Category Archives: Short North

Short North Fall Engagement Photos

I’m so excited to bring some fall goodness to the blog today! This session is from Mari and Ben’s beautiful Short North Engagement session last year. This year we celebrated their STUNNING wedding so keep an eye out for that blog early in the new year.

We started this session at Goodale Park and all of its autumnal glory. We had so much fun just walking and talking around the park and up and down the streets of the Short North. We even ducked into their favorite hangout, the Short North Tavern, for some romantic “cheers” photos. A lot has changed in a year but one thing has not- the amazing love these two share. I am so lucky Mari and Ben walked into my life and can’t wait to see what their future holds! XO Jess

happy engaged couple under a tree

Goodale Park Engagement Shoot

When Alexa and Juan came over to my house and described their wedding plans, I said an extra little prayer that they would choose me to help them document their love. Low and behold my prayers were answered and I feel like I won the lottery with these two. Alexa has an electric personality. She always seems to have a smile on her face that could light up a room. Juan is a little more reserved with his calm disposition but will definitely laugh and have a good time. Together they make the sweetest and happiest couple! They have the cutest way of interacting with private giggles shared only with each other. When they smile, both smile with their whole heart and its radiant. I’m not sure you could ever be in a bad mood around either of them. When I left the session, I felt like I was on a natural high.

On Mother’s Day this year, we started our session in Goodale Park, a place that has profound significance for Alexa. One of my favorite stops was under the most beautiful droopy tree that had names of other people in love carved on the trunk. It was romantic knowing how many people shared a few moments with each other in that same spot. You know a session is going to be good when in the first few minutes, the couple asks, ” are we going to get to dance?” UM, HECK YES YOU ARE! We danced our way through the Short North and even stopped into Jenny’s Ice Cream for a little reprieve from the heat (the sugar might have aided in that “natural high” I was telling you about).

Early next year these two will say “I do!” and I’m seriously beyond excited for some of the details they have planned. But until then, I hope you enjoy these beautiful photos of these beautiful souls. XO Jess

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magnolia engagement photo

Short North Engagement Session

I would call Kayla, Greg and myself the goof troop. From start to finish, this shoot was nonstop giggles, funny faces, and general fun. We started our adventure at Goodale Park on a very bright and beautiful sunny day! The moment I saw Kayla’s outfit I couldn’t stop fangirling at her. It was just the prettiest spring color combo that couldn’t have been more perfect for photos in the magnolia grove. Magnolia trees are so enchanting. When they first bud in the mid-spring, It’s a natural high. Mix with that a couple that’s crazy-in-love and you’ve got pure magic!

From the park, we wandered all over the Short North. I love getting lost on shoots with no other agenda than having fun and getting amazing images. The Short North seems to change every few months so it’s always exciting to see what’s different and what’s still the same. So what’s changed? I’m not gonna lie, that part of town is getting a little bougie. But it’s still so eclectic, art-driven, and most importantly buzzing with life. Speaking of life, aren’t Kayla and Greg’s smiles infectious? I just love the way Kayla melts into his arms, tilts her head back a little and that wide ear-to-ear smile just lights up her whole face. They both have such great senses of humor, which is the backbone of my and Scott’s relationship, so I can really relate to these two. I can’t wait for their October wedding, but until then I’m going to be staring at these dreamy spring photos! XO Jess

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Mikey’s Late Night Slice Engagement

So I was killing it with the blogging up until around January 20th. Why, you ask? Well, we had a few things going on. We welcomed our new beautiful daughter into the world. 1.5 months later, we moved into Children’s Hospital for a week while our son had open heart surgery for the second time in his little life. In between those two big life events, this session with Chelsea and Chris happened and I’ll tell you what- hanging out with these two was refreshing for the soul. This was a late February shoot, so the air was crisp, and let’s face it, the weather was exactly the same as it has been this week (groan).

We went to some of my old and new favorite spots (thanks to them!). We started the shoot at Schiller Park which is stunning any time of year. Then we just walked around some streets in German Village and enjoyed a few moments in the direct sun. You know that moment when the sun hits your face after a long winter? We had a couple of those moments- it was bliss. Most of my job is asking people to do things and watching how they interact. A lot of times it ends up with us all being completely goofy together and I can’t get enough of that. This whole session was like that. Dancing in the street? Check. Feeding each other pizza? Check. Kissing in front of a restaurant full of people watching? Check (Them, not me. lol). We ended the session at Mikey’s Late Night Slice off 4th street. Annnnnnd I totally over-ordered lunch (fresh off a pregnancy and still eatin’ for two). Do you see the way the pizza so perfectly accents that engagement ring? I think I need to make a habit of suggesting Mikey’s for more shoots.

