Photography can be a rather lonely industry at times. We mostly work for ourselves, and don’t really have “coworkers” to ask questions, run ideas by, or even just lend a shoulder when you’re having a tough time.  I have been so lucky to meet a few photographers over the past few years that are really my squad… none of that catty, fake, competitive stuff you find so much among photographers… just pure love and support for each other. We’re all in this together, and we want nothing but to be there for each other and help each other succeed.  I’m so thankful that Ashley is one of those.  I was so lucky a few years ago when she agreed to help me shoot a wedding… we had never met in person, but I swear it was love at first sight (haha for me anyway!). She’s such an amazing and positive person to have in my life, and so is Jacob, her hubby.
I’ve had the privilege of not only working with Ashley and Jacob over the past few years, but also consider them close friends.  We’ve had some fun Epcot adventures, trips, and I even got to travel for their wedding in Iowa last year. When they announced they were having a baby, exactly a year after their wedding, I couldn’t have been more excited!  I obviously see newborns ALLL the time and hearing pregnancy announcements is an everyday thing… but this one was more special than most, and definitely made me a little emotional 😉
meghan-vail-photography_2119I could not be happier for Ashley and Jacob as they embark on this new world of parenting, and Evelyn is just about the luckiest little girl ever to have them as parents.  She’s going to grow into the coolest Disney loving girl, and I can’t wait to watch her grow!  As many of you know, I ask new moms to answer a few questions to help us write our blogs. I couldn’t let Ashley get away with not doing that too, so you can read a little more about Jacob, Ashley, AND Evelyn.meghan-vail-photography_2120

They Meet

Jacob and Ashley technically met in their early twenties at a friend’s graduation party, however neither of them actually remember each other.  They realized after they re-met six years later that it wasn’t the first time their paths had crossed.

They remember meeting in Colorado at a family wedding, Jacob’s cousin married Ashley’s uncle.  Jacob was living there at the time and Ashley went out to visit family and they became fast friends and eventually inseparable.meghan-vail-photography_2121

It’s a Girl!

Mom and Dad chose to do an early ultrasound at 15 weeks to find out what they were having.  Dad was rooting for a boy, Ashley had her heart set on a girl.  Ashley’s mom also went to the ultrasound and she was the only one that knew the sex.  Later, they had a gender reveal party with their closest friends and family. They used colored confetti poppers to use for the surprise.  Pink confetti EVERYWHERE!!

They discussed girl names and finally narrowed it down to either Lily (because of Ashley’s love for Harry Potter) or Evelyn, after her great grandmother.  They eventually decided that it would be Evelyn after Ashley’s grandmother and her middles names are Kay Mary after both  grandmas.
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From Mom

I ended up going past my due date like most first time moms.  We were scheduled to be induced which was the number one thing I did not want, but I was also ready to meet our little girl.  I labored for 28 hours and only had to push for 30 minutes thank goodness.  Jacob was definitely the MVP, he fed me ice chips, talked me down when I was having hallucinations from the pain meds and never left my side.

First Thoughts:  I was so relieved that she was finally here! I just wanted to hold her for as long as possible, and of course in those first few moments you don’t get to keep them long enough. The nurses needed to check her and do all the things they do.  My heart melted when I got to see Jacob hold her for the first time.  It’s pure joy!- Ashley

meghan-vail-photography_2122meghan-vail-photography_2123From Dad

I was a little in shock that I was really going to be a dad, but she was the cutest little thing I had ever seen.  I couldn’t wait to hold her! When they finally gave her to Ashley my heart was so full and I was proud of my two hardworking ladies.

We had to stay a little longer in the hospital so when we were finally able to go home, we were so overjoyed! There’s a lot more dishes and laundry.  We don’t get as much sleep at night or work done around the house, but we wouldn’t change it for anything.  We’ve had a lot of laughs and a few tears over the first two weeks learning our new roles, but we couldn’t be more excited for our new journey.

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