Jenna Walker Photography

LAST POST! WE HAVE A NEW BLOG!

Hope you are all doing great this weekend! Well, I'll make this super short! We just launched a brand new blog and you can find it RIGHT HERE!

This has been a long time coming...and I'm so happy that you'll no longer have to wait heaps of time for images to load - and we'll be able to update this blog so much more easily! I'm definitely a bit sad to let this blog go - but we'll keep it online for another year or so for all of you that are a part of this history with us!

You can find the new blog at: WWW.JENNAWALKERPHOTOGRAPHY.COM/BLOG

See you over there!
Jenna, Katie and Matt!

ELEVATE 3

Hope you are all doing great - I just wanted to bring everyone up to speed on a couple of things this morning that we are pretty darn excited about in the coming days and months!

1) A couple of months ago, my amazing friends Garrett & Joy Nudd talked about the possibility of taking their ELEVATE workshop on the road and offering ELEVATE 3 in a central part of the country (they work out of Florida and Tennessee)...and we couldn't be happier to have them in our home town this April 21 - 23 to host photographers from across the country for this amazing workshop at our studio in Downtown Denver. Garrett and Joy are unbelievable people who have and continue to inspire us in our business. They are the type of people that every time we've had dinner with them - the conversations last for hours and are the type of in-depth business and "life" talks that make you want to change the world. They are just that inspiring...

For those of you photographers that are considering an amazing workshop to take you to another level - come to ELEVATE 3...

Here are a couple of screen shots from the ELEVATE web site...or CLICK HERE!!

our space...

Garrett in action!

Joy & Garrett - we feel so privileged and lucky to be hosting this workshop for you - I know your hearts are in everything you do - and this will be no exception!

OTHER NEWS: A new blog is coming soon! We've been working on the new baby for a couple of months now - and I think we are almost ready to launch. The new blog will have far more capabilities than this one - with potential to post slideshows, video and update it from anywhere we can get an internet signal...

Here is a TINY sneak peek! Look for a full launch later this week!

Have a great one today!
Jenna

Krisha & Rob's wedding - Dominican Republic!

Grateful...that is how I feel having just returned from photographing Krisha & Rob's destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - what an opportunity and privilege it was! Everything about their wedding was amazing - from the tucked-away location to the contagious energy of their British guests to the bare-foot, beach-side reception. With about 50 of their closest family and friends, Krisha and Rob spent the week at Dreams Punta Cana. I just loved how laid-back everyone seemed to be - and what an experience they all made of it.

Here are a few of my favorites from the weekend:

I just loved this moment between Krisha and her Mom at the rehearsal dinner the night before - such a proud Momma...

Rob's tie - fashionable proof of his London roots. As Rob said, "Real men wear pink...."

Again, a proud Momma...

The ceremony was held in the Pavillion of Dreams Punta Cana.

The beaches of Punta Cana are stunning...

Just as we were grabbing the shot below, the tide came in (a bit higher than expected!). Luckily for Krisha, Rob is quite the reactive husband...love it!

We quickly took a liking to the golden glow of coastal light...

Their reception - right on the beach.

A quiet moment during dinner, but one that truly reflects what a happy couple they are.

First dance...

One of my favorites...

Signs of a great dance...

This is my favorite image from the weekend - not for any sort of unrivaled scenery, golden light or tropical appeal (things you'd expect from a destination wedding) but for the story it tells - quiet joy in a crowd of guests.

Thank you Krisha and Rob...the two of you are an amazing couple and I am so grateful for the experience. Special thanks to Scarlett Lillian for joining as second photographer.

Happy Honeymooning!

Katie

Some days...

...you just need to leave it all behind...

And play.

Stay tuned for more images from Krisha & Rob's Dominican wedding on our brand NEW blog (coming soon!)

Get out and play!

Katie

Funny times!

So as a gift to my mom for Mother's Day - we coordinated for our cousin Mary to photograph our family while we were home for the holidays. My cousin Mary Paula is one of the people who inspired me to get into this business - and I love to go home and talk shop with her. She sent us a sneak peek of our family shoot - expecting to see a nice family portrait - but instead we got this!

I cannot tell you how much this picture makes us laugh. Matt's face is hysterical and so zen like - funny stuff! I have a really hard time being in front of the camera - and it was actually a riot!

To check out Mary Kelly's blog and web site CLICK HERE!

Also - I had to pull a couple more family shots off of Mary's blog - so fun! I can't wait to see more!

After the shoot we had a big snowfight and this was one of the final images with my mom and all of us girls.

THANK YOU MARY PAULA! You are the best!!

Love Matt, Katie & Jenna

Happy Holidays!

I don't have many words to describe the happiness of our hearts. Our gratefulness to each and everyone of you - and your presence in our life. To those of you celebrating your first Christmas together as husband and wife - may you find and begin new traditions of your own this holiday season. May you have peace in your hearts and share it with others. To the countless photographers who are such an amazing support system to us - may you see the world with fresh eyes and celebrate your talents that you have shared with us. Take time to photograph your own life this holiday season - we often forget to do that. To those of you who have inspired us in so many ways this year - whether through your struggles or your triumphs...we are so thankful for the lessons you have taught us. May you continue to teach and inspire.

And so, without further delay...a little something we put together to thank all of you.

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW!

May 2008 bring you many blessings and love. Here is wishing you a beautiful holiday with family and friends.

All our love,
Jenna, Matt and Katie

The journey...

