So before I posted this I thought a lot about what I was going to write. Then I decided to just be perfectly honest. So here goes… When I scheduled a portrait session with Jeff and Gina, I failed to account for one thing… baby Damon has never seemed to like me. Maybe he senses my overwhelming desire to smoother him and pinch his cheeks because he is so darn cute. I’m sure this would make anyone uneasy. But seriously, can you blame me? I mean look how cute he is! Even with his poker face on for half the shoot, I just think he is absolutely adorable. Eventually of course I become less threatening as the park became more fun. And together, well, they are just the cutest little family! Here are some of my favorite photos.
Better Together
Sunday evening I got this email, right as I was retiring to bed from what was a pretty stressful and obligation filled day. And just like that, everything was better. I was reminded of what it is I am really doing for people by simply taking pictures, why this job makes my heart so happy and why every bit of “work” I do, isn’t really work at all. Amy, the beautiful mother of two adorable little girls from this portrait session, gave me permission to share this with you:
We were in the car listening to the ipod and the Jack Johnson song “Better Together” that you used to make our video collage with came on. After the song ended, Natalie said “I want to hear my song again”. I asked her what “her song” was and she replied “the one where I’m wearing my dress in the movie”. Lets you know just how many times I watched that video and have looked at the pictures! Can’t thank you enough! -Amy
Thank you Amy for taking the time to share this with me and brighten my day. And Natalie, I’m glad this is your song because Jack Johnson is so right, things really are better together.
Photo taken on the way to Mount Whitney last year.
July 27, 2010 - 10:19 am - Couldn't have picked a more perfect song! Awww, Natalie has her own soundtrack! :o)
July 27, 2010 - 12:16 pm - So sweet! And SO true! Your gift is so special, what a great story to treasure and go back to when ever there are down moments :)
When life hands you lemons…
Debbie and Jim were married yesterday in Paso Robles, California. Jim is a lemon farmer, and this pretty yellow fruit was the inspiration for the whole celebration. I know it’s common for the expression, “when life hands you lemons…” to often be associated with people making the best out of a bad situation. However, as Debbie walked out of her room at Hotel Cheval and stood at the top of the staircase, there was no doubt that when lemons where brought into her life, it was absolutely one of the sweetest things she could have found.
Debbie was radiating as she made her way to where Jim was hiding below for their first look as bride and groom. As she approached Jim, the passion in the way he looked at her was truly that of the movies. That moment felt as if we were all watching two people complete a long journey to the place they were meant to be. After months of planning their wedding day was finally here, the day they would both get to celebrate finding one another with all the people they cared about.
The ceremony and reception took place at the beautiful Vina Robles vineyard where Tami of Fleur had created a breathtaking assortment lemons and flowers. When the reception began Trumpet Vine Catering provided hors d’oeuvres and appetizers that were almost too pretty to eat, but we did (and it was delicious). Sean, the DJ, did an amazing job keeping the whole wedding flowin’ and the dance floor groovin’. It was also a pleasure to once again to work with videographer, Brad Cordova and having photographer Coy Townson assist. I was so honored to be a small part of this lovely day. Congratulations Debbie and Jim!
July 20, 2010 - 9:01 am - Just stunning photo's Jennie. Gorgeous colors. A beautiful couple and a beautiful wedding. gma
July 20, 2010 - 9:30 am - One of your best uses of lighting. That venue is gorgeous.
July 20, 2010 - 2:36 pm - This is exquisite Jen! Very beautiful!
Chris and Emily’s Wedding Day
As a photographer who loves to capture things that are pretty and beautiful, I know I over use these words on my blog…. a lot. But take a look at this wedding I assisted with this Saturday and I’m sure some synonym of these words will be the first thing that comes to mind.
Emily had two gorgeous dresses and two gorgeous pairs of shoes. Chris and his groomsmen all wore Pumas, and along with his polka dot tie, the style of this wedding was the perfect mix of hip and classy. My favorite part of the day was when Chris and Emily recited their own vows against a backdrop of handmade paper cranes. So many lovely details, genuine emotion and beautiful people! Big thanks to Patrick Ang Photography for asking me to assist for such a lovely event.