Chelsea and Chirs- thank you for coming into my life (and thank you, Emmie and Rob, for facilitating that!). I can’t wait for your New Years Eve Eve wedding! XO Jess

Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph New Years Wedding

I’m so excited to share this magical wedding today!! New Years Eve weddings have a special place in my heart. I love the challenge the darker and colder time of year presents. As a photographer, you really get to test the extent of your creativity and lighting options! The day itself is not only exciting because two in-love people are getting married, but because it is also an evening of renewed beginnings, excitement, and love- what I would consider the true definition of marriage to be. This wedding was especially wonderful because there were multiple other couples there who had also been married on NYE. The feeling in the room was just electric all day.

The entire event happened at Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph- the beautiful new modern boutique hotel in the Short North. The hotel has a special Spa Suite just for the bridal party to get ready in. It has stunning floor to ceiling windows and a clean, cosmopolitan aesthetic. The groom and groomsmen got ready in the suave Presidential Suite which had sweeping views of snow-covered downtown Columbus.

Lauren and Roger started their celebration together with a first-look on the second floor of the hotel, a light airy gallery that was warm and perfect considering it was 17 degrees outside. As Roger turned around to see how stunning Lauren looked, he was overcome with emotion and wiped a couple tears away. It was the absolute sweetest and most genuine reaction. The two of them just stood there savoring the moment as the busy world passed by them on the streets below.

From the hotel, we braved the cold and took a few photos in front of the courthouse gavel, an homage to the fact Roger is a successful attorney. From there we stopped by the newly renovated LeVeque hotel, the downtown Hilton, and then back to the Joseph for their family photos, ketubah signing, and ceremony.

The ceremony room was intimate and warm with a romantic white draped huppah and an aisleway lit with romantic floating candles adorned with overflowing white flowers. The rabbi had the most amazing singing voice which added exponentially to the beautiful spiritual experience.

After the ceremony, it was time to let loose and celebrate! All the guests were dressed in the most stunning evening gowns. It was so much fun to photograph. The ballroom at the Joseph is understated modern- meaning it’s just the perfect space to transform for any occasion. Every table was overflowing with white floral arrangements by Dalay Ket. A grand cake fit for royalty was stationed at the end of the dance floor in a place of honor. Short North Piece of Cake were the artists behind this stunning edible creation. The whole party was elevated by having a live band, The Company Band, that quite literally rocked the house. It was pure joy for not only the happy couple but all of the guests as well. When the clock struck midnight, confetti cannons showered everyone on the dance floor along with champagne toasts and vibrant cheers! The whole event was expertly planned by both by Bobbie Izeman and Lauren, and The Joseph knocked it out of the park. I just love looking at these photos- they make me smile ear-to-ear thinking about how much of a fun blur everything was. Thank you so much, Lauren and Roger for giving me the honor of being with you on this incredible day!! XO, Jess

 

Pickup Truck Engagement

Caitlyn and Adam are simply over-the-moon crazy-in-love. It’s so much fun to just be around them. You can see it in the way the just look at each other. Those smiles are more than genuine- they come straight from the heart.

Caitlyn said she wanted to get some photos taken with Adam’s truck, and I jumped at the chance. It made for such a romantic, casual fall setting. The wildflowers were out in a colorful tour-de-force and the sun was warm and low in the sky. Days like this one take my breath away and make me glad to be able to have a camera in my hands.

After some photos at the park, we headed to the Short North to take some photos near Marchella’s, where they had their first date! As it turns out, a lot of my couples have their first date at this Italian Restaurant, and for good reason. It’s romantic, bustling, and alive with energy inside.

Caitlyn and Adam, thank you for the sweetest, most genuine evening. It was so much fun and I feel so excited for your wedding next year! XO Jess

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Short North Engagement

There’s no other way to say it- Kelly and Jason are Cute with a capital C. Kelly said she would like their engagement shoot to be in the Short North because that is where her and Jason met and spend a lot of time together. Little did we know that her vibrant green dress was going to match perfectly with the lush Short North nooks and crannies we photographed in. This part of the city is so alive…artisinal (I can’t believe I used that word in a sentence) shops, boutique hotels, small and large parks, bright murals, and mouthwatering food are all what make the Short North a destination in Columbus. This day was so hot, a far cry from today’s below freezing temps. Why do I always talk about the weather? Because I live in Columbus. It’s also the way my brain works- I remember weather from events years ago like it was yesterday.