Life. It's a journey no doubt - and on a weekend like this...I can't help but reflect on the journey of my first 30 years. In just a little bit - Matt and I will head to Winter Park to start my weekend 30th birthday celebration...Part of me can hardly believe that I'm turning 30. The other part of me is so at peace and ease with life at 30. I am so happy to have all of you in our life. I am so happy to have my husband matty - and our amazing family. I am so fortunate. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart to all of you.

I guess in the next 30 years - my life goals are pretty simple...to lead a full life with lots of love and to give more than we get.

I found this image of an eco resort that matt and I went to last spring...it reminded me of life as a journey - and to stay on the path that is true to us...

In the next 30 years - what's your path?

My heart is full of thanks.

All my love.
Jenna (an official adult.)

To the hills...

Hi everyone! Katie writing here....Thought it was about time we start tag teaming posting on the blog - so here it goes!

There are few things I enjoy more than a slow Sunday...good coffee, the random adventures an empty schedule can bring, the company of friends. But if there is one thing that comes close, it's the good life in Grand Lake, Colorado where I used to spend my summers.

Last Sunday, I headed up to this charmer of a town to shoot Katie & Tom's engagement session. They will be getting married in Lake Tahoe next July.

Here are a few of my favorites...

They met at the Grand Lake Lodge so it was a must to go up to the property - it was amazing to see it in a different season.

The employee dining room...

Katie's cabin from back in the day.

I just love winter...

Jenna, Matt and I are about to head up for a much anticipated weekend of skiing. Wishing you all a well-deserved slow Sunday.

Much love,

Katie

Makes me happy...

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing Florrie and Bruce's 50th wedding anniversary party. Florrie wore her wedding dress from 50 years past. They threw a surprise wedding for all of their friends and family - it was so meaningful and beautiful beyond what I can write. Today I was combing through the images and stumbled upon an image that means a lot to me...as someone that is married - I hope for 50 years with Matty as wonderful and full of life as what Florrie and Bruce have shared. As a photographer this image is something that means a lot to me as well - to remind me of the importance of what we strive to capture in every subject...that is - how you really feel and who you really are.

Much love,
Jenna

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Hope you are all happy and well - and gearing up for Turkey Day! I can't wait to head to the Walker's tomorrow for what is undoubtedly an awesome Thanksgiving FEAST! My sister Anna is flying in early in the morning - so all 3 of us sisters will be together as well over the long holiday weekend.

This has been a whirlwind of a week - starting with a trip to Chicago to shoot Cate and Drew's engagement session. They will be getting married at the NEW Ritz Carlton in downtown Denver - anticipated to open soon! Cate and Drew are both amazing people and I feel so lucky to have been able to spend some quality time with them in the windy city. They even spoiled me (BIG TIME) by taking me to Gibson's for an unbelievable dinner. Thanks guys - I still owe you! I haven't had a chance to go through the shoot yet - but here are a couple of shots from our afternoon in downtown Chicago.

Macy's in Chicago is all decorated for the holidays - it is beautiful downtown Chicago this time of year!

Also - I got the new holiday JCrew catalog this week - and the clothes are to die for! Katie was showing me a few shots from her engagement shoot with Lauren and Tony - and check out Lauren's outfit! I LOVE it! It is just like the things I love in the new JCrew catalog (hint, hint - holiday season is upon us!) Lauren and Tony are getting married next October at one of my all-time favorite locations - Devil's Thumb Ranch! Congrats you two!

I also wanted to share a few quick shots from the engagement shoot Jessica and Austin did with Katie in the HIghlands of Denver. They live in the neighborhood - and I always love it when people do things in the places they live. Someday - the highlands will be a significant place of memories to them...and a part of their history. Jessica is good friends with our other bride Kristi - and we love both of them!!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!
Jenna, Katie and Matt!

I can't believe it's almost Christmas! Well, kind of...

Wow. Anyone else completely blown away by the number of holiday commercials on TV right now? It's barely Thanksgiving next week and I think holiday commercials have been running since before Halloween. Anyway - we have been doing LOTS of kids shoots lately getting ready for Christmas cards going out right after Thanksgiving - and are having a blast!

Here are just a few from the past few weeks...

If you haven't yet checked out our kids photography business - head on over to treeSwing! If you are interested in booking a holiday session - contact us directly through treeSwing at katie@treeswingkids.com

Hope to meet you and your family soon!
jenna, katie and matt!

Happy Monday

Hope you all had a great weekend! We were very busy this past weekend with shooting 3 awesome events....On Saturday - Katie and her team photographed Sam and Ryan's wedding while Matt and I headed up to Keystone for Michelle and Christian's wedding. And then on Sunday - Katie and I photographed a SURPRISE wedding! Yep! Florrie and Bruce celebrated 50 years of marriage by throwing a surprise wedding vow renewal that was out of this world! Florrie even wore her wedding dress from 50 years ago! I can't wait to share all of this with you!

This morning - I just wanted to share a few images from Brooke and David's engagement session...fun in the city! These two will be getting married next May and they are a blast to photograph. I really couldn't stop laughing the whole time we shot this session. Don't you think these two have that "movie star" look?

I love everything going on in this image...reminds me of an area I used to visit in Brooklyn, New York when I used to live there...

A close-up of the two...we have an entire series of black and white shot tight like this one - I like how different the feel is in this shot to the images above.

See ya tomorrow!
Jenna

Table 6 Productions

Ok - as promised, here are pictures of Heather Allen's new office here in the space! Heather is co-owner with her partner Shannon of Table 6 Productions. Their business is based out of both Colorado and Florida - and they plan some of the most AMAZING weddings! We really couldn't ask for a better person to share a space with. Heather is an incredibly talented event planner and is beyond kind. We feel very fortunate to have Heather in our life!!

