Mother's Day Event 2016 at Bostic Lake Ranch in Redmond, Wa

The night is still young but the event is winding down, some of you have chosen to stay. We head up the wooden stairs to the upper loft of the barn at Bostic Lake Ranch. The ceilings are high and drenched with white christmas lights. When you squint your eyes it's like a million shining stars, the ambiance of the room is calm, warm and welcoming. We pull up chairs and squish ourselves to one table so we can be closer. Elbows and knees touching but smiling and laugher fills the loft. The left over wine sets in the middle of the table and dessert is beckoning at each of us to just take one bite of that beautiful naked cake!

I think Sarah W. starts and gets us laughing so hard about her mom's new boobs. "She was so proud of them, she wouldn't wear a shirt or bra and just go walking outside."

Roughly 5 hours before we were all sitting around a table together, girls from all over Washington state pulled up to Bostic Lake Ranch, the sun was shining and magic was in the air. As girls filed in, make up and hair started.

They were all different but here for the same reason, at a young age they all lost their mothers. Some didn't have their mother's at their wedding to pester them about their hair style or to be a grandma when they had their first child. Each story is a little different but one thing is for sure, they all loved their mother's to the core of their being, and every word of wisdom their mother shared with them dances on their hearts daily & feels even stronger as mother's day rolls around.

Here's what happens when they all meet.

Sisters Tara and Alicia lost their mother more recently and the tears are flowing. Girls that have been going through this for a long time, offer loving advice, always real and genuine. "It never gets easier sweet, but you learn to live with it and realize she's still here if you just talk to her."

As the night ends, the moon shines bright, the girls hug for a long time, constantly exchanging I love yous, swearing this is exactly what they needed but didn't even know they needed it.

Love Always,

Jessica

   Thank you to all our sponsors including families that donated $25.00 a piece to cover costs! We are so grateful to be able to put the event on!Venue- Bostic Lake RanchTable Setting Design, Invitation Design & pretty much there to make it AWESOME! - Alissa Lawton with Gather EventsMake up and Hair ArtistsMichelle WightMake up by TimmiArmand LeslieDanielle HarriganTaylor WickmanAdrienne Ryan GrayDinner & Apeteizers_ El Gaucho- Bellevue  &  Juice BarGift bags- Wine from Delille Cellars, Cards- Kaitlin Goodey  Jewelry from LoriFurniture- Becca from Northwest Vintage RentalsTables-Seattle Farm TablesMusic-Leslie Ann Wheatley with Seattle PartiesPhotographers Miguel Cornelio Photography & Devion Hagen PhotographyFlowers & Flower Crowns- Althauser Design

My Story of HOW I FOLLOWED MY DREAMS

Let me start off by saying growing up I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. This happens often with artists because we often have many things we love doing! I wanted to be a dancer, if possible for Mariah Carey, a writer, maybe someone who drew pretty things for holiday cards, a basketball player, a pianist, the list goes on.

People often commented that I was great with children and that I should go into teaching.

 I remember being 18 and driving to my barista job, that I LOVED.  I was thinking, why is there so much pressure to know what you want to do? What if I figure it out,  but not until I'm older? Which is exactly what happen.

Fast forward 6 years later and 100's of lattes later.

I had been teaching for 2 years. It was late, around 11pm and I couldn't sleep. My husband was fast asleep next to me and my brain was going 100 mph. I wasn't happy with where my career was going. I had gotten home that night around 7pm. We had Open House that night. Of course all of us teacher's swore we wouldn't talk late to parents so we could be home at a decent hour to be with our own families but we never follow through. We are all talk, of course we will stay late. We care about our students as if they're our own children.

We all should have been done by 6pm,  but parents have questions so we stay. We smile, we glance at the clock when they're not looking at us, and keep a smile. Anwsering every question. We know they work too and face to face conversations are always more effective. So we stay.  The next parent comes, same questions, same answers, same smiles. Glance at the clock. They thank us repeatedly for our time, I smile and say you're welcome. Okay maybe Open House wasn't so bad.

My daughter's bed time is in an hour and I haven't seen her all day.  Another question, another smile, glance at the clock. I want to go home.

