JOEY NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

{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...

{Featured on Unabashed Bliss!}

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:20:52 -0800

I was so excited to receive Heidi's email recently. Heidi, you see, is a newly engaged bride-to-be with a gorgeous sense of style. In planning her own wedding, she found the process so fascinating that she started her own blog, Unabashed Bliss. As she finds things she likes or hopes to use for her own wedding, she features them here. I definitely suggest you take a peek!

The article we're featured in today is about balloons as props, featuring our adorable couple Jackie & Zach :) Click the button below to check out the article!

{An Announcement}

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 -0800

Hi Friends! It's been a busy week here at Joey Nicole Photography, and not without results! I have some very exciting news to share with you...

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to San Diego and attend a workshop with The Boudoir Divas. In case you have not already heard of these fabulous gals (Marissa Boucher & Kimberlee West and their team), they are THE experts in the industry today. They have worked hard to bring Boudoir photography back and pave the road for the rest of us. They've wiped out the stigma of those 1980s glamour shots and replaced the idea with their gorgeous, classy, and modern boudoir photography. There was no doubt that I had to attend their workshop and learn a few tricks of the trade from them. I have been wanting to launch the Boudoir side of my business for some time, and ladies, it... is... time!

I am busy putting my portfolio together and figuring out all the fine details, but if you are interested definitely shoot me an email so that I can keep you in the inside circle. It can be the perfect wedding gift for your groom... anniversary or birthday gift as well... or even that once in a lifetime shoot just for you.

Keep it in mind, and I will keep you posted!

Here's a shot of me with Marissa (on the left) and Kimberlee (on the right) at our dinner the last night of the workshop...

{A Valentine}

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:00 -0800

Dear Jake,

I know this post will embarrass you terribly, so forgive me, but I just can't keep my big mouth shut.

I love you. I love you so much. And, I just want the world to know. Not specifically about you and I, but just to know that this kind of love is possible... that it's out there... and that it can be theirs as well.

On Sunday, we spent Valentine's Day together, and it was perfect... we didn't have any fancy plans, but just devoted ourselves to spending the day together. We exchanged red-enveloped cards in the morning, held hands as we wandered around downtown, talked about our hopes and dreams, and treated ourselves to a fabulous meal. It was simple, and it was so perfect.

Since we've been married, I feel like I have changed so much, and all for the better. You teach me to be myself, to trust myself, and you encourage me every step of the way, without hesitation, no matter what project or crazy idea I have. Without you, I would probably still be shuffling papers in a cubicle, feeling "safe" with my 9-5 job, working out like a hamster, and drying my hair straight.

These days, I find myself trying new things, pushing my own boundaries, wearing my natural curls, and listening to my heart. I can only hope that I'm doing the same for you. I am so excited for our future, and to one day find out where this journey, our journey, will take us. I appreciate you so much, and I owe so much of our success to you.

So here I am, with my heart on my sleeve, so that the world can know that this kind of love is possible. The kind of love that makes curls go wild, and makes me feel so loved and so comfortable in my own shoes.

Forever Yours,

Joey

{Jayme and Jordan}

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:18:00 -0800

Whomever says email is cold has obviously never received an email from Jayme. From the moment I read her first email, I knew I liked her. Words over Internet were bubbly... excited... eager... everything a new bride should be. She had me hooked. And when Jake and I met her and her fiance Jordan together, we knew it was a perfect match all around.

For their engagement shoot, we shot mainly around Pike Place Market. I never, ever get tired of shooting here. We got really lucky this January day with beautiful weather, which also brought about a pretty big crowd for Pike Place. We had fun with it, and toured around our own city like tourists. I felt like a Paparazzi trying to track them in the sea of driving cars and bustling shoppers.

Check out a few of my favorites below :)

{Distracted}

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:53:35 -0800

Okay, I admit, I've been a bit distracted with a personal project the last week...

Remember my January 2nd post, "You Are What You Eat"?