I love her pile of books...all the color of course!

And the chandelier is so much fun!

You are an inspiration to us Heather!

Congrats on your new space!
Jenna, Matt and Katie

The New Space!

Whew! So the big unveiling is TODAY! We have been working so hard on the space and I can say without a doubt say that this space would not have been a reality without my husband Matt. Matt spent countless hours this summer taking this space from a dump to our new digs - and we are so so grateful! I don't know about you - but I think my hubby is pretty darn handy - and not to mention good looking :) Another HUGE thank you goes out to my parents - who made a trip out here from Minnesota to paint for an entire week - they worked so hard to help us! And of course, to Matt's parents and brother who have also been a constant support to us through this entire process!!

Here is Matty hard at work at the space on about Day 2 of two months of the renovation:

Meet our new home in downtown Denver!

One of Matt, Katie and my favorite things is the new sign on the reception area...kind of fun!

See the stencil behind the prints - Katie did all of it - she's a saint of a sister! I gave up after my second row of stenciling!

The prints are in the process of being put on the walls - these are 30x40 prints.

Another view of the space - you can see the edge of my new favorite table in the bottom corner...

The thing we love about this space is all of the natural light. I have worked from my basement at home for several years - so the light is really energizing - not to mention great to shoot in! We chose colors that we thought would be energizing and prompt lots of creativity.

We are very lucky to be sharing this space with one of Colorado's premiere wedding planners - Heather Allen of Table 6 Productions!. Heather is an amazing person and we can't wait for you to see her space on the blog in the coming days!!

All the best!
Jenna, Matty and Katie

The Whole Picture

Where do I begin? Life is such a ride. And there are so many people to share the front seat with.

Lately, I've been feeling more than overwhelmed at the love and support we have gotten from so many other photographers, friends, and of course, our clients. Life is busy and happy and full of excitement right now - but sometimes, I don't know how to share it in a blog. So, I sit in bed at night thinking about what the next blog post should be or how I should begin to blog after such a long absence...or even what it is that you would want to see on the blog. Because, after all, it is just our life.

My conclusion is that I don't need to strive to make the blog perfect - but instead just to share - to take time to reflect. I think in life - we all just want to share it...the good, the bad and everything in between. The reality is that we have 26 weddings that we would love to share, many engagement sessions, a new space, and many life adventures - but I just don't know how to give the whole picture in a single post...sometimes - you feel like there are so many details in life - that the big picture is hard to see and hard to share.

But really, the big picture is in all of life's details...

So today, in my first day back to blogging in about a month - I'm starting with part of the picture - just a few awesome moments...and then tomorrow - I'll tackle more. And then, the day after that...a little more.

Here is one of our bride's Katie - when she "realized" one of the best surprises of her life...the full story to come.

Or when one of our bride's gave one of the biggest thank you speeches of her life - and this was the reaction...

And in all of these and so many more moments - we are all real human beings with real purpose - and sometimes, the biggest purpose in life is so clear - to love and be loved. And this image below says just that to me.

And so, there is so much to share. There is so much to celebrate today - and tomorrow!

With love,
Jenna, Matt and Katie

The unexpected wedding image.

There is nothing I love more than the unexpected shot. My sister Katie and I were going through some images this afternoon when she pulled a few images from recent weddings that were great catches...not your typical wedding photos - but the ones that can tell a story in a single image or they have an element of surprise that just makes them fun to look at...

So in the craziness of wedding season, I just wanted to share a few fun shots with everyone...

Katie's bride Holly - her and her new husband Pete have two adopted greyhounds that they adore - making this image a real reflection of what she loves and who she is...

A group of firefighters cheering on a bride and groom...

The real urban look.

And this is a shot of a group of kids that were watching Matt and I shoot Heather and Adam's wedding on Aug. 18 - they look so perfectly posed - yet really all the kids wanted was a great seat to the "bride and groom photo show"...The better part is that Heather grew up in the same neighborhood - and I try to imagine her 20 years ago sitting on these rocks with all of her neighborhood friends...

And this one is just the best practical joke I've seen played on a groom by his groomsmen in a long time. A great catch by Katie!

Other updates! We have been busy, busy, busy with weddings and projects - very fun! We have been working hard on a face lift for our web site and a soft launch of the new site is coming soon! Our space is getting set to open in the next week and the F-Stop Workshop on Sept. 17 & 18th is right around the corner. I can't wait for the workshop - it's going to be a riot!! Excited to meet you all!!

Hope you are all well and happy - and enjoying that the weather is cooling down just a little!

Best!
Jenna

Roxy and Blake's Wedding

Happy Friday!
Hope the week treated you well and you all have a great Labor Day weekend planned! I was just going through some recent shoots and wanted to share some shots from Roxy and Blake's wedding that Katie shot. Roxy and Blake were married at The Lodge and Spa in Breckenridge...They are the sweetest couple and both have contagious energy.

Roxy getting ready...

The kiss.

Roxy dancing with her dad...

To see a slideshow of their wedding, Click Here! .

Also - Roxy's family owns a GREAT lodge and retreat called The Highland Haven Inn in Evergreen...we have actually shot a wedding there before and I LOVE this place. Roxy and Blake play a big part in operating the business and you should definitely go visit them for a weekend! Check out the Highland Haven Inn Click Here!

Congrats Roxy and Blake!!

Denver's 7 A-List! Check it out!

