For those of you who know anything about us photographers, we tend to get a little hippy dippy trippy when it comes to good lighting, especially when the universe conspires to give you a drop dead gorgeous evening like this one last fall (holy late blogging, Jess). It was hot during the day, and crisp and cool as the warm sun set into a golden horizon… “magic hour.”
For this shoot we ventured to my hometown, Bexley, and walked around Jeffrey Mansion Park grounds. I love colorful images, and this day, the universe provided! Fall in Ohio tends to be pretty spectacular. Even the woodsy smell in the air is fantastic and nostalgic. I think you’ll agree this couple is amazingly cute together. I loved everything about the way they interacted with each other. Rachel would touch his face right as she was about to kiss him. It was so romantic and endearing. Near the end of the shoot, it was cold enough to cozy up in a blanket. And please! If you are getting married, and love your dog like your own child, lets incorporate it into your engagement session! Because seriously, every picture is made better with a cute puppers.
Rachel and Jake’s wedding will be here in a couple short months, and I can’t wait to see Rachel as a stunning bride!
I just woke up from my coma-like nap after returning home on the red eye this morning from California were I was lucky enough to attend Photo Field Trip 2015, also known as Yeah! Fieldtrip.
There are so many things that I want to write about this trip, but probably none more important than the reason I wasn’t going to go. I really don’t like to put myself in situations where I don’t know anyone, especially on the other side of the country….at least that’s what I kept telling myself. I’ve had limited experiences in this that were very difficult, mostly when I’ve moved to different cities and hadn’t known anyone and didn’t have any sort of friendships established yet. And those situations are hard. I find always having to smile and make small talk with people I don’t know completely exhausting, almost like a song and dance routine that never ends. This was my main reason I wasn’t going to go, so I made it my one reason I was GOING to go. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I’ve put myself out there and reached outside of my comfort zone, it’s always been reciprocated with amazing people and experiences.
So the trip started out a little rocky- I bought a rather expensive airline ticket for the wrong month. The airline couldn’t fix it for me because I didn’t find out about it until AFTER that date passed. Losing the money sucked, but I found it seriously funny what I had done and my new flight was direct both ways, which is a big deal from Ohio.
Field Trip had a bus available from LAX which was awesome, because my brother lives in LA, so I got to see him during one of my layovers. The drive from LA to Santa Barbara is also extremely beautiful and it’s nice to just sit and watch the world pass you by sometimes, especially when it’s lush mountains, organic farms, and stunning ocean-side veiws. At LAX I saw some guys walking around with video cameras. I asked them if they were going to Field Trip, and they looked at me with the strangest faces and said “yeah” sarcastically. At first I thought they were being ironic hipsters, but later I found out they were just LAX paparazzi, there to film a star of a Lifetime Channel for Women series as she boarded her plane. #Blondemoment
When we pulled into the El Capitan Campground, it was so much prettier than anything I could have imagined. From yurts to cabins, tents to safari tents, this place was luxe and diversely unique all at once. Having been to WPPI before, I was wondering how this would compare. I understood the difference the moment I got there- fresh air and smiling, welcoming people everywhere. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been in an environment where you could just go up to literally anyone, and start a good down-to-earth conversation. And it wasn’t the song and dance routine I was scared of- it was awesome people being awesome together. And that never got old.
I was going to write in-depth about everything, but then I realized, that might be the same as spoiling the best movie you’ve ever seen. All I can say, is if you have the means and the interest to go, don’t let your fears stop you. You need to experience this- it’s awesome. Go with an open mind and an open heart and I promise you it will be a small highlight of your life. Instead of spelling it all out, I’d like to just write down some words that sum up my experience, and then of course some photos I took!
For the 2014 recap, I feel like the Couples I photographed needed their own blog post to highlight all of their awesomeness. Most of these photos are from engagement shoots and you will see magical things from their weddings later this year. Some of these photos are also from people who wanted to celebrate their relationships with a proper photo session, each having their own special reasons. Most of them, believe it or not, had never had their photos taken before, and all of them rocked their sessions!
