Grandfather.

Today's post comes as fast as life does.  I hadn't had anything special to post - as I've been editing for the past two days, and haven't had time to let much 'life' in.  Life came and tugged at my heart, however, when I learned that a recent Bride of ours had lost her Grandfather.  The father of the bride had written us, asking if there was a way to rush an 8x10 for the funeral.  My heart sank, then sprung back up at the idea that I was going to be involved in the rejoicing of this sweet man's life.
As a wedding photographer, it is not necessarily in the job description that I take photos of anyone but the Bride and Groom, and the few family members they request.  Today I am thankful that I thrive on those images that catch people being people,  I don't see a session as just a session or a wedding as just a wedding, but instead a moment, 10 moments, 1000 moments, for me to catch, save, and share forever.
This man caught my eye the moment he 'strolled' in, and I am so happy to have been able to save these moments for his family and friends.

To photographers, please remember that you're not only catching the special moment's in your client's life, but you also have the opportunity to catch moments that will someday be special to many people.  And to those of you putting off having family portraits taken, or thinking of cutting your wedding budget down by paying less for photography, please remember that this day will only happen once.  Your little girl won't have that goofy half grown in front tooth forever, and someday, you'll miss it.  Your husband's beard that you absolutely hate will someday be the reminder of many memories and a time in your life.  Your first dance with the person you will spend the rest of your life with will be your best dance, and one of the many moments where you can look back and think about how perfect life can be.  Your Grandfather might not be here tomorrow.
Don't put off photography.  At the end of the day, it says everything, keeps everything, is everything we have left.

Attached to this man's flower was a tag saying 'Grandfather'.  I set it down on his chair/walker and took a photo.  I had no idea this photo would one day say so much to me.

My greatest sympathy goes to friends and family.

-Jess

Inspired.

Hello!  I've spent the morning downloading and sorting the images from yesterday's perfect wedding.  Everything was so beautiful, my job was easy.  I can't wait to get these all edited, and share some really sweet moments and stories with you all.

I will, however, share one image with you.  Why only one?  Well because I can't wait.

I asked these guys, "will you just do this as a favor, it will make me SO HAPPY?!" and at first I got a lot of mumbles and raised eyebrows.  Then one, fun loving groomsmen shouted out, 'Yeah, let's do it guys, I'll do it!' and the rest is magic.  This may or may not have been the groomsman I was lucky enough to watch while he displayed all of his many talents in dance.  (I mentioned something similar in my last post ;)  Dreams really do come true.  

Besides this goofiness, I was also able to watch, and get an intimate look at the bride and groom standing together, holding hands in front of their loved ones with the sun shining behind them.   It was absolutely breathtaking.  Outside weddings make me nervous, but when they turn out, they REALLY are worth the worry.  I don't know if all guests at weddings feel this, but it's almost like I forget it's real life!  I get so consumed with the feelings surrounding the two people declaring their love to one another.  

I was doing well, holding my emotions back, then as they were signing the marriage certificate, I saw the bride's little sister walk up to sign it, and while still behind the bride, I saw a look in her eyes like a little girl that truly adores her big sister.  The bride and her sissy exchanged looks, smiles, and went on to the next moment.  But that moment, was one I wish the entire group of people could have seen.  Those moments are the ones I'm so thankful I'm there to witness, and share.

Anyway, enough mushy.  :)  I've got to get ready to fall in love with love all over again today!  Enjoy your weekend!

-Jess

I Do.

It's 11:08am and I have yet to drink a cup of coffee or eat my kid tested, mother approved Kix.  We are photographing a wedding today, and my nerves won't let me relax.  I've got knots in my tummy and I'm anxious to begin.  I always wonder if this nervousness I get will ever go away, if it's just me being a little insecure.  When I really think about it though, I think it shows that I KNOW that my job is a BIG DEAL, and that there is no room for messing up.  After today, the art that I've created is all that this couple, this family, this great group of people will have left to inspire their memories.  I've got one shot to tell this couple's love story, and I don't want it to be anything but perfect.  So now, I think if I ever lose this nervousness/anxiousness, I'll know something is wrong and I'm not giving the best work that I can.

I'll admit it, I can be an emotional mess, but I think that's what inspires me, and let's me see the stories that families, couples, children, even an old house need me to tell.

I can't wait to feel all the love that surrounds the lives of two people today.  I can't wait for that first glance the groom will take at his soon to be wife, and for the look that she returns to him, the entire day.   I can't wait for three sisters to hug and cry tears of joy (Mom will probably get in there too).   I can't wait for a Daddy to give a speach, giving his little girl away.  I can't wait for the first dance between husband and wife, for them to talk about how perfect the day was, and how one of their groomsmen/bridesmaids might have had a bit too much to drink.  I can't WAIT for that lush to dance.  ;)  I can't wait for the dinging dinner glasses, then all of the awkward kisses that are too cute to handle that come after.  I can't wait to be reminded again, that love is real, it's everywhere, and it's truly beautiful.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday night - I know we will!

-Jess

A New Day.

Hi Friends!  Those of you that know me (Jess) know that I've been talking for weeks about doing a daily blog.  It was one of those things I could never seem to find time for, but always wanted to do.  FINALLY, I feel like I've got time to do a long list of those things I didn't have time for before.

As you probably all know, I've recently become a full time Photographer/Accessory Line Designer/Mommy.  It's been great, being able to do things that 'normal' people do.  You know, like teach your 20 month old daughter Justin Beiber songs, go to lunch with friends, ask your husband to get your oil changed, go potty in the toilet then tell your daughter how cool it is... the usual.  Going full-time was a very tough decision, and I was so scared I could have wet myself!  I went through what I'm sure all business owners do, the 'Am I good enough?' and the 'Could I fail?' and the 'Could my life ACTUALLY be that awesome!?'.  I decided, yes, yes and yes.  I'm good enough to hand over a print to a client and be excited for them to share it with others, I could fail.. if I don't try, and my life could, and does kick tail!  I'm so blessed to love what I do, and do what I love every single day!  From actually photographing someone/something, to a conversation with a client on the phone about their day, I love it.  So blessed.

Okay, well enough about my personal life, let's talk about how excited I am to have been asked to photograph Kate Ungs from Purse~N~Ality for some marketing, and some Wall Art for the Marion location!  I showed up, and it was hot as blazes, but we were both ready to 'sweat like men'. (Direct quote from Kate's text to me prior to the session.)  I absolutely love Purse~N~Ality, from their bags, to accessories, to just the general feel of the store.  It's like my dream closet, complete with adorable brunette with a goofy laugh.  We had a blast mixing and matching outfits with purses and accessories.  I can't wait to see what she does with the images, but for now, I'll share a few with you all.  :)

And now, it's time for me to get to bed.  We've got a wedding in Iowa City, IA tomorrow and another in Cedar Rapids, IA on Saturday.  I'm so excited to start blogging everyday, and sharing our life, sessions, weddings, favorite things, etc. with you!

Night Kids!

-Jess