Category: Freyday Posts
Freyday – Behind the Storm
February 3, 2012
Whew, it’s been an amazing 2 weeks showcasing to you guys the effort and images that came from our “Beauty & The Beast” inspired Fairy Tale and Wedding Shoots! So today, we’ve got the fun stuff – the behind the scenes photos! I’ve been working with Makenzie lately on her photography business, and thought it would be fun to have her along to help and also photograph what was happening while I was shooting….so today’s post is some great images she captured of the back of my head and of my face in my camera – love it!!! Also, check out our weather. Seriously fun stuff there! I can’t thank everyone enough who was there to help make it a success no matter the weather or temperature (17 degree wind chill anyone?!) Jessica, Shari, James, Lauryn, Makenzie, Pam, Dale and Sylvia – will forever be greatful for your help!! Thank you!!! Have an amazing weekend everyone, thanks for stopping by!
***If you missed the last week’s worth of shoots, please check these out to see what we created in the middle of this epic adventure in the snow: Beauty & The Beast Fashion Shoot AND Beauty & the Beast Wedding Shoot
After trying for 10 min., we said to heck with lighting any candles. Turns out 20mph winds are NOT in your favor when it comes to candles! 
Yes, James – dance like this. You know, how they dance in the big scene?!?! 
Catching an “Inception” moment – a photo of Lauryn taking a photo of Makenzie taking photos of me. Yeah, did you follow that?! The top is still spinning. 
Props and equipment at about half way in. Awesome.
Fairy Godmother Pam doing her thing!!!
Lauryn getting the chair signs ready for their debut 
And a peek at what the final table looked like once we got it set up – time to take the tent down for the next 10 mins.
It was GORGEOUS once we removed the tent 
Um, it’s starting to get worse really quickly!!!!
Getting Jessica transported to the wedding dress that is in the Yukon – yes, by standing in the bed of a truck. Go figure Toughest model out there. Period. Thankful to her and her mom and the girls for getting her ready to go!
In the meantime, let’s get the cake photos done!
She’s ready! We’ve got 5 min. left to make something happen before we get snowed in….when did the storm get worse?!?! Why is it so dark all of a sudden?!
And what I was able to get in the knick of time….thanks you two for braving the elements!!!
And just a few shots of the table when professionally completed in a dry, indoor environment – Lauren at Walker Lewis Rents did an outstanding job taking our theme and making it elegant and gorgeous!!!
VENDORS:
Photography: Jessica Frey Photography and Makenzie Photography
Wedding Dress & Balero: Ladies and Gents Bridal - Maggie Sottero “SaBelle”
Necklace: From Ladies & Gents Bridal - Bel Aire Bridal piece
Suit: Finos Menswear & Tuxedo
Models: Jessica Evans & James Frey (James Frey Comedy)
Stationary Items: Matinae Design Studio
Makeup: Sylvia - F.L.Y. Cosmetics
Hair: Alivia Daniels - La Ti Da Salon & Boutique
Table Decor/Linens: Walker Lewis Rents
Flowers: House of Flowers
Cake: Gimme Some Sugar
Coordinating: Fairy Godmother Wedding Planners
Assistants: Lauryn Hornug & Makenzie Barefield
Props: Jessica Frey’s home, In Your Wildest Dreams Antiques, Wonderley’s & White’s homes
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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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Desirae Shigematsu
You are too cute in your basketball picture. Thanks for sharing.
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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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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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5 Comments
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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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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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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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Freyday – Happy New Year!
December 30, 2011
Hi everyone!! I hope you all had a good break for the holidays – and a restful Christmas and/or Hanukkah! I can’t belive it’s the last Freyday of 2011! Where has this year gone?! It’s been a wonderful year full of amazing/awesome/kind/wonderful/fabulous clients! Thank you everyone for following my blog, my photography….and my life! Your support and comments are always a pleasure and quite often the boost I need on days where being a business owner gets a tad bit overwhelming! So, thank you again for all of your continued support!
I’ll leave you all today with the cover of the 2012 Bakersfield Life Vows edition – many of you will recognize it as one of my all-time favorite images I took this year of Jordyn out in our local almond orchard! It comes out in print tomorrow (Saturday) in the Californian. If you’re local – go grab yourself a paper and it will be inside the January edition of Bakersfield Life. For everyone else, they will be handed out locally around town and I’ll post the online version either here or on Facebook! *Also, you’ll find an interview I did alongside 3 other female wedding vendors – Fairy Godmother, Lady DJ, and Ladies & Gents Bridal! It was a fun experience playing the roll of photographer and model with these wonderful ladies, so check it out!!
Be Safe and enjoy ringing in the NEW YEAR Tomorrow!!! - Jessica
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
How are you bringing in the New Year? Tell us in the comment section below!
