Story Family . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer, Midwest Photographer

I shot the Story family portraits on their property in Columbia City.  We had beautiful sunlight through their mature trees, and their sparkling smiles just light up every photo!

They also chose to break up their session into 30 minutes of family photos, and 30 minutes of Weston’s senior photos.  So you’ll see Wes’s individual shots sprinkled in throughout.Wes is joining the Air Force next year so we did a few shots in his USAF shirt.  I love these shots because they have his childhood home behind him, and his future on his chest.  So meaningful!

Jessica & Jake’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer, Indiana Wedding Photographer

I had the opportunity to second shoot Jessica & Jake’s Lake Wawasee wedding with Morgan Ruth Photography on Labor Day weekend.  It was awesome to shoot at a brand new (to me) venue on a beautiful day at the lake!Morgan, doing her thing!!Congrats Jessica & Jake!

Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions . Ft. Wayne IN Family Photographer, Columbia City IN Family Photographer

I almost called this “Pro’s & Con’s of Mini Sessions vs. Full Sessions”, BUT it really just comes down to preferences.  So I don’t want to say one way is BETTER than another way.  It’s totally up to the photographer and client as to what they prefer.  If you’re considering having your family portraits taken, this might be really helpful for you to find what fits your preferences best!

(Disclaimer: Every photographer is slightly different in how they price, shoot, and deliver their sessions.  So this post is tailored to your experience with me specifically.  This is how Valerie Joy Photography does sessions.  But it may overlap to other photographers in various ways.  I’d suggest clarifying with your photographer how they do things.)

Mini Sessions:

-Location is chosen by the photographer, not the client.  Typically a themed session (Fall, Christmas, Snow, Sunflower field, Studio backdrop, etc.)

-Photographer chooses the dates that clients have to work around.

-$125.  Lower total cost compared to Full Session.  But not as good of a deal if you break it down per minute.

-15 minutes of shooting.

-Fast paced, to get the most photos during our time together.  This naturally doesn’t leave much time for personal discussions, or breaks for fussy children.  (It has happened that a child was fussy during their mini session, and the gallery was very limited because of that.  If we’d had more time, we could have taken a break to have a snack, and I could have delivered a much larger gallery.)

-Approximately 30 images in final edited online gallery for download.

-Best for clients on a smaller budget, families with members who can’t make it through a full hour of shooting, clients who prefer multiple smaller sessions per year, or only want a handful of images for whatever reason.

(If you want to know when I offer Mini Sessions, be sure to follow me on Facebook & Instagram to see those announcements.)

Full Sessions:

-Location is chosen by client (based on photographer suggestions, if needed.)

-Client chooses the date and time which works best for them (within photographer’s availability, of course.)

-$250.  Higher total cost compared to Mini Session.  But a better deal if you break it down per minute.

-60 minutes of shooting.

-More casual pace, allowing kids to relax between poses, and photographer and client to get to know each other a little bit.  This pace usually leads clients to be much more comfortable in front of the camera.

-Approximately 120 images in final edited online gallery for download.

-Best for clients who want a larger gallery with LOTS of variety to choose from, who want to have more of a say in when & where their session is, and who want an individualized, relaxing experiences.

If you’d like to book a Full Session with me, my favorite season for photos is almost here (FALL!!!!!) and my schedule fills up quick, so contact me ASAP!

Keith & Kelly’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer

Keith & Kelly were married last weekend at Union 12 in Columbia City!  They were blessed with genuine family & friends surrounding them.  Tears were shed throughout the day, and they had an epic dance party!  Everything you’d ever wish for in your wedding day!Kelly’s choice for “wildflower” bouquets were STUNNING!!!Thanks to Nicole Morehead for second shooting with me, and getting these shots of the guys getting ready!Kelly’s First Look with her dad!Kelly & her sweet mom!Ceremony time!  Union 12 has a beautiful covered patio for ceremonies.  I love all of the natural light!  A photographers dream!The Flower Girl & Ring bearer met their dad at the front of the aisle.  I love their sweet expressions when they saw him!Keith & Kelly chose not to see each other before the aisle, so there were many tears as they laid eyes on each other for the first time!  My fav!Mr. & Mrs. Wagner!I loved this sweet moment with Kelly & her grandma!And this little lady is quite possibly the cutest flower girl in the whole world!Kelly totally nailed this “pick up” pose!!Welcome Mr. & Mrs. Wagner!  Let’s party!We stepped out back for 10 minutes to shoot a few sunset portraits!

