JOEY NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Moving to a new blog!

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 11:06:02 -0800

Hi friends! Today, I'm announcing something VERY EXCITING. It's so exciting that I had to express my joy in all caps :) Today, we're moving over to a brand-spanking new blog!!

First & foremost - please note that there is a new (much more fitting) NEW BLOG ADDRESS: http://www.joeynicole.com/blog.

Please go check it out. Right now. I'm not kidding. It's just THAT awesome. Go. What are you still doing here???!

www.joeynicole.com/blog

Here's a sneak peek screen shot...

{Jackie and Zach - part 2}

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:29:22 -0800

Every once in awhile, I will take a photograph that I consider to be a distinct representation of our work. This image (above) is one of those images. When I finished editing it, I knew it was just perfect. I think I shouted down the hall to Jake that I just made magic happen, because I had given the perfect image the perfect finishing touch in photoshop. This photograph makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, and I know I will never tire of looking at it.

As a Wedding Photographer, I am so spoiled. I get to go to work and be in the presence of love. No matter what kind of weather we're having, or chaos that weddings can bring, for several moments throughout the wedding day I get to feel a little piece of the love that brings our couples together.

From the fabulous toasts, to comments from friends and family that I overheard, I know that I am not the only one who feels the presence of love around Jackie and Zach. These two have the ability to just look at each other and let the world around them melt away.

Jackie and Zach... we adore you guys, and we are so happy to have had the opportunity to photograph your wedding. Until the rest are ready, please enjoy these :)

Zach waiting for Jackie, just before their First Look...

Often, I find myself striving so hard for the creative, when I am reminded that simple and straightforward is so timeless and beautiful. I adore this shot...

I mentioned this in Part 1, but the wedding took place at Twin Willow Garden in Snohomish. Just beautiful!

They wrote their own vows... at trend we're seeing much more often lately. Such a nice, personal touch to the ceremony.

Okay, this was interesting... the land owner wanted to show us the "Outdoor Bedroom" on the property. Hidden away, we had no idea what to expect. It used to have a gorgeous view of the valley, but has since been surrounded by tree growth. It turned out to be the perfect, private spot for Jackie and Zach to exchange some wedding love notes :)

Toasting was done at the most PERFECT time for lighting. I am still drooling over this light!

The first dance. My shot on the left, and Jake's on the right. Such a bonus, having 2 photographers :)

Okay kids, smoking is BAD. But it looks sooooo cool in these photos, doesn't it? :)

The getaway car!

{Jackie and Zach - part 1}

Sat, 07 Aug 2010 12:02:01 -0800

Jackie and Zach had the most beautiful garden wedding this Summer. There were soooo many favorite images I wanted to blog, that I have decided to share them over two entirely different posts. Yes, there was just THAT much eye candy!

Jake and I were so spoiled... this was an entire outdoor wedding during one of the longest days of the year which means this was shot with 100% natural light. We don't get that a lot in Seattle, so we soaked up every last minute of it!

Today, you will see the gorgeous details of their wedding at Twin Willow Gardens in Snohomish.

Several of these details are part of the natural setting at Twin Willow Gardens, and some are the details added from Bride and Groom.

I was in editing heaven while I worked on these... so many beautiful colors, lighting and textures to play with... I feel an exceptional sense of peace when I look at these. I hope you enjoy them too :)
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Zach made this sign by hand... when we arrived at the wedding, he was knee-deep in the ditch planting it here :)

The Bridal Bouquet...

Jake found the perfect spot for this image of Jackie's stunning bridal gown...

Some cooling refreshments for a hot, Summer day...

The Groom himself made the cupcake stand! Cupcakes provided by Cupcake Royale...

{Jayme and Jordan}

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:05:14 -0800

You might remember Jayme and Jordan from their Engagement Shoot this Winter. A gorgeous, sunny day at Pike Place Market. And their wedding day this July was just as beautiful.... and a tad bit warmer :)

We took advantage of the fabulous Seattle summer, and took lots of photos outdoors. Jake and I just love ourselves a bride willing to build her wedding schedule around the photo opportunities, and Jayme did just that, allowing us lots of time for fun. Although the sun was super-bright mid-day, Jayme had found the perfect spot for photos, right underneath a gorgeous Willow tree at the park. The shade kept us all cool, and the drooping Willow branches provided the most beautiful varieties of green leaves as a backdrop. It tickled my senses thinking that nature provided us something so beautiful, for such a special occasion.

