Sunday, February 19, 2012

Ashley + Eric Groomals

"Brrrr" is all I can say. These photos might look like they were taken on a nice balmy day in September, but let me assure you, looks can be deceiving! Props to my cute clients for braving the cold to catch these adorable bridal/groomal shots. You might recognize these two cuties from the Be My Valentine contest. If you haven't already, take a minute to read their cute love story, found HERE. Can't wait for wedding season, this is getting me really excited! If you are planning a summer wedding, please contact me soon, as spots are quickly filling.

Melissa




Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Seniors, It's Not Too Late!

Okay, so if you are one of those people (like me) who waits until the very last possible moment to get things done and even though you are about to graduate, you haven't even thought about your senior photos (let alone your announcements), then you should totally check this out. Take a look at these lovely custom 5x7 announcements, designed by yours truly. They are professionally-printed on thick pearl card-stock (it shimmers, optional) and come with envelopes. Get this design or have something completely unique designed just for you. Twenty-five of these gorgeous invites are included in your Senior Package... what a deal!




I'm pretty fast at getting these designed and printed, but let's be honest, I can't work miracles. So, if this is something your interested in for 2012, contact me ASAP! I'm also looking for 2013 Senior Reps, so if you (or anyone you know) are interested, please contact me!

Melissa

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Be My Valentine Contestants: Winner Announced!




UPDATE: Winner is posted ------> HERE!!!!!!!!!!!


Can I just say that I'm thrilled that we got so many cute contestants in such a short amount of time! Please take the time to read each of their stories. {Seriously people, these are the types of stories that movies are made from!} For example, can you imagine calling your boyfriend by the wrong name for months because you thought his name was something else? (and he lets you because he's in love). How about finding true "love at first sight" but blowing your one-and-only chance to talk to her, until, as fate would have it, you find an article with a photo of her in the newspaper. If those don't strike you as incredibly romantic, what about a blind date going, well, perfect for a change (and just fyi, it happened to be a double-date that turned into a double-marriage). Or a love that spans 6,000 miles (talk about long distance)?! How about a proposal that involves a little piggy, rose petals and a potentially very embarrassing moment. Or, how about a baby boy with the chubbiest little cheeks this side of the Mississippi?! None of those? Well, I've got one more surprise up my sleeve. You can't accuse me of being discriminatory against people who are currently "sweetheart-less." I've got one contestant who has entered a very funny story about herself and her favorite four-legged friend, that's right, her pooch.

Well, you can't go wrong voting for any of these darlings! 

REMEMBER, VOTING STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH AT NOON (MST).

How to Vote:
First, become a fan of Mae Bolton Photography on Facebook, here:
Only voters who have LIKED Mae Bolton Photography on Facebook will be counted!

Then, beginning at NOON, you will have the option to:

A.) "Like" your image/story on Facebook
B.) Comment under your image/story on Facebook
C.) Share the post on your Facebook Page
~ That's 3 possible votes for everyone! ~

VOTING ENDS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH (VALENTINE'S DAY) AT NOON (MST).


Click on the name to review the finalists and vote:





Contestant 5: Kaleena

Contestant 6: Cristin 

Contestant 7: Jesse


I'd like to personally thank all of my cute contestants for entering! You guys are the best!


Good Luck,
Melissa

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Contestant 1: Esther



My name is Esther and my hubbies name is Anthony, we got married in June 2010. I was an Agricultural Education major at Utah State and he is a Agricultural Systems major. I transferred to Utah State as a Junior from Utah Valley, I didn't know anyone but had always been fairly out going to I wasn't to worried. I learned early on in College if I sit front or center I do better in the class. I sat on the first row and quickly made friends in my first class. The class was electricity taught by Dr.Miller, I was a little out of my element because I had been studying art for three years.

We were about half way through the semester when this kid that sat in the back corner wanted to show a video he had found on you tube, yes it did pertain to the class but I though wow he is a nerd! He unhooked the computer from the projector hooked his lab top up and showed a video of a wind turbin breaking apart and the blade flying every where. As he was unhooking his computer I noticed he was wearing wranglers and they looked pretty darn good on him. He went back to his seat and that was that. About a month later so getting close to the end of the semester I got a Facebook invite from an Anthony Hatch.

