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JenniMarie Photography

the Fraser Valley Wedding Photographer

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Reflection Riding Wedding

October 12, 2015 By Jennifer 6 Comments

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Missing only the orchestral theme music swelling in the background, they ran hand-in-hand through the breezeway. Her white pleated dress, flowing behind her, stood out in beautiful contrast to the wood panels and snake exhibits. His grin matched hers; full-faced, eye-twinkling, teeth-showing smiles.

Finally reaching the end of the breezeway, overlooking the lamplit twilight dinner, the bride and groom met her Mom with a massive bear hug. They’d been to the car, surrounded by their extensive group of friends and family, but couldn’t find Mom. So off they raced, running frantically to find her.

And there she was.

I stood watching, my baby sister and her freshly minted husband, saying good-bye with all the bear hugs and happiness due a baby girl and her mommy. For the first time all day, I was without my camera and didn’t take a single photo of that moment, but as I stood there watching that (teary) embrace, I knew I had just witnessed my favorite moment from my little sister’s wedding day.

My camera stayed with me all day during my day as Sisterfriend of Honor at Joanna’s wedding celebrating at Reflection Riding Arboretum in Chattanooga, TN. My shootsac’s black strap may or may not be visible in a family photo or two when I chose not to take it off and lay it in the wet grass. My brother (aka second shooter of the day!) even photographed the moments where I held my bouquet and camera at the same time acting as both photographer and member of the bridal party.

Joanna’s Reflection Riding wedding day dawned gloomy and rainy, gray and cool. We sloshed through mud puddles to decorate tables, string lights, prettify the arbor. We listened to thunder while hanging photos in the treehouse. We ignored the clouds and laughed in the face of a rainy outdoor wedding.

By the time she slipped into her wedding dress, though, the sun was out and the blue skies were singing. As we gathered under the grove of trees to witness their vowing of vows, the horses galloped through the fields we were walking on sunshine. For settling into party mode, we enjoyed a husky twilight, deeply and gloriously magical. To walk through the moonlit woods to the sparkling treehouse, we watched the reflection of the lights in the marshlands below the boardwalk and sighed in complete satisfaction: the magic had happened.

Wedding days may not always be perfect, but they are perfectly  imperfect.  Like the mud puddles of the morning,  the way I had to trot across the lawn to retrieve Dad so he could escort Joanna down the aisle, the time Peter tried to kiss Joanna before Pastor Grady gave him permission. Those imperfect moments are what make a wedding day so memorable.

 

Thanks to more people than Joanna will ever be able to count (I can only begin to list the gems who jumped in and transported cakes and set out appetizers and cleaned up trash and made coffee by flashlight and cut cakes and served food), we made a twilight, candlit, lamplight wedding evening a magical and stunning success.

It would be a fairly extreme circumstance to ever compel me to do that again: bridal party, wedding photographer, and unofficial coordinator. I ain’t gonna gloss over it; that’s a lot to do in one day! But for my sisterfriend? Worth it. Love you, Joey!

In addition to the spectacular family and friends and bridal party who did all the heavy lifting so cheerfully, we had some exceptionally talented vendors.

Venue: Reflection Riding Arboretum
Catering: Moe’s Southwest Grill
Hair: Amanda of The Blowout Company
Shoes: Modcloth.com
Photographer: Jenni Marie Photography
Assistant Photographer: Jacob Pinkerton
Paper Suite: handmade by Joanna
Printing: Aladdin Print Shop
Flowers: Melissa and the Bridesmaids
Nails: Le Park Nail Salon

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Comments

  1. Connie says

    October 13, 2015 at 11:25 pm

    Aww, my parents washed each other’s feet at their wedding too. I’ve never seen anyone else do that!

    These are all stunning, Jennifer. I think this is your best wedding yet 🙂

    Reply
  2. Liz Garthly says

    October 13, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Beautiful pictures Jenni…..beautiful wedding! You captured some great moments!

    Reply
  3. Charlotte says

    October 13, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    This is such an absolutely BEEYOOOTEEFULL wedding Jennifer!! What an honour and a privilege to enjoy it with you over the miles from Saskatchewan Canada! Thankyou for sending this, you are an AMAZING photographer!!!☼☼☼ God bless you all!!!

    Reply
  4. Rachel S says

    October 13, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    These are exquisite and Joanna was a radiant bride. Congrats!!

    Reply
  5. Wendy Mosby Nellis says

    October 13, 2015 at 10:08 am

    Wonderful Job Jenny! I feel like I was there! Thank you for making it possible!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer Dodson says

    October 12, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    As always you did a wonderful job capturing moments! Joanna looked amazing (not that I pictured anything less), the wedding was beautiful! Congratulations to the bride and groom. Jennifer I will be letting you know when I get married (whenever that may be).

