August, like a whole month of sundays
an update from Jess at jessica love photography featuring current work from family sessions of summer 2024
It’s no surprise, if you’ve been here a while that we live for summer around here, but as summer winds down, the air takes on a different quality, hinting at the approaching school year. Mornings that once began with leisurely breakfasts now become a rush of packing lunches and tying shoelaces. The excitement of new classrooms and friendships mingles with the bittersweet feeling of shorter days and fading sunlight. Striking a balance becomes essential; it's a challenge to carve out family time amidst the responsibilities and commitments that fill the calendar. Each evening is a reminder to savor these last moments of summer, whether it’s gathering for a simple dinner or lingering outdoors a bit longer, cherishing the laughter and stories shared before the school bus routine begins anew. As the leaves start to turn, it's a time to reconnect and reflect on the joys of family togetherness, even as life takes on a more structured rhythm.
This summer is the first that - GASP - I did not book a wedding from June 16-August 4. It feels wild to say, being a wedding photographer and all, and it was quite scary….but here’s what I found: JOY and BALANCE. I sense the privilege here, to even get a chance to be choosy about my bookings and work, and I know I wouldn’t be here without the support of awesome people like you who hire me to work together!
What got me through the summer - because to me, the balance of HOME and WORK is important as the balance of not working too much, if you know what I mean! are some pretty amazing families who had me over to capture some important milestones in their lives.
As the summer lull comes to an end and the days begin to shorten, I am filled with anticipation for the upcoming wedding and family sessions that this fall promises to bring. The quiet moments of the past few months have afforded me a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my craft, and now I find myself eager to capture the beautiful memories that will undoubtedly unfold during this enchanting season. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of autumn leaves painting the landscape or the cozy gatherings filled with laughter and warmth among loved ones, my ultimate goal is to document the genuine emotions and deep connections that define your special event. I sincerely hope you consider having me as your photographer to preserve these treasured moments for years to come, ensuring that they can be revisited and cherished in the future.
an early summer wedding at revery
Look at this blog for inspiration on how to have a rooftop wedding at Revery in the North 4th Corridor, the Smith Brothers building, in Columbus, Ohio. Jessica Love photography shoots digital and film photography in a natural and candid way that will make you love your wedding photos and experience!
Becca and Collin's wedding took place at a stunning rooftop venue in Columbus, Ohio. The picturesque skyline provided a breathtaking backdrop as they exchanged vows surrounded by their loved ones. From the elegant decor to the heartfelt speeches, every moment was filled with love and joy as Becca and Collin celebrated the beginning of their new life together. It was a day they would cherish forever.
When you choose to book my services for your special day, you can trust that I will create a comfortable and joyful atmosphere, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the happiness of your wedding day.Your photos will be cherished heirlooms, passed down through generations, preserving the beauty and love of your special day for years to come. Capturing every moment with timeless elegance and authenticity, Jessica Love's photography ensures that your story will be told and retold with the same joy and emotion felt on that unforgettable day.
Hiring a wedding planner can significantly simplify your wedding day. From coordinating vendors to managing timelines, a planner can help alleviate stress and ensure that your special day runs smoothly. Trusting a professional to handle the details allows you to focus on enjoying your wedding day to the fullest. Loved collaborating with the talented team at Blush and Bowtie weddings to capture the beauty of this unforgettable day! Their attention to detail and creativity truly made the experience remarkable.
Camp mary orton wedding
camp vibes for Ashley and Josh who were married at Camp Mary Orton in Columbus Ohio
I loved getting to spend this day with Ashley + Josh, and knew from the moment we chatted on the phone, how great it would be. I love Camp Mary Orton couples because they have a great mindset about how their wedding will be: relaxed, and feel like home!
What’s great about this location is that an indoor ceremony - ya know, when it’s 80 degrees in April! - doesn’t feel like a consolation. I’ve talked about it before, my number one advice is when picking a venue, make sure your “backup” plan is just as exciting to you as your perfect weather day plan. Here’s how I saw their beautiful day and love all around them!