Ok. Ok. So I know we probably all spend way too much time on the internet as it is...but if you have a spare moment to surf on over to Denver's Channel 7 A List Contest and give us your love (or your vote!) as Denver's best wedding photographer - we would be so grateful! This is actually an awesome contest and it is so fun to see all of the talent in Colorado across all kinds of businesses - not just the wedding industry. You'll have to check out the work of other local wedding photographers as well - some really beautiful work!

To get to the voting page, CLICK HERE!

Also - thanks to all of you who found this on your own and left us comments - they were so much fun to find! You are all so so kind!

You all mean the world to us!! Thank you for continuing to be such a HUGE support in our business!

THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!
Jenna, Matt and Katie

The impact of imagery.

Katie, Matt and I have a lot of conversations about the power of photographs. We talk about the lasting impact an image can have and how a particular image, and it's importance to you, changes over time. We talk about our responsibility as photographers to capture honest images and to do things with our photography that is significant. The funny thing is, I'm not sure we ever know which image will become significant in our lives. I have a photo of my dad and my two sisters (Katie and Anna) sitting on a blanket in a park when they were about 1 and 3 years old. All three of them are giggling. It's a really happy moment. But it isn't until 30 years later that this photograph became an image that is so close to my heart. Funny how that seems...huh?

I received an email from our former client and new friend Lindsey this past Friday that just really impacted me. I asked her if I could share her story on her one year anniversary, today.

Lindsey's email:

You may have noted last time you were at my house that we had a mini
flood downstairs. We ended up ripping up two rooms and in the process
I came across all my wedding research stuff. I had your marketing
materials and sample sheets (prior to the new fabulous logo), then I
found more engagement pictures we took, and pictures from the wedding-
all which thankfully had been spared the water damage. There is one
photo you took in particular that has my mom in the background holding
the yellow bouquet I walked down the aisle with- which to me
represented the spirit of my father. The yellow stands out in the
photo and creates a very illuminating glow to the photo. What you may
not know is that my father was my absolute best friend and his battle
with cancer ended one month prior to my engagement to Ken. Not having
him walk me down the aisle was very emotional for me, and is now when
I write this.

The thing is, after looking at that photo a year later, I found some peace in myself.
Finally, after over two years since my father has passed I have found his spirit.
It is around me all the time, I just needed to change my perception of what
I was looking for-an illuminating glow in my life.This one picture clearly took me down
memory lane, but it also allowed me journey in to my soul to find peace.
I want to thank you for a moment you created for me a year after our wedding.

Here are a few images from their wedding exactly one year ago today. Happy Anniversary you two!

I wish the two of you nothing but the absolute best in life and am so happy that we have continued to grow in our friendship. So with that, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Have a fantastic night out tonight - and may the next year bring you even more happiness, love and adventure in life!

With love,
jenna

Hai and Jon's Wedding

It is Saturday morning and I'm sitting at home drinking my second cup of coffee and have the weekend off! Matty and I rarely have Saturdays off during the summer and always try to save a few for ourselves - so this is pretty fun. However, I must say that I don't really know what to do with myself today. Matt is off working on our new studio space and I think I'm heading that way soon as well but might first stop off at Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy of a new book I've been dying to read. The new studio space is coming along so well. I'm so excited to get everything in there - but I'll have to practice patience as we are still about 3 weeks out from the big move.

Ok - on to photos. My buddies Chris Humphreys and Jim Christianson were giving me a hard time the other night that all of our blog posts begin with "a couple of weeks ago"...and it is true! I would love nothing more than to be able to keep up with posting all of our shoots as they occur but that remains a goal - not a reality - SO - we'll get there! The good news is that I'll have quality blog material until Christmas! Matt and Katie think I need to do a "blogathon" to catch up - so perhaps that is in the works!

Hai and Jon's wedding was - indeed - a couple of weeks ago. They are such a beautiful couple with the most amazing style! Of course, Pam with Sapphire Celebrations did an absolutely incredible job in helping Hai and Jon plan the big day. Both Pam and Hai are "details" kind of girls. They decked out the reception with the most amazing decor and lighting at The Inn at Cherry Creek. Hai's dress is from Anna Be and I absolutely loved it on her. Just stunning.

Ok - on to the photos!! There are SO many more from the ceremony, the details, etc...but these were just a few of my favorites. Don't you think Hai should be a model?!

What an amazing day! Congratulations Hai and Jon!!!
Jenna and Matt

WOOO HOOOO!!!

Just a quick update to let you all know that Ben is doing great. His wife Jen emailed me this evening to tell us that they are all at home now and Ben came back to her with a strong healthy heartbeat! Of course, the next two months will be critical in their journey as Ben makes his recovery - so keep them in your thoughts...but I was so relieved to hear that all went well and thought you would be too!

Sleep well tonight with this wonderful news! Johnsons - we are rooting for you!
jenna

This is an important post. Please think of Ben today.

Today is a big day. Meet Ben. Ben is married to Jen and they have 3 kids who are just amazing. Ben is 30 and having his 12th heart surgery today. Please pray for Ben today. This is a really important and serious day for him and his family.

I was lucky enough to spend two days with them over the past couple of weeks documenting their family life. My friend and past bride, Carley, came along with me to write a story for the Johnson's...a story about their life. I received this email...just a tidbit of Carley's writings - and could not have captured the Johnson's struggle, spirit and place in life in a better way...Her thoughts remind us about the important things in life. She reminds me why it is so important to take time as a photographer to give your time to families like the Johnsons.

