Freyday Fun
January 27, 2012
I’ve been wanting to do a ‘random things about me’ post for a while now, and I think today is the day! I will have some behind the scene photos of me photographing our Beauty and the Beast shoots next Freyday so make sure to come back for those….it’s gonna be good!
5 Things you probably didn’t know about Jessica:
1) I took Russian for 6 years – Middle School, High School and College. But don’t ask me to ever speak to a Russian – it’s been 10 years, so without much practice that skill is long gone! I can howerver write, read & speak you a poem I learned in 7th grade 
1a) I lived in Russia as an exchange student for a month in 1996! Da!
Привет! Меня зовут Джессика
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2) I have a random obsession with Irish Step dancing – I hear the music and my feet just move on their own. I wish I had taken lessons!
2a) I may or may not have bought a pair of hard sole step shoes from Ireland and had them shipped to California. You know, just in case I ever get a chance to take lessons!
2b) I may or may not be on a first name basis with the band Sin Ri Ra at Nine Fine Irishmen in New York New York – Las Vegas
3) I’ve worn contacts for 17 years. Ug. Too scared to do lasik eye surgery, and without my contacts I’m completely helpless!
4) I LOVE, I mean LOVE playing basketball! I may only be 5’6″ but I’ve got a mean 3 point shot – and was a wiz at the freethrow line…..and I’ll box you out low and hard if I have to – Game of 21 or HORSE anyone?!
4a) My mom was a HS Varsity basketball coach, so I kinda had to start playing young – I adore the photos of me as a little girl with perfect follow through on my fisher price Dr. J hoop and foam ball! And here is my photo from high school – Go Lady Tigers!
5) I’m deathly afraid of pillow fights. But only because when I was 10 I was at a sleepover and my friend’s brother hit me with a pillow causing me to fall backwards….and break my arm!
5b) Full arm cast and a week later I was on the basketball court shagging balls and ended up breaking my thumb on my other hand. Double awesome for a 10 year old.
And if you’ve scrolled down enough, here’s a surprise sneak peek at our Beauty & The Beast – modern day inspired Wedding!!
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Join us on Monday and Wednesday for the full story of our photo shoot! Have a great weekend!!!
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A Tale As Old As Time….
Wow. A few days ago, 4 car loaded with friends and props headed up through the rain to the Sierra mountains an hour east of Bakersfield…and had an adventure! The weather called for 1.2 inches of snow and when we all arrived to the destination, it was magical to say the least to see the ground covered in white…and for the next 4 hours, it continued. And continued. And continued. I’m pretty sure we shot through at least 4 inches of non stop sleet and snow!!
For those of you who saw the Snow White inspired shoot I did last month, here is my take on Beauty and the Beast! Today’s blog is full of images from our “Fairy Tale” part of the photo shoot….and the main shoot – the wedding inspired one, will be coming to you on Monday AND Wednesday AND Freyday next week! Check my facebook page for sneak peeks throughout the week though!
What you see here is a collection of items (outfits and props) from my house, from our model, Jessica’s house, and from good friends! I can’t thank everyone enough for their help, carrying equipment, props, picking up items, dropping off items – and making both of these styled-shoots a success! [Jessica, James, Pam, Dale, Amanda, Makenzie, Lauryn, Lauren, Laura, Tiffany Colleen, Sylvia, Stephanie, Jenae, Jerry and Shari]
We had an epic adventure as the snow and wind came down on us while Jessica & James assumed their characters 
Enjoy this tale….
Teaching the Beast to read can be tough sometimes….
And last but not least…..Having fun playing in the snow!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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My Fairy Godmothers
January 23, 2012
Best. Day. Ever.
