Category: Freyday Posts
Freyday – Behind the Scenes Video of Sleeping Beauty
March 10, 2012
What’s it like behind the madness of bringing a fairy tale idea to life?
Is Jessica really funny?
How did we get the shots you saw this week? (Missed it?! Shame! Visit the Sleeping Beauty Fairy Tale shoot HERE and the Sleeping Beauty inspired wedding shoot HERE )
***Eric made this amazing 13min. behind the scenes video for you guys, but due to some technical dificulties we’re going to save it for Monday’s blog post!***
So in the meantime, happy Freyday – enjoy some images I did grab before and during the shoot!
Here’s a few shots of the ‘getting ready’ – starting off with my hubby creating a canopy for me and painting it gold! Thought these looked super cool….baby, you rock!
My right hand man….camera guy, idea guy – love of my life. 
Give a man a sword and he’ll fight bees. Teach a man to use a sword and he’ll slay a dragon. Well done boys.
Kevin and Desirae took my vision and all the props we’d collected and were AMAZING — they set up this entire bed while I was shooting the Fairy Tale/spinning wheel photos. Could. Not. Have. Done. This. Without. Them. Seriously, amazing friends who gave up their entire afternoon to help! Love them and so grateful to have them in our lives 
Kevin blocking the sun for me 
And a finale shot of me with the fabulous Jordyn and her awesome man, Cam!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
What do you think of these Fairy Tale shoots? Wanna guess which one is next?!
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Freyday – Why I'm a wedding photographer
March 2, 2012
Why. It’s 6am on my 4th day in Las Vegas and one of my favorite photographers I’ve followed via the internet for 2 years and who I still haven’t officially met is standing in front of me asking me “Why are you a wedding photographer”? I’m barely functioning on lack of sleep, cold medicine and shivering in the desert morning, and I stood there. Motionless. Waiting for someone else to answer her. I knew why, but I struggled in that moment to articulate it. So – Mary Marantz – this FREY day (Fri not Frey) post is dedicated to the silence I gave you last week
WHY
Over the past 4 years of shooting weddings I”ve found that my gift and talent comes not from creating a beautiful moment and photographing it but instead I find my joy in creating an environment that allows for comfort and beautiful moments to naturally occur – and then I capture that natural emotion. Yes, as a professional photographer I could set up a beautifully lit posed shot that is glamerous and oh so fairy tale. What I do for my weddings though is the exact opposite. It’s all about the emotion behind the photo – how my bride and groom are feeling the moment I click the shutter. It’s my goal that every one of my couples and their families looks back on their wedding photos and has nothing but wonderful memories and happy emotions. A beautiful photo may be just that – a beautiful photo. If there’s frustration, stress, anger or tension behind that beautiful photo it will anchor itself in the memory of that photo – which is why I think so many people don’t enjoy having their photos taken. So my “WHY” I photography weddings is just the opposite – to allow people to be comfortable and enjoy the feelings they have of love and excitement of marrying their true love – and it’s my job and my joy to freeze those honest, pure and timeless moments.
I created this video to now SHOW you my Why.
To my couples I’ve already had the privilege of working with, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for allowing me into those moments with you and for trusting me to build that comfort level to let you be you. Congratulations!!
To my future couples, I can’t wait to hear from you & possibly capture your special moments on your wedding day! Please email me and we’ll set up a consultation in person or over the phone: Jessica@JessicaFreyPhotography.com
To view my portfolio and learn more about me, visit my website: www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
I’d love to hear your thoughts below….please leave a comment ->> What is most important to you about your wedding photography?
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Freyday –
February 24, 2012
Hi everyone! Whew, another year – another WPPI come and gone. This was my 3rd year to attend the annual Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference in Las Vegas and it was amazing! I’ve honestly felt that if you don’t leave mentally and physically exhausted, you didn’t do it right. Between the classes, trade show, photo shoots, gatherings, dinners I was up every morning between 5am and 6:30am and going strong until 10pm-2am! No wonder I got sick and feel like a truck hit me yesterday and today! If you are a photographer and you’re thinking maybe you should attend next year – do it. It’s an amazing experience full of photographers who share their wisdom, teach and so many opportunities for you to grow in areas you want.