I saw he was from Utah State so I accepted. My little sister was with me for her spring break that week and told me to text him to see how he knew me. I texted him in the morning and didn't get a response, I was not to heart broken, how could I be I didn't even know who he was really. Later that night I was headed back to Heber to take my sister and her friends home and I got a text that said "Sorry I work grave yard I was sleeping.". I was driving so I handed my phone to my sister Ashley, she told him that it was no big deal. He then asked what I was up to, she replied headed home. He ask "Where is home." (Later on I found out that he was trying to figure out who I was, I had gotten his number off his Facebook page so he didn't have mine.) She replied for me to Heber but that I was driving and would have to talk later.  At this point I didn't know much about him besides he added me on Facebook he was going to Utah State and worked graveyards.

I went home for the weekend and nothing more happened. I came home and was talking with some friends and in the mist of things they told me he was in our electricity class. I then made the connection that he was the nerd bent over in front of me wearing those nice wranglers. In the next week he made it a point to say hi as I walked into class. About a week later I wanted to have a movie and pizza night with a bunch of friends so I invited five or six friends over and thought it would be nice of my to include Andy. (For some reason I had gotten in my head his name was Andy, so when I refer to Andy its Anthony).

Andy was the first to show up he sat on one end of the couch I sat at the other, slowly I got texts saying that the others couldn't make it. I told him that the others wouldnt be coming and had  him to pick a movie while I cooked the pizza.He got the movie started, when I came back in the front-room he was on the middle cushion, which meant either way I would be sitting by him. We ate our pizza at some point he put his arm up around me and It was kinda nice, so I snuggled in. (Lets just say after we stared to snuggle I don't think either of us has a clue what went on in the movie.)

The next day I decided that he was a return missionary looking for something serious and that I should avoid him. I had promised myself that I would not get married till I was don't with college. I did pretty good avoiding him, and then he texted me and asked me if I would let him take me to dinner. I told him I couldn't I was having a study group, which was a lie, he said while what about tomorrow.......... I said I work. He was not about to give up so he said let me take you out Monday! For the love I thought he is not gonna give it a rest. I agreed to go he said he wanted to walk from my apartment on campus down to Cafe Sabore, I had never been there, now I know that would of been like a four mile walk round trip! Monday came and I was sick, not really but thats what I told him, I even skipped class that day to play it off.

Because I was sick he got my homework and showed up at my door to give it to me. I said thanks and closed the door. I went in my room annoyed that he would just show up! I started going through my homework and noticed it was all filled out. He had not only gotten my homework but he had done it for me. Ya I know I was an ass right?!? A week later I got a text that said I feel bad you were sick last week, let me take you to the College of Agricultural year end banquet. I agreed to go after all he did my homework for me its the least I could do. That next week he walked me to my car after class, we went and got a drink and drove around, we spent most the week together. Towards the end of the week I remember having a conversation where he told me that he had been engaged once before, I really didn't care because in my head nothing serious was going to come of this friendship.  I told him my thoughts on meeting parents that its only something you do when you know its the one, there is no point in getting family feelings involved if its not going to work out. This was something I felt very strong about.

The end of the week came and it was time to go on our first "date" he picked me up and as were walking to the car I asked him if anyone else we knew would be there. As he opened his truck door he said "My dad and mom will be there, dad needs to hand out some awards." WHAT!................. I thought I cant meet your parents! I asked him if he remembered the conversation we had where I said I don't meet parents. He said yes but you had already said you would come and we don't have to sit by them. I didn't know it at the time but his dad teaches at for the College of Agricultural. We walk into the Banquet room and his dad waved to signal they have nicely saved him and his date (me) a seat.I grabbed his hand and he said i'm sorry as he lead us over to his parents. I wanted to kill him! He kept putting his hand on my knee under the table, I would push it off.  I wanted him to know that I was pissed!

