Unrelated to the business, but oh so close to my heart!

The things I've learned in the past year...

Though not specific to my photography, clients or even people I know these are things that this year has taught me. So many things have been appropriately unfolded in my life, some have not, but I feel like a lot of this list {longer list than the one I posted on my Facebook account} are things we all learn eventually in life. Take it or leave it, it is simply my interpretation, advice or education on life itself.

1. We're our own worst enemies. I mean that because no one else looks at you with such a fine comb and a magnifying mirror like you do. I doubt our boyfriends or husbands {or partners} have been as close to our faces to examine us as when we press our faces up to the mirror in the morning and judge ourselves.

2. People are going to do whatever they want....don't make it your problem when they fight on the opposing side, hurt your feelings and try to slander you. They didn't and don't care enough about you to protect your feelings so stop protecting theirs!

3. Give respect, get respect and the same goes for love. This one is self-explanatory.

4. Don't underestimate yourself or others... When you don't give yourself or others enough credit, someone is always falling short...that's not fair to anyone.

5. Look after you. Make sure you're okay in a situation before you look after others...u can't do that properly half helped.

6. Just live. Be yourself, love, and enjoy life! Those who hurt you want you to suffer, don't give in :)

*******The original Facebook list ends after #6 but I'm continuing it in my blog today...********

7. {Don't settle} I've learned that settling isn't fair to anyone. It makes people think you're entirely okay with a situation, and it forces you to accept the situation as is. No one wants that! If people love you, and I promise you there ARE people who do {whoever you are reading this}, then they are not going to shut you out is you're honest. They may even say, I'm glad you finally told me! People can tell when you're not comfortable with a situation, so stop acting like you are! 

8. {DREAM BIG} I would have gotten nothing in life without going for it. I used to be that girl who was TOO realistic. I constantly told myself "In a million years" to just about everything...but the problem with this is that life isn't ordinary, predictable, or planned. Life will surprise you if you let it! I proposed to my husband (hello, 21st century). I applied to different schools that I was almost certain I'd never attend, and went to a highly-esteemed University in Ontario for three years where I learned my calling in life. I took a risk and started my own company at the age of 17 (and it's expanding!). I now have plans for kids with my husband when I thought we'd be waiting YEARS before we tried....after our puppy adventure of course. There's no such thing as dreaming too big. So do it. Dream.

9. {APPRECIATE JOBS} Your current job may not be your dream career. You may have to: clean up puke, wipe a few bums, pick some rocks,have toys thrown at you, get bitten, be a cashier, you name it (those are a few tings I've done to get by)....before you get the dream. But don't ever be afraid to admit you're proud of having a job that may not be ideal. People harder done by than you would kill to have the job you complain about. Yes, when someone says something cruel to you if you work customer service, when you have to clean up barf, or even yes--clean bums for a living at least you're working! Don't ever be ashamed of making an honest living. Just the fact that you have a job, makes you extremely fortunate compared to some.

10. {Don't be afraid to STAND UP for your beliefs} No, I don't mean that you believe you're entitled to a bank's money so hold one at gunpoint, or please no religious sacrifices etc... What I mean to say is, if something you truly believe in is being mocked, don't be afraid to say "I believe in that, and I don't appreciate that". I've had to stick up for myself a few times in 2013 where I was ill to my stomach and shakingly afraid to do so, but I'm glad I did! I'm going to put my own beliefs as an example for a second but hear me out anyways... Jesus didn't kill people, shove brochures in people's faces, or give unwarranted opinion, he spoke his mind respectfully. Saying "I do not agree", "I will not be part of this", or "I think this is wrong" is not being unkind, it is being mindful of yourself.

11. {Parents aren't always right, but they're to be respected} Calling your mom or dad a name, ignoring them or lashing out isn't being respectful. You may not agree with them, but they damn-well deserve more courtesy than that. It wasn't you who had hours of labor to push a self-righteous boy or girl out of you, was it? It wasn't you who paid for medical expenses, clothes, food, shelter, education....you name it so that you could be successful in life! It wasn't you who gave up weekends to parent, or worked 11 hour days to make you comfortable. No, parents aren't ALWAYS right, but they ALWAYS deserve your respect. They're human, they will and don't mean to make mistakes... I'm sure you've experienced a cringe moment in your life too. But, if they didn't beat your ass blue, starve you, demean every fiber of your being, neglect you or kill you then you best believe they cared! 

