Jessica Grant Photography

2011 Cutest Kid Contest!

2011-06-24T16:04:00.015-04:00

ANNOUNCING JESSFOTO'S SUMMER 2011 CUTEST KID CONTEST {BOSTON CHILDREN’S PHOTOGRAPHER}

We Are SO excited for the month of July as we are having our very first Children's portrait contest!

Here are some of the details...

The Entry fee is $50 per child and each entrant received a 5x7 of their entry photo!

Grand prize winner receives $500 in prints and digital files!

The Contest is limited to the month of July. All entry photos are posted on the JessFoto Facebook page. The photo with the most 'Likes' will receive the grand prize!

Contact us by Email to set up your appointment! There are a limited number of available appointments.

Dave and Kerry - Aruba

2011-06-20T10:38:00.032-04:00

Dave and Kerry had a destination wedding at The Divi Resort in Aruba!

The weather was absolutely perfect - every last inch of Aruba looks like it should be on a post card!

I love the natural colors of the Island - Aruba is gorgeous...

Kerry wore a beautiful necklace that Dave had given her as a gift... and speaking of gifts, I love the personalized embroidered handkerchief for Dave's mom, Twigg.....

Kerry's beautiful dress had floral accents while her bridesmaids wore fabulous hot pink and white patterned bridesmaid dresses... Love the colors!

Love 'The first sight" when couples see each other before the wedding ceremony.....

It allows for some quick shots before the ceremony....

Off to the sunset ceremony at The Divi Phoenix... on world famous Eagle Beach...

Husband and Wife....

One of my favoritest shots from the group photos.....

Their reception was amazing.... but my favorite was their first dance, barefoot on the beach... how romantic!

For all of my destination wedding clients, I encourage them to take advantage of the area for some day after photos.... For Dave and Kerry, I was dying to go to the famous Divi tree back on Eagle beach.... We met at The Divi and started out shoot there... I loved the texture of this wall...

We grabbed a cab and headed down to Eagle Beach..... Thats the shot I had in my mind!

Oh hello Rainbow...

Heading back to the hotel.... but not before a special shot for Dave's mom, Twigg, who I just love to pieces.

The Cabanas back at The Divi were awesome.... and fortunately no one was up yet using them..

The next couple of photos say everything there is to say about having your wedding in Aruba....

Dave and Kerry - Thank you so much for having me as your photographer! I loved documenting your beautiful wedding!

Catching up....

2011-04-26T08:55:00.004-04:00

Imagine how awkward I felt when chris asked me the other day "Have you really not updated your blog since July 2009?"

hmmmm......... yes, it was true.....

I have had some amazing assignment already this year and i can't wait to share....

Thank you for checking this blog often and leaving some fancy comments :)

Lola and Michael

2009-07-13T11:09:00.007-04:00

I spent a beautiful Saturday morning with Lola and Michael, capturing their beautiful family portraits..

Mimi and Popsy came along for our session.... what a great idea to include grandparents for the family portrait session!

Three Generations of beautiful Ladies...

Popsy's little girl!

What happens after our session.....?

2009-07-10T21:49:00.005-04:00

The excitement is overflowing when a client gets portraits done... new babies, engagements, families, seniors, weddings, etc...

In the time we live in, instant everything, it is hard t practice patience when it comes to most things.... i mean, when I wait in line longer than 5 minutes to get a coffee at starbucks, it gets to me!

So I thought," hey, I should pobably let people know what is happening to their photos between the time we take the photos and the time their websites are released...."

Almost every single photo that leaves my hands are tweaked, and perfected and color balanced before any client sees them.... I think that has a little bit to do with being a perfectionist and a LOT to do with having OCD about pictures.

Some people know that I got most of my training by working in a high end photography lab, so most of what I saw was the finished product... gorgeous printing and perfect color and sharpness.... I think that has remained with me and unfortunately means I spend too much time infront of Photoshop!

Here are some examples of some images right out of the camera and then what it looks like with some "magic"...

okay, back to my Friday Night date with Photoshop!

new things to blog......

2009-07-10T18:47:00.005-04:00

SO.... what a whirlwind of a wedding season it is right now!!!!

In April we witnessed as Lisa and Jason exchanged vows... in May we watched as Jamie and Elizabeth had an amazing wedding in Napa Valley.... June brought us to Jenn and Brians big apple wedding under the Brooklyn Bridge.... and who could forget to mention Rose and Alex's (aka RoLex) four days of wedding events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

and somehow inbetween these amazing weddings, I got to photograph some of the most gorgeous babies and kids.... Kevin, Sadie T, Jesse, Hannah, Timmy, Olivia, Ellie, Tate, Jessie, Julie, Eliza, Nathan, Sadie L and Ellie H, Ariyanna, Charlotte and a few more!

Also, I would be crazy to not mention the ambush bachelorette party that Rose's friends threw for her... that event was like nothing I had ever photographed before....... to say the least!

and I almost forgot.... we photographed some charity events for The Jimmy Fund as well as Chernobyl Childrens's Project

All in all, it has been extremely busy around here and I find myself wishing I had four hands to get everything done.....

okay, back to work for me!

-J

Kate and Jared: Engagement

2009-06-03T13:04:00.016-04:00

Since the day I met Kate, I knew that I would love her forever. We met on a warm summer day when I photographed her family at their home in Newton, MA.

So when she called to tell me that Jared had finally proposed to her, I screamed!!... I was SO

excited for her because I know she is going to have an incredible wedding!

Here are some of the photos that we did for her engagement session at Crystal Lake in Newton, their home in South Boston and a little stop in downtown Boston....

We had a blast!

Thank you Kate and Jared for the hours of laughing! Im looking forward to your wedding!!!!

Nightshift Boston's best wedding band at Nordstroms!

2009-04-30T12:42:00.008-04:00

Wow, Has it really been two months since my last blog entry! So much is going on around here! I swear I will catch up one of these days!