I didn't say much that night, because I didn't want to be there with him and I most certainly didn't want to be sitting across from his parents. The night couldn't of gone any slower, he took me home walked me to the door he said bye and I closed the door. That night he sent me text after text saying he was sorry that he didn't realize that I really didn't want to meet his parents. Eventually I forgave him and we went back to hanging out and bring "friends" that liked to kiss once in a while, okay more like every day but I considered him a friend and nothing more. He started to hang around my apartment  which was nice because I was so behind in electricity. Because he worked graveyard he would lay on my bed and fall asleep. It got to the point that he would come over fall asleep and I would go to the rest of my classes.I was cool with it the first week or so after that it was annoying. I was looking forward to moving home for the summer and leaving his sleepy butt behind.

The day came and it was time for me to pack up and head back to Heber for the summer. Andy asked if I needed help I turned him down. I packed up my car and was about to head out of town when he texted and asked if he could come say bye. Once again I turned him down, I told him I didn't have time. Over the next three weeks he texted me allot, he was a little overwhelming for me. I cracked and freaked out, told him to "leave me the hell alone and to loose my number". He did I didn't hear from him for a week, then two and pretty soon it had been about a month.

I had told my mom the whole story and she laughed because she knew how bad I wanted my education and I had in my head that women that get married don't finish school. After four weeks mom and I were talking and it came up that I missed Andy. It drove me nuts the thought that he might be chasing another girl. Mom nicely suggested that I text him, so I did he responded as if I had never yelled at him. (As much yelling as you can do over text.)

Andy knew I worked at Wasatch State park. A few days later I was working and a white truck pulled in, I didn't think much of it. Ten min later the truck was still there I walked out to see if I could help them. To my surprise it was Andy!!  I was excited to see that nerd in wranglers. Yes that's right I was head over hills for him...... but didn't know how to let my self fall in love. Falling in love would mean I would end up as an uneducated utah mom. Yuck that is not what I wanted! Weeks went by with lots of texting and late light phone calls. His birthday was coming up so I got the idea to buy him a Lagoon season pass.

Lagoon was about half way from Logan to Heber so it meant we could meet in the middle. It worked out great we met twice a week at Lagoon for the rest of the summer. I was falling in love and nothing was stopping it. I shared my feelings with my parents they were supportive. My parents assured me that if I wanted and education I could still do it, even if I got married. The summer was coming to an end and he wanted me to try meeting his family, ugh parents! As we were walking in the house he said to me, my parents don't like nick names so call me Anthony here. WHAT!?!?! Your name is Anthony, ha I had called him Andy for months now. What a sweet guy he never corrected me, or did he really think it was a nick name.Any ways that day I met his family, learned his real name and decided that I could commit to a serious relationship.

The next day we went on a drive up Logan canyon and we parked and talked for hours, he agreed that if I needed time and space then he was okay to have an open relationship, meaning we would date each other but also date other people. I couldn't handle the thought of some other girl getting his attention. So he agreed that I could date others but he would only date me. I cant believe that he agreed, but he loved me and wanted me to be happy. This lasted a week and I told him that I didn't want to date anyone but him. The summer ended we had been dating on and off for three months and had both been committed for three weeks. We looked at rings, I knew he had one just didn't know when he would ask. I got moved back to Logan and settled in.

Anthony suggested that we go to Lagoon the next day, it would be our last chance before school started back up. (He talked to my dad the week before, dad agreed to give his support as long as Anthony would do everything possible to make sure I could finish my education.) We headed to Lagoon it was Anthony me and three friends. It was a good day we rode all my favorite rides and then we went to Pioneer Village to have a seat and rest. We sat and talked for an hour I could see Anthony had his hand on something in his pocket but his hand had been on it for like a half hour. I knew what was coming and could tell how scared he was. 

Finally he got down on one knee on the board walk and proposed. It was great my friends were there with a camera. They got it all on tape. I called my mom and she asked us to go get old school pictures taken. Ya know the ones that look like your in a saloon. The semester was about to start and I was on Ag Council and had a full load of classes so we did an unusual thing for Utah and were engaged ten months. We were married in the Logan temple, it rained that day but to me it didn't matter, I was in love. He kept his promise to my dad I graduated in May 2011. He tells me every day that he is glad he kept chasing me and still to this day his number in my phone says Andy Hatch. Our story started in electricity sparks flew after that!