July 14, 2010 - 9:09 am - awesome pics Jen!!! thanks for the inspiration!
July 14, 2010 - 9:15 am - Stunning. Absolutely beatiful! You guys did a great job of capturing their special day....love the beer shots too!
July 14, 2010 - 9:53 am - This is beautiful perfection. Speechless.
July 14, 2010 - 9:58 am - Patrick Ang is impressed.
July 14, 2010 - 7:22 pm - Beautiful!!
July 15, 2010 - 9:31 pm - I don't know you, but we have mutual friends. I was looking through your portfolio and your pictures are stunning! This bride is drop dead gorgeous! The picture of her walking up behind him got me teary eyed. Keep up the good work!
July 20, 2010 - 8:12 am - jen, another great shoot!
July 20, 2010 - 9:04 am - Beautiful photo's Jen. gma.
Conley is three!!
Nearly three years ago I took newborn photos for this little guy and now he is turning three! When I first saw him in his little fedora I told his mom, “we have to take his photos in that hat!” So we did and then some…. and I have to say he is almost too cute to handle. When I look at these photos, I can’t believe this is the same little baby blob sleeping in his mom’s arm. Now he is a walking, jumping, dancing, and driving little toddler. Happy birthday CoJo!
July 2, 2010 - 9:01 am - Love the fedora! How special to get to watch him grow up and document it with such cool photos :)
July 2, 2010 - 9:30 am - I dont think it can get any cuter than this Jen!!
July 2, 2010 - 6:45 pm - Super cute little boy and wonderful photos!
July 2, 2010 - 7:18 pm - Conley is so cute. Just great picture, Jen.
July 2, 2010 - 7:19 pm - Conley is so cute. Just great pictures,Jen.
Jade and Mike’s Wedding Weekend
Forgive the abundance of images… but there was no other way to fully convey the experience. This weekend I had the pleasure of documenting Mike and Jade’s wedding, but it wasn’t just a wedding…With so much care and attention to detail, they created the perfect event to share their love with family and friends. Because they met at the YMCA summer camp, it was the ideal choice for their wedding location. According to their invitation, the couple asked their friends and family to join them “amidst the Sequoias and summer wild flowers.” I couldn’t think of a more ideal way to describe it. 
While Mike eagerly waited at the camp, Saturday morning I went to photograph Jade getting ready at the John Muir Lodge. I must say her look was flawless. Romantic and elegant… yet a perfect fit for the natural setting. Jade was stunning and even more amazing was her willingness to get amazing photos. Jade and her girls hiked the loop of Grants Grove to get photos with the giant trees. She eagerly climbed on rocks and jumped in a canoe!
Jade’s bridesmaid Jaci did her makeup on the deck of the beautiful lodge. 
This was my first time seeing the giants of Grant Grove, home fo the world’s largest trees, but I think Jade was even more stunning. The tourists seemed to think to too! 
She even hiked along the lake to meet Mike for their “First Look.” Mike waited, nearly bursting with emotion. His happiness when he turned around to finally see his beautiful bride for the day was absolutely heart-warming. The nerves melted away and he told her, now that she was here everything was perfect. 
These chairs were their guest book! 
Jade’s sorority sisters took advantage of a photo op and turned it into one of my favorite photos of the wedding! They also kept the dance floor rockin with their awesome song request… Kris Kross will make you….? 
When it was time for Mike and Jade to depart, they rowed across the lake!
Being surrounded by nature was so natural for the two of them, even decked out in her wedding attire. There was a variety of wildflowers for decorations, a lakeside dance floor, smores and a campfire…. Everything about this wedding was exquisite! And what more would you expect from such a special couple!
A huge thank you to Coy Townson for second shooting.
Cake by: Stephanie Ragan
Flowers: Loretta’s Floral Design, lolosflowers@gmail.com
Hair by Angie Brauer
(If anyone would like more info on any of the vendors involved, please email me!)