Ok so something that struck me when I was putting together Kelly and Jason’s blog, is one of the reasons I love engagement photos so much- look at their eyes. Look at the way they look at each other. They are smiling, yes, but their eyes do just as much of the talking. Engagement shoots are so great for pulling out that connection. It’s also one of the reasons I try to photograph couples looking at each-other instead of the camera….and if I do have them look at the camera, I have them look at each-other first so I can get some residual feels come through the lens.

Kelly and Jason’s wedding will be at one of my favorite venues, Via Vecchia, next June. To say I’m excited would be a serious understatement. It will be here before we know it, but until then- I hope you love looking at these sweet photos! XO Jess

Ten things you should know before you hire a wedding photographer

Congratulations on your engagement! Pop some champagne and celebrate! Now, guess what? It’s time to narrow down the hundreds of photographers that are in your local market.

I have talked to many a bride who have found the process of vendor selection to be somewhat daunting. Sifting through countless local photography sites and looking at so many pricing options that it’s all become mental mush.

After countless consultations, answering thousands of questions, and helping clients figure out what they’re looking for, below are my top ten things you should know before you hire a wedding photographer. This list is geared to help you narrow down between your top few “true” wedding photography professionals who make their living at photography. Questions like, “Do you bring backup gear” and “Do you have insurance” are assumed to have already been answered with a resounding “yes,” as questions like these are geared more for a wedding photography novice.

As an additional side note, a lot of the pricing references below are based on what I’ve observed in the Ohio wedding photography market. Because there is so much diversity in the industry, not everyone will fit into these categories and I encourage you to meet photographers and explore on your own, but use this as a general guide to help you get where you want to go.

1) Photo-Journalistic vs. Artistic vs. Traditional Shooting Styles

There is a spectrum for photographic shooting style that has photo-journalism on one end, traditional on the other, and in-between the two falls artistic. How do you know which shooting style is right for you and your wedding day? The answer is, which a lot of photographers won’t tell you, most weddings require a little bit of all three styles to create the perfect collection. It is how much of each style they utilize that will be what you’re ultimately deciding on.

Traditional

A lot of clients these days are drawn towards a more natural approach to their photos, which does not typically include grip-and-grin photography and robotic line-em-up poses. They are also not too terribly exciting or fun to go through for the photographer or the couple. There are some photographers who exclusively shoot in this style, but it’s an older style that seems to be fading by the wayside.

So why do any traditional posed photos? A lot of family members from older generations love these photos, and over the years I’ve started to understand why. Formal photos at the front of a church or outside are a great way to document what people looked like at the time of the wedding. As people grow older, and life changes with its ups and downs, those photos become more valuable. It is not always possible at larger weddings to do organically inspired photographs for everyone outside of the bridal party, so the traditional methods serve as a quick and accessible way of including family members and people of importance in the wedding day.

I’ve had many couples reach out to me after their wedding thanking me for their posed family photographs, as members of their family had since passed. It’s one of the beautiful things about photography. Not to sound cliche, but it really can preserve the memory of those important people in your life. Not every couple opts to have posed family photos, or any posed photos at all, but when they do, it’s important the photographer knows how to manage large groups of people quickly and efficiently.

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Artistic

Artistic photography is mostly about composition and fulfilling the photographer’s creative vision. Some photographers are more pose-oriented in this approach, while others are more prompt-oriented. This style allows the photographer to construct the shots and couple in a way that makes them look their absolute best while retaining artistic and creative ingenuity. These are the photos you will most likely hang on your wall or put in your wedding album, so a little framework is given to the process to ensure a stunning outcome. A lot of photographers call themselves photojournalists or documentary photographers but are actually mainly shooting under this artistic style.

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 Photo-Journalistic

There is a true art to being able to tell a visual story and not interject yourself as a photographer into that moment. Photo-journalistic photos are pure and true-to-life. They are taken from an observer’s prospective. A quiet, artistic fly on the wall. You will never hear a photo-journalist say “look at me and smile!” These photographers have an impeccable sense of timing and innate ability for anticipating the opportune time to take a photo. Getting ready photos, ceremony photos, reception photos, and most importantly some of the portraits all require a photographer who has mastered this art.

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 2) Editing Style

The wedding vendor selection process has changed a lot since our parent’s generation, and in my opinion for the better. Couples are treating their wedding as a creative extension of who they are, which always makes for a memorable and genuine celebration. It’s only natural that the wedding photographer matches the style of the couple in the way they photograph an event. “But what if I don’t know what my style is,” you might ask.