It was my way of publicly coming out of the Paleo closet and sharing what I've learned on a personal level this past year about what we eat, and how to eat best. It was information I was so excited to learn that I just couldn't keep it to myself.

Well now you can find all that info and tons of healthy recipes on my new blog, Paleo Girls.

It's a joint venture between my sister, Shelley, and I and we're adding recipes daily and documenting our adventures in a Paleo lifestyle.

So, photography will resume as normal here. I have so many exciting things coming up that I can't wait to share. So stay tuned!

And if you want to check out our tasty new blog, visit PaleoGirls.com!

We've also been featured today on the Gravity Janes website as well, so be sure to check it out!

Featured on La Belle Bride!

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:52:12 -0800

You might remember Rori and Matt from their engagement and wedding posts, but today there is even more online excitement to share!

Recently, I received an email from a sweetheart named Chantale. Blogger & wedding enthusiast extraordinaire, her blog (La Belle Bride), specializes in featuring photographers and real weddings that have an artsy, vintage feel. I was so honored that she stumbled across my site and asked if I would be interested in submitting a wedding to her.

While so many of our photos have an artsy & vintage feel, I could think of no better wedding to submit than Rori and Matt's.

Click here to read the article about Rori & Matt's wedding on La Belle Bride!

{My Couple Eloped!}

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:16:55 -0800

Yep. You heard me. They ELOPED!

And there's no better service than Facebook to get the word out! I found out via Jackie's status update, which read: is married to the love of her life! Yes, the wedding is still on for next July but we just couldn't wait any longer :)

And I can't blame them, really. Their chosen wedding date would have meant an 18-month engagement for the two young lovebirds. I remember when Jake proposed, I wanted to run away with him and make it official right away. Because, when you're young and in love, sometimes patience is the last thing on your mind.

And 'twas the case with Jackie and Zach... during a simple conversation one day this winter, they decided they just couldn't wait until July to make things official. They like to do things differently. They were excited to plan an intimate ceremony without being in the spotlight of 200 guests. They described their decision to me as wanting to make it official for themselves, but still not wanting to take away from their big wedding planned for this summer for all their family and friends to enjoy.

So, on December 16th, 2009 - a Wednesday, they went to their minister's home and he performed a 20-minute ceremony in his living room in front of his Christmas tree. Zach's brother Jake and his girlfriend, Kira, were there as witnesses.

At the holidays, Jackie & Zach had the chance to share the news with family and friends. Needless to say, all were completely surprised, but also so very happy for the lucky couple. Their wedding this summer is sure to be a big celebration for everyone. Jackie told me that she is stoked for the opportunity to wear her gown, walk down the aisle, and celebrate. Zach confessed that he is relieved he won't get hit on in public so much now that he's sporting his temporary wedding band (to be replaced with the official one this July), and is much looking forward to his Bachelor Party :)

But perhaps the best, most romantic, parts of this story are the beautiful thoughts that Jackie and Zach had to share about each other:

From Jackie... "Being married has been so amazing and fun. We didn't really expect to feel any different from before but we totally do. We feel so much closer and every time I look at him, I get so giddy inside because I get to call him my husband! I love it."

From Zach... "I love my wife. She has been so supportive and I am excited about our new life together. We have such great plans for life. We both want to be parents of a role model family that supports and loves each other, accepts all people equally and gives back what we take from the Earth. My wife is an angel and she has the kindest heart. She has taught me so much and I feel so privileged to be in her life."

These proclamations give me goosebumps, and teary eyes, and a heart full of happiness. And this, my friends, is what it's all about.

Congratulations you two. I am so honored to be your photographer. You have something special, and there is so much to celebrate!

(And a huge thanks to their witness Kira for making sure to get some photos of it!!)

{Just a Taste!}

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:30:22 -0800

We shot a super-fun engagement shoot this past Saturday, and we were so fortunate with the gorgeous Seattle weather we had too! Here's one sneak-peek shot for now to whet your appetite (I know, I'm soooo funny) :)

{Our side of things}

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:45:10 -0800

I love my new iPhone. And I mean seriously LOVE it. The ability to read email while lying in bed is really just soooo exciting to me.