Anyhow, a couple of weeks ago, Chris and I made a special trip up to Peabody to see my favorite band in the entire world, Nightshift. The band, with the exception of Karen, was the entertainment at The Nordstroms grand opening at The North Shore Mall in Peabody!

They really are the most incredible musicians I have ever heard!!!

Here are a couple of photos I grabbed....

Many Thanks to Ray for the "shout out" during one of his songs... ha! People were probably wondering who 'Jess' was and since when was it part of that song!

I have been working with Nightshift at Boston weddings throughout my photography career.... Hopefully someday they will perform at my wedding!

Featured on The Rachel Ray show!

2009-02-25T12:40:00.005-05:00

We were so thrilled to hear that our dear friend Katie from Destination Bride would be appearing on Rachel Ray to talk about online dating!

We were ever MORE excited that Katie would be using a photo that we took of her as part of her segment!

View the entire clip here!

Way to Go Katie O! You were so sparkly!!!!

Rachel and Joe - Wedding

2009-01-29T09:53:00.011-05:00

Rachel and Joe - Mount Hope Farm, Bristol, RI

It was SUCh a gorgeous October day when Rachel and Joe exchanged bows in the town of Bristol, RI, situated on Narraganset Bay.

We did our formals in Colt State Park... which was incredible... it was completely on the ocean, and had a tree lined section with a stone wall and lots of leaves on the ground.... it was the perfect spot.

Their reception was held at Mount Hope Farm which is one of the most beautiful locations I've worked at.

Lots of great spots for photographs!

Rachel had some great help from her friends designing the decor for this classic New England Barn!

Love the candle lit path!

Many Thanks to Mr. Ed for his amazing Dj skills... he was so great to work with!!

Watch a slideshow of the highlights from this beautiful wedding!

New Year!

2009-01-16T11:00:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

During the upcoming off season we will be making some big changes to our website and blog!

There are thousands of incredible images from weddings, engagements and portraits from last year and we just can't wait to share them with you!

For now, I am off to a romantic weekend (the first of many in 2009!) with the most wonderful and handsome man in the world... Being in love is so great!

-Jess-

Its the most wonderful time of the year!

2008-11-10T12:57:00.002-05:00

Its getting to be that time of year again when family portraits are in full swing! Make sure that if you are planning on sending out holiday cards that you book your session before December 7th!

Also, portrait gift certificates make fabulous holiday gifts!

Other items that make great gifts are desk sized portraits, image boxes, willow books and other goodies!

Remember how exhausting parking at the mall and waiting in line at stores and crowds are and get your holiday gifts from us!

Congratulations Kim and Jay

2008-10-28T19:44:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Kim and Jason as they tied the knot last weekend!

Their awesome photos will be posted soon!

Riley and Nolan

2008-10-28T16:14:00.008-04:00

I recently was asked by my friend Erin to come and photograph her sweet babies, Riley and Nolan!

Several of my friends had babies over this summer and Nolan was the first to arrive!

He has such electric eyes!

Riley is a GREAT big sister!

What a cutie!

Thank you guys for having me photograph your family - it was a lot of fun! Thank goodness for ring pops!

Rachel and Joe - Engagement

2008-10-07T10:34:00.011-04:00

Rachel and Joe choice Pierce Park in Lincoln for their engagement photographs.... which was SUCH a beautiful location... with a big open field lined with a stone wall and three hundred year old trees, it was such a picturesque spot for us to work in!

We started our session at this cute little red shed...

I loved Rahcel's shoes... she has so much style!

The estate had this very fancy patio....

An embrace..

The classic New England stone wall...

a warm glowing sunset..

Thank you Rachel and Joe for such a great Session!

Ten facts about ME!

2008-09-29T22:43:00.005-04:00

Here are fifteen must know things about me.

1. I love eating chocolate chip cookies for breakfast with a tall glass of iced tea.

2. Before I decided to be a photographer, i wanted to be a high school spanish teacher.

3. I have a dog named Mouse

4. Sunday is my favorite day of the week.

5. I was raised in New Hampshire by my amazing grandmother

6. I am a pisces, which makes me overly sentimental and romantic....

7. I love to wear dresses

8. I love hearing people's stories about the good ol' days.

9. I am in love with a really really really great guy.

10. I put Splenda on my popcorn

11. If I could eat sushi every day I would.

12. i love my cozy bed

13. My friends are my family

14. I love anything tied up in a satin bow

15. I hang every picture any child ever draws for me on my wall.

the very handsome Jason

2008-09-25T14:48:00.016-04:00

Welcome to the world Jason!

Jason arrived on Labor Day weekend just in time for our big family party!

here are some photos from his birthday!

Jason and his dad....

Jason fit very comfortably in my arms!!!

Congratulations Kristen and Darryl... Jason is perfect!

Busy Busy Busy

2008-09-25T14:43:00.002-04:00

I am working 'round the clock to make sure everyone gets to enjoy all of the great images that I have been out capturing!

Here's what you can expect to see in the next two weeks....

- Denise and Andy's oceanside wedding in Gloucestor!
- Kelly and Dan's sunny summer Nantucket wedding
- Cindy and Dan's swanky evening wedding!
- Baby Claire's first portrait session!
- E-Session of Rachel and Joe!
- Photographs of my newest nephew Jason!
- photos from Labor Day weekend 2008
- Summer Vacay at Hampton Beach
- Photographs from my brothers trip to Boston!
- Michelle and Adam's gorgeous wedding in Newburyport!
- Lily's one year session!
- The Cuddy Family

and more.

okay, back to work!

Dana and Austin.... running wild!

2008-09-25T13:50:00.007-04:00

When my uncle George called me and asked me if i would mind photographing his two grandsons I could hardly wait! Dana and Austin have been spending lots of time with their amazing grandparents and I was excited to document their electric connection!

Dana and Austin were vacationing up at the beach with all of us... so I thought that would be the best place for our photos!

We thought the rain might stop us, but we were prepared!

Infinite possibilities!

Things got a little wild...

... and a LOT wet!

The boys!

Thank you Uncle George... photographing all of you was a total blast!!!! Looking forward to our next session!

