WELCOME TO JOP'S PHOTO BLOG
Welcome to my blog and my very first post! I am SO excited that I get the opportunity to share the incredible love stories of so many families and couples. Before I dive in, here are a few quick details about me:
I am a Wedding and Family Photographer.
I am a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, mom and a mom.
I love the people I’ve surrounded myself with and continue to meet at each stage of my life.
I smile and giggle (a lot!) and have a habit of telling ridiculous stories.
My family is the most important thing in my world.
I play and explore with my kiddos as much as possible and am constantly inspired by them.
If you are a JOP Bride, there is a very good chance that I will tear up at least once during your wedding day and no doubt that I will search each