Jess Cumbie Photography | Florida Wedding Photographer

Summer Mini Sessions - Jacksonville Florida Portrait Photography

2011-06-05T20:55:00.001-04:00

Patriotic mini sessions, Jacksonville, fl

Ashley & Christoph's Walt Disney World Wedding

2011-03-28T14:18:00.001-04:00

Ashley and Christoph were married at Disney's Wedding Pavilion and their reception was inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It was a magical day, to say the least.
This is my favorite shot of Ashley. It's classic and so beautiful!!!

And her dress? Traveled to Orlando in her carry-on bag!

The details were so beautiful.

A Fairy Tale Wedding, indeed!

The ceremony was filled with beautiful pink flowers and gorgeous light.

Who doesn't love laughter in a wedding ceremony?

Ashley and Christoph also had a couple of very special guests at their wedding!

Traveling in style.

Doesn't this cake look divine?

Amazing fireworks - Disney celebrates any ceremony with style!

And one last photo of the gorgeous couple.

Thanks for sharing your amazing day with me! I had an incredible time.

Better Late Than Never Right!!

2011-03-01T17:37:00.001-05:00

Just found out, by accident no less... that I received Wedding Wire's 2011 Bride's Choice Award! Yeah baby!!!

Ashley & Christoph's Walt Disney World Wedding

2011-02-26T06:49:00.005-05:00

I promise to do a 2011 recap! Since it's been a very long time since I've blogged anything! But I couldn't resist posting up the sneak peeks of this weeks Disney Wedding. Ashley and Christoph were married at Disney's Wedding Pavilion and their reception was inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It was a magical day, to say the least.
This is my favorite shot of Ashley. It's classic and so beautiful!!!

Ashley and Christoph also had a couple of very special guests at their wedding!

Carly & Aaron are Engaged

2010-09-20T14:40:00.002-04:00

When I met Carly and Aaron, they expressed that they liked off-beat photography & locations... I mentioned BT to them, and they were ecstatic... So, for their engagement session I scouted a super cool location and we went from there! *warning* this post has about 30 photos it in, so it's kinda long :)

My Fav image from their session.... Just love it!

Disney's Boardwalk Engagement Goodness

2010-09-03T12:12:00.002-04:00

Last week Wes and I made a quick day trip down to WDW for Ashley & Christoph's engagement session. On the way down there, it started to pour right outside of Orlando. As we got closer to downtown Orlando it got worse, but as soon as we got past downtown Orlando and right outside of Disney the sky cleared up and even let a little sunshine through for our session.
Ashley and Christoph were such a fun couple to photograph, their smiles are so genuine and came so easy. Even with an overcast day, and wet grounds this session has produced some of my favorite engagement photos. Here are mine & Ashley's favs from their Disney's Boardwalk engagement session. :)

Brooke & Tbo's Seabreeze Point Wedding

2010-08-10T14:31:00.001-04:00

Here are some of my favs from Brooke and Tbo's beautiful Seabreeze Point wedding at Disney's Boardwalk :)

Brooke & Thomas' Wedding Sneak Peak

2010-07-27T13:15:00.003-04:00

Brooke and Thomas had a beautiful small ceremony this past weekend at Disney's Boardwalk in Walt Disney World, FL. I haven't had time to comb through all their photos but I wanted to get out a couple of sneak peaks! I've been fortunate lately to have a few brides wear beautiful vintage style lace dresses. Brooke's dress was stunning, and their wedding was a beautiful close friends and family event...
Brooke and Thomas, thank you for allowing me to be part of your wedding day and enjoy Jamaica!!

Here's to Long Days

2010-06-09T08:36:00.003-04:00

Saturday, June 5th was possibly the longest day of my career. It started early, 9:30 early with my good friend Shelly's wedding in Memorial Park and ended about 9pm that night coming home from the beautiful Amelia Island Plantation from a destination beach wedding. Two weddings in one day is quite the task. I'm sure other photographers do it from time to time, but this photographer will be reluctant to do it again that's for sure!

Shelly and I met at a rehearsal dinner. One of my brides invited Wes and I to her rehearsal dinner, where we met Shelly, a photography student at UNF. We instantly got along. So from one of my former brides came a great friendship. Shelly is an amazing person, she's a great artist and she's a good friend. She married the love of her life, who recently graduated from Annapolis... It's truly a tale from a storybook!

The second wedding was a beach wedding. Amelia Island is such a great spot for a beach wedding because it's so private. No passers by in bathing-suits to get in your shots and no outsiders watching your wedding... It's nice. The weather held out for Taylor's dream destination beach wedding, despite rain on the drive up it cleared up nicely and stayed clear for the rest of the evening.

The weddings were very different but equally beautiful...
Congratulations Shelly, KC, Taylor and Logan!!!

Kristen M. Sneak Peak

2010-04-09T10:57:00.002-04:00

What can I say... the girl is GORGEOUS!!!
Kristen won a little modeling competition I put up on my facebook fan page to do this shoot I had been dreaming up for a while. First we did some beauty shots because, well I mean why not. The amazingly wonderful Michelle Axtell did Kristen's makeup. Michelle is such a wonderful person and super talented, I love working with her!
I uploaded the photos lastnight to facebook but thy look so much bigger and crisper here!!!

Here is the theme I've been dreaming up for a while now... a Little Red Ridinghood inspired shoot. When I finally got a model I was able to start constructing the hooded cape for her to wear, and I just loved the teal fabric underneath!! (no matter how Japanese it looks) LOL
Just a sneak peak, many more to come!

Here Goes Nothing...

2010-04-07T15:04:00.004-04:00

Oh Blog, how I mistreat thee... I've been unfaithful with a little website called Facebook. It's much more user friendly, I don't have to spellcheck as often (although I should!) I'm a terrible blogger... TERRIBLE! I can't imagine this is a secret... My poor blog followers must think that I fall off the face of the earth (all 5 of them, lol) but I haven't fallen off the face of the earth, I've actually been quite busy. Wes and I have renovated the house, more out of necessity than "want" but still the casa is lookin pretty good. I've been working on some businessey type things, taxes, new software, etc etc all the fun stuff... BUT lately I've kinda poured myself into doing something I've wanted to do for a long time.

For a while now I've been wanting to make something to help photographers. I'm not a master photographer and I'm terrible in front of a crowd so teaching was out. I'm horrible at social networking. I'm awkward in large groups of people, the list goes on and on... But I'm good at developing. All the funky coloring you see in the Breaking Tradition photos, I did myself, in Lightroom. Which is an awesome program btw if you aren't using it to edit you're so missing out... but anyway, I hear people complain all the time about how long it takes them to edit and all these sites with actions galore for photoshop, which honestly I don't fully get have I purchased these actions yes, do I use them, kinda... I use maybe 4 out of the hundreds I've purchased, which frustrated me. I'm saying all this as a poor lead up to what this blog is about. I've created some Lightroom "presets" to hopefully make your life easier. I personally adore them and find them very useful. They are extremely simple to use, and yes, I'm selling them. Here in fact: Jess Cumbie Presets
There are 13 presets in the collection, each one almost totally different than the next. I've put together some samples using some of my past images to display here on the blog, and there are some samples on the website as well (which still needs a little work)
The presets are $45 and you can purchase them through the website listed above
Here are some samples of the presets included in the collection

The presets will not work well with jpgs, they work best with RAW images. The work with the tones and color balance that is already in your raw image. So, while "Yesterday's News" might look like a vintage pink in my image it could look different it yours depending on the color balance and tones that are in your image.
If you have any questions about the presets, please feel free to email me at jess@jesscumbie.com I look forward to seeing what everyone does with them!!!

Front Yard Goodness....

2010-02-01T15:21:00.002-05:00

All of these photos were taken in my front yard or one block away... I don't have a huge field in my yard but it's basically next door... I like any client have a hard time figuring out locations. I got to looking around one day and noticed that there are quite a few areas just on my street that are interesting... and this morning, Priscilla and I decided to make the best of them!!!

Sweetheart Mini Sessions!

2010-01-31T08:18:00.001-05:00

Perfect for Valentines day!!!!

The Lost BT Shoot

2010-01-24T16:41:00.004-05:00

Somehow these photos didn't make it to the blog a while back... I just added them to facebook... About a year ago I met up with an awesome model down at Disney (in the same place where Kaitlyn & Ryan were married) and we did a very off-beat Disney themed shoot... Check it out...

Middle of last year, I decided to merge Breaking Tradition with my primary company... Since then I've been trying to catch this blog and my facebook fan page up with all the shoots that were done in 2008 under BT... I believe this one is the last "old" session to post up...

St. Augustine Engagment Photographer | Phaedra & Ben

2010-01-19T09:03:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago on a very cold and windy day in St. Augustine, I met up with Phaedra and Ben who are from the great state of Maryland, living in Baltimore (home of Ace of Cakes!!) and are having their wedding here, well in St. Augustine, at the beautiful Serenata Beachclub.

Months ago I was contacted by Phaedra through my website, and her email prompted me to want to call her vs just email her back so I set up a time to do a phone consultation. I 100% adore when people look through my entire website! Phaedra was talking about how she liked all the coloring in the photos and just how different my photos were, and I said hold on a second did you get to the Breaking Tradition part of the website, and she said "sure did, and I love it!" My little heart skipped like three beats I swear!

So, for their engagement session we decided to throw a little BT into the mix!! :)

BT style... Gotta love it!!!

Isn't this just too sweet!!!!!

This... this is my fav from the whole session! I adore this!!!!

**sigh**

OK so the session ended up being mostly BT style... but that's alright by me! :D

Between you, me and the tea bags...

2010-01-05T21:36:00.002-05:00

Strange name for a wedding blog I know. But if you were there, you know!!

I'm not really big on fancy writing, story telling, etc etc... I'm just not good at it... I can tell you that I love these two... I've loved them since the first time I talked to them on the phone, and I love them even more every time I look at these wedding photos!

Kaitlyn and Ryan had a small destination wedding in, their favorite place on earth, Walt Disney World.... Which I believe is one of the greatest places to get married but then again I'm a tad bit bias... In our planning sessions before the wedding they decided to book a package with 7hrs of coverage in it... which was odd really because they didn't have a reception, yep no reception. Just a small ceremony with their closest family (11 people in total I believe) and then gave me an unprecedented 2 full hours to roam around Disney's Boardwalk (which is BEAUTIFUL)taking photos of just them together... Heaven I tell you, I was in photography heaven!!!