Shane, Sam and Spencer

2008-09-25T13:22:00.005-04:00

Shane, Sam and Spencer... Imagine how excited I was when I laid my eyes on these beautiful little guys!

With equal parts handsome, sweet and fun these wise guys made for an eventful afternoon! We started on the front steps of their home.. and then made use of a great fence in their backyard... not to mention custom adirondack chairs!

We headed over to Wrights Pond for some sunset photographs...

The entire family...

I love how still the water was.. it was like a mirror!

Thank you guys for so much fun while we took photos... i still have sand between my toes!

Alyssa and Joe are married!

2008-09-25T11:46:00.015-04:00

My lifelong galpal Alyssa married one of the sweetest guys in the world this weekend in Keene, NH!
Alyssa and I met many many many many years ago at Alumni Field in when we were cheerleaders for The Keene Knights! (Love Pop Warner!!)When Alyssa and Joe first got engaged, Alyssa called me up and told me the exciting story in detail... I love that from the minute Joe saw her he knew he wanted to marry her... and after some persistence, Alyssa decided to go out on a date with him.... She knew then too that he was the guy for her!
Since they started dating, Joe enlisted in the US Army and has been far away in Texas training... so when Alyssa went down to visit him, he surprised with her a gorgeous diamond!!!
Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding day....

Out and about in downtown Keene...

A tender moment during the ceremony taken while Alyssa's cousin Kelly (who also happened to be my preschool teacher 23 years ago!) sang "Grow Old With me" by John Lennon.. it was beautiful!

Some photos at The Keene Country Club.. Shaena Rodriguez was the event coordinator and she was fabulous!! I highly recommend having her for any event!

Thank you Alyssa and Joe for including me in your day!

Cassandra and Steve - Engagement photos

2008-09-17T12:25:00.014-04:00

My long time friend Cassandra and Steve got engaged during Superbowl XLII... We Painfully joke around that she is the only one in New England who got a ring that day!

Cassandra and Steve have so much personality.. I wanted to make sure that their Engagement photos reflected how fun they are!

We started up at Paradise Mini Golf in Middleton which is where they went on their first date...

A little hands-on lession....

This was the very spot where the magic started....

This wall was right next to the driving range and the light was just so perfect....

We then headed to this gorgeous spot...

The sun was getting low and i loved the punchy shadows!

This photograph was taken in my favorite hidden spot... It is definitely of my favorite images from the day....

Then we hopped in our cars and headed to the Everett Firestation where Steve is a very brave firefighter! Fortunately we picked quiet time of day to do some photos there...

Cassandra and Steve, Thank you both so much for being so fun and crazy at our session... I literally asked you to jump and you said "How high?" What more could a photographer ask for?

I can hardly wait for your halloween inspired wedding... it will be so fun!

Many good pics coming your way...!!!

2008-09-11T12:28:00.005-04:00

SO the last six weeks have been non stop shooting! So in between my nonstop editing, i will be posting a handful of images from each session!

soon to be posted...

- Beach portraits with two handsome boys and their grandparents!
- Denise and Andy's oceanside wedding in Gloucestor!
- Kelly and Dan's sunny summer Nantucket wedding
- Cindy and Dan's swanky evening wedding!
- Photographs of newborn twins!
- Portrait session of three gorgeous blonde boys wearing blue jeans... just wait - they're SO SO SO sweet!
- Baby Claire's first portrait session!
- E-Session of Rachel and Joe!
- Photographs of my newest nephew Jason!
- photos from Labor Day weekend 2008
- Summer Vacay at Hampton Beach
- Photographs from my brothers trip to Boston!

So much to do....! Stay tuned!

Dana and Will in Connecticut

2008-09-11T12:10:00.008-04:00

It was one of the rainiest days of the year but that didn't stop Pam and I from capturing some great images for Dana and William at their wedding this weekend in Southbury, CT!

Below are a few of my favorites.... more to come soon..

Some comfy shoes!

Dana carried her grandmothers very elegant (and ultra vintage) purse and hankie!

Some sparkly chandelier earrings!

Gorgeous curls!

This was the finished product.... so femenine!

I loved the shiny details of Dana's mom's dress! Bliiiiing!

William's ring had a Celtic design on it and it was titanium so it was so light!

One of my favorite moments at the reception....

Kathleen and Roberto - Amor

2008-09-04T09:31:00.009-04:00

Kathleen and Roberto met while Kathleen was studying abroad in Spain...

We headed over to Hidden Hills in Rindge for some engagement photos.... love the door! Then we hopped in our cars and headed over to Cathedral of The Pines which is one of the most gorgeous locations in the world! We were so lucky to have a gorgeous blue sky with the most perfect puffy white clouds!

not so long after their engagement photographs, they were married at All Saint's Church in Peterborough NH! The rain held off for most of the day, allowing for some special outdoor pics!

I loved the purple couch that was in the room where Kathleen got married!

I love bubbles!

Kathleen and Roberto had a perfect day (minus the rainstorms!) and it was so nice to meet all of Roberto's family who travelled from Spain!

See more of Kathleen and Roberto's wedding images by clicking on this slideshow....

Dan and Cindy - Teaser!

2008-09-03T23:25:00.004-04:00

Cindy and Dan were married this weekend in Wakefield! There are so many beautiful images that i will be posting soon, but I wanted to share a few teasers...

More to come soon... August was quite the busy month! Lots to catch up on!

Kelly and Dan - Destination Wedding in Nantucket

2008-08-23T10:31:00.003-04:00

I am just returning from Kelly and Dan's wedding in Nantucket!

It was SO great to work with Lisa Light and Katie O'Malley from DestinationBride.com - they are a dream team and the best planners and designers for destination weddings!

The reception was held at A Taste of Nantucket , which was the perfect place for this thursday lobster bake wedding!

Stay tuned for photos and a slideshow of this perfect Nantucket wedding!

Vacation!

2008-08-09T10:28:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! FYI, I will be on vacation until August 17th!

I have limited phone and email access, so I wont be checking either!

