hey hey

I am crushing sooooo hard on these two and this freaking shoot! Beartooth Pass is a special place to Anna + Chase and they asked if I’d come meet them and photograph their engagement photos and I bout lost my shit. We planned this epic run up the pass from Red Lodge, Montana over into Wyoming and sometimes plans just remain plans. We can try as much as we want to make it perfect but once September hits Montana weather can be literally anything. This couldn’t have ended up more perfect! Them, the light, the views. AHHHH!!

I picked these two up at the bottom and we started cruising to the top stopping every so often and running through fields to take in the crazy views. You guys I still am losing my mind that we can just drive to all of these spots. We’re not hiking miles into the backcountry. We’re parking the car on the side of the road at almost 11,000 ft elevation and walking 3 minutes. Mountain passes always bring wind but I’m such an encourager of my couples to let it just go. We’ll do our best to situate you in a way that the wind is appealing in photos but the look of motion it gives is just the best and we can’t create that. Hair flips and dress throwing look cool but not as cool as real wind. They were such troopers.

We’d run back to the car totally out of breath swearing we aren’t in that bad of shape but at 11000 ft it’s hard! But views at that height, guys check these out! These two are so freaking cute embracing it all. This was a real dream come true as cliche as that is to say haha!

Who else wants to go here?!?!?!

XOXO,  J.

Vanessa and Matt left Connecticut to visit Glacier National Park and she just wanted engagement photos somewhere in the mountains. Just surround them with mountains. Not a problem in Glacier! I adore these two. She told me so many times that they are so awkward in photos, just totally uncomfortable. I giggle to myself when couples say that. Cause often the couples who think they are so awkward photograph the best. They’re so uncomfortable they just find comfort wrapped in the arms of the one they love or they laugh through the whole thing which really is actually perfect for a photo session haha.

The night before their session my cousin suddenly and tragically passed away. At first I had 2 shoots for this day and figured I could do it. But after only 3 hours of sleep and continuous tears I reached out to my morning couple who were somewhat local and they immediately responded with ‘don’t come we’ll figure this out later.’ But I knew I’d have to pull it together for Vanessa and Matt. They came all the way from Connecticut for this session and they needed it. I reached out to her to just let her know what was going on and my current exhaustion and emotional state. I’m normally a pretty wild one at sessions. So loud, lots of ridiculousness and laughing. But that day was difficult and I knew I had to prepare them for my current state of mind. They were the sweetest, so grateful and so understanding. I showed up totally beat in gym shorts, a tank, no makeup and a puffy crying face. They gave hugs and that whole we’re awkward thing went right out the window as they took the reigns of the shoot with little direction from me and the images are just stunning.

So incredibly grateful for my clients and their sweet generosity and understanding. These two were so in love, all over each other and even had me laughing at times and I’m stoked on the images from it. Not only are they beautiful it’s really them, just them doing their thing. Stunning.

Congratulations to these lovers. So blessed to have this life and these souls to photograph! All my love!!!

XOXO,  J.

I first photographed Katie + James a year and a half ago. I had been creating some ideas I wanted to try out and was working on honing in my editing style the way I really wanted it so I threw out a model call to find some couples to try these new ideas with. Katie + James were one of them. And I showed up to the shoot with no memory cards cause I’m smart and had to run to Best Buy and come back haha.

I guess I made up for it at some point cause Katie + James are getting married next year and asked me to photograph their big day!!! SO stoked!  Last month we did their engagement photos in Many Glacier and they are so freakin’ amazing. We had planned to go up there at the beginning of the summer but the weather that day was horrible. It was pouring rain and we decided whatever it’s just rain we’ll go for it. But I was also photographing another couple that day and they were already up in Many Glacier and said the mountains had just been totally socked in all day and mid-drive we all decided nah, the 5 hour drive isn’t worth it if we can’t see mountains! So glad that all worked out that. Not only at the time was I in desperate need of a day at home to stop going for a second but the day we did end up there was perfect weather wise.

These two are just babes and so in love. I love photographing them. And so cool we did this this way. They have some incredible mountain view engagement photos and in May we’re headed to Jamaica for their destination wedding!!!!!! AH!!!!

Until then…

XOXO,  J.

Earlier this summer Emily + Kevin went up to Glacier the night before their engagement photos in Many Glacier. The next morning half of Montana was covered in pouring rain and radar showed it was supposed to continue all day. We didn’t know what to do. We had a chat and thought we’d feel it out a bit cause weather is unpredictable here. I left a bit later for my drive up there and they messaged me an hour into the drive that they had gone up to Many Glacier and the mountains were just socked into the clouds. Ultimately we decided let’s try again another day. Why drive the 5 hours up there for unfavorable weather and then not even be able to see the grand views we were going for.