12. {Friends are not disposable} If you know me, which if you're reading this I'm sure you do, you know that I'm not one to give up on people easily. Unless your friend is being detrimental to your health, or completely non-existent in your life,  they're human...give them a break! For the friends I have let go, they were repeat offenders of a detrimental thing in my life or I forgot about their existence after such a long break of not hearing from them. But I have had spats with many of my friends and we're still good! Friends should be able to have disagreements with you because you're different and no two people think exactly alike. Let them have your moment as I'm sure someone else has given you that courtesy before and ask them to catch up when they're calm. 

These are the hard lessons I've learned the past year (2013). I hope that by sharing, you don't have to learn them the hard way too. Take care, loves! xoxoxo

-Jess

Karli & Joel Say "I Do"

Where do I begin? Though I've only known Karli through short conversations throughout the year leading up to her wedding, I felt like I was watching a friend walk down the aisle on September 21st, 2013. Karli is such a kind soul and Joel could not have been better suited to her. I met Karli and Joel at a Starbucks in hopes to book their wedding with Bice Photography. Karli was ecstatic explaining her wedding plans and Joel seemed just as content to share his happiness for the day.

The months leading up to the wedding, small but endearing posts of countdowns and sentiments to the wedding appeared on my home page from an ever exuberant Karli. This reminded me of my anticipation and excitement leading up to my wedding--so as an equally excited woman-- I 'liked' EVERYTHING.

But, on the wedding day, there was a calm about Karli and Joel. Though they were excited, they weren't as nervous as I expected--instead they were ready.

I can honestly tell you, I teared up as Karli walked toward Joel that day. Joel gave Karli a look that I hope all in attendance got to witness, he is so genuinely in love.

No one can blame the man, I mean....his wife is gorgeous!

Their wedding was intimate, suited to them, and full of love!

The BEST PART of photographing their wedding was witnessing such an honest love become a forever devotion.

The NEXT BEST PART of photographing their wedding was that they were so pleased with their photos and I feel like a million bucks with the amazing feedback!

Congratulations Mrs.& Mr. Walters!!!!! Bice Photography wishes you all the best in your marriage! We were so blessed to have been part of your day.

Our Ever After

Many of you who know me, know I love to write and take photos. This time, I was the subject (or rather a very large piece of my life was), and I was not the photographer.... this was a HUGE leap for me. As much as I love taking pictures, I always feel uncomfortable putting my trust in another photographer. However, our photographer was amazing!

I met my husband at a small gathering for New Years. He was very persistent and at first I thought he came on too strong. I distinctly remember leaving the house thinking "I'm sure to never see him again". After a friend from my childhood had coaxed me, I decided to text him and give him a second chance at a first impression... this was the best decision I have ever made. Soon after our first few encounters, I realized there was something special about this guy... he made me laugh, he was always a good listener, and most of all he made me feel comfortable in my own skin. This was the biggest hurdle for me in the dating World-- finding someone that didn't make me feel lesser, but greater, than I felt already.

There was something I couldn't shake about Charles... he made me feel like I'd known him for years and that if I stuck around long enough, he would be the man I marry. This TERRIFIED me. As much as I loved spending time with Charles, I was majorly into my own success and timeline and felt he might be a distraction. In my last effort to see if I wanted to actually DATE him, not just go on dates, I asked a friend about it. The friend told me something I didn't expect--in fact it was polar opposite to what I thought he'd say. He told me I already knew what I wanted if my heart told me Charles wasn't just any potential boyfriend but someone I could spend the rest of my life with. He told me to go for it. The terrified me EVEN MORE.

