love was in the air.

i love slideshows and albums because they tell a story. the story of a day. a series of moments. of lives joined together. i love looking at the photos because it brings me back to that day...i was thinking (and sometimes talking) to myself on the road on my way back home from so cal about how i often find that i don't fully process what when down at a wedding until i see the photos. i suppose part of this is because i am in work mode the whole day and i almost have to force myself to remain somewhat emotionally disconnected. because if i don't, i would be blubbering behind the lens and thereby foggin' up my viewfinder. this would be no good for several reasons. people would think i was that crazy photographer who is always cryin' and i would not be able to tell if the shots were in focus because of my watering eyes. so needless to say, i do my tearin' whilst i am working on the slideshow. hehe. it happens. and it happens more often when i know and care for the bride and groom so deeply. any-ways, there is a bit of vulnerability for you and a look into the emotional inter-workings of j. ship. but with out further ado i give you...stacie and will's wedding slideshow.

stacie + will.

umm. i LOVE staice and will. wow. i just photographed their gorgeous wedding yesterday, and it was incredibly fun. i loved every minute of it. stacie and will are some of the sweetest and most genuine people i know. stacie was radiating joy, beauty, and excitement all day long and it was a delight to be with her all day. the wedding party was cool and they made me laugh so much. there were so many of my friends from Westmont there which made for some exciting reunions and reminiscing on the dance floor. we may have had a bit too much fun. i dunno. oh and did a mention how wonderful the venue, Oak Meadows Lake of Dreams, and wedding coordinator Angela were? wow, such a fun place to have a wedding and it was a pleasure working with Angela. my my, i love my job. i am so excited to show you all some images, but i need to cut my 300 favorites down for the slideshow. but to tide you over for a bit, here is one of my favs of the bride and groom...stay tuned for a slideshow. oh and to receive a free print credit for their wedding, head over to Pictage to pre-register for the event. you will then automatically be notified when i release all the photos. woooo.

oh and lastly, thank you all for all your kind words and encouragement at the wedding. it was an honor to share in Will and Stacie's special day and to take part in preserving those memories. i was deeply blessed. you all are the best! what a great group of family and friends they have...

the osland family.

last weekend while i was home in the sierras, i got the chance to photograph the wonderful osland family. what a pleasure that was. they have the most adorable and beautiful girls that were all about the camera. and there is something so special about working with people who you deeply appreciate and respect. thanks ya'll for asking me to capture the love and spirit of your family. view the slideshow here.

freedom.

freedom. it is something i take for granted. something i forget that many people around the world don't have. something i don't think about or reflect on often enough. as americans, we have been blessed beyond measure. we have freedom to speak. freedom to pray. freedom to simply live. and there are men and women who fight each day to protect this freedom. we owe some much to them and their families for the commitment they have made to our country. may the Lord bless them and keep them.

i love the fourth of july in crowley lake. it is own of my favorite holidays. the ribs. the homemade ice cream. the fireworks. the friends. family. laughs and adventures. i was so excited to have gotten the chance to get home for the fourth. i needed my crowley fix. ah, it was so fun. i got to spend so much quality time with my family and got to do all the things i love to do when i am home. so fun.