Love, Sweet Love...

Each wedding is as unique as the couples who plan them.  Having two weddings this past weekend, I realized that my approach to each wedding is a little different as well.  I always go in with a plan, I would be lost without my clip board of notes, names and shot lists!  But this particular wedding felt a little more spontaneous or organic when it came to making the portraits.  Don't get me wrong, the list was still there, somewhere on the sidelines if we needed it but there was just a natural flow that felt amazing.  The hardest part of the day was making sure the bride and groom didn't see each other before the big moment.

I know the groom's family pretty well, having taken his senior pictures, and family and engagement portraits last fall (and his dad has spent the better part of May working on my kitchen remodel as our couldn't-do-without contractor!)  They are full of personality and lots and lots of laughter and love!  I think that knowing them the way that I do, really made this day all the more enjoyable for me and I am so honored that they allowed me to be the one to document their day!

The groom and his brothers and sister...

Congratulations Kheyton & Michael!

St Patty's day wedding...

I had the great privilege of spending the morning with this lovely couple and the bride's kids on St Patrick's day!  The wore their green, they are so in love and they have a LOT of fun!  There were tons of giggles, lots of little nuzzles and kisses were certainly not in short supply.  Here is a little peek at their special day:

Group Photo Contest 2011...

These are some groups that I found memorable in 2011.  You can still have your favorite JP moments added simply by contacting me with the one you want to add.  Since some of these have more than one family involved, the prize will go to the person that scheduled the session/ event.  Just leave a comment at the bottom with the # you are voting for.  The same images will be in an album on Facebook so feel free to go there (www.facebook.com/junglingphotoblog) and tag your self and/or share the link on your own page so all your friends and family know where to vote.  I do appreciate new "likes", comment and followers on my Facebook page but it is not required for your vote to count.  Voting is open until Jan 31st at 8pm and the winner will be announced right here so be sure to stop back.


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Picture Perfect!

I have to admit that Mother Nature has been pretty good to me lately when it comes to weddings.  The day of this wedding was not a great forecast and with the ceremony taking place outside, I was one nervous photographer!  I even tried to pick up a protector for my camera just in case the sprinkles started to fall, but none could be found.  All I could do was pray and trust that I wouldn't need one.  I'm very thankful that the weather man got the forecast completely wrong!  The day couldn't have been more beautiful!  Everything on this day was picture perfect....

Another fun thing about this wedding is that I have gotten to know most of the bride's family by working with them over the last few years.  Lots of familiar faces in the wedding party and the congregation.

Aren't they a stunning couple?  Congratulations!

Baby bump in bloom...

I love fall for so many reasons... the cool crisp air, the warm colors of the trees and grass, and I love that I get to see families that I haven't seen since the were in to have fall pictures the year before.  This family first came to see me last fall for an extended family session and I was thrilled to hear from them about doing more this year.  I was equally thrilled to hear that they are expecting a new baby in just a month, so I'll be seeing quite a bit of them before next fall as Baby grows.

Congratulations to your beautiful growing family!  You'll be in my prayers for a safe delivery of your new bundle of joy!

So in love!

I love doing engagement sessions for my brides and grooms and I can't tell you how special and valuable this time with them is to me!  I get to see them interact together, who they are and what their comfort zone is before the big day- which makes the wedding day portraits so much easier for all of us.  These love birds are no exception.  I had so much fun with them and their little man.  I really enjoyed seeing them as a family and how completely in love this groom-to-be is with his bride-to-be.  I'm SO excited for their wedding and can't wait to make more portraits for them.

I should also note that this is the same location as the last engagement that I posted.  It is amazing how I can go to Main Amana so many times and get so many different looks based on where we decide to pose, the time of day and the weather (sun light or lack of).  These were taken closer to sunset and by the time we finished the rain was starting- again.  

Baby Love

You may remember this little blonde cutie and her mommy from a few weeks ago.  Now her baby sister has joined them at home and she is just as sweet as her big sister.

I just LOVE those sleepy baby grins!

Thanks for letting me spend the morning with you and congratulations again on your sweet new baby girl!

And baby makes 3

I was so happy to hear from the mommy of these little ones last week.  I met them about a year ago to create some images that happen to be some of my favorites from last year.  I was so excited to hear that since then they've made an addition to the family.  I think he is going to fit right in with his big sister and brother and is loved very much.

Congratulations on your sweet new little guy and I'm so glad we were able to get you in on such short notice!