Looking forward to catching up next week!

Jess

Taryn and Mike!

2008-07-12T09:14:00.009-04:00

While in Keene for Sean and Jessica's wedding, I attended (yes as a GUEST!) the wedding of my friends Mike and Taryn!

As much as I enjoyed being a guest, there is something in my brain (and heart) that makes it impossible for me to trust any other photographer with any of my friend's wedding moments!

So much to Chris's dismay, I snuck my camera (and 85 1.2!) in to the reception hall and snagged just a few... here they are.. and I think theyre so sweet!

I loved their favors! they were little boxes filled with chocolate!

and I was SO happy to see my friends, Rachel and Leigh, whose wedding I also photographed! Stay tuned for photos of their new son!

Mike and some of his friends!

and I loved these photos of Mike and Taryn dancing among their guests...

Thank you Mike and Taryn for inviting me to share your special day! Its about time you guys tied the knot!

Jessica and Sean!

2008-07-11T09:20:00.012-04:00

Memorial day weekend was beautiful this year in my hometown of Keene, NH.
I had the honor and privilege of photographing the wedding of my longtime friend Sean!

Their outdoor ceremony took place and the legendary Robin Hood Park! (which I would like to add is where I won several fishing trophies as a kid!)

I have always adored Sean's mom Jolene! It was such a special day for her to see her youngest son exchange vows...

Robin Hood park is the perfect place for some outdoors formals.....

and some fun Candids!

And since I am always going for the "WOW" Image from each event that I do, how could I pass up the classic New England white congregational church in downtown Keene for the backdrop to this photo... Sean, Jess and I stopped the traffic for this sensational image!

You may even recognize this spot from the movie Jumanji, which was filmed in Keene in the early 1990's.

Sean and Jessica hosted their reception at the Best Western Hotel in Keene, and everything was elegantly coordinated by their very own fabulous Michelle Clark!

Jess and Sean, Thank you so much for having me be a part of your wedding day... Having known Sean for so long, not only as my friend, but more as a younger brother I was filled with emotion as I watched him promise his lifelong love for Jessica...

I'm still not sure what Dustin had in mind during his performance....... :)

To see Dustin, and other photographs from Jessica and Sean's wedding in Keene, NH click here!

The Celtics win!

2008-07-11T09:10:00.008-04:00

So just to give you an idea on how busy I've been, I am now just reporting that the Boston Celtics are the 2008 NBA Champions!

I attended the parade with my friend and financial advisor Wes Pearson!

I hope that whoever is reading this already knows about this major news!

New Year, New Home, New Jess!

2008-07-11T08:05:00.003-04:00

2007 was a year that marked the creation of my most exciting project of all time..... JessPhoto!

While 2007 was a year to grow and think and be creative, 2008 so far has been my defining year!

There is SO much to catch you up on... new brides, new babies and all kinds of great celebrations that I have been blessed to be a part of!

So enjoy the next few days as I am gluing my feet to the floor and posting a new blog every day until I am completely caught up on all of the new images I want to share with you!

I hope you are taking the time to go enjoy the season with someone you love!

Best
*Jess*

Moving day

2008-05-02T18:30:00.003-04:00

Moving to a new location is such hard work... I have spent the last two weeks, packing, boxing, cleaning and moving to my new home, which is huge, gorgeous and SO sunny.

So as I stood in my old apartment for the last time today, i walked through each room, reminiscing on some of my favorite moments that happened over the past two years.

My old apartment was a soft place to land for me after my grandma died... It has also been a place to escape to for many of my friends.. it has seen the beginning of great relationships, the end less than amazing relationships and many tears and a lot of laughs..

I will never forget the life I had while living in that adorable third floor apartment... But I am excited about living in what i can only hope my life will always be like- a big, bright, sunny place with lots of room for friends..

off to unpack....

Quinn is ten months!

2008-04-22T11:00:00.002-04:00

I can hardly believe that Quinn is already going to be ten months old!

It has been so fun to watch him learn new things and become a little man!

I had fun spending the morning with him last week... we got to play in the crispy leaves in his front yard and even mouse made an appearance to give Quinn some special kisses!

This is just one of the photos from his ten month session, but i'll be posting some other special photos of him soon!

Welcome to the world Sadie!

2008-04-21T21:17:00.002-04:00

She certainly took her time getting here, but Miss Sadie has finally joined us!

More photos to come, but I had to share one of my favorites from today!
Congratulations Shannon and Dave!

and my heart officially belongs to...

2008-04-17T11:22:00.003-04:00

Recently I joined the Boston PUG group... which is a collection of the most fantastic and creative photographers in the Boston area!

PUGs (Pictage User Group) are all over the US and Canada and the members are photographers who love what they do... We network within the community and share ideas and experiences with other members, while sharpening our photography skills! Having a great time is always number one on the agenda!!!

At our most recent meeting we shared our ideas about how to work with low light situations... as we know, some churches don't allow flash photography!!!

I didn't hesitate for a moment to be the bride!!!!

So without a proper gown, veil or any of the 'details' a bride should have, I made do with that I had available to me in the church... a doily and an aging easter lily..

Lucky for me, the super fabulous Will Tangorra was there to capture me in this beautiful photo!!!

To my fellow Boston PUGs... I am so excited to be among the Best of Boston when I am with you... Your excitement and passion for photography is a constant reminder of why I love what I do, and why I will always capture the greatest people, places and things in life.

I am out enjoying the weather today... I hope you are too!!!!

Jess

Jackie and Brad ~ Starting their Family

2008-04-12T07:32:00.017-04:00

It seems as though it was a hundred years ago when I first met Jackie and Brad to photograph their engagement session at Fenway Park. We went on one of the tours that the park offers to all of Red Sox Nation, including backstage passes to the .406 Club, the Green Monster and we were even close enough to snag some dirt from the field..

Brad and Jackie had my heart from the minute they arrived wearing Red Sox Jerseys! When it comes to great photographs, creativity is key! (playing baseball on Landsdown Street made for some great photos!!!)

