winter weddings and first looks
a match made in heaven.
In my experience with weddings, August goes quickly into September that leads to early sunsets right into October where we’re trying to fit everything in before 6pm. And, every year it hits me like - how did I forget how early it gets dark “all of a sudden.” Every year, I’m absolutely thrilled with my ability to work with my couples to make the most out of our time together AND their wedding day experience by - YES - “getting the photos done before the ceremony”…but more importantly (!) extending the amount of time they spend together, and lowering the amount of stress that comes with fighting Mother Nature and Sunset!!
So while, of course, I won’t FORCE you to do a first look, but I will highly encourage it. I’ll ask you to talk to people you know who’ve been married recently and ask them what they did + what their opinion is about timing.
When I have a couple who does want to do a first look, we’ll usually work the timeline to do that about 2 hours before ceremony time, as long as there isn’t a lot of travel time involved. Of course this is variable to each couple, but generally if I have 2 hours + an agreeable crowd (and if they’re unagreeable, that’s my job to work with them!!) we can get through the meat of the photos then! And, voila! you’re done with photos once you’re refreshed and ready to walk down the aisle. Free for the night to enjoy + mingle + have zero stress about when you’re going to have time to sneak away!
things I'm digging
wedding and engagement images from Jessica Love Photography in Columbus Ohio at Jorgensen Farms Oak Grove. Featuring photography on film and digital shot on Canon R6 and Portrait 400 35mm film
AKA it’s summer and how do I have the brain space to share much more than bits and dabbles in all the stuff in front of my eyeballs!
In the realm of self-portrait photography, there exists a captivating allure in the juxtaposition of a woman and a flower crown, captured on the timeless medium of film. Each frame tells a story of self-discovery, as the woman embraces her own beauty and strength while adorned with delicate blossoms. Through the lens, her introspection is illuminated, petals whispering secrets of confidence and femininity. The soft hues of the film lend an ethereal quality, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere of the image. With each click of the shutter, these self-portraits become a visual testament to the power of self-love and the magic of embracing one's authentic self.
WOW you guys - are we living in an alternate reality? That last paragraph was generated Ai on this blog, with the prompts: self portrait of woman with flower crown on film. So there you have it. But to actually explain, I think self portraits on film are a bit tricky, and overwhelming for me, but figured I’d like to have some to show of my peonies this spring.
weddings. SO many good weddings + shoots. And not like the typical it’s a wedding it’s going to be gorgeous type of things. Like, during the getting ready time, and the bride’s younger sister not wanting to get her hair done by a hairstylist…so the bridesmaids jumped in and made her feel SO comfortable…Like a groom’s grandmother shaking her cane while sitting at her table to dance….like a couple seeing their engagement photos and proclaiming how excited they are - now - for their wedding photos because they were SURE they were too awkward for photos to look good (LOL).
always rainbow over everything!
images shot on digital + film developed by Midwest Photo Exchange. Thanks for being here!
hello 2022 brides? are you out there!?
HELLO! It’s me, stepping in from wedding season to tell you, yes YOU! that yes! you should click that contact me link and get in touch with me because I’d absolutely love to be a part of your fall / winter 2022 or winter 2023 weddings!
It always has this time in the summer where it’s GO GO GO…but I need to make sure you’re being reached and told I have time for you :) I want to talk to you, and I absolutely LOVE winter weddings!!
So in order to give myself some job security, and you some encouragement ;) let’s do this! Get in touch so I can hear all about your plans, and you can get excited to share them with me!
pretty little details
Jorgensen farms wedding Columbus ohio by Jessica love
sometimes, (ahem, January, February, March in the northern hemisphere) it’s just nice to look at a few unrelated, but equally gorgeous, styled details. Let your brain stop thinking and just enjoy it with your eyes. For me, it’s often my flowers I am scrolling through (one of those kinda posts coming soon so you can see the glory of THAT)..but here’s some wedding pretty for no other reason that maybe you need a mid week grey winter pick me up!
Emily + Brad / married at Nationwide
wedding at nationwide hotel and conference center
Raindrops + willing couples + a flash will forever hold a place in my heart! I love the Nationwide Hotel complex for ease in being all in one place for photos.
Chelsey + Carly | engaged!
Engagement session in Wooster, ohio at the College of Wooster by Jessica love photography. Kauke Arch featured along with other College of Wooster landmarks
Little known fact: I went to the College of Wooster, but it wasn’t known to any of us when we first talked about their November (2022!) wedding back in the summer (of 2020!!). So that’s been fun to compare experiences about such an important part of life. More known fact, possibly: my husband also went to Wooster, so we’re big fans of Wooster couples! It was great to see the campus now, I swear it’s a whole lot nicer than when we were there!