So a couple weeks ago we met up in Many Glacier for their photos and it was the perfect night for them! Sunny with some clouds. And the bugs were insane! Which ultimately was awesome because Emily is actually quite intrigued by the bugs and when the sun sets they light up the sky like glitter. And they were caddisflies, they don’t even have mouth parts so they’re harmless. It was amazing to look at something in nature that most people can’t stand and swat at and see how beautiful they could actually be. They aren’t there anymore so we timed that just right for a girl that loves bugs.

The light that night was to die for. I say every session is my favorite, it’s my new favorite. But this one will definitely stay on the faves list. These two lovebirds, the lighting, and mother nature’s natural sparkle are hard to beat. I’m up there a few times each week and it’s never been like that again. So incredible.

Emily + Kevin congratulations you babes!!! So excited for you and your future together!!!

XOXO,  J.

Wynn planned a quick getaway to Montana to propose to Jen and the week leading up to their trip he started writing her love notes each day. At the end he’d give some hint to what was coming. Such as PS you’re going to want to pull out a bag to pack. And, don’t forget hiking shoes. Another ending with make sure you have something nice for dinner. And in Wynn’s own words a little information led to alot of preparation and Jen had everything she could possibly need haha. She had no idea even where they were going til they check in at the airport.

Meanwhile he messaged me and planned out this sweet day of going through Glacier National Park, doing some small hikes, just hanging in mountain fields, and then would take her to dinner and afterwords take her for a walk to a waterfall and propose to her and we’d surprise her and do engagement photos at sunset.

A few days before their trip Wynn emailed and said hey ok I have to tell you what I’m thinking. He started to feel like there might be some point in the day as they ventured through the park that it might just feel right and he’d want to propose. And if he did he’d set up the camera and nonchalantly take a photo and propose but he’d let me know and still do engagement photos and asked if that was ok. Which I absolutely loved. I get the point of proposal photos, I do. But I’m just someone who goes with the moment and how it flows. And it doesn’t have to be a big planned out thing to be special. I actually think it’s those smaller moments between you that are the most meaningful. And that if in that moment you can’t look at her an not ask her to marry you, please please please do it! Regardless if I’m there, or even if you had the camera rolling. The memories will be documented even if it’s a selfie. But nothing should stop you in the moment.

That afternoon I got a text that he proposed while they were chilling in a wildflower field staring at the mountains towering over them. I couldn’t be more happy for them! That’s perfect!!

Wynn still surprised her telling her they’d be doing engagement photos after dinner. We met up in Two Medicine hanging on the lakeshore, driving like wild people to get up above the lake in the coolest spot looking out at the valley. And then even though it was dark we still had to go down to the waterfall that Wynn initially planned to propose it, it was just right.

It was incredible and so beautiful! Congrats you two!!!!!!! So excited for you!

XOXO,  J.

I swear every time a couple immediately tells me they need a lot of direction and are super awkward, they really aren’t. They think they are cause they don’t know what to do but give them something to do and they’ll rock the entire session like complete naturals. They laugh and cuddle. They think they’re bad at this so they don’t try to hard which is so important. Just relax and have fun, don’t worry about anything else.

Lauren + Alex recently moved from Kansas to Seattle and knew right away they had to have their photos in the mountains cause Kansas doesn’t look like that haha. I threw out some ideas of locations and immediately they wanted Diablo Lake and we planned for it unsure of what the weather might be this time of year. We ended up moving the session up a day earlier cause our original day was calling for 12-14” of snow! It ended up being perfect. Didn’t even rain. The clouds hid the mountains a little but such a fun spot up on a little cliff in the “American Alps.” And sure enough give them something to do and they killed it. Even just walking towards me. Total babes and any second he could, Alex, would compliment Lauren or tell her he loved her. It was so sweet! C’mon how cute are these two?!

I loooooove these photos! They’re fun and romantic. Sometimes at the same time! I messed around with creating multiple exposure images in camera and some reflection images using my phone to create the reflection. We did so much in such a short amount of time, I’m so stoked. And going the extra distance to a cool location is so worth it! Ah check these out!!!

CONGRATULATIONS you two!!! Wishing you all the love and happiness in the world!!!

XOXO, J.

Ashley and Andy are total babes and amazing photographers themselves! A couple summers ago Ashley was one of my second shooters. She spent countless hours in my passenger seat listening to all of my music and my ramblings and all those hours together our relationships were topics that were often discussed. So even though I didn’t really know Andy, I’ve always felt like I know Andy.

He asked her to marry him recently and I was SO excited for them I quickly sent Ashley a text. A few texts later she told me I was on their list of photographers. I laughed. First of all, I’m just happy for you I don’t care if I’m on that list. Secondly, you’re sweet, but I know your list and a few of those amazing people are my own idols. It’s ok, I’m fine. I was surprised a few weeks later when she asked if I’d get a drink with her and Andy. I figured this would be one of those get together discuss details and then they’ll think about it. I was just excited they even asked, expecting nothing from it. But as soon as all 3 drinks hit the table we grabbed them and mid cheers Andy asked if I’d be their officiant. Thank god he was joking! I would have done it. I’m sure it’s not a strength I have but I would have done it! And the rest is history. I’m blown away. Even now, months later. Such an honor to be the one to preserve these memories for this incredible couple! I can’t wait for next fall to come, wait til you see the custom dress (that was bought from Mr Beast Merch Store) she’s having made! I die.