You don’t need to know your style as much as you need to know what you like, and in that, you will find your style. Do you love beautiful vibrant, colorful images? Are you in love with a soft faded vintage look? Are you drawn to contrasty, black and white photos? It’s important to take timelessness in consideration. Style and preference usually change over the course of our lives. To your best estimation, do you think you will still like that photographic style 30 years from now?

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Also, editing style is a great way to see a photographer’s experience right off the bat. If every photo in their portfolio is edited in a different style, the photographer you are looking at has probably not landed on their brand style yet. Always look for consistency. Consistency in editing style is a great signifier for professionalism and experience.

3) Raw files

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If you don’t know what a RAW file is, good. If you do know what they are and you are wanting them as part of your wedding collection, you are most likely looking to hire a novice. A true professional will not even consider giving their raw files out, with some commercial exceptions. This is because editing style is very much a part of the brand of the photographer you are hiring.

As a client, even if you purchase the digital collection of images as .jpgs, editing these images to change them could very well be a breech of contract. If you are not going to allow the photographer to execute what they do best, then why spend the money to hire them? With that said, some photographers have a price for everything, so with them, if you want to buy the RAW files, expect to pony up some major Benjamins.

4) Budget & What to Expect at Different Price Ranges

It would be downright un-American NOT to try and find the best deal for your hard-earned money. Keep in mind, photography may be the only thing you walk away from the wedding with that’s tangible. If you’re willing to drop 5k on a dinner that people will finish in 15 minutes, wouldn’t it make sense that you would spend the same if not more on a product that will last a lifetime? Ideally money should be just one part of your defining criteria and artistry, experience, personality and professionalism can help round out that decision. It is completely understood, however, that not everyone has the luxury of even having a wedding. Whether you elope in a courtroom, have a quaint, 20-person backyard wedding, or a huge, 200-300 person wedding, at the end of the day it’s about your story and your love. But know, on average, you get what you pay for.

$0-$800

This is the price range for those photographers who are students, new to the industry and are looking to start their portfolio, and hobbyists who enjoy photography in their spare time but wouldn’t consider themselves professionals. It is entirely possible that in this price range, the photographer hasn’t shot any weddings yet.

Generally speaking, they are still exploring their craft, so they will edit the photos in an array of different styles and will typically give you all of the digital images. Very infrequently will this price range offer you any sort of finished products, like books.

$800-$1,500

In this price range, you will find photographers who have done more than one wedding and who are more familiar with their camera. A more substantial portfolio is being established here, so their style is a bit more defined. However, you will typically find a lot of different editing styles in the same portfolio.

Sometimes an inexpensive printed option is offered. Flash photography, which is important for the reception part of the event, might be lacking for this price range and below.

$1,500-$2,500

This is a starting price range for a lot of mid-level professional photographers. In this price range, you might only receive a certain amount of event coverage and nothing else, or a lesser-expensive book option might be included as well. Depending on who it is, a digital collection of images is also a possibility, but typically speaking, is included with higher price ranges.

$2,500-$6,500

I would say most active, experienced and dedicated wedding photography professionals fall within this budget range. A solid portfolio has already been established. This is the range where you will observe true creativity from the photographers, as their knowledge and experience allows them to try new things and take advantage of any lighting situation.

Typically photographers in this price range are well versed in shooting in dark churches, lighting dark rooms for receptions, and lighting during sunset. These photographers have shot years worth of weddings and can pretty much walk into any situation and know what to do. They have a solid gear kit complete with top-of-the-line lenses, camera bodies, and lighting. They value on-going education and continually stay up-to-date with the industry.

$6,500+

Higher-end wedding coverage and products start in this price range and can go as high as $50,000+. Yes you read that correctly. And yes, there are some photographers that are completely worth every penny of that. Contact me if you’re interested and I can send you some links that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

Photographers in this price range tend to win local and national photography awards and have been published online and in local and national print magazines. They are recognized not only for their skill, but more importantly, for their artistry. It is not uncommon that these photographers travel nationally and internationally.

5) Digital Images and The Book

There are a lot of different view points on releasing digital images as part of a package. Some photographers simply don’t do it. Some include them in their packages and some charge extra for them. Having the files and a print release are great. You can easily share them with family and friends, print your own photos and make your own products.

