Cody and Jimmy's West Coast Wedding
Like so many couples, 2020 prevented Cody and Jimmy from having the exact wedding they envisioned. But it couldn't stop their love and it couldn't stop them from committing their lives to one another. These two adapted, figured out a new plan and said "I Do!"
Cody had a number of "something borrowed" including this gorgeous, delicate ring.
Cody and Jimmy love saying that they'll love each other "even when they're ghosts". Cody got Jimmy this beautiful pocket watch as a nod to their favorite saying.
Cody and Jimmy's adorable dogs were their flower girls and were dressed to the nines! Audrey and Leela were quite the showstoppers.
The lovebirds chose to a "First Look" and the look on Jimmy's face while he waits for his bride is priceless.
Time to make this family official!
McGrath Ranch and Gardens was the perfect venue. The light and the trees created an almost gothic southern look to the property.
I was more than obsessed with the moody light casting over Cody in the bridal suite. "Even When We're Ghosts" came to mind as I captured this image.
Not only did Cody's parents escort her down the aisle, they officiated over the wedding! I loved how involved their families were in the ceremony.
There was so much laughter and humor, not only were Jimmy and Cody connected but it was clear how connected they were to their families. It was really beautiful to see.
The other thing that took my breath away was the way the early evening light danced around Cody through out the entire ceremony. She truly looked magical as vows were exchanged.
They did it!
After the ceremony we hurried back to the beach so we could play in the perfect sunset. The rich hues and sparkling water was the perfect backdrop for their first photoshoot as husband and wife!
Even when they're ghosts....
Meet the team!
Planning: Events By Emily Kay
Video: Joshua Sallach Creative
Venue: McGrath Ranch and Garden
HMUA: La Rouge Artistry
DJ: Red Shoe LA
Bouquet: Lori's Flowers
Rentals: Amigo Party Rentals
Cake: Sugar Labe Bake Shop
Sunrise Elopement in Outer Space
Like pretty much everybody who planned to get married in 2020, Katie and Jeremy had their wedding plans foiled by the pandemic. While they're big wedding has been rescheduled for 2021, they didn't want to reschedule the important part... the marriage. So these two Space Nerds grabbed a few of their masked nearest and dearests and opted to elope at one of the most infamous sci-f shooting locations.
Vasquez Rocks.
Katie and Jeremy opted for a sunrise ceremony and I'm so glad they did. The ever changing, gorgeous sky and these ancient rock formations were the perfect backdrop for this galactic affair.
This ceremony had no exchange of rings as Katie and Jeremy had already been wearing theirs for awhile. Instead, they did a "flashing of the rings"!
After the brief, heartfelt ceremony... we were off for some fun! In the pandemic, wedding photos look a lot different than they used to. But even with masks on, photos can still be absolutely epic.
Can you spot the Jedis that made a guest appearance?
After we had gotten some gorgeous shots of them in their wedding jumpsuits, they changed into some costumes! We couldn't pass up the chance to recreate some famous Star Trek moments.
Thanks for taking me to outer space with you, Katie and Jeremy. May your love burn as bright as the stars.
Unstoppable: Love in the Time of Covid
20-freaking-20.... I don't even need to sum it up. We've all felt and witnessed how incredibly challenging, painful and personal this year has been to us all. Everyday brings us new heartbreaking events and new waves of emotion as we all try to process what's been happening. Yet, nestled in all of this pain and discomfort, there are still moments of profound beauty and wonderful joy and I would love to shine a light on one of those moments. So many beautiful couples have had their wedding plans interrupted but one of my amazing couples realized that even though their plans for a huge spring wedding wasn't going to happen, a wedding was not the same thing as a marriage. And they could still ABSOLUTELY have that. Meghann and Mark selected their wedding date because it was their 5th anniversary. Their wedding was canceled but their marriage could still happen. Covid be damned!
No gatherings of larger than five people and they must maintain a distance of six feet. No problem. Come take a peek at how these beautiful humans worked with what they were given!
Meghann and Mark were fortunate enough to have some friends who own a parcel of land in Malibu with some sweeping views. Their friends cleared the brush away from the ceremony space the week before and then remained in the safety of the house from an observable distance. I came armed with my long distance lenses and a facemark. Their two witnesses kept a healthy distance and their officiant and family joined them from the safest possible way- via Zoom!
Was it what they planned on? Of course not! Was it still magical? HELL YES.
Meghann's waterworks started immediately. There is something so incredible and affirming about exchanging vows with the one you love the most. Her gratitude and reverence in the moment was so touching.
Excuse me, you two. That is not socially distanced!!!
Sweet Meghann literally danced for joy after they said I Do. I've never seen a happier bride.
After they were wed, we headed back to their apartment for a reception for two- plus all their friends and family joining in on Zoom!
Meghann and Mark's apartment complex is like something out of a sitcom. Everyone knows and loves each other and their darling neighbors came out to offer a cheers from a distance!
These two went ALL OUT on the decorations in their apartment. I was so damn impressed at how they put out for themselves.
While they're loved ones tuned in on Zoom, the newlyweds cut the cake and popped off a couple of confetti cannon!
Ultimately, a wedding and a marriage are two very different things. The world threw every obstacle in the book at these two and they handled it in stride and with the most amazing sense of humor. And if they can find love and joy in the time of Covid, they can do anything together.
FaceTime Sessions: The ultimate long-distance photoshoot.
What a WILD month we have had. It is now March 44th (I think... I'm really not sure) and Los Angeles' Stay At Home orders have been extended until mid-May at least. I have cycled thru all of the stages of grief MULTIPLE TIMES during this ordeal. There are days when I'm totally at peace and baking in the kitchen and everything feels....kinda nice.
