My Favorite Things || 5 things I cannot live without!

Taking a break from sharing photo sessions and sharing 5 things I cannot live without! I always love hearing about what other people are loving, and I have some things I seriously loved the heck out of in 2019, so why not share! I use these each at least every single day!

Disclaimer: A few of these have discounts with my links, and others are just things I legit love!

1- Rothy’s

Oh my gosh- I freaking am obsessed with my Rothy’s. What started out as a single pair of shoes to help my poor feet at weddings has now turned into multiple pairs, different styles, and colors, and I am still just as in love with them! They are a sustainable shoe made from recycled plastic water bottles. I know- it sounds bizarre and no way they can be comfortable… but they’re magic and super comfortable- plus- THEY ARE WASHABLE. No more stinky flats after a long, hot summer wedding!

A few tips… I size up half a size, make sure to NEVER dry them, and prepare to be obsessed! (I love the loafer style the very best!)!

For $20 off, you can use my link here: https://share.rothys.com/x/ck0mYr

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2- Ice Roller

I know, I know, this is so ridiculous. But I love using my ice roller! Every morning, after I make my cup of coffee, I pull it out of the freezer and it feels sooooo good! Plus, I can use as much help as possible to try to depuff my face and look less tired! ;) I got mine on Amazon, and bought one for all the people I love this year for Christmas!

The link for the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Teenitor-Muti-Purpose-Preventing-Migraine-Puffiness/dp/B07PFG7GNJ/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=ice+roller&qid=1578363952&sr=8-14

3- Chat Books

My family LOVES these little books so much! They print automatically from your camera roll, your instagram account, or you can manually upload and have them printed! They’re super affordable, have a replacement policy if your crazy kids accidentally destroy them, and are a great way to look through your memories and photos! I’m such a fan of printing your photos and love that the kids can look through them over and over again and I don’t have to worry about them!

To get started & get $10 off, you can use my link here: http://invite.chatbooks.com/ashleyeiban21k

4- Honeybook

I’ve talked about Honeybook before, but it’s worth bringing up again and again! It’s the program I use to keep track of my current clients and projects, invoices, payment reminders, contracts, calendar, and more! It’s helped streamline my booking and contract process SO MUCH! If you are dealing with client projects, this is a must have!!

Use my link here for 50% off! http://share.honeybook.com/gNBpM

5- Ninja Foodi

Guys. This is probably my most favorite purchase of 2019. I am not exaggerating when I say that this has completely changed our dinner game. The Foodi is an instant pot, air fryer, crock pot, steamer, and more in one! I have wanted an instant pot and an air fryer, but do not want all the machines. This is AMAZING! I cook in this at least once a day, even usually every meal! We love brussel sprouts and sweet potatoes, pork chops with green beans, soups and chilis. Literally. EVERY single meal!

We got ours at Target on Black Friday, because #redcard for an extra % off! https://www.target.com/p/ninja-foodi-tendercrisp-pressure-cooker-op301/-/A-53653982

Our Family's 2019 In Review!

Remember before Facebook and Social Media, getting a Christmas Card in the mail and a families Christmas Letter full of updates and accomplishments? It’s so much fun to look back on the year and see what has happened! Sometimes it’s hard to remember the day to day things that happen each year when you’re looking back 12 months later! So, consider this your virtual Life update Letter- which is way better because I can now include photos too! ;)

JANUARY we enjoyed some snow days, finding a routine with Sully and work/life balance, and tried to stay as warm as we could!

FEBRUARY held quite a few sick days, lots of ear infections, and some bonus snuggles!

MARCH We celebrated Sully turning ONE! I still cannot believe how fast his first year went! He also started taking some first steps and continuing being his sweet & happy self!

APRIL we celebrated my birthday- with an amazing weekend Michael planned! Sully is full-on walking, loves reading, and being outside!

MAY- Emmie finished 1st grade and jumped right into swim practice! We celebrated Mother’s Day and the welcoming of warmer weather!

JUNE- June was pretty full of swim team practice, meets, and fun events! We went on a trip and visited family friends at their home in Kerr Lake, got to drive the boat and spend lots of fun time together!

JULY- July was more of enjoying summer! Went to Smith Mountain Lake with Michael’s Family, and spent lots of time at the pool, more swim practice! Emmie made it to both championship meets and we are SO proud of her!

AUGUST- August brought the end of summer where we squeezed in extra family time, and the start of 2nd grade at a new school! Emmie loves riding the bus & her new friends and teacher!

SEPTEMBER we went to the circus, and had more family time celebrating Michael’s Birthday!

