A little about me...
I'M JESS
Hey, I’m Jess — your third wheel, chaos controller, and all-day hype machine.
I’m a documentary-style wedding and elopement photographer based in sunny Central Florida, originally from Spokane, Washington. I specialize in capturing real, candid moments that tell your love story exactly the way it felt—unfiltered, full of emotion, and wildly you. My goal is to make you feel so comfortable in front of the camera, you forget it’s even there.
Whether you’re planning a dreamy beach wedding in Florida, an intimate backyard ceremony in Idaho, or a moody elopement in the Oregon or Washington mountains, I’m all in. I’m here to hike for the view, dance in the rain, and grab tacos in your wedding attire if that’s your vibe.
WHY I DO THIS
Growing up, I never felt comfortable in front of the camera. The photos never felt like me—they felt stiff and fake; honestly, they made me feel insecure. That’s why I’m passionate about creating a space where you can truly be yourself. I want you to look at your gallery and say, “Yep, that’s us.” Whether you’re goofy and playful, quiet and romantic, or somewhere in between, your photos should reflect you in the most honest way.
I live for the candid, unscripted moments. The tear-filled first looks. The chaotic flower girl sprints. The spontaneous dance battles. The post-ceremony cocktail break. These are the real moments that deserve to be remembered.
A LOOK INSIDE OUR SIMPLE LIFE
Mac and I have been together since January 7, 2019. We met in college over a ping pong table—naturally, I won (a lot). We became fast friends and spent time now and then playing games like Scum (a Corban University classic—ask me about it). For years, we stayed “just friends,” until one day he asked me out. Thai food and ice cream. I barely got a few words out on that first date, but somehow, he saw past the nerves—and the rest is history.
Almost a year later, he proposed, and we started planning our dream wedding for April 11, 2020. But then, COVID hit and turned everything upside down. As the world began shutting down and our wedding plans fell apart, we decided to sign the papers early and make it official on March 20, 2020. A year later, we celebrated with our closest family and friends at a beach house weekend that honestly felt even more us. God knew what we needed and gave us something that matched our personalities better than we could have ever planned.
I feel beyond lucky to be married to the greatest man and best partner I could ask for. He’s my absolute best friend!
A LITTLE MOTIVATION
We started our marriage both making $13 an hour, working hard in entry-level careers. Just over two years later, we had paid off nearly $150,000 in student loans, car debt, and more—thanks to a whole lot of grit, discipline, and God’s grace. (Believe me when I say, if we could do it, you can too.) That journey lit a fire in Mac to help others do the same. He followed his passion and became a financial, life, and career coach. Now he works with individuals and couples to overcome financial stress, navigate career transitions, and break through mental blocks—and he’s seriously amazing at it. If you’re stuck in any of those areas, I couldn’t recommend him more.
If you’re in need of financial guidance, career or interview help, or just someone to walk alongside you and keep you accountable, Mac’s your guy. Whether you’re feeling stuck or just need a little direction, click the button below to get started. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
THE SIMPLE LIFE
We’re both goofballs and major workaholics, but we love what we do, so it rarely feels like work. We’ve figured out how to mix fun into everything, and on the rare occurrence when we do take time off, you’ll probably find us playing pickleball, swimming, catching a movie, or—you guessed it—eating. We’re major foodies. Discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants is our thing, and yes, we’ve definitely become regulars at a few spots (they know our order, names, and personalities too well).
FINDING MY PASSION
I’ve always loved film, storytelling, and art in general. But like so many people, I heard the familiar message: “You can’t make a living doing that.” So I shelved the dream and focused on finding a “practical” path—something stable, something financially successful. Throughout school, I explored everything from pharmacist to accountant to paramedic. (Spoiler: none of those stuck.)
By my senior year of high school, I was set on becoming a paramedic. So when God led me to a university that didn’t even offer that program, I was confused. But I went anyway. And not long after arriving, I realized… I didn’t actually have a passion for the path I’d chosen.
So I pivoted. I switched from health science to media and film—and just like that, the creative spark reignited. I started making funny videos, writing scripts, designing graphics, and yes, picking up my camera. Through college, I began filming weddings, and that opened the door to an industry I never expected to love so much.
Unlike many photographers and videographers who slowly ease their way into weddings, I dove in full-force. I started with what I’d later learn is one of the riskiest jobs in the industry—and I loved every chaotic, joyful second of it. I graduated with a few weddings under my belt, and they just kept coming.
After college, I worked full-time in marketing (which taught me a ton), but deep down, I always knew I was meant to build something of my own. I’ve been independent and self-motivated for as long as I can remember—literally, my first sentence was “I do it, Mama. I do it.” So I poured everything I had into growing my business, working 16+ hour days to make the dream real.
In 2021, I took the leap and went full-time with wedding photography and videography. Eventually, I felt called to step away from video to focus fully on photography—especially with our big move across the country in January 2024. My husband Mac and I landed in Central Florida, but my heart still beats for the Pacific Northwest. So I went from “Central Florida Wedding Photographer” to “U.S. Destination Photographer,” and now, who knows where God will take me next.
All I know is this—I’m doing what I was made to do, and I feel it every time I get behind the camera.
MY FUN FACTS (Because I’m Not Just a Camera Robot)
- Jesus Christ is my first and forever love
- Married to my best friend, Mac, since 2020
- Obsessed with Thai food, fajitas, steak, etc.
- Grandma candy queen: Raisinets and Whoppers for life
- Longboarding, table tennis, soccer, golf, and PICKLEBALL—let’s go!
- Movie nights are sacred: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and anything with a good plot!
I’m goofy, down-to-earth, and 100% here to make your experience feel like the easiest, most fun part of your wedding or session.
What It’s Like Working With Me
We’ll become friends first—promise. I’m not just a vendor who shows up, takes a few photos, and dips. I’ll be texting you, sending GIFs, hyping you up, and helping however I can. Need a veil fluffed? I got it. Groomsmen wrangled? Already on it. Want to sneak away from the chaos for a breather? Let’s go.
On shoot day, I’ll bring the cameras, the jokes, and a whole lot of energy. You’ll run, spin, laugh, dance, etc., and I’ll be there capturing every second. No forced poses or weird “stand there and smile” moments—just guided prompts that bring out who you really are.
Sound Like a Good Fit?
If you’re looking for a photographer who’s down for anything, doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and wants your photos to feel just like you—natural, joy-filled, and full of life—then let’s do this.
Click below to get in touch. I can’t wait to hear your story.