Mykenzie at 3 Years old! Our neighbor Andrea and my college roommate used to watch her for me and gifted me with these adorable pictures!

I ran to my car, literally full out sprint. It's 7:15pm and I live 3.5 miles away. I do the math and figure I can get home by 7:25 if the red light at Market Street isn't heavy with traffic. It's pouring outside and the rain feels great on my head, except my feet are soaked. I blast the heat on my feet and take off. I zoom past Taco Bell resisting the urge to feed my stress with a delicious Crunch Wrap Supreme. I hesitate and almost turn around for that Crunch Wrap but than I remember my daughter.

DANG IT! Fender bender at Market Street, this light is cursed!! I should have stopped at Taco Bell.

Holding Mykenzie when she was just a few months old and I was 18.

I'm home by 7:45pm  and my daughter is in her pajamas, playing with her toys.  She runs up and hugs me, my husband hands me a glass of wine and says dinner is in the fridge. I tell him about Open House, my daughter tells me about her day before she brushes her teeth and I tuck her in.

My husband and I snuggle up on the couch and watch whatever is on channel 4, 5, or 7.  We can't afford cable so we watch whatever is on and mostly talk about our day.  A rerun of Big Bang Theory plays in the background, my husband says we have already seen this one so we decide to move to our nightly routine.

Our routine is one of my favorite times of the day.

I had been working on my Master's Program after teaching all day. Yes, that's a cat taking advantage of my tired state.

We grunt and helped each other up and head to the kitchen. It's time to prep for tomorrow. Taylor Swift's album, Fearless has become our cleaning album. When you have a young child, you learn quickly that your Eminem, Rage Against the Machine, and other music you love just can't be blasted in house anymore. Anytime I hear White Horse, I have an urge to do the dishes!

I turn the iHome on, scroll to T-swift and we move around our 7 x 7 feet kitchen space getting coffee ready,  lunches,  dishes,  wiping counters,  joking around,  kissing,  prepping smoothies,  putting leftovers away, deciding on which mugs to use and setting out travel mugs,  feed the cat,  kiss again, hold the cat for a second,  fill water bottles,  whip off the stove,  sweep,  kiss,  mop,  set lunch boxes out, prep breakfast,  hold the cat again,  dream of having a bigger kitchen,  kiss,  take garbage out, and turn off iHome. We got through 5 Taylor Swift songs and lights out. Head to bed.

We read for a little while, joked around and lights out. Chris normally works night shift so he is asleep fast within minutes.

Mom brain happens.

I start reflecting on Open House, what I promised families, what do I need to bring tomorrow, who do I need to email, who forgot which form…..this goes on for what feels like forever. I glance at the clock. I've been laying here for 2 hours thinking about my to do list for tomorrow.

I determine it's a waste of time,  because I'm now messing with my sleep and I can't accomplish any of it right now.  I saw my own family for maybe an hour, my daughter for 15 mins! I'm losing sleep over things that won't get done if I'm half asleep tomorrow!

Now I'M REALLY MAD!! I realize something needs to change and NOW!!!

I calm down, and think to myself the first thought that changed it all.

I don't want to do this anymore.

That is when everything changes.

I pray.

I can see the street lamp letting in a yellow ambiance through our 1950's curtains that came with the apartment, and I stare at it. Like it has some power, street lamp, help me.

I think if my life has to be like this for the next 30 years, I will throw up.  I'm ready to let go, whatever I am MEANT to do, I'm giving it to you, God, universe, street lamp, whatever is out there. I'm yours. I'm done being in control, this isn't what I want. I want more time with my family, I want to watch my daughter grow up, not only spend quality time with my husband when we are doing our nightly routine,  TIME I want more TIME!

 I'm ready, I am letting go. I did the single most hardest thing I think any human being has a hard time with.

Letting go.

I fell asleep and truly let go. If the universe felt I need to work fast food, I would have done it. That's how much I truly let go! As long as it was Taco Bell.

The change happened instantly.

2 Weeks later.

I had taken some photographs of my daughter at sunset.  I had a history with Photography but didn't really take it seriously or ever believe I could make a living with it.

