Jude and Michelle are EnGAYged! | Oak Glen, CA

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Hi bestie! 🌲 Today, I'm ecstatic to whisk you away to the enchanting world of Oak Glen, where I had the pleasure of capturing the camp-inspired love story of Jude & Michelle. Buckle up for a journey through towering pines, cozy campfires, and a love that's as deep as the forest itself.

Summer Camp, Love, and a Picture-Perfect Engagement: Jude & Michelle's Tale

Imagine the scent of pine in the air, the crackling of a campfire, and two hearts entwined in love. I met Jude and Michelle at Stone Oak Manor in Oak Glen earlier this year, and my excitement soared when they chose me as their photographer for next June! Their engagement session, set against the backdrop of the very camp where they first met, was nothing short of magical.

Why a Queer Wedding Photographer Matters

1. Shared Connection: As a lifelong camper and LGBTQ+ individual, I instantly connected with Jude & Michelle's camp love story. Choosing a queer wedding photographer means sharing that unique connection and understanding the significance of LGBTQ+ experiences, creating a photography experience that resonates authentically.

2. Comfort and Authenticity: Queer wedding photographers bring a level of comfort and authenticity to the process. We understand that each love story is unique, and we're here to capture the nuances that make your relationship special. Jude & Michelle's camp engagement session is a testament to the comfort and genuine emotion that a queer photographer can bring to your session.

Behind the Lens: A Camp Love Story Unveiled

Jude & Michelle's love story unfolded under the towering pines, with laughter echoing through the woods. Their engagement session was a playful dance through the very camp where they first met, and every photo tells a tale of shared jokes, stolen glances, and the profound connection that blossomed at summer camp.

Countdown to June: A Venue as Unique as Their Love

As we eagerly await their wedding at Stone Oak Manor next June, I invite you to savor the magic of Jude & Michelle's camp engagement session. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ family and planning your own unique love story, consider the two-fold benefits of shared connection and genuine comfort that a queer wedding photographer can bring to your special day.

Closing Thoughts

Jude & Michelle's camp engagement session was a journey through love, laughter, and the serenity of the great outdoors. If you're ready to capture your own unique love story authentically, let's connect!

FYI

Every wedding client receives a Complimentary Engagement Session included in their services package so that we can get used to working together prior to your wedding day!

If you are interested in learning more about my wedding photography services, let’s chat! If you are in Southern California I would love to meet you and your beloved, in person to learn more about how I can serve you on your wedding day!

Here's to love that echoes through the trees,
SJ

Queer Love, Captured: A Glimpse into Jaz & Mel's Story | Orange County, CA

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Hey Bestie! 🌈 Today, I'm beyond thrilled to share a sneak peek into the vibrant love story of my dear friends Jaz & Mel. These two incredible souls are gearing up to tie the knot in February 2024, and I had the honor of capturing their love during an unforgettable engagement session, starting with their proposal!


As a LGBT wedding photographer, witnessing and capturing these genuine connections holds a special place in my heart.

The Benefits of a Queer Wedding Photographer

1. Understanding and Empathy: Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, I get it – the importance of representation and understanding. Hiring a queer wedding photographer ensures a shared experience, creating a safe and comfortable space to express your authentic love. I also understand nuances of complicated bio family relationships and maybe the fact that you want to elope instead of doing a big wedding celebration. However you celebrate, I can be there to capture it all!

2. Authentic Storytelling: Queer love stories deserve to be told authentically. I, as your photographer, bring a unique perspective, capturing the essence of your relationship with the respect and authenticity it deserves. Queer love is magical, there’s nothing quite like it!

3. Connection Beyond the Lens: Jaz & Mel felt an instant connection during our session, a connection that goes beyond the camera. As your queer wedding photographer, I'm not just here to snap pictures; I'm here to celebrate, support, and genuinely connect with you.

A Glimpse into the Love-Filled Session

Swipe through the photos to witness the joy, laughter, and undeniable love between Jaz & Mel. Every shot tells a story – a story of love that is magic.

Ready to Celebrate Your Unique Love Story?

If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, consider the profound benefits of hiring a queer wedding photographer. Let's embark on a journey to capture your love story authentically, just like I did for Jaz & Mel. Reach out, and let's make your dream engagement or wedding or elopement a reality.

Closing Thoughts

Queer love is beautiful, unique, and deserving of celebration. As we dive into Jaz & Mel's engagement session, I invite you to envision your own love story being told through the lens of a photographer who understands and celebrates every shade of love.

FYI

Every wedding client receives a Complimentary Engagement Session included in their services package so that we can get used to working together prior to your wedding day!

If you are interested in learning more about my wedding photography services, let’s chat! If you are in Southern California I would love to meet you and your beloved, in person to learn more about how I can serve you on your wedding day!