Esther



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Contestant 2: Angie




BJ and I met during fall semester one year at college but I was leaving for a study abroad the next semester so we became good friends before letting anything too serious happen.  Magic happened while 6000+ miles apart and when I returned we were inseparable.  We were married within 4 months!!  Best decision we ever made.  5 1/2 years, 2 babies, & 5 moves later we are more in love than we thought possible and can't wait to have out little family photographed by Mae Bolton Photography!!!  Crossing our fingers that we win the giveaway :)

Angie



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Contestant 3: Kelsey



My name is Kelsey, and the picture I am sharing is of me and my fiance Austin. We met through his sister, Katelyn. She was my supervisor at work. She was going on a date with one of Austin's friends and didn't want to go alone, so I offered to tag along. Katelyn told me since it was Austin's friend she would make Austin go with them and find a date. A few days before the said date, Austin and I finally met, right on their front porch. He then told Katelyn to have me come on the date with him! We've spent almost everyday together ever since!! Now we are engaged and getting married in May! Also Austin's sister got engaged to his friend!! We all had our first date together, and now we are all getting married!! :)

Kelsey


Monday, February 6, 2012

Contestant 4: Ashley



Eric and I are proof that organized church socials for singles actually can have results. Sometimes they just need help from the local newspaper and social networking sites.

The first time Eric and I laid eyes on each other was at a weekly young adult social held at a home on Sunday nights.  I decided to go mostly to appease a friend. He went in spite of his friends who didn’t want to attend. That is how I first noticed him: sitting alone, on the couch across the room.  Both of us wanted to talk to each other, but both of us remained glued to our seats waiting for the perfect opportunity that never presented itself.  I left the activity vowing never to return; he swore to go back every week until we met.

Weeks passed and I did not appear at the socials, but as providence would have it, Eric still had another chance.  Flipping through the paper one weekend he came across a story in the entertainment section about a girl from Ogden who made a documentary showing at a film festival that weekend.  The article spread over several pages until at the end there was a picture of the girl.  The same girl from the social.  Taking it as a sign, Eric decided to attend the screening.

He arrived early and caught a glance of me getting ready for the film, but lacked the courage to say anything.  I recall seeing him in the hall, but couldn’t remember where I had seen him before.  The movie played and Eric waited around to talk to me. He soon lost courage after realizing he may just look like a fan boy and not be taken seriously.  At one point, he even left the theater to get cash in order to purchase a copy of the documentary and have it signed as an ice-breaker. However, that plan never panned out, and he left without saying a single word to me.   

He came to the awards ceremony that night and sat in the nearly empty theater in order to make contact.  Although I was alone, I coincidentally sat one seat in from the aisle. He assumed it was reserved for a boyfriend.  When no one claimed the spot, he stood up to come sit by me. Simultaneously, I became bored with the short films that were playing after the awards ceremony, stood up, and left the theater.  When Eric realized he was wasting his time waiting for me to come back, he walked out of the theater only to see me once again.  This time, my company – a male model and director – told him he didn’t have a chance.  He walked out of the theater knowing he’d blown it.

Thank goodness for Facebook.  I was unaware the cute boy from the singles social had been interested all this time until a friend request popped into my mailbox.  Lucky for him I was mutually interested and his message avoided the “creeper” label sent directly to the trash bin.  After a few emails and several long phone calls we set up our first date – which was the first time we both saw and talked to each other in person.

Ashley

Contestant 5: Kaleena



Garrett's proposal was so cute and fit me perfectly. We had been dating long distance for 4 months (out of 8) with him being in Idaho Falls and me in Salt Lake.  When Garrett came down for the weekend, he told me that we were just going to go visit his brother in Lehi. During the whole drive and up to the door step I was nagging Garrett about when we were going to get engaged. I have a big mouth and had already told some people I was planning on getting married in August but I needed the ring for proof.  When we arrived at his brother's house, the door was locked and I told him to just use his key because he was family...it's okay to do the knock and walk! When we walked in, there were candles laid out spelling I love you with roses and petals all over the floor.

