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We're in OC Brides!

2009-08-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

With the help of an amazing couple and a gorgeous event, we got a Real Wedding spread in this months OC Bride Magazine. Special thanks to Linda Wade from the Radisson Newport Beach for orchestrating such a beautiful event.

-jenna

Melissa & Sal's Amazing Mountain Wedding

2009-05-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

With Summer almost here, our snow melting away, and wedding season in full swing, our sweet little studio is bustling with energy. And with all that energy being focused into our work, I realized that I had not blogged in a while. Okay, more than a while. So here I am.

We had the pleasure of photographing Melissa and Sal's wedding at a private estate in Big Bear last weekend. The couple--as usual--were amazing. Their love for life was evident in everything from the cactus-garnished tables to the surprise ceremony they sprang on their guests (who thought they were attending an engagement party). Yes, the wedding was a hit. Melissa and Sal, thank you for letting be a part of the special--surprise--day. I hope we get to work together again.

-jenna

Freedom in Taking Pictures

2009-01-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

Photography, like any other career, has its ups and downs. The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, but the drawbacks can be draining. A few months ago, Steve and I were chatting in the car on the way LA. We talked about our amazingly blessed lifestyle, our wonderful friends--it's the life we've always wanted. But, in the transition of making our passion our profession, we stripped away a tiny piece of satisfaction we used to find in taking pictures. Now that doesn't mean that we dislike our job. On the contrary, we adore what we do. But it is much different taking a photo for the love of the image than taking it because someone paid you.

A dear friend once told me that the quickest way to quit something you love is to get paid for it.

In order to break through the "business" barrier, we decided to ask a dear friend and fellow photographer if we could tag along on one of her weddings and take some purely fun--no money involved--shots. The plan worked! We were able to break out of our proverbial photo funk and challenge ourselves to see in a new way.

It was freeing. And the images you see above and below are a testament to pushing past the mundane to see the extraordinary.

Thank you, Linda Lewis (of Linda Lewis Photography) for allowing us to pursue our creative endeavors. You're a wonderful person and amazing photographer. It was a pleasure getting to see you in action.

Here's a fun shot of the couple on the boardwalk in Santa Monica, CA in front of the gorgeous Hotel Casa Del Mar where the couple had there ceremony and reception. Thank you Jenny and Gayani for letting us witness your beautiful wedding.

holga

2008-11-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

when studying art history, i stumbled across a movement called automatism. Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock were among the few that practiced this form of "automatic painting." the results were pure emotion. perhaps that's why i react to the images made from a holga. the holga creates a picture spontaneously and without factors like shutter speed or aperture--the bread and butter of the normal camera. no, its images are surreal and unharnessed, a nod to the great ideas of yesterday. perhaps that's why the holga remains one of my personal favorites, not only for its stunning imagery but for its interesting symbolism. a camera that doesn't need the skill or training of a photographer. a humbling but fascinating idea.

-jenna

South Coast Magazine

2008-10-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Madlon's Restaurant and Brad Wright at South Coast Magazine, our image sits proudly on this month's cover (also check out the spread on page 50). Thanks to all for letting us be a part of such an amazing project. Our business keeps growing even it this volatile economy, and I have to attribute it to God and to our amazing clients.

Thank you, everyone, for letting us be a part of your family, wedding, newborn child's first days, your restaurants, and your magazines. It continues to be an honor to capture a day in your life.

...how did we get so lucky?

Remember to live this day to its fullest.

All my best,

jenna

Whitney & Brian...Engagement

2008-09-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Alina & David, August 23, 2008

2008-09-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

So sorry for not blogging in a while. This year our business exploded in a fantastic amount of weddings, portraits, engagements, and amazing friendships from those jobs. Because of this, we've been working non-stop on weddings, finishing our long awaited studio (coming in October...yay!), and grounding OKeefe Photography with solid business practices. It's been great but exhausting.

To keep you up-to-date, here's a recent wedding Steve and I shot at the gorgeous Rancho Capistrano Ministries in San Juan Capistrano. Not only did we get to shoot an amazing couple, Alina and David, but we got to work with some amazing vendors, like Denise Sanchez with AC Entertainment and Christa Rose Falk of Christa Rose Florists. AMAZING! Thanks to all for making this day one to remember.

-Jenna

Tricia & Matt, July 26 2008

2008-07-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jenna and I got the opportunity to shoot an amazing couple last Saturday. Tricia and Matt met in Vienna while serving as missionaries. Both share a unique love for each other and for other people. It was a beautiful backyard wedding nestled in the Idyllwild mountains.

