Meet Ashley Maton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Maton.

Hi Ashley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We believe in epic portraits and capturing real candid moments. Whenever we pick up our cameras, we strive to create beautiful and emotional images that tell a story and showcase the beauty of both the people in the images and the world around them. We’ve shot over 200 weddings and each one is a personal and special experience. We create an atmosphere that is fun, relaxed, and natural. Clients often say they feel like they’ve known us forever because they’re so comfortable. This energy is reflected in the photographs and the results are wonderful memories and joyful images.

We call the Carolinas home, but love to travel every chance we get. Traveling is one of our greatest passions, especially when staying in boutique hotels, draped in character and class, of course, while sipping our favorite cocktails. Old Fashions for Bill, Martinis for Ash. We’ve traveled up and down the East Coast documenting love stories for couples and families.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The strangest thing happened to me today. In my inbox was a name that I hadn’t seen in years. In truth, it was a person I had been avoiding for years. But instead of the dread and anger, I use to feel when I saw this name I actually felt a strange feeling of gratitude. And I was like, what the heck was that!

This person, who shall remain nameless, was once a friend. An industry friend who I had asked for advice and guidance when I had just started out on my own. I told her that I planned on carrying on the photography business my late husband and I started. I was nervous and scared but I knew I needed help. I knew I had a lot to navigate alone but I thought I could do it.

What happened next shocked me to the core. This person said, point-blank, “You might as well quit now because you will never be able to do it.” As you can imagine those words came like a punch to the gut. It hurt like hell. It was a crushing feeling. I felt defeated.

Think about this. Here is this woman who was a friend, someone I admired greatly, and if she didn’t think I can do it, she must be right. I mean someone wouldn’t say that if they didn’t mean it, right? But the more those words weighed on me the more my hurt turned into anger. That’s right I got madder than hell. Who was she to say what I could and couldn’t do? She doesn’t know me or what I am capable of! (this is different than the time my dad said I couldn’t play for the WNBA – because he did know me and what I was capable of, lol)

Needless to say, I let those hater words fuel my passion. I dug in and worked twice as hard just to prove her wrong! I invested in myself and learned from other professionals that did believe in me and did want to help me. I bought books, courses, listened to every successful photographer and business owner I could find! And guess what, I did quit. I quit my not so 9-5 nursing job and went into business for myself. And guess what, I’m still doing it. And guess what else, I love it!

Why am I telling you this story? I’ll tell you why, because I really want you to know what I am doing here. I really want you to know you can do it too. I really want a community where we all share information and we all share encouragement.

There is no sortable miserable people who want you to be miserable with them. Oh yeah, and if you wanted to know what that person sent me, it was an apology and I accepted it. I also thanked her, because as fate would have it she was an important part of my story.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After photographing more than 200 weddings over the past 10 years, we’ve really come to value the unexpected, intimate moments that take place on a wedding day.

The hug your mom gives you before you leave your dressing room. The tear that falls down his cheek when he sees you walking down the aisle. The way the two of you lean your heads together during the toasts.

This day is about more than the flowers and the shoes you chose. It’s about celebrating the start of a new family. It’s an honor to play a part in such a significant day and I hope you’ll choose us to be a part of yours!

What matters most to you? Why?
Most days our home is full of mess, laughter, and chaos as our two children, Lucy Burke (2) and James (8) keep us on our toes. We laugh at ourselves more often than not and we love a good kitchen dance party regularly.

We are extremely passionate people, and we are especially passionate about marriage. We believe there is power in marriage. There is good in marriage. And there is so much to learn about yourself when you give openly and honestly. Sometimes in our marriage, we take a timeout -so we can step back, grow up and get closer.

Believe in the best in everyone. It will make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@bowtiecollaborative.com
• Website: www.hello@bowtiecollaborative.com
• Instagram: @bowtiecophoto
• Facebook: @bowtiecophoto

Image Credits
Brittany Cruise Photography

Danielle Flake Photography