This morning, I woke up a bit late, and totally dazed and confused. Would I have time to get to the gym on time for class? Do I need to walk the dogs or is it raining out? Do I have time to put my contacts in? My mind was reeling, but I still managed to unplug my iPhone from its charger and sort threw my 14 new emails.

When I saw her name in my inbox, my heart skipped a beat.

Would it be good news?

A gentle let-down?

You just never know.

But it was good news. Great news, in fact. A lovely bride emailing to let me know that the feeling was mutual and that we were their top pick for their wedding photographers and "where do we sign the contract"? (i.e. words that make me MELT).

I immediately jumped out of bed as if I'd had a few shots of espresso intravenously. Me and my crazy hair ran into the bathroom, iPhone in hand, screaming, "WE BOOKED THE WEDDING!!!" and read Jake the email word-for-word while he showered. He knew I was referring to the lovely couple we'd just met this week and shared in the excitement. I did a happy dance. He laughed at how fast I woke up, made fun of my crazy hair, and we decided we'd celebrate over dinner tonight.

And while I know we are one of so many vendors and so many choices a couple makes for their wedding, just one piece of the pie, I am pretty sure the couple never really knows how much their choice means to US. And it does mean so much to us, so thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our fabulous couples. We love you SO much!!

{You are what you Eat.}

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:03:34 -0800

I have debated about posting this for some time. For months, in fact, because you might just think I'm nuts. But the last few days, I've seen both the Taco Bell Drive-Thru Diet and the Hollywood Cookie Diet advertised on TV and I'm just infuriated. This era of bad nutrition and misinformation needs to end!

Jake and I have been eating super-healthy for almost a year now, and feeling really, really great. Life-changing great. Our health has improved so much.

Some people think we're nuts, as what we're eating is definitely not society's "norm" and it wasn't easy for us to find the information we did. So I'm putting it here to share with you. Take it or leave it. But, I'm hoping you'll take it!

Where to begin?

My food journey, like everyone's, started as kid, I avoided vegetables like the plague. My mom served veggies with every dinner, but bless their souls, she and my dad never forced me to eat them. I knew Popeye ate his Spinach, but I never understood the reason people at things like cooked spinach that looked soooo soggy... and steamed broccoli that smelled so.... green.

I grew up surrounded by Italians with a divine love for homemade pastas (and the marinara always from scratch), garlic breadsticks, and homemade pizzas with a thin yet chewy crust.

I would start my days with a bowl or two of cereal... anything from Cheerios to Frosted Flakes... pancakes or scones or eggs and bacon on the weekends, lunches of grilled cheese, cheese and crackers and, of course, pb & j... I loved fruit and enjoyed yogurt, so later in life I thought those were the healthy choices that would keep my body healthy. I averaged a size 4, and while I often felt tired, I worked out and never thought I was out of shape or terribly unhealthy. I ate this way until I was 29. Until 9 months ago, in fact.

Last holiday season, Jake and I didn't feel like we were at our best. We tried to eat healthier by incorporating whole grains, more fruit, and some veggies (Jake was better than me at this) into our diet. But again, no science behind our methods, just what we had thought was right from the good 'ol USDA.

As we started researching new gyms and workout programs, Jake also began searching for more information on nutrition. Both of us ready for a change, we bought a few books and began reading. We were amazed at what we were learning, and decided to give things a try.

We now eat a diet that consists of:
-lean meats & seafood
-healthy fats
-non-starchy vegetables and fruits

What don't we eat? Grains, cereals, rice, processed meats, unhealthy fats, sugar, and dairy.

We went through a bit of grain/sugar withdrawl when we first started it (I literally saw cupcakes dancing in front of me one day), but once we made it past the first few weeks we saw and felt some amazing things start to happen.