    Reply

About Jennifer

Hi! I’m Jennifer and I’m a wedding photographer based in Abbotsford, BC serving the Fraser Valley. I’ve photographed weddings for the last eight years and built my business while working a desk job and living in North Carolina. Since marrying a Canadian and moving to the Fraser Valley I’ve fallen in love with the perfect wedding backdrops: lovely winter raindrops, glorious Pacific Ocean sunsets, and magnificent evergreen mountaintops.

Contact Jennifer to book your wedding photographer.

Why Jenni Marie Photography?

Jenni Marie Photography is for you if...

- Are in love with a great man
- Aren’t afraid of a little rain
- Want great photos filled with real life and emotions
- Know you are created in God’s image
- Love juxtaposing rugged adventure and femininity
- Celebrate marriage, not just the wedding day
- Don’t accept norms “just because”
- Think outside the box
- Believe in the beauty of a foggy day
- Find art in everyday life

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phone: 778.552.1648
Email: Jennifer

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The Brides Speak

I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
2016-07-09T20:17:38-07:00
I had my wedding photos within a month of the wedding and was BEYOND pleased with her work! - Jenna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/jenna-brad/

Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
2016-07-09T20:18:26-07:00
Jenni Marie captured my wedding’s every detail and created a visual archive of memories just as beautiful as my own memories of my wedding day. - Joanna
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/joanna-peter-2/

Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
2017-06-06T19:27:30-07:00
Her photos are perfection, and her talent is rivalled only by her beautiful soul. -  Ashley
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/ashley/

Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
2016-07-09T20:17:00-07:00
Jennifer is phenomenal. She loves weddings so much, and her experience allows her to anticipate the best shots. - Christina
https://jennimarie.com/testimonials/christina-casey-2/