Carley's email about the johnson's ...

hi jenna,

i know this is going to be a book,
and i'm sorry,
but i wanted to tell you that i spent yesterday morning in downtown
castle rock,
sitting on the same park bench where we drank the strawberry lemonade,
and watched hannah & chloe johnson throw pennies in the fountain for
hours.
jen and i drank icy drinks and talked, like it was any ordinary day.
like we'd been friends forever.
we wore sunglasses and headbands.
we laughed as chloe filled her cupped hands with fountain water and
gulped it down.
a dog named sofie sniffed us. her owner stopped to chat.
there were businessmen, fire trucks and sirens.
the sun came out, then went behind a cloud.
like the photo shoot that day,
the situation felt, in a way, so very ordinary.

but of course, it wasn't.
and i couldn't help but know that.
i felt like i was looking down on us,
like i was in a photograph of the scene.
first jen showed me the photo album ben's mother had given to him on
his 29th birthday.
it was full of family trees and newspaper articles.
wedding pictures of his grandparents.
his first hospital bill.
and a few pages in,
a photograph of a healthy-looking baby boy
in a bath tub,
staring at the camera with a piercing seriousness.
as though as a tiny baby, only a few months into his life,
he knew he had a purpose.

if you look closely, you can see the first scar,
a half-moon stretching along the entire right side of his little chest,
carved just below his nipple.

there are only 5 people living in colorado who were born with ben's
condition
and have had the same surgery he has.
the mustard procedure, it's called.
jen says there are now less than 100 in the country.
all of them are under 40.
ben turns 30 october 1st.

tuesday will be the 12th surgery.
his 5th in the past year, to replace a failed pacemaker.
the first was to replace his old pacer.
the second was, when he got a staph infection, to remove it.
the third was to re-insert a new pacemaker.
the fourth to remove it after he contracted another staph infection.
last october he flat-lined on the operating table.
later, after he'd been shocked back to life (it took 3 times),
they called jen in the waiting room to tell her.
she says they won't sleep much these next few days.
they'll have a lot of what-if conversations.

that's when her eyes fill with tears.
and so do mine.
she looks off into the distance, as if she's watching a movie of her
life many years from now.
the way she looks in so many of the photographs.

in the middle of our conversation,
hannah brings over a drawing she's made while scribbling on the cement.
it's a stick figure, surrounded by inky swirls, with dark eyes and a
huge smile.
"it's daddy!"
she's shy about it. you can't help but notice how much she looks
like the boy in the photo album.
chloe runs over from the fountain and seems to immediately recognize
the stick figure.
"oh, it's daddy!"
she points to the smile, and nods.

jen talks a lot about how lucky she feels
to have what she has.
how much she loves ben,
and how incredible it is to watch him be a father.
you can't help who you fall in love with, she says.
and she talks about how very hard they strive
to live in the moment
and to always be grateful for what they have.
because they never expected to have so much.

all his life, ben was told that because of all of his surgeries, he
was sterile & would never be able to have kids.
so when jen and ben got married (he was 21, she was 20)
they just assumed they'd one day adopt.
jen had been accepted to both PT school and nursing school
when she found out she was pregnant.

she's one of those rare people
who makes having kids seem like an incredibly important thing to do.
a part of life not to be missed.
during our conversation, i tell myself to remember that part.
because i'm not writing any of this down.
it all seems too technical, and i want to remember it another way.

then we start talking about the pictures--but this is before she's
seen them.
jen is so very grateful.
she looks over at hannah
and tells me again
that she knows that one day, those pictures are all she'll have of
her dad.

i know she's been thanking you.
she is a very grateful, gracious person.
but i also wanted to tell you --
because i know you're insanely busy right now--
that what you're doing for them
really is so important.
the photographs of the scars,
the photographs of their family reading stories on the couch
in the house with "the johnson family" cross-stitched pillow hanging
on the front door.
the photographs of the 5 of them on the dirt road
with a lightning storm in the distance.
they really are important.
they're so much more than memories for a book one day--
which is what jen sees.

they're telling this amazing story of hope.
and love. and family. and what it means to really, really live.
and they're reminding us, too, about sadness.
i think of jen sitting in the waiting room on tuesday wondering if
her husband is going to wake up.
i try to imagine what it must feel like to watch him being wheeled
away to surgery,
and it breaks my heart.
i guess in this first year of marriage, the idea of loss, of
fleetingness, is with me a lot.
maybe it will always be.

as i look at them, i hope you're celebrating knowing your purpose.

something i've been thinking about a lot lately.
maybe our purpose changes for us as our lives change.
or maybe it doesn't.

at the end of our visit, we went to the little pastry shop
and jen showed me ben's favorite pastries:
cherry custard croissants.
they were flakey and gooey and buttery.
and i wished ben could eat a dozen.

i hope all's well with you guys.
thank you again for all the good you do.

To view the entire shoot from our time with the Johnsons, CLICK HERE

Please keep Ben and his family in your thoughts and prayers today.

Best,
Jenna

Heat Wave!

It is seriously hot in Denver this week. I think we are going on the fifth straight day of record temps and I'm about over it...Matt and I headed up to the mountains last night to escape the heat - and I think it was seriously 40 degrees cooler up there...so if you are hot - head to the hills! OR - do an engagement session with katie!

Last night Katie was in Fort Collins shooting Brian and Sarah's engagement session - and I just had to share the images with you! It was so hot that they headed for the sprinklers at the end of the session - and I LOVE what came of it! Sign me up!

and of course, a few images from earlier in the evening...

These two will be tying the knot this October up in Breckenridge...Katie will be photographing their wedding.

Congratulations Sarah and Brian! GREAT idea to stay cool!!
jenna (and of course, Katie!)

3 years!

