New Blog

Hi All!

Wanted to let you know that I'll be posting on my new blog from now on. Hope to see you there!

www.jessicasimonsblog.com


:)

Feeling at Home

When I was a kid, we lived in several different houses, and eventually left Wyoming for my dad's new job in South Dakota. Each of those moves were made for good reason, and each new home brought new memories. Even so, I've always been a little envious of kids with roots deeper than my own. I always wondered what it would be like to be in the house I grew up in at Christmas, or how it would feel to still be best friends with the girl you met in kindergarten.

Most of the places I had as a kid don't belong to me anymore.  Except for one.

When we pulled onto Meebor Rd. earlier this month, I pointed out the canal. And the ranch sign! And the "lake" where we used to row ol' Olive Oil!!! My excitement to be there with my husband for the first time was evident, and growing the closer we came to stopping. The smell of the house, the sound of each door, the set of glass canisters on the countertop—all were unchanged. The view from the front yard, the clothesline, the grit of dust settled onto my face—all left me feeling unchanged. 

Obviously, the ranch doesn't really belong to me, but it's the most familiar place I have. The place that has known me the longest. And I hope to be back for Christmas.

Dietric: Black Hills Senior Photographer

I met Dietric at the football field, where he was armed and ready with an idea. And a ladder. He climbed his way up the goal post, and mentioned that it was a little more wobbly than he expected. I nervously tossed him the footbal, and tried to work quickly. 

Dietric is my first senior from the class of 2012, and I couldn't have asked for a better start to the year. He was enthusiastic and talkative, and had clearly been working not only on his balance, but on his model face as well. He is thinking of becoming an electrician, but for now is just looking forward to a great senior year. 

Dietric (and Amy and Dave) thank you for asking me to do your senior pictures. I truly appreciated your ideas and enthusiasm. Enjoy a few of my favorites!

Wyatt & Yolanda: Black Hills Wedding Photography

Yolanda woke to a tulle-wrapped ladder outside her bedroom window. Her dad wanted her to have an out, just in case she changed her mind. She decided to move forward with things as planned, but couldn't help but smile at the sweet memory her dad had given her on the morning of her wedding day.

Yolanda was a radiant bride—from her mother's veil down to her hot pink heels. She was hesitant about wearing pearls at first, but ended up loving them as they were the perfect finishing touch. Her smile throughout the day was infectious, and was almost as wide as Wyatt's when he saw his bride for the first time. It was clear he adored everything from her mother's veil to those hot pink heels. Not to mention the girl wearing them.

Yolanda and Wyatt, I hope you're having an amazing time in Yellowstone! Thank you so much for including me in your wedding day, and for the chance to get to know you and your families better. I hope you enjoy my favorites!

Laura from studio lb took the ring photo on the right. I'm a little jealous...

Yolanda and Wyatt chose to see each other before the ceremony, and told me how much they loved having a few minutes alone to catch up. Wyatt's reaction to seeing his new wife in her wedding dress makes me smile.

LOVE the above shot! Yolanda wanted shots from different angles, so Laura joined me as a second shooter, and caught this from the balcony. I think it's exactly what Yolanda was after!

Joel and Kelly: Black Hills Wedding Photography

I'm still thinking about it. Still thinking about how personal their day was, how happy she looked, and how proud of her he was.  I'm still thinking about the joy on their family's faces, the words of the pastor, and the love that was poured into making the venue exactly what they wanted. To say the day was perfect wouldn't quite do it justice.

Kelly and her bridesmaids got ready at her family's home, while listening to country music and sipping mimosas.  She told me she was nervous, but had she not said it, I would have never known. The smile on her face was constant and real. She hugged each family member as they came through the room, and handed out gifts while everyone had a bite to eat. Kelly's mother and sisters helped her into her dress before heading to Joel's family's home for the first look and ceremony.  She was a stunning bride.

Joel waited for her under the gazebo, where they would become husband and wife in less than two hours. They chose to see one another before the ceremony to allow plenty of time for photos, and Kelly asked that she walk down the aisle to meet him. The day was hot, and he couldn't have been completely comfortable in his suit, but it didn't matter— because when he turned around, there she was. And she was his.

Kelly, Joel, and families (ALL of you!) congratulations, and thank you so much for the honor of photographing your wedding day. I could go on and on about what I loved so much about it, but thought you'd rather just see my favorites. Enjoy!