Choosing blog favs, well, that's no easy task as I'm sure you'll see... I think there are 33 photos in this post!! So it's a long one folks... But it's full of images of a beautiful couple, who I'm sure if you look up happiness in the dictionary you'll see a photo of the two of them laughing together on their wedding day....

I think this is my favorite wedding image ever!

Followed by this!!!

Merry Christmas to Me....

2009-12-25T20:27:00.003-05:00

So, I'm sure that most of you know by now I'm kinda a Disney freak.... I totally blame my Mom for this of course (hi, Mom love you!) But, we grew up with parents that had a time share with Disney and annual passes. I can tell you how to navigate the Magic Kingdom by heart and can recite quite a few of the classics... Ok enough about my obsession onto the point of this blog...

A few months ago....

I received a phone call from a guy named Ryan about wedding photography, which of course is odd cause usually the guy just wants to know how much it's going to cost LOL. But Ryan is a photographer in Mississippi, sports photographer to be exact. Or, at least sports and journalism is his passion. (he's also a Nikon guy, but I forgave him for that after he admitted that Canon does have a one up in some areas) He told me that he and his fiancée Kaitlyn were having a Disney wedding on Christmas Eve and would like to know if I would consider photographing their wedding. Now, at the time Wes and I had talked about spending Christmas in Disney and I told him that we were actually planning on being down there around that time and that it might just work out perfectly. We talked for close to an hour I believe, I of course loved the idea of Disney at Christmas and another Disney Wedding, making two Disney Weddings in 2009 is kinda amazing to me!

When I do the full post I'll include info about Kaitlyn and Ryan's wedding page where you'll be able to read their story and all about their wedding but for now here are some sneak peaks :)

Jacksonville Wedding Photography | Kati & Corey's Wedding

2009-12-14T10:05:00.004-05:00

Kati & Corey's Story

I love this couple! I wish I could go to their wedding over and over again!! As promised their here are my favorite images and slideshow at the end. Don't forget to check out the new feature, the custom wedding website linked above :)

Kati told me he was singing to her here....

Amelia Island Wedding Photography | Emily and Andrew Seak Peak

2009-12-13T23:31:00.003-05:00

I met up with Emily and Andrew a few months ago for a wedding consultation. We hit it off almost instantly! Even after their session this afternoon we stood around talking for almost another half an hour!!

Can I just tell you, in a little over an hour we took 917 photos!! They were amazing!! You can't fake this kind of true laughter and love for one another!

I know I said Kati and Corey were next, and they are! I'm still in the process of making their slideshow and stuff, I wanna try to keep up to date on the blog, yet still play catchup LOL

I'm a bad blogger!

2009-12-11T09:03:00.004-05:00

I've been pretty busy the last couple of weeks. If it's not photoshoots it's family stuff and if it's not family stuff it's holiday stuff.... I'm so very very far behind on blogging. I post just about everything to the fan page and forget about it! So let me try to catch you up right fast on what's been going on....

First we have Jack! My friend Kimberly's little boy. Pretty sure he's rotten to the very core!!

Next, little baby Gabriel. He's a premature baby, and had only been home from the hospital for about a week when we did this session. I believe he was already 4 months old. And he's still SO tiny!!!

Ah, The Brooks family... This was a fun day.. Conner the adorable upside down redhead you see here, he's not much of a ham for the camera but he's never met a stranger, I received many hugs that day... too cute!!!!

Stephanie and Aaron have another new edition on the way as well, who I'll be meeting soon!!

Aren't they cute!!!

The Rine Family, did a mini session. My friend Liz who I'm sure some of you know she's the owner of Couture Weddings does custom wedding products, if you don't know her then well, you should! With a family portrait like this who wouldn't want to hang with them!! LOL

My fav!!!

Finally we have the beautiful Temia. She saw my mini session special and decided she wanted to get some photos of herself for her upcoming birthday... She's gorgeous!!! and I hear the photos were a hit!

Sorry for the lack of blogging... this still isn't fully caught up, I have a few more family photos, Kati & Corey's Wedding and Stephanie's sister Morgan to post soon!!

Thanks Ida!

2009-11-10T18:55:00.004-05:00

I've been told I can thank Ida for all the rain the past couple of days... and, while I didn't enjoy getting soaked going to my car of having to clean water spots off my lenses today... I did enjoy shooting at the beach with the storm clouds as a backdrop!
There is something about shooting in the rain, I likely shouldn't like it since it's A. not good for my equipment and B. likely voids my insurance in some way shape or form but I really do enjoy the interesting photos you get with dark skys, raindrops, and rain soaked subjects :)
Last week, at Faythe's Shoot Out I was pretty excited to use my new toys for the shoot... and I'm super happy with the result! My friend Heather, had recently gotten herself a pocketwizard and flash to start learning and had some trouble with it... and well I think all of us did when we first started using them. Anyway, she asked me if I'd help her. I of course said yes she's the sister to one of my brides and it was one of the craziest wedding's I've been involved with to date!!! Anywho, Heather has become a good friend since the wedding and I love spending time with her, so after roping her into being my lighting assistant we had lunch and met up with her friend Hidi for a quick session/lesson. Now, I was mainly the "teach" as Heather says in this scenario but I did manage to pop off a few super cool shots before the rain ruined our fun!

And, is it just me or does Hidi seriously look like Nellie Furtado???

Be sure to keep an eye out for Heather's photos oh her blog!! whitblackphoto.wordpress.com

My First Shoot Out

2009-11-04T10:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I got to spend an hour at a couture shoot out put together by Faythe Mesic.... it was pretty awesome if I do say so myself :)

More of Jamie :)

2009-10-25T20:54:00.003-04:00

I never expected that so soon after being a fairy Jamie would want to do another shoot. I guess being in costume with green makeup and glitter all over doesn't fully represent the normal side of most people. LOL

Jamie joined in on the mini session fun this past week. She messaged me and said she wanted an evening session, so that maybe some of fun lights in 5 points would be on... Then she shows up at the park in a zebra print dress deal with red lipstick and red shoes! Fun lighting you say.... yes ma'am!!

I can't decide which ones of these I like.... this one....

Or this one...

Dana & Justin's Mini Session

2009-10-25T14:32:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I met up with a few clients who booked Mini Sessions in 5 points. Here are some of my favs from Dana and Justin's Mini Session.

Good ole Florida sky in the afternoons, Gloomy one direction and sunny the other!

Amy & Ryan get Trashed

2009-10-05T23:01:00.002-04:00

Early morning photoshoots are not my thing... I think the world knows that by now, but I always love the results when I actually do an early morning shoot... the light is really very pretty, especially by the beach.

Getting up at 5am - $0

Showering while half asleep - $0

Driving to St. Augustine in the dark - $0

Amy & Ryan's early morning session on the streets of St. Augustine - Priceless

My Baby is Broken!!

2009-09-30T13:57:00.003-04:00

Lastnight I headed out to the Jax Shoot Club monthly meeting. I missed the last one and this one was SUPER close to my house which is always a plus!!

I load up my medium format cameras and my primary camera and debate on taking my backup camera you know, just in case.... Well it's RARE that I have equipment troubles so I said nahhh I'll just leave this other stuff home..... Wrong-o!!!

I get there get ready to shoot and the first image I shoot is fine but when I look through my view finder it's BLACK! I almost had a cow, not knowing what was wrong with my camera I take off my lens and find that my mirror inside has come off!!! and since I had neglected to bring my backup camera I ended up being the lighting girl for Tara lastnight.... which turned out super cool... it's been a while since we worked together, and it was nice being a team again lastnight!

So, here is my one test shot that I got lastnight! LOL

Amy & Ryan Trash The Dress (sneak peak)

2009-09-26T17:11:00.002-04:00

think getting up at 5am was worth it... what do you think?

Brent & Anzli's South Georgia Wedding preview

2009-09-21T13:12:00.002-04:00

This weekend Wes and I headed up to GA for his brother's wedding. Wes was the best man and I, the photographer.... here are some of my favs from the day

My Family

2009-09-14T21:21:00.003-04:00

Guys.... I have the best lookin family in town! Hands down!!! There are so many new little kidos in my family and they are all so dang cute!!!! I don't think there is an ugly one in the bunch....

This weekend Billy and Lydia did Miss Syd's 4yr old birthday party, complete with scooby doo bounce house w/slide and a snowcone machine!!!! Oh to be 4 again.....

Here's a peak at a pretty normal family get together :)

The birthday girl

My Aunt Nina (she'll be proud I didn't use her family nick name, lol)

check it out... Wes looks happy!!! lol

Little Nick :)

that's the mystery machine in the background... this HUGE bounce house with a slide in the middle.... there was even a waterhose hook up to make it a waterslide!!!!! Wes and I are thinking to rent it just for kicks! hahaha

Little Will.... he's by far the cooooooolest baby I've ever met....

My Cousin Billy.... Growing up all my friends had a crush on Billy.... he's a little chubbier now that he's all married and settled and father of two.... still weird to think of him that way. I mean he so graciously taught me what a wedgie was!!!!

I really wish I could remember what it was like to be 4yrs old!!!

and finally, we ended the day with..... fresh snowcones.....

Not an ugly one in the buch!!!! lol

I can't believe I'm blogging this

2009-09-08T13:27:00.004-04:00

Labor Day 2009 was also the 5th annual Krystal square off......... yes..... seriously....

Wes and I struggle with finding new things to do. As I'm sure most couples do (right, please comment and confirm we are not alone in this!!!!) So somehow, Wes comes across this event at the landing. We are each at our computers when we have this conversation: (via loud voices down the hall way, this is how all couples inneract right?? again are we alone?)

Wes - "Honey?!?!"

Jess - "yeah?"

Wes - "You know how we're always looking for something different to do n stuff right?"

Jess - "uhhhh yeah"

Wes - "well, there is a pro eating cometition at the landing on labor day"

Jess - "ummm ok, we can check that out.... definately different!"

that was it, that was the converstation and we had just made our plans for Labor Day!!!!! (please tell me there are people rolling around on their floors now histarically laughing at us, cause honestly YOU SHOULD BE!)

So yesterday we head down to The Landing for the 5th Annual Krystal Square Off with my brother, his cousin, Wes' buddy from work and his new wife (welcome to Jax Laura!!!! LOL) We decided early that we were just going to keep our spots in the Landing balcony and watch the action from there. We learn that this is a sanctioned event, the winner will get like $50k in the finals for dowing some Krystals!!!! This event was however only a semi-final the winner would go onto to the Final in TN later in teh year for the chance at the $50k. They pulled names from the crowd, you know to give an every day Joe the opportunity to go onto the next round, and had a couple of um pros I guess they can be called.... one being Hall Hoover Hunt down home boy from Jacksonville who was also the 2008 record holder of 60 Krystals in 8mins! (are you still laughing, please God tell me you're still laughing it's hard for me to keep a straight face typing this!)