I absolutely loved seeing old friends, having amazing conversations over some pretty darn good food, meeting new friends, planking like it was 2009 – and and I can’t wait to start putting into practice some of the things I’ve learned for all of my amazing clients!!
Roomies 2012
Roomies 2011
Watching Karen give her talk at BRI! Congrats woman!
Newport Reunion at Mike Colon’s platform class 
Sunrise photo shoot with the amazing Justin & Mary Marantz!!
Mary working it out:
A shot I got of our fabulous couple:
Such a sweet giving woman – thank you Mary for all of your wisdom and kindness!!
Zach & Jody’s Platform class:
I also attended their coffee talk/workshop and 1) had the most amazing coffee in the world. Zach is a master barista and 2) learned a ton!
Our beautiful couple:
One of the shots we worked with to learn off camera lighting:
….and then it got cra cra. I love that my roomies were silly with me and we decided to plank like it was 2009. Yes, this happened. Yes, we planted a photographer to help us capture it.
Enjoyed an AMAZING meal and AMAZING conversation with my bestie at NYNY – pork belly macaroni and cheese, creamy yummy mashed potatoes – and a filet mignon. Does it get better?!
Oh yeah, it gets better…finished off our WPPI with a trip to Nine Fine Irishmen to listen to some great music and get a little step dancing in! 
If you’re still with me, you’re in for 2 treats! First, a video was made to showcase WPPI by an amazingly talented team called Still Motion. They followed Justin & Mary around and you’ll see me in the video at our sunrise shoot in my Texas A&M sweatshirt!
4 people, 1 story. This is my WPPI. from stillmotion on Vimeo.
And since I love you guys – I brought home 2 extra bags that Shootsac was handing out each day – I got to work the booth again with some fabulous Shootsac people and trust me, there was a line wrapping around to get a hold of these!
I’m going to do 2 random selections for winners and I’ll either ship it to you or you can stop by and pick it up – winners will be announced on Monday!
To ENTER:
Comment below your all time favorite quote.
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Jessica Frey
February 19, 2012
It’s about time I got in front of the camera right?!?! If only so that I know what my wonderful clients go through Yikes, it’s nerve wracking picking out outfits, making sure your hair and makeup looks good – and so I did just that last week. I went to visit my good friend Stephanie in Ventura and she was kind enough to update my photos for me! I hope you like them, it’s so much easier being behind the camera for me!! Thank you SOO much to Stephanie Saul Photography!!
And then….I got all Tyra inspired as a joke. Um, a joke that turned out wasn’t half bad! I’m actually proud of my smizing in this one:
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Stephanie is also the creative genius behind Fab You Bliss – a blog about showcasing wedding photography, and a lifestyle blog with some amazing recipes and crafting projects! Take a look when you get a chance: www.FabYouBliss.com
Have a wonderful week!
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All of your pictures look GREAT! You look so pretty! LOVE all of them! Can’t wait to see you soon! xo
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tim lester
What a beautiful young lady
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Freyday –
February 17, 2012
5 Things you probably didn’t know about Jessica:
I had so much fun last month doing this random Freyday post to help you get to know me better, so why not throw more out there!? Are you enjoying these or learning anything?
1) This is a fun one – I’ve stood on the Acropolis when I visited Greece, been to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, I’ve floated in the Dead Sea, I’ve walked in Red Square & seen Lenin’s tomb, I’ve climbed a pyramid in Egypt, but I’ve never been to Oregon. Go figure. Here are some photos from when I went with my mom – in 1996. Yes, it’s been a while but it was a trip of a lifetime!
2) I’m a really good skiier. We used to ski every year in Utah and Colorado and I love it!
3) In 8th grade I was a cheerleader & we went to Disneyland to compete in the national cheer competition you see on ESPN late at night…we got 11th place and since I was only 90 lbs I was the flyer who got thrown around!
