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.
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!
jorgensen’s annual matrimony madness
Jorgensen Farms has an annual photo contest in March and these are the best images by Jessica Love Photography in columbus ohio
One of my favorite places to shoot in Columbus is Jorgensen Farms: both venues! So when they have their annual (well, it’s the SECOND one) contest to pick favorites, I spend WAY too much time looking through and judging what THEY’d consider the best. Well, clearly, all my couples are THE BEST, and I’m emotionally connected to these images. Here are some that I’m looking through to pick a favorite. Do you have one? LMK in the comments!
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!
the end of summer on film
this time of year is always weird. the sudden change in darkness (I’m being dramatic) seems to happen so quickly. We spend all the summer months feeling free to do photos at weddings as we wish, now it’s like, “y’all eat? let’s … uh… go?” (or not, if you’ve looked around, I’m not one to force anyone to do any photos you’re feeling meh about!
So as these scans came in this week, I’m loving reliving back to warmer and longer days. As this blog usually goes: enjoy a mix of all the photos from all the events in no particular order! If you’re engaged and searching around here thinking we might be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out! Let’s start a convo and see how I can serve you!!
Authentic Family Photography
Just bopping in here to remind you: I primarily shoot weddings, but my heart + eyes are trained to capture your family moments in ways that are as authentic + beautiful as they can be. I’d love to get you in front of my camera this fall.
This’ll be the first year I won’t shoot any “mini session” day - but I will make time to get your family on my schedule in a way that works for both of us!
