When I found out I was pregnant with Ledger one of the first thoughts I had was that I was going to have to take down the family picture hanging on our wall and replace it. I freaked out. I'm not quite sure why I thought I had to replace it, I think I just hadn't really thought the whole process through. Anyway, my mom reassured me I didn't have to and I could redo my wall to make it more of a life wall.
The last family picture we had taken with Preslee was outside with trees in the background. (The one and only time I ever had dark hair...)
One day I suddenly wanted family pictures to match. To be honest, I kind of got weird about it. It started eating away at me. I realized I had to take them in fall before the leaves all fell or wait until spring. There was no way I could wait. Gratefully Lindsey Marlor lives close by and dropped everything and went along for the ride. We are thrilled with how they turned out and two 16x20's will be going up on a wall with our other one with Preslee in the middle. I think the wall will look great, and I love any chance to hang pictures up of both of our kids next to each other.
One day I suddenly wanted family pictures to match. To be honest, I kind of got weird about it. It started eating away at me. I realized I had to take them in fall before the leaves all fell or wait until spring. There was no way I could wait. Gratefully Lindsey Marlor lives close by and dropped everything and went along for the ride. We are thrilled with how they turned out and two 16x20's will be going up on a wall with our other one with Preslee in the middle. I think the wall will look great, and I love any chance to hang pictures up of both of our kids next to each other.
I struggled with how to incorporate Pres into some of the pics. Lindsey came up with the idea below. We strung family pictures we had with Preslee on the tree. I LOVE IT. The tree is "Preslee's Tree" that was planted in my parents backyard. I think it is the beginning of a fun tradition. I think it will be neat to watch the tree grow along with our family over the years. Thanks Linds.
Taking pictures is so important. I feel such a huge responsibility as a photographer sometimes if I really think about this. Recently I did a session for a mom who was pregnant with her 4th, but had lost her husband recently- suddenly and unexpectedly. (The pictures are on my blog, I posted them towards the end of August) She still, through her grief have the wherewithall to realize she needed to memorialize this last pregnancy she and her husband would share and scheduled this session with me. I can't believe her valor in being able to do that. But now, she will have those pictures forever. It wasn't the best time in her life, but it's when she was pregnant with this sweet baby girl, and now she'll always remember.
ReplyDeletePeople dodge my camera at wedding receptions and talk about how they hate having their picture taken, but, the truth is, the pictures aren't so much for you. They are for other people. We are all so grateful for every image and every moment you had captured of Preslee and there will never be enough of Ledger. I'm so glad you took this time out to do family pictures, and incorporated Preslee into the session. But even if you hadn't, we all would still know she was there, because she always will be. She's in the light in the trees and the shine in your eyes.
You will always, always be a family of four. Because you are.
You all look beautiful by the way. Errr.. handsome to the boys! Now, explain to me how you do your hair like that because it always looks like something is nesting in mine! :)
ReplyDeleteI have already commented on FB, but I have to say something here too... The pictures are amazingly beautiful!! The way Preslee was incorporated is perfect & I LOVE the picture w/ Preslee's tree! Great idea!
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with how they turned out. Pictures are best in the fall, and they really do match the one with Preslee. I especially love the one with the picture of her at the bottom,
ReplyDeleteThey turned out great. And do you have the cutest baby boy? UMMM YES :)
They turned out so cute! I want to come see your wall now. Ledger is getting so big, and I loved the one with Preslee at the bottom. Thinking back of our fam pics at Sutton cemetery makes me smile thinking about the ones you will have with her tree. I LOVE the idea of it growing as your family grows, that is so precious and will be a constant reminded that she shadows over you all. Love ya, I'd love to get the kiddos together soon sometime.
ReplyDeleteOh my GOSH they are SOOO good!! You are BEAUTIFUL!!! I love your blog, thank you for all you have taught me and for sharing your story. xoxo
ReplyDeletelove, LoVe, L-O-V-E this!!!! y'all are such a cute little family and the the ones with Preslee in them are priceless. blessings.
ReplyDeletepurposelyathome.blogspot.com
I LOVE it!!!!! Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are absolutely beautiful! What a special way to honor your sweet Preslee!
ReplyDeleteThey turned out great. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love them all and can't wait to see your life wall!!!
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful!! :) Love it! So happy for you!!
ReplyDeleteThey are BEAUTIFUL and your boy is to die for! I LOVE reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteLove the photos all so good. :)
ReplyDeleteI love them!!
