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!
it's the most wonderful time of the year
….booking season!
I do believe I say this yearly - because there is nothing quite like - let’s be honest - JOB SECURITY! Being self employed is not for the weak. I depend completely on you guys to find meaning in my work, see that we’ll be a good connection with each other, and hire me for your wedding day photography! Woof.
SO this time of year brings a slew of engagements as people pick the holidays to decide they’re ready to take the leap into marriage + wedding planning.
For those of you on a time budget, AND also ready to inquire immediately, I’ll make it easy on you. Here’s the contact form to use to get in touch. This time of year I like to offer incentive to couples who are ready to take the leap and know we’re a good fit for each other. This is as much to benefit you as it is to fill my calendar and make sure I have enough work for the year!
use the contact form below and your wedding pricing proposal from me will include a free hour of coverage.
Easy! Let’s do this and make magic together!
I’ll take this blog post to be a quick hello + meet who I am + how I work!
THE number one thing I can tell you about how it will be working together on your wedding day is that my only goal is to keep you happy, comfortable, present, and enjoying your time together.
I have been a photographer so long that working your timeline into the most sensible + efficient way comes so easily to me. I will work hard to help you plan your day to be as calm as possible.
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!
summertime (+ the livin's easy)
wedding planning advice for how to schedule your summer wedding portraits. Spoiler: if it’s too hot, do them in smaller time frames so nobody melts
The absolute DELIGHT of summer weddings is that you can basically get away with doing photos in short bursts anywhere until about 9pm. Is there anything better than that? Long summer nights make me happy unlike anything else in the world. Not even as a wedding photographer, but as a whole entire human :)
so what, right? WELL! Whenever I get to talking with a couple about their day, we’re, of course, going through the timeline. The hill I’ll die on includes: Make sure you ENJOY your wedding day and don’t just schedule everything around the photos, kay? I say this with the caveat that: your wedding needs to be a summer wedding ;) I know I know, FALL THOUGH! But hear me out.
The freedom that comes with a summer wedding means you can schedule your photo time in a way without getting overwhelmed. If you’d like to do a first look, do that (those photos? they’re the best because you require about ZERO PROMPTING).
What’s great about first looks, and, well, me is that I won’t make you do anything that doesn’t feel right. I can pretty much guarantee my prep will sound like, “ok, you’re in line together, now….take it as it feels right. Do it your way.” There is way too much pressure in how we live now + all the wedding images our eyes consume to be perfect. Guess what? You’re going to see each other, it’s gonna be perfect.
So once that’s done! You get to spend the day with your partner! Such a relief, wow! What I do next is assess the day. Is it hot? How are you feeling? ready to knock out some portraits of one side of the bridal party? Need a drink? SO MANY OPTIONS BECAUSE, you guessed it (!), SO MUCH LIGHT LEFT IN THE DAY!
When it comes to couples portraits, here’s a controversial take: there’s enough time in the day that everything you choose to do is actually your choice. I’ve seen photographers insist on golden light photos…but guess what? I’ll never make you do anything. Don’t want to rush out after dinner? Cool, we’ve gotten enough during the day! (but here’s some goodness that you just have to see!)
what do you think? Is it relieving to get to make your own choices in this digital world of doing all the things we live in!? If you’re here for winter wedding advice, I’ll get ya on that soon, too!
2022 in (wedding) florals
wedding photography featuring details of wedding florals by jessica love photography in 2022
I’ll have to recap my dahlia flowers in another post closer to when I know if I have tubers to share. And, if that’s all nonsense to you, then just stay for the wedding images and forget it :)
The thing I love about weddings, besides everything, is seeing a color theme and design come together with the florals. A recap of all my favorites from this year below, enjoy!
truth be told I’m taking a detour and reliving those images for a second! What a fun statehouse shoot!
cannot possibly talk flowers without putting into here these amazing floral dresses that Sarah encouraged her guests to wear!
and again, full stop for Old Slate / Auburn and Ivory and their absolute genius!
phew! you made it!! wanna talk flowers!? I’m always down for that :)
pepper in some highlights
the off season is the time we photographers do all the things we try to do all year, but - for me - something’s gotta give, and it’s always the blogging and website updating!
and, as it’s Monday, there’s an advent calendar to attend to (anyone else out there scramble to get their activity in each morning before their kids wake up!?), and so I’m going to give this a little update here with some images I’m digging….hope your eyes enjoy this little visual party!
