NEW WEBSITE + BLOG

Lots has changed around here, but for the much, much better!  Let me introduce to you my NEW WEBISTE!!

...And my NEW BLOG!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

WATERCOLOUR FIESTA : WEDDING INSPIRATION

A few weeks ago I had the absolute honour of photographing this bright and fun styled shoot.  It has been a long time goal of mine to connect with local wedding vendors and to gain more wedding experience.  This shoot has been a loooooong time in the making and the actual day went by way too fast!  This is the result of a day of hard work, being creative and non-stop laughter.  And the best news...Emily from Bespoke Bride shared this shoot earlier this morning!

Many thanks to the amazing team who helped this idea of mine come to life...

Venue: Titas Mexican Restaurant
Coordination: ​Sublime Celebrations
Florist: AllInOne Party Rental Shop

Stationer: Tuktu Paper Co.

Cake: Coastal Cake Company
Rentals: Trend Decor
Wedding Dress: The Bride's Closet

Hair + Makeup: Scorpios Salon and Shelby Lynn Makeup Artistry

Photography: Julie Jagt Photography

I had first come up with this colourful idea for a styled shoot back in January so it has been a looooooong time in the making, but it was SO worth the wait.  This was my first styled shoot which is why I was super excited when Chanel from Sublime Celebrations came on board with her designer touches and eye for fabulousness!  I honestly don't think I could have pulled this off without her help.  If any of you are planning a wedding check her out.  Seriously.

Fun fact: some of you who have been reading my blog for a while now would know that I was obsessed with Target and completely heart-broken when they closed their doors Canada wide.  I bought this pinata when they were clearing out their stores and have been dying to use it ever since.  It's how I came up with the idea for this shoot ;)

A HUGE shout out to my girl Fern from the Brides Closet who lent us this gorgeous gown by Mon Cheri from their Enchanting Collection.  Those sequins and that lace - they really know their way into a girls heart.

Our models Evangeline and Brock met each other about ten minutes before I started shooting...can you say naturals?!  Brock is one of my oldest friends from high school and came out all the way from Vancouver to be here.  You two are the absolute best!

We have Scorpios Salon and Shelby Lynn Makeup Artistry to thank for adding the polished prettiness to our beautiful bride with their outstanding hair and make-up team.

 Christina from All In One Party Shop was the mastermind behind all the gorgeous floral arrangements for the day.  Aren't they just stunning?!

A fun-filled fiesta such as this wouldn't be complete without the most perfect location.  Titas Mexican Restaurant in Courtenay graciously gave us free reign of the place all morning!  Two words: bomb diggity. 

A few of my favourites...I could have shot these two in all this beautifulness all day if they'd let me.  Can I get an amen!

When Chanel had told me she had got Danielle from Trend Decor all the way from Victoria to join in on this fun day, I was absolutely smitten!  Her rentals definitely added that finishing touch we were looking for!

This cake tho!  When I had first emailed Makieke and Adam from Coastal Cake Company, I had sent it off with a prayer.  You could only imagine my excitement when they said yes!  One of my main goals for this shoot was to let everyone let their creativity fly.  I sent them the inspiration board and this was the beauty they came up with.  From the flower and succulents made of sugar to the ombre bottom layer with GOLD CHOCOLATE drizzle! this cake was nothing short of perfection.

Chanel worked so hard putting this table together to get it just right.  She searched forever to find the most perfect table which ended up coming from Shelby the make-up artist!  She stayed up the night before making it look perfect.  I'd say she did a fantastic job, wouldn't you?

Still can't get enough of this cake!

For those who know me well, you would know I am a sucker for paper goods and good design.  I was so thrilled when Laura from Tuktu Paper Co. agreed to make some paper goodies for the day, I literally jumped out of my seat and did a happy dance.  She did such a fantastic job!  The invitation suite, menus, name cards, thank you tags, bride and groom (novia +novio) chair signs and painted party time (hora de fiesta) sign were all designed by Laura!  SQUEEEEL!

I seriously can't thank everyone who was involved enough!  This was a dream of mine, and I'm still pinching myself because I still can't believe it came true!  Even though I'll be moving off the island in less than a month, I genuinely hope we all get the chance to work together again!  Much Love...jj xo

LIFETHREADS ALBUMS

One thing I've been meaning to tackle off my list this year is creating a sample album.  Earlier this month at CPC, I was talking with a fellow photographer friend from Saskatoon - hollla Maki! - about albums and she pointed me in the direction of LifeThreads Albums.  I immediately went to their website and ordered a sample, and I must tell you, I'm in love.  From the feel of the smooth, heavy pages to the sharp colour rich photos, these albums are the perfect start to your first family heirloom - your wedding album.  So here is a sampling of what I am now proud to offer clients - a gorgeous, tangible way to show off your wedding and engagement photos.

Would you just look at those deliciously thick pages -swoon-

Happy Friday!

HARD WORK AND A LOT OF HEART

I kissed him goodbye and quickly gulped down my last bit of coffee.  I was on my way to the first wedding of 2016 which I was second shooting with Adina.  Love you I yelled as shut the door and made my way to the car.  It's crazy how so much can change in a year.

This time last year I hadn't even shot a wedding.  Heck, I hadn't even photographed a paid session.  Now?  I have almost 20 weddings under my belt with even more coming my way throughout 2016.  Next week I'll be making my way back to Vancouver for my second time at Canada Photo Convention.  The first time I attended CPC was just short of a year ago and I remember crying in the bathroom during lunch - embarrassing but true - because I felt like I was way over my head thinking that I could pass off as a professional.  But the funny thing is, by the time I left, I finally realized I had found a place where I belonged.  Where I felt safe.

And the best part of all of this?  I've finally found someone to share all these new, exciting moments of my life with besides my cat.  I can't help but feel grateful for all that's happened throughout this past year and to those who have helped me along the way.  

I hope I can look back at this post 10 years from now and just remember how far I have come.  At what can be achieved with hard work and a lot of heart.

REVIEW : 2015

Holy butts...2015, what a year!  It's so crazy to look back and think how much has happened and changed this past year and it only gets me that much more pumped for 2016!  If it's anything like last year, I know only exciting things are coming my way.  As a way to pay tribute to such a great year, I thought why not share all my favourite images I've shot throughout the year.  I owe so much to my clients for allowing me to do what I love, and for that alone, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you. <3

I couldn't help but add in a photo of Adina #loveyou

Two sneak peeks...I haven't blogged these weddings yet, but it's oh so hard not to share!

 So here's to 2016...let's kick it!