Anyone who grew up with me can vouch for my individualism and beating to my own drum (or whatever  other cliche adheres to that general sense of 'out of the box') but with Charles, I constantly worried about where he was at and left the figurative drum at the doorstep. This feeling I had about him, this crazy inherent knowledge of his permanence in my life, was one of the most rewarding things I ever pursued.

On September 15th, after knowing about a ring deposit he had done, I decided I couldn't wait any longer... I went to his workplace with a specific purpose in mind--to propose to the man I love. I bought a Zippo lighter and engraved our names with "Be My Forever" and proposed publicly outside of his workplace...which is so not like me, but the risk was well-worth it!

Almost 10 months later, on July 6th 2013, we said our "I Do"s. Surrounded by friends and family, I walked down a straw-covered aisle (barefoot I might add) to marry the man that makes me feel greater than I have ever felt. With a rustic-vintage theme, a LOT of royal blue and burlap, we shared one of the most personal moments of our lives with over 120 people.

Five things I will never forget:

1. The way Charles looked at me that day. He looked so at peace but happy all at the same time. I've never seen him smile so wide. This makes me feel like a million bucks.

2. Having our niece Mackenzie as our flower girl. There is something inherent about a niece from the moment you lay eyes on her, to the moment she starts to walk and so on, that causes you to devote your life to making sure she knows she is loved. Be that, her smile or the fact that she is related to you, or perhaps it's just the love that you can't describe to anyone, this kid holds a piece of you. I even dared to steal her away from her daddy that day for a few moments all to ourselves. At the risk of her pulling my veil out entirely, I picked her up and made a mad dash for the great Aunt's house for snacks and auntie/niece time. Not that I had to steal her away, but I did enjoy having her all to myself for a short while that day--knowing that everything would get busy quickly.

3. My mother seeing me for the first time in my dress and everything. I wish someone had of snap-shot it, but it was very memorable! She was overwhelmed, and sobbed so honestly--I've never seen such a beautiful, crying face as I did that day on my mother. You could tell that she was both happy and sad, like she was so happy to see me getting married to the man I love, but she also couldn't believe I was already there. I hope she knows that I felt it too.... I've never felt that honest bittersweet moment any other time than at that moment...knowing I was not just her little girl anymore, but soon to be a wife.

4. My dad has always been so hard to read, because he is both amazingly gentle but the disciplinary parent.... never too rough, now don't get me wrong... but he was always good at telling you if you were acting stupid lol. That day, I could tell he was so happy for me....there are few times when I've known for sure what he was thinking. On the day Mackenzie was born, he was glowingly ecstatic. On Joe and Maggie's wedding day, he was so content. The day after he came back from his Daytona trip... he looked so exhausted, but the tiredness couldn't even begin to mask the happiness in his face. But on the day of my wedding, I didn't have to ask him--I just knew.... he approved. "Are your feet going to hurt, baby?" "I don't think I'll even notice the straw dad".

5. The amazing sense of community that day and even before/after. Without some VERY AMAZING people in our lives, our wedding wouldn't have happened.... to name a few, meet our:

Wedding planner: Lisa Feltz
Decorators: Wendy Moir & Mary Schlichter (with helo from the lovely ladies Maggie Bice & Angie Park)
Cake maker: Peggy Zavitz
Food Prep/Cooks: Joe Bice, Donnie Park, Bonnie Pelletier & Barb Finkbeiner
Bar Tenders: Jaci Payne, Shawn Jenkinson, George Robbins, Bill Feltz
Hay Bale Provider: Brian Woodburn
Hay Bale movers: Steve Feltz, Gerald Bice, Lisa Feltz, Joe Bice.
And soso many others!

Truth is, our wedding wasn't perfect, but it doesn't matter, it was the BEST day of my life because it was damn-near close!

* All photos by: Heather Jennings at Captured Innocence Photography*

Baby Lilyanne

Sometimes, even you surprise yourself as a photographer. For the very first absolutely new born shoot (not just infant--but new born), I think I had the perfect models. Lilyanne was born on February 12, 2013 at 7lbs 9oz. She is absolutely GORGEOUS.

