It is fitting that Ashley and Doug’s Live Love Laugh Photography shoot took place in a country field after a day’s rainfall; like them, the landscape portrayed is fresh and sunny. Not to mention that this couple has no problem with a bit of rain!
Their story begins in early childhood. A seven-year-old Ashley remembers coming home from school to find “Dougie” and his older sister, Katie, on the front steps of her house. Katie and Ashley became close friends, and Doug, a few years younger than the girls, would tag along after them.
Ashley always valued her friendship with Doug, but had no idea of what was to come. Still, she knew that he would always have a special place in her heart: “I asked Dougie to be my escort when I graduated from High School. I had a boyfriend at the time, but I didn’t want someone who wasn’t “forever” to be in my grad pictures. Doug was my best friend; I knew I’d never regret
taking him.”
After graduation, Ashley moved away to complete her education, and a year passed before the pair were reunited.
Upon returning home to visit Katie, Ashley noticed Doug in a new light. He had changed from her childhood playmate into a calm, self-assured young man. She appreciated the way that he could “soothe her hot temper” after a bad day, and how well he knew her. Ashley fell in love.
On his part, Doug claims that he had always been infatuated by her bubbly, friendly personality. When asked about Ashley’s best qualities, Doug replied, “She’s always happy and very easy to get along with.” Another of Doug’s favourite things about Ashley is “her shortness.” To which the petite girl laughed, “He won’t even let me wear heels to weddings!”
Their relationship was fully-realized when Doug walked Ashley to her car after a day spent at his family’s home. It was raining, and Ashley hurried to get into her vehicle, when, to her surprise, Doug pulled her to him. Since that first kiss, four years earlier, the couple hasn’t looked back.
Ashley and Doug recently built a home which they share with their dog Baxter. Although the couple knew each other well before cohabitation, there have been a few surprises.
“Doug was brought up in a home where he had to do chores and tidy up – but now he’s EXTREMELY messy!” Whereas Doug still can’t fathom the “amount of makeup (Ashley) has!”
The couple maintain that they’re friendship is still just as strong since becoming lovers, “The three of us (Katie, Ashley and Doug) still hang out all the time,” Ashley insists, ”But now we don’t pick on Dougie.” “As much!” laughed Doug.
Their advice for other couples posing for love shoots is to trust your photographer. Ashley fretted all day and almost cancelled their session because of rain, but, she said, “Trisha just kept telling me not to worry, that the rain will stop and it will be great. I’m so glad I hadn’t cancelled!”
There were also a few moments in the session where the couple felt awkward, despite Trisha’s “wonderful personality.” “But, “Ashley added, “She really made us comfortable. There were certain shots that I thought would look weird, but they turned out nicer than I ever could have imagined! Those pictures are actually Doug’s favourites!” Even Doug promised, “It wasn’t bad at all. I even posed for some (shots) by myself.”
Our interview was coming to a close, but I couldn’t resist asking one last question:
“Tell me, Doug, what does the future hold for you and Ashley as a couple?”
Without hesitation, Doug nodded and replied, “Marriage and a family.” Ashley blushed and added, “We talk about it all the time. Dougie wants one child, and I want three. Hopefully, we’ll have triplets!”
Whatever the future holds, I’m sure it will be as bright and as lovely as the couple in their stunning photos.
- Katie Bickell, Young Mum Freelance.
Official in-house writer for Live Love Laugh Photography
1 comments:
Very sweet and down-to-Earth couple! It was my pleasure to interview you Doug and Ash! And, as always Trisha, beautiful photos ~ can't wait to have my own done, and to keep working with Live Love Laugh Photography!
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