Here's to magical love,
SJ

[Picture Love] Capturing the Magic: Date Night Through My Lens

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Hey bestie! 🌟 I recently had the joy of tagging along on a fantastic date night with an adorable couple: Kathryn & Victor, and let me tell you, it was a blast! Mini golf, arcade games, laughter, and love – it was a perfect blend of fun and romance.

Date Night Unveiled

Picture this: neon lights, the sound of laughter echoing in the air, and two people genuinely enjoying each other's company. As a photographer, being part of this date night was a magical experience. It wasn't just about capturing moments; it was about freezing time and creating memories that will be cherished forever.

The Benefits of a Photographer on Date Night

  1. Authentic Moments Captured: With me by your side, you can focus on being in the moment while I capture the authentic joy, love, and connection between you two. No need to worry about selfies – I've got that covered!

  2. Professional Quality Imagery: Say goodbye to blurry phone photos and hello to high-quality, professional images that showcase the beauty of your relationship. Each photo is a piece of art, carefully composed to tell your unique story.

  3. A Third Wheel That Enhances the Date: I'm not just a photographer; I'm a third wheel that adds a touch of fun and creativity to your date. From candid shots to creative compositions, your date night becomes a personalized photoshoot experience. Plus I’m a delight to have around ;)

  4. Documenting Every Smile and Victory: Mini golf victories, high-fives, and the joy of hitting the jackpot at the arcade – every smile and triumph will be documented, creating a visual storybook of your date night.

Sneak Peek into the Date

Swipe through these photos for a sneak peek into this wonderful date night. The love, laughter, and genuine connection between this couple are simply heartwarming.

Ready to Capture Your Date Night Magic?

Are you excited about the idea of turning your date night into a photoshoot experience? Let's make it happen! Whether it's mini golf, a cozy dinner, or a spontaneous adventure, having a photographer along ensures that every moment is beautifully documented.

Imagine having professional-quality images that not only capture the love between you two but also transport you back to the joy of that special night. Interested? Let's chat! Reach out to me, and let's plan your perfect date night photoshoot.

Here's to capturing the magic of love, one date night at a time! 📸💖

Cheers,

SJ

Sydney & Mike are Engaged! | Orange County Wedding Photographer

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Sydney and I have known eachother a couple years now. She skates with my roller derby team and is one of the gentlest people I know. Her fiancé Mike is funny, smart, a big sweetheart. I am honored to know them both.

Earlier this year we met for coffee and discussed their wedding and they became my first official wedding clients of the year! I am so excited to document their big day in December. In the meantime, enjoy this slideshow video of photos from their Complimentary Engagement Session!

Syndey and Mike’s Engagement photo session in Buena Park, CA

Every wedding client receives a Complimentary Engagement Session included in their services package so that we can get used to working together prior to your wedding day!

If you are interested in learning more about my wedding photography services, let’s chat! If you are local to Orange County I would love to meet you and your beloved in person to learn more about how I can serve you on your wedding day!

Top 4 activities for a Winter Day-in the Life session

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Winter and the holiday season is such a special time of year. We spend time with loved ones and do specific activities that can only be done during this season. We also partake in certain traditions we were raised with or create our own. These traditions and special moments deserve to be cherished.

I’ve put together a short list of ideas of how you can document this special time of year with those you love:

1.Picking out a Tree from Tree Lot/Farm

2. Decorating your Christmas Tree/ your home with Holiday decor!

3. Making Hot Cocoa

4. Simply existing/thriving in the holiday season

Additional Ideas:
- Baking and Decorating Cookies
- Playing in the Snow (if that’s possible near you)
- Ice Skating
- Holiday crafts

If you’re interested in booking a Winter storytelling session with your family, let’s chat! We can talk on the phone/zoom to discuss your ideas or feel free to go ahead and book if you know what you’re looking for!

Hope you have a wonderful holiday season with those you love!

Leave a comment and let me know what traditions you and your family do.

xo,
Sarah Jean

Stroll down memory lane with me

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I absolutely LOVE being nostalgic. Nostalgic for memories. Don't get me wrong, I love my life right now, but I find so much joy looking at candid photos of my childhood and adolescence. I was blessed with being in a loving home with memories I truly cherish. So I view all photos as a gift because of the everlasting gift it gives me.

 

This was “newborn photography” in 1988.

 

I have tons of photos of just me and my mom or me and my dad but the only ones of us all together are posed photos in a portrait studio or another person took them real quick to commemorate that moment of us all together. Those annual photos are to mark each year so that we have a chronological view of our loved ones. I know this to be true of everyone reading this blog post. I believe there is so much more to gleam from family photos than just a static view of the passing of time.

