Well, we finally gave in and started (or, well, revamped) our own Facebook page.  Join us over there; you can “like” us, see our latest session previews before they hit the blog, read reviews, or just hang out and waste time when you’re at work!  We can’t wait to see you there.

www.facebook.com/jessicaamesphotography

The week of the wedding, they had been predicting chances of rain.  When I arrived at the hotel, I noticed a small Mary statue facing the window; a wish for good weather for the day.  And it was then I knew that this was going to be an amazing day.  The many prayers, thoughtfulness and love that had been poured into this single day was overwhelming.

I first met Deanna and her sister in their hotel room, which was filled with gorgeous, lovely afternoon light.  Deanna was absolutely glowing and anxious to begin all the preparations.  On a hanger hung an absolutely stunning gown and her mother’s vintage veil.  I found Dan and his groomsmen; smiling, laughing and in good spirits.  Everyone looked so blissfully happy, and the excitement was contagious.  In Deanna’s room, it was filled with mothers, relatives, friends and family; all anxious to see her in her gown.  I saw her father’s eyes well with tears.

At the church small lanterns graced the pews.  Vintage handkerchiefs were available for the guests.  A small girl was seated on the floor, coloring in a coloring book on the pew bench as Deanna walked down the aisle.  When they saw each other, they both smiled so big that I thought the whole world would feel an explosion of love.  After they were finally married, they kissed several times as the guests loudly applauded.

Deanna and Dan had a long, lovely first dance to God Only Knows by the Beach Boys.  The first piece of cake they shared was so gentle and loving.  Everyone danced and drank until the next day, until Canyon pizza was delivered as a late night snack.  All the love in the air that day was so intoxicating, Lucas and I slept in late the following morning from what felt like a love hangover.

Want to see even more?  Here’s the slideshow: http://jessicaames.com/Deanna&Dan

I just finished my final edits for Deanna and Dan’s wedding, which I wanted to share today, but it would be remiss to start there without first telling you about the first time they were in front of my lens.

Tonight I was listening to Regina Spektor’s song “Us.”  In it, she sings over and over “and it’s contagious” and that’s exactly the way I feel around being Deanna and Dan.  Their love and happiness is contagious and you can’t help feel like the world is a bit warmer and lighter when you’re around them.  Dan is completely smitten with Deanna, and her eyes just sparkle in front of Dan.  They renew a sense of love in this world, especially when it can feel so caustic and cold at times.

For their engagement session last fall, they let me share some of their most favorite college memories with them.  I listened to Dan play songs for Deanna under the trees, just like he used to in the dorm.  We rode the Cata bus loop that they rode for years.  We went to their favorite spots on campus.

In the coming days, I’ll share some wedding photographs and stories.

Meet Cassidy, a girl after my own heart.  Cassidy, her sister and I drove around the outskirts of State College a couple of weeks ago, listening to indie music while exploring back roads and abandoned fields.  We shot at several spots, but for now, I wanted to share this simple series of a beautiful young woman, with her book of antique book of french grammar, in a blooming field.

I sometimes have to pinch myself when I think about this session.  Cassidy is so humble, honest and refreshing, so much so that our session together renewed a part of me.  See, sometimes you’re on the exact same wavelength as a client; sometimes we click so perfectly; sometimes it’s about creating all the photographs in your head.  For me, Cassidy helped me make these photographs that I dream about.

This weekend was absolutely amazing.  A wedding in a cute chapel with small lady bugs landing on the shoulders of guests?  Check.  A vintage inspired bride?  Check.  A reception at the American Philatelic Society?  Check.

I’m so unbelievably lucky that the most unique, thoughtful couples somehow find me to photograph their wedding.  Tonight I’m feeling so grateful and just darn lucky that I can do what I love.