Russian River, Elopement, Intimate Wedding, Photographer

Documentary Photography, Elopement, Guerneville, Redwoods, Russian River, sonoma county, Uncategorized, Wedding

Elopement On The Russian River| Joyce and Natalee

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on March 7, 2018February 28, 2018

Elopement in Guerneville, Ca

I knew right away when I met Joyce and Natalee their wedding day was going to be beautiful. They both radiate happiness, love and fun. Their chosen wedding venue Armstrong Woods. Armstrong Woods is an exceptionally beautiful California State Park right here in Guerneville. I had met with Joyce and Natalee when they came up to visit the park a few weeks before the wedding day. We planned out areas they liked and we talked about the best time for lighting of their photos. I was super excited for their big day!

I remember waking up the morning of Joyce and Natalee’s wedding day to the sounds of down-pouring rain. I can’t speak for all photographers but I actually welcome and embrace various weather and situations as it pushes the creative side in me to create something new and exciting. However, when it comes to weddings I do not ever want my couples to feel stress on their day from rain or anything else. Luckily the skies dried up and aside from a minor move around some giant puddles for the ceremony all worked lovely!

Wedding Ceremony in Redwood Forest

The ceremony looked like a fairytale under the majestic giant redwoods.I loved the way they included the children in their ceremony. The light came shining through the trees like clockwork as if shining extra love on to the vows they said to each other. It was absolutely perfect!

Let the Adventure Begin

In case gorgeous sun light, 2 beautiful brides, 2 beautiful children and the redwood forest aren’t enough awesomeness for you…I give you the adventure!

Joyce and Natalee are so awesome! When I mentioned going to the top of a mountain for photos they both agreed and I was stoked! I had a vision of how it would go. However, the settling rain clouds and golden hour light way surpassed my expectations to highlight these gorgeous newlywed wed ladies! They were such good sports, so in love and willing to hike to the edge of a mountain for these beautiful photos. I could seriously post their entire gallery on this blog because I love it that much! I try to stick to the highlights though and leave the entire gallery private. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.

Thank you Natalee and Joyce for having me capture your amazing wedding day! I wish you and your family the very best life full of fun and adventure.

Are you looking to get married here in the Russian River Valley? Guerneville has beaches, Rivers, Redwoods and so much more and I would love to photograph your elopement or intimate wedding. Please feel free to contact me here

Venue: Armstrong Woods

Hair/MUA: Desiree Duncan @ West Sonoma County Style Bar

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Sonoma Coast, Summer

Aubrey is 3!| Sonoma County Coast| Russian River Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017August 23, 2017

It is hard to believe this adorable sweet girl is three years old already!! I remember putting her in a little basket and taking newborn photos of her like it was yesterday. Now she is running, talking and playing like a big girl. I loved the drive down to Goat Rock beach, as soon as Aubrry could see the waves she was saying “ocean ocean ocean” It was adorable!

I had so much fun capturing Aubreys personality and fun at the Sonoma Coast. If you are in the Russian River area or surrounding areas I would love to capture all your precious moments. Please contact me today to schedule your custom session.

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Lavender fields, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Spring, Wine Country

Love in the Lavender Fields| Russian River Valley Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017July 18, 20171 Comment

Nothing says or should I say smells like summer in Sonoma County like the lavender fields. I have a love for lavender and even my first year in business I knew I wanted to utilize the unique opportunity we have locally to photograph people in the fields. I have visited a few different local farms around the county and all are lovely. Maybe I am a little biased now living in West Sonoma County but I have to say my favorite hands down is my recent find of Lynn’s Lavender & Lotsmore. This place is a gem like no other. The adorable gift shop (made entirely out of old doors), the vineyards and other flowers along with of course lots of lavender are heaven! However, what truly stole my heart was the owner Lynn, she is one of the the sweetest and kindest women I have ever met. She was so welcoming and willing to share her knowledge and her beautiful farm with me. I could honestly go on and on about Lynns farm but I think I will save that for it’s own post soon.

I was honored to be contacted by Jessica to do her family photos. I met her a few years back when her little gal Isla was just an infant and we did newborn photos, and then again for her first birthday party (which was totally adorable!!). It was great to finally have mom and dad officially in on a session too. The lavender fields at sunset brought the most gorgeous light. The setting was so peaceful and perfect for a family to play together and create some beautiful memories in. Here are a few of my favorites from their session.

Jessica and Eric have so much love for little Isla it was really beautiful to see and capture the bond they both have with their baby and as a family.

As the sun sank down the light became even more magical. These are the moments you treasure forever with your children.

Isla is one lucky gal and clearly the center of their whole world ♥♥.

Of course we have to have lots of silliness and fun when playing in the lavender fields. I loved this one of her with her hands up, you can’t tell me you all don’t feel that way come the end of your work week right?!