While the wedding day is a formal affair with a lot going on, the engagement shoot, in contrast, is more down-to-earth and has only one sole focus- the couple. With most of my sessions, we travel to different locations in a single shoot, which adds a great variety to the final collection and ends up being seriously fun. Just looking back over these photos again gives me a natural high. This past fall, although cold and quick, was so vibrant with red/orange leaves, and stunning evening sunsets. We gave our night-shoots extra pops of color by adding colored flashes to our scenes. I love the photos from 2014 so much that my favorites have easily overtaken all of my portfolio sections of this website.
Looking forward in 2015, this year is going to go by like a flash of lightning. I only have one new year’s resolution each year, which is to blog and share more of this amazing adventure online. Every year around June, aka wedding season, that resolution tends to be put on the back burner. We’ll see how it holds up this year, but if all goes well, it shouldn’t be a problem to stay on top of it. Cheers to you and yours for an exciting, vibrant and amazing new year!
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
I have been waiting on pins and needles to blog this Spring wedding. I can’t even say enough awesome things about these two!! But first a little flashback….
I fist met Soosan in graduate school in Chicago where we both attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Art and Technology program. We had a really cool class and all got along great. Soosan easily became one of my best friends from the school. We had so many awesome nights out. We went our separate ways after we graduated, but thanks to social media, always kept in touch. When she contacted me about her wedding I was of course honored, but oh so excited to see her again! It felt like no time had ever passed.
Soosan is so naturally beautiful that she would take your breath away just by being in the same room with her. On her wedding day, however, I walked into the room and immediately had tears in my eyes. There is nothing better than seeing such incredible souls find their match. Beauty just radiated from her- inside and out. Not to mention who she was marrying, Chris, who was one of the most genuine and gracious people I’ve ever met.
In Mason, Ohio, there’s a beautiful event center called the Manor House. This is where both the Persian ceremony and reception took place. In the Persian tradition, a Sofreh sits in the center of the ceremony. This means “wedding spread” and consists of herbs, pastries, bread, fruits, coins, symbols of fertility including decorated eggs, almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts, a mirror and two candelabras (symbols of light and fire), honey, a sacred text, and other symbolic decorations. The result is nothing short of spectacular to look at. The Sofreh was also one of Soosan’s favorite parts of the wedding traditions as well. As an illustrator, she designed their invitations and the entire cover was a Sofreh spread.
A shawl is held over the bride and groom during the ceremony. Two cones of sugar are rubbed together above their heads to “shower them in sweetness.” The sugar is caught by the shawl.
After the ceremony, a huge celebration took place with amazing dancing and great music. It was a day that I will remember forever and I feel so blessed to have shared this day with such a beloved friend and her husband. XO Jess
Hooray! I’m finally on this year for my blog posts! Sad, i know, as its almost June! Hello, where did the time go? (whoops, i just remembered i still have some special sessions I need to post still from last year lol) As many of you know, this past winter was long and way too cold for humans. I think this past winter might have given me a touch of PTSD towards cold weather. Its not always like this in Columbus, but in early April it was still very brisk. Michelle had contacted me about updating her actor head shots. She is a local actress who will appear in The Merry Wives of Windsor at Schiller Park’s Shakespeare in the park. If you haven’t been before, this is a series of free Shakespeare plays that take place outdoors at night in the summer. A lot of people bring picnic baskets and relax under the stars watching some truly talented actors and actresses. You can see her perform this year from July 31st to August 31st. You seriously won’t regret going to this very unique Columbus experience! Even pets are allowed to come and share the adventure with you, which is always a plus in my book.
