I’m Back!!

It’s been awhile since I posted a blog. Funny, I think I start every blog off with some phrase like that, ha! So FYI…if you are wanting a current look at my most recent work, you will find it on my instagram + Facebook pages. Im a little surprised in myself that I didn’t use any of my downtime during the most intense moments of Covid to share more sessions, but here we are….alive and well.

What a ride these last few months has been. Mid March for us started off with loads of excitement. The kids, my Mom and I were bound for the beaches of Florida for 2.5 weeks then I was jumping over to New York City to catch the Blue Jays vs. Yankees home opener weekend with my man crush. Talk about an exciting month of adventures- one I had planned since the previous September! Well, three days before our departure date, the world basically shut down and we spent what should have been in paradise, inside, away from family and friends and quarantined to our four walls. Boohoo- but this wasn’t just us, it was basically everyone I know. Despite having our lives turned a little upside down, these past few months have given me a bit of a brighter outlook on life and on the relationship I have with my littles. A couple things I mentioned to families while shooting these porch sessions was how much I’ve loved this life slowdown. I couldn’t remember the last time I had sat down and had a non-rushed breakfast with my kids or enjoyed doing homework with them (this did not last long…). This slow down gave me time to appreciate all the time we have had together. Being able to walk out our front door at any given time of day and just go for a walk and explore nature, was wonderful. Also, I kind of hate to admit it but not having any extra curricular activities has also been a nice break. Don’t get me wrong, I love that my kids stay busy and involved but it gets to a point where this is not one day of the week someone doesn’t have something….which then turns into quick dinners and rushed bedtimes.

So fast forward a month into isolation, a friend of mine sent me a screenshot of a Calgary photographer doing these “porch sessions”. She said “you should so totally do this with your neighbours”. My first thought was, I haven’t left my house in 3 weeks, but it sure would be nice to hold my camera again. So, uncertain of the response I would get, I tried my luck and offered these sessions in the Nanaimo (and beyond) area. I was blown away by the positive comments  and bookings I received. These sessions were an affordable way to document a crazy time in history, something that many of the youngsters I photographed may possibly use in a history class one day. Not only did these sessions bring me so much joy to just get out of my house and use my creative skills but also seeing all these smiling faces made me realize that amongst all this crazy chaos and darkness happening throughout the world, there was still light & we’re all in this together.

Lastly, I just wanted to say a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who booked these sessions. By supporting my small business you also helped support myself and my kids. We appreciate you all so much.

Love and gratitude, Jenna xox

Happy New Year, Everyone!

I love the holidays and all the magic it brings to our house, but I think I let out a sigh of relief when its all over. You know that feeling when you finally get your tree dissembled and your decorations packed away... your living room looks like its had a makeover, ha! I really do love the holidays but I think just as much, I also love the fresh start of a New Year.

New Years day was my first official day back to work after nearly a month off. It was also the first decently nice day we had seen here on the island for some time, so you can imagine how busy the park was. New Years day also happened to be J & S ten year anniversary - a whole decade!! (insert applause). S reached out to me on facebook, asking if I could work with them on recreating their wedding photos….of coarse I said YES! How fun! She mentioned she would be wearing a white dress and he would be dressing up semi-formal, and tagging along would be their two Irish twin daughters.

These four were a dream to work with, trekking through the park in heels, climbing up mountains and not caring one bit about how many people were around. I really could not have imagined spending my New Years day much differently. 

xox, Jenna

I still remember those last days as a family of three so clearly. Consuming my mind were thoughts of worry and a little bit of saddness. How will I ever love another human being as much as I love my first?.... and...Will there be enough love and time to go around?. I had my serious doubts on how I would manage motherhood with a 24 month old and a newborn, but hey, almost 8 years later and there is plenty of love to go around and I couldnt imagine our life any other way.

Stacey was a dreammm to work with. She has great style and an awesome  'heck ya!, up for anything attitude making it an extra fun afternoon. Baby girl is due to arrive anyday now, so as these two prepare for arrival, I am anxiously awaiting the text to book newborn photos, ahhh, YAY!

xox, Jenna

Meet Rob & Shelby.

These two were an absolute joy to work with. With the amount of laughter and fun we had during this engagement session, you would have never guesssed it was our first time meeting face to face. As a photographer, I always hope im able to connect with my couples on a more personal level... to get a feel for who they are as individuals and most importantly as a couple. I feel that when im able to have an awesome connection, everyone, especially the two in front of the camera, are far more at ease and relaxed..... and of coarse that shows in the photographs.

Within 10 minites of meeting these two, I knew we were going to hit it off, and we did. The count down is on until their June wedding... I cant wait!

xox, Jenna

Ooooooh take me back…

Destination weddings are one of my favourite styles of weddings. All your loved ones are in one gorgeous location, pool parties, snorkelling adventures, body surfing, plus we can’t forget the delicious tacos!…..all that and you have the recipe for a beautiful wedding and a great week of memories. Clay & Dani’s wedding was all that.

Tucked in its own private bay, their wedding was held at the Hyatt Zvia in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Their wedding day was seamless and beautiful with all the details of the day coming together perfectly. They said their "i-do's" in front of so many of their loved ones on warm white sand overlooking for turquoise ocean.

Truth.... I had originally planned to blog about how incredibly honoured I was to have been a part of this day, well actually the entire week really. I feel pretty special anytime a couple hires me to document their special day, but for these two particularly, it was extra special. 

xox, Jenna

To see an even more personal look inside this gorgeous Puerto Vallarta wedding, check out their wedding video: Clay & Dani's Wedding Video