Jayme & Jordan's wedding was so much fun to photograph, from a super sweet Bride and Groom, to an entertaining wedding party, lots of family love, and special vintage touches, I am so proud to show off a few of my favorite images.

Jayme and Jordan... thank you for being so comfortable in front of the camera, and for trusting us to take the shots as we saw them. I'm still so amazed at how naturally you both relax in front of our big lenses! We hope you enjoy the photos :)

Ceremony Venue: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Medina
Reception Venue: Maggiano's Little Italy
Flowers: Lawrence the Florist
Cake: Sweet Cakes
DJ: E-Rock Entertainment
Bridal & Bridesmaid Hair & Bridal Make Up: Gene Juarez Salons & Spas (Bellevue location)
Car Service: British Motor Coaches
Photography: Jake & Joey of Joey Nicole Photography

{Katie and Joel}

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 13:14:17 -0800

They wrote their own vows, their most intimate thoughts about each other, and read them in front of 175 of their closest friends and family. We're seeing it more and more these days, but something about what Katie and Joel had to say about each other had me especially tingly. These two knew from the moment they met that their connection was so much more than they'd expected. And at the W Hotel Seattle this 4th of July, they promised forever to each other.

With a color palette of pinks and purples, and a carte blanche pass for the florist, the details at this wedding were nothing short of phenomenal. When we complimented the bride & groom on such a gorgeous wedding, she could only explain it as the result of her obsession with one too many wedding blogs. So thank you, fellow bloggers, for inspiring such a stunning wedding for our happy couple. Jake and I just love ourselves a little eye candy :)

I dedicate these photos to the following...

*A makeup artist, Frederick, who did SO much more than just apply the Bride's makeup.
*The W Hotel Seattle's coordinator, Gretchen Wiseman, for being present, helpful, and just plain awesome every single moment throughout the day.
*Really amazing Groomsmen who looked the part, did the job, were forever patient, and so very nice.
*Bridesmaids, who did more than just hold flowers and look pretty. The best friends a Bride could have.
*Jamie Hansen, Makeup artist, for enhancing the Bridesmaids' already natural beauty.
The families, who trekked to the woods, in the rain, for some very important family photos.
*The Michael Benson Band, for bringing so much energy and life to the party. Anyone who can sound like the Black Eyed Peas and Journey all in one night are stars in my book :)
*Lea Czyzewski, owner of Florarama, for bringing Katie's vision to life in such a beautiful way.
*And of course, Katie and Joel, who braved more than a mist of rain for some romantic photos, and for letting us be the ones to capture your most important day. We wish you the brightest future.

Maud, we love your boundless energy & love of life. Thank you for all you have sent our way :)
A special shout out and a Happy One-Year Anniversary go out to our adorable friends, Liz & Jeff (on the left here). It was at Liz and Jeff's wedding on the Fourth of July 2009 where Katie and Joel found out about our photography. May you all have fabulous anniversaries filled with fireworks for the rest of your lives :)

{Cameron Elizabeth's Newborn Photo Shoot}

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:05:52 -0800

She just laid there. Quiet. Unmoving. Practically comatose and completely unresponsive to my charm. Not my typical client at all. I was already starting to perspire. I had heated the studio up to 82 degrees or so, and we had the soft rhythm of womb sounds playing in the background. I was *this* close to laying down beside on the big fuzzy Pottery Barn blanket she had come in with...

I wasn't sure what to do next. Like I said, not my typical client. She wasn't nervously awaiting coaching from me, or wondering whether she should look at the lens or not for this shot, she just laid there. Quiet. Unmoving. Practically comatose. But I was already in love.

This was, by far, the most peaceful photo shoot I've ever done. Maybe that's because mom and dad were there, and so attentive to her every need. With just 9 days of practice, they handled her with such care and love. I think I could get used to this.

Congratulations Susie and Graham, you've created quite a beauty :)

{Emilee and Dan}

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:33:00 -0800

I don't really advertise this thought... nor do I warn my couples of it beforehand... but, I actually demand quite a bit of my clients. I do this for their own good, of course, and with them in mind. In my opinion, the best photos are ones that show off a smile not meant for me and my lens but perhaps instead a twinkle in the eye where only a loved one knows just what that spark, or just that smirk, truly means. For it is him and for her that this snapshot is truly for.