Matt and I are celebrating our third anniversary today! I can hardly believe how fast time goes - and what an amazing thing marriage has been for Matt and I. Matty - you mean the absolute world to me. You are patient, kind, loving and always make me laugh. I am so fortunate to have found you - and count my blessings every day.

Sadly enough, I have very few pictures of our recent life...Here is matty at the base of the ski hill this past winter...i love his smile. He really is always that happy.

And of course - the two of us - with my new telemark skis him and Katie bought for me last Christmas...

Matty - I love you so much!

Your Nen

Mike and Meredith's Wedding

A couple of weeks ago, Matt and I headed up to Tahara Lodge in Estes Park to photograph Meredith and Mike's wedding. It was amazing. They celebrated their marriage with a traditional Native American ceremony - and it was so amazing to be a part of the day. Because it isn't every day that we get to photograph a ceremony like this, I thought I'd share a few images from the ceremony. Michelle at An Occasion to Remember did an absolutely amazing job planning this event!

All of the guests are a part of a professional to the sacred and blessed ceremony site.

A fire is burning throughout the course of the ceremony.

Here is Mike with the peace pipe. The peace pipe is the most sacred part of the ceremony - Meredith and Mike's celebrant - Charlie - explained to us that it was like a "portable alter" and must always be honored. It was so beautiful to see a tradition of many generations past. Here is Mike with the peace pipe.

Meredith and Mike's family and friends formed two circles around them holding hands and never to be broken during the ceremony - except when holding the peace pipe. The first circle was of all of the guests...the inner circle surrounding Meredith and Mike was made of their wedding party and parents - and of course, their dog!

The ceremony kiss.

Meredith and Mike - what an amazing day! Thank you for being such an amazing couple to work with! Matt and I are so grateful to have been a part of something so special.

Congrats!!
Jenna

Dearest blog,
I am sorry you have not received my full attention this week. I promise to spend some quality time with you over the next week and give you the text and uploads you so rightly deserve.
With love,
jenna

**Above is an image from a recent wedding and I thought it represented our life so well lately...on the go. Things are slowing down this week and I'm anxious to bring you all up to speed on exciting things like 4 weddings, our participation in a famous wedding designer's book, Matt's shoot with the bands - Flobots & The Fray, time on the river, our new space and some great engagement shoots - photos to come! Hope you are all well and happy!

Happy Saturday,
Jenna, Matt and Katie!

This old studio...with Matt Walker :)

OK - so it is about time I spill the beans on the new space that we will soon call home to Jenna Walker Photography and treeSwing Kids! We are BEYOND excited! We have been looking at a space for quite some time - and things never felt quite right...either the location of a space was wrong or it didn't have charm, wasn't creative enough, too big, too small - we always had a reason that certain spaces wouldn't work for us - until we found our new studio in the lower highlands of Denver! Matt, Katie and I all love it. It is big and creative - and will bring a new energy to our business. I can't wait to share it with all of you!

Until then - it needs some WORK! Matt has turned into the ultimate Bob Villa - and soon this place will have a whole new feel...but until the finished product is ready for a September opening - these before pictures will have to suffice! I'll try to post some pictures of the work in progress in the weeks to come...please excuse the mess :)

The space is approximately 2200 square feet with lots of natural light - something every photographer loves!

Wish Matty lots of luck with the renovation!!

Cheers!
jenna

Nicole and Scott's Wedding

Hope you all had a great day...I spent my morning on a shoot with the Robert's girls - and then it was over to the new space to pick out paint colors and then back to work!

Here is a quick pic from my shoot this morning with the little ladies:

We rarely share our children's work on this blog - but if you want to check it out...head over to our kids photography company treeSwing here! . We are now booking kids sessions for this fall and the holiday season - be sure to contact us soon to get your spot on the schedule!

On to weddings! Two weeks ago Katie headed up to Devil's Thumb Ranch to photograph Nicole and Scott's wedding. Nicole and Scott spent the entire week prior to their wedding at the Ranch and Katie said the two of them were so relaxed and had so much FUN on their wedding day - now that is the way to do it!

Nicole was such an elegant bride. I love this image Katie captured of her in her cabin after getting ready...

And Scott - happy as could be.

The ceremony - I love how expressive Nicole is!

The next two images are my favorites - this was just minutes before it poured rain.

Prior to their big entrance to the reception - Nicole and Scott got ready with their aviators...at first glance - I didn't see Scott in the window - either did Katie when she shot it...but I love that about this image!

Congrats Nicole and Scott! Cheers to you and married life - it's the best!
jenna (and of course Katie!)

Lake life.

As many of you know, Matt and I spend a week each summer with my family in Minnesota. I grew up in Hastings, MN...what used to be a small town and now is a bustling suburb of the Twin Cities. The farming roots are still strong in Hastings - and going home is one of my absolute most favorite things in the world. My entire family (including Katie, Matt and me) made the trip home - and it could not have been better. Thanks for an amazing week mom and dad!

To kick off our time at home, our timing could not have been more perfect with one of our couples - Nick and Elizabeth. These two will be getting married in Bay City, Michigan next May and moved to St. Paul just weeks before we came home. I told them it would be really special for me to shoot in my home town - as it is something I rarely have had the opportunity to do in the past...so we headed out to the farm fields and the Bauer Farm.

Welcome to my hometown Nick and Elizabeth! You were so much fun to work with and we can't wait to travel to your wedding next year!

I loved all of the color we had to work with at the Bauer farm...

An old refurbished root beer stand.

The barn.

Time to hit the fields!

I love the vast open landscapes of the midwest. There is something really enchanting about them.