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Freyday – Merry Christmas 2011
December 23, 2011
Hi everyone! Two more Freyday’s left in 2011 – and we’re getting ready to celebrate Christmas with the Freys! Thought I would say hello with our Christmas card this year — photos I took with a tripod and our Christmas tree a few weeks ago as soon as we got it up! I hope this time of rest and celebration of Jesus’ birth is a time of reflection and peace for you and your families! I’ve been blessed so much this year with amazingly wonderful clients, a busy busy year of photographing in wonderful locations, my health (Eric’s getting there, haha!), Kayla dog, and our supportive family and friends! Thank you all for following my blog, it’s always a surprise to hear that you read it…..and some of you are reading this from another country! So, hello – Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah – and prayers to you for a safe and joyful holiday season!! -Jessica
p.s. If you keep scrolling you’ll see my Pinterest/craft ‘fail’ fun!
I had a crafting night last week with a few ladies and decided I would try my hand at a Christmas felt tree and letters wrapped in yarn. Um, who forgot to mention to me that crafting is hard?!1 The photos on Pinterest made it look Sooooooo easy, and turns out I’m not a natural. If it weren’t for others in the room, I would have failed miserably, but 2 weeks later, I’m proud to show you my felt tree. Well, one of them. I had anticipated that I would create 4 while also wrapping the letters “JOY” and “NOEL”. I got to the first part of “J” and said, um….nope. Not my thing! haha…so, here is the final (Yes, I’m giving up) display at my attempt to craft. Two burnt fingers (booo to you hot glue gun) and lots of laughs = this:
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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Your pictures are too cute! And I think your felt tree looks great. No matter how hard we try they never quite look like the inspiration picture, huh? haha
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Haha, thanks for the craft encouragement Mindy! I guess not too shabby for my first attempt!
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LOVE the pictures of all of you, they’re so cute! And your crafting project is both funny & the finished product is GOOD. The tree is wonderful. Don’t worry, I saw some snowflake tutorials the other day which I tried thinking they would be super easy, uh…NOT! Fail on this end as well. Here’s my secret, not all my projects end up on the blog…haha! Merry Christmas to you Eric & Kayla
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Freyday – Disneyland Christmas Parade + Giveaway
December 16, 2011
Christmas is almost here!!! And in excitement and preparation, I wanted to share with you guys my photos from my visit to Disneyland a few weeks ago – and the spectacular Christmas Parade. It’s the same every year, and almost identical to the one you see on TV Christmas morning, but it always gets me – the magic of the season! So for those of you not able to visit Anaheim or Orlando, allow me give you a preview of how fun it is.
***For my loyal followers and fellow Disney fans, I have a surprise for you at the end of the blog today…so make sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to see what I’m GIVING AWAY!
Merry Christmas!!! Grab a hot cocoa and watch your front row seat!
Snow White and her Apple!
As a new MacBook Pro user, I saw this peel off sticker you can add to the front of your MacBook, so of course I grabbed one! And, I would love to give one away to you guys!!
To enter, comment below:
What are you most excited for about the holiday season?
Winner will be announced on Monday’s blog post, so you have through Sunday at 8pm (PST).
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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5 Comments
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Can I say crafts with Jessica and get extra points?
Kidding! That is so cute! I would love one… but my Mac Book is technically the boyfriends. He probably wouldn’t appreciate me making it way cuter with that sticker. Love it though! And those parade photos were great, I felt like I was there! -
Tawny Horton
These photos are super gorgeous! Totally in love!
Christmas and Disneyland! Best thing ever!!!-Tawny
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This holiday, I’m most excited for some time off work and relaxing with my family. Oh, planning for our Disneyland wedding in May!
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I am most excited to see my best friend’s face as she opens her Christmas present from me. Her grandmother passed away a couple of months ago and I was able to get some of her clothes. I’m turning them into a patchwork quilt for my bff. I know she will treasure it forever.
OK. I had to repost this again because I didn’t realize the first time I posted in on FB! YIKES! Just hope my bff didn’t see it before I took it down!
Oh, and the pics are gorgeous! Hope that Eric and I can take the boys one year to experience Disney in person.
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Lelia
Whoops. I thought I left a comment but I don’t see it. Oh well. I love this decal! I saw one for the iphone on pinterest but never saw where to get one. So much fun
I am looking forward to taking a day off of work, seeing my family and eating tons of cookies! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas too.
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Army Navy Football Game 2011
December 13, 2011
What a whirlwind, awesome trip out to DC for this year’s Army Navy Football game! We’ve missed the past few years and were so excited to see family and friends and catch up with old players, see their new little families…and of course do some early holiday hanging out with my family! Here’s a look at some photos we took of the game. Congrats to Navy Football for 10 years of wins! Proud to be a Navy Football wife
8 years later boys….take away the beards and you’d be ready to play again!
March On is always impressive to watch and worth getting in the stadium early!
President Obama with the coin toss:
And changing sides at Half Time:
27-21 CONGRATULATIONS NAVY!!! What a great game it was this year – down to the wire!!
A Decade of WINS is pretty fantastic and we’re all so proud!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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How cool! This looks like so much fun. And 27-24?! – nothing better than a good close game.
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So much fun!!! I love all these photos and it looks like you had a great time. The image of the fly-over is really cool with the planes in the air and on the big screen. Love it!
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Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you included this post – I know you said snow but I had NO IDEA it was that MUCH!!! Your photos look great!
Ohh.. How I want that 85!
Great job on these. It looks like it was a lot of fun.. even BECAUSE of the snow. 