ReplyDeleteLOVE them all!! Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, this is the sweetest grouping of pictures I've ever seen and the idea of having those snapshots on her tree as a reminder of how important she was to you all, is just so touching. Seriously, what a beautiful and meaningful picture.
ReplyDeleteBrought tears to my eyes and totally gave me chills...
You have such a beautiful family.
The pictures turned out beautiful. You have a gorgeous family. I love how you incorporated Preslee into the pictures. She will always be a part of your family. You guys look great.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jenni-Ohio
I love all of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing idea to do the tree with pictures of Pres hanging from the branches. That is so beautiful. I think the same thing so much about how to bring Kenzie into our pictures. I really dont think we will get any pictures done again until we have another baby so I guess I have sometime to worry about that :)
Can I just say you are soooooo beautiful girl! I cant get over it. Man oh Man I love you.
My favorites are the ones with Preslee's framed picture. They all turned out beautifully. What a gorgeous family you have.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Beautiful Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your family pictures Ashely!! I love that you put pictures os Presley up as well, that is so neat and such a great tradition to do! Your little man is so handsome, and I love your blond hair! I've been following your blog since last spring now, and im sooo happy I got to finally meet you a few sundays ago! (Im valer parrishs daughter)...You would think I would have met you forever ago, since rigby isnt very big and we both have lived there for a long time! ha.
ReplyDeleteI hope your week is amazing...just like you!
SO beautiful! I love them all. I especially love the one with you three standing at the tree and little Preslee's pic at the bottom. I also love the one with Preslee's tree. Beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh, i LOVE it!! what a fun way to have little angel in your pictures!
ReplyDeleteI was ooing and awwing as I looked at each picture. I got to the last 2 photos and a couple of tears rolled down my cheeks. What sweet pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. It's been a year since we lost our second child, Stella. I had our last Christmas photo taken with a large picture of her in it too. I'm going to do it again this year. I just can't handle a "family" photo without everyone in our family. We are also currently expecting and trying to find happiness in this bittersweet event. <3
ReplyDeleteWow, those are all such beautiful pictures, not going to lie, the last one brought tears to my eyes. You guys are doing such an amazing job of preserving her memory.
ReplyDeleteXoXo
The pictures are gorgeous. I love the Preslee tree.
ReplyDeleteSo Beautiful! The Preslee Tree is such a DARLING idea! You have a beautiful family, and I LOVE your blog. You truly inspire me to love every single moment I have with my children. I think of you often as my 2 year old is being a challenge, and it truly helps me think of different ways to deal with him! Thanks for all you write you are simply AMAZING! Thanks a MILLION!!!!
ReplyDeleteso beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing idea! I love both the big pic of her in some and the tree idea! You guys are adorable and you look AMAZING Ashley! Ledger is getting so big and I love Pat's smile! Love you guys!
ReplyDeleteWow! These pictures are absolutely breath taking. I love the incorporation of your daughters pictures in them.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE all those pictures! You always make me cry! :) Truly breathtaking pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThe one where there is the framed picture of Preslee is absolute amazing. So touching... You are an amazing family.
ReplyDeleteLooove the family pictures. It was so good to see you the other day.
ReplyDeleteyou and your little family are nothing short of incredible. I am a quiet follower, who's never commented (I rarely comment on blogs, anyway), but your blog truly touches my heart. anything you write about sweet preslee almost always brings a tear to my eye and tugs on my heartstrings. God bless you and your sweet family- you are some of the strongest people I "know." :)
ReplyDeleteThese photos turned out amazing. Lindsay did a great job! Your family is adorable.
ReplyDeleteWow Beautiful - I also love the one with the framed picture of Preslee next to the tree, but they are all beautiful-
ReplyDeleteOh they turned out so perfect! I love, love, LOVE the one of you and Pat looking at ledger with Preslee's picture leaning against the tree trunk. That is a framer for SURE!
ReplyDeleteThe last one with Preslee's tree has such beautiful lighting as well, it is like Preslee was making her presence known with the light streaking from the right and landing right in the empty space between you and Pat. I really do not believe those things are accidents - I really think she wanted to be part of the picture as well. Gorgeous!
Those are wonderful pictures and I really love the idea of the pictures in Preslee's tree.
ReplyDeleteI love how on the last picture, there are rays of sun shining through the trees onto your family. It's almost like Preslee is trying to be in the picture from heaven. These pics are such a treasure!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, you guys look great, you look beautiful! I admire your strength & determination to go fwd with a steadfast faith. You have a wonderful family. And those pics with your daughter in the frame with you guys there too, priceless.
ReplyDeletevicky t
Love... pure love :)
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I really love the one with Preslee's picture at the bottom of the tree. What a wonderful to include her in your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI will have to remember that when we do our pictures without Cadence.