Matt & Jenay’s Engagement . Ft. Wayne IN Engagement Photographer, Columbia City IN Engagement Photographer

I had the privilege to photograph this adorable couple last weekend while in Sarasota, FL visiting my family.  It brought back a lot of memories, as I’ve known Jenay since she was in elementary school, and we took pictures on the same property where I was married, all in my hometown!  What a nostalgic experience!!

I asked Matt & Jenay during our session to describe each other in 3 words.  I think I may start asking all of my couples this!  I loved what it told me about each of them, and about what they cherished in each other.Jenay said that Matt was:  Goofy, Loyal, and Cuddly

Matt described Jenay as:  Original, Bold, and Attentive to Detail

(I know…that was more than 3 words, but I’ll allow it. 😉God Bless you two!!  I can’t wait for the big day in November!

Nicole & Zechariah’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer

Nicole & Zech got married at Baker’s Street Train Station in Ft. Wayne.  There were so many beautiful aspects of their day.  The bridal party looked so classy!  Anne Grey Flowers created stunning florals throughout the venue.  And Baker Street is always a beautiful backdrop for any occasion.

(These are my images as the second shooter. Morgan Ruth Photography was the lead photographer.)First Look!

Emily & Brock’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer

Emily & Brock were married on her parents property last Saturday.  They’d been preparing the ceremony area for MONTHS, with planting, weeding, trimming, mowing, etc.  So when forecast said RAIN-ALL-DAY, we were all a little disheartened, as it seemed we needed to switch to plan B, ceremony in the tent instead of the garden.

BUT!

These two are laid back, and awesome.  And when the rain let up a little right before the ceremony, Emily said “Let’s do it!  Guests can stand!” (as the chairs had already been moved to the tent.)  So we went for it!  They got married in the sprinkling rain and it was PERFECT!  They didn’t let a little weather interrupt what they were there for, to marry the love of their life.

I’m so happy that they got the wedding they’d envisioned….just a little damper than expected .  😉Emily is a crier, which is MY FAVORITE!!!!  This impromptu prayer time had some tears flowing.Emily’s First Look with her dad.  And more tears!Ceremony time!  The chairs had been moved to the tent, so guests stood to watch.  And it worked great!As they were walking down the aisle, I heard Emily’s mom say to her,

“Look at all of these people!  They.  Love.  You!”

And that is a beautiful picture of the job of a mother, to remind our children over, and over, and over throughout their life how much they are loved.  We found a few beautiful LARGE trees to shoot under to stay dry and still get some gorgeous outdoor portraits!Clear umbrellas: my new best friend.Proof of our successful portrait time, wet & muddy sneakers.Party Time!But first, Champagne!I love how Emily included her mom in her wedding day!  She walked her down the aisle, with her dad.  And she shared a special dance with each parent.  There is a sign that you’ve got a great relationship with your daughter.  I loved it!God Bless you, Mr. & Mrs. Hessenzahl!  I’m so glad I could be the one to capture your wedding day bliss!

And here’s a little behind the scenes of myself & my second shooter that day!  I’m so thankful I had this fun chick to shoot with that day!  Chelsea was a great addition, taking beautiful photos, and bringing a fun and optimistic attitude!

Skyler & Nicole’s Wedding . Ft. Wayne IN Wedding Photographer, Columbia City IN Wedding Photographer

I got to spend the entire day with Nicole & Skyler!  (So settle in, I’ve got photos for days! 😉

I started at Cameo Day Spa getting to know the ladies, then on to the beautiful church for the ceremony, next was Foster park for a few portraits in the same location as their engagement session, and finally The Landmark Centre for their epic dance party reception!Sisters, with their “granny hair”, as they called it.My second shooter for today was the talented Nicole of Nicole Morehead Photography.  Nicole was getting shots of the guys while I was with the ladies.Bustling that beautiful gown!Dollar DashAnniversary DanceGetting some great marriage advice from the winning couple.I love these fur babies as the cake topper!