Jessica Winn Photography

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest! I’ve done the hard part of narrowing down all the entries to two final couples, and now it’s up to you all to vote for your favorite!

How to vote: Simply comment on this post with the names of the couple you want to place your vote for! Only one vote per person. Voting will close at midnight (central time) on September 10, 2010. Any votes placed after that time will not count.

Without further adieu, our couples!

Couple #1: Rachelle and Brandon

The relationship: Rachelle and Brandon met five years ago during their senior year of high school. A few years later, they had a daughter together, named Jaiden, who will be the flower girl at their upcoming wedding.

The proposal: “Brandon works the night shift at work, and I go to school during the day. We don’t get to see as much of each other as we might like, so I try to stay up late sometimes just so I can see him. One night he had called and asked if I could stay up with him and help him with his taxes, so Jaiden and I cat napped on the couch waiting for him to get home. When he walked through the door, Jaiden ran up to him to give him hugs, and when he put her down and she came running around the corner. She had a little black box in her hand and said, “It’s for you, Mama. Daddy got it!” I looked down to see Brandon on one knee, and he proceeded to tell me how he couldn’t imagine his life without me, and it was time to make our family official. It might not have been in the middle of a huge crowd or at the place we met, but it was perfect for us, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

The wedding: They are having an Alice in Wonderland/Queen of Hearts themed wedding at a local hotel. Their colors are red and black, and the wedding party will be dressed in top hats (the guys) and Lolita hats (the girls). Their reception will include a candy bar and a mashed potato martini bar, and their first dance will be “The Hollow” by A Perfect Circle.

Couple #2: Ashley and Eric

The relationship: “We had an English class together in the 7th grade and sat right across from each other but never would speak. So high school came around, and our mutual friend gave Eric my number. Eric texted me, and I had no idea who he was or what he wanted, since we never really spoke. He told me that I looked really good that day and how pretty I was. He invited me to his nephew’s birthday party at the skating rink, so I went. When the couple skate came on he asked me to skate with him (it was so cute). He then held my hand and we skated the whole time. Then the next day he asked me to be his GIRLFRIEND. I was ecstatic! Of course, I said yes. Then the beginning of my senior year, I found out I was pregnant. We had no intentions of being parents at the age we were. We were scared. But together we pulled through it and now have the cutest little boy ever. We both parent him together and are deeply in love with each other.”

The proposal: Eric proposed to Ashley last fall. He was holding their son and got down on one knee. Ashley immediately said yes.

The wedding: Their theme is roses, and their colors are red (her favorite) and yellow (his favorite). They are having a church ceremony with the reception following in La Vergne. Ashley’s family all live out of state, so she’s very excited that they will all be attending and be able to meet Eric and his family.

Now vote!

I’m holding a contest for all you late 2010/early 2011 brides!

{THE FINE PRINT}

Most of my packages come with print credits. The credit is good for any product you can get through your online gallery, or it can be applied to an album. A lot of people use them to buy basic prints to frame. However, I thought it might be a good idea to showcase some of the specialty items you can get.

I figured I would start off with a bang and show a canvas. Yes, canvases are pricey. But they are glorious. I have one hanging in my upstairs hallway (which is otherwise pretty much void of anything) of a photo I took back in February of my boyfriend and myself.

This is a 16×24 inch canvas, which isn’t huge; it’s probably about the minimum size I would recommend. You can see how it compares in size with the door in this photo I took from down on the first floor. (Ideally, I’d like to put a light on the wall right above the canvas, shining down on it. I haven’t gotten that far yet. And don’t mock my terrible paint job!)

The image is printed on canvas material and then wrapped around a wooden frame, so the very edges of it can’t be seen from a direct front view. Keep this in mind when choosing which photos to order for a canvas.

And, of course, the wonderful thing about canvas is the great texture!

PS: If you’re a past client who has ordered any products, I’d love to see how you are displaying them! Please send photos!

If you’re a past client, you’ll want to take note of this. I’m announcing the start of a referral program. For every new client that you refer to me, you’ll get $25 off your next session (or package) and a free 8×10 print*. The person you refer will also get a free 8×10 print. There’s no limit on the number of people you can refer, so it’s possible to earn a free session! Just make sure each referral mentions your name so that you can receive the credit!

*Credit will be rewarded after the referral’s session has been completed.

I know we’ve all been touched by the fantastic outpouring of volunteer spirit after the floods hit Nashville over a week ago. If you’re wondering how you can help, here’s a great opportunity to donate some money towards flood relief and get awesome photos at the same time. We’ve gathered a great group of local photographers to do 20 minute sessions on the weekend of May 22 and 23. For $50, you’ll get an online gallery with five photos from the session, and all of the money will go towards Hands on Nashville and the Red Cross! If you’re interested in giving your money to a great cause, just email photosfortheflood@gmail.com to set up your session.

On Saturday, May 22, we will be there from 9am to 5pm and on Sunday, May 23, from 10am to 6pm. Also, Pied Piper will also be donating 25% of their profits!

Props to Sarah B. Gilliam for setting all of this up!