Since our trip to Fenway Park, Jackie and Brad have tied the knot, welcomed Rookie into their lives, travelled the world, welcomed three new nieces and nephews to their family, spent summers in NH among hundreds of other adventures. The Red Sox have even won two world series!

I love that I have been able to share in so many of their experiences....they are truly wonderful people, and two of the greatest friends I could have ever asked for!

When Jackie emailed me back in December that she and Brad were finally expecting their first child, I was beyond thrilled for them... I could not wait to do some belly photos!

I wanted to make sure that we included Rookie in some very important photos as soon she will be sharing her parents with a baby!

Queen of the house... for now!

It seems as though the day we selected was a little chilly... and a lot windy... but we headed over to Castle Island in South Boston for our first location...

The beautiful Jackie...

You can't go to Castle Island without a sweet treat from Sully's!

Then we headed over to The Dorchester Heights Monument for a couple of quickie pics..

I grabbed one last quick photo right before we had dinner at 224 which is where Jackie and Brad went on their second date... many years ago!

Jackie and Brad, I cannot thank you enough for everything you and your families have done for me. Your friendship means more to me than you could ever imagine... You are going to be the worlds best parents! I Love you!

Click here to see the slideshow from Jackie and Brad's session...

Katie O'Malley - Anytime

2008-03-27T10:31:00.014-04:00

My super galpal Katie O'Malley who is the Vice President of Sparkle and Romance from DestinationBride.com made this big journey to Boston for some glamorous headshots!

First we teamed up with the amazingly talented makeup artist Lisa Roche from Luxe Beautique in Swampscott.... She primped and pampered Katie while Kristen, Katie's sister and one of my bestest girlfriends, and I looked on!So after Lisa worked her magic, we used some of the light reflecting off the Ocean across the street to capture some incredible images.
Then we took a quick walk down to G Bar and used the more of that beautiful light. G Bar's interior design was perfect, modern, swanky and sexy....
We then headed over to Nahant, for some beachside photos and some of the sweetest light on the north shore!

If it hadn't been so windy and chilly, we would have gone down to the beach and splashed around... so I made Katie promise me that we would do another session later in the summer!

Katie, I had such a great time with you! I wish we lived closer so we could spend more time together!
Im so excited to be working with you and being a DestinationBride.Com photographer!!!

xo

The Big 2 - 7

2008-03-27T10:13:00.005-04:00

The last time I posted a blog was the day before my 27th birthday.... i was So sick, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, you name it I had it.

Nothing was making me feel better, not matter what medicines i took, but with the perfect combination of Wild Orange Tea from Starbucks, time well spent in the steam room and some antibiotics, i finally kicked the flu!

I celebrated my birthday with Olivia, Chris and his parents by going out to The Outback for a bite to eat. Although the Tuna was delicious, the service left much to be desired.... all of the hot food arrived at our table cold, and our waitress was nowhere to be seen and the manager who visited out table, wasn't helpful either. All in all, not a great experience! Next time we'll go to Bocelli's!

But Chris made sure I had a beautiful strawberry and cream birthday cake from La Cascia's, one of the zillion italian bakeries in South Medford. It was perfectly delicious!

So now that I'm no longer a victim of the flu, I am back in the swing of things, getting great photos of so many people!

within the next couple of days, i will be posting photos of Quinn, Lily, two Olivias, Brett, Lisa, Kristine and Katie.... Also photos from Easter and the highly anticipated DestinationBride.com Springtime Soiree!

So thank you to everyone for their get well wishes and the birthday wishes... so far being 27 is off to a flying start!

Keep checking back to see some great images!

xoxo

Being sick...

2008-03-13T15:08:00.003-04:00

For the past 7 days, i have been coughing, sneezing, had a headache, a runny nose, a runny eye (new to me) and a terrible backache.

The only thing that really makes me feel better is sleeping, which i think is adding to my backache, so i am forcing myself to get up and get work done....in spurts.

Im hoping a big dose of vitamins, sunlight and fresh air will make my birthday tomorrow enjoyable!!

Chris and Amanda : Engagement

2008-03-11T21:34:00.011-04:00

Chris and Amanda are two very special people in my life. Chris is the brother of one of my dear Friends (and brides) Jennifer and Amanda is the love of his life! They have such a wonderful love story with their life paths crossing at different times over the years.

To start their exciting session, we ventured down to one of their favorite places, and one of the best places to go in Boston, Faneuil Hall Market Place! For all of you Boston trivia fans, did you know that the first Faneuil Hall burned down in 1761, 19 years after it was constructed? The existing building was completed in 1763. Also for the trivia buffs, This is where Samuel Adams and fellow revolutionary colonists gathered!

Chris did a realy teriffic job keeping Amanda nice and warm!!!

We then headed over to the water to one of my favorite budings at The New England Aquiarium..

Anyone remember the commercial of the little girl who could 'walk like a penguin'??

If it were only warmer, we could have been on one of these boats instead of just admiring them from a distance!

One of my favorite views of the city....

And who can't appreciate the fabulous coats they were wearing... well done!

We really had such a great time during our session - If only it had been warmer! Thank you Chris and Amanda, the love that you two share made a very cold morning all the more warm!!!

You can see more from their session by clicking here!

Zoe and Sky - Gorgeous Girls

2008-03-05T18:16:00.009-05:00

As part of a very thoughtful Valentines day gift for their dad, I photographed two of the prettiest girls in Boston!

These girls had SO much personality!! They were so silly and there wasn't a dull moment all afternoon! Nice antennaes!

And one of my all time favorite photos, the girls playing in the snow with their very cool mom!

You can see more of the photos by clicking Here!!

Happy 50th Birthday Tore!

2008-03-05T17:45:00.010-05:00

This weekend all of The Fucile's and most of the Grants joined up at The Dante Club in Somerville to be part of Tore's big suprise Party!

As the nominated family photographer, I generally get front row seats at these parties... which makes it possible to grab great candids like this...

