Rebecca & Alec | In-home Engagement Session

Perhaps I tend to over-romanticize the simple things.  I am recalling a time when Rich said "Jess, sometimes a picture of me brushing my teeth is JUST a picture of me brushing my teeth."   But I can't help it!  That is what photography does.  It freezes a seemingly normal everyday exchange and forces us to experience it slower, with emotion.  The nostalgia is built right in. 

Rebecca and Alec wanted to ride their bikes around the lake by their house, bring a blanket and seek out some changing leaves. The moment they mentioned staying close to home I pictured a cozy fall evening, hot chocolate and arms wrapped around each other.  

Why?  Because when Rich's parents chat with us about those first years together, they tell us about the small apartment, being completely poor, covering cardboard boxes with sheets to use as nightstands and spending their last dime on a fancy date night dinner; and you FEEL it.  Because my friend Katie didn't clean up all the toys or apologize for a lack of space when I came to visit, but hugged and played and loved on her baby all morning. Because I have a little wooden box on our shelves that I am filling with images from our home, because I already know I will miss our little quirky apartment and the stories we are creating there. 

And because Rebecca and Alec don't need to be on a mountaintop to proclaim their love.  They love each other right up close, and this session was about the spaces that fills.  

Katy & Sean | Kentucky Wedding Photography

Katy & Sean invited me all the way to Kentucky to celebrate alongside them for their day.  Right away I was welcomed in.  The venue Wilson's Nursery was simply breathtaking and this couple was such a joy to photograph.  I got sucked into the fun and danced the night away, then joined them in the morning to explore the town, and with shot of bourbon was sent on my way home.

The opportunity to fly to somewhere new,  be met with open arms and invited into two peoples story really is amazing.  On top of that, a story so completely saturated with love; I am humbled with gratitude. 

Rachel & Devin | Minneapolis Wedding Photography

This post has been sitting in draft for awhile.  Mostly because the words to articulate my gratitude for this couple and the community that surrounds them have just not come, everything falls short.

Because the joy these two carry is contagious.

Because they value the small things like shared breakfast, and love letters, and homemade details.

Because their day was filled with quiet moments including the most intimate and romantic ceremony I have had the honor of witnessing.  

And because they remind everyone that surrounds them to love fearlessly and fully with all their heart. 

 

Reception:  514 Studios

Shout out to the best second shooter always: Gabe Photography