At 8:24 am on February 4, 2011 Caleb and I gave birth to our first son, Miles Ash Coblentz.  He weighed in at 8 lbs 1/2 oz and was 20 inches long.  After a perfect pregnancy, we had an even more perfect water birth at the Charleston Birth Place.  There are no words that describe the instant love you have for your child.  It truly is a blessing from God and we are so lucky to have him in our lives.

“We have a secret in our culture, it’s not that birth is painful, it’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Staroe Harm

Photography by Tammy Bevins Photography

Kristen moved to Charleston, SC to attend the College of Charleston and decided to stay after graduation to work.  She moved around a couple of times, and little did she know her final apartment would lead her to her husband!  Ellis moved into the same apartment complex soon after starting his Coast Guard career.  With a mutual love for dogs, Kristen adopted a spunky golden lab and Ellis a lackadaisical St. Bernard.  While out walking their new best friends, they met!  The dogs hit it off right away and they were forced to go to the dog park many, many times!!  That weekend they spent hours walking their dogs, and starting a friendship that would quickly grow.  As sappy as it may seem, Kristen knew Ellis was the one for her; I also agreed the first time I met him!

Eventually, Ellis received orders to move to Norfolk, VA. As hard as it was, this only made their feelings deeper and confirmed what they knew to be true all along.  Ellis proposed to Kristen in Virginia Beach two days after Christmas 2008 and on November 14, 2009 they were married.

Kristen, I am so so proud of who you have become.  You are beautiful inside and out, and I love you more than words can describe.  You have been a dear friend for almost 25 years.  I can’t wait to raise our children together and watch our hair turn gray!  God has blessed you with an amazing man.  A man who adores you and will be an awesome father.  Always RESPECT him.

Ellis, I couldn’t have ordered a more perfect man for Kristen.  You are loving, godly and patient.  I can’t wait for you guys to be close by, so that we will be able to get to know you better.  Always LOVE her.

I love you both.  Enjoy some of my favorite moments from your wedding and don’t miss the slide-show at the end!

I wore that feather veil at my rehearsal!

Caleb and I stole their “get away cart” for a quick joy ride!

Click here for the SLIDESHOW!

Ceremony: Belin Methodist Church, Murrells Inlet, SC

Reception: Litchfield Country Club, Litchfield, SC

Flowers: Mark Gladden with M. Gladden Designs

Cake: Janet Adams, The Cake Lady

They exchanged wedding vows on  November 7, 2009 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Broad Street in Charleston, SC.  The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Francis Marion Hotel.

Damian’s uncle is the famous fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo.  Carmen designed the bridesmaid’s and mother’s dresses for the wedding.

Carmen & Carmen!

click here for the SLIDESHOW!

Charleston, SC 1-24-2010—Carmen Ash Photography is pleased to announce they have been selected as a 2010 winner in The Knot Best of Weddings, a special         section in The Knot magazine and online at Weddings from The Knot, the number-one wedding resource that’s most trusted by brides.

The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 provides a “by brides, for brides” guide to the top wedding professionals across the country, and is a must-have when it comes to selecting the best-of-the-best wedding resources. From New York florists and Seattle bridal salons to DC makeup artists, engaged couples will find detailed feedback on local wedding businesses reviewed by thousands of newlyweds who had great things to say.

“This is such an honor and surprise!  We are so lucky to have such amazing clients.  Thank you so much!” Carmen Ash Coblentz

Katie’s long time friend Ross works for Vineyard Vines.  He had these ties specially made for their wedding!  Some of the images will be in there next catalog!

SLIDESHOW

Thank you Vendors:

Weddings at Pawleys: Karen Clark

Pawleys Plantation: Contact Wendy

Blossoms Events: Barry West

Incredible Edibles: Myra Ranta

This brings me to the “Wife” Hike of 2009!  We went during Thanksgiving and hiked about 21 miles of trails in the Smoky Mountains.  Parts of the hike were very intense, but the view made it all worth wild!  The second day was the hardest part.  We hiked 7 miles up-hill.  There was no time for long breaks, due to the fact that camp had to be set up before dark.  As elevation increased, the temperature dramatically decreased.  By the second night, the temperature dropped into the 20′s.

This was an unforgettable trip and I can’t wait for next year!… Well if this wasn’t a one time thing

Wait an amazing view, with the clouds above and below the mountains.

This is where we started.

Quickly trained a Bear to take a picture!

Hen Wallow Falls

Gotta love a good fire!

Caleb cooking pancakes and Starbucks Coffee for breakfast.

This was beside our tent the first camp sight; what an awesome sight to wake up to!

Accommodations for the second night!

Finally at the top…

On the way back down, we passed this cemetery in the middle of the woods!  What I found odd was that all of the people with actual head stones died in the late 1800′s-1918, except the one in the picture above.  Ella died in 1982 at the age of 88.  She was the last one to be buried there and was the only one that had a rock for her head stone!  Go Figure, maybe that’s what she wanted!

Click Here to view the SLIDESHOW

High School or College Seniors are so much fun to work with.  I love being able to capture such an important transitional time in their life.

If you know of any SENIORS that might be interested or would like to purchase a Senior Package for them, please email Carmen@CarmenAsh.com or call 843.718.2432