First Lesson: When you don't believe in yourself,  you're your own worst enemy.

The lighting was addicting.  It was beautiful and I had wondered if other photographers had caught on to this beautiful light.  Now I know it's called the "Golden Hour." Silly me!

A friend saw the images on Facebook, she asked if I could take images of her kids. I laughed, not realizing this would be my start.

I took her images for free, she bought me dinner. I delivered the images that night via Facebook. She shared them, people commented…tons of comments. I sat at my kitchen table with my laptop refreshing the screen to read new comments. It was addicting, it was a high. What the hell, they're just pictures, why are people loving these?

Literally dozens and dozens of comments. By the end of the night I had 4 shoots lined up for the weekend.

I completed all the shoots, for free. I realize how much time I was using up, my weekends are my time with family but it felt right. I wasn't sure how to express it but yes I was working full time as a teacher then using my weekends to shoot. How is this helping me spend more time with my family, I'm actually spending less but for some reason it feels RIGHT.

The next weekend I had booked 2 more shoots and decided to charge $20 for my time.

The next weekend I had my first engagement session at Pike Place. They asked me to shoot their wedding. I was excited and nervous so I offered to do it for free.

The engagement sessions got me a couple other weddings. Weird.

My first wedding came. I LOVED IT! LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT!!

Instead of coming home tired, mad, exhausted, I was dancing through the door. Excited to load photos, share stories with my husband.

I started booking up months in advance. I started a business page on Facebook and was THRILLED when I got 31 likes in a day. It felt like a million.

I hosted my first contest and got over 1000 likes. Those led to more bookings. Thanks Facebook.

I posted sneak peeks almost daily, more likes, more comments.

I reached 2000.

I was booking weddings. I had 3 lined up for the Summer.

I had a few companies reach out to me,  to be in wedding shows. However I didn't have a website so I wasn't creditable.

Second lesson. Get your stuff together if you're serious about starting your own business.

Other photographers started reaching out, we started liking each other's business pages,  giving support. I reached 3000!

I set up a styled shoot, held a giveaway and contacted my favorite venders. Jessica Drossin being my MOST favorite!!

I didn't think she would email me back but she DID!!!!!!  She may have not known it then but her reply gave me the confidence to keep going.

I bought a new camera. Third Lesson- have GREAT equipment!

I finished my 2nd year of teaching. I went into my 3rd year, it went by fast, I worked 2 full time jobs. My 4th year teaching, same thing but this time my energy was at an all time HIGH! My happiness from photography was transferring into my teaching. I started a dance club, I was smiling all the time, my IA commented that I'm seriously on a high right now, my classroom is literally filled with rainbows. She pointed out a HUGE rainbow I had the kids make, and rainbows that were hanging from the ceiling, and all the fruit and veggies lined on the table for the snacks.  My life was FULL of color.

I was fulling living and it was showing in all areas of my life.

I realized that year I could do Photography full time. I had gotten home from having 4 shoots over the weekend and made more in that weekend than I did 2 weeks teaching. The checks were sitting on my key table by the door. I kept staring at them, adding them up. I deducted the taxes I would owe and I still made enough to pay bills.

I looked over at Chris and explained to him what I noticed. He complimented me, "Great job, babe!"

I replied, "I think I can quit teaching."

He looked at me kind of shocked, did the math in his head and then said, "Yeah I think you can. It's up to you, just let me know what you want to do."

Then I told him what I had prayed about a couple years prior. What I really want, is more family time, I want to go to Kenz's first day of school, all her sports games, practices, ballet, eat breakfast together without being stressed, have her know I'm always available.

"I should do one more year and make it the best ever!" I replied, "Whatever you want to do babe, I trust you."  He replied.

Okay that was it.

Because of photography we could afford to buy a new car and move.  We bought a house with a yard close to our family.

Most important I spend MOST of my time with my family!!

Mykenzie with her brother Cash and cousins, Emmie & Bailey playing on our property!

Our chickens Lucky and Dusty eating radishes from our garden!

