Downtown Portland, Maine Wedding for Kati and Andrew 3/30/13

Kati came to meet me with her mother and maid of honor when she was picking out her photographer. She is one of the most down to earth and easy to get along with people I have had the pleasure of working with. I truly loved her laid back and easy approach to the wedding. Even when she got somewhat stuck trying to get into her dress she kept her cool and went right back to her beautiful giant smile directly afterward. 

I loved getting to capture the friends and family portraits right in downtown Portland as the sun was setting. The Old Port is such a beautiful part of the city and I always love taking portraits there. 

Andrew and Kati have a wonderful way together and they are truly at ease with each other. Their friends and family obviously adore them. And they all knew how to have a great party! As always Brian Zutter made the dance floor magical with his amazing lighting and great choices for keeping the party going all night!

A huge thank you also to Melanie Voros from Blissful Beginnings for making the day flow so smoothly. And if you want the most amazingly delicious (as well as lovely) wedding cake call Jessica from Nothing Bakes Like A Parrott. Yum! I am proud to be able to work with some of the best wedding vendors in the area and recommend them. (:

So here Kati and Andrew are some highlights of your beautiful day and the beginning of your life together. I thank you for allowing me to get to know you both and capture your love. Cheers to many years of happiness together!!

In love and life...Jen

As always I have started with my favorite portraits from the day. 

A beautiful angle taken by amazing assistant Jamie. 

So grateful to Jamie for capturing this emotional moment. I love this portrait of Kati's mom Vicky seeing her cross the street. 

Montego Bay Jamaica Wedding for Kayce and Scott 3/16/13

I always have to start out each blog entry with my favorite portrait. So this post starts with this portrait that I am in love with of the beautiful Kayce. She is inside one of the buildings at the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa at Montego Bay, Jamaica. The resort is, of course, right on the beach and if you haven't visited there yourself I can say it truly looks like the postcard portraits that you may have seen!

I met Kayce, who is also a professional photographer, at a workshop that we both took several years ago in Cape Cod. We became fast friends and they have come up from New Orleans to visit us here in Maine. I was SO excited when she called and asked me to photograph their wedding in Jamaica! It was a very intimate event with just them and their two children. Having already met Spencer (my daughter is in love with him - and how could she not be...see the photos to follow) I was thrilled at the chance to spend some time with the family and get to know Sierra a bit as well. The backdrop of Jamaica made my job that much easier. 

Kayce and Scott chose a ceremony location on the beach more removed from the bustle of the hotel on the far end of the beach. It was quiet and perfect for them. The next morning we got up and went back out to take some really fun family and couple portraits in the water! 

I love getting to also do some creative work at night. The sunsets in Jamaica do not disappoint (shocking!) and I truly loved their wedding dinner on the beach which was surrounded by candles and tiki torches. So romantic. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention the truly wonderful staff at the hotel. They go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need, of course, but they also take the time to get to know you and help you in any way that they can to ensure that you are relaxed and care free during your stay. It really stood out to me what a warm and relaxed culture they strive to live in. I tried to bring some of that home with me. 

I can't wait to go back to Jamaica to visit and to capture more beautiful moments for the families that choose this amazing location to begin their marriage. 

In love and life...Jen 

(P.S. to see the photos larger just click on the photo) 

My introduction to Jamaica began with the amazing views out the plane window. Then there was the view right outside my room and my early morning meeting with Jerry . He lived on the property ( far out of the way). 

Wedding day!!

LOVE this portrait too. 

My other favorite of Kayce. The camera loves her. As do I. 

These two were so easy and fun to be around. I love them so much. Hugs to you both!!

All family portraits should involve jumping in the ocean!! If only Maine were a bit warmer.  (:

A romantic wedding dinner by the sea...

Maine Audubon Society at Gilsland Farm, Critter Visit, Falmouth Maine

I have always been an animal lover. When I was a kid I would collect bugs and went on to have my own pet lizard. Yup, I was that kid. There is no creature that I can't find adorable or really cool in some way. So today, while still a bit chilly, it was really sunny and beautiful and I decided to visit the Maine Audubon Society at Gilsland Farm in Falmouth. 

I have been here many times, but usually with my daughter and a few other children. Tonight I took my camera around dinner time (for all creatures) and went alone. Here are a few of the friends that I made. I am not a nature photographer by any stretch and my time with these guys had me respecting the folks that do this for a living even more. But I wanted to share these since they made me smile. I hope they do the same for you...and maybe inspire you to go be outside for a bit. 

Life is lovely when you slow down and watch.

See you soon- Jen