After our shoot with Nick and Elizabeth...it was time to head up North for the lakes! But before we got out of town - Matty dropped his cell phone in a gutter...I had to get a shot of it. My dad saved the day by borrowing a pair of bbq tongs from a local restaurant to pull out matt's phone. So funny!

We spent 4 days with my family at a quaint lake cabin on Middle Cullen Lake outside of Brainerd, MN...it was a quick trip but great to spend some quality time together WATER SKIING!!!

Here is me, Katie and Anna on our rental boat...we were boat driving rookies but caught on quick! Anna is a speed demon.

Matty tearing it up on skis!

Our dogs were NOT fans of us playing on the water...they wait eagerly for our safe return to land.

My mom. Love you :)

My dad. Matty calls him "Papa K" - you can too...he's the best!

Matt grabbed this shot of me drinking my morning coffee on the porch. A real happy, quiet place.

Going through all of our vacation images makes me realize we need to be much better about taking photos of our personal life - new resolution for us.

Congratulations Nick and Elizabeth - we can't wait for the wedding!

Best!
jenna

Tara & Curtis' Wedding

I love Sunday mornings. Matt and I just had a great weekend shooting two weddings - and are now home sweet home getting the house back in shape this morning...Matt decided to invest in a reel mower (you know - the ones that don't use gas - 100% powered by Matt). He's outside right now giving it his all...not easy, but definitely a good "green" thing to do! I am on day 2 of my six days straight of blogging - and having a good cup of coffee. Gotta love a great Sunday morning.

This morning I thought I would share Tara and Curtis' wedding we shot up at Devil's Thumb Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado on June 29th...Our good friend and fabulous wedding planner Angela, from Sapphire Celebrations did an amazing job planning this wedding with Tara and Curtis. They always do a top-notch beautiful job and make our jobs as photographers so much easier. Thank you Angie!

On to the wedding...I think I am loving black and white timeless images this morning - I seemed to have pulled more of those than anything else. A good black and white is always a favorite image to me...

The ceremony site at Devil's Thumb Ranch has the most unbelievable view. One of the best in the state of Colorado in my opinion...

Tara seeing her grandmother for the first time.

And her dad...

Tara was such a classic beautiful bride - inside and out.

I loved the relaxed nature of the boys before the ceremony...

One of my favorite shots of these two from the entire day...they are both such energetic fun people who love the outdoors - this ceremony location could not have been a more perfect fit for them.

During the toasts...

Dancing with dad.

Congratulations Tara & Curtis! You two deserve the world!
jenna

Charli & Mike's Wedding

Wow. What a whirlwind of an amazing summer it has been...but I feel as though I have some serious catching up on the blog to do. I want to keep this blog as up-to-date as possible for all of you - but in between life and shooting amazing weddings - it has been a bit crazy (in an absolutely great way)! So - my promise to myself (and you) is to blog for the next 6 days to bring you all up to speed on life and the wonderful people we've been spending it with.

The first thing I have to show all of you is the most AMAZING job my sister Katie did shooting Charli & Mike's wedding on the famous 7.7.07. Over 34,000 couples apparently got married on 7.7.07. Unbelievable! Charli & Mike had their wedding at a mansion in Pueblo, Colorado - and Katie just blew my mind with her imagery that day. As you know, both Matt & I - and Katie and her team, shoot weddings for Jenna Walker Photography...she has really stepped into the role as a lead shooter with such passion, enthusiasm and TALENT! Both of our teams are now available for 2008 weddings - and the new web site to reflect all of our work will launch early this fall...YIPEE!

A quiet ceremony moment right before Mike saw Charli for the first time...

I love the ceremony decor - the umbrellas, the roses, the ribbons...

During the first dance, Charli and Mike had all of the guests light sparklers...just magical!

Congratulations Charli and Mike!
jenna (and of course, katie!)

F Stop Workshop - New Dates Announced! Registration now open.

Ok...so I've been keeping my lips sealed for a bit of time now - but we are excited to release the dates and officially open registration for the second F Stop Workshop scheduled for September 17th and 18th! We opened registration less than 12 hours ago and are thrilled how quickly the 20 seats are filling up with people from across the country and here locally in Colorado!

I am so excited to be partnering with Jim Christianson of James Christianson Photography once again on an exciting photography workshop for wedding and portrait photographers! This is an affordable, interactive, inspiring workshop for photographers that will be really hands-on and fun!

After a huge success with the first F Stop Workshop - we have added the following with round 2 of this workshop:

1) The workshop will be moving to a two day format - we have so much to share and it was so much fun the last time around - that we decided to extend the amount of time we would be teaching to 2 days.

2) Chris & Katie Humphreys of Chris Humphreys Photography will be joining Jim and I as guest speakers and to help work with workshop participants, Both Chris and Katie have a wealth of information to share - and Jim & I couldn't be more thrilled that they'll be hear in Denver for the workshop.

3) HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT! Jenna Walker Photography has a new space to call home!! The workshop will be the first big event to be held in our new studio and loft in Downtown Denver. I can't wait to open our doors to photographers - and host them in our new space. Matt has been working hard to make it beautiful - and we can't wait to hold the workshop in this creative space! WOOO HOOO!

For a quick trailer for the workshop,

CLICK HERE!!!

To register and view the workshop web site - visit fstopworkshop.com here.

A few shots from the last workshop...(we had a blast with you!! hope you are all doing well!)

Can't wait to meet you!!

Jenna

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I headed out with Julie and Arza tonight to shoot their engagement session...and we got about 15 minutes into the shoot when it started really raining hard. I thought it would be perfect weather...but we did get some amazing storm clouds out of our short time on the mountain...