The changes we've seen? All positive!
-Increased energy (I joke that I've been awakened from a lifelong grain-induced coma)
-Becoming more lean (We're both the smallest we've ever been in our adult lives!)
-Feeling satisfied and full after meals for several hours (No need for snacking)
-No longer fearing a future with heart disease, cancer, or one of the many syndrome x diseases caused by eating foods that weren't meant for our systems
-Clearer skin
-Improved strength at the gym
-Improved allergies (Jake hasn't renewed his allergy rx in 6 months! he used to need it every day!)
-Better sleep
-Improved & easier to control blood sugars (for my type 1 diabetes)

The official name is the Paleo Diet. Dr. Loren Cordain describes it best on his website as:

"The Paleo Diet is a way of eating in the modern age that best mimics diets of our hunter-gatherer ancestors - combinations of lean meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. By eating the foods that we are genetically adapted to eat, followers of the Paleo Diet are naturally lean, have acne-free skin, improved athletic performance, and are experiencing relief from numerous metabolic-related and autoimmune diseases.

If you are ready to be lean and healthy, then look around and subscribe to our newsletter. Learn how to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, arthritis, acne, gastrointestinal disease, autoimmune diseases, and more. On this website, and in our books and newsletter, you'll learn the latest science and practical scientific tips that will lead to optimum health and performance. This truly is the world's healthiest diet."

I am posting this article today because I know so many people come out of the holidays full of eggnog and holiday cookies, ready to get into shape. Resolutions are set, yet so many don't even know how to properly achieve them. Try this yourself and see how you feel!

Recommended Reading & Websites:
-The Paleo Diet by Dr. Loren Cordain
-The Everyday Paleo Blog
-Robb Wolf's Blog
-The Diabetes Solution by Dr. Bernstein (any diabetics out there MUST read this!)

Happy Eating!

{New Years Hoopla and all that glitter}

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 14:31:47 -0800

Every year I get super excited about the holiday season. I love updating my holiday music playlist, getting out the decorations, drinking hot, frothy cappuccinos from red cups, and cozying up to my handsome husband while watching Christmas movies.

But I must admit, I have always viewed New Year's Eve as a giant bunch of hoopla. The expectation to don a party hat, get all gussied up, wear glittery eyeshadow, stiletto heels and stay up past midnight to celebrate the shift of a year is something I left back in college. Well, maybe a couple years out of college...

And while I understand the symbolism of closing out the old and starting with the new, these days I find myself getting excited for birthdays of our nephews and niece, girlfriends announcing their first pregnancies, my parents 40th wedding anniversary, our wedding anniversaries, my sister and aunt running half-marathons, booking a new couple for their wedding... you know, things of significance... things that matter!

So, forgive me for packing away my cocktail dress and glittery eyeshadow and shying away from the big party invites, and mini-vacations planned for this New Year's Eve. We rang in the new year with a few good friends this year and it was perfect. Great company, tasty food, fun card games (even if I only learned how to play them halfway through), and the neighbors even had a fantastic fireworks display. I'd say it was just about perfect.

THANK YOU to all of our 2009 friends-as-clients, for making this a year of growth. You trusted me with my creative vision. You've built my confidence. My love for doing what I do just keeps snowballing larger and larger.

I am greeting 2010 with giddy anticipation. We have some seriously fantastic weddings lined up, and I can't wait to see what other couples we will book. I know that the clients that select us are also a reflection of us, and the matches just get better and better all the time. Who knew photography would be such a great way to make new friends!

And if you want to keep in the loop with me for 2010, be sure to

find me on facebook
follow me on twitter
join my mailing list

I'll try to keep you entertained :)

{Happy Holidays!}

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:15:49 -0800

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! I wanted to share our holiday card with you this year. We opted for a different version of an e-card rather than a printed card because we just couldn't find any other way to recap what a great year this has been for us. Enjoy!

{Sign up!}

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:37:18 -0800

Happy Holidays faithful blog readers!