And then.... well, you know.
As a small business owner, this is just about the worst case scenario. Overnight my income dried up. And I know I'm not alone. Everyone's lives have been turned upside-down. And when you're creative outlet and your source of income are one and the same? This shit is DEPRESSING.
But there were only so many days of sadness and boredom that I could handle. I moped and cried and let the existential dread wash over me and then... I got creative. I knew I didn't want all this time to pass without shooting or adding to my portfolio but I needed to find a way to do it without actually coming into contact with anyone.
Thank god for technology!
FaceTime sessions have been the answer to all my prayers. I'm creating again, interacting with amazing people and bringing a welcome distraction to my client's lives during this difficult time. These sessions are incredibly freeing and perfectly imperfect. Unlike my typical sessions, the images I produce aren't high-res. They have a vintage, almost film-like appearance to them. My clients don't have fret about hair and makeup because those details aren't as apparent in the final images. They have texture, grit and fully embrace this abnormal world we're all just surviving in.
I know they've already been rolling around in your head so let's just get right into it, shall we?
THE FAQ's
How does this work, exactly?
I call you on FaceTime from my computer and you answer on your phone. First you'll give a little tour of your space so I can determine the best location for lighting and then we'll get down to business! I have my clients bring a clean coffee cup to serve as a tripod and I tell you where and how to set up the phone. Then I direct you on where to go and what to do. Using FaceTime's live capture I can actually take photos using your phone that are then saved to my computer. These sessions are short, they take only about 20 minutes.
I'm an Android user... can I still do this?
Yes! For Android users I use Zoom to do your session. However as we are using an application that isn't secure, you need to be comfortable with an outside 3rd party potentially having access to your photos.
What kind of sessions are you offering over FaceTime!
All kinds! I think this method is particularly awesome for boudoir and portraits but it works amazing for family or engagement sessions too!
How much is a session?
$30 for 5 images.
WTF. Why so cheap?
These sessions are NOT meant to take the place of a regular "real" photography session. As I stated before, while these images are fun and beautiful, their low-resolution does not make them ideal for printing. They are meant to be viewed on a phone. If you were to decide to print them, I wouldn't print them much larger than wallet sized. Maybe a 2x3.
ALSO
We're all in quarantine, dammit! Many of us have lost our jobs or have seen a drastic cut in hours and pay. Businesses have been shuttered and we're all trying to keep our heads above water. I priced these sessions based on the effort it takes me to create them and understanding that pretty much every human in our country is in need of something fun and affordable to distract them from *gestures wildly* all of this. One of my beautiful clients is in the third trimester of her pregnancy and had all but given up on the hope of having a maternity session done until she found out about my sessions. When the world goes back to normal, so will my sessions and my pricing. Until then, let's loosen up and have a little fun.
My iPhone is old and kinda sucks.... can I still do one of these sessions?
Absolutely! The older the iPhone, the more film-like and "grainy" your images will seem but personally, I like that.
Oh yeah, I can also make some rad GIF's from these sessions!
Will these sessions be a permanent offering?
Nope. This is a temporary offering. As soon as the Stay At Home orders are lifted and we can resume normal business, these sessions will be going bye bye.
How do I book one?
Just get in touch. I have tons of availability and I'm pumped to do these. Plus, it's really nice to see a human face that isn't mine or my husbands. Though I do love his face.
So there you have it! FaceTime Sessions are the way to capture family memories and moments without having to leave the house! They're perfect!
Of course, if you have any follow up questions or want to book a session... you know how to find me.
xoxo
-j
Ashley and Jon's Stunning Backyard Wedding
When backyard weddings come to mind, people often think of low-key affairs and humble barbecues. Well, Ashley and Jon may have low-key attitudes and humble hearts but they also have absolutely AMAZING taste. These two put together one of the most gorgeous backyard weddings I've ever seen. With the help of their incredible friends and family, they executed a vision that I would expect from a high-end venue and experienced planner. Everything was so beautifully styled but the intimacy of their dear friend's home allowed them to focus on what was really important to them... each other and the people they love.
Ashley and Jon met where everyone meets these days... in a cozy, romantic corner of the internet. Jon is a musician and he artfully created the perfect playlist of music to guide the guests thru the emotions and moments of the day. Ashley is a talented actress who envisioned and created the stunning design of the wedding.
Ashley and Jon are far from traditional, so I made sure to have a little fun when shooting their rings.
Their ceremony was simple, loving and fully supported by their chosen family of friends. Their officiants, Melissa and Aaron, were the also the hosts of the wedding and married to each other. Ashley's bridesmaids were the most special women from different, important chapters of her life. Jon's groomsman are an extremely tight knit group of friends. So close that when I was gathering Jon and Ashley's families for formal portraits, the groomsmen inserted themselves into the large group family photo. I looked at my list of names and asked them if they were all in Jon's family. "Yes, we're family" they answered with complete sincerity. Moments later they looked around and realized why I was confused. "Ohhhhh, you meant like, 'blood related'. No, that's not us."
It was beyond charming.
"Meow meow meow, meow meow meow. MEOW."
Jon and Ashley knew what that meant. It's why they're perfect for each other.
Yasssss girl, that's your mans. Put a ring on it!
They do!
I couldn't get over Ashley's glamorous Old-Hollywood look. Once again, her talented and loving friend, Melissa, stepped in to assist. She executed Ashley's flawless look.
Once the reception was underway the ceremony site transformed into its true and rightful purpose: CAKE STATION.
Like, the PERFECT cake station.
Congratulations, Ashley and Jon. I'm so grateful that you trusted me and my team to capture this gorgeous day that you created to celebrate your love. I wish you a lifetime of meows and happiness.