Ok, maybe not ever…I mean, my wedding day was wonderful, and I’ve had a lot of amazing days in my 29 years of life. But, this would be in the top 10. A few weeks ago at the Ultimate Bridal Event’s wedding show I joined the Fairy Godmother booth as their “Cinderella”! It was by chance that I had coffee with Fairy Godmother owner Colleen Bauer the Freyday before the show and while in her office I finally saw the costume she had as decor – on an adult sized manequine. Those that know me, know I excitedly asked if I could try it on! Low and behold, we put it on….and it fit like a glove. After thinking about it for at least 2 seconds, I gently let her know….um, I’m not doing a booth this year….I have Sunday open in my calendar….it fits and I don’t want to take it off. So there, can I pu-lease help bring brides to your booth?!?! Because A) They’re amazing women and every bride should hire a coordinator and they’re above and beyond the best and B) They’re my favorites since they too think it’s a great idea for a 29 year old to dress up and utilize the knowledge gained working in Toon Town in Orlando to bring Cindy to life Also, Michelle from F.L.Y. Girls Makeup did an amazing job transforming me into an everyday non-makeup wearing girl into a princess, for that I’m so grateful!! Very few vendors and friends recognized me!
Here is a gathering of photos I took, Colleen took, and Felix Adamo took for the Bakersfield Californian!
Have a magical day! I’m off on an EPIC photo shoot today full of it’s own magic….stay tuned for Facebook for sneak peeks and maybe on Wednesday I’ll post some detail shots! -Jessica
With my bride, Katelyn, her mom and her own Fairy Godmother Denise!
My very own for-real Fairy Godmother, love you Colleen!!!
Yessi helping me get dressed backstage!
Yessi grabbed this shot right before we entered the show….and I love it. It’s a true smile of anticipation and how excited I was! 
Here’s the shot Felix grabbed for the newspaper (see here: Freyday Blog Post)
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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Mindy
Luke was looking at this with me and I said it was you and he said, “You mean Jessica with her Halloween costume.” Then he saw the pic with the little girl and he asked what the little girl was doing and I said she was excited to see Cinderella. He said, “You mean Jessica.” Too funny
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This is too funny because I can imagine just how excited you probably were. I’m surprised you don’t already own a dress like this. The Fairy Godmothers do a great job, what a cool addition to their booth!
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tim lester
OUR “LITTLE” PRINCESS. LOOKS LIKE YOU HAD A GREAT TIME. LUV YA
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Freyday – Goodbye Yellow Couch.
January 20, 2012
Hi guys! Well, not to be debbie-downer (Whaaa Whaaa), this is the second Freyday post in a row dealing with loss. Unlike last week, today I’d like to mourn the loss of a certain awesome yellow couch. Yes, that one. The couch that somehow helped define my photography business and became a branding image for Jessica Frey Photography, thanks to all of you fabulous clients Is it sad to say I loved an inanimate object? If it is, then I don’t care – I loved that couch, and I’d now like to let you in on a secret – I named her Cindy. She had an elegance and blondess to her, and made any photo with her in it magical.
To be fair, I never owned the couch and the manufacturer stopped making it in that yellow pattern 3 years ago. I was lucky enough to borrow it from a local store in town on several occasions, then it was broken while at the store and put into storage for a while. I eventually asked if I could still borrow it, show it some love and prop it up on concrete blocks hidden behind the beautiful craft balls a friend made for me. Cindy is a trooper.
I now say a sad goodbye – after years of trying to purchase it myself, Cindy has recently been sold to another local photographer for her studio.
Here are some of the photos I had the privilege of taking with Cindy starring in the happiness of a handful of my clients along with the magazines she’s been in, so enjoy and adios beautiful yellow couch!
Jessie & Jessica’s wedding day!
Bakersfield Life’s September issue:
With Gladys & Jeff at their engagement session:
With Jordyn at her HS Senior photos:
In a National magazine – Professional Photographer October 2011 issue – one photo to define my wedding photography business to my peers:
Promotional Video time! A few behind the scene shots with the couch and my amazing clients!
And we’ll end where it all started….February 2010 modeling with Ashley:
As a half page ad in Bakersfield Life + My Business cards in 2010/2011:
Me and Cindy hanging out 
I hope you all have an amazing weekend! Get ready – next week is EPIC. I’ve got a shoot on Monday that will literally knock your socks off.
