I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of remembering and its role in our present perspective. I often am frustrated because I am not where I want to be, where I swear I should be by now. I am just not there yet. When I quiet my impatience and frustration and turn my attention to remembering… my perspective changes drastically. It turns to thankfulness, valued moments, thoughtfulness towards those I love and my frustrations become silenced. Our culture is so hurried to get to the next place, the better job, the lesser weight, to find “the one”, but when do we sit and remember. Remembering who we were, where we came from, who traveled with us along the way.
In a lot of ways I’m in the business of remembering. I capture the way new love looks after ” yes” has been said, how new parents are insecure and so in love, how children’s eyes look at any given age, what her mom looked like a few weeks before she was gone, and how love has grown into a lifetime of devotion and committment. I want to remember how it was. That is why my philosophy is to come as you are, because it IS extraordinary without any extra doctoring. You will want to remember his dirty 5 year old face , not combed hair and polo that he only wears when you make him.
All of this goes along with both what my personal life and business is built on. Beauty is in the ordinary all around us. Reading books on the sofa with your love beside you is magical. It shapes you, forms you and it never happens quite the same again. Time keeps passing, children keep growing and we all get older. I want to live in reverence towards each day I’ve been given. Don’t you? Why do I so easily forget where I was one year ago? And the friend that selflessly gave to me? They are all fibers in this colorful tapestry that is being woven.
So today I remember. I remember the day how he proposed under the magnolia tree with string, our first ugly house, the family I left behind that I miss so dearly, my failures and many tears, my friend’s deep losses, the witness of new life, eating dinner together for a year, a kitty on my pillow every morning, the hope of possibility, painful changes, and the gift it is to be alive. Each moment makes me who I am today and who I will be tomorrow.
Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend. The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river. Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days! Can’t hide happiness!
Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world. We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading
To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word! It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading
Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life. Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!
Forgive the silence of the last few weeks. It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process. So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading
As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing. We have turned our car and hearts West. We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading
Awesome Jessie.
Okay my friend….first of all – I love you dearly. I have always known some things about you…you are an artist, you LOVE people deeply, you are a faithful friend, an amazing wife to an incredible man….BUT I had no idea you could write like this. Thank you are sharing your heart – you INSPIRE me!!!