The award for the best big belly laugh goes to this pretty girl…

Family is not an important thing it is everything.

-Michael J. Fox

If you would like your own family photos taken here in the Russian River Valley (or surrounding area) contact me today. I would love to plan the perfect session for you. Also please stop by Lynns Lavender farm and check out all the amazing stuff she has to offer in her gift shop, be sure to tell her I sent you.

Guerneville, Ca, Family Photographer serving the Russian River Valley

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, High School Senior Photography, Russian River, russian river vacation, sonoma county, Summer, Wine Country

Throop Family| Russian River Valley| Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoupdated on September 26, 2017May 16, 2017

Each October Guerneville Elementary School holds an awesome Halloween Carnival and fundraiser put on by the F.O.G.S organization. It is so much fun! Along with the fun of games and activities is a pretty impressive raffle. No joke the local businesses and families donate some fantastic items (do not miss it this year!). I added in a gift certificate for a mini family session and The lovely Throop family were the lucky winners!

I really enjoyed getting to meet Maile and her family. We actually had another location in mind when we set up her session. However a day or two before I messaged them saying I found this awesome place close by that had a great view and lovely light and asked if they would be interested. Thankfully they were and the evening sunset and gorgeous backdrop did not disappoint!

Here we have the sweet and sassy Miss Zoe being totally adorable!

Followed by the stunning Miss Micayla. She is such a natural in front of the camera and from what I could see an awesome big sister!

High School Senior photographer, Russian River Valley — High school Senior/Teen

I don’t like to let the parents think they can get away from the spotlight too easily lol. I also captured some shots of mom and dad being love birds together. Such a beautiful and loving couple. The light was perfection here along the Russian River.

Now images of the whole family together. I love capturing families connecting and relaxed in addition to the posed photos.

Russian River Photographer, Guerneville Family Photography

After all the official photos it was fun to also capture some always popular (with the kids) rock tossing into the river as the last of the sunset slipped behind the trees.

Russian River Valley, Family Photographer, Serving Guerneville, Ca

Thank you so much Throop Family for trusting me with your family memories! If you want your own family photos along the Russian River or among the Redwood Forest please contact me today…I cant wait to capture the magic of your life!

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Mustard Field Sessions, Russian River, Santa Rosa ca, sonoma county

Into the fields of gold|Mommy and Me Session| Guerneville, Ca Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon April 23, 2017April 23, 2017

Each year for a short time fields and vineyards of Sonoma County, Ca fill with dollops of gold as the mustard flowers bloom. The vibrant yellow sets the perfect backdrop for photo sessions like this one with CC and her mama Michelle. CC had a blast running, jumping, twirling and being silly.

I enjoyed waiting for all those special moments where I can capture the true connection and love these two share. Creating tangible memories for these two to both look back on someday warms my heart. I can’t wait for Michelle to send me a photo of how gorgeous these images look on her walls. I think the yellow backdrop and beautiful subjects will brighten and bring joy to their home 🙂

Thank you so much Michelle for trusting me with your family memories and allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.

Want your own mommy and me photo session? Contact me today and I would be happy to get you scheduled. I am based in Guerneville Ca and photograph all over Sonoma County and beyond. I would love to meet you and your family 🙂

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Forestville, Guerneville, Mommy and Me Photos, Russian River, sonoma county

Stephens Mother/Daughter Session| Guerneville Family Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon March 20, 2017March 20, 2017

I have been photographing these girls for a couple years now and they never disappoint. I have watched them grow from little babies to toddlers and now young girls. They are always full of spunk and fun!! I always get excited when Christine (mom) contacts me for a session. This time I was really excited that Christine said she wanted a session with her girls! Christine is an amazing mother to 6 children. 4 boys and 2 girls. We relate on that being a mom of 4 boys but she tops me with having girls too haha. I really thought it was special to have a fun playful session capturing all 3 of them loving and playing together.

I really love to use this session as a great example of outfit choices. The color scheme is perfection they all compliment each other without being to “matchy” The layers and accessories really top things off. Most importantly you can see each person is comfortable in their outfit. It is important to dress in clothes you feel good in for your photos.

I love the love captured here of these lovely beautiful ladies! Thank you Christine for choosing me capture your family 🙂

If you are local or visiting Guerneville or anywhere along the Russian River area in Northern California I would love to capture you and your family! Contact me today to schedule your session.

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography

Pumpkin Patch Time!| Sonoma County Child Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon October 25, 2016October 25, 2016

What is Fall without a trip to the local pumpkin patch?

I fondly recall the Fall adventure with my 3 older childrens kindergarten classes to the pumpkin patch. My youngest “baby” is now in kindergarten (still hard for me to accept). I had been truly looking forward to helping chaperone this fun experience.

The journey starts with all the kids loading on to the bus. As mentioned this was not my first go round at a kindegarten field trip therfore I opted to drive myself;) I love those kids but the loud, stuffy, smelly bus full of germs…ya not so much. ha!