Me being the oblivious person I am, thought that we were interrupting his brother and sister-in-law! He told me to just go in and then I noticed a cute baby pig. (Just to fill you in, I had raised pigs growing-up and pretty much love any baby animal). At this point, I started getting suspicious and thought maybe this is for me and then I noticed the pig had a ring tied to it's back.

Garrett then cut the ring off, gave me roses, and got down on one knee and proposed. I of course cried...nothing new!  Oh and in case you were wondering the little piggy was a loan...I had a lot of people ask what I was going to do with a pig :)

Kaleena


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Contestant 6: Cristin





It all begin one gorgeous fall day. Life was moving along much like normal until I made the stop at Petsmart. It was in the aisle full of leashes and other canine paraphernalia that I first laid eyes on my true love. He was a dark haired, dark eyed handsome stud....with four legs. He was appropriately named Baxter. When he got home the process of integrating him into family life began but he didn't seem to have much personality. After one doctor's visit and a round of kennel cough later, we had an extremely personable dog. The time soon came to get a haircut... Doctor visit number 2. Life continued to move along normally until Baxter got a urinary tract infection. On doctor visit number 3 we learned that the he dog we had bought-fixed and chipped was actually a she-dog having a cycle!! From that day forward Baxter has been affectionately called Princess Baxter or Princess, for short.

Cristin


Friday, February 3, 2012

Contestant 7: Jesse




Valentines Day is about showing love, spreading love and being loved. And the best way to spend this day would be wih my amazing husband and our adorable Tater Bug! He is the greatest little boy anyone could have asked for! What a little stud! He is the perfect treasure to our happily ever after!

Jesse



Thursday, February 2, 2012

Be My Valentine Giveaway!

I know I've kept you on the edge of your seat, breathlessly awaiting the unveiling of the new site! ... Okay, maybe you were just awaiting the announcement of a highly-anticipated photo-shoot giveaway (but you have got to agree that the old site is not the best). So here it is! In conjunction with Valentines Day (which just so happens to correspond with my website unveiling) I'd like to present the first ever:


RULES

1.) Submit a photo of your sweetheart and you, along with a paragraph detailing your {Love Story} by Thursday, February 9th at midnight (MST). This story could include how you met, your first kiss, an awkward date or really anything you'd like to share about why you think you should win this contest. Please make sure it's articulate!

Submit Photo & Story Here:
mae@maeboltonphotography.com

2.) I will post your image and story on Facebook, where your friends and family (and other Mae Bolton Photography Fans) will have the opportunity to vote for you to win ... and let me just say: you really, REALLY want to win this prize. Voting will begin Friday, February 10th at noon (MST) and will continue until Valentine's Day (February 14th) at noon (MST)... that gives you less than 5 days of voting, people. 

How to Vote:
First, become a fan of Mae Bolton Photography on Facebook, here:

Then,

A.) "Like" your image/story on Facebook
B.) Comment under your image/story on Facebook
C.) Share the post on your Facebook Page.
~ That's 3 possible votes for everyone! ~

VOTING ENDS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH (VALENTINE'S DAY) AT NOON (MST).

3.) The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day evening along with the unveiling of the new site. 

PRIZE
  • 1-hr Photo Shoot
  • One 16x20 Professional Print
  • Disc of Edits and Digital Originals
This is a $300+ value! 

Want to hear the best news?! This prize can be any one of the following varieties: 
  • Engagement/Couples 
  • Bridals
  • Family 
  • Child
  • Maternity

AND

Finalists who do not win the grand prize will receive a special discount on their next shoot (want to know how much?! Enter and find out!) when booked by 2/29/12 AND will also receive a free 8x10 (yep, that's a free gift just for entering). 



Everyone is encouraged to participate! And gentlemen, let's be honest, this would make a fantastic Valentine's Day gift for your special lady! And as a side note, even though I would absolutely love to travel, travel costs are not included in the giveaway**.


Email me with any questions. Can't wait to receive your entries!


Good Luck,
Melissa

**contests must reside within 50 miles of Midvale, UT or willing to travel there.