Michelle will undoubtedly be successful in whatever venture she peruses. I instantly felt like I had known her for years. Her bubbly, approachable personality shows through in these photos, which of course is the goal of a successful head-shot. I’m so excited to see her work that stage in a couple months. I could never been an actress and always admire those who are fearless enough to get on a stage and perform for others. She was so much fun to work with and I just know you’re going to see big things from her! XO Jess
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
This is it! This is the last wedding I have to blog from last year- I’m officially caught up on weddings:) Except last weekend, that is, I shot a new one. I was so excited to shoot this November wedding not only because these two are my friends, but the fact they are awesome doesn’t hurt any either. I walked into their house as they were getting ready in the morning. And there was Mike! They are both so relaxed and laid back that they threw tradition to the wind and saw each other on the morning of their wedding day.
Katie is a teacher and is extremely creative in general. The unique touches she put on her wedding were not only beautiful, but refreshing as well. She bought, cared and nurtured a heard (what’s a group of these called?) of air plants weeks leading up to the big day. Each of the bridesmaids carried one as their bouquet. Kattie carried an air plant as well, but hers was decorated with sprigs of fragrant lavender for an added pop of color.
Since it was fall in Columbus, the leaves were just alive with color. Purple, as you know, is my favorite color. But against yellow and red leaves, purple is such a vibrant and vivid color. We stopped at Whetstone park for their group shots, then traveled downtown to the Renaissance Hotel. The wedding took place at the Columbus Athenaeum in my all-time favorite room there, the Priory. The reception was held in the Large Theater, which provided an elegant and dramatic setting for the party. Katie and Mike had a full ensemble big band. A few times during the party, Katie’s dad, who’s also an accomplished trombone player, joined the band. From Polka to R&B, this crowd knew how to get down…including Katie’s amazing grandmother who quite possibly could have out-danced them all!
I hope you enjoy these photos! I have to thank all my 2013 couples again. It was such an amazing year. Here I am starting wedding season 2014 and I can’t wait!! It’s been an honor having you all in my life and I could never thank you all enough, but I will try:) All my love, Jess
The first time I met Han, it was over the phone and I could immediately hear her electric personality radiate through. When I was able to then meet her in person later that week, it was not only her personality, but it was her smile that shined ear to ear- especially when she talked about her (then) fiance Quyen and their adorable daughter. Like my last post with Adrienne and Jay, I did a pre-wedding family & engagement session with them. It was September (I’m running way behind in blogging if you haven’t noticed) and the weather was warm and the light was soft.
I’m starting to love engagement sessions almost as much as the wedding itself. It’s a great opportunity to show who you are on a more down-to-earth level: your day-to-day self and a more natural beauty. Weddings are a great place to show off that “done-up” look. And together, they show two beautiful sides of the same family. Below are photos from both their E-session and their wedding.
The wedding was extraordinary with course after course of traditional Asian cuisine. It was apparently the first time J.Liu had ever done a custom 12-13 course traditional meal for a wedding. White flowers created a fresh, light and romantic feel in the room. A towering white cake was so formal and elegant. J.Liu’s vaulted ceiling made for a refined and upscale setting.
As far as dancing goes, this wedding might tie for my “best dancing” award with Eric and Rachel’s wedding. Everyone GOT. DOWN. (including yours truly). Here’s a little known fact- I like to try to blend in at weddings so that means if you’re bustin’ out the moves, well, I’ll prob. get crazy right along side you to get that photo!
There was so much love in this room. It was such an honor to be a part of it all:) XO Jess
It’s February and thinking about Spring portraits makes me happy as I’m unpiling the 7 inches of snow off my car. In an effort to make you equally as happy, I’d love to extend this one-time-only offer to you and your families. Up until February 28th (OMG that’s a whole month!), I’m offering $300 off my complete portrait sessions. WOWZA! That’s only $200 for a 45-60min session, online ordering, and the digital files of 40-60 images (in black and whaite and color). Think Pets, Family, Gifts, Engagments, Portraits, Senior Sessions, Children, Maternity, etc. There is no minimum order, so contact me today! Sessions must be used before September 1st, 2014. Travel additional if outside Columbus. XO Jess
