Four years ago today, at this exact moment as I type this, I was in my wedding gown in a small room at the Wynn Las Vegas wedding salon, nervously munching on pretzels and sipping champagne, palms slightly sticky, making small talk with my mom and bridesmaids, just waiting for it to be noon.
We set our wedding for noon because we just couldn't imaging going all day without seeing each other... we wanted nothing more than to be married, and to be celebrating with our family and friends. As noon approached, I watched my bridesmaids enter the huge white doors of the wedding salon, and disappear one... by... one. All that were left behind the scenes were Ann Marie (our fabulous wedding coordinator at the Wynn), and my dad and I, arms linked... I think we were both holding each other up for support. I had been excited all morning long, and felt my first and only twinge of nervousness as those huge white doors opened and I heard Canon D playing by the live string trio.
And there you were.
Up at the alter, waiting patiently, looking more handsome than I had ever seen you. You reached for my hand, and held it the entire time... you knew I was nervous to be up in front of everyone, and I knew you were too. The look in your eyes made me feel so safe, so excited. You handed me tissues as I needed them, which was often. My Aunt read aloud the poem I had written for you, and I was mortified because the officiant told the whole crowd that I had written those words, and I had meant for that part to be private, and as a surprise for you. But, I got over that quickly as it was time to exchange our vows. You surprised me with an unexpected wedding band, and for so much of the ceremony, I really don't remember anyone else even being in the room. The photograph of us walking down the aisle after the ceremony is still one of my favorites. I was the happiest I had ever been.
We took photos while our guests dined on the appetizers at Daniel Boulud Brasserie, and then we joined them for drinks, lunch, and the most fabulous cake we had ever tasted. I really was so disappointed when we went back the next year and the pasty chef had moved on! That night, we threw a party in our suite... our groomsmen bar tended and made sure everyone had a good time. Our time in Vegas was busy, a bit exhausting, but the most fun I have ever had. I will remember the details of our wedding day forever, and am always so proud to be on Team Jacob.
And while this T-shirt was given to me by your sister as a result of Twilight-mania, I wear it for you today in honor of our anniversary. I'm so cheesy, I know, and I really don't care. I just love you so very much :)
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And Tish & Ashley, I hate to disappoint, but really, in the Twilight books, I am team Edward... But, in life I am Team Jacob, and isn't that what really matters???
Because I had such a hilarious time this morning trying to take a photo of myself in this t-shirt, I thought I'd share some of the outtakes... this first one is my favorite. What was I thinking??
We set our wedding for noon because we just couldn't imaging going all day without seeing each other... we wanted nothing more than to be married, and to be celebrating with our family and friends. As noon approached, I watched my bridesmaids enter the huge white doors of the wedding salon, and disappear one... by... one. All that were left behind the scenes were Ann Marie (our fabulous wedding coordinator at the Wynn), and my dad and I, arms linked... I think we were both holding each other up for support. I had been excited all morning long, and felt my first and only twinge of nervousness as those huge white doors opened and I heard Canon D playing by the live string trio.
And there you were.
Up at the alter, waiting patiently, looking more handsome than I had ever seen you. You reached for my hand, and held it the entire time... you knew I was nervous to be up in front of everyone, and I knew you were too. The look in your eyes made me feel so safe, so excited. You handed me tissues as I needed them, which was often. My Aunt read aloud the poem I had written for you, and I was mortified because the officiant told the whole crowd that I had written those words, and I had meant for that part to be private, and as a surprise for you. But, I got over that quickly as it was time to exchange our vows. You surprised me with an unexpected wedding band, and for so much of the ceremony, I really don't remember anyone else even being in the room. The photograph of us walking down the aisle after the ceremony is still one of my favorites. I was the happiest I had ever been.
We took photos while our guests dined on the appetizers at Daniel Boulud Brasserie, and then we joined them for drinks, lunch, and the most fabulous cake we had ever tasted. I really was so disappointed when we went back the next year and the pasty chef had moved on! That night, we threw a party in our suite... our groomsmen bar tended and made sure everyone had a good time. Our time in Vegas was busy, a bit exhausting, but the most fun I have ever had. I will remember the details of our wedding day forever, and am always so proud to be on Team Jacob.
And while this T-shirt was given to me by your sister as a result of Twilight-mania, I wear it for you today in honor of our anniversary. I'm so cheesy, I know, and I really don't care. I just love you so very much :)
----------
And Tish & Ashley, I hate to disappoint, but really, in the Twilight books, I am team Edward... But, in life I am Team Jacob, and isn't that what really matters???
Because I had such a hilarious time this morning trying to take a photo of myself in this t-shirt, I thought I'd share some of the outtakes... this first one is my favorite. What was I thinking??
Many of you visit my blog because you love the romance and the love story of our couples, and to see how that plays out in the photographs. I am so lucky to have the job that I do... seeing people at the very height of their happiness, so in love, and so eager to have their love photographed.