We have been so busy lately in so many good ways. There are several weddings I am really wanting to share with you - and engagement sessions too! You have all been amazing to work with!

Julie and Arza - I will see you again in just a few weeks to try for better weather!

Best!
Jenna

At every wedding...

There is that moment when couples see each other for the first time. It doesn't matter whether it happens before the ceremony, walking down the aisle - or anytime in between...it is always one of my absolute favorite things about photographing weddings.

Last weekend Katie photographed Anna & Bill's wedding on the campus of Denver University - and I just love this series of images that unveil anticipation to seeing each other the very first time. It is real emotion from a real moment...there is nothing better than that.

Bill waits at the end of the hall waiting for Anna to walk up to him. Anna's dad reads the day's paper. You can just sense the stillness and what was to come.

Anna arrives.

I love the way Bill is looking at Anna in this image.

Congratulations Anna & Bill!!! We wish you a world of happiness!
Jenna (and of course, Katie)

The human experience.

I'm sitting at my desk this afternoon editing images from Katie and Greg's wedding...and I stopped on one image for a long time. I just keep looking at it. In this image, Katie and Greg's junior bridesmaid was giving Greg a congratulatory hug immediately after walking out of the ceremony. It was a very happy moment. But somewhere in between a moment - she saw the camera and we see her...and the real face of love, joy, happiness and change that is all a part of the emotion of a wedding. I love her eyes - and their grip. She is beautiful and full of warmth.

The heart is an amazing thing, isn't it?
jenna

Katie and Greg's Wedding

There is nothing I love more in my job than the opportunity to get to know such amazing people. I know that I say this time and time again - but thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so amazing to work with. Our clients mean a lot to us - and we know that this is a huge time in your lives. Thanks for letting us be a part of it.

Two weekends ago we headed up to the mountains for Katie and Greg's AMAZING wedding at Beaver Creek Resort and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. They had the best weather they could have asked for - and the only thing better would be if these two would move from Chicago to Denver to live closer to all of us. They are both contagious with laughter and happiness - and they are very inspiring people who love their families very much. Of course, I was infatuated with their families too - they have the most amazing core of people around them.

I love how expressive Katie is...even getting ready!

Greg is a graduate of Colorado State University and was there the same time my husband Matt went to school there. We are fairly certain they know each other from past lives at CSU. I love this image Matt shot of Greg and his entourage. Matt has such a strong photojournalistic eye - I love that about his photography.

Katie and her dad prior to the ceremony.

After Katie saw her dad for the first time - I loved this moment. You can just tell she is quietly in a different space - reflecting on the day. I love the tears in her eyes and the story we don't quite know.

After the ceremony we headed down to the village in Vail - one of my favorite places during ski season - and now summer too!

And then up on the slopes of Beaver Creek Resort...I love the skies we were fortunate to have as a background.

Congrats Katie and Greg! Come out to Colorado and play with us on the ski hills soon!!
Jenna (and Matt!)

Patti and Dan's Wedding - June 3, 2007

While Matt and I were off shooting Chris and Susan's wedding in Mexico - Katie held down the fort and headed to Allenspark, Col. to photograph Patti and Dan's mountain wedding. It was no surprise that the ceremony site at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park would be stunning - but that was just the beginning. Patti and Dan knew that Katie would LOVE photographing their wedding - but kept the biggest surprise of their wedding a secret until just hours before the ceremony. What's that? KILTS!! Yep, they brought out the best in Scottish fashion with Dan and his groomsmen sporting traditional Scottish attire. And he looks GREAT in a skirt! Patti and Dan are so expressive and very sweet together - they are the quiet, kind, giving people - and made a donation to a local health organization in honor of each guest in attendance.

Men in skirts. LOVE IT!

Patti with her mom before putting her dress on.

The ceremony. Talk about a view.

The grand exit = happy!

Great friends - and a heck of a best man, Dan's dad.

Patti and her maid of honor after a toast.

Congratulations Patti and Dan!!!
jenna (and of course, Katie!)

Chris and Susan's Wedding - MEXICO!

First off, let me begin this post with gratitude. Matt and I are so completely overwhelmed with thankfulness to all of the amazing people we have been meeting and working with lately. We feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know our couples closely - and document and celebrate your life with you. Every day we are so grateful that we stumbled into this business - not knowing what our lives would hold - and learning more and more every single day what a perfect path it is for both Matt and I - and now my sister Katie as well. From the bottom of our hearts - thank you so much.

Photographing Susan and Chris' wedding off the coast of Cancun on Isla Mujeres was such an opportunity for Matt and I. There is no greater compliment than to photograph the wedding of another wedding photographer - whom I deeply respect and admire. I met Susan about a year and a half ago at a meeting for local photographers. I was completely infatuated the second I met her with her zest for adventure, contagious spirit and general love of life. Both her and Chris are so interested in the lives of others - and they are truly amazing friends to have.

I cannot begin to say enough great things about this wedding! They had an entire troop of people performing - from a stunning ceremony site and wedding coordination by Papillon Weddings to fire dancers, a drum troop, and a traditional 9 piece Mariachi band - we were in awe. Two of their friends wrote and performed music for them as well. They put their heart and soul into planning this wedding - it was beautiful, fun and a real memory for their 80 guests that came from across the US.

Here are a few favorites that Matt and I like:

The rehearsal on Friday evening.

Susan seeing her incredible dad Randy for the first time. What a guy!

I love this shot that Matt grabbed of the boys while I was photographing the girls. This is a completely photojournalistic moment of them simply waiting for us girls to finish up.

Isn't this little onlooker the cutest little guy?

Down by the docks.

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