I was really sad to leave Seattle and my school! It was an amazing school and still is.  I had built strong connections with families and other teachers. However I wanted that connection with my own family.  I still miss the families, teachers and students!

I spent the entire Summer with Kenz and only worked on the weekends. School started and I played a different role this time, Mom, not teacher!!  I went to her first day of school and cried about 10 times! I was so excited to drop her off, linger around, and take a million pictures!

I went home, did some editing, blog posts, booked a few shoots, updated my website, cleaned the house, prepped dinner, and eagerly waited to pick her up!!

When Chris and I jumped in the car to pick her up, we couldn't stop smiling. This was our life now!

NO STRESS!

I gave her the biggest hug ever, we talked the entire way home, went through her new school packet, played Catan, ate dinner, she helped pack her lunch for the next day, we laid around talking and laughing. It was a freaking dream. I WAS FULLY ENJOYING MY DAUGHTER'S TIME! With no where to be or nothing to worry about,  it was perfect. It took 3 years to get to this place but all the hard work was worth it!

This became our regular, we were all spending so much time together, it felt weird when we weren't together. I coached Cross Country and Track, I went to all of her school activities, her grades were getting better and better because we had time to work on her homework together and figure out where she needed help. She got first place in Cross Country in her grade level because I had time to work with her, she started Gymnastics because we had time to commit to it. I was seeing more growth in my daughter than I had in years, our time together was invaluable and priceless. I prayed for other families and that they also would get this opportunity.

The next school year I had the option to go back to my classroom but if I chose to take another year off I would lose my classroom but still have the option of teaching in Seattle Schools. I was still unsure of what to do, the growth in my daughter made me want to take another year off,  but could we afford it.

We did the math, our budget was tight, really tight but we could do it. We just needed to make financially smart choices!

Thank you to all of you that support Raney Day and keep coming back. Your loyalty and support is what made my dream come true. My family will forever and always know what being a family is supposed to feel like because of you.

Thank you!

If you're ever questioning if you can accomplish your dreams, you can. However, don't be scared of the hard work, time, and dedication. It will pay off and NO IT WON'T HAPPEN OVER NIGHT. If you have a focus and know what you're working towards it will happen. I never expected anyone to help me, bail me out in hard times,  or hand me anything. I knew the benefits of starting at the bottom and working my way up on my own. It was a slow process but I was always gaining ground. I'm still gaining ground and working towards new goals. Some of these goals probably won't happen for 5-10 years but I'm still chipping away at them.

If you ever need support and a little push to follow your dreams, message me! I'll be your biggest supporter and number 1 fan!

Stay beautiful!

Love,Jessica

Dear Daughter's on Mother's Day (For those with Mother's that have passed away)

Dear Alicia,  Amanda,  Sara C,  Sarah G, and Stephanie,

I can't even begin to explain what happen.  Devine intervention, The Universe, God, whatever you believe,  this story is from a higher power.

It was a few days before Mother's Day and I wasn't worried to much about it. I was scrolling Facebook and saw a post, "A Letter to Motherless daughters on Mother's Day." I didn't feel like crying, so I didn't read it.

However that moment, reading that title,  took my heart in a completely different direction for that week than I had planned. It was your Mothers. There is no other explanation.

I started making calls, sending messages to my closest friends, clients and anyone I knew that lost their mother. If you recall it sounded something like this, "Hey, do you want to come and do a fun photo shoot with me on Friday, it's suppose to be beautifully sunny out. It will be fun and low key."

My gift from the universe is pictures. I might not always have the right words, or best answers but if you're feeling blue, I can take your picture and watch you light up when you see how beautiful you are! I can do that!

That simple gesture turned into a life changing experience for me. Thank you for that.   

 I am close to all of you for different reasons, all from different walks of life and all at different stages of your mother's death.

 In two days I planned for you to be at my house, hair and make up artists lined up,  and I would do a session with you Edmond's beach at sunset.

Little did I know the magic that was about to play out in all our lives.

Venders jumped on board and everything we needed was taken care of.

It was so amazing to see a community come together for such a great cause. I decided to contact a few News Channels to see what they thought of covering the event and King 5 was the first to get back to me.

