Meet your new photographer friend for life, Ashley Hesse
Serving newly engaged, fun-loving couples throughout Virginia including Yorktown, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Norfolk, Outer Banks, and Hampton Roads.
Grab a drink and let’s get comfortable!
I started this business in 2015 with a $350 camera and a dream.
I've always been a people person. Maybe that trait is hard-wired into my personality, the fact I grew up around energetic boys (one brother and three cousins!), or maybe a mix of both! The jury is still out on that one, but what I know for sure is that my enthusiastic, supportive, and can-do attitude is why my clients trust me with the most significant day of their life.
Being able to witness a couple starting a new chapter of life together is the honor of a lifetime. Fulfillment for me looks like when a couple receives their custom-made wedding gallery and their expression shifts into the same expression I saw when they said "I do" to one another. And it brings me even more satisfaction when they start their families and call me for maternity and newborn sessions!
My clients aren't just another transaction for me. I don't even consider myself some vendor delivering a service to a client. I'm with you for the long haul. (Seriously!) From the moment you reach out to delivering your beautiful images to family milestones, I will be right by your side so you always feel supported, like an old friend.
Let's be honest: planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job and it can get stressful! But guess what? I actually do this for a living and have been doing so for the past five wedding seasons! So relax those shoulders because I got you.
Being able to witness a couple starting a new chapter of life together is the honor of a lifetime. Fulfillment for me looks like when a couple receives their custom-made wedding gallery and their expression shifts into the same expression I saw when they said "I do" to one another. And it brings me even more satisfaction when they start their families and call me for maternity and newborn sessions!
Hi! I’m Ashley, a Virginia engagement and wedding photographer, and I have a soft spot for love stories.
You can always find me with a white chocolate mocha or sweet tea.
I’m a proud sitcom-loving and movie-quoting gal.
My first word was “travel''. Just kidding, of course. But it might as well have been because I love to travel!
I was born and raised in Hampton, Virginia and now live in Yorktown, Virginia
fun facts
Some Ashley
I have a few important values I think you’ll resonate with
Genuine connection
Choosing a wedding photographer is like choosing a friend. (No one likes strangers crashing their wedding.) By getting to know each other and making a genuine connection, we'll be able to capture your authentic emotions and the moments that are most important to you on your wedding day.
Having fun
While I take the process seriously, I don't take myself too seriously and I love to have fun with my clients! You can frequently catch all of us grabbing a beer at my local favorite brewery after their engagement session (first round is on me) and initiating dance parties or casual karaoke sessions. Sometimes wedding planning can get a bit too serious, so I like to inject some fun back into it!
Unconditional support
I don't just provide your images. I’m here to help you throughout the wedding planning process to make your experience as stress-free as possible, which means staying in contact with the coordinator, offering suggestions where you need, pinning on the boutonnieres, or helping the DJ find the right aux cords. Your wedding day is a celebration, and that’s all you need to focus on!
(choose your favorite, too!)
A few of my favorite things
This is my husband Caleb, and he's the best. If you were to ask me to describe my future husband, Caleb would be the definition. We met in high school. (I know!) He was cute, but if I'm being honest, he wasn't my type. Still, we became such great friends to the point where he was my number one person to call with my worries, and it was reciprocated. Caleb was always there for me, no matter the circumstances. After a few months, I realized he was my best friend and I knew I wanted to date my best friend. 12 years later (10 of those married), and he is still my best friend!
Meet the Hesselbachs
Ashley ◦ caleb ◦ emma ◦ luke
Est. 2012
Emma was born shortly after our engagement and she’s our outgoing, witty, and sweet girl whose interests range from Pokemon to soccer to playing the piano to makeup.
Luke was born a perfect nine months after our wedding and he’s our goofball of a son who loves nothing more than to cuddle and make everyone laugh.