So I apologize for my blogging absence... there has been so much going on here, lots of good, but a bit of sadness too. Our family said goodbye to my grandma on Sunday. She passed away, peacefully, from complications after a stroke she had a few weeks ago. She would have been 94 this month, and while she lived a fantastic life, she wasn't afraid to tell anyone that she was ready to go. She always was a strong woman. As we've been pulling family photos to share at her service next week, I thought this was a great opportunity to share a beautiful love story with you all.
I thought you might like to meet my grandparents, Grammy and Pa, we called them, my father's parents. Julie and Richard were married on my grandfather's 18th birthday. (How cute is that?!) They were married 65 years before Pa passed away several years ago. As a grandkid, I never knew the details of their marriage, but it was so obvious that my grandpa just adored his Julie. I used to catch him looking at her, with a small smile on his face, and he always seemed so content, so warm, as if her presence just lit him up inside.
They used to dance... Julie was a ballerina and they actually spent several years traveling and dancing on cruise ships together. In the basement of their home was a small room that had dance steps laid out on the ground, and sparkly costumes and fancy shoes lined up along the walls. I used to love looking around down there, their lives fascinated me.
Their home was on Lake Washington, where we would go for family dinners, or just to hang out on their huge grass lawn, pick fresh raspberries, or go on the boat. We would celebrate the 4th of July there, and at Christmas, watch the Christmas-lit boats go down Lake Washington. Both Grammy and Pa would always welcome us with huge smiles and hugs, and always made us feel so loved.
After Pa passed away, while I was in college, I think we all feared Grammy might simply die of a broken heart. It was the saddest sight I've ever seen, she wore his jacket for weeks... it was so hard for her after being together for so long. You could just see how much she missed him. I believe that being surrounded by family helped pull her through. But, now that they are both gone, I picture them dancing together again, laughing and enjoying whatever life comes next.
These are just a few of the images my parents pulled together of Julie and Richard, Grammy and Pa... and they make me so happy. They look so full of life and love in these photos, and it is how I will always remember them.
So to you, dear reader, cherish your loved ones. Take their picture today. And if someone asks to take your photo, let them, it truly is a compliment when someone wants to take your picture. It means they want to remember you as you are today, for always. Thanks for taking a moment to meet my grandparents. I wish you all the kind of love that they had.
This, below, is that "look" I was telling you about earlier...
Seriously, how cute are they??!
So I apologize for my blogging absence... there has been so much going on here, lots of good, but a bit of sadness too. Our family said goodbye to my grandma on Sunday. She passed away, peacefully, from complications after a stroke she had a few weeks ago. She would have been 94 this month, and while she lived a fantastic life, she wasn't afraid to tell anyone that she was ready to go. She always was a strong woman. As we've been pulling family photos to share at her service next week, I thought this was a great opportunity to share a beautiful love story with you all.
I thought you might like to meet my grandparents, Grammy and Pa, we called them, my father's parents. Julie and Richard were married on my grandfather's 18th birthday. (How cute is that?!) They were married 65 years before Pa passed away several years ago. As a grandkid, I never knew the details of their marriage, but it was so obvious that my grandpa just adored his Julie. I used to catch him looking at her, with a small smile on his face, and he always seemed so content, so warm, as if her presence just lit him up inside.
They used to dance... Julie was a ballerina and they actually spent several years traveling and dancing on cruise ships together. In the basement of their home was a small room that had dance steps laid out on the ground, and sparkly costumes and fancy shoes lined up along the walls. I used to love looking around down there, their lives fascinated me.
Their home was on Lake Washington, where we would go for family dinners, or just to hang out on their huge grass lawn, pick fresh raspberries, or go on the boat. We would celebrate the 4th of July there, and at Christmas, watch the Christmas-lit boats go down Lake Washington. Both Grammy and Pa would always welcome us with huge smiles and hugs, and always made us feel so loved.
After Pa passed away, while I was in college, I think we all feared Grammy might simply die of a broken heart. It was the saddest sight I've ever seen, she wore his jacket for weeks... it was so hard for her after being together for so long. You could just see how much she missed him. I believe that being surrounded by family helped pull her through. But, now that they are both gone, I picture them dancing together again, laughing and enjoying whatever life comes next.
These are just a few of the images my parents pulled together of Julie and Richard, Grammy and Pa... and they make me so happy. They look so full of life and love in these photos, and it is how I will always remember them.
So to you, dear reader, cherish your loved ones. Take their picture today. And if someone asks to take your photo, let them, it truly is a compliment when someone wants to take your picture. It means they want to remember you as you are today, for always. Thanks for taking a moment to meet my grandparents. I wish you all the kind of love that they had.
This, below, is that "look" I was telling you about earlier...
Seriously, how cute are they??!
Kat Speyer:
That "look" in the second photo of your grandparents brought a tear to my eye. I hope they've found each other again in the afterlife. I'm so sorry for your loss.
