniversary since the wedding he spotted me at. i thought it was something worth celebrating, so after the consignment shops, and the family photos up south fork, we went to olive garden (thanks to my awesome nanny family!). sooo yummy! i love that place. i should probably go more often. after eating, we came home and did some cleaning, found our christmas stockings online (eee!!!) and then some friends came over to watch the BYU game. it was an awesome day! i can't believe it's almost been a year since we met. it's gone by so fast, and every day has been absolutely amazing. and i totally mean that. every single day for an entire year.

(also? there were several more pictures. like 3 others. but all of them, devin was making a ridiculous face and we were laughing so they were blurry. oh, that devin ashby)

if not for love, I would be drowning

1 year ago today, I walked obliviously into the beautiful backyard reception of one of my newest friends, Tracey [now] Clegg.

My main excuses for going were [obviously] to celebrate with Tracey and her husband, Kameron, but also, for the catering. Kneaders. My favorite. Another thing? I love any excuse to wear my only fancy dress. A splurge from high school at White House Black Market.

My friends had spent the last couple of weeks talking up the cute family friend/ photographer. I was aware he'd be there, of course, but wasn't consciously thinking about it, since I had taken a date. (because you just can't show up to a wedding, slightly overdressed, by yourself. it would be ridiculous!)

Kylee pointed him out, at which point I immediately agreed with her, in my head, that 'yes. yes he IS cute.' but the likelihood of anything happening with him just didn't seem worth the swooning. It could never lead anywhere, right?

At some point later, we pulled out our cameras to snap at least 2 dozen pictures, naturally. Suddenly, the cute photographer was in front of us, asking, "mind if i get one of those with my camera?" um. of course not?!

I think I have an irrational fear that when people show up after I've been thinking about them, they must KNOW I was thinking about them. Again, they were all thoughts I pushed aside, because let's face it, Katie. It's just not going to happen. So when he suddenly appeared at our table, I was a little beside myself, but kept it together.

As it got too cold to sit out much longer, I left abruptly, date in tow, and didn't think much about the photographer after that.

I think I make a much bigger deal of things than necessary sometimes.

About a week later, we were facebook friends. I wish I remembered who friended who. He would probably say it was him. If it was me, I probably did it because Kylee did. And if she had any reason to friend him, I did too. But I don't remember.

Shortly after, I had a conversation with Kylee, who said she was chatting with him online. He was asking about me. She made sure he knew I was very, very single, and even gave him my number. Which he didn't keep (which I love).

And not long after that, we were chatting online ourselves. I'm sure it started with some comment about his photography. That he did great. Because I had nothing else to talk to him about... well, nothing that wouldn't classify me as a certified creeper, at least. I had already stalked his page up and down. Outdoorsy, likes radiohead AND pearl jam, no girls in any recent pictures... it was looking up! But I wasn't about to tell him that...

It didn't take more than an hour, I bet for him to get my number. He texted me right away and said "it's dash. just thought you'd like to have my digits too" (yes. that's exactly what he said. digits. haha).

We spent a good week texting non-stop. And I mean, constantly. It was like a week-long never-ending conversation. We stopped to sleep, and slowed down during classes, but that was about it. So, it didn't take us very long to discover that we were also taking the same math course at UVU. Which quickly led to our similar, and lacking math skills. Which opened up the opportunity to finally get together.

Our first date? Homework. In the UVU library. We were meeting right after he got out of his math class. So I spent [literally] 4 hours getting ready. Most of that time was spent being antsy, and looking in the mirror worriedly and obsessively.

He finally called after class, and I tried to explain that I was next to the starbucks in the library. All he heard was "fabrics". It was such an awkward conversation! He finally found me and we sat down and got right to work. I remember trying to make small talk to break the silence, because it was obvious to me long before we started homework that I wouldn't be accomplishing any of it. It probably didn't help that the conversation was going great...

We gave up on homework not long after we started when some of his friends invited him to Sammy's. I had never heard of it, and definitely wasn't about to object. We had grilled cheese sandwiches in fry sauce with an oreo pie shake, and played angry birds until the place closed. Hours of endless conversation continuing throughout.