Before you decide the digital files are the ONLY thing you want with your package, however, think about this fact: technology is fleeting. Mac is currently making computers without DVD drives. That custom disk that you wanted so badly with your wedding package will be obsolete in less than 10 years. So what about a USB drive? Same thing- it will also be obsolete some day. Think of it like having all of your wedding images stored on a VHS tape. Yikes! Everything is moving towards cloud-based storage. It’s safe, reliable, and easily accessible. And yet, I’m sure someday that too will become, *sigh,* obsolete.

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So what if I told you there was a way to preserve your wedding photographs for the rest of your life without having to worry about technology, upgrading systems or information storage. This method has been around for awhile, with the oldest one in existence reaching an estimated 2,673 years old. It’s called a Book.

In a world that is so digitally-based, the book offers a tactile experience that will be rare and precious for future generations. I’m not talking about the book that your parents had either, where the photos are all tilting in their sleeved pages.

It’s an extremely exciting time for wedding photographers and their clients because the options are endless when it comes to creative album design. The companies that make these one-of-a-kind, 100% custom, hard-bound heirlooms have really mastered their craft. Working with a photographer that not only is a great photographer but also has great taste when it comes to album design will really ensure you receive a product that you’ll want to have for the rest of your life.

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 6) See a full wedding album- both digital and print versions

Photographers now double as designers, arranging photos into book layouts and spreads. The DVD, USB or digital download will never tell your story in a comprehensive way like the book will. Having a photographer who is also successful as a book designer is extremely important. A photographer could have the most beautiful images and be completely horrible at telling the printed story, or vice-versa.

You want to look for someone who can take beautiful photos and then translate them into beautiful books and products, even if you have no intention of purchasing any products. There should be a level of sophistication and thought behind the finished pieces. Seeing these is a great marker for taste and overall style. Keep in mind the notion of timelessness here as well. Will the album design still look beautiful and timeless in 30 years, or will the way the photographer arranged the photos look dated?

An online viewing gallery is not a story, nor is a stack of digital images a tangible keepsake:

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Well thought out page layouts visually re-create the story of the day in an elegant way and are compiled into a book that will last a lifetime:

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 7) Second Shooter

Any seasoned photographer can creatively shoot a wedding on their own. There are certain instances, however, when you will want a second shooter. If the couple is getting ready in different locations and you want both locations photographed, you will need a second shooter for that segment of the day. For any church who places restrictions on where the photographer can go during the ceremony, you will want a second shooter. Some strict churches will not even let a photographer move from one spot the entire ceremony.

For this reason, a second shooter is needed to provide another view point for that portion of the day. From this photographer’s perspective, the more points of view, the better. I love having a second shooter work with me. It allows me to divide and conquer. This person can step in and act as a lighting assistant when needed, and various other roles that can help execute a creative shot. If you can afford it, adding a second shooter is great for rounding out your entire collection. Just make sure the person who will be second shooting is also a professional photographer, as this will get you the most from your investment.

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8) The Engagement Shoot

There seems to be a shift lately where clients are now embracing the idea of an engagement shoot. A few years ago it was seen as an “add-on” or an “extra.” Some people still may not see the point in having one, so this one’s for you. Talking specifically to newly engaged couples, have you ever had photos taken with your partner? I don’t mean selfies at the bar. I mean true images that show the two of you together, interacting, and representing your unique relationship in an artistic way? My guess is that your answer is “no.”

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The engagement shoot photos show a couple in a more down-to-earth way. It’s a way of capturing what you look like every day, as opposed to the wedding day when you’ll most likely be in formal attire. It also gives the couple a chance to have their photos taken so they can get used to how it feels to be in front of the camera.

This session helps both parties feel more relaxed and will give you a good feel for the style in which the shoot is conducted. Some people find out that they like to be put in poses, and that makes them feel more secure. Other people discover that they like a more natural, prompted approach. At the end of it all, it’s also fun to utilize the photos in creative ways, including having them as part of the wedding reception decor.

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 9) First Look

There are two very different ways to see your fiance for the first time on your wedding day. You can go the traditional route, where you walk down the aisle and see them for the first time standing on the other end. The other way is called the “first look.” This is generally a private space for just the two of you to be together. Both have their benefits and whichever way you choose is up to you. Sometimes photographers try to push for one or the other based on wedding day schedules. Keep in mind this is your wedding day, so never feel pressured to take an approach you don’t want to take.