And now I'm crying...
ohhh my gosh!
ReplyDeletei absolutely love how you included little Preslee in all of this! she is watching down smiling!
These are beautiful pictures and you are a beautiful momma!
ReplyDeleteAsh-these are gorgeous and you, my dear, look stunning. Hopefully one day soon we will meet that little man of yours. I'm thinking Harlow's baby blessing?
ReplyDeleteXOXO
All of these turned out great! The one with Preslee's tree is such a great idea! But, I have to say, my favorite is the first one (from the top) with all 4 of you! Love Ledger's face in that one, you have a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteDid you notice the orbs in the picture where Preslee's picture is by the tree? She was definitely with you!
ReplyDeleteI cried a little looking at these pictures. You look beautiful and happy Ashley and I think they turned out amazing! I especially love the one with the framed picture of Preslee. You have a beautiful family and as time goes by it's only going to get more beautiful!
ReplyDeletewow~these pictures are absolutely gorgeous! ledger is so beautiful and you look amazing ashley. such a beautiful family including sweet preslee...i never get tired of seeing her angelic face. God bless your family.
ReplyDeletewow!!!! I am crying!
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are AMAZING!
I love the colors you chose and I love all the pics!
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos. What a beautiful family! I think these pictures go perfect with the one of you, Pat, and Preslee.
ReplyDeleteI loved the picture with you four by the tree and by Preslee's tree- those were my favorite.
Ashley you are so strong. Your experience has changed so many people's lives. I continue to pray for your family.
You are such a beautiful family, inside and out. I just love the last picture with all of you sitting by Preslee's tree. What was so amazing to me were the rays of sunshine cast on you, Pat and Ledger. Preslee's precious little spirit was shining brightly on her Mommy, Daddy and little baby brother. There are no coincidences...there is only God. She is always with you. Thank you for sharing such tender moments with you family. You bring the gift of joy to so many.
ReplyDeleteAwesome family photos! My favorite is the one that you are standing by the tree with Preslee's picture leaning against the tree too. Beautiful!!! They will look wonderful on your photo wall!
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing family!
Michelle
www.thingsthatmatter-m.blogspot.com
Gorgeous pictures Ashley!!! Love how you incorporated Preslee.. You guys are amazing!!
ReplyDeleteWow! They are all so amazing. I especially love the last one. What a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteYour family pictures made me cry. They are so amazingly beautiful. I love the one of you guys in front of the tall tree with the picture of Preslee next to you. My favorite though, is the one in front of Preslee's tree. I think it turned out so amazing and incorporated her very well into the picture. THank you for sharing your beautiful family pictures with all of us.
ReplyDeleteThose are so great! I love the one of you three standing with the framed picture of Preslee leaning up against the tree. I also LOVE your hair! Some of those shots with the sun gave me the impression Preslee was shining down on you guys.
ReplyDeleteYou probably don't remember me, but I was in one of your ElEd classes and I sat next to you at Graduation.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are beautiful and your story is so touching. Thank you for sharing your strength and reminding me that all things are possible if we have enough faith and rely on our Heavenly Father and Savior to help us endure all things.
You seriously have a BEAUTIFUL family, and beautiful kids, I love how you added Preslee into the pictures, and I love the pictures on the Preslee tree. That's just amazing, and I think making it a tradition is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteyour posts get me everytime. these are amazing and beautiful. you did it perfectly. that sunshine in the last picture, i wouldn't doubt is preslee showing herself, shining down on you, love them
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family and beautiful pictures! I don't know if you believe in Orbs or not but in the picture you have of the three of you against the tree and miss Preslee's picture beside the tree. There is two orbs in the photo one is a orange orb that looks like a smile and the other is a green circle on the bottom right corner of the picture. I was always told that the orbs are your loved ones making their selfs known. So if you do believe then I think they were sweet preslee joining you in your picture :)
ReplyDeleteThose pictures are all so very beautiful. I love how you incorporated Preslee...I'll have to see how we can do that with Shane. Love you guys...you are beautiful Ash!
ReplyDeleteWhat great pictures! I love the one with you guys standing by the tree. It is so timeless! That little man is growing up way too fast... sheesh!
ReplyDeleteLove all of the pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful family!
Those pictures are SO great. So warm. The ones with Preslee moved me to tears. You have a beautiful family and YOU have such a beautiful heart. :)
ReplyDeleteLove from Georgia! (By the way, this is Jon, not Shy... regards to you and yours)
ReplyDelete