Her parents Brett and Jennifer are young and in love, and it is such an amazing site to see. Their love, coupled with an amazing new addition to their lives, is quite the story. When you know, you just know and these two--are perfect for each other!

They were a pleasure to photograph....seriously, what family can you honestly ask to pose whatever which way and they do it without hesitation? These two and their baby girl did... and I might have pushed the envelope a few times (maybe a few more than a few), but they rolled with it!

I've known Jennifer for almost 8 years now, and as a very unique soul,I can say she is one of a kind! Always marching to the beat of her own drum, she's been an inspiration to many of her friends. She honestly jumped into the role of mom head-first, never looking back... and she's an amazing mother at that.

To my dear friend, her guy and their doll, I wish you all the happiness in the World. Parenthood is what can be described as the best thing that ever happens to someone, and I'm so excited and happy for you both to experience it.

With Love,

Jessie

Here are a few of the shots: 

~Valentine, be mine~ A REAL story of Valentine's Day

Every year it's the same thing...big plush hearts, bright pinks and vibrant reds, cupids and chocolate plastered from wall-to-wall. Yes, Valentine's day is something all people can instantaneously explain. The consumerism, expectations and disappointments are all things that people fear when February 14th is on the horizon. Usually, I'd be right there with everyone else boycotting this charade of a Holiday, but yesterday I was reminded what the Holiday really means.

Unlike the average 21 year old, I've only ever had a Valentine twice; this being the exact same person both years. This was not because I didn't date, but rather, I didn't date around February. Normally break-ups or relationship starts would interfere with the "splendor" that is Valentine's Day. Because of this, I had the assumption made that Valentine's was a cursed Holiday....one that should never be celebrated--EVER. It was this idea that stuck with me when last year Charles, my now Fiance, had to work and when we were to celebrate, he came home too tired to do so.

This year, I had the notion gummed-into my noggin. Valentine's was gonna suck. I had bought Charles a PC game and an extravagant card with my heart spilled in ink sur le papier. We ran into financial troubles closer to the "big day" and Charles couldn't do anything special...I knew it. I was adamant about being a miserable old-bat about it too. He felt so badly about not being able to give me the extravagant gift he wished he could, but I didn't help him any...I was a sore sport. It was not about the material gifts that I was so hung-up on it, but the fact that I had never experienced Valentine's Day like all of the other post-happy girlfriends on this holiday-from-hell. The more I looked at the posts, the more I loathed Valentine's and our financial situation.

I had complained to my mother about being the loser of Valentine's Day, and having actually put effort in this year to participate, despite my perception of the day. She told me of a story her and my father and how my father had been so busy one week he nearly forgot about the day altogether. He came home from work with a variety store bag and a Valentine's card in it, unsigned. She never let him live it down after the almost 20 years after it happened. BUT, she knew that he provided for her, and that at least he made an effort, though a failed one at that. She told me not to worry, that when you know he treats you right and he's the love of your life, you just have to give him a break from striving for perfect.

This is when I had given-in to forgetting about Valentine's Day and spoke about wedding plans with my mother and my cousin. I had all but forgotten about the day, until I got a call. It was Charles asking if I was alright (knowing I had a bad day) and if he was able to stay and do something special for me after work, or if I needed him home immediately. I was floored...what do you say? "YES,YES,YES I want something"? Or "No, it's alright dear...just come home"? I felt a lump in my throat when I uttered "Well, what would you like to do?" He told me that he would like to do something special for me, but if I needed him at home, he would rush home right away. I told him to do what he thinks he wants. I waited patiently for him to come home;agonized at the selfishness I had displayed.

I continued chatting with my cousin and mother about wedding details, when suddenly I heard the key in the door. I froze. Embarrassed of my behavior but also curious as to what would unfold, I didn't want to seem like I waited on him, and went back to chatting online. He popped in and didn't speak a word. I thought he was mad at me for being so thoughtless--we didn't have money for frivolousness. He walked slowly up to the chair in which I sat, bent over and kissed me on the cheek, gave me a warm hug and slipped a red envelope into my lap. I rush-opened it to see what was in store.... "did he even sign it?" I thought. This. This is the moment that reminded me of the true purpose of a love-themed day.