Thank you again to everyone that helped make this possible. The mission was for each girl to feel INSANELY LOVED! Mission accomplished!

AMAZING Flower Crowns & Flower Center Pieces: Lola Floral

Delicious Pie Shooters & Homemade Sugar Cookies: Snohomish Pie Company

Yummy Green Smoothies & Sweet Potato Chips: Alive Juice Bar

 Perfectly Handmade Cards: Goodey Studio

Stunning Glass Jewelry: Cheryl Parrot

Adorable Homemade Lipgloss: Craft Botanicals

Elegant Letterhead: Milly design Studio

NUMMY Cupcakes & other Sweet treats: Mandy Pierce

Perfect Make up & Stunning Hair: Make Up By Timmi & Michelle-Make Up Artistry & Taylor Wickman

 Fun Vintage Couch & other decor: Vintage Ambiance

Amazing Dinner: Sponsored by Demetris on Edmond's Waterfront

Documenting the event so we can cherish it forever: King 5 News

Spread the word, Ring My Belle: Rachel Belle

To make things even more amazing, Edward the guy that recruited our story from King 5,  started to tell me the day of the event was actually his Mother's birthday and that she had passed away years ago and he was really close to her! Crazy timing!

Right after I got off the phone with him I got a message from Sarah G, she had been reading her mom's diary and she read an entry about Edmond's beach and it's beauty just a few weeks off from our event date. (Picture above)

Heather Graf from King 5 and awesome camera man Dave!

Each of you bring your own gift to this world. Let me tell you how special you really are through my eyes.

First Stephanie walked through the door, she might as well of had a beaming light with angels behind her! Her smile lit up the house, she graced me with a huge hug and said she couldn't wait to see her sister! I had only met her one other time at her sister's wedding. I felt drawn to her instantly because of her courage and strength. When their Mother, Elaine passed away when the girls were young,  Stephanie often had to play the role of Mom and big sister.

Sarah G. followed soon after, her classic beauty and timeless effort was as if she glided through the door out of a classic black and white movie. Her beauty mirrors that one of Marilyn Monroe or Aubrey Hepburn. I've know her for years, actually a decade! We had recently reunited and picked up right where we left off.  You can see her wearing her Mom, Sandra's wedding dress!  I remember when Sarah and I had reunited and were chatting over drinks.  She mentioned her mom's passing and that it was one of the hardest things she had ever gone through. I hope this experience relieved some of that pressure, as I do feel strongly,  it was all their Mother's making this happen.

Sara C. followed next and gave me the biggest hug, with a her perfect laugh as we joked about something,  given our similar sense of humor!  Her piercing deep dark blue eyes put the blue skies to shame and her easy going nature makes you feel like you're family! I've know Sara for years and I have to give her credit for trusting me with her family pictures when I was first starting out!  Thank you Sara!  I was around when Odie, Sara's mom past away. I couldn't imagine what she was going through, I just remember noticing that she handled it with so much grace as she had to continue being a wife and mother to two adorable girls.

Alicia of our course came through the door looking like a Pop Star somewhere in-between Katy Perry and Britney. Bubbly, happy, gorgeous and makes you want to start dancing! I've know her since high school and the Summer before had the honor of photographing her beautiful wedding. Alicia has a beautiful tattoo along with her sister, of their mom's hand writing, saying "I love you."

 Amanda was last and beamed with a smile and her beautiful graceful face, soft eyes, and motherly nature put us all at ease. Her calming voice had us all relax! Amanda and I met at dinner party and became instant friends. We will always be in each other's lives, even if we don't see each other often! Amanda & her sister lost her Mother not long ago and her story of her Mother Linda hit close to home for all of us as it was very recent.

Each girl had never met each other before, but as our paths were crossing, it felt in that moment we were all where we were meant to be.

Amanda and Sarah below,  also came with their Mother's Wedding Dresses. You'll see them as you keep scrolling, and they wear them beautifully.