***Sorry no photos of that!!***
4) I’ve been to Wall Drug Store 8 times. Who knows where that is?!?!
5) I’m a big fan of hang gliding! We went a few years ago to the Outer Banks in North Carolina and had an absolute blast! Don’t I look soooo adventurous?!
Have a great weekend everyone! I’m so excited to photograph Mallory & Joel’s wedding tomorrow!!!!
www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com
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Wonderful memories and I do know the answer to Wall Drug……………..
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Freyday – iPhone Fun
February 10, 2012
So, we’re a good month and a half into 2012 and I thought I would use today’s Freyday post to look at what my iPhone photos were looking like so far! Many of you who follow me on Facebook may have seen most of these, but it’s interesting to see what it is that catches my eye that I want to share with my phone (and how bad the iPhone photo quality truly is!). Turns out, I take a lot A TON of photos of Kayla
Also 2 reminders of things going on right now:
1) I’m giving away a FREE Couples photo session + CD – you can enter until Sunday at 6pm on this blog post from wednesday: ENTER HERE
2) I’m currently scheduling photo shoots in Austin, TX from March 10-18th (Blog Post with info HERE) – I have a special pricing and information sheet, so if you’re interested email me today to get on the calendar! Jessica@JessicaFreyPhotography.com
We got this red blanket and a red snuggie and no matter where we place the blanket, Kayla finds a way to sleep on it or wrap herself in it – it’s quite interesting to see her each night get all cute in the blanket!
And yes, my dog sleeps like a human and I think it’s the cutest thing ever.
I build her a fort – I’m sure if she had opposable thumbs, she’d be able to by herself 
My first Pad Thai with Amanda!! Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar is delicious!!!
A yummy provoking Butterfinger cupcake from Gimee Some Sugar!
At Malibu Wine’s – with our host James Frey!!
And yet another adorable photo of Kayla at my in-law’s house!
Made in Chian? Did someone Fail at spelling China?!
The road out during our Beauty & The Beast shoot….yikes!
Makenzie and her first snow fall of the year 
I did, I went to see it in 3D – and it was magical.
KAYLA!
This, ladies is why you do not place your tiara on the floor – you will step on it. Thanks Krazy Glue for fixing it for me!
Top Chef Texas – it’s making me sooo happy to see home, and I was thrilled to see them shopping at my store! In High School, I helped open this Garden Ridge
Well, that’s it – about as random as I could get! I’ll leave you with the cutest photo of Kayla from last night !
Hope you enjoy your Freyday – and weekend!!!
Jessica
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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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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!
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Ohh.. How I want that 85!
Great job on these. It looks like it was a lot of fun.. even BECAUSE of the snow.
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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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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!
11 Comments
“The meaning of life is to give life a meaning.” I would looooove to win that bag!!!
Great post and awesome video…I saw you a few times
I’m still so bummed I missed it this year. Hopefully I’ll be going next year 
“I might not be where ‘they’ are, but I like where I’m going.” – Jasmine Star
Hey Jessica! What an awesome recap post. Here’s my favorite quote (one of the many)!
“God never denies us our hearts desires except to give us something better.” – Elizabeth Elliot
“My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades, ” by Timbuk3
“It’s not the number of opportunities you get, it’s the choices you make.” Sarah Noteboom
Silence is golden or just plain yellow!
Great post on WPPI. How fun! : )
Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. John C. Maxwell
I have two
“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” ~Oprah Winfrey
“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” ~Abraham Lincoln
Ahhhhh! Just saw your WPPI post!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that black & white you captured of Ryan and I! So beautiful!! Keep up the amazing work!
Elizabeth!! Awww ,thank you – I’m SO glad you commented and found me – I wasn’t sure how to find you guys & actually in the morning sunrise fog didn’t catch last names or business name! I’m blog stalking you now, so I’ll put it on my list to send you that image and a few others I think are awesome! Thank you again for being so stinking cute and making it easy and fun to work with you!!!!