Tore thought that he was attending the surprise party of another family member and even asked to go in the side entrance, because he thought everyone would think he was the big surprise recipient... so he walked through the doors thinking he was fooling everyone, but the goof was on him!

The 'Locusts' Left to Right, Uncle Richard, Tore, and Tore Jr. All born on the same day, exactly 17 years apart.

One of my favorite brides and grooms for 2008 - Kim and Jason!

The famous 'Alf Hogan' Doll which was the subject of many jokes, home movies and frantic phone calls... or so I have been told...

Yes, I was completely speechless when I first saw this..... 'family heirloom', which once lived up in Grandma's attic.

and no family party is complete without "God Bless America", always the highlight for me!!! (Im on the left with Uncle Larry!!)

Here's to the next fifty years Tore!!!! Happy Birthday!

Shannon and Dave - and Sadie makes three

2008-03-05T17:32:00.006-05:00

a couple of weeks ago, I headed up north to Burlington to Cafe Escadrille to celebrate with Shannon, Dave and Aunt Cheryl and her crew for the soon to be arrival of the newest family member.

Shannon and Dave will be welcoming their first daughter, Sadie, into the world this month! (Photos to come!!)

Click here to see the fun photos from the party....

Congratulations Shannon and Dave!!! We're all so excited to meet Sadie!

Brady - Moss 2008!

2008-01-14T17:43:00.001-05:00

Ha! this cracked me up....

Check out this video: BRADY - MOSS in 08!

All kidding aside, If you want to easily find out where each Presidential candidate stands on the biggest issues, check out this site

Happy Voting!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-14T15:12:00.002-05:00

Happy 2008 Everyone... this is going to be the best year! 2007 presented me with all kinds of new challenges and adventures and I want to thank my friends and new family for being such an amazing support team through everything! I honest to goodness couldn't have gotten through the last year without each of you.

2007 was a jam packed year.... here are just some of the wonderful things from 2007 that I have to be grateful for!

-Meeting and falling in love with my best friend, the love of my life and the best human being I know

-Finally taking every one's advice and started an enormously successful photography studio of my own

-My much desired and long awaited reunion with the most kissiest, sleepiest, silliest dog in America, Mouse!

-Having the honor of capturing the most dreamed about day of some very special people's lives

-Going on my very first vacation

-Celebrating with my friends Marty and Michelle as they welcomed their first child, Quinn, into the world!

-Being inspired by the most talented and creative photographers whose work is the best I've seen.

- Photographing some of the greatest Massachusetts kids and Families in North Andover, Saugus, Needham, Natick, Arlington, Medford, Wellesley, Boston, East Dennis, North Reading, Gloucestor, Swampscott, Charlestown .... New Hampshire kids and Families in Langdon, Windham, Keene, Walpole, Derry... families all the way in Burlington VT, York Beach, Maine, Farmington, CT... even all the way in Philadelphia!

- The Red Sox won their second world series in four years!

-Tom Brady and the New England Patriots

- Joining the smartest people in the world by purchasing a Mac.

-Meeting some of my favorite people, including two of my best friends, Sarah and Kristen.

- Being smart enough to eliminate the not so great people from my life... and keeping them out.

-Joining the gym (and despite a huge lack of motivation, i still go.. although i should probably be there now)

- Rediscovering great friends... like Janine and Erin...

-My brother Jonathan

-Waking up every day and seeing the beauty in the world

and so many other things that because I am trying to think about, are not coming to mind.... I'm sure there will be a part two of this blog!

2008 will for sure be amazing, and I promise to be better about tracking the great moments here on this blog...

Thank you as always for taking the time to read!

Jess

Emma, Ben and Molly

2007-11-29T16:51:00.001-05:00

I am so blessed to have the best friends in the whole entire world... but i am twice as lucky because my spectacular friends also happen to be my family!

This weekend I ventured out to the 'burbs and I had the most wonderful time photographing Molly, Emma and Ben....

These beautiful angels may look familiar to anyone who saw the photos from Hampton Beach or Labor day weekend because they are always with me where the good things are happening!!!

See their slideshow by clicking here

Thank you Wendy and Larry for having me photographs three of the most gorgeous children in the whole world.

Sammy and Grayson!

2007-11-29T16:40:00.002-05:00

Nothing quite makes you feel like a kid again as much as jumping in the leaves... and that what i had the chance to do with Grayson and Samantha yesterday afternoon!!!

check out their gorgeous portraits by clicking HERE and then HERE

Thank you to Tracy who was so AMAZING at getting her kids to smile in the photos... She is the hardest working mom/photo assistant I have ever met!!!

Remembering Kay

2007-11-15T08:35:00.001-05:00

This was a very sad week for Chris and his family as his maternal grandmother passed away at the age of 87.

I unfortunately never had the chance to meet her, but i had the chance to go through several photographs from throughout her life.

One of the things that i loved discovering about her is that she and chris's grandfather were married for 66 years... i think that is truly amazing.

This is the memorial slideshow that we created which was played during the wake.

Wishing all of the Perreault and Martell Families comfort during this time.

Charlotte

2007-11-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

Last week, I was invited by Meg and Jeff to come and photograph Charlotte at their home in a very cozy and picturesque neighborhood in Boston!

We started in their front yard, which was so welcoming and photogenic with the pumpkin and other autumn inspired decorations!

then we headed to the park just down the street where swinging was the big hit of the day!!

Charlotte's mom had emailed me asking to do a special portrait with Holiday gifts in mind!! She's so smart - now she wont have to wait in line at the mall this season!!!

Meg and Jeff, thank you so much for welcoming me into your home to play with and photograph Miss Charlotte!!

Red Sox win in 2007

2007-11-06T19:47:00.001-05:00

Any New England sports fan will tell you that we are some of the luckiest fans in the world!!! The Tom Brady/Bill Bellicheck Dynasty of the last few years, the Bruins and Celtics of the 80s and who could forget The 2004 Idiots who call Fenway Park home!

in 2004, we all were beside ourselves with happiness when the Red Sox won the world series after 86 years of broken hearts and the inevitable annual August crash!