 I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

 

Thank you to Cindy Thompson for making sure we were able to send off Chinese lanterns in each Mother's honor including Edward's Mom. My favorite part was watching  you huddle together describing how each lantern did it's own thing and that's so…"My mom would go off in her own direction." or "There she goes float off into the water." or "She keeps soaring higher."

Amanda took the moment a step further with each girl by offering up an opportunity to tell their story. Thank you for that Amanda, it was beautiful to watch.

Happy Mother's Day you 5 beautiful souls!

Love,

Jessica

Walkmans, Hand written Notes & Film

As most things go, things get better with time. As the digital age has taken over, film has become a thing of the past, just like disposable cameras, hand written notes & walk mans. However as my 11 year old daughter walks around the house jamming on her aunt's old walkman and my old Mariah Carey tapes (true story) I can't help but smile and think it reminds me of the nice feeling of getting a hand written note.

 

I remember when my best friend asked me to be a bridesmaid and she wrote me the kindest letter in a cute card. I think about how film once made our day when we would pick up our prints at Safeway Photo Lab or Walgreens. Even if the digital age has taken over, some things can still bring the same amount of joy even if they have been replaced or improved upon.

  

When I first bought my Canon EOS ELAN II film camera I was skipping out of the store. I went in for a lens and lens cleaner and walked out with my film camera and convinced it would change my life. I had been wanting to try film for a years, ever since my mom gave me her Pentax but I wasn't sure about film's  significance or purpose. Until I saw my friend Savan Photography's work. Savain has mastered her film camera and posts her digital and film images next to one another. Your mouth will drop at the difference. Her film scans have a timeless look, the contrast is spot on and colors you don't see in digital spread across the scans. It's beautiful and something to really appreciate.

 

When I got my scans back they did not look like Savan's! I was so bummed!!!! They were really grainy, dark with green hue!! What did I do wrong?! This is where it get's good and gave me space to grow. Well, apparently there are different types of film that give you a different look. Fuji film has a greener hue while Kodak gold has a more golden hue. Okay next step buy difference film! I also had my settings on auto because I was too scared to shoot in manuel. Next step, shoot in manual and read the lighting around me to really challenge me on correct settings!

 

Wish me luck! I am so excited to try these new things! Here are a few of my favorite scans from my Fuji film and shooting in auto.

First Look Vs. Tradition- Waiting until the Ceremony, to see one another

The most common question I get from couples planning their Wedding Photography Timeline is about the First Look vs. Tradition:   

 

If you're not familiar with a First Look, it's a newer tradition that many couples are doing. Instead of waiting to see one another at the ceremony, they pick a special location to see one another before the ceremony, to ensure lots of time for photographs.

 

Not only have brides worried about this decision,  but I have seen legitimate concern on the groom's face about this topic as well. The fear of letting family down if you break tradition and/or the worry if you don't do a First Look photos won't get done.  I'm sure for brides and grooms it's stressful to hear everyone's opinion about it too! 

 

 Here is a quick break down about pro's and con's of both and how to use your Photography time productivity. 

Remember while you read this, to keep in mind what's important to you and your significant other.

 

Pro's of Tradition: 

 

1. The after ceremony glow you have of just marrying your soul mate, best friend and other half. 

2. You don't have to be ready hours before your ceremony. 

3. You're keeping with tradition and the groom's look is always priceless. 

4. All the people that you invited to be a part of your special day, get to see the look on your faces when you first see one another. 

5. The general feeling of pictures is much more intimate. The ceremony is done, most stresses are gone. 

 

 

Con's of Tradition: 

 

1. You will need to get pulled from your reception to finish up family, wedding party and bridal pictures. 

2. Family or friends might not be ready, causing delays in being at your reception to enjoy your guests. 

3. If it's a late ceremony, your pictures will need off camera flash, natural light might not be an option anymore. 

4. Break down of the ceremony site, means you won't get fun pictures by the set up. 

 

 

How to prepare for Tradition:

 

Are you a romantic and prefer all the emotions of a wedding. Is tradition VERY important to you?  Do you want a small break after the ceremony to snuggle up with your new spouse before everyone wants to say hi?!  Then think about following with Tradition, here are 4 tips on how to prepare.