Thank you, Tricia and Matt, for letting us be a part of your special day.

-steve

Mary & Nick, July 19 2008

2008-07-25T17:53:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the images speak louder than words...

best friend

2008-07-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

What an incredible couple months Steve and I have had. First, we started June out with our 3rd anniversary. Next we took a two week vacation to Tennessee in between weddings. Then we rounded June off with a five day road trip across the US. What an amazing time. We listened to music, talked, watched thunder clouds creep closer, and read a good portion of Anna Karenina. Yes, it was an amazing adventure. I feel so lucky to have had that time with my best friend and confidant. It is times like these that I feel like I am the luckiest woman in the world.

Of course, when we returned to reality work was plentiful:-) But the much needed rest allowed me to dream up some images for our next shoot.

Take a look at Darlene and Miguel's amazing engagement photos.

The image above has quickly become one of my favorites. Double click the image to view it larger.

Tawni & Cory, May 31 2008

2008-06-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

It still astounds me that I have the privilege to be apart of such special moments. My third anniversary just passed, and every year I think back to that fateful day. The anticipation, excitement, and fear still remains vivid in my mind. Each friend--each confidant--who participated remains a trusted comrade.

I doubt the emotional connection I share with them will ever fade. I that is what I get to experience on a weekly basis. I get to share a lifelong connection to my brides. And I feel blessed by each friendship. I don't know how I got so lucky, but I did and I'm thankful.

Thank you, Tawni and Cory, for letting me partake in such a special day. Your wedding was one for the history books. Your love and laughter, smiles and cheer made your day one to remember.

All my best,

Jenna

Sarah & Aaron, May 24, 2008

2008-06-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Steve and I got the chance to photograph Sarah and Aaron's wedding at the Falkner Winery in Temecula California. It was amazing! Huge rain clouds poured in the night before, making a dramatic--and somewhat unwelcome--entrance. But those same unwanted clouds made for some incredible images.

Indescribably Magnificent

2008-05-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself. --Henry Miller

What an amazing statement. And it's true in many aspects of life, like a relationship with a spouse, a conversation with a child, or an "indescribably magnificent" wedding. Yes, this world is filled with magnificent happenings, and it is our job to notice and appreciate them.

...just a thought.

-jen

Inspiration in the Unlikliest of Places

2008-04-01T13:23:00.000-07:00

"As a monk, you get more and more used to the serendipity of good things in life. And you become comfortable with that joyful serendipity of things happening -- like people that show up at the right time. And you just accept it. It shouldn't be strange." --Bernard McCoy

I read this last week and immediately thought of my life. I thought of the time when I heard a kind word at the exact time I needed it. I remembered when I got a phone call from my grandmother asking how my day was after I had a tear-filled morning. Those are the serendipitous events that make hard times bearable and good times wonderful.

I am so grateful for the family and friends who make my life better. How did I get so lucky?

-jenna

quote found on charityfocus.org

We Got on the Cover of Iron Works Mag...Good Job Steve!

2008-03-31T12:05:00.000-07:00

We got on a cover:-) Thanks to the help of our fabulous friend, Andy Meadors from Big Bear Choppers, Steve got his shot on the cover of Iron Works Magazin e. How amazing.

Just thought I'd share.

-jenna

easter + my family = a great day!

2008-03-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Easter. What a wonderful day. It started with a smile and ended with a laugh. What a wonderful day.

Laurel, as cute as ever, stole the show. Her range of expression and contagious laughter pulled at the people around. She never left the arms of her family. She's one lucky girl, and we're one lucky family. How did I get so blessed?

Let me give you a glimpse into my easter. Here are a few special portraits I caught of my beloved friends, my cherished family. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading, friends. Enjoy this day!

-jenna

Jessica & Todd's Engagement

2008-03-05T20:23:00.001-08:00

Steve and I asked Jessica and Todd to model for us for our new line of guest sign-in books. They were wonderful! We got to tromp around Pasadena and find cool urban backdrops. The city was full of inspiration--the colors, the architecture, the people. All influenced the mood of the images, and they turned out better than I'd hoped.

Thank you, Jessica and Todd, for being wonderful models. I can't wait to shoot your gorgeous beach wedding! (I love my job!)

