It was such an honor to meet up with Justine and Seth and meet their little Ellis as they passed through the Bay Area. Justine is a lovely Chicago photographer, and it is always a compliment to be asked by another photographer to document. Little Ellis is just the sweetest and we met for a relaxed time by Lake Merrit as they were passing through town.
As so many are waiting for Spring to come and I see so many posts of the winter blues, this styled shoot shows off the beauty of the barren months. The muted hues and soft light are a perfect backdrop for all things pretty.
Photography: Simply Jessie Photography
Event Design and Coordination: Jayne Weddings and Events
Model: Brit Cooper Robinson
Flowers: Fleur
Wedding Dress: Mignonette Designs
Hair: Shelby Smith
Makeup: Dena Miller
This last year I have really enjoyed focusing more and more on small intimate weddings. I've had the pleasure of being a part of quite a few and Bethany and Eric's was quite a treat.
Bethany and Eric wanted a small, intimate wedding in San Francisco. Her dress was made by a dear friend, she wore flowers in her hair and celebrated with only close family and friends. It was refreshing to not only have so much beauty to photograph but to see that the outward was really just a reflection of their hearts towards one another. They were married in the church where they met and celebrated with hot chocolate and delicious cupcakes. It was just right.
Thank you to my wonderful assistant Jennie who kept me on track my first wedding back from maternity leave and to Danae from Stylishly Sweet Events.
After our foggy portraits by the ocean, we headed back to Lighthouse Church in San Francisco for the ceremony.
Having a small intimate wedding? Inquire at jessie@simplyjessie.com for availability.
I cannot believe Leif is already almost twelve weeks. His birth story is a long, scary one that is too personal for me to want to share here. What I can share is that through the long hours of waiting to bring him into the world, it changed my whole self. I see pain differently, beauty has been redefined and I have a deep respect for the privilege to have a healthy baby born into this world.
We planned a no intervention, peaceful arrival for Leif, but another path had to be walked. We unexpectedly ended up in the hospital for five days. There is definitely a part of me that wishes it had been different but there was only one path to get him here. I'd walk it all over again to meet Leif and have him in our lives. I love him all the more for it and thank my God for the gift of our son. I love Eric more and we have a new appreciation for health and togetherness. I realize as I write this, this all sounds quite dramatic and really we are all ok. I still have a lot to process about his birth but these last weeks have been so full of joy over our God given gift. And really, he's perfection.
All photographs below by the wonderful Abi Q Photography. She came when Leif was 3 days old. I will cherish these photos for many years to come.
Meet Leif Leonard Stevens.
Thrilled that Haley & Riley's big day was published on Snippet & Ink ! One of our favorite weddings to date!
So much life has been lived since the last time I logged in. My heart is full of so many things... how much change, joy, hardship, gratitude, peace, deeper understanding and intense amazing love these last weeks have brought. I am already completely changed with the birth of our son. Much more to come on that complete with imagery to share.
For now, here is an image of my first wedding back. I couldn't have asked for more.
Stay tuned!