So yes, Florida record holder eating 60 of those little gut bombs in 8 mins!!!!!

This is like a serious thing, it's a "growing" sport in our contry and everything.... I just can't believe people are making that much money eating!!!!!

Ok I'll let the photos to tell the rest of the story.....

The stage was set.....

A pretty good crowd had come down to the landing on Labor Day..... and there were kids playing at downtown's only beach... (still not 100% sure what was up with that, I guess I missed something earlier in the summer about this cause it was def different to see the landing covered in sand)

There's the trophy! well not him.... but I couldn't resist.......

Some of the onlookers

the "eh I'm good up here" crowd (like us)

The guy with the face paint.... anyone remember the hangman from pro wrestling years and years ago (here I go dating myself, lovely) ummmm that would be him there in the black hand with the red white and blue face!

This guy was PSYCHED when his name was called to be a contestant.....

psyched I tell you

and he loved his new, ever supportive, cheering crowd

Competitive Eating is the fastest growing new sport in our country.... so proud

Annnnnnd their off!!!!!

you'll see the newly excited competor on the left having a hard time, maybe this sport isn't as easy as it looks... while our champ in the blue hat to the right is powering down the tiny slider sandwiches with little to no effort at all!!!!

In the end, Hall "Hoover" Hunt not only won the competition but beat his own Florida record of 60 Krystal hamburgers by eating 65 Krystals and he is onto the next round and could win FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! Good luck Hoover!!!!!! I hope you bring home the big bucks!!!!!

From the landing we were off to find something else to occupy our time, so we decided to go see Inglourious BasterdsIf you're easily offended by curse words (and since I'm married to a Sailor I obviously am not) then I'd suggest that you not see the movie, but Brad Pitt does a really really great job with his part, and I actually thought it was pretty good, but then again I'm a fan of Tarentino's work.....
We then finished our day with..... ummm.... a hamburger at the loop.... :)

Sweetest Thing

2009-09-06T12:12:00.002-04:00

Friday I delivered Kelly and Brad's album to them. Honestly I'm in awe of the album. It was my first Finao order and all I can say is WOW.... it was HUGE they ordered an 11x14 album and it was simply stunning!!!

Kelly being the sweetheart she is knew that I'd be dying to hear what she had to say about the album (since I delivered it to Brad and told him I have to know what her reaction is cause I didn't want to give the book up!) Kelly sent me this via my Facebook fan page:

"My first reactions to our wedding album: "Holy crap it's HUGE!" followed by "Aww, it's eco-friendly..." followed by lots of gasping and staring over and over and over. It is the most AMAZING thing I have EVER SEEN! Thank you for making this so magical!!"

Here are the pages of their album:

Jess Cumbie Photography on Facebook

Images for a Cure

2009-09-03T09:42:00.004-04:00

I've joined with Images for a Cure to raise funds, to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.

As many of you know a while back my grandmother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer so, this issue is near and dear to my heart.

I will be donating 100% of my session fees to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The event will take place on October 11th and I'm going accepting a maximum of 10 sessions :) Each session will be 45mins to 1hr and I'm likely to do them in Memorial Park just to make things easier for everyone. I'm not limiting the sessions to couples, seniors, models or anything like that. If you'd like to get your family together or small groups of friends together and split the cost for a photo shoot please feel free. My session fee for October 11th will be $100 if you are interested in scheduling a session please visit the Images for a Cure website and make your donation, to schedule your session. (link attached)

I will also be giving all participants 15% off their purchase of a CD, prints or albums for the first two weeks following your session proofing online :)

Thank you all in advance for participation in this charity event, I hope we can help Images for a Cure reach their goal :)

The Sweetness that is Jamie

2009-08-27T11:52:00.004-04:00

Totally stole her album name!!!! yep.... and... well she's going to kill me!!!! Not for that but for this........
I've decided to do two slideshows one showing a few out takes!!! Jamie was such a trooper through the nearly 3hrs it took to shoot this, not to mention the 9 hours prior that day finishing the outfit, sitting for makeup and all kinds of craziness!!!! Jamie is one of the most fun people to be around, she's got a magnificent personality and makes these faces that are just too stinkin cute!!!! so I've decided to give you a few of the funnier images I captured that day.... (btw I tossed quite a few and I'm wishing I hadn't, I haven't formatted the card yet maybe I'll get them back!!!!hahahaha)

And because blogs are better with photos...... This is only a few... to see all of them up close and personal hit up the facebook fan page and check them out!!!

And now for the real slideshow, Jamie thought it should be set to something kinda magical sounding, so lucky me I didn't have to spend ALL DAY looking for a song, like usual Showit had a preloaded song that worked perfectly!!!

Tags: Breaking Tradition Studios, Jacksonville Florida Conceptual Photography, Fairies, Fairy, Fairy of the forest, woodland fairy,

Brent & Anzli's E-Session

2009-08-24T15:58:00.002-04:00

Only a few more weeks left till the wedding!!!

These two are my favs!!!! there are more but they almost all look alike.... I just love these!!!!

I can barely stand it!

2009-08-23T08:22:00.002-04:00

Firstly, HUGE thank you to Wes, Grandma, Jamie, Angie, Josh, and Caleb this is months and months in the works.... I can hardly stand not to look at them and edit them!!!!!! I couldn't not post a sneak peak!!!!!!

Check out my costume desiging skills.... I'm tryin out for Project Runway.... hahaha....j/k j/k

Brent & Anzli are getting hitched!

2009-08-16T18:11:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick sneak peak of Brent and Anzli's engagement session this weekend... The FL sticky heat after a thunderstorm is not all that glamorous but we did our best! LOL

Ashley & Shawn's 1yr Anniversary

2009-08-10T16:14:00.002-04:00

More from Ashley and Shawn's anniversary shoot in late July.... aren't they hot!

Tags: Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photographer, Jacksonville Florida Photographer, Jacksonville Florida Engagement Photographer, Jacksonville Florida Couples Photographer, San Marco Photography Photographer,

More BT Favs!!

2009-08-05T09:52:00.003-04:00

I honestly can't wait to do more BT styled shoots in the future... I have one planned and another one cookin in the brain for sometime in September... but for now here are some more favs from BT, some you may have seen, some I don't think I've ever published...

Breaking Tradition

2009-08-03T10:07:00.005-04:00

A lot of you already know about "BT" but there are occasions when I mention Breaking Tradition Studio people look at me with the most perplexed look on their faces... Now that I've officially encorporated BT into Jess Cumbie Photography instead of trying to keep it a seperate intity I've decided to share some of my favorite images from BT with you here.

Ladies, I've got some bad news....

2009-07-31T10:56:00.003-04:00

Wes' little brother Brent is getting hitched. Yep he's tying the knot, takin on the ole ball & chain, signin his life way....... well you get the picture.... but in about two months time he'll be officially and legally off the market... I know that a few members of my family that will be very sad to hear this news, I think every younger cousin I have fell in love with him at my wedding...

BUT! On the upside, I finally get him to pose for some dang photos for me!!!!! LOL

He's asked me to photograph his wedding, and they are not giving anyone much time to plan for it either! Oh to be young and in love.... So until the engagement shots here's a picture of Brent that I took a little while back...

Enjoy....

Amanda's Personality Shoot

2009-07-30T09:18:00.003-04:00

It's totally funny to me how things work themselves out, ya know. One of the cooooolest things about my job is the relationships you build. Last year at Ash and Shawn's wedding I meet all her brides maids, naturally.... Well one of these brides maids is miss Amanda. Through having a relationship with Ashley I've developed a relationship with Amanda as well. Which is by far one of the perks of my job :D

Recently Amanda decided to put her schooling and design skills to work, and to start her own business in graphic design. Some of you might remember a while back she started "An Occasional Design" making invitations and things of that nature by hand (which were awesome btw) and she's recently made the switch over to creating things digitally to incorporate the rest of her talents. If you haven't checked her out, you'll want to do so she does great work. I know this from personal experience.... she recently designed a pamphlet for me. Now, I'm a total control freak and was worried that I wouldn't get what I was going for if I used someone else. NOT the case! I'd have never thought of what Amanda put together and I totally love it!!! It matches my site, my personality, and everything I want to showcase to a potential client!

Here is just a little peak at what she came up with for me:

For the rest you'll have to head on over to her blog! :)

Amanda will soon be launching her website, and needed some shots of her for the site... Neither of us are morning people, but we both got up like troopers and headed out to the beach shortly after day break to take advantage of the gorgeous light at sunrise (or shortly there after)

The girl has these beautiful sparkly blue eyes that just catch light like no body's business... I've got to admit I'm a little jealous.... LOL

And, I always think it's super important to put your personality into anything you do, if you're starting a business, I think personality shots are the way to go vs. a traditional head shot I just think it makes you seem so much more open, friendly, and you know..... normal.... ;)

Out of all the great shots we got that AM this one is still my fav! I want one like this for my own website!!!!!

Ash & Shawn Anniversary Shoot (sneak peak)

2009-07-28T15:44:00.002-04:00

Ashley and Shawn recently celebrated their one year anniversary... and what better way to celebrate than to head to Jax for a sexy photoshoot!!!! Here's a sneak peak of their session (that almost got rained out) enjoy!!!

Amanda | sneak peak | Jacksonville Beach Portrait Photography

2009-07-19T07:21:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I got to do one of my favorite types of sessions. An individual ladies session. These are by far my favorite types of sessions. I don't care if it's a senior girl, a model, business professional looking for personality shots for her website (like Amanda) or simply for no reason at all... They are just my fav.
Neither Amanda or I are morning people (despite me waking up this morning at 6:28 for no good reason AT ALL) so when she mentioned shooting at the beach I almost hated to inform her that the best times to shoot at the beach were early morning (before it gets hot, this is Florida afterall) and in the evening time, but, in the evening it's more crowded for obvious reasons. So, Amanda opted for the morning session. Which was likely the perfect choice because the light was absolutely georgeous, and it rained later that afternoon... LOL
So anyway, since I was up... I figured I'd post a sneak peak from the session :) Enjoy

Kelly & Brad's Wedding

2009-07-17T18:01:00.005-04:00

When I first talked to Kelly I knew that this was going to be a very fun and beautiful wedding to capture. And from our first meeting, their engagement session, to their wedding day I've really enjoyed getting to know these two!
Check out this stunning necklace Kelly's now Mother-in-law let her borrow that day.... so beautiful!!!!

