I’m Ashley McMahon! But, since we are going to be friends, you can call me Ash! My story goes a little like this – I wanted to be a photographer since I could get my hands on a camera, I went to school for photography, and I’ve known all along what my calling was.
Okay, just kidding. In hindsight, that would have been an easier path! But, what fun is that?
My journey looks like this – I am originally from the small town of Minocqua, WI. You might know it if you have a cabin there! I have always loved photography (that part is accurate). I would take pictures on the film cameras you wait weeks to get back only to realize your ‘perfect’ shot was covered up by your fingers. Eventually, I got my hands on my first digital camera and started taking selfies before selfies were a thing. Years later, I convinced my mom to get me my first DSLR camera. I joined the yearbook club and convinced my friends to do photoshoots whenever I could. I didn’t realize the value of photos until we lost everything in a house fire when I was younger – we lost it all, including every family/baby photo we had. Fast forward years later, I finished eight years of school and obtained my Masters in Social Work from UW-Madison. I truly love working with people and helping others find their happiness, but something was missing for me. I had put down my camera for years and let it get dusty on the shelf. I missed that creative outlet. My husband gifted me my new camera gear following graduation and BAM – my heart was filled once again!
I’m kind of a big fan of love. I met my husband the first day of college at the University of Minnesota – Duluth (Go Bulldogs!). We were college sweethearts and were inseparable ever since that first day. We ended up getting engaged five years later on the shores of Lake Superior during the most beautiful sunrise! 8.19.17 was the day we finally made things official forever! We had the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge “live cam” projected in the background during our first dance to reminisce on the place we first met. Not convinced yet? I have the Duluth coordinates tattooed on my foot and my wedding date tattooed on my arm. If that isn’t love’s #1 fan – I don’t know what is!
Weddings and couples are my thing – I want to learn about your love story, your personalities, and capture it all how you envisioned. People ask what my style is and truly – my style adapts based on your story, your relationship, and your vision. I can’t wait to become a part of your journey and be your #1 fan! I will be right there with your parents, grandparents, and friends – crying, laughing, and feeling all the feels through your entire day. Don’t worry though – I have perfected the “how to take great photos while sobbing”.
I am currently based in Madison, WI but will be moving back to Duluth, MN in the Spring of 2021!
Willing to travel wherever you will take me!