June 27, 2010 - 10:23 pm - wow what a gorgeous venue and a fun group. that is awesome jen.
June 28, 2010 - 1:31 am - Amazing pictures!
June 28, 2010 - 8:53 am - Outstanding! gpa
June 28, 2010 - 9:06 am - Jen, I felt like I was at the wedding. Awesome photo's.
June 28, 2010 - 9:24 am - Wow Jen! Spectacular photos. So touching.
July 3, 2010 - 9:03 am - Aw absolutely stunning. It's so good to see them again. The pictures turned out wonderful and the wedding looked darling. Congrats Jade & Mike!
Shane & Mika’s Nestldown Wedding
A little treat for Friday… A few weeks ago I had the honor of photographing this beautiful wedding with Patrick Ang. This location was absolutely gorgeous!!! Nestldown is located just outside of the Silicon Valley but it was like stepping into another world. I kept waiting to see Snow White and her dwarfs, or possibly a hobbit… or Aslan… I really couldn’t figure out what fairytale I had just walked into. As we walked around planning our photography strategy for the day, Nestldown just got more and more beautiful. A cute little cottage, a train, a pond, and not to mention those giant stunning trees. Then…. the wedding began, and as you can see, that fairytale I found myself in that day happened to be Shane and Mika’s wedding.
June 25, 2010 - 1:22 pm - Gorgeous location and gorgeous photos! Fantastic job!
June 25, 2010 - 1:47 pm - Wow...what a gorgeous location full of fairytale magic! Love the colors and the way you captured the bride's enchanting smile! Great job Jen!
June 26, 2010 - 12:30 pm - Really sweet, and perfect.. exquisite Jen.
June 27, 2010 - 12:02 pm - Beatiful grounds and beatiful wedding. Fantastic photo's.
June 28, 2010 - 8:59 am - Fantastic! Gpa
Rebecca and Adam’s Wedding Day
Adam and Rebecca had a beautiful wedding at Noriega House in Bakersfield. They are so sweet and fun, every bit of the day was such a joy to be a part of. From the moment I met Adam and Rebecca at our first consultation, I instantly liked them and knew their wedding day was going to be so special. They definitely helped this along by adding a lot of personal touches. Adam wore his kilt to represent his Scottish heritage, and Rebecca added touches of Hawaiian culture. Here are some of my favorite photos from the day.
Big Thanks to all the Vendors who helped make this day so awesome!
Make-up: Ashley Hill, Italienne Salon & Spa… Esthetician
Flowers, Lone Oak Village Flower & Gift
Cake, Frosting Ink
Noriega House
H2O Music Productions
Caroline Carrasco of Simply Salon – Hairstylist
Coy Townson
Brad Cordova
June 21, 2010 - 9:01 am - Love it! You captured the joy of the day beautifully. The father daughter dance photo really got me, great job!
June 21, 2010 - 10:10 am - What a beautiful wedding. Each photo was stunning, Jennie. Almost thought I was at the wedding.
Rebecca and Adam Wedding Video
Just yesterday I was photographing Rebecca and Adam’s beautiful wedding. I am still working on the photos which I will share with you shortly, but Brad was there filming too. He already put together a beautiful little masterpiece of the day. I thought I would share it with you as a teaser for what’s to come.
Adam and Rebecca from Brad Cordova on Vimeo.
The Taylor Family
Today I photographed this beautiful couple as they get ready to welcome their first baby in the world. They have a beautiful home, an adorable dog, and just look at them – soon a gorgeous little baby girl will be added to the mix. Congratulations Erin, Clif …and Meatball!
June 22, 2010 - 1:11 am - I love the pictures of them in front of the pinball machine and in front of that beautiful doorway!
June 22, 2010 - 10:22 am - The photos are absolutely beautiful!! We had so much fun. Thanks for everything! YAAAAY!
June 22, 2010 - 9:32 pm - Awww! So sweet! Gorgeous work as usual, Jen!
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