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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Dana
Wow.. I can’t believe how sad I am over a couch. I guess one should never take anything for granted, especially something so amazing like a yellow couch. haha It will be missed, ,but I know you’ll find something extraordinary to replace it!
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Damn…I wish I could have bought it, whaaa, whaaa is right!!! So sad…but you have so many beautiful images to remember the good times
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Tear. Sad to see it go! Now is the time to find some thing newer and AWESOMER!! yeah I said awesomer.
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Maureen Daigle
Fortunately, the couch does not make the photographer; the photographer (Jessica Frey) makes the couch…and the couch will forever be remembered as that!
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Jessica Frey Photography – February Mentor sessions
January 18, 2012
Accepting February Applications Now!
www.mentor.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
Hello fellow photographers out there! I know I’ve spoken to a few of you about February sessions, so I wanted to make an announcement that I am now accepting a maximum of 3 mentoring opportunities for next month. I feel so excited about the ladies I’ve worked with and are currently working with. It’s an honor and I’m loving digging into their businesses and working with them to define how to take it to the next level, how to get it off the ground and hopefully helping skip some of the major mistakes we see a happening in this business! If you have any quesitons, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Also, please allow me to share two testimonials from ladies whom I recently worked with and I admire and am so excited to see what happens in 2012 for their businesses!
Jessica,
I just wanted to say thank you for your willingness to work with me over the past month. Our weekly meetings helped give me the motivation, encouragement, and accountability that I needed in order to take my photography to the next level. You are super sweet and very talented and I hope I’m half as good as you someday! Thanks again for all you’ve done!
-Carissa
Jessica Frey…..what an amazing business woman, photographer, friend and mentor she is!! I have been following Jessica the last 2 years and the day I saw that she was going to offer Mentoring Session I knew my photography business was going to change, of course for the better! So of course, I signed up as fast as I could! From the start Jessica was such a sweet person. I have learned so much from Jessica that I wasn’t doing for my business and now I know why I feel like I have been struggling. This coming year there are going to be a lot of new changes for my photography business and learning to balance my personal life with my business. For anyone that is in that “spot” that I was I would highly suggest mentoring with Jessica Frey! Thank you Jessica for sharing your knowledge of this business and your willingness to help others such as myself with it!
Heather
Photography By Heather
FOR ALL THE INFORMATION AND TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VISIT:
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Engagement photos in a forest – Logan & Sara
January 16, 2012
I love when engagement sessions concepts dig a little deeper…..how can I help showcase your love and what you two like to do though photographs? What makes you two unique? Those are typical questions I ask all of my couples, and it’s often tough figuring out the answers! I talked with Sara and they knew that for them, they loved the outdoors especially since Logan is a botanist (my new go-to flower/tree expert for sure!) and wanted to go somewhere different and surround themselves with trees. They originally schedule a January snow/forrest engagement session with me, and as the date got closer we all realized – um, there’s no snow! We decided to shoot anyway and ended up having a wonderful time in 50 degree weather in the mountains surrounded by fresh, clean air and beautiful trees (I was told what kind several of them were, but I quickly forgot – sorry Logan!). I had a blast getting to know these two as they hugged, posed, did their best Zoolander and laughed as I danced to Alanis Morrisette and AFI Anything to make you guys laugh! Thank you for a fantastic afternoon and congratulations!!! Enjoy your sneak peek at a few of my favorites, and Sara, HIGH FIVE on all of your outfit color choices!!! Your thought and effort into how everything would look together paid off! - Jessica
Congratulations you two!!!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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Freyday – Why photos are important
January 13, 2012
For the past 15 months, I’ve utilized this “Freyday” blog post every Friday as a way for you to get to know the girl behind the camera. Who is Jessica Frey? I’ve always enjoyed sharing photos of my travels, experiences and sharing with you the publications/awards/etc that I’ve been fortunate to aquire. Today however is a day that hits me hard. I contemplated writing today’s post – and mom, if you’re reading…you may want to stop. I may not be the most elequent writer, but today’s blog post is for me. For me to remember, to celebrate, and to thank.
