Magic. True Love. Hope

Christmas.
What does it mean to you?
Christmas time around the world for a lot of people is a magical time. People seem cheerier and friendlier- they may go out of their way for someone, they may smile at someone randomly. Whatever it may be people seem to have a little bit more of that something. Why is that? Why do we only have it around this time of year? What about the other 365 days? Do those days not warrant such a feeling, such a way of interacting and being with others? Should we crawl back into ourselves and only think of our own wants and needs during the rest of the year? There are movies and songs that remind us of childhood and true love and happily ever after and magic at Christmas. Hope seems to be restored but it is fleeting because we soon get back into the grind of daily life and forget the magic. There is magic. true love. and hope. everyday. but it is a choice to see it. I love Christmas but I love every other day too. Magic and Hope are everywhere! Are you looking? I am.






I was photographing my tree last night and I saw this bell. I was reminded of the book The Polar Express and how the bell still rings for the boy that believes. Does it still ring for you? It rings for me. I hear it every year and as I get older it gets louder. This photo below is dedicated to all of you that truly Believe. May you be blessed this Christmas season.



My challenge for some of you that may have lost hope is to let life romance you. Look for the beauty and forsake what brings you down. Start with Christmas. For me, Christmas represents Hope in things to come. Merry Christmas! Love, Jess

A Christmas Story

These two lovely beautiful women are mother and daughter and two of my very best friends. I've known them for about 10 years now. Jan and I get together about once a week and chat about what's going on in our lives over coffee and as of recent we walk together. (Her idea not mine.) She has been my support and mentor in my life since I've met her. She is wise and always my go-to woman for advice. There isn't anything she doesn't know about me. With her I can be completely and brutally honest about who I am. She is definitely my second mom.
Chelsea is a fabulous young woman who just recently got married to her soulmate (who happens to be a past Abercrombie model.. just sayin...) His name is Blake and they're living the dream in Ohio. Her and I have the kind of friendship where you can go for months without chatting and pick up right where you left off when you see each other again. We don't skip a beat.
Chels came home last weekend briefly and it just so happened that it snowed for the first time this winter. I was inspired and asked Jan and Chels if they were willing to shoot with me. They happily accepted.


Qualities of honesty, courage, or the like; integrity: that is the definition of character and Jan and Chelsea have it. You can't find two more honest people. They are a great example to me and to many others. Both of them are inspiring and I hope that someday I can be like them.



We photographed down town... I really enjoy main street as a backdrop especially at Christmas time!!




Jan and Chels I love you guys sooooooo much!! Thank you for everything you've done... I am eternally grateful and am truly blessed to have two amazing women in my life.


Chelsea I'll see you tomorrow in Ohio!! xoxo Jess

First Family Portrait

I know, I know... my bad... I've been shutter happy lately and I haven't caught up with my editing... Anyway, I photographed these siblings just before Thanksgiving. This was a special shoot for me because it was my first official family portrait since graduation!! WAHOO!! Kelly, Dale, and Jenny were fun to work with and I appreciate them for taking a chance on me and allowing me to photograph a moment in their lives. I hope their parents enjoy their Christmas gift!! Merry Christmas Kelly, Dale, and Jenny!! Thank you again for letting me photograph you!! xoxo Jess