Gillian and Joe reaffirmed my new love for smaller, uniquely intimate weddings. My first experience was at Mary and Tyler’s Dolly Sods wedding earlier in 2014. They were married on top of a mountain with only their closest family and friends, and dinner followed. I loved the experience, especially the no-fuss, laid-back intimacy of it all, and got to relive almost the same experience with Gillian and Joe in September.
It was a Monday afternoon. We practically had Coopers Rock to ourselves. Gillian and Joe and 13 of their closest family and friends. We didn’t need to worry about starting exactly on time or whether or not we took enough pictures before the ceremony or whether we were following tradition. We could pretty much do as we pleased because there was no fuss. (Talk about way less pressure for a wedding photographer!)
After snapping family pictures and some bride-groom portraits near the overlook, Gillian and Joe chose their spot on the rock and were married. The sunshine shown brightly, the home video camera was rolling and the tears and emotions were none less than had we been inside a church surrounded by hundreds of people. I really, really, really enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere of the afternoon and left feeling inspired and excited about the future of weddings. A small, uniquely intimate wedding? I’m a huge fan!
I loved this backdrop for portraits! It was mid-afternoon, so the sunshine was bright. But the trees acted as wonderful diffusers and gave us beautiful soft light.
We were waiting for one grandma to arrive, but weren’t worried about not starting on time…so we did bride-groom portraits before the ceremony! Again, the trees diffused the bright sunshine and gave us some beautiful soft light!
Love this one! Their smiles…the colors. 🙂
One of my go-to spots at Coopers Rock!
Yes, I got them to laugh. Not sure what I said…maybe I had him nibble her ear. Whatever it was, it worked!
A couple bridal portraits of Miss Gillian…
Choosing their spot on the rock!
What a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony!
The whole gang!
I was a little afraid of this harsh sunlight, but am so happy with how the pictures on the overlook turned out! We were still able to get a little bit of a “glow” at 3 in the afternoon!
Signing the marriage certificate!
One last picture for the afternoon…Joe and his ladies! 🙂
Gillian and Joe…first, thank you for having me. I felt very welcomed and really enjoyed hanging out with your group. But maybe more than that, thank you for having this kind of wedding. For going against what’s typical and traditional and having something special, intimate and so unique with those that are closest to you. Weddings aren’t just about the fuss and the frills. They’re about bringing people together to celebrate and witness love…no matter how you make it happen. 🙂
Scenes and thoughts from deep creek
Well hey now! I thought for sure it had been more than seven months since I blogged last! Wish I could do it more…and plan to as soon as the new JFP website comes out.
I’m not sure I’m starting anything consistent here, just sharing some random thoughts and scenes from Deep Creek on this random Wednesday…
- Dani
Jessica is amazing and she made us feel so comfortable! Having her capture our wedding was like having my best friend with me for every moment! Jessica's photos are fun, whimsical, and sophisticated!
We are not a stoic couple and did not want posed (or trying-too-hard) photos! Jessica was able to capture our personalities and the elegance of the day! I can't stop looking at our photos!
- Jessica and brandon
The best decision I could have made for my wedding was hiring Jessica Fike as a photographer! I was in a wedding prior that she was a photographer for and seeing how organized and easy and strategic she was to work with is what convinced me! She makes you feel so comfortable and helps teach you how to pose and smile and look so natural! She keeps you on schedule throughout your day and captures so much emotion in her photos. She is worth every penny plus more!
© 2023 Jessica fike photography | site design by rooting for you studio
I just want to say, that these pictures and captures of such a beautiful unconditional love and friendship, regains the hope that the strength of a families love still exists. I am the sister-in-law of Catherine, which is Gillian’s sister. I was not there at the presence of such a great love, but was able to share Catherine’s and Michaels wedding bless. This shows you when you have two parents that sacrifice everything to give everything for their children. This is what you get. Their parents are such an amazing family. God bless you all, and I wish only a happy marriage as long as your parents.
The photographer captured such beautiful photos, These are perfect in every dynamic, and should be displayed for the world to see. You have a true gift of capturing such beauty
Wow, thank you, Jennifer! Such kind and powerful words. 🙂
Wow. Jessica, these are incredible! You KILLED IT in that harsh sunlight!! And the light through the trees in the few of the bride and groom on the stone path…gorgeous. Great work!
Thanks so much, Lauren! Coming from another photog, that means a lot. 🙂