Today is January 13th, 2012. A day that may seem insignifigant to you (or if you’re Toni and Joe – Happy 1 year anniversary!). It’s been exactly a year since my grandma left this earth and went to heaven. For me, the photo below will forever be ingrained in my mind as a place that held my tears and those chairs in the photo held my shaking body as I cried incessantly for a good hour. With sad memories, it also happens to hold a good memory as the place Toni & Joe held their ceremony just hours prior to this image being taken. It’s Bullhead, Arizona – at the beautiful Laughlin Ranch Golf Club on January 13th, 2011.
Every wedding day is an exciting one for me. It’s a day full of celebration, family, friends – and some great memories. I cherish my job and responsibility each bride and groom has put in my hands to capture their day and to freeze in time those moments, those family members, those friends. My routine in the morning of each wedding is one of getting ready – mentally and with all of my equiment. A year ago, I was getting ready to go meet my bride to start the day and received a phone call from my mom – who was in Texas in my grandmother’s room calling to let me talk to her possibly for the last time. We knew she was ready to go and that after having Alzheimer’s for a few years, a stroke and missing my grandfather – it would be okay to rest in knowing she was ready. Even with the Alzheimer’s, she always knew my voice. To her, I was always ‘my Jessica’ and she will forever be ‘my grandma’. I enjoyed and held on tightly to those last few precious seconds with her, said a prayer – then headed out to start taking photos. The day ran smoothly, the ceremony was sweet…..the location was breathtaking, the food tasted good, and two became one. The reception dinner ended, everyone went back to the hotel and I checked my phone for the first time that day. Voicemail from mom. Oh God. I had missed a call about an hour ago and honestly did not want to hear that voicemail.
What happened next was a blur, and why I want to thank my wonderful friend Jennifer Williams who was shooting with me that day. The joyful,smily, giggle Jessica exhausted after a full day on my feet carrying equipment and working was suddenly replaced with a girl experiencing the loss of someone precious. My pain and sadness was exposed and Jennifer was there to pick me up (or more literally grab my camera as I abruptly fell down when I listened to my voicemail), She led me outside to this private fireplace area, calmed me down, hugged me….and then went to grab me a beer. We sat around that fireplace for almost two hours while I grieved, told her stories, and oddly enough enjoyed a beautiful evening night with a ton of stars, a warm fire and a good friend who was there to listen.
Memories are captured in photos – they’re what we have left to share, laugh at, cry about, smile about. It’s why I do what I do. Thank you for letting me share today the memory of my grandma – and a very personal, emotional wedding day for me. Hug your family, hug your friends, forgive, enjoy the blessings you’ve been given – and look back on your photos with a smile remembering good times with those who love you.
1984 – one of my all time favorite images with my grandparents!
2003 – My graduation ceremony from Texas A&M
June 13, 2004 – my wedding day! 
And, the last photo I have with her….July 4th, 2008 celebrating Aubree’s wedding!
Thank you for letting me share this day with you. Enjoy today, enjoy this weekend and hug your family!
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Jessica- those chairs incite a ton of memories for my family and I also. We’ve shared a ton of meals in that clubhouse and our two young children often sit on grandma and grandpas lap while we chat after dinner. Our family has a house on the 7th hole. Enjoy the memories you have of her and rest in knowing where she is now
Happy freyday!-
admin
Thank you, Daniel – very sweet comment & I really do love that fire pit & the place is just gorgeous. Happy Freyday to you as well
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Oh Jessica, I remember that day so well. Ironically, this day also happens to be my very dear grandmother’s birthday. I was so heartbroken for you when you got the first call, then so amazingly impressed as I watched you work that day as if nothing was wrong. You gave that bride and groom the same Jessica Frey professional that I have seen so many times on a normal day because you knew they deserved it. It was no shock to me to finally see you release your emotion after the day was over. I’ll always be there to catch your camera and grab you a beer. Love ya friend!
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This post really hit home for me. My dad passed away one year ago tomorrow. It was sudden, and I was completely unprepared. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him. I have been debating writing a blog post about him, but I just wasn’t up to it. Thank you for having the courage to share.