I loved Kelly's flowers

This has to be one of my guys getting ready all time favs!!!

Brad was an awesome groom to work with!

The bridal party is made up of brothers, sisters, and a brother in law... they were so much fun!!!

So, in the Marriott there is this pub called V. Kelly's pub.... and my bride's name was Kelly... how cute is that!

And... again... another fav... I loved everything about this first dance... Kelly and Brad spent time learning a dance for their first dance, which is always awesome.... I'm sure you remember Amey & Amanda's coregraphed dance to "Thriller" last year! :) But Kelly and Brad had this beautiful classic feel to their day. From the colors being a simple black and white to their throw back music of the Rat Pack. I loved everything about their day.... then again there could be more than one reason for that...........

Now, as some of you may or may not know, Wes and I got married the weekend of July 4th in 2006 so in a way Kelly and Brad share our anniversary weekend... (yes, I'm a cheese ball I know) BUT this isn't my point.... It's not the only thing our wedding shared. Now that you've had a chance to check out Kelly & Brad's slideshow, I'd like to share some personal photos with you...
our cake... My dress w/black accents.... OK so it's not exact... but you gotta admit.... there are similarities!

Summer Sale 2009

2009-07-16T10:59:00.002-04:00

The Wedding of Christina & Chris

2009-07-11T08:54:00.003-04:00

Christina booked her wedding more than a year ago, and I think I've said this before but she was my first official destination wedding, but my last destination wedding of 2009. Funny how things work out.

Christina and Chris got married mountain side in Gatlinburg, TN... a little town affectionately called the gateway to the Smoky Mountains. The backdrop for the wedding couldn't have been more perfect. A clear view of the Smoky Mountains directly behind them, it had rained every day in Gatlinburg that week, accept on Christina's wedding day! The cabins where the families stayed were very very beautiful, fully decked out even with a mini movie theater! It was such an awesome experience.

Christina, thank you SO much for having Wes and I a part of your wedding day!

Now, for some of my favs from the day and a slideshow at the end.

Beautiful, right!

Tags: Florida Destination Wedding Photographer, Gatlinburg, TN Wedding Photography, Destination Weddings, Smoky Mountain Weddings, Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographer

Kati & Corey | Engagement Session

2009-07-07T12:47:00.004-04:00

When Kati chose the song colors, as her slide show song I went through and re-edited a few of her photos with a technique I've been wanting to try for a while.

I met Kati at church years ago, she's 110% adorable and can sure work a camera. Her and Cory met at church, he's the keyboardist for the worship band at their church. They are a very funny, loving and awesome couple!

I can't wait for their wedding in November!

Revamps, again.....

2009-07-06T16:15:00.002-04:00

Well I wanted to do these at the same time, and it'll likely only be a day or two before the blog matches the website.... so please excuse the difference between the blog and the site for a bit while it gets updated.... here is what the new logo looks like!

I'm such a dork, I was on the phone with Wes just chit chatting and instead of clicking publish preview, I clicked publish site, then couldn't find the version of my old site. So, there we have it LOL!

Look for the new blog in the next couple of days!

Kelly & Brad's Wedding (sneak peak)

2009-07-04T07:44:00.003-04:00

Kelly and Brad tied the knot last night out at Jacksonville Beach and had their reception at Sawgrass Marriott, Kelly's colors were a very simple black and white (which I loved of course) Their wedding is actually the same wedding weekend as my wedding. Wes and I had our ceremony July 1st 2006. So when Kelly was booking she mentioned that she wasn't sure I'd be available because it was a holiday weekend, and I told her Wes and I did the same thing to our families... LOL

With out further ado.... Here are a couple of sneak peaks from their beautiful day...

Tags: Jacksonville Beach Wedding Photography; Sawgrass Marriott Weddings, Black and White Weddings, Ponte Vedra Beach Wedding Photogrpahy

Christina's Smoky Mountain Wedding (sneak peak)

2009-06-30T14:54:00.003-04:00

So, I've been home all of oh.... two hours, and I'm posting sneak peaks!

Anyway, Christina booked her wedding more than a year ago and asked me if I'd be willing to go to Gatlinburg, TN to do it. She was my first official destination wedding. I've been to the mountains a couple of times but mostly in the winter, or just driving through them on my way elsewhere. I must say that they are really very pretty....

I snapped this before the anyone arrived for the ceremony, what a backdrop for a wedding huh!

Chris is from Canada, so they hung a Canadian flag and an American flag...

And my fav shot from the day...

Tags: Destination Weddings, Tennessee Wedding Photography

Kati & Corey | Sneak Peak

2009-06-25T10:15:00.004-04:00

When Kati modeled for BT almost a year ago I knew that I wanted to shoot her wedding!!! No matter when that was! The girl can completely ROCK a camera! I wanted to leave them (and you guys of course) with some sneak peaks before we left for Christina's wedding in TN this afternoon.... So, for your viewing pleasure a sneak peak of Kati and Cory's engagement session. (There were too many good ones to choose from!!!)

Palatka Engagement Photography, Florida Wedding Photographer, Jacksonville Wedding Photographer, Green Cove Springs Wedding Photographer, Green Cove Springs Engagement Photography

Christina's Brial Session

2009-06-09T17:47:00.002-04:00

I had an awesome bridal session with Christina the other day... and since they aren't getting married till later on in the month I can't post any of the photos here... accept this one!

I loved the flowers at our location!! they were so pretty... I also took advantage of having a lighting assistant at the shoot to do some cool lighting and give her some BT style photos.... Check out the BT blog and tell me which version of this photo you like the best.

Kelly & Brad are Engaged | Jacksonville Beach Photography

2009-06-05T09:39:00.003-04:00

I asked Kelly & Brad the general questions about how they met, when they knew they were in love etc etc... Part of my general process getting to know the couple. When I asked the question how did you two meet Kelly's first words were not very romantic... I beg to differ, then again my definition of romantic might not be the same as everyone elses.

Kelly and Brad happened to be in the same place at the same time one night in grad school and somehow struck up a conversation with each other. They talked and danced all night, when the night was over they walked back towards their homes jumping in all the rain puddles on the way. To me, that sounds like quite the perfect meeting.

Their story Brad staying by Kelly's side for 3 days while she was sick in the hospital & Brad asking Kelly to move from New York to Florida. When Brad finally asked Kelly to marry him he drove them out to the beach to the spot he had chosen before hand and drawn a heart in the sand and the words "marry me." Going to the beach was a routine thing for them so when he pulled champaigne and glasses out of their beach bag it caught Kelly completely off guard. Brad even wrote down the exact time he popped the question!

Yeah not very romantic... ;)

They were all smiles for their engagement session, playful and loving. Brad and Kelly are a beautiful couple and I can't wait for their wedding in July!

Shannon & Zach's Island Wedding (sneak peak)

2009-05-28T08:19:00.005-04:00

Full post coming soon of Shannon and Zach's beautiful Island wedding.... But for now... here's a couple of my favorite photos...

Tags: Florida Wedding Photographer, Little Gasparilla Island, Florida West Coast Wedding Photographer, Tropical Island Weddings, Sunset Weddings, Military Wedding Photographer, New Navy Uniforms, blusher veils

The Wedding of Heidi & Justin

2009-05-19T13:50:00.004-04:00

Heidi & Justin were married at the Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach. It was a beautiful day! Most everything went down with out a hitch! Many thanks to Mary, our wonderful coordinator! Here are some of my favorite shots from the day and their slideshow at the end. Enjoy!

And check out Their sweet custom logo provided by: Yours Truly.... They had a custom aisle runner provided by Couture Wedding Boutique but due to massive amounts of wind we couldn't keep it in the aisle so I wanted to share the design with everyone somehow!

**Warning** there is slight nudity in the following slideshow (nothing too offensive though :D)

Kati's Getting Married!!

2009-05-16T08:48:00.003-04:00

Hey guys, ya'll remember Kati? My awesome BT model....

She's getting married in November!!!

Keep your eyes pealed for their E-Session coming up in June!!!

I'm so excited!

Anna & DJ's Disney Wedding | Desitination Wedding Photography

2009-05-08T14:17:00.005-04:00

I can honestly say that I enjoyed every minuet of Anna's wedding, from the planning, going with her to get her invitations, the countless text messages about details to watching the fireworks with them at Epcot and having the sorest feet I've ever had from an event! Anna's wedding truly was a dream come true.

Congratulations guys! I can't wait to do a fun shoot with you and that beautiful dress!

Here are some of my favs from Anna & DJ's Disney Wedding and a slideshow at the end.

Enjoy!

Kelly & Brad Sneak Peak | Jacksonville Beach Engagement Photography

2009-05-08T00:29:00.005-04:00

Today Wes and I met up with Kelly and Brad for their Beach engagement session. Brad and Kelly are taking dance classes (for the wedding I'm assuming, lol) and they show off a few of their skilz for the camera! I had a ton of fun and I can't wait for their wedding in July.

Here are a few of my favs, very very hard to choose sneak peak photos. Kelly is SO pretty and they were a very loving happy couple!

Congrats guys!!!

Tags: Jacksonville Beach Photographer, Engagement Photography, Jacksonville Wedding Photography

7 days, 3 weddings, 1 fireworks show

2009-05-02T10:13:00.003-04:00

I've been MIA from blogging lately, but it's because I've been crazy busy.... First Wes and I went to Orlando for a Disney Wedding which was amazing.... it started with her rehearsal dinner, and grabbin some sweet fireworks shots at Epcot!

Then Anna & DJ's wedding the next day (more sneak peaks on facebook)

Then we went to The Animal Kingdom for a couple hours on Monday, and came home Tuesday and started to gear up for Jennifer and Ashley's wedding Thursday....

And then to finish up our Wedding-palooza week.... Heidi & Justins beautiful Casa Marina Wedding last night...

Now... back to enjoying my Saturday off!!!! :)

Tags: Weddings, Disney Wedding, St. Augustine Wedding Photography, Orlando Wedding Photography, Jacksonville Wedding Photography, The Casa Marina, The White Room, Walt Disney World

The Colemans | St. Augustine Portrait Photography

2009-04-17T15:09:00.003-04:00

Since I posted family sneak peaks and promised more of Jess and Mark. So here's some of their couples part of the shoot and a slideshow of everything at the end :)

Tags: Couples Photography, Florida Photographer, Family Portraits, St. Augustine Florida

Little Noah

2009-04-16T11:18:00.002-04:00

There's this couple at church, Gary & Angie... They are very cool, down to earth, and a lot like us.... Accept they have a real boy! LOL

Noah....

