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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!

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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).

rainbow double exposure on film at Oak Grove Jorgensen Farms Ohio

always rainbow over everything!

images shot on digital + film developed by Midwest Photo Exchange. Thanks for being here!

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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

groomsmen in an alley during a summer wedding

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 :)

bride and groom stand in alley for photos

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).

bride surprised groom for first look on wedding day

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.

bridal party of ladies stand with orange parasols covering the faces of everyone but the bride

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!

groomsmen hold up groom in summer field

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!)

sunset photos at Jorgensen farms

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!

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Alicia + Luna | Married in Mohican

Mohican is a great option for a get away type feel (for vacation or for a wedding!) but staying in Ohio. My own family did our “fake Christmas” there this year, and it was perfect for all the ages of kids we have. Alicia + Luna threw a wonderful celebration + let me take them to all the amazingly sunlit spots for photos throughout their day.

Two of the things I’m most passionate about, when directing how a wedding day goes are: keeping your day running smoothly and letting these portraits dictate themselves.

1: if your day has any hint of chaos in it, guess what? You’ll feel it, and you don’t want that. I don’t want that either :) It’s my job to be efficiently finished with anything I require of you (because, yessss we ARE required to do some photos, despite candids > everything) with enough time for you so that you’ve had a minute to reflect + be present in the big moments. I won’t finish up the portraits as you’re rushing to make sure your lipstick is perfect for the walk down the aisle.

2. I can’t tell you how many people tell me they’re nervous or terrible in front of the camera. Well, duh! it’s awkward. It’s why creating an atmosphere of calm + candidness helps to calm your nerves. We’ll work together to schedule your day so that we aren’t doing a marathon photo session but rather; you’re leaving to be alone with your partner in times when you feel like, “PHEW! this is nice to be alone!” And guess what here? You’ll be so happy to be together and ALONE, we’ll make those magical moments you’re craving for your wedding images!

SO! that just so happens to be my recipe for a perfect wedding day. Does it strike a chord to ya? Let’s talk! smash that contact me button + send me all the info I need to know ;) (wow, that was just an experiment to type, and yah, no, that’s not me! ha!)

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Favorite Friday!

favorite wedding venues in and around greater Columbus, Ohio

IS THIS A THING!! Can I share some knowledge with ya!? We’ll go through as many favorites of favorites I can think of until it’s either 1. garden season or 2. wedding season! Ready for a bold start!? Favorite…….wedding venue in Columbus! Let’s go with a top 5!

5

STRONGWATER

bridesmaids stand near window in white dresses in black and white film photo

Strongwater Columbus can start this list off strong. It’s basically a blank slate that a couple can do up as much, or as simple, as their vision allows. It’s easy to access - and the space allows for a variety of set ups on a wedding day. With both indoor and outdoor space, you’re set for any weather… and I’ve seen lots of it! THE rainiest wedding I think I’ve ever experienced…and I promise, while you might worry about rain on your wedding day, it always brings a level of emotion for your guests! AND, LET’S NOT EVEN GET STARTED ON THE SPOTS TO FIND FOR PORTRAITS HERE!!

a bride walks down the aisle with her father at strongwater columbus
man and woman couple standing close at night in a courtyard at strongwater columbus ohio

strongwater

4

corazon

man and woman embrace at corazon wedding venue in a double exposure shot on film
rainbow overlay on film photo at corazon country club
man and woman dance at their tented wedding reception

Vue

2

JORGENSEN OAK GROVE VENUE

MAN AND WOMAN POSE FOR PHOTO IN GREENHOUSE IN COLUMBUS OHIO

You know you live in Ohio when….almost all of your favorite venues are because they are “safe for many kinds of weather.” And, while this is true for this venue, too, it’s hardly hard to see why there are a bajillion other reasons to love it!

an outdoor picnic is set up outside oak grove in columbus ohio

Oak Grove

1

REVERY

bride stands at rooftop venue, Revery, in Columbus Ohio

This venue. Let’s just talk about how wonderful it is that Milo’s Catering went ahead and brought it back to life after what we’ve all been through since 2020. It’s simply stunning. And, a wonderful way to celebrate Columbus.

a double exposure of a man and a women's wedding ceremony shot on film at Revery in Columbus Ohio

It’s wonderful in all the seasons…and Lord knows you can’t count on anything anymore when it comes to consistency in wedding weather!

**addendum**

I’m sorry, this list is incomplete without pointing out that….BY FAR AND AWAY, my absolute favorite place to shoot is on anyone’s private property. Anyone I’ve worked with, or even written back to an inquiry about a private property wedding knows this. There is something so so special about taking a space, meaningful to YOU, and transforming it to a place to welcome your most loved family + friends, and start your married life together.

backyard wedding
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Mary + Kyle | married!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Last year was obviously a weird one, but here’s one you might not have heard. I dreaded getting an email with a client from the upcoming three months. Anytime one came through with the name of an upcoming couple, I feared they were cancelling. LUCKILY, I had a lot of awesome people who decided they could safely and responsibly still get married - to some capacity - and keep me with them. To say I am grateful for my 2020 clients is the understatement of the year.

Mary + Kyle first got on my schedule for engagement photos in February of 2020, the last of the “normal.” They were planning on being married in a huge party at Nationwide Hotel + Conference Center…but decided to keep on with their plans to be married, but instead use Kyle’s family’s property in Delaware. It was perfect. It was a perfect September day, and I’m so excited for you to get a glimpse into their love.

Thanks for being here!


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