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Hi Tonya – thank you for commenting and I’m so sorry for your loss. We all grieve differently & I pray your day tomorrow is one of happy memories & cherished moments you can look back on.
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Bakersfield Vows Magazine + An Interview with Jessica Frey
January 11, 2012
Wow. January has already been an amazing month for my photography business. I knew last year that I’d have several magazines coming out this month, but the reality hit me today when I saw a pile in my office of Vows magazines, Bakersfield Life, The Californian, and First for Women magazine. I feel truly blessed to have been provided with opportunities such as these to showcase my wedding photography and the magnitude of them all happening so close together is something I want to treasure – and today’s blog post is for me to remember and celebrate these!
Bakersfield Life Magazine:
If you’re a local Bakersfield person or you follow my photography facebook page, you may have already seen the January issue of Bakersfield Life. For those of you who haven’t, here are some screen shots of the article that I photographed and participated it. It was wonderful being able to be grouped with 3 other female wedding vendors in town whom I truly admire, respect and would recommend in a heartbeat! Since I typically get asked to shoot the “Four Women Who….or Four Men Who…” article each month for Bakersfield Life Magazine it was a double bonus getting to not only photograph it, but to be interviewed! The ladies were so patient with me using a tripod and timer to make it all work and I enjoyed getting to know them all better! To read the entire interview, you can see the magazine online here: http://issuu.com/
VOWS Magazine
For the third year now I was asked to provide the cover image for Vows Magazine – the yearly wedding insert for Bakersfield Life. When talking to the staff about images we could use, the one I took of the bride in a local almond orchard was brought up – and it’s one of my favorites! I was also able to provide several images to accompany the articles in the Vows magazine, and am so thankful for the exposure and trust Bakersfield Life has continued to give me. Here’s a peek at the magazine and you can also view it online here: http://issuu.com/bakersfieldlifemagazine/docs/vows/1?mode=window
This page was one of my favorites – Chad & Amanda’s wedding was one of my favorites in 2011…and to see my new sister-in-law Megan’s photo chosen to show off her beautiful lace dress was a bonus! 
First for Women Magazine
Also, this week the newest issue of the national publication First for Women Magazine came out on news stands! I had the pleasure of working for them back in November to photograph a weight loss sucess story of a mother and daughter in Tehachapi! It was so much fun working with Kimberly Lawson as our stylist and Daniella Ozuna who did hair and makeup and getting to know our models – the lovely Nikole and Cindy. If you’re interested in learning more about fat flushing soups, pick up a copy today – trust me, these ladies looked outstanding!
It’s currently at your local grocery store nationwide….and yes, I may have squealed and held back my immediate urge to tell the people in line with me that I have a photo that I took…you know…right here….on a cover…haha!
Close up:
The Bakersfield Californian
While we’re on the topic of being overwhelmed with fun things happening for my business, yesterday I was honored to see a photo that local Californian newspaper photographer, Felix Adamo captured of me at the Ultimate Bridal Event! I’ll be doing an entire blog post coming up next Freyday with all the photos from the show that others took of me! Let’s just say it was magical
Here’s a close up, the text reads: ”Cinderella, also known as photographer, Jessica Frey talks to 5-year-old Alex Franklin at the Ultimate Bridal Event Sunday at Rabobank Convention Center. Frey was helping a friend (Colleen Bauer) at the Fairy Godmother booth, which offers wedding and event planning services.” YEA!!! I absolutely adore my Fairy Godmothers and any bride would be making a wonderful choice to hire them on to take care of all the details/day of coordinating/etc!!! You can find all of their information here: abridesfairygodmother.com
Have a wonderful day!!! Thank you for letting me share what an amazing week this has been for me! I truly am so blessed and thankful!!!
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Congratulations, Jessica! What an awesome week!
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You will always be “our princess” luv ya
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Jessica Frey Photography – 2012 Weddings!
January 9, 2012
Jessica Frey Photography Promotional video
Make sure to watch the last 30 seconds of the video…it’s my favorite and you are in for a special treat!!!