This was a new Pumpkin patch for me. It was a lovely scenic drive from the Russian River area across Sonoma County over to the rolling hills of Petaluma.

Peter’s Pumpkin Patch has it all! They are a real working dairy farm, how cool!? The kids where greeted by a sweet little lady farmer (I missed her name but she introduced herself as farmer ___). She explained the kids would need to
work like real farmers and they would be paid with ice cream! The kids LOVED that idea.

They got right to work first visiting the sweet calves the farm had. The calves weren’t camera shy at all and get a look at those eyelashes…..No mascara needed for those lovelies!

Next up it was on to milk the Dairy Cows! The kids, while somewhat hesitant thoroughly enjoyed getting to be up close and see how to milk the cows. Squeals and giggles filled the air as each child had a turn with the farmer learning the proper technique.

Soon after they loaded up and headed out on the tractor pulled trailer to find pumpkins. I found it extra cool they actually had to pick the pumpkins (no pre cutting here). They all spent time carefully browsing the patch for the perfect pumpkin.

Then it was time for the next job…digging up potatoes! I think us adults had as much if not more fun than the kids with this. The kids collected 3 potatoes each. I personally grabbed a few more to purchase for my family. (they made excellent mashed potatoes!) The farmer here was also fantastic. He explained all sorts of fun potato farming techniques and facts to us.

It was time to head back up to the main area of the pumpkin patch where the kids fueled up with lunch before tackling the corn maze and corn pit. If you have never played in a corn pit, just do it! They are awesome!

After all that playing the Farmers made good on their promise and paid the kids with their fresh homeade ice cream! A choice of vanilla or pumpkin flavor was offered. I could not pass up on the ice cream myself and purchased a cup of the pumpkin. As I write this I still am craving more, it was so yummy! It was almost like a pumpkin cheesecake filling. Absolutely delicious!!

Family Photographer, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley — Documentary Photography

All good things must come to an end so after a few more runs up and down the giant hay pyramids back on the bus they went. All in all a pretty awesome day. Beautiful weather and a very cool pumpkin patch.

I hope you all don’t mind when I share some of my personal stuff here on my blog. I find it fun to share with you all how I document my own everyday life magic. Also I’d love to hear about your favorite Sonoma County pumpkin patch or other Fall traditions you may have Please share in the comments section below.

If you are interested in scheduling a Fall Family Photo Session please contact me here. I have an awesome Mini Session Deal going at the moment. I will also be having Tree Farm Holiday Photo Sessions very soon as well. I look forward to hearing from you.

High School Senior, Photographer. Russian River

Documentary Photography, Family Photography, High School Senior Photography

Seanna Barker Class Of 2017| Sonoma County High School Senior

by jessicacollinsphotoon October 22, 2016October 22, 2016

Last year I had the pleasure of working with a few Teens and High School Seniors. I had so much fun working with this age group I decided to launch an official Senior Rep Program this year. I received a lot of great applicants but when I saw Seanna had applied I was super excited. I had worked with her before doing a family photo session. I knew Seanna had a great attitude, is hard working, kind and outgoing plus she is a natural in front of the camera! Of course she was chosen to represent my brand to other Sonoma County High School Seniors.

Seanna attends Casa Grande High school in Petaluma California (go Gauchos!!). The day came for her session and it was a perfect day! She had chosen a place her family enjoys together Cornerstone Sonoma. Unfortunately, despite checking in with this location we were only able to photograph for a short time before a private event started and we had to leave. Sometimes we can not control everything when using public locations. While this was a bummer I am one that chooses to roll with things and make the best of it. We decided that rather than reschedule we could check out another location. One reason I really wanted to work with this age group is because they are so creative and resourceful. Within minutes Seanna had found another location that she liked. I checked it out and felt it would work great as well so we packed up and headed to it. I have to say I was IN LOVE with this place as soon as I saw it. The gorgeous glowing light and rustic country scene was breathtaking and so worth driving up to. I felt this location really fit Seanna’s style perfectly!

Seanna looks stunning in all her images but I’d like to share some of my favorites of her with you all. I could not be prouder to have this lovely young women working with me this year. Be sure to see Seanna if you have any questions and she can even hook you up with a way to get a special gift from me when you choose me to be the one who captures your high school senior portraits! Get on my schedule by clicking here

I look forward to capturing the magic of your life!

Sonoma County,High School, Senior Portraits, Photographer, Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Sonoma County, High School Senior, Photographer. Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Sonoma County, Senior Portraits, Photographer, Russian River — Sonoma County Senior Photographer

Child Photographer, russian river, Sonoma County California

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Uncategorized

Family fun on the Russian River|Sonoma County, Ca Photographer

by jessicacollinsphotoon June 29, 2016June 29, 20166 Comments

Meet the Murillo Family! I have wanted to do a session for some time now out at the Russian River in West Sonoma County. It is such a fun and gorgeous place we are lucky to have this gem so close by. When mom Alysia was into the suggestion at our pre-session consult I was super excited. We discussed the perfect spot and then went over outfits and accessories to compliment the location.