Wes has a total crush on Noah and wanted to practice using Noah as the subject... There were TONS of photos of the back of his head, cause Noah is always on the move!!! But there were quite a few great ones of his sweet little face!

Here are my favs, the rest are for Mom only :)

Coleman Family Sneak Peak | St. Augustine Portrait Photography

2009-04-14T13:50:00.004-04:00

Months ago I got an email from Jess scheduling a family session. Now, I NEVER get clients that plan out every detail of their shoot literally months in advance so Jess and I have been talking since umm January I think about this soon over spring break. Can I tell you that these two kids literally stole my heart that day! I don't attach to kids often or easily but these two... Oh My Gosh they are sooooo cute!!!!!

Anyway, here are a couple of sneak peaks... Enjoy!

The Coleman's

I couldn't resist taking some photos of the kids playing around....

So, we tried some of the family classics.... Dad wasn't crazy about the sun being in his eyes, Parker said it smelled like dog poop down there (which it did) and they kept cracking eachother up! I LOVE how Jess is laughing (this is one of many with her laughing her butt off) I think this is way better than them all looking at the camera.... personally

We finished up the session with a few photos of Jess and Mark, more of those to come later...

And here we go.... I'm telling you I <3 href="http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/greeneyesmoothie/Family%20Photos/?action=view&current=IMG_7447lrlogo.jpg" target="_blank">

Tags: St. Augustine Florida, Florida Photographer, Florida Children Photography, Florida Family Photography

Family Spring Event

2009-04-07T22:44:00.003-04:00

So, when I want to try out new things, or things that I don't typically do... I use my family as guinea pigs... LOL

I don't really do children's photography, or baby photos but when I want to try it out (and ultimately remind myself why I'm not a children's photographer) I use my family! :D

This Spring was no exception, the weekend after we got back from Georgia I set up for a nice spring/Easter event with the family. And since everyone here knows I love Miss Sydney like she was my own... I of course have a photo or her and her precious baby brother Will to show off...

First we have...... the classic baby crying photo!!! I'm not sure why but I typically get more of a kick out of these than I do the sweet photos of babies... (which again is why children's photography is not my specialty)

And this has to be one of my fav photos of Syd ever! I know I likely say that about each and every one I show of her... but you have to admit... this is sooo classically girly!!!

Overall, I think everything turned out really well and I really appreciate my family letting me try my hand at studio(ish) work..... emphasis on the ISH...... :D

Jess MIA

2009-03-26T10:52:00.004-04:00

I feel like I've been missing in action for the last week.... it's definately been a trying week. Last Tuesday, 3-17 Wes called me from work very upset and asked how quickly I could get a house sitter together, I wasn't sure what was going on but said I would call my sister and see what she could do and I asked him what was going on. He simply said "my grandfather is in the hospital and he's going to die"

Eden pulled through for me yet again on very short notice to stay here at the house and watch the dogs and we packed up and headed out to Augusta, GA where his grandfather was in the hospital.

I won't get into the issues at the hospital and what all happened because well, that's his family's business and personal. But on Friday the 20th we were told that his grandfather was inproving enough to come off of his ventilator. I think everyone wanted to believe it because no one wants to lose a family member but deep down they all knew that it was only the machine making him do better.

Wes and I not knowing what else to do headed back to FL on Saturday the 21st, we had been in town only hours when his cell phone rang and his stepfather telling us his grandfather had meerly hours left. We hadn't even made it back to the house yet, and had told everyone we were heading home, but after hearing the news I decided that it wouldn't make much sence to go home for a night and turn right around in the AM might as well go back to GA right way. So, we did we arrived at the hospital around 11:30 and his grandfather passed at 12:05 on the 22nd

I did my best to keep my family and friends updated via facebook and myspace when I could and when there was something to tell. Everyone left such sweet comments and my family is so sweet to Wes offering support and prayers. Afterall, it wasn't long ago that we lost loved ones in the same way.

Wes' grandfather was 80yrs old and lived a very full life, his memorial service was very sweet. He was retired army so he received the 21gun salute and the whole nine yards which was very hard for my husband as he's military as well. One of the cool things from the service came from one of his cousins he went outside and collected the bullet casings from the salute and gave one to all the children and grandchildren. I believe Wes intends to have it placed on his keychain.

Last year Wes went up to GA alone, my schedule wouldn't allow me a weekend off to travel up there. His grandparents wanted photos since they knew that time was getting close... So Wes took all the old lighting equipment up there (the large pannels and all that crazy stuff.. Tara and Jenny will remember what I'm talking about) and he did some photos of his grandparents... some of them even got used in his memorial slideshow... in fact the slideshow ended with the photos that Wes did... it was really a beautiful memorial service....

I'd like to thank everyone again for all their prayers and support. Wes is doing well, he is sad and misses his grandfather but that is to be expected. It's never easy losing someone you love. Here is the closing photo from the slideshow and unquestinably our favorite of his grandparents together.

Heidi & Justin Sneak Peak | Jacksonville Engagement Photography

2009-03-16T16:54:00.004-04:00

Heidi warned me that Justin wasn't going to be super excited about this photoshoot... actually that he wasn't going to be excited about any photoshoot at all what so ever... and well.... she was right :) BUT by the end of the shoot, he was smiling and even gave me a hug! (making this the second hubby to be to give me a hug on a photoshoot!! I'm thinking to make this a new goal!)

Here are a few of my favs from the day, more to come soon!

hahaha! this one is just too funny!!!! I always encourage people to get as goofy as they like on their shoots!!

Wes didn't have his camera the last time... but I'm hoping I can put many photos of the "groom hug" in the near future!!!! :D

Tags: Engagement Photography, Florida Photographer, 5-points Jacksonville

Kasey | Jacksonville Portrait Photography

2009-03-15T16:42:00.005-04:00

Kasey responded to a model call I had a while back for some work with the magazine... I ended up using Eden and her friends for the article but Kasey still wanted to get photos done, before she left for the Marine Core... yes, the Marine Core! when I saw USMC on her profile I figured that her boyfriend or family was Marines and she was supporting them... NOPE! Kasey is actually in boot camp right now and will not be able to see these photos for many more weeks, because due to my crazy schedule right now we were only able to do the photos a few days before she left... So I'd like for everyone here to leave Kasey lots of comments about her photos so she has some nice and kind words for when she gets back and can see them!

Kasey, Thank you for your service to our country. You're getting into one of the most hard core branches of the military and I wish you the best of luck, OohRah!

had to throw that in there! :D

This was our "Just Jack" moment.... She did something with her hands up like this and said something funny and then I went Just Jack hoping she would crack up and do it again for the camera.... and she did :D

Tags: Jacksonville Photographer, Portrait Photography, Modeling

Jillian & Matt Are Getting Hitched | Jacksonville Engagement Photography

2009-03-13T17:01:00.005-04:00

But these aren't their Engagement photos, LOL!

Anyone that's been reading the blog for a while or has been a friend on myspace for a while will recognize this face... Jillian is another one of my clients that's been with me since I started! She's also recently Engaged!!!! They are planning their wedding for 2010 so Jillian informed me that she intends to put Matt through the whole photo process twice!!! These are just their couples photos, not their engagement photos!

For some reason I kept calling him Zach all day... I MUST have been thinking about Jamie all day that day or something! LOL

Here are my favs from their session with a slideshow at the end. Enjoy!

My Lovely Husband assisting on the shoot... he's such a trooper! (who am I kidding the boy wants to get paid, I guess it's better to work part time for your wife than for some stranger that'll give fica all your money!)

Now... During a session I often talk with the couple about things they like to do together, dates they go on stuff like that... at this point I had them sitting on a bench and they both replied well well we like to play thumb wars... Thumb Wars! Heck yes!!!!!!

Tags: Engagement Photography, Jacksonville Parks, Florida Photographer

New Blog Layout!!!!

2009-03-13T15:31:00.001-04:00

Finally!!!! Check it out, let me know what you think!

The Photo Galz....

2009-03-10T16:39:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday I got together with a couple of other local girl photographers Tara of course, Lyndsay, Stephanie, Ginger, and Adrienne. Now these other girls have managed to post their stuff ahead of me (cause I'm behind on my sessions) so I knew I'd be last... but here are my favs from the day :)

I love that you can totally see her eyes through the glasses....

Got to love auto focus :( I'm sad that this one is out of focus cause I love this photo!!!

Yeah, this one too... totally out of focus but it was a test shot that I just adore!!!

The ladies didn't manage to really get any of me, thank goodness!!!! I have to psyche myself up for a photo shoot... I love my life behind the camera, I don't like being in front of it very much....

Heather & Mike are Married! | Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photography

2009-03-09T20:26:00.004-04:00

I met Heather a little over a year ago when her and Mike came to me about booking their first wedding. That sounds horrible I know, but they were planning a large wedding, then put the breaks on it, and through a series of events ended up getting married Feb 22nd this year... Heather wanted to keep the ceremony very small and intimate and I think she did a wonderful job at it! Her wedding was at the San Marco Preservation Hall which is simply one of the cutest venues in Jacksonville!

Here are a few of my favs from her day and a slideshow at the end... (I really need to get better at this story telling thing for the blog...)

Tags: Jacksonville Florida Wedding Photography, Florida Wedding Photographer, San Marco Preservation Hall

Jennifer & Ashley Are Engaged!! | St. Augustine Engagement Photography

2009-03-09T08:50:00.004-04:00

It's rare for people to meet Wes for the first time, and actually like him! Don't get me wrong, he's the sweetest guy in the world and certainly the best hubby I could ever ask for, but he's a bit rough around the edges... He's spend the last 10 years in the navy and has a different sense of humor. He's very sarcastic and loves to pick on everyone in unique ways, it's just the way he breaks the ice.... This hasn't always gone over so well with other people and he usually tries to keep it in check around clients.....

Well...... this session wouldn't have been any fun at all if it weren't for my darling smart ass husband! LOL

He kept these two laughin from the get go.... I almost couldn't get ANY serious photos of them cause once Wes gets on a roll it's hard for him to stop....

Anyway! I'll post more about Jennifer and Ashley's story with their wedding post it's super cute and they are A TON of fun!!!! I can't wait for their wedding later on next month!

In the mean time here are a few of my favs.... :)

Tags: Florida Engagment Photographer, St. Augustine Photography, Engagement Photography

Baby Jack!

2009-03-06T08:09:00.004-05:00

I wouldn't say that baby photos are where I do my best work, I hardly get to work with babies. I'm more of a grown up photographer. I don't have kids so I think there is a missing link when it comes to children's photography. I think a photographer that is a Mom or a Dad just has a different grasp on children's photography than people with out kids... of course this is just my opinion and I'm only speaking for myself.