Whether my clients are comfortable having their photo taken really doesn't matter. All that matters is that they bring every ounce of love for each other and a bit of an open mind to their shoot. Yes, obviously, we'll be around as well, shooting, talking, laughing, but we have a knack for doing our thing best so that they can do their thing best and enjoy each others company while we take care lighting, aperture, ISO, yadda, yadda, yadda.

We had so much fun with Emilee and Dan a few weeks back. Weather a bit cool didn't bother them one bit, it just gave them a good opportunity to hold each other a bit closer while we strolled the waterfront and the city. And when Emilee confessed their love of scrabble, I just had to have them bring it along. We started off with a drink (or two) at Trellis, and then continued around town. The owner of the local Slip even caught them dancing in his patio space and invited us all in for a beer on the house. Talk about some good karma :) Beautiful couple, beautiful light... what more could we have asked for?

Emilee and Dan... thank you for giving in to our demands. You seriously brought IT to the shoot, and Jake and I are so excited for your wedding this Fall. If you're family and friends are just half the sweetness of you both it's going to be one fabulous wedding. We can't wait!

{ooh, and I must mention that Emilee's gorgeous hair & make up were done at Salon Gem in Kirkland - ladies, your engagement shoot is a perfect time to get your trials done!}

{Stephanie and Thomas}

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:59:25 -0800

I was SO excited for this wedding. A bit of that nervous, tingling-in-my-tummy type of anxiety that only comes when I just want to do so well for our clients. We always aim to shoot work that we are proud of, but it really means nothing at all unless are clients are as equally pleased. We know that a wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are always so honored to be chosen as a couple's photographer. Lucky for me, I have Jake by my side to shoot with me, relieve some of that burden, make me laugh, and share in the excitement of it all.

We had the opportunity to get to know Stephanie and Thomas over the last several months, and just knew this would be a great wedding. They are such a sweet, sweet couple, and all we wanted was to do right by them through these photos.

Stephanie & Tom, we are so happy that your wedding brought us together and that we now consider you not just clients, but friends. I hope these images are a nice welcome home from your Mexico honeymoon!

A huge thanks to everyone who made this wedding a success:

Bridal Hair & Make Up: Lindsey Watkins
Flowers: Aria Style
Dress: I Do Bridal (dress by Maggie Sottero)
Band: Craig Lawrence Band
Ceremony: Bastyr University Chapel
Reception: The Garden at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Photography: Joey Nicole Photography

Enjoy the photos!

{Amy and Michael}

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:59:03 -0800

These two are a force to be reckoned with, in the best way :)

I would describe their love for each other as nothing less than explosive... full of passion, excitement, and fireworks. They laugh together, tease each other, and love, love, love each other so much.

Amy and Michael, we had so much fun roaming Belltown with you at your engagement shoot. You guys are so fun, and we can only imagine how great your wedding next year is going to be!

{Rachel and Ben}

Sat, 15 May 2010 14:15:07 -0800

Back in our days at UW, living at the sorority, I probably wouldn't have believed you if you told me that one day I would be shooting Rachel's wedding. I just hadn't tapped into my creative side quite yet at that point in my life. I had more important things on my mind like chapter meetings... midterms... boys... But, I am so happy that our lives have come together in this way, at this time. Rachel and Ben going to have a beautiful wedding this Fall with lots of personal touches, and we are so looking forward to it!

The engagement shoot is so important on so many levels, one being that it really helps us get to know the personalities of not just the Bride and the Groom, but of them as a couple, their chemistry... what makes that tick. All of this adds up to great photos.

While I hadn't seen Rachel in quite awhile, she was just as I'd remembered her, a total sweetheart, all smiles, and gorgeous. Never having met Ben before, he presented as her perfect match. There's a certain feeling that these two emanate when they're together, and it's one of a deep love. They can sit quietly and contently, get talk without speaking, and even break out in dance. When there's no music :) From smiling, to posing, to laughing, and kissing, we had so much fun wandering Belltown with them.

{4 Years on Team Jacob}

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:24:07 -0800

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??

{My Grandparents' Love Story}

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:07:27 -0800

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??!

{Launch of Joey Nicole Boudoir}

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:40:21 -0800

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 :)

{DJ Ricki Leigh}

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:51:54 -0800

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.

{Susie and Casey}

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:52:36 -0800

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...