(04.23.10 @ 09:48 PM)
Joey Nicole:
Thanks so much Kat. I just love seeing old couples still so much in love. Pictures are just amazing that way, to be able to bring those feelings out, you know?
(04.24.10 @ 10:49 AM)
I am so pleased to announce the launch of my new photography business, Joey Nicole Boudoir. For the last month solid, I've been working on my portfolio and new website and am so pleased with the results. There is nothing better than making people feel beautiful through my photographs, and I am so excited to be able to do this through Boudior photography. Every woman should do a shoot like this at least once in her life!
Also, I am offering up a huge Grand Opening special right now to help get the word out, so if you've been considering a Boudoir shoot, now would be a great time to book one! Email me for details and package specials. I need 15 clients to be able to offer the special - and am looking to start shooting in April. First come, first serve for the special!
And if you haven't seen it already, please take a moment and browse my new website & share with anyone else you think might be interested!
Also, I must give credit where credit is due! I couldn't have pulled this all together without the help of wonderful The Boudior Divas in San Diego (for their fabulous education on both business & shooting), and my fantastic Web Designer, Jonnathan, of Jonnathan Paul Creative. I'm still amazed at how beautifully he pulled together all of my crazy ideas. And that frame and headboard you see? All hand-sketched. Yep, he's just that talented.
I hope you enjoy my Boudoir :)
Also, I am offering up a huge Grand Opening special right now to help get the word out, so if you've been considering a Boudoir shoot, now would be a great time to book one! Email me for details and package specials. I need 15 clients to be able to offer the special - and am looking to start shooting in April. First come, first serve for the special!
And if you haven't seen it already, please take a moment and browse my new website & share with anyone else you think might be interested!
Also, I must give credit where credit is due! I couldn't have pulled this all together without the help of wonderful The Boudior Divas in San Diego (for their fabulous education on both business & shooting), and my fantastic Web Designer, Jonnathan, of Jonnathan Paul Creative. I'm still amazed at how beautifully he pulled together all of my crazy ideas. And that frame and headboard you see? All hand-sketched. Yep, he's just that talented.I hope you enjoy my Boudoir :)
Emilee:
Congrats! Looks like fun!
(03.21.10 @ 01:10 PM)DJ Ricki Leigh is putting her new website together, and I was so excited when Austin Beaver called me about taking these professional photos for her. While I always adore our couples, it is also fun to work one-on-one with a client for a special project. And photos for a DJs website just made it all the more exciting. Well, that and the bonus that she gave me a demo CD that makes my editing time go by so quickly! :)
I will keep you posted when her website is ready as well, just in case you're in need of a fantastic DJ! Currently, you can find her at leading the party weekends at Swank, and also at many of the Lululemon workout events around Seattle.
Take a sneak peek at a mix of our downtown shots, and our club shots.
Like a summer's breeze, these two swept into our lives and we just haven't been the same since. Perhaps if you, too, had the chance to wander Seattle in the presence of their love, you might be affected the same. Their passion for each other, complimented by sweet laughter and a fabulous sense of style made this shoot so much fun for Jake and I.
I might sound like a broken record by now, but oh wow, how we just adore our couples...
Susie & Casey, thank you so very much for entrusting us to do our thing the way we do it best. I love these images dearly, and it just makes us all the more excited for your wedding this summer. You are going to be one stunning pair as Bride and Groom :)
Until then... a few of my favorites for the world to enjoy...
I might sound like a broken record by now, but oh wow, how we just adore our couples...
Susie & Casey, thank you so very much for entrusting us to do our thing the way we do it best. I love these images dearly, and it just makes us all the more excited for your wedding this summer. You are going to be one stunning pair as Bride and Groom :)
Until then... a few of my favorites for the world to enjoy...
robyn arouty photography:
these are all perfect...in every imaginable way! kudos!!
(02.27.10 @ 04:34 PM)
addie:
Love this last pic :)
(02.27.10 @ 10:22 PM)
I would just like to say that I am currently wearing my very own Team Jacob tee and for me also, it has nothing to do with Twilight. I found mine at urban outfitters, it's suspiciously bright green and bears little resemblance to any other Twi hard memorabilia. Yet, I can't wear it without getting the odd look, so I just wear it at home for my own Jacob to admire. :-)
(05.02.10 @ 01:15 PM)PS. I came across your work thru the Palace Ballroom facebook page and I really love it. However, I can't find any pricing info. Can u point me in the correct direction?
Hi Jamie! That's great!! I love that you have a Jacob too and a tee to show it off, too funny! If you want information on weddings or portraits, please fill out the contact page of my website. Thanks!
(05.02.10 @ 07:59 PM)Yay! I remember that day so well! You were a beautiful bride and we all had so much fun that entire weekend! I am excited to see you guys celebrate 4 more years together...and then 40 more years and so on! Love you both!
(06.16.10 @ 05:52 PM)