We were all still on the 2004 World Series high when we all watched the Red Sox sweep the Colorado Rockies in 4 games.

Here are the handful of photographs that I took from the victory parade.... I decided last minute to go, so i just caught it at the end....

but if i have to settle for photos of just Papelbon and Varitek, I'll take them!

and after last weeks match up of Brady and Manning, I predict another celebration parade in our very near future!!!

Amy and Russ

2007-11-06T18:04:00.004-05:00

One of my favorite love stories of all time is the story of Amy and Russ....

This bride and groom were high school sweethearts who had gone their separate ways after graduation and reconnected at their 20th reunion...

I met Amy when she was one of the winners at Dancing with the Realtors this past April and she asked me to come to her home and photograph her and Russ's combined birthday celebration.

To Amy's surprise (and mine too!) Russ proposed to Amy infront of their closests friends and family as they were about to cut their birthday cake... It was such a wonderful and fantastic moment that I was so fortunate enough to capture on film!

Amy and Russ had a small ceremony planned for the shores of York Beach Maine, but due to rain, their heartfelt ceremony was hosted inside at the Stage Neck Inn.

Here are some of the best photographs from throughout the day!

Amy and Russ, Thank you so much for sharing the excitement of this past year with me. I have truly enjoyed spending time with you and your families. You are both so lucky to have finally joined your lives with one another and I wish you the longest and most loving marriage.

Bryon and Malinda - Wentworth by the Sea Country Club

2007-11-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

For Malinda and Bryon, the summer of 2007 was the season of celebration!!! They first exchanged vows and leis at Plum Islands Blu Inn on September 13th and then one week later, they had a church ceremony, complete with a new gown, rings, a veil and lots of dining and dancing!

And Bryon was looking so so so very handsome!

Malinda... so elegant....

Malinda took a Trolley to her ceremony...and it was just a little windy with all of the windows wide open!

We all jumped on the trolly and headed to the reception which was held at The Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye, NH.

Some of the fabulous details...

First Dance...

When the sun set, the fog rolled in and we did some photos as close to the water as we could get...

See more of Bryon and Malinda's second wedding celebration photos below...

Thank you Bryon and Malinda for sharing both of your celebrations with me!!! I am so glad that I got to capture your day and I am so glad that there will be more moments we'll share!!!

Eat Cake!

2007-11-06T09:16:00.001-05:00

I can't believe it has been a month since I last posted a blog! things have been very busy and exciting!!

As a wedding and event photographer, let me just say that I have sampled my share of cakes! This summer at Malinda and Bryons' wedding ceremony at Blu Inn on Plum Island, the cake that they had was ridiculous!!! It was a carrot coconut cake with a vanilla almond frosting... it was truly the best cake I have EVER had. I discovered that it was created by Hilary Larson from Eat Cake, based out of Newburyport, MA.

So when my friend Janine needed a cake for her daughter Lily's Christening, I raved and raved about Hilary! I was so excited when I got to the Christening and saw Hilary and her confection-perfection on every table!!!

Hilary- you are a baking genius!!!! I can't wait until the next family birthday/wedding/christening/mitzvah/party/graduation/shower/holiday because your cakes are the BEST I have ever had!!!!!! Eat Cake

Tommy, Joanne and Alex

2007-10-07T11:34:00.002-04:00

It has been a while since I last blogged... things have really picked up and I have been completely out straight!

I am excited to share the photographs from my portrait session with Tommy, Rowie, Alex and Joanne.

Rowie and Chris are cousins who grew up together more like brothers... and Tommy is Rowie and his wife Alex's son, who is cuter than a button!

Recently Rowie and Alex took a much deserved mommy and daddy vacay to San Francisco and Alex's mom, Joanne, was lucky enough to spend the entire week here in boston with her favorite little guy!

So below are a handful of my absolute favorites from that day... there ended up being over 275 photographs from this session that were ALL good!!

Thank you Alex, Rowie, Joanne and Tommy for the fun morning we had!!!!

Lilly and Olivia

2007-09-23T20:27:00.002-04:00

I just had to share these photographs...

The one of Olivia with the camera cracks me up... she was showing me how to 'take pictures' with it... so sweet...

and this portrait of her sister Lilly, so beautiful... im not sure which i like better, color or Black and white!

Kaylie's Senior Portraits

2007-09-20T12:21:00.000-04:00

Malinda and Bryon - First of Two!

2007-09-14T20:31:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite times of year.... Senior Portraits, Family Portraits and Weddings... I have the wonderful opportunity of capturing so many unique moments in peoples lives!

I had the pleasure of photographing two familes, two seniors and two weddings, all of which I will be posting very soon!

I could not WAIT though to post some images from Malinda and Bryon's wedding last night (yes, a Thursday night!) on Plum Island!

One year ago yesterday, September 13, 2006, Bryon called me to tell me that he was going to be proposing to Malinda that night, to celebrate their anniversary... and he asked me to photograph every second of it so they could always be reminded and enjoy that huge moment for both of them...

Over the last year, my friendship with Malinda has grown and I am so thrilled to have her as a friend.... She and Bryon are the best of friends and I was so happy to find out that they would be celebrating their wedding on September 13, 2007!

Malinda and Bryon rented this gorgeous gottage at a resort called Blu... I immediately fell in love as soon as we walked through the door... All of the furnishings were white.. the couches, the chairs, cupboards... it had me written all over it...

I loved that everything, including the complimentary flip flops, donned the fancy fancy logo...

Since their wedding was taking place on a Thursday, they chose to host a small ceremony with 20 of their closest friends and immediate families infront of the Hawaiian themed pillars overlooking the ocean at sunset...

Malinda finished all of her bridal preparations while Bryon relaxed in the sand!

The very handsome Bryon didn't shy away from the camera...

The very first minute that Malinda put it on, there was no question that this gown was made for her...

The moments leading up to the ceremony...

Malinda and Bryon exchanged Lei's as a token of their pledge...

Some photographs after the ceremony...