So, when my birthday twin Kimberly talked to me about doing a couple of photos of her 4 month old son Jack, I of course said yes but I had reservations about it cause well... I've never done 4 month old photos of anyone! I have to say at 4 months babies don't do very much, outside of crawl and put things in their mouths :)

Jack was a really good subject! He sat for his photos but was much more interested in his hands or toys than actually looking towards his Mom or the camera, but I think we pulled off some really cute shots!

Dress Trashin In St. Augustine

2009-03-05T16:17:00.003-05:00

Still playing catch up on my blogs...

Fawn & Dan had a small ceremony in St. Augustine late last year, and decided they wanted some more photos of them together in their wedding duds a little while after the wedding.

I met up with Fawn and Dan in January (it was actually pretty warm that day, unlike the past could of March days!!) Here are a couple of my favs from their session :)

RAWAA Means Fantastic!

2009-03-04T14:37:00.003-05:00

In Arabic the word Rawaa means Fantastic.... and let me tell you RAWAA Boutique in San Marco has some FANTASTIC dresses and accessories! The editor of the San Marco Magazine
contacted me in the middle of Feb about doing a prom themed photo shoot, for RAWAA Boutique, I loved the idea and jumped on the chance!

I had a couple of issues gathering up models for the shoot but my beautiful sister and her friends came to my rescue!!!

Here is the ad for the magazine followed by some of my favorites :)

A Seriously Large Family.... | Jacksonville Portrait Photography

2009-03-03T16:38:00.004-05:00

Back in November I was contacted about doing some family portraits in January for a reunion deal they were having in Jacksonville, I quoted her a price and neglected to ask the number of people in the group. At first when she was talking nothing would have lead me to believe that there would be 32 people showing up at Memorial Park that morning. I called her a few days before to confirm and asked her for the final number and she said "about 30 plus a couple of kids"

WOW
is about all I could say!

Let me tell you, this family was HILARIUS and Wes and I had a ton of fun goofing around with them and getting some really cute photos of their family! Believe it or not, they were so organized and were on a mission to get these photos done, this family was easier to deal with than some wedding parties!!

Tags: Riverside, 5-points Jacksonville, Jacksonville Portrait Photographer

Leah & Darren's Wedding | Jacksonville Wedding Photography

2009-03-03T16:23:00.003-05:00

So, I'm extremely behind on blogging... (as usual)

I posted a few sneak peaks of Leah and Darren's Wedding back in Jan and never posted their slideshow...

Leah and Darren had a very nice ceremony out at Jacksonville Beach with a reception on Mayport Navy Base. Leah chose the same colors for her wedding as I did mine, Red and Black so there wasn't much that I didn't like at the wedding! She had made all her decorations, invitations and programs. The wedding party as a whole was the most fun!!! They were all crazy and willing to do just about anything... (including walking along the freezing beach!!!)

Sorry for the delay in blogging I'll be doing my best to catch up this week!! :)

The first dance has to be my favorite part of a wedding, you'll notice quite a few photos from Leah and Darren's first dance in the slide show, these two were just too cute!!!!

Priscilla...

2009-02-28T12:00:00.003-05:00

Priscilla is one of my clients, she's a girl that is near and dear to my heart... this morning I needed to go through my desk drawers to clear out some space. (See I'm trying to be more organized this year I say this as tomorrow being 3-1 and I haven't even entered Jan's stuff into quickbooks yet, but I'm STILL waiting on my tax guy, totally another topic) As I'm going through my drawers looking for things I can clear out I see stuff from the 2007 Jacksonville Pet Expo... it was my first time ever doing any photos on the spot. I set up there in a really big booth and took pet portraits for people. (I also unknowingly met Scarlett Lillian there for the first time she walked by my booth and told me she was a photographer too and that it was such a cute idea!)

I had just started my business and had done a session or two for Priscilla and she agreed to come help me out (I think Leslie Anne came too) She helped me drag things in from my car, and set up the booth, true manual labor. I know that Priscilla sat there for like 12 hours at my booth helping to organize people that wanted photos done, and talking to customers at the booth, promoting my services and all that stuff... it was a total mess those two days!! I remember us trying to figure out how to put the baby play pen together that I had for my puppies!! (and it totally kicked both our butts!!!!!) such good times!

I can't believe that Feb marks a two year anniversary that I've known Priscilla and she's such a great girl... She is much younger than me but over the past two years I've gone to her with issues I've had and asked her for prayer and I know she's done the same with me... A couple of weeks ago we sat down at the starbucks in the landing just to catch up a bit... She's such a sweet girl and so near and dear to my heart...

I came across some photos of dogs that I intend to put with all my other "older prints" (I hardly ever throw anything away, I guess I can thank my Grandmommy for that) and when I pulled out the dog photos there was one that had miss-printed and on the back of it Priscilla had taken it and written my name in cute letters and written down the prices for all that I had offered today and we used that as a sign for people passing by so they would know the pricing on the prints... The letters are so cute! and I just got to thinking about how thoughtful she is, even two years ago and I wanted to write something public about it. So I can tell her and everyone else that reads this that she is truly one of the nicest people I know and I <3 her!

New Ness..

2009-02-27T07:56:00.003-05:00

My friend Liz has officially opened up her wedding shop in Avondale... Couture Wedding... She makes custom isle runners and has other custom goodies for weddings... you should check her out..

One of the new things she offers is invitations by Envelopments they sell separate pieces to mix and match as you like... well I sat down and looked at her sample books and she pointed out to me there were these nifty little inserts that were the perfect size for a CD... and I've been looking and making things for my CD mailings for like a year now... but nothing that I felt fit my business perfectly... I started really looking at what she had and decided that it would be perfect...

A black square envelope, with red lining, and a black and silvery taupe swirly design sleeve for CD's... it's waay classy and I LOVE it... just have to put them all together which kinda stinks but it keeps things affordable...

So, here is a little sample from my point and shoot... and be sure to check out Liz' blog... her super stylish website will be up and running very soon!!!

Revisiting My 1st Jacksonville Bridal Photography Session

2009-02-13T14:17:00.003-05:00

wow that's a long title... I hate thinking up titles... but I hear it helps in Google searches? LOL

Anyway, Liz has pretty well opened her shop for Couture Wedding Designs and asked me for some photos... Well I had forgotten that I had a couple of large prints from the expos I attended in like 2007!! LOL and one of my all time favorite bridal shots was from my first real "mock" bridal session.

When I started my business I knew I couldn't just say.... "hey I do a pretty good job at this photo taking thing but I've got nothing to show you... BUT I promise I'm good" so I started nagging friends to either get into a wedding dress that I purchased or one of their own....

Krystal volunteered to wear a dress that I purchased from e-bay (and that my bride Donna later purchased for her own wedding) Anyway, this loooong email is to show you this.....

My fav bridal shot!!!!!

Shenanigans In Riverside

2009-02-07T09:35:00.003-05:00

So, you all know Jenny from her rainy trash the dress session and her family session not to long ago... Well when I met Jenny it was for a "Ladies Night" and we kept in contact, I cruised her myspace page and saw that she liked to take photos. She had done some of Christy & Shawn and she's decided to turn her hobby into a budding freelance business... She asks me for tips and advise from time to time and it's always easier to show someone one on one than to explain things. (Mainly becuase when I explain things I use a lot of words like do-hickie, and thing-a-ma-bob, and wheely thing... very technical terms)

Back in September I offered like a little training session deal that a few people were interested in but it never quite worked out. Now, I'm not claiming to be some master photographer but half the folks starting out don't really understand manual mode and I can at least explain getting a good exposure... I think I'm qualified for that!!! Anyway, that's a whole nother rabbit trail that I won't get off on today.

Jenny was one of the first people to say that she wanted to do it... and while the "seminar" fell through, Jenny and I still made plans to have a little training session of our own... Well yesterday was that day. A couple of willing ladies met up with us in Avondale and modeled for us, then Jenny and I came back to my (horribly messy) house and went over some photoshop basics... I can't wait to see what all she got out of the session yesterday.... Me personally I conquered one of my fears, LOL... well not "fear" per-say but something I've been a little timid about... and that's shooting in the middle of the day!!! We started around Noonish!!!

Anyway, here are my shots from the day.... it was a total blast and I have to give a BIG thank you to my models for the day. We had a ton of fun!!

Jenny hard at work...

I can't wait to see this shot!

I love this one, with the direct sunlight behind her!!

And, without a flash... you know I love lens flares!

Shenanigans I tell you!!!!!

watching j*

2009-02-05T22:27:00.003-05:00

She's soooo cute! She just got asked the question...

"How do you feel about people copying your poses?"

The basis of the answer was that people can't really copy anyone else, there isn't anything that hasn't been done before, and it is what it is... (very true, and I think we should stop concentrating on "copycats" or whatever you like to call them and just focus on ourselves and our own work, if the clients love it and they love you then woohoo! why worry about this stuff, it's negative sweat like my momma would say, LOL)

She also mentioned something about doing poses inspired by renaissance portraits and I think even mentioned drawings on cave walls, and it's not like we are "copying" the cave drawings, etc etc...

So, are there any truly unique poses out there?

I'd love to know your thoughts
(and I'm aware that this is a loaded question and I have NO idea if this will be good bad or just informative)

Been A Busy Little Bee....

2009-02-01T13:22:00.005-05:00

So, January turned into a busy month... December was dead and I got to rest a bit but man second week in January came back at me in full force!

First I had Leah and Darren's wedding which I have already blogged about but then I had, couples sessions, a ladies night, and a family reunion just to name a few... it's been a good month and I'm not quite sure I can catch up on all my blogging so I'm going to give it to ya all in one!!!

Right after Leah and Darren's wedding I met up with Miss Britnie for some head shots, she'll be submitting them to an acting agency soon, I'm still editing some of her favs but here is one that I liked a lot...

Now we move on to some steamier ladies... These ladies scheduled a "ladies night" with me to have photos to give their hubbies for Valentines Day... This shoot was almost a total disaster. It was out near PVB which is pretty far from my house, and I gathered all my studio things together, all my gear some props and set out for my evening with these 4 lovely ladies. I get allllll the way out to Nocatee and realize I have no CF cards for this shoot.... not even a 1gb with me!! My marvelous husband drove all the way to best buy got me a card drove it to me, only to be the WRONG type of card, then he drove BACK to best buy to exchange it then back out to me then home! I'm telling you ladies I've got a good man... he wasn't a very happy man but he's "a mighty good man, yes he is!" The lovely ladies of that night weren't even phased by my hour and a half delay they simply drank a bit more and primped a bit more, lol. It all worked out really well and produced some of my favorite images from a ladies night...

