Holly and Stephen are married!
It was a simple, relaxed, inspiring day that was all about the people. Stephen and Holly, you are walking examples of how to live life fully and deeply. Your open hearted love of people and of life just naturally frees others around you to be their true, deep selves. I was not immune to your strong influence. Looking back over your wedding day – it was deeply felt and moving – and my heart is still full. I am so, so happy I was your photographer. I’m changed. I felt free to risk saying things – speaking from my heart – and trying things to connect with people and groups . . . that I always chickened away from before. I have no doubt that you’ll be causing shifts like that in people around you for the rest of your life. Thank you!
Skyping the wedding across the Atlantic!
. . . they met at school in the UK . . . and started a relationship when Stephen lived in the UK and Holly lived in Canada – the skype relationship ends – together at last!!
THINK Deeply. SPEAK Gently. LOVE Much. LAUGH A Lot. WORK Hard. GIVE Freely. And Be KIND.
It really shows in these photos that these words are how you live your life.
. . . don’t miss the video slideshow of this wedding day! :
Jay, I have been a fan since the very first picture I saw but wow, you keep blowing me away. You have a true gift in capturing the honest, raw emotions of a day. You are also soooooo gifted at making people feel comfortable to be themselves. I love Holly and Stephen and you captured their day perfectly! It was truly fantastic to share that day with you.
Oh Jen! It’s so good to read these thoughts from you. I actually quit photographing weddings for a spell.
I was discouraged that I couldn’t capture photos in the same style that I love from my portrait sessions.
I know photographers that can direct a wedding day so that it’s a riot of fun and also capture award winning images. That’s not me – I can’t be myself AND be the life of the party.
A soulful, charming bride (Sacha Geer) talked me into trying her wedding – shooting only what moves me and thrills me. . . . which was emotionally open, real, relational photos.
That brought me right back to your wedding –> two incredible people (you and Jeff) that set me off in this direction and reminded me (again and again) of what I love most.
I am so glad you took the risk of doing your friend’s wedding and now, also Holly and Stephen’s. You were a true gift to the day, being who YOU are! I would encourage you to do weddings when the “fit” is good with the couple. So many of us have been talking about you and what a gift you were – so much more than “the photographer” – but a friend for the journey and “glue” that held it all together. Big hug, Jay, and keep in touch!
hi jay…i just looked thru all the wedding photos for holly & stephen & they are FANTASTIC. you do have a gift! i also remember your presence on the day to be unique because you were calm, always had a smile on your face & seemed to enjoy yourself. holly & stephen speak very highly of you. by the way, the bday party you crashed (to give h & s their photos) was mine. thanks for taking the group shots for me — they turned out really well. & i can’t believe you are friends with my friend laurie s. small world. see you around waterloo. j
Thank you Julie, You brought a huge smile to my face! . . . that was fun crashing your birthday party – I appreciate your easy going, friendly welcome. It would be great to meet again.