We planned this fall engagement session and ending at this beautiful little knoll in the mountains at sunset. Montana had other plans and it was more like winter but we didn’t care. Andy’s mother has this incredible property outside Missoula and we went out there and took a couple horses out for a bit. They were HILARIOUS always trying to get their little nudges in. It couldn’t have been more perfect with mountain views, black horses, her maroon dress and some snow on the ground.

We ended in the spot they’ll have their ceremony next year and before even getting out of the car I was straight up squealing. It’s AMAZING!

Ashley + Andy, first, THANK YOU! I’m so grateful for you and so appreciative. You’re perfect together. And, a dream to photograph. You two crushed it in the freezing temps with no jackets. I can’t wait for this place to light up next fall when you say I do. It’s going to be so magical! I’m so in love with your photos! Enjoy!!

XOXO, J.

Every time a couple tells me their awkward I know right away this is gonna be good! Hahaha. Haley actually text me last night after I instagrammed some photos from this session about how she loved them and I had to give her shit and remind her how awkward they supposedly are 😉

This is so fun cause something is happening that I haven’t fully announced and put out there just yet BUT I’ve been building a full team. Haley + Jaris are one of the first couples to jump in on this! I have brought on a team lead photographer to help with weddings + elopements when I’m already booked or trying to work with different budgets as we’ve built different collections for her. So on their wedding day they’ll actually have my team lead photographer photographing their day but it’s so fun cause they get to correspond with us both as a team and while my lead photographs it I will still do all of the editing so it will look and feel just like my photos. These two included an engagement session and we gave them the option to book with my lead or I could photograph it and they asked if I would so they’re really getting the team experience. And it’s amazing for me to be able to connect and work with multiple couples on the same day and this time even though I’m not there on their wedding day I still got to hang with them and shoot their engagement session.

These two are hilarious! Jaris is a totally goofball and all Haley can do is smile and laugh. And that whole we’re so awkward bit went right out the window when I started having them running at each other, hipchecking, running at me, spinning around. And a few adult beverages was also pretty helpful hahaha. They just had so much fun and it totally shows. I hope you two goof off like this for the entire rest of your lives. Even as the oldest people on the planet, haha.

Super stoked on these, thank you Haley + Jaris for trekking back a mile with clothes and drinks in hand and being up for anything. You’re amazing!!!!

XOXO, J.

Tessa is so sweet and I totally fell in love with her over email when she was getting ready to book, and as soon as she told me Chris was her fiance I wrote back I KNOW HIM. But I don’t. I mean somehow I know of him, we have a million friends in common, so we must have crossed paths at some point. Apparently Chris told her the same thing HAHA. But we don’t know when or how or any details lol. I’m super stoked for their wedding next year, it’s going to be an unfair amount of fun.

They knew right away they wanted engagement photos in Glacier, make a little adventure of it. They were drawn to Many Glacier but none of us had been there this time of year and it’s WAY up on the north east corner of the park near Canada. Everyone says the west side has more color than the east side. So we left it to think about. But last week I started seriously creeping instagram for photos of Many Glacier and there was lots of color, and it looked soooo pretty. Who ever keeps saying the west side is more colorful never made the effort to go around to the east side cause it’s UNREAL! They wanted mountains and up there is just prime. The weather didn’t look ideal by any means but it looked doable. We decided doable was worth the risk and we all drove the 5 hours up there.

I went up early to get a little grasp on what we were gonna have. It rained the whole drive. Rained as I pulled onto the road going in and then turned to sleet and quickly it was snowing. The mountains were totally socked in. I almost cried. Did we just come 5 hours for this?!?! Took a breather and went to the bathroom and came out and the sun came out and it cleared up!!! I about died, this I could work with! I drove out to a spot to meet Chris + Tessa and it snowed again!  But then it cleared and then the wind came. The sun tried to peak out later and the mountains never fully cleared but ohmygosh you guys it was sooooooooooo BEAUTIFUL! We couldn’t have planned this!

The wind whipped at almost 30 mph and left us with -5 degrees with windchill!! AH! But we jumped right into photos, running through fields and so much laughing. Tessa killed it in the crazy wind on the side of a mountain in a gorgeous dress. And the snow fell. It was so cold I felt almost creatively stuck cause I wanted to keep them warm so rushing through thoughts and ideas and they were so amazing, the photos are just incredible. I’m seriously showing them off on my phone with everyone I run into!

Everytime a couple takes a risk on photos I’m at awe with what happens. It never goes out as we planned and although in the moment it might not have seemed ideal. The images are so much more than we could have ever planned. And the memories to go with it, you’ll never forget!

Tessa + Chris, thanks for the wild ride already!!! Hope you love them <3

XOXO, J.