For the traditional route, your fiance and guests see you for the first time as you walk down the aisle. It’s very romantic and guests of course love seeing the live reactions of the couple as they see each other for the first time that day. Bridal party photos and the couple’s portraits would then take place after the ceremony. Depending on how much time there is between the ceremony and the reception will depend on how much time you have for photos. The more time you allow for your photos, the more robust of a collection you will walk away with.

The first look is done before the ceremony. It is a nice private place where just the couple can see each other, be together, and talk with each other. They are free to hug, embrace, kiss, and talk, where none of those things would typically happen if they were to see each other for the first time during the ceremony. Bridal portraits would then take place after the first look freeing up the couple for their cocktail hour.

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10) Reception Photos

If I were to critique a photographer’s portfolio based on technical skill, I would go straight to their portfolio’s reception photos. These are an Achilles heel part of the wedding for some photographers. The reception tends to be very difficult to photograph, as most are held at night in dark rooms. Getting lighting to look balanced and dynamic is a skill and an art form in itself. On-camera lighting can flatten a subject and can sometimes dull down the entire frame.

To compensate, changing the photos to black and white helps add contrast. The only problem with this is that you don’t want to be delivered an entire reception collection of only black and white photos. Off-camera lighting allows for the light to “wrap” the subjects, making them appear more three-dimensional. The photographer also doesn’t have to change the photo to black and white for it to appear striking. When choosing a photographer, ask to see color reception photos. It will easily help some photographers stand out among the rest.

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What Should You do Now

If you are in the market for a wedding photographer in the Columbus, Ohio or surrounding area, then I encourage you to give me a call, or fill out the form here. We can meet, discuss the plans for your wedding day, and get to know each other over some coffee or tea.

Chris and Casey – Short North Engagement Photographer

I met up for coffee with Chris a few months ago to hear more about his wedding plans. He said he was thinking about having his favorite band play at his wedding. I asked, “who is your favorite band?” and when he said the Andy Shaw Band, a huge smile grew across my face.

You see, Andy Shaw introduced me to my husband through an unusual string of events. I told Chris the fact I met him, and his favorite band happened to be Andy’s band, was a cosmic connection and you can’t ignore when these things happen. Anyways, he must have believed me because he hired me and I was fortunate to shoot their wedding this past weekend along with the musical stylings of true, lifelong friends.

A Color Session With Teal Lighting!

Chris and Casey wanted to do a day-evening shoot, and so I decided to embark on a new type of session that I’ve always wanted to do with couples. I have since aptly named these sessions “The Color Sessions.” I think in a previous life I was a lighting designer.

I just love the way buildings and environments can change character when lit, especially with colored light. Within the dusk-evening time period, adding colored light to environments works extremely well and has amazing results. One of their wedding colors is teal, so we consistently used teal light throughout the session, but any lighting color is possible. Hit me up if you would like your engagement session to be a Color Session!

You will inevitably see from these pictures how laid back, fun and in-love these two are. It was an extremely fun night that my husband Scott and I spent with them Spoiler alert! Casey was a total knockout on her wedding day! I hope you love these photos as much as I do! XO Jess

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Columbus Ohio Portraits-Christina

Christina is a woman of infinite talents. I first met her when I was photographing a mutual friend’s wedding SIX (!!) years ago in Columbus, and she was doing the wedding party’s makeup. She said very definitively at the time that she was getting married, and she was going to have me photograph her wedding. And she did just that! About a year later, I was honored to not only photograph her wedding, but establish a friendship that is so meaningful to me in so many ways. Two years after Christina had her wedding, I had mine, and I was lucky enough to have her near me on my big day not only as my makeup artist (MUA), but my good friend. I can honestly say I’ve never felt as pretty as I did when she did my makeup that day. I felt flawless, beautiful, excited and confident. To be able to help give someone that feeling through makeup artistry is a true gift. I don’t typically wear much makeup, so I never fully appreciated it’s transformative qualities when it’s done right. If you are getting married, I wouldn’t give a second thought to hiring her in a heartbeat! Her MUA website can be found here: http://blushartistrybynina.com.

Christina has since started a new venture in her life as a realtor for HER. I feel so glad, as Scott and I will be looking for a new house with her next year (hopefully). Her creativity is unending. Right off the bat, she said that most realtors’ business cards are way too cookie-cutter. She wanted something more dramatic, more fun, more natural, and more her. It’s a simple concept, but so many people should put that into practice. Break with normal convention. Be uniquely you, and show people who you are- not just what you THINK you should be. The business card is a great way to make a first and lasting impression. If you are creative with it, it will help your impression last. I am biased, but I think she is beautiful inside and out! I hope you do too! XO Jess

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