Are you getting married in 2012?! If so, Congratulations on planning the greatest day of your life!
This time-frame between Christmas and Valentine’s day is one filled with excitement for women, and especially wedding vendors….it’s the most popular time for couples to get engaged!! I love hearing about all of the sweet holiday/Valentine’s day proposal stories and how you’re planning to make your day special and unique to your love story It’s this time of year you’re attending Bridal Shows and quite possibly becoming overwhelmed at all of the different options that are now open to you because you’ve got a shiny ring on your left hand….and I hope that I can help alleviate some of that stress today. I received an email from Martha Stewart Weddings last week – and it had a ton of lists….questions to ask your wedding vendors. I was intrigued to see what was being put out there for you to use, so I figured why not go ahead and fill it out and put it out there on my blog for you guys to read! SO, although I have many more answers with more elaborate answers, here are 3 pages of questions you should ask your photographer – filled out in Jessica Frey Photography format….so enjoy, and if you are looking to book photography for a 2012 wedding, I’d love to hear more from you and see if we click! (pun intended…haha.) -Jessica Frey
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I hope this has helped some of you brides out there with those ‘go to’ questions for your photographer…and if it sounds like we might be a good fit, I look forward to hearing from you!!! Have a wonderful day, and Congratulations!
Email: Jessica@JessicaFreyPhotography.com Phone: 661.679.7355
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This is awesome! Great idea and really easy to send to anyone who has any questions on your services.
Happy Monday my friend! -
Love the video. How fun!
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Freyday – Fun in San Francisco
January 6, 2012
San Francisco!
Last week, I posted on Facebook and Twitter what others would do if they had a free Saturday in San Francisco – and one guy mentioned to check out Fort Point. Well, Eric and I had Saturday open after Kate & Mike’s wedding to wander the city – have lunch with a photographer friend and explore. We were near the Golden Gate Bridge and with the beautiful blue clear skies I decided that visiting Fort Point would be the best place to visit – and possibly even spread out a blanket and read in the park….which yes, I did before it got too windy and cold! The Fort was actually really neat – build in the 1800′s and full of canons to protect the bay from any incoming ships. The old bricks and view under the bridge were really neat…and of course I want to come back some day and shoot an engagement session there Always planning! So here are some photos of our last day of 2011 hanging out in San Francisco:
Hanging out in Golden Gate park with my new Tote & Shoot!
View going over the Bay Bridge-credit, Eric Frey’s steady one arm:
And later that evening….celebrating with the new wifeeee!
Happy NEW YEAR…..I was a bit excited to pop the confetti popper thingy majig, but here’s the first photo taken in 2012 by my lovely husband…I’m sure it’s AFTER we got that NYE Kiss in, and yes I’m aware that my shirt is super sparkly and makes great reflections on my face 
How did you ring in the New Year?? I’d love to hear in the comments below!!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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One Comment
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Desirae Shigematsu
Sparkles on your face are well worth it. You looked super cute. Love Eric’s picture of you by the bridge too. Unfortunately, Kev and I went to bed early…but that’s cause we went to see the Baldwins the next day:) Can’t wait to see you guys.
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So cute! The Beast was perfect. Love the photo of the snowflakes on the snow. Beautiful.
Oh my gosh, Jessica…this shoot is FABULOUS!!! (PS…I had trouble spelling that…haha!) I love it. And how fun that you collected all the props from your house and others. So great. I wish I could have come along. Next time you do something like this I want to come
lol! I love the Beasts personality shinning through the camera! Jessica looks stunning! how fun and great job as usual!:)
These look AWESOME!!! David was looking at these over my shoulder and says “Wow, he really is a beast!” I can’t wait to see the bridal ones
Ah-mazing, Jessica!! My jaw dropped seeing these images…simply perfect! Can’t wait to see more!
Thank you for sharing. I love the shoot. You captured some wonderful images! They look like they had so much fun!
Love it. Belle was very pretty and James was hilarious. He makes a great beast
Love the fur shawl too..he, he. Great job as always. Can’t wait for more.