Elise & Brad, the engagement

When I was about seven years old, I had a friend named Elise. She lived on a farm. I did not. She had horses. I did not. She had lots and lots of sisters. I did not. Then...one magical day, she invited me over. To her farm, with her horses and her sisters. I was ecstatic and had adventures in my pocket when I finally went home. Then Elise moved away.

Jump to about eleven years later. I went to college and found out there was another girl named Elise in my class. I'd never met another Elise since the Elise with horses and sisters. It would be a really neat story if I told you that these Elises were the same, right?  Well, they aren't...and that's okay. This isn't Oprah.
But THIS Elise...this Elise at college was cool and elusive and I figured she probably still had lots of sisters. I never really spent a lot of time with this Elise, but we had lots of mutual friends and might have even had a class together. It's a shame our paths didn't cross more.

Then one magical day this past summer, we got to talking at a wedding I was shooting and she was in and I realized how sweet and real this Elise was. I found out shortly after that she was engaged to Brad and then just a few days later, received an email about shooting their wedding! Unfortunately, I was already booked. After donning our white coats and trying our cloning skills in the lab, we realized it just wasn't possible for me to do both weddings, so...we went out to take engagement photos instead.

Umm...Elise and Brad are kind of amazing in front of the camera. Prepare yourself.

Maaaaybe a new favorite of mine!!!

Oh they just have the best time when they're together...so cute!

I'm positive they are going to have pretty children.

These two sacrificed about 20% of the surface of their skin for these field shots, as the moquitos believed they were dinner. I think it was worth it!

This session is my new favorite for this season! Not only were they awesome in front of the camera, but I had such a great time hanging out with them and getting to know them!

Kayla & Alex, the engagement

They've known each other since they were freshmen in high school. They started dating just a couple of years later and have been together ever since! I met Kayla on a very crazy day in August when she moved into the dorms at school the year that I served as a Resident Assistant. I got to know her and her amazingly sweet heart over the next year! I'm so glad to be able to shoot her wedding coming up in a few weeks! Oh goodness...I love this season of watching my friends get married and entering into such a fun stage!

Oooh ohh, FAVE!

Happy engagement Kayla and Alex! Only a few more weeks until your big day!

Cara & Ben, the wedding

Ben and Cara are just really beautiful people. I was so honored to be able to be a part of their grand wedding celebration. I knew from their engagement session that their wedding would be a really fun time, judging by their love for life and each other. I was also really excited to have a good friend of mine, Sunshine Peacock, come along and second shoot with me.

The reception was held at the country club where Cara grew up and so I had to incorporate the greens!

I love, love, looooove this shot of Cara and her mother, especially with her friends looking on in the background!

A sweet moment with Ben and his sister.

Cara was just radiant that day!

Sunshine grabbed these details at the church...love the feel they have!

Their wedding party was not only so much fun to be around, but they also looked fabulous!

The elegant feel of the reception was established by the all of the nice details in the room! Cara's florist did a fantastic job!

Cara and Ben, thank you so very much for letting me watch as the two of you celebrated one of the most meaningful beginnings in your lives! I'm so happy for you both!

Tamera, the graduate

An interactive task for you, in step by step form:

1. Take your dominant finger and hold it up to the screen.
2. Slowly begin to wag it from left to right.
3. Say towards the screen/me, "Tisk, tisk Jessica!"

Yes, I know...it has been an entire week and I did not do a very good job of blogging. Shame. On. Me.
In all fairness though, I was productive last week, just with life in general and not blogging. :-)

I have returned bearing images, ready for you to look upon! Tamera (which is pronounce like, "Camera" (I love that!)) is graduating in a few weeks and making her own announcements. With her remarkable craftiness, I'm positive they are going to be adorable. Of course, we had to get a few images of her for these creations!

I do not know why exactly, but this one just makes me squeal-like-a-child happy! Something about her stance is so elegant... and her face is just radiant! I love it!

Oh Tamera, may your next few weeks be exceptionally great and joy-filled.

The Cotton Palace

Oh what a beautiful morning in Texas. I think I'll take this day to blog about something a little different! A few weeks ago, I took a trip to Waco, Texas with a few other women that I work part time with for a ministry nearby. I'll be blogging about this ministry soon, as it's very near and dear to my heart, but not now, because we aren't quite finished with the new website! When we were in Waco, our wonderful leader surprised us with a weekend retreat at this exceptionally adorable bed and breakfast, The Cotton Palace. I loved this place and will definitely go back some day.

When you look at it from the front, it has a warm feel. When you walk through the doors though, it's even warmer.

I sat in this living room one evening, just journaling to my heart's content and letting the light classical music dance around me while the cozy light from all the lamps fell on me.

This house had a familiar feel to it, like I had been in it before. Something about it seemed like a movie set and like a fake family belonged in it. I think it's style falls among the ranks of Stepmom, Mrs. Doubtfire and Cheaper by the Dozen!

Heading upstairs, there are 5 private rooms, each like a suite. So nice!

And the breakfast, you ask? Well it was just downright scrumptious!

If you're ever in Waco, or wanting to stop on your way to South Texas, look this place up! The people who own it are the sweetest and will help you feel right at home.

Ohhhh...p.s.- I'm in one of these photos and dare you to find me! The first person to correctly find out Where's Waldo Jessica will get a surprise! Seriously...I'm going to send you something cool! Ready, go!