The most delicious Cake I have EVER had... It is a carrot-coconut cake with almond scented cream cheese flavored frosting... I couldn't resist bringing home a piece for Chris too! My mouth is watering just thinking about this heavenly pastry!

They had the perfect details....

One of the fancy things about Blu is that all of the walkways leading to the doors (yes, every door) were lined with blue glass stones... So Classy and Chic!

Malinda knew how to really work this gorgeous gown!

Enjoy this slideshow which has more photographs from this beautiful evening!

Bryon and Malinda, sharing your day meant the world to me... I have been so lucky to share in so many of your biggest life moments together... and I am looking forward to sharing many more with you! All my love to you both!

Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T09:35:00.001-04:00

2007 is the first Labor Day weekend in TEN YEARS that I haven't had to work all day every day! Chris and I celebrated in style with the extrended Grant family, some of my most favorite people in the history of the world!

Here's a slideshow of my favorite pics from the party - Thank you Larry and Wendy so much for having all of us over! We had such a great time and can't wait to see you again!

Jennifer and Chris - Building a life together!

2007-08-28T18:50:00.001-04:00

This past weekend my AMAZING friend Jennifer, married the man of her dreams, Chris.

Jennifer is the hardest working woman i know! She is the owner of JN Kierce Building, Design and General Contracting and is an extraordinary mother of a 13 year old son, Jimmy (I am one of his biggest fans!).

This Irish Gal knew how to jig and had shoes to dazzle everyone whose eyes could keep up with her feet!

I promise to add more!

Matt, Julie and the kids!!!!!!!

2007-08-27T16:18:00.000-04:00

I had the wonderful pleasure of photographing my long time friend Matt, and his gorgeous family this weekend.

Matt's beautiful wife, Julie, and their new baby boy Gabe.

Daddy's little girl, Kayla....

Double trouble when Moped, aka Chris, shows up!

Amanda and Carl ~ At Last

2007-08-22T14:06:00.000-04:00

My two fabulous pals Carl and Amanda tied the knot this past sunday after nine years of being together!

There's nothing sweeter than a handwritten note from a groom to his bride on their wedding day...

Every little detail of their day was perfect... down to the bottom of her shoes!!

I couldn't have wished for a more perfect day for these two very loving and special people!

Thank you Carl and Amanda for including us in your special day!!! Here's to your happily ever after!! and many thanks to my fabulous second photographer Chris Grant... the best photographer, plumber and boyfriend in America!

Time well spent in the bathroom!

2007-07-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Debra Sampson of Dine By Design, LTD in Newton. My super talented beau, Chris, world's best ( and most handsome) plumber, installed her new sink, toilet and shower/bath fixtures in what I believe to be one of the nicest bathrooms I have ever been in!

Ms. Sampson has such an artistic eye and excuisite taste, it was no surprise to me that this room would turn out to be as magnificent as it did.

Self Portrait in the reflection of the tub faucet!!

Geoffrey and Shannon - Boston Harbor Elegance

2007-07-31T08:14:00.000-04:00

Can't wait to get one of these!

2007-07-30T15:06:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I have never liked the bulkiness of the generic camera bag. yuck. In my opinion it limits your workflow!

So kudos to Jessica Claire in CA for answering everyones prayers and designing The ShootSac.

Also, to personalize such a wonderful creation, they offer several "covers" to be a stylish photographer as well as a creative genius!

I have no idea how i would even pick just one cover...

Have an awesome day!
~J~

heaven in a box!

2007-07-30T14:38:00.001-04:00

I recently joined the bright side of life and purchased an iMac.

Now, let me just say that for as long as I can remember.. I have sworn by PCs. Wether it was price, software or whatever the case may have been, I had zero interest in Apple.

I finally oepened my eyes to the idea of a mac this past February, thanks to my teriffic beau, Chris and my fabuloso photo partner in crime, Luis. He showed me that there really was no comparison... the Mac offered a more efficient workflow and that all of the software that worked together.

As I got to know other photographers throughout the country, gaining inspiration, I noticed that almost every one of them was a Mac user.. The products that they could offer their clients from their Mac was one of the things that set them high above their competitors

I suppose that they worded it perfectly on the Apple website when they wrote:
....Powerful Design: Providing a brilliant combination of performance, simplicity, and design, iMac makes both work and play delightful experiences.

Trust me, when you spend as much time infront of a computer as I do, you want as many delightful experiences as you can get!

Next on my list: Canon 28mm 1.8 lens!

Taylor, Emily, Nick and Gabriella

2007-07-26T16:16:00.000-04:00

Talk about some beautiful faces!

I had the pleasure of photographing these future models in their great grandma's yard. I loved that I got to play with the kids on grandma's swing set, it made both of us feel more comfortable, which really showed in the photographs.

Janine and Olivia

2007-07-26T16:06:00.000-04:00

I am so happy that i reconnected with my dear friend Janine!

She has two breathtakingly beautiful daughters, Olivia and Lilly... Olivia always makes me laugh because even if I don't have my camera in my hand, she says "cheeeeeeese" everytime she sees me.

I had the pleasure of photographing Olivia when she was about 6 months old, and then about one month before Lilly was born, I photographed Janine's beautiful belly!

Janine is the kind of friend who can always make you laugh no matter what. Im so glad to have her in my life!!!

Carl and Amanda- Engagement

2007-07-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

I had the most creative and fun session this weekend with two of my wonderful friends, Carl and Amanda. Their wedding is fast approaching and i would say that it is the Summer wedding i am most excited about!

The pressure was on for this session.. not only is Carl a friend of mine, but he is a photographer as well... not to mention the northeast representative for Canon Cameras! What an amazing compliment that he would ask me to be his photographer.

There's nothing quite like capturing in an image what's inside someone's heart, and i feel so blessed that its what i get to do every day.

...And its of course a plus when the people I photograph are completely in love with eachother..!

A good photograph is one that
communicates a fact, touches
the heart and leaves the viewer a
changed person for having seen it.
It is, in a word, effective"
- Irving Penn