Aren't they HOT!

These ladies weren't the only ones to wear lingere for me this month... my lovely photography partner also did a little modeling for me... as part of the art series we are displaying at 1st street tattoo gallery.. Tara has quite a few tattoos as most of you know and we did a little mini session taking some really cool photos of those tattoos which you can see Wednesday night at artwalk (wink wink, nudge nudge) Here is a cool portrait we ended up with at the end of our shoot...

You can see more of the images if you are friends with Tara on myspace or on the Breaking Tradition Studios myspace page under the behind the lens photos and maybe some behind the scenes photos that show what a mess we get ourselves into sometimes...

I'm also working on a special project for a family member that I can't mention cause I don't know how many of my family members read my blog (not likely that many do) either way I promised my lips were sealed while I worked on this project, and everyone will know about it and see it soon enough.. but as I'm working on it (like I said it's for family) I discovered a photo of myself, as a blond...

Talk about a nightmare!!!!

And I must be on a black and white kick these days... all my fav photos from recent sessions are the black and white ones...

I met up with another couple about a week ago who are recently engaged, we roamed the streets of downtown then got rained out but not before we got these images...

And now you are as caught up as I am... Yesterday I met a family of 30 in memorial park for some really cute and fun family reunion style photos... I haven't even begun the work on them yet but as soon as I do I'll post up a couple of them... Wes and I had a blast with this family! They were very entertaining!!

Goals for 2009

2009-01-28T08:10:00.003-05:00

Note, not resolutions... these are goals I want to meet...

1. Follow my diet so I can get healthy, not super skinny or anything like that just healthy. I'd like to have a much better health report by December of this year. (see if it were a resolution I'd want to be in a bathing suit by my birthday which is in June, but I know myself and that's so not going to happen)

2. I never again want to go through this nightmare I'm having with Quick Books. It's my goal in 2009 to be a meticulous book keeper.

3. To keep my office tidy, clean is a stretch cause again, I know myself... so tidy will work much better

4. Organize myself and my business (kinda ties in one two and three)

5. Spend more time out of my office

So those are really the top 5... I don't want to overload myself with goals for the year... LOL I'm sure there are others but these are the big things!

Leah & Daren's Wedding Sneak Peak

2009-01-19T19:48:00.002-05:00

There isn't much more to say about this wedding other than WOW.... it was beautiful, fun, and sweet! Leah and Darren are SO in love, and they have so much fun together! I've got so much more work to do on their photos but I wanted to post up a couple of favs...

Now, to all my 2009 couples... I'm issuing you a challenge, can you top this bridal party shot??? it'll be hard... this group was crazy! and so much fun... it's my fav group shot to date!!!!

Worlds Apart....

2009-01-14T13:29:00.004-05:00

So, today hasn't been a wonderful day, let me just start with that... it wasn't bad until I realized that I had left my brief case in Wes' car after my last consultation and that I needed to go by the base to get it, and then head to Orange Park... I get on base and turn into Wes' work and go down the wrong way in the parking lot, I got angry with the guys going the right way cause they didn't want to scooch over to give me room to pass them and get to where I could correct my mistake, all while my husband is calling me to rib me about being an idget.

I get my briefcase and had about 15mins to make it to the consultation on time, speeding down 17 I see a cop with his radar out... THANK GOODNESS he didn't get me, or he did and let me go I was only going like 5 over... I get to the light to turn into my destination for my consult and I get a call from the person saying they have to cancel and right before I could ask if they needed to reschedule she says "we got another photographer, I was hoping to catch you in time, before you got there"

Oh what a day... and it was only ONE in the afternoon!!!

I bitterly drove back towards my house and towards the post office box hoping I had better news in the mail... It wasn't that I had a last min cancellation Lord knows that happens often, or that they had found another photographer it was everything prior that just made that a not so nice cake topper...

Anyway, I let my iPod play while I went inside the bank to make a deposit, still a little disgruntled about my day, and came out to my car started it and playing was one of my favorite Jars of Clay songs, from way back in my high school days... The part I came in on was also my favorite part of the song. I immediately started to cry, such a trival things to be upset about. Going the wrong way in a parking lot, calling the guy going the right way a few choice words, things that were all pretty much my fault just irritated me to pieces today!!! I played the song over twice on my way home (I live maaaybe a mile from my bank and post office box) I turned it up loud, so it would drown out my severely out of tune, and sobbing self.

This is the part that was playing when I got in the car:

I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remain"
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
"dull the nails that still remains"
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart

So amazing! Not that I feel like my day is going much better, I'm home and going to get a jump start on tomorrow's project of cleaning my office before Liz gets here Friday... but, my perspective is different....

6th Photo Tag

2009-01-12T13:20:00.003-05:00

Liz just tagged me... here's the deal...

The Rules: Open your photos, choose the 6th folder and then the 6th photo in that folder. Then post the photo with a description about it and then tag 6 friends to do the same!

Sooo I'm going to do this from my personal photo folder vs my business one.. if ya'll don't mind... lol

hahaha!!! of course!!!! There isn't really any good story here... I was, well.... bored!!!!

So, I'm tagging:
Tara
Amanda
Corinna

Short list I know...

Fishies!!!!!

2009-01-10T10:00:00.002-05:00

If you've been following my twitter and myspace updates you'll know that Wes and I got a fish tank for christmas. His Aunt in GA didn't want hers anymore and said if we wanted it we were welcome to it. So, while Wes was visiting his family in GA he brought the tank back. We debated about setting it up and going through all the trouble of keeping it up and buying fish, etc etc etc... or selling it on craigslist....

Well we decided to keep it, and it's really a very pretty addition to our living room. Aunt Trisha gave us a 55 galon tank, the stand, two filters, two large bubble stones, water conditioners, nets, the vacume hose thingie, and even tank ornaments! (Greek/Roman style no less!!! so pretty!!!)

So all we had to do was buy any other ornaments we wanted, rocks, and some fish. We decided we'd try it and if they all died or got to be too much to keep up with we'd sell the thing... Well it's been a coupel of weeks now, our first batch of fish from Wal-Mart half of them died... such a mistake getting them from Wal-Mart... and of course we didn't keep the receipt, and you can't just take dead fish back to the store!

Yesterday, we headed to petsmart, we had rebates back from AT&T from the recent phone purchases we had to make and all sorts of changes we did to the account... anyway, we got some tank ornaments that we wanted and some more fish! The tank is really pretty and so far we love it! that could change when it comes time to clean it for the first time but we'll see.. :)

Here are some photos of our tank:
our super cool ruins...

the coral hiding spots we got yesterday

the Coliseum my fav

the really pretty pink coraly stuff & the statue, my second fav

And here is our whole set up thus far

Oh yeah... and then there's the three angel fish that are likely going to need new homes when they start to grow up cause we didn't know that they were semi aggressive when we got the first one and we got two more yesterday like idiots! so I may have a tank in my office soon with pretty little Angel fish in there so they don't eat our cute little neon tetras!

Back to work now

2009-01-04T14:33:00.002-05:00

So, tomorrow... Monday I go back to the daily grind... I pretty well took this holiday season off to get some perspective and some things together. I've made some CD cases so people will be getting nice custom cases from me instead of just a white envelope. I've come up with some business and networking plans and things like that... Most importantly I've spend time with my family, lots of time with my husband, and have started going back to the church I grew up in...

It's been a good month!

But tomorrow I've got t start getting ready for all that 2009 is going to be throwing at me. I've got taxes to prep for, more aspects of quick books to learn, and systems to set up for a new proofing system and organization systems for the office...

I also have a new printer arriving and might start offering some unique things printed in house... all in all 2009 should be a rockin year for both Jess Cumbie Photography and Breaking Tradition Studios and I'm truly really excited!!!!

I had a really great Christmas as you can read about in the previous post, Wes loved all his gifts as well, thanks to everyone that helped make that happen for me. We got a fish tank as a gift for Christmas as well that we've set up and should be getting some fishies for pretty soon so look for some photos of our new additions... Those of you who know Wes and I and have been to our house, I'm sure you are shocked that we are getting more things that eat, but we are! And I'm well aware of our level of insanity! :D (for those of you who don't know us we have 6 dogs and 4 cats!)

So, thanks to everyone that kept me sane in 2008 and here's to a Rockin 2009!!!

Merry Christmas To Me!!!!!

2008-12-24T19:23:00.002-05:00

OH!!! I have the best husband!!!!

Honestly I do!!!!

Tonight I got my gifts early... mainly cause he didn't want to wait tomorrow, and Christmas Day is ALWAYS busy for me getting around to all the family n stuff... Anyway, here is what I got...

I got a BTCup, LOL funny I know. It allows me to listen to my iPod in the car (which is something I've been wanting the ability to do) AND it syncs to the bluetooth in my phone so I can have hands free converstaions over my car speakers!!!! so super cool I can't wait to install it Friday!!!!

Oh, first I got two books I've been dying to read. I got those for the trip though so I'd have something to keep me busy and to keep me from looking over the cliffs in the mountains and freaking out! :D

Then, I got some extra large bath towels... which I love cause they wrap ALL the way around... always a plus!

Ok, next I got a really sweet desktop charger for my blackberry... it plugs into the wall and sits on the desk and cradels the blackberry so it's super cool!!!

And lastly! My final and bestest gift!!!! the ENTIRE set of FRIENDS!!!!!!!!! I can't tell you all how obsessed with this show I am and how much I love it... Every time we go to walmart or Target, or anywhere that has the set I stand there and long for it!!! And FINALLY I've got it!!!! I'm soooo super stoked!!!!! I think I screamed when I opened it up!!!!!

I had to share... I just opened everything like 20mins ago and I couldn't wait to tell everyone!!!!

I hope everyone's holiday is AWESOME and you all get what you want for Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

Jenny, Carlos & Charlie

2008-12-23T14:11:00.005-05:00

I love this family! They are all so cute!!!!!

Click HERE to see their slideshow

Rebekah Sneak Peak

2008-12-23T09:26:00.005-05:00

First, YES it's ok to hate her! Secondly, this the only photo that will go on the blog with out her permission... I wanted to post one because she's so stinkin beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her hubby is going to LOOOOOVE his anniversary gift!

