Madelynn + Ben // PART 2 PALM SPRINGS WEDDING

Ceremony is an opportunity to draw a circle around a moment in time and deem it as sacred. Vows are an invitation to declare our hearts intention and speak them into existence - solidifying our deepest desires for this life. Madelynn and Ben are two of the most devoted, caring, loyal, playful, heart centered beings I have had the honor of working with - and together they are a powerful force of love. With a love story that spans over 12 years, getting to witnessing the depth of this celebration surrounded by lifelong friends and family was pure joy.

Ben’s favorite image: “The way I am looking at Madelynn with sincere love and excitement. The way we were laughing and playing just the two of us. This was the time that my stress and anxiety went away. This was the moment I realized and took in she was my wife.”

Maddie’s favorite image: “This day had a lot of pressures and expectations to be feeling one way or another. You have grown up your whole life with people telling you your wedding day is supposed to be the best day ever and if it doesn’t then there is something wrong. Dating for 12 years I was worried about this mostly because we have “felt” married for at least 6 of those 12. This picture makes me feel like they were right. This was the best day ever, not because of the attention or anticipation but because the pure, raw, joy on my face knowing I was dancing with my husband.”

A love note from the bride + groom:

“Olivia - from the both of our hearts we love you. You have been a friend of mine for many years and seeing you transform into this incredibly warm, powerful and kind human that takes fierce and challenging photos full of rawness and beauty has been amazing to witness. Having you be our wedding photographer was not even a question (I was willing to move my date to make it work with you even)! We admire you personally and professionally and that was very important for us to work with on our big day. You made us laugh, cry, hug and dance throughout the weekend keeping it light and joyous. The time you spent with us capturing the buildup and day off truly made my wedding photos tell a story. Joshua Tree sunset shoot with just Ben and I two days before the big day helped calm our nerves and bring us back to what this chaotic and pressure filled weekend was all about, just us and our love. From the meeting before the wedding to narrowing down what we wanted to express in the photos, to delivering them in a timely manner, working with you was a dream. You exceeded our expectations and we can not thank you enough. You caught the raw emotions and action spiraling around us on that day while focusing your lens on the secret hidden moments that make it so special. ❤️” -Madelynn + Ben

Photography: Olivia Ashton Photography

Production + Design + Installations: Bright Night Design

Florals: Siren Floral Co

Rentals: Hostess Haven + Sig Party Rentals

Venue: Korakia Pension

Dress: Rue de Seine

Madelynn + Ben // PART 1

A few days before Madelynn + Ben’s wedding in Palm Springs, we drove down to Joshua Tree for a sunset session to honor the love they share, and tune in for some alone time before the festivities commenced. Getting to witness the adoration, playfulness and sincerity of their love was everything. We pulled over on the side of the road when it felt right, hopped out and explored Joshua Tree amidst the crisp October air. Sun drenched and in love they entered their weekend of celebration and commitment.

The following day Ben and Madelynn’s friends and family began to arrive at Korakia Pensione and were welcomed with giant hugs, sweet drinks and pool hangs.

Sacred Self Love Session - Fey Wolf

I am the Medicine Woman of Fey Wolf Healing, a Shamanic Energy Work Practice with an emphasis on healing Feminine Trauma. It was once shown to me that sometimes the Self’s brightest gifts hide in the shadows of their trauma. However large or small these experiences seemed at the time, they sever the energetic cords that then cut the Self off from their True Nature. These experiences create neural pathways around them that are essentially starved of their Love. And this is how the False Self is created.

You see, through the lens of trauma, false and often subconscious stories are created about having limited access to Love, Empowerment, and Freedom. They stick like glue to the psyche and energy body, often re-creating misguided experiences in alignment with the low vibrations of their trauma, until it is declared that a new story of Self is to be created. One where they are the hero of their own story, rescuing themselves from the narratives of their trauma, and making Medicine to share the fruits of their labor with others and the world around them.

In order to truly move forward and expand into this next version of Self, I have learned that it is imperative to travel back. Supported by Spirit Allies, Source Consciousness, and a Medicine Drum, I open channels for my clients to discover their own blocks, fears, and misconceptions about their Self and the world around them. We get deep into the subconscious mind and physical body to understand where the trauma and false stories have been stored and located. Through the eyes of unconditional love and non-judgement, I hold space for those stories to be honored and released. To be loved, held, and then ultimately, dissolved. Together, we form new patterns and neural pathways that empower the Self to remember that every part of them is inherently, Love.

And that is why I am forever enchanted by the Darkness. By the shadow. By the spaces of Love that are disguised as something different. By Death that inherently leads to Re-Birth, and by the evolution of consciousness that relies on this cycle to ultimately propel itself forward. Back and forth, forward and back, as we collect pieces of ourselves that unlock doors towards Unity. It is my life’s greatest pleasure, to hold space for others to do their own healing. It is a true gift to know Shadow and Light in their delicate intimacy. To witness how those energies dance and transform together. And to see the lights that come on in those who remember their wholeness. Ultimately, I am grateful. To be alive at this time in a world who is remembering their Power, is to witness something fierce yet so soft and gentle, something that can only be discovered by the Feminine within.

On this day of shooting my Sacred Self Love Session with Olivia, I felt as if I had climbed higher towards Spirit and Self Expression than I ever had before. Olivia held space for me to share what the Medicine of Fey Wolf Healing means to me, and in her own divinity was able to channel that into the vision of this shoot that I feel has captured it All. I was astounded and thrilled, riddled with ecstasy from beginning to end, as I felt her higher vision carrying us in that gentle yet fierce way that led magic into every shot. Olivia created safe and feminine space for me to unleash all that I felt was coming up to be explored. It is ultimately the essence of what I have shared here with you today. And that is some Sacred Self Love magic, baby!

A link to Fey Wolfs online portal of healing can be found here:) https://www.feywolfhealing.info/