The day finally arrived and we had the most perfect weather to go with everything else we had planned. It was not too hot, not too cold and just enough breeze to add some great motion to their hair and mom Alysia’s dress.

Working with the Murillos it was clear that their little girl is the light of their lives. I really enjoyed capturing the love they have for each other.

Little Sofia was a photographers dream not only adorable but happy, playful and willing to be directed in her play to make for some fantastic images! Here she is enjoying the cool water on her toes.

Life is too short to stay clean and dry when their is fun to be had so mom decided to join her. I could have dedicated their whole session to this sweetness.

As the sun set there was a natural magical light that arrived which I could not help enhancing with a little fairy magic :)

I could not have been more happy with the way this lovely family session turned out. Thank you Murillo family for trusting me to document the joy of your family.

Want your own Summer Fun Photo session at the river? You can contact me here to schedule. I look forward to capturing the magic of you and your loved ones soon!

Child Photography, Documentary Photography, Family Photography, Uncategorized

Coastal Camping|Ocean Cove, California

by jessicacollinsphotoon May 23, 2016May 23, 20165 Comments

I will be honest I am not much of a camper. It is a lot of work to pack up and prepare for lack of everyday living essentials with a big family. So it really is not my idea of a vacation to say the least. My family however are all well seasoned campers who really love it so I tag along once and awhile. This year we went for mothers day weekend which also happened to be my youngest brothers birthday. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed myself on this trip. I think it is no coincidence that now both my brothers families and my parents all have campers which had room for myself and my boys lol. I am telling ya “glamping” is the way to go!

Documentary, Photographer, Sonoma County, Ca. Photography — This is the view of the cove right at the campground. We had a blast exploring this area.

My boys and I arrived on Saturday around lunch time. Everyone else had been there the day before. (remember I said I am not a camper lol) We dropped our stuff at the campsite and took off to the cove to explore. We had the whole place to ourselves, such a treat!

After we explored a bit we headed back to the campsite to find the rest of the family. The boys apparently got hungry and decided to roast up some hot dogs and marshmallows around the campfire.

Vacation Photographer, Camping, Sonoma County, Mendocino county, ocean cove — Fun around the campfire!

It was not long before all the cousins were off and playing. Climbing and racing around the campground.

Documentary, Photographer, Sonoma County, Ca. Photography, ocean cove — Climbing, riding and running free!

The kids all decided that we had to return to the cove as the tide went out so we went back down to explore together. They spent so much time down here having the most fun! They flipped over rock after rock each one just as exciting as the last. Lots of squeals and shouts of finding “the most crabs ever”, sea snails and anemones. They has buckets full of little crabs (released back into the areas they had been found when done of course).

Ocean, tidepool, sonoma county coast, photographer — A few of the tiny crabs we found and a hermit crab

After all the tide pool exploring the kids were ready to head back to camp. They caught a ride with the guys coming back in the campground from a day of fishing. The kids apparently caught more than the fisherman this day 😉

sonoma county camping, photographer, santa rosa, ocean cove — Campground fun.

What is camping without an attempt to pop jiffy pop on the fire, right? Our first try was an epic fail but after a long wait and smoked filled eyes we managed to have success!

As the sun was getting close to setting we decided to explore the other side of the campground. Who would have known we were about to discover a scene out of a fairytale. We found the coolest area a little bit off the path full of trees that seemed to form an enchanting hut like play structure. Grown ups and kids alike all had so much fun here.The wood grew in all sorts of fun twisting and turning ways. One of my nieces even said it was like “Alice in Wonderland”.

After lots of fun we decided to head back to camp. We were lucky enough to find a special little lady bug on our way. Ladybugs are very special to our family so I had to include it.

We got back in time to watch the most amazing sunset right from our campsite.

You would think after all this in one day these kids would be tired…but no such thing! Now it is time to attack the birthday boy! haha

After a good nights rest we were now ready to head down one last time to the cove for some fishing before we left. Grandpa was teaching the boys how to fish while the rest of us explored and collected beach treasures.

All in all I think it is safe to say a fun time was had by all! I can not wait to return, even if I am not a “camper” this was a blast and may have converted me. I highly recommend you go check out Ocean Cove if you ever need a place to camp on the Sonoma/Mendocino Coast. The place was well maintained, family friendly and the staff I met was very nice and helpful. If you are interested in having your own camping trip or vacation documented feel free to see more info here on documentary sessions. I would love to tag along and capture your family fun! Ready to schedule now? Click here