A plea to the universe ;)
The best wedding days are filled with traditions that are meaningful to the couple. This couple who was married at Oak Grove at Jorgensen Farms included a gift exchange from Dungeon and Dragon friends including weapons for their DND characters. A gorgeous fall day with the best couple, best officiant (Windi Noble) and best venue in Columbus Ohio
if there’s anything I’ve learned in this business, it’s that when I share things that feel authentic and true, it attracts couples, humans, and events that feel authentic and true to what I love to shoot. Here’s a look into Cait and Pat’s Jorgensen Farms Oak Grove wedding. When we met to chat about their plans, they mentioned how each of their friends, who play in their Dungeons and Dragon campaign, that got married were gifted weapons specific to their character. Speak no more. What an amazing + unique tradition, I immediately knew our paths crossed for a reason. I love weddings for a whole lot of reasons, but the highest one up there is getting to see people embrace what is important to them + share those things with their loved ones.
so what’s my plea? bring me more of these. Authentic + honest and true to who you are type people, ready to share their love with the world! Get in touch today, and I promise to woo you with deals you can’t pass up!
how to pick a venue that best suits you in Central Ohio
tips and how to on selecting a venue for your wedding in Central Ohio, just in time for engagement season!
I get that it can feel daunting to even start viewing - let alone narrowing down - wedding venues! But, having photographed over 300 weddings, I’d love to share with you what I see couples prioritizing when it comes to location. And, pepper in a little of what makes my job - therefore your experience - a whole lot smoother + delightful.
my number one:
make sure weather plan b isn’t actually a “plan B”
you have to expect that what can go wrong, it will go wrong. So visualize your wedding day with rain, sleet, snow, hail, anything that you’d prefer to ward off (then sage the shit out of that? or something along those lines?)….then think. If I have to follow that plan, will I be happy with 1. the experience and 2. the photos? I am your photographer, but I will always encourage you to prioritize your EXPERIENCE over photos.
think about how travel on your wedding day will look
maybe I’m writing this as number 2, but this is a huge one. So many variables to take into consideration. Do you have a huge bridal party? If yes, and if you’re planning to travel around an area by bus/limo, this adds a considerable amount of time and coordination. The alternative to traveling around the city / area is choosing a venue that is more of an all in one. Somewhere that has both getting ready rooms (please let’s have those with natural light, such a small and large request), photo locations that feel unique and varied, and a ceremony location that is ideal for both good and bad weather. Plus if you can be secluded for some photos without guests present.
invest as much time visiting sites as much as you’re willing!
you might be surprised where you find yourself drawn to - and definitely take into consideration how you feel + the staff as you’re touring!
building trust with your vendors
This year has brought to me MANY amazing experience working with my beloved clients. But, I want to highlight two of them, in particular, that stand out in my mind as absolute gems of the year.
when it comes to your wedding, you’re IN IT for a long time before your wedding day. If I remember anything, it’s that when the wedding day finally arrives, you finally feel like you can let out a big exhale + relax! This is a great thing, and a great feeling to get to have with the people you love the most. I believe I can help you get a little bit of the exhale started weeks, maybe months, before your wedding day with this little bit of how to.
I’ve never been a big social media guy. I think that it’s just a glimpse, and I don’t have my phone out for reel-ing or BTS because what’s more important to me is being present with you. BUUUUUT. (ooof, did you expect that!?) this year I’ve found that the people who are the first likes on my insta…their weddings were extraordinary experiences for me, and for them.
What does it mean?! It means that what you can do to help build your own confidence in how smoothly your day will go is follow along on some level: Facebook, Instagram, Blogging, email, text…with the vendors you’ve chosen. Be invested in them. See the work that they do on a consistent basis leading up to your wedding…and then be confident in your choice to have them be a part of your day. Trust yourself to know you did your job + made a wise choice. Do not micromanage ;) Be the couple getting married, and fully immerse yourself in your wedding, while you let the things around you unfold beautifully!
does this resonate with you!? are you in your planning process? get in touch today, I’d love to serve you!