Even if it is a touch late :)

Carlos and Jenny Sneak Peak

2008-12-22T13:44:00.004-05:00

Last week Tara and I drove down to Daytona for a cute split session with Jenny and her hubby Carlos... she wanted some family shots but some hot sexy shots of them two together as well... so we started things off with a really cute and fun family session and ended with a steamy couples session! It was a ton of fun... here are two sneak peaks from our session together...

Orlando in November

2008-12-15T14:00:00.004-05:00

is rather pleasant....

I'm in catch up mode since my trip out of town and all the things I had on my pate before I left.... I'll be launching BT's website and everything in 16 days and there is SO much to catch up on and blog about...

Since I haven't had a lot of time to do much of anything I made a little slideshow (to a generic song) of the photos I snapped while in Orlando... (Suzie our model from Orlando, her photos are up on the BT myspace page)

Also, as promised it's my 151st blog post and as the milestone marker of the 150th post on my blog I'm giving the person who answers this 3 part question correctly 25% off their next shoot with me in 2009 :D

Who was my very first blog about? What is that persons first name? and how many blogs have I mentioned this person in?

Ready to be home!

2008-12-09T07:44:00.002-05:00

So, I didn't update my blog about what's been going on the last couple of weeks... I simply forgot and have been so busy getting ready for my trip, and on my trip that I've forgotten to blog...

On December 2nd Wes and I left the warm sunny beautiful state of FL for PA... no we aren't crazy... 6 yrs ago my mom, sister and stepfather moved there for work and I've been up there once since they moved... Obviously my Florida blood can't stand beeing in such cold! but other than that reason it's been financially impossible to get up there more than that one time. Until last week, a woman that my mother used to work with is on my myspace friends list and asked me if I'd photograph her daughters wedding... of course this wedding is in DECEMBER in one of the COLDEST states in the union! but I offered her an exchange, wedding photography for the cost of my trip and she agreed, so we packed up the Jeep and headed north.

My darling little sister and most amazing employee ever Eden and Tara have been watching my house and my babies for the past 8 days now and they have about 4 more left until we come home but boy oh boy am I ready to be home!

Wes and I have been sleeping all cuddled up like a newlywed couple again but we are ready to be in our own bed with the sea of pooches between us like usual, lol!

Yesterday I left a state 6 states away from Florida and it was 17 degrees outside, we packed our Jeep in the snow and ice wore sweatshirts and fuzzy socks in the Jeep and battled slippery mountains all going down hill. Lastnight we arrvied in South Carolina 1 state away from home. I actually winced when I saw the 95 south sign cause I knew it would be a few more days still before we could get there.

Our trip has consisted of 4 days with my mom and one wedding, and now 4 days with Wes' mom since she's on the way home... I'm looking forward to getting some photos of downtown Charleston, it's beautiful like Savannah so that'll be nice I have both my meduim format film cameras and like 7 rolls of film so that'll be nice... I feel like this is our actual vacation part of the trip. Not that being with my mom is a chore! Lord that might sound bad! I loved spending time with my family, playing cards and watching movies on a lazy sunday afternoon there isn't much better than that! But it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cold there we didn't want to get out and do anything... it's 40 degerees warmer here, in a beautiful southern city so I know Wes and I will get out more and see some sights and it'll be like a little honeymoon which is nice...

OK enough rambling I suppose sorry for boring y0u... I'll have some photos to post later... I did post a few photos to my personal myspace if you are friends with me there check it out if not then add me and then check it out! LOL

See you all soon back in FL!!! Sneak Peaks of the PA wedding on the photography myspace...

**Also this post is my 150th post and if you're a loyal follower you'll know I promised to something super cool as a contest for it... I haven't decided what it is yet... but be on the look out for the 151st post and I'll announce what it is!!!! Got to get to thinkin! :D

November.... what a month...

2008-11-24T21:06:00.002-05:00

I've mostly been working on getting things ready for breaking tradition's launch in January... I'm leaving Dec 1st for PA for a wedding on the 6th and to visit with my family up there a little...

If you want to see sneak peaks of what we've been up to lately head on over to the breaking tradition blog...

breakingtraditionstudio.blogspot.com (become a follower while you are there!)

This is post 149 I believe and the 150th post will contain a contest or prize of some sort in there so you'll want to be sure and say tuned to the blog for details on that!

I've got a couple of JCP things to post here soon, I just figured I'd update you on what's been going on...

Last weekend the 14th-16th I went to Miami to do a trash/glam session with Liz... (sneak peaks of that on the BT blog) This weekend I jetted down to Orlando for a night and a super quick session!!! (details soon on that, Tara posted a sneak peak of that session on the BT blog, see what you miss when you aren't subscribed!) Now I've GOT to catch up on editing and head back to Orlando on the 29th for a seminar then off to PA Dec 1st to be gone for two weeks for work/vacation/visiting family....

I really hope to get some rest soon!!!

Love It!

2008-11-21T10:43:00.002-05:00

Liz JUST posted this on myspace and it's so true... and funny... I wanted to share it with everyone!

Dear Money,

I don't like this game of hide and seek we keep playing... First you're in my wallet, then you're in my coin purse... then you're in the cup holder in my car and now you've completely disappeared. I understand all the moving around bothers you and you'd rather stay in a cold dark vault in the bank, but it cant always be this way.

Oh, and will you and Mrs. Money please start having kids because if you don't soon, you will become extinct.

Thank you.

Me

Teaser from Miami!!

2008-11-18T14:23:00.003-05:00

I'm still catching up on things from my trip, but I wanted to post a teaser from my trip to Miami...

This is my fav shot from the Liz' bridal session in Miami...

More to come.... someday... when and if I catch up before we leave for Pennsylvania....

P.S. the sessions from Miami will be going up on the breaking tradition blog when they are complete so to see more be sure to follow the BT blog!

Leah & Daren Sneak Peak

2008-11-12T14:15:00.002-05:00

Sunday, the day after the longest day Tara and I have ever put in together, we drove down to Merritt Island, FL for Leah and Daren's E-Session.

Honestly this is the most fun couple I've shot in a while... Daren made faces at the camera and the two of them were playful and cute! It was worth the drive, not to mention Cocoa Village was super cute and great to shoot in for a change of pace from J-ville! :D

The shop where Daren got her ring! :D

Leah emailed me and asked if I could make one of her sneak peak shots one her Mom could put in the news paper :D

This one was actually THEIR IDEA!!!! well it was a joke at first, but we loved it!!! and said YEAH lets do it!!!! So fun!!!! I love it!!!!

More to come!!!

Jax Artwalk Nov08

2008-11-06T09:35:00.003-05:00

OK So, I've been slackin... I've been to artwalk once in the past year... until last night. I'm not sure why but I don't really think about it. I mean it's once a month and ALL my friends like to go and most of them do go every month. So why have I not done this on a regular basis? You answer is likely just as good as mine.

Lastnight I met up with Tara, Liz and Emily at artwalk... of course I got there like an hour before everyone else, and got drizzled on... but those aren't the highlights of my night...

I had a good time... but all in all... you could say it was near disaster...

Like I said I got there early, walked around a bit on my own then grabbed a seat and waited for Tara to arrive, Liz was running late too... but it was hard for me to know any of this because as I was getting ready to leave... (you know brushing my teeth and hair) My youngest baby decided she wanted to use my phone as a chew toy (we don't have human children just dogs :D) so as I'm searching for a clippie on my dresser something glowing catches my eye and it's Dot with something lit up in her mouth! It's my CELL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!! Ugh I almost lost it... this is the SECOND time they have chewed on this particular phone, like I've already replaced my Duo once!

Amazingly it still "worked" but the screen is a bit busted so I couldn't see who was calling or read half of the text messages that came through... all I could see was the first few words and that was it... Lucky for me I never got rid of my krazor so I have a back up till I can get another smart phone... maybe I should get that blackberry I've been eyeing... ugh...

Then I get to artwalk... Try to call Liz and her phone goes straight to voicemail so I walked around to see if maybe she was there and didn't get signal... nope... no luck and Tara already told me she'd be late so I decided to walk around and it started drizzling pretty good... a lot of people closed up shop in the light rain, and I was tempted to go home but knew that everyone was on their way and if it did start to pour down rain we could just hang out in the old library...

Liz and I decided to walk to the landing and get some food while Tara went to go pick up a friend from work. I was reminded why I dislike hooters! The service is slow, wings are tiny and not as good as others... I so prefer Gators but if they were out of the question I like Dicks much more than Hooters! LOL (sorry I had to)

After wings we walked back to Tara and Emily and that's where I met this guy...

super nice guy... is a friend of Tara's from high school... Tara really does know just about everyone in this town... LOL

He was funny too I tried to take a photo of the crowd outside and he popped into it!

And here's this is for Tara... she always looks like a sex kitten! lol

And the night ended with this on my car...

Really???

I don't think so!!!! I sooo paid... and have my receipt...

one more thing to add to my loooooong to do list before Planetfest...

2008 Election

2008-11-05T07:54:00.005-05:00

I'm glad the election is over... if I'm honest. And while I'm being honest, I stood in my little booth yesterday staring at the president category for over five minuets... I think it was a tough choice and a tight race (as far as the popular vote goes, and last time I checked) I watched the concession and acceptance speeches on youtube this morning, and WOW that was a powerful speech! Obama sure has a way with words and carisma. He says some very inspiring things and I hope that for the sake of our country that what he says is truly his heart and will be the direction he takes the country in his term as president.

Yesterday as I stood in the booth running my pen above all the bubbles I knew that the outcome had been decided long before I walked into the building to cast my vote, I've paid attention to the polls afterall... I prayed in my booth held up my finger and asked God to guide it... You know like you do in school before you christmas tree your exams... Figured it was worth a shot, lol. I really did do it but that admission was thrown in for humor sake... I made an informed decision, I believe I voted for a good man, win or lose...

I don't discuss politics and who I voted for or didn't vote for, I'm not here to debate...

I really really hope that Obama is the man the country thinks he is. Either way... I really hope that this works out well... I hope that the country does change and grow in a good way. I've seen posts this morning about people crying their eyes out in Joy lastnight, and people basically bowing down to the oh powerful Obama... and well frankly folks, that scares me a bit, I don't think that it's alltogether healthy for there to be a cult like following after the man. Singing songs of his praise, and things of that nature... He's just a man for goodness sake, and no man is perfect in the least!!

I suppose that now only time will tell how things will unfold. I'm excited to be part of history. I read in a blog today "isn't it weird to think we are alive in a time that children of the future will read about in their history books" or something of that nature. And it is exciting, I happen to really like change and I think this country needs one big time! (and no matter who was elected, we need to heal what has been broken)

However, there were record amounts of people out there voting! Which is good, that means people are being proactive about their futures!