Studio Portraits

Homemade Portraits

I'm so glad someone was taking photos of me growing up but I definitely wish I had candid photos from a professional so that all of my family was able to be present in the moment.

The candid photos are what make my heart soar! This is why I focus on candids in my own photography.

During a sibling Christmas photo session I had a total meltdown!

Swing dancing with my best friend at a middle school dance. Still friends to this day! This photo takes me back to those days at dances of trying to get boys to notice me while also having a blast with my friends.

These photos I have are mostly from big events and holidays. Typically we don’t think to take photos of the small intimate moments because we are busy being IN the moment. What I wouldn’t give to have photos from my night time routine with my mom as a child or photos of me practicing pitching softball with my dad. Those everyday moments also bring me a ton of joy but they are buried deep in my ADHD brain. It’s the simple truth that I have a better memory if I have a photo as proof of the moment. With the photos I can unlock the feelings I had doing whatever I am doing in the photo and feelings I had about the people there with me.

This is Darren, one of my best childhood friends. We lost touch mid- High School and he has since passed away. I cherish this candid photo of us getting ready for the Portuguese Festa that he walked in with me.

It’s been a tradition to have a picnic twice a year with my mom’s side of the family. Once on Easter and during Labor Day weekend. I am seen here hugging my grandma. Her and my grandpa have since passed and the Labor Day picnics always landed near her birthday. They are a bittersweet event nowadays.

We have been tricked into thinking that there are only two ways to have family photos:

  1. Photos taken on our phones or point and shoot cameras taken by a family member or handed to a stranger to snap quickly. These photos live on our phones/computers and maybe printed in a box somewhere (those kids from the 90s can relate!). They have memories attached to them that make them special and necessary.

  2. Professional photos in a studio or on location with planned outfits and everyone saying “CHEESE” hoping there’s a few decent shots with all eyes open and pretty smiles. These photos get printed and displayed in our homes to show off to visitors. They are high quality but the purpose they serve is largely to document what your family looks like and to document milestones through the years.

I am here to tell you that there is a third option!

3. Professional candid photos. Blend the first two options together! With this option, you can have beautiful high quality photographs that will last. You can feel proud to show them off on your walls and know that these photos are showing your authentic life.

I used to sell lemonade in front of my house. How precious is this moment?!

Think to yourself, how can I honor my loved ones and their memory? Is it through photographs? Photographs that hold memories close? If so, I would love to talk about what that means for you and how I can help.

I was a stylish kid on Easter in the early 90’s. That hallway in my grandparents house was such an important part of that house. It was narrow and used constantly and thinking about gatherings of dozens of family members moving through that house in a place I’ll never step foot in again… bring tears to my eyes.

Thank you for strolling down memory lane with me. If you feel inspired to chat about booking your own day-in-the-life sessions where I document all the little and big moments, let’s chat! If you are interested in booking me for year-round sessions, subscribe to my year in the life service!

Jaz asked and Mel said YES! | Orange County, CA

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Hey bestie! 🌈 Today, I'm bursting with excitement to share a magical love story that unfolded right in the heart of Anaheim. My dear friends Jaz & Mel invited me to document the unforgettable moment when Jaz asked Mel to spend forever together, and let me tell you – it was nothing short of extraordinary.

A Street Corner, A Kiss, and A Proposal: Jaz & Mel's Love Story

Picture this: the bustling streets of Anaheim, the energy of the crowd, and a love that defied the ordinary. Jaz chose the very spot where they shared their first kiss, right outside the Anaheim Packing House, to pop the question. The result? Pure magic.

Behind the Scenes: A Surprise Proposal and an Unforgettable Engagement Party

When Jaz called and asked if I'd document their proposal, I jumped at the chance! The planning unfolded seamlessly, and the proposal took place at that meaningful street corner. Following the big "yes," Jaz surprised Mel with an engagement party surrounded by their closest friends and family – a celebration filled with laughter, love, and a grand ol' time.

Countdown to 2024: Capturing Love Beyond Measure

As we eagerly await Jaz & Mel's wedding in 2024, I invite you to savor the moments from their surprise proposal. If you're LGBTQ and planning your own magical moment, consider the profound benefits of having a queer wedding photographer – one who understands and cherishes the beauty of your love story.

Closing Thoughts

Jaz & Mel's surprise proposal wasn't just a moment; it was a celebration of love, friendship, and the joyous journey ahead. If you're ready to capture your love story authentically, let's chat!

FYI

Every wedding client receives a Complimentary Engagement Session included in their services package so that we can get used to working together prior to your wedding day!

If you are interested in learning more about my wedding photography services, let’s chat! If you are in Southern California I would love to meet you and your beloved, in person to learn more about how I can serve you on your wedding day!

Here's to love that surprises and delights,
SJ