Just updating our mailing list - if you'd like to be included, please take a few seconds to

SIGN UP HERE!

Don't miss out! I promise to only send fun & colorful emails, and I will never sell your name to anyone else :)

Thanks soooooo much!

{The Campbell Family}

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 22:00:53 -0800

I think it's a shame that for us on-location photographers in Seattle, business slows down a bit - okay, a LOT, in the wintertime. Don't get me wrong, I definitely get the appeal of our summer warmth, but I truly believe that anytime of year is a great time to shoot.

While the weather, the location, the styling can all play into the feeling of the shoot & appearance of final photos, the absolute, hands-down, most important factor is YOU - the subject, the purpose, whatever reason that this shoot is taking place. The reason you have hired, paid, and signed a contract for someone else to take these photos of you.

I love parents Todd & Becky for recognizing this split moment in their lives. As their 5 year wedding anniversary was fast approaching, they had also just celebrated the 3rd birthday of their first son, and the first birthday of their youngest. Holidays are right around the corner, and really, their plates couldn't be more full. But they stopped for photos. They made time for photos. To them, this was a moment in time that needed to be documented.

I was a bit nervous. We'd planned an early morning shoot (for reasons of sunlight & kids' best moods), and it. was. cold. Super cold. So cold, the grass was frozen white. I had no idea how the kids would react to the weather. I was most nervous about Chase, the one-year-old getting cold. But as always, I took a deep breath, filled my mind with positive thoughts, and headed in.

I chose a few of my favorites to post here, and I'm going to take a quick moment to tell what I like about each shot. Yes, photos do speak for themselves, but hey, it's a blog, and I just feel the need to say what's in my head tonight...

------------------

This first one was just for me. A selfish & personal shot. I have been wanting an Autumn/Leafy shoot and just couldn't believe I would be getting it all the way in December! So happy the leaves are still falling. So pretty.

This is one of my favorite family shots ever captured. The look this little guy is giving his dad says so much. They eyes are so powerful, and my heart swells every time I look at this.

In my opinion, this is a great family shot. I know, poor Lawson's face isn't featured too well (the 3-year old in mom's arms), but the laughter and joy screams out loud from within the print, and I love that. And Lawson gets some more camera time later, so all is well :)

I laugh every time I look at this one, and then I feel bad because Chase looks so incredibly sad. But I can't help but giggle. It's just an ironic shot because most kids find falling leaves so fun and fascinating, but not Chase. He was happiest when in mom or dad's arms. I loved the vibrant color in the original shot, but thought the expression played out well in vintage too. Don't hate me for loving his sad, adorable face...

Lawson. 3 years old. Carefree and so adorable. This is a great shot for me as a photographer, because we were in a completely shaded area underneath a gigantic tree, and only one stream of sunlight was shining through, about 10 inches wide. Lawson was running around like a wild man, and I was ready when this happened. Check out the sunlight hitting those leaves. This is waiting for the shot!

Love this family shot on the left. Not planned by me at all. Just naturally happened. Same with little Chase on the right. I imagine he planted himself in that spot for a few moments because the sunlight was warming his back. Amazing that such a cool morning could look so warm.

This is one of those shots that I keep staring at, and I can't even quite figure out why. These types of shots always end up being my favorites because they make me think.

Parents are always the best at entertaining their kids. I love this one on the right because big brother is so happy, but little brother is soooo not amused. Such is life, huh?

Father and son. Priceless.

Love this one on the left because of the sun flare & the fact that dad decided to throw them up on this gigantic tree stump about 5 feet high (don't worry - mom and dad were doing a great job spotting!). And this shot on the right is because ever kid needs a classic black and white of their parents. I love looking at photos of my parents when my sister and I were young. It's fun to see them at different times in their life. I think the parents are just as important to document as the kids.

On the left, big brother leading little brother... need I say more? And this shot on the right was one of our last shots of the day. Great winter colors & everyone's having fun. Just feels good.