 

 

(1) The best way to have a successful traditional first look is to plan. Sit with your Photographer and discuss a neutral location where you want photos, make sure to have a back up location as well. Your Photographer needs to visit the location. 

 

(2) It's very important that you communicate the location of photos with your families and wedding party. Photos should happen promptly after the ceremony, to ensure you get more time at your reception. One way to create a time out in your photographs, is to have a cocktail hour or a slide show. 

 

(3) Communicate with your DJ or Master of Ceremony to announce that pictures are immediately following the ceremony. Remember this does not take place of you communicating this with your families and wedding party. After the ceremony everyone should head to the agreed upon location.

 

(4) I recommend starting with family photos incase there are any elders or small children that need to get back inside. Wedding party pictures should follow, then a bridal session with you and your spouse. If all poses, locations and wants are communicated with your Photographer this should take no more than an hour. Time truly depends on wedding party and family size.  

 

*It's possible that just groom, bridesmaids and some family photos can get done before the ceremony if a location for pictures is discussed, to ensure that the bride and groom don't see one another. 

  

 

                  Here are a few images of brides and grooms that waited until the ceremony to see one another.  

 

 

 Now that you can think a little about the pro's and con's of Tradition, let's compare it to the pro's and con's of a First Look. 

 

Pro's of a First Look: 

 

1. The first time you see one another is now only about the two of you. 

2. The spot you chose to see one another at for the first time,  can forever be a memory between the two of you. 

3. There is much more time for pictures.

4. Less chance of being pulled during the reception for pictures. 

5. You get to enjoy your reception longer. 

 

Con's of a First Look: 

 

1. Bride and Grooms don't have the after the ceremony glow. (It will happen!! Just after the ceremony)

2. You need to be ready hours before the ceremony and make sure family and the wedding party are also prepared to be there hours early. Details for the wedding might also not be done, meaning detail shots can't be done.  Flowers may not be ready as well. 

3. Stresses arise about things not getting done in time for the ceremony, causing stressful looks on the bride and groom's faces in photos. 

4. You're not sharing the first time you see one another with your guests. 

 

How to prepare for a First Look:

 

Are you an organizer and enjoy checking things off your list sooner than later? Do you want all of your reception time and to start the party right away!?  Then think about doing a First Look. 

 

If you want to do a First Look here are a few tips on how to prepare. 

 

(1) Before the wedding, find a really special place at your venue or close by that you want to do your First Look at. This location will mean a lot to the both of you later on. Make sure your Photographer visits the location.  If you don't want to be bothered by others make sure it's a very intimate spot.

 

(1) Give you and your significant other at least 30 mins to an hour for pictures of just the two of you. Your Photographer and you should create a timeline together to ensure everything will go smoothly. This should include desired poses,  desired location, back up location and discussion on where you want to go to take more photos. 

 

(2) Use the rest of the time for family and wedding party photos. It's extremely important that you communicate with your family and wedding party what time and where photos will be. Giving your Photographer at least 3 hours before the ceremony will ensure all photos get done and leave down time for you and your significant other to relax.  Getting your pictures done before the ceremony will ensure that there is no dancing, mingling or eating time wasted. 

 

Here are a few images of brides and grooms that did a First Look. 

 

 

 

The last picture I wanted to show because Danielle did a First Look prior to the ceremony. Her reaction coming down the aisle was just as emotional. This isn't always the case, that's why I can't say it enough. What's best for you?!

 

For me I have two sides to think about. Myself when I was a bride and myself as a Photographer. Here are my opinions based on my own experiences as both.

 

 As a bride I LOVED my First Look because the tree where we saw each other first at is Our Tree. No one else's. However I LOVE my family and my new family, I wish they could have been a part of it now. For me personally I would probably follow with Tradition now or do a first look with all my family there.

 

As a Photographer I am still impartial to both. I want to get the most romantic, lovely and sweet pictures of the both of you. If doing a First Look is going to create that or following Tradition will,  I say do what's BEST FOR YOU. 

 

I hope that you can use this post to help you make the most informed decision about your Wedding Photography Timeline. Please don't hesitate to post questions or concerns below, I would love to answer them to the best of my knowledge. 