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Instagram post 2340141394864953984_49906028 Speaking of impressive views.... this is my favourite spot.⁠ ⁠ But ever since hubby bought a new truck he is hesitant to have it driven up there. Something about not wanting to scratch it yet. Understandable, I suppose, but I guess I need a 4x4 all my own. Any suggestions?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2338764808000930173_49906028 Pssst. I have many favourite wedding venues in the Fraser Valley, but this one has such impressive views I can't even stand it.⁠ ⁠ @americancreeklodge⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2337407766928557557_49906028 What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ Over the past few weeks, I've been sharing some of my favourite photo tips and ways you can improve your own photographs.⁠ ⁠ We've talked about how to be smarter than your camera, we've talked about how to pose for more flattering photos and more natural smiles, we've talked about how to compose intentional photos.⁠ ⁠ (If you missed it, follow along at #jennimariephototip.)⁠ ⁠ BUT ULTIMATELY, the goal of truly exceptional photography is to follow the light, work with the light you can find, and utilize the light you see.⁠ ⁠ So.⁠ ⁠ What is special about this light?⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #lifeofadventures #letswander #roamtheworld #visualwanderlust #stayandwonder #portraitpatrol #creativeportrait #fraservalleyadventurist #takeabreak #marriedadventure #photographerlife #meetthephotographer #fraservalleyweddingphotographer⁠ #engagementphotoshoot #engagementphotographer #couplesphotography #wildloveadventures #muchlove_ig #radlovestories #togetherjournal #wildhairandhappyhearts #adventurouslovestories #adventuresession #adventurouscouple
Instagram post 2335123837925953107_49906028 Here's my final #jennimariephototip for achieving natural smiles in photos: BE GENUINELY HAPPY.⁠ ⁠ It's not always possible to eliminate stressors of life, but as much as it is possible a photoshoot needs to be a happy experience showcasing your genuine happiness.⁠ ⁠ If I can be dramatic, THE NUMBER ONE TIP is to stop stressing about how you look and instead focus on how happy you feel.⁠ ⁠ Yup, that's right. Ignore appearances and focus on happiness.⁠ ⁠ During your photoshoot with me, it'll be easy: you'll be laughing at and with me and won't have time to worry about whether your smile is going to your eyes or not. I will make it fun, easy, and fabulous.⁠ ⁠ But.⁠ ⁠ If you can't let go and just laugh, if you're too nervous about your appearance to enjoy the forced make out session (aka date with a paparazzi), if you're scared to trust me (I have never had anyone NOT laugh during a photoshoot with me!), then it's going to have to be mind over matter: FORCE yourself to stop stressing and make every effort to let go of the tension and just be happy. ⁠ ⁠ If you want to look happy, you have to be happy.⁠ ⁠ End of story.⁠ ⁠ <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway #herecomesthebride #marthastewartweddings #huffpostweddings #marthaweddings #springwedding #tohaveandtohold #aislestyle #weddingbliss #weddingsofinstagram #bridetrends #weddingchics #realweddings #huffpostido #justsaidyes #myweddingbee #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #canadianwedding #vancitywedding #weddingwirecanada #bridetobe
Instagram post 2333623434294589707_49906028 For truly natural smiles, I remind you: it's all in the eyes.⁠ ⁠ Smize.⁠ ⁠ Smile with your eyes.⁠ ⁠ Let your eyes smile.⁠ ⁠ I don't care how you say it, just let the happiness make it to your eyes.⁠ ⁠ ALSO: this photo is almost two years old and I still love it just as much as ever. <3 ⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #realcouplesofBC ⁠ #fraservalley #vancity #fraservalleywedding #langleybc #weddingday #weddingplanning #vancitybride ⁠ #weddinginspiration #chasinglight #neverstopexploring #photobugcommunity #ilovebc #weddingwirecanada #604now #bridalphotos #bcwedding #livefolk #huffpostido #mountainbride⁠
Instagram post 2332979113734537523_49906028 For the more extreme "Chandler smiles" (unpopular opinion: that's the one episode of "Friends" that I laugh at . . . ), I can only suggest one final technique: make him laugh with whatever means necessary. ⁠ ⁠ Even if it means tickling. ⁠ ⁠ I will admit that my own hubby doesn't have a very easy time of letting natural smiles happen in front of a camera. With as much as photos are part of my world, being photographed isn't his favourite thing and we make it as fun (and fast!) as possible.⁠ ⁠ We take a lot of photos together, yes, but this one from a couple years ago by @sherriprestonphotography I remember distinctly because I am very covertly tickling his side to get that very genuine smile and laugh.⁠ ⁠ So maybe that's the only way to get a real smile...and that's okay.⁠ ⁠ At least you're sure to create a memorable moment!⁠ ⁠ #jennimariephototip ⁠ ⁠ #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #theweddingbliss #gettinghitched #yourdayyourway ⁠ #phototips #photographyhacks #photographyideas #photographyislove #nikoncanada #canada_gram #lifeincanada #photographylessons #learnphotography #photographytips #photographersoninstagram
Instagram post 2329990227858230526_49906028 To continue the conversation from yesterday: pandemic life is not easy on relationship and family.⁠ ⁠ But. While it's important to acknowledge the struggles, it's also valuable to play Pollyanna and find blessings in the raindrops, gratitude in the storm. ⁠ ⁠ Is there something you can be thankful for BECAUSE of this season? ⁠ ⁠ I could complain for hours about the border closures and mandatory quarantine that has kept my newborn-ish daughter from seeing/meeting my family that all lives in Americaland (and sometimes I do :-P)⁠ ⁠ OR ⁠ ⁠ I can celebrate that a forced longer-than-planned maternity leave (my spring/early-summer weddings have been postponed) have granted me the opportunity to just get to know my girl, unrushed and unscheduled.⁠ ⁠ So there's my encouragement/challenge for you: play Pollyanna when you can, but take time to grieve when you need to. And, most importantly, give yourself and your spouse/fiance grace upon grace upon grace.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2329249062187390470_49906028 A global pandemic is NOT normal relationship strain.⁠ ⁠ Ha. Like, understatement of the year. Yesss, marriage takes work and yesss you'll face hard stuff many times in your marriage BUT the all-encompassing strain of a pandemic should not be underestimated. It's mental and physical and emotional and financial. It's inside your relationship, it's outside your relationship, it's coming from friends and family, it's coming from media, it's literally everywhere and affecting everything. I can't think of any other strain in a relationship that would be THAT all-encompassing. So give yourselves a LOT of grace, okay?⁠ ⁠ I wrote that in an email a few weeks ago to an overwhelmed bride and I've been pondering the reality ever since.⁠ ⁠ Pandemic life has uprooted all sense of normal, created an all-encompassing season of grief, forced plans to change on every calendar (calendar? what calendar?) and created a perfect situation for strain and pain.⁠ ⁠ This is NOT normal. ⁠ ⁠ So, what can you do today to bolster your marriage and strengthen your relationship to weather the storm? ⁠ ⁠ #marriagetip #marriagetips #relationshipskills #marriagehelp #healthymarriage
Instagram post 2327827676307304491_49906028 I love wedding details. <3 ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #langleywedding #vancitywedding #vancitybride #vancouverbride #realcouplesofBC #realbridesofBC #bcwedding #langleyphotographer #embracehopeBC #weddingwirecanada #fraservalleyphotographer #fraservalleyweddings #fraservalleyweddingphotographer #thefraservalley #fraservalleywedding #explorefraservalley #bcweddingphotographer
Instagram post 2327133089304562922_49906028 NATURAL SMILES: don't look at the camera. The easiest way to freeze into a blank smile? Staring at a black box. The best way to relax into a moment filled with genuine happiness and sincere smiles? Look at the person you are with. If you've ever been photographed by me, you've seen me create moments where you're naturally looking at one another and laughing. I will ask a silly question, for example, and suddenly you're looking at one another trying to answer it and...voila! ... its a genuine smile. So if you're trying to get a natural smile, look at someone you're with for a sweet, memorable moment. OR, you know, smile away from the camera for a minute and then come back to the frame for a moment of candor. (Fact: I'm not on a beach in Spain right now. But if I were, I wouldn't be six months pregnant like I was in this photo. 😂 If that isn't a testament to the power of knowing your angles, I don't know what is.) #jennimariephototip
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