OCTOBER- October was a busy work season for me & Michael! Lots of weddings, family portraits, and marketing work! Halloween got stormed out- but we at least got to dress up for a few minutes and say hi to some sweet neighbors!

NOVEMBER Thanksgiving was fun and relaxing, and we welcomed Black Friday Shopping traditions with open arms!

DECEMBER was so full of holiday spirit! We truly enjoyed this time together this year, Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, Christmas Break, cookies, and so much more!

Oh that was so fun to look at and see how much these little ones have grown and done this year! And how much hair Sully has gotten in the last 12 months! WOW! We’re super excited for 2020, but, time can slow down just a little this year, please?!

Happy New Year! A look over 2019! || Lynchburg Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Happy New Year Friends!

If you’re starting out this new year with me, know that I am just so thankful!

Lynchburg and Charlottesville Wedding and Family Photographer || www.ashleyeiban.com

2019 was overall a great year for us in the Eiban house! I took a few steps back from my photography business to be able to focus on a growing baby, who is now a full fledged toddler, and our daughter who is practically a teenager now at 8! ;) I will never understand how fast the years fly and how much they grow in a year!!

To think we’re at the end of a decade and how much our lives have truly changed in the last 10 years! We have bought a house, shot my first wedding, had our first baby girl, changed jobs, renovated a house, started preschool, changed jobs again, found our favorite beach location, sold a house, bought a new house, gone full time with my photography business, started & completed kindergarten, joined a swim team, had a baby boy, made some amazing friends that have turned into family, traveled, grown, and so much more! It’s so fun, and crazy, to look back over the last 10 years and see where we are now. I am just so thankful for where life has gone!

As an enneagram 1, you know I’m always a fan of the New Year. I love the Fresh Start- the brand new planner pages, goals, and the motivation and organization that January brings with it! (As I’m typing this, I’m also writing out a list on how to organize the kids toys better! ha!)

I usually think through a “word for the year” but haven’t this year, and I’m going to give myself some grace this year, with the craziness of the holidays, burn out being SO real, and balancing family and work and house and friends- you get it! But, I want to know, do you have a word for this year? What are your main goals for this year?!

Halloween 2019 || Eiban Family Celebration

Well, Halloween 2019 looked a lot different than years past, thanks to a huge storm that hit Central Virginia! We dressed up, got some photos, and knocked on a handful of neighbors doors before the rain started, we headed home and instead watched Harry Potter. So, while it looked a little different than our traditions years past, it was still fun, and plenty of memories made!

We let Emmie pick the Halloween costumes for her & Sully this year- she has been loving watching the Avengers Movies with Michael the past few weeks, and picked Black Widow for herself, and Captain America for Sully. I’ll admit, I had never even heard of Black Widow before, but we found a costume and the kids looked adorable. Sully hated wearing his mask, but after some persuasion, we got a few photos with him wearing it. And by persuasion, I mean, pinning him down and very quickly snapping photos ;)


Weekend Update: Pippin Hill Wedding Sneak Peek

Oh my goodness- this Monday I am exhausted, but in the very best way possible! Saturday, I headed to Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards for Lenis & Becky's wedding! It was a beautiful, beautiful day! Then on Sunday, I headed to Holly Field Manor in Richmond, Virginia to shoot with my dear friend, Lindsay. Working with her is always such a joy, and she has the sweetest couples! 

I'm so excited to share some sneak peeks from Saturday's Wedding! I cannot wait to share more from this amazing day!! 

Vendors from this wedding: 

Venue: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia

Coordinator: Amore' Events by Cody in Charlottesville, Virginia

Hair & Makeup: Jeff & Natalie with Beauty Elevated in Northern Virginia

Bridal Gown & Accessories: Elegance by Roya in Northern Virginia

Groom & Groomsmen: Suit Supply in Tysons Corner, Virginia

Catering & Bartending: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia

Cake: Cakes by Rachel in Charlottesville, Virginia

Videography: Silver Streak Media in Charlottesville, Virginia

Band: The Band Punch with East Coast Entertainment in Raleigh, North Carolina

 

And, like all good weekend updates- here's some fun iPhone shots! Some from Sully Saturday morning, some from our time at Pippin Hill, and some from Hollyfield Manor with Lindsay! 



Pippin Hill Vineyards in Charlottesville, Virginia Wedding Photographer || Hollyfield Manor in Richmond, Virginia Wedding Photographer

Ashley Eiban is a Wedding & Portrait Photographer based in Central Virginia. Serving the Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and surrounding areas. Available for travel world-wide.  Ashley is passionate about cultivating genuine relationships with joyful couples, built on mutual understanding, trust and lasting friendship.  

Currently booking a limited number of wedding and portrait sessions for 2019. Interested in learning more? Inquire here!