-jenna

(I love this shot...good job Steve! You have a natural talent most aspire to. I'm so glad you're my wingman:)

Daily Good

2008-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

"Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind."
--Henri-Frederic Amiel

I stumbled across CharityFocus.org last week. I was so touched by this quote and the story that followed it, I subscribed to the "daily good" newsletter. It's great! Everyday, I get a little story of encouragement about courageous people willing to change this world one small gesture at a time. If you would like to view some truly amazing stories, go to www.CharityFocus.org. It's a fabulous website.

Here's an example of what you'll read on CharityFocus.org:

"For Toni Dukes, love isn't delivered with Hallmark cards or red roses. It's given in a Ziploc back stuffed with a hat, gloves and a packet of Kleenex, and the words "From the Heart" written in black marker on the outside. The 39-year-old single mom works the swing shift as a 911 dispatcher. But Dukes hasn't been able to call it a day after her high-stress shifts. On her route to work she couldn't help but notice the homeless people and others down on their lunch who were huddling outside in the cold. So, using her own pocket money, she began venturing into the rough neighborhood on foot a few times a month to hand out the packets and to chat with people on the street--many of whom seemed more grateful for the conversation than the hats and gloves."

Isn't that an amazing story. It inspiring to hear that one woman took a step of faith and perseverance in order to change our world...and we have that same opportunity. We have the opportunity and responsibility to "be the change [we] wish to see in the world" (Ghandi).

Hope these words inspired you as much as it did me. Thanks.

-Jenna

We're Home!

2008-01-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Well, Steve and I just returned from a two week stint in Tennessee, and what a wonderful stay! We got to see his lovely family, explore several rock formations set deep in the woods, and watch some gorgeous sunsets. It proved just what we needed after a busier-than-anticipated '07.

While we were Tennessee, I got a change to photograph Lauren in her wedding dress (yes, I brought the camera. I never leave home without it:-) Since her wedding was long over, we took the dress out and had some fun...Thank you, Lauren, for being as beautiful on the inside as you are on the out side.

-Jenna

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays, Everyone! As usual, our Christmas was wonderful. It was full of fun and laughter and traffic...I'm just being honest.

Steve and I had a great time buying our new little niece "My First Christmas" paraphernalia. She's not even 2 weeks old, and we're spoiling her already:-) It's so fun!

Here's a taste of our crazy Christmas rush...I love the holidays, but they bring a slew of projects.

Have a safe new year!

I love the interaction between these two...did I mention they are uncle/nephew (I can't help it, I'm obsessed!).

Laurel, My Love

2007-12-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

My niece, Laurel Elizabeth, was born Friday. 6 lbs 1 oz of pure joy. She's the first in what I can only imagine is going to be a long line of beautiful children.

I had to fight back tears when I saw my mom holding her first grandchild...she's so gorgeous (my mom and Laurel).

Day 1 of life and already she's looking at the world through wide eyes... I have a feeling my life will never be the same.

Here she is in Uncle Steve's arms.

Here she is with me. From the first time I looked at her, I knew I was addicted. She's so small and warm. Her hands naturally curl up next to her sweet face. She's constantly stretching her legs. I can already feel myself falling in love with my niece.

Yay, Laurel's here!

Kevin, Mona, Robert, and Mattie

2007-12-05T22:27:00.001-08:00

Have I said how much I love my job! Steve and I had the enormous pleasure of capturing the amazing dynamic between Kevin, Mona, Robert, and Mattie. Their interaction was sweet and vaguely reminiscent of my family (especially the shot with Kevin holding Matting...).

I couldn't help but put a ton of pics up.

Thanks, guys and gals, for letting me be a part of your family and capturing such a special time in your lives. You are what make my job worthwhile.

This is the shot that reminds me of how I would sit on my daddy's lap as a kid...

My Girls

2007-12-01T10:31:00.001-08:00

So my favorite place to shoot now is down town Pasadena! Ashely, Amanda, and I walked around down town until we found City Hall. With its Greco-Roman architecture and gorgeous courtyard, I couldn't help but find amazing spots to shoot (it helps to have two beautiful young ladies that are super fun!).

Thanks, ladies, for the awesome time!

I Love Lucy... and William

2007-11-27T19:55:00.000-08:00

Steve and I shot Lucy and William's wedding last Saturday in Laguna Beach, and let me tell you, it was so sweet! Lucy and William's three adorable children were in the wedding, and all of them seemed incandescently happy.

They also consented to seeing each other before the ceremony, which yielded fantastic images. For my non-traditional brides, I always suggest stealing a secret moment to take pictures before the ceremony where some of the most spontaneous, relaxed, and wonderful shots are taken.