After that night, Devin said he knew we wouldn't just be a short-term fling. I went home with a similar feeling. Knowing he would be around for awhile, just not sure how long. The more time we spent together, the more I hoped it would be a really long time.

I went home that night with my head in the clouds, and the rest, really is history.

Aside from my overnight trip with friends to St. George that same weekend of our homework date (which at this point, I was reluctant to go), we have seen each other every single day since.

That is day after day of driving in the rain, homework dates in the library (that usually ended up with us laying on the floor, or heading to starbucks for a carmel apple spice), countless pancake and bacon dinners on the presto grill i helped him pick out one night at Kohl's. going to church together each sunday, followed by my favorite sunday naps. dinner with his parents. babysitting his nieces and nephew. rock climbing, and eventually, wedding planning. announcement addressing, wedding dress shopping, furniture hunting, apartment decorating. And now? tv shows, cooking and grocery shopping, endless photo editing...

I can't believe it sometimes. Our entire relationship has been my idea of a perfect relationship from day 1. he has changed my life in the best, and most beneficial ways possible. He has made me a better version of myself, he has changed my perspective, and my overall mood. He has ultimately completed my life. I don't understand why I got so lucky. Why it worked out the way it did. It baffles me. But I am thankful every day for his place in my life. For everything he does to insure my happiness and wellbeing. He is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. He's the best thing about me and does more than is ever expected of him. Not just for me, but for everyone. He is constantly helping our grandparents upstairs, and has so much compassion and love for the people around him. He is an amazing friend, not to mention brother/son, and I can't believe he's my best friend. I love it. I love him! I am so glad I get an eternity with someone as witty and loving as Devin. He keeps me on my toes, and even when his days don't have enough hours for everything he has to get done, he makes it a point to spend time with me - just the two of us. I have never felt so adored and appreciated as Devin makes me feel. Whatever it is about him, I don't know, but it works.

And one year ago today, I had absolutely no idea.

It's strange to look back at these pictures of that day. To see him in the background in half of them, and think "there he was. my husband was right in front of me and i had no idea". I love the way we worked out. I love the story we have that we can tell our kids some day. I love that this is my life now, one year later.

It's an anniversary in a way.

 
I love you Devin

10 thoughts

1. went to ShopKo yesterday to pick up a prescription. They had Christmas stuff out! Did I already say how EXCITED I am for christmas? Becuase I am. Like, insanely excited. We're getting a tree soon (aah!) And also, I had to buy a few christmas things. Like tree garland and some presents for devin and some friends :)

2. it SNOWED in sandy today. serious? i wanted some fall weather, but I guess we'll be skipping it this year.

3. i'm freezing. definitely having soup for dinner tonight.

4. last night, Devin and I started working out together. It was FUN. I was surprised! We looked like fools and it hurt, and I was a wuss sometimes, but it was awesome! I love working out together!

5. after that, we went through all of Devin's mission pictures. I have such a crush on that Elder Ashby. He was so awesome! The videos were the best part. Oh, missionaries. Also? It made me even more excited for our trip in May!!!

6. Captured By Dash is going to be doing some pretty exciting things soon! I'll keep you updated!

7. Just came across a pinboard on pinterest titled "Twilight"... seriously? Still? ugh.

8. i am overdue on painting my nails. i went almost 2 weeks without painting them. way longer than usual. using some more nail effects this time :)

9. grocery shopping is WAY better with Devin. as impulsive as he is. I just enjoy it so much more. even when he rides on the cart out to the car... :) haha

10. white chicken chili is in fact BETTER the second time. mmm. glad this'll be around all winter long!