 

Stay Beautiful-

Jessica

 

 

Business advice from a not so savvy business woman...

Like most photographers I get asked questions on editing, what program I use, lens, etc. However I noticed I never get asked how I run my business! I think that's because people know I am not  a savvy business woman!! I would like to think of myself as the New York woman with her pants suit, iPad resting in one hand and coffee in other as she talks on her ear piece, and her hair blows perfectly in the wind, as people part like the sea as she walks down the sidewalk........sorry I am still daydreaming about this version of Jessica. This alter ego needs a different name.....Roxanne!!!Back to my story!I got this message from this girl Sarah in California asking how I run my business.... {I love how she tries to butter me up first, then breaks the news!!}Jessica! I have been a fan since you put up for Facebook page for Raney Day Photography! I love your work and your personality even more! You're so funny! I have watched as your business has slowly made a name for it's self. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but as a business owner I am curious about your secret! I have noticed that you're always so inexpensive compared to your competition, you just got a logo and I can't find your website!! How are you so busy without even advertising or having these things? I stressed so much about having these things right away, but I don't do near as many sessions as you do! What are you doing!!??-Sarah Dear Sarah and anyone else that is curious...{Roxanne would like to clarify these are purely 'Jessica's business techniques' and in NO way hers!}For about a year now people have been telling me I need to come up with a logo, I need to raise my prices, I need a website, on a business level they are absolutely right.  So don't think I haven't been lectured about this because I have!! These things among others are vital in a growing business. However it's important to put some thought into things because in order to be different in this business you need to be you, not a second rate version of someone else.My feeling on the matter is if you develop something that is TRULY yours and no one else's, you will be amazing! Literally the only secret is to be YOU!Here is the story behind by logo, prices and website!Logo:Your business logo is important because it represents you. When you see the creepy red eye, you think Target, when you see a cursive D and princesses with disproportionate body parts you think Disney. You get what I am saying.My logo took me a year to create. A YEAR. I looked at a lot of web designers, and other logos but nothing was me. So I waited. I knew what I wanted but I needed the right person to create my vision.I won a huge giveaway on Facebook and one of the prizes was $25.00 to Beauty Divine Designs. I hung on to the gift card for almost 4 months before I contacted Laurie while I continued to drum up my logo in my head.One day it hit me...a umbrella, lacy and vintage because that is my photography style. Turquoise because that was our wedding color, and 3 rain drops to represent my husband, my daughter and myself. When we have another child we will add another rain drop!I sent my thoughts to Laurie and this is what she came up with. Perfect fit for Raney Day Photography and it was well worth the wait!

Prices:I have constantly by countless people been told I need to raise my prices. NEED TOO. Clients tell me, mentors, my assistant,  friends..and if my cat Pumpkin could talk I think he would tell me too.I am not only a photographer I am a kindergarten teacher too. It's no secret teachers don't make much but I make enough to cover our bills with some left over! We are truly blessed. I never went into this business to make lots of money. EVER. I just loved photographing memories for people. I make enough being a teacher that we don't need extra cash. It's never bothered me that I don't charge a normal rate and I hand out free sessions like they're Halloween candy. When I do get burnt out which is about every 10 sessions I think about what feels right and I raise my prices just a little. I am sure when I go into Raney Day full time this will certainly and has to change but for now it works for me.For every photographer pricing is different this is my price guide for now.Website:My website is a lot like my logo. I knew what I wanted but I wasn't sure how to say it. This has been the most difficult part of running a business, I hated that people couldn't look at a website of my work, one time I felt so guilty for not having a website I just about let someone believe that another photographer named "Jessica Raney" from Texas was me because that is the website the person saw and thought was my work! Obviously I am not from Texas and I did not want bad business karma so I put my head down and told the truth. "I don't have website."I needed a website but it needed to be just right and not just something thrown together. It needs meaning, thought, and to be Raney Day. It's hard to make a website when you're still trying to figure out your brand and what you're selling. As I put all the pieces together little ideas here and there started to develop for my website. Much like my logo it just hit me one day. It's all come together now and it works for me.