"Simply put, you are my World. I have never been as happy as I am with you. I know that we have very rough moments & that most of them are my fault :P but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Never in my life have I loved someone the way I love you. Nor have I ever felt so loved &lucky as you make me feel. I'm so fortunate to have found you & to still have you. I can't wait to be your husband! I'm so excited to start my life with you & try really, super hard to be the best man I can be for you. Love, Charles".

 Bawling, I closed the card. It hit home for so many reasons. I am the luckiest girl, simply put. I don't have a sugar daddy, or a professional something. I don't have a house or a car. We have more bills than money. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Next Valentine's Day, please don't place high importance on the what and the when...but who you spend it with.

( Charles with our niece, Mackenzie)

DAD~Happy Birthday~~

My dad is one of those people who will always be there for you--no matter what. There are times albeit I'm downright nasty to that man because I'm angry and he didn't take my side. But not a day goes by that I don't think I'm lucky to have him.

Since I was young, my dad has been one that's been around. I never heard of dads going elsewhere or working too much when I was young because I was spoiled. My dad works a tremendous amount BUT, he ALWAYS had time for us.

My dad is the jokiest type. If you haven't a bad joke impressed upon your email accounts, then you'll hear it from him for sure! That's not to say all of his jokes are "bad", moreover, ALL of them are not for little ears! LOL He is the light of the party, or he's at least the most outgoing. He is friendly to everyone and will put himself aside to be there for anyone.

There's something that I admire to no end about my dad--he speaks his mind. You may not like what he's going to say, but he'll always, ALWAYS be honest about his intent and mindset on any matter. This is most admirable because SO many people can't tell the truth or they walk on eggshells around people. My dad doesn't do that. Though he does this, he definitely will never purposely hurt someone. He has a very gentle heart!

He was the one who taught me that every single person--as unique as they may come--is to be given respect. Afterall, we are all human! He is the type that will take a homeless man into a restaurant and pay for his meal; even sit down with him and converse about what he can. He taught me that though people have their ups and downs, everyone is made in God's image. He has never been pushy about his faith, but he is a man that has much of it. He has always put my mother and us first, but has never left God's path. From working with children, to being the chair of the leadership board at our church (not to mention laying bricks both figuratively and literally for the foundation of this place) he has never left a task unfinished. He has been an active member in his church and community for over 21 years--that is my entire lifetime.

For 21 years, he has put up with my ever-changing attitudes and I can honestly say, that is LOVE. He is the father of four children biologically, but do not mistake, he has been a positive mentor for more kids than just us. He has been an active member in our church and community since I can remember, and though often without thanks, wouldn't change it in the slightest. He loves to help out when he can. In fact, I do recall one night when he drove my ass home after a teeny disagreement with my mom (though it was late and he was so tired) because I felt it was best. Now, most dads would probably say no, but mine did that for ME. He, on countless occasions, has driven great lengths for me. Not just car rides either.

So tomorrow, as he gets up for work and does the tasks that he does every day for his family, I want him to know how much he means to us...to me. It's his birthday tomorrow, and though it's only another day in the calendar year, it's a day that gave this world, my mom, my brothers and myself the VERY BEST leader/neighbor/friend/husband/father/and man we could ask for. I love you, Dad! Have a wonderful birthday! You're 47!

Siblings!

 Okay, probably one of my all time favourite shoots! These siblings are all so unique, and SO.MUCH.FUN. Patrick is probably the jokester of the bunch, and it was hard to keep composed during some of his many funny moments on this day.

 As said before, and I'll probably continually say this about this shoot... these kids are STUNNERS! Each one as individual as the leaves on the ground that day, and yet so perfect in his or her own way.

 Age progression shots are ones I LOVE to do... The two in the middle are twins too by the way (Reid and Hali).

The sun was out, the smiles were big and the energy was crazy high... this shoot made me really appreciate how candid siblings are, and how wonderfully fantastic it is to have a shoot just for the kids!  Each photo was as good as the very first, and I am so happy I had the privilege of workings with these young folks!