Zoo take 2 + conference weekend

i have totally been neglecting my blog. but for a good purpose: online shopping.

i'm lucky to have a husband that understands how necessary it is to obtain new, and more apparel with every changing season (even if he's just pretending to understand).

so i've put the blogging aside to acquire some Autumn essentials. they're so awesome, that I may even do an outfit post. if i'm that brave. the ever-growling list includes things like several pairs of tights and boot socks (my favorite boot socks so far have been the lace ones and the cable-knit ones), the boots (already seen. i've already worn them plenty), some knit beanies, some more jewelry (mostly earrings), shirts adorned with lots of lace in creams, whites and browns, and my favorite: an awesome knit sweater that i can't WAIT for.

SO. i think i can be forgiven.

but all of this has lead to a little game of catch-up that we're about to play.

mostly just of the weekend.

and i may or may not cover things i already have. just to keep this all straight.

like Friday, for example. I totally skipped over Friday with that last post.

I took the babies to the zoo! Makayla had piano lessons, so she couldn't come. It was just Kaden and Addison. I decided that Devin and I will just have to take Makayla on a little date for ice cream to make up for it. She's so awesome. And quite honestly, the smartest 9 year old I've ever met!

My sister, Kayla came though, to help out. Plus, who says no to a free trip to the zoo? Nobody.

Kaden was so awesome! I am so glad that he was good and stayed by me and behaved, and Addison was adorable and hilarious as always. On the way up to the zoo, she kept saying "Devin? Devin?" I think she just expects to see both of us at the same time. She pronounces his name so well! It was the cutest.

We got to see everything Kaden wanted and even rode the Train (Kade LOVES trains!) and Mom and Grandma said he gushed about it the whole rest of the night after we got home, so I'd say it was a success!

Addi had a full-on conversation with this weird bunny looking creature. She was yelling at it, telling it what to do, hahaha.

the tiger was actually there this time! I wish I would have got a picture of it swimming in the water right by the glass, but there were too many people.

Addison copying Kaden, haha

all she wants is the camera.

choo choo!!!

 

insisting on sitting by herself on the train.

As for conference weekend: we had a great time! On Saturday, we watched the morning session while we cleaned the house and then headed up to Salt Lake during the 2nd sessions to shoot some bridals. We shot at Garden Park Ward. It's absolutely beautiful up there! The grounds are so pretty and there were so many great options for pictures. I love looking through all the photos after the shoot as we drive home, and this is going to be one of Devin's best, I think! He has a preview on his blog (one of my favorite shots from the day) and will be adding more really soon! So go here and then click BLOG.

On our way home from the shoot, we went to Ashley and Ikea for fun. This is when we bought our awesome chair that matched our living room exactly!

 

I didn't want to get a picture of the whole room, because it was a mess from my ornament making.

On Sunday, we slept in right up until 10:00 and watched the first session. I made tons of Christmas ornaments! Maybe I already said that I was making all of our ornaments for Christmas this year. It's going to be awesome. They all turned out cuter than I thought, and I won't even complain about the bad burns I got on my fingers and toes (it was an unfortunate spill of burning hot glue) from my glue gun. anyway. I've only made a few, and have plenty more to do. I'm considering making a tutorial if there's some interest... they're just so easy and SO cute!

also on Sunday? TONS of snacking. On all our great conference treats. We had so much good food but I only got pictures of our fresh homemade salsa that Devin and I made together (onion tears. so romantic.), and the oreo truffles I attempted! They are hideous, but they taste SO good. We have to refrain from eating too many at once! We also had really tasty pulled pork for dinner with zucchini and corn bread with honey butter. SO good! Spent the rest of the night watching The Office, because Season 7 is FINALLY on instant netflix!

For the 2nd session on Sunday, we headed up AF canyon to Silver Lake Flat! It was super busy, but it was worth it to be up there. The drive was beautiful! The leaves were the brightest red i've ever seen, and the yellow leaves on the aspens looked neon! SO pretty. I took pictures, but it didn't do it much justice. I think Devin mostly wanted to go so he could do some 4-wheel driving in the Frontier, haha.

 

tibble fork lake on the way up to the flat

silver lake. and my cute husband.

i told him he wasn't allowed to make any funny faces, but i pulled one anyway. bahaha.