what to expect
I live with my family on a peaceful Virginia farm where our days are shaped by the rhythm of nature, faith, and home. That slow, intentional pace is reflected in my work whether I’m documenting a beautiful winery wedding in Charlottesville or a family session at golden hour in my backyard.
Photography, for me, is about memory and legacy. The sacred, in-between seconds that fill our days.
Call me
Jess!
and the significance of preserving them.
My Story
I grew up in a big family on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. My upbringing instilled in me the value of hard work, community, and real connection.
At 16, I picked up a camera and found my passion. Photography combines life with art in the most beautiful way, something I will forever be perfecting.
I stumbled upon wedding photography when a friend asked me to be her assistant. I definitely didn’t know what I was doing, but I fell head over heels.
I went home that night and wrote in my journal: “If I could shoot weddings as a full time job for the rest of my life, I would be happy!”
Years later, and I still feel the same amount of excitement and anticipation before each wedding day that I felt at the beginning of my career. I just love this job.
Today, I live out in the gorgeous countryside of Central Virginia with my husband Steve and our daughter, Evelyn. I love opening my home to friends and family and lingering over dinner and coffee. I'd love to meet you!
Virginia inspires my love of nature. Nothing fills me with more inspiration than a day outside on our farm. You can often find me soaking up the beauty of those summer sunsets, or taking long walks with my daughter.
WIDE OPEN SPACES
My husband Steve and I got married in 2016. We now have a little girl named Evelyn and a little boy on the way! I truly love being a mom. We strive for a slower pace of life at our farm out in the country. It's the perfect place to raise our family, surrounded by animals and nature.
No matter how far we travel, our favorite place is home.
My family
I started playing violin at 10, and it was my first love. I considered pursuing a career in music in my teenage years, and it continues to be one of my favorite things in the world.
Classical music is the background soundtrack our home almost daily...Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, all the greats.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
Give me a cozy blanket on a winter evening, a mug of hot tea (Earl Grey, please), and a good book and I'm a happy girl. A quiet few hours with my nose in a book is my favorite way to recharge. Jane Eyre is my favorite book of all time (I'm fascinated by the Bronte sisters) and I love the classics, history, and biographies.
Anyone else want to start a book club?
great Books
I began my business shooting with digital cameras but when I first discovered film photography, my love for the craft went even deeper. Film has a beauty and depth and realness to it that can't be replicated digitally. I now incorporate film into every wedding I shoot and I love giving my clients this experience!
Many of the photos you see in my portfolio are shot on film. Love it? Let's work together.
FILM
"We couldn't have asked for a better person to work with on our wedding day from start to finish!"
Not only is Jess an incredible photographer, but she is an absolute joy to work with. She is kind, caring, and fun to be around! Your wedding photographer is such a big part of your day, because you are with them the entire day. She gave my husband and I such great direction during the pictures and really captured all the emotion of our special day.
-Mason & Juli
Your wedding is one beautiful day. But your marriage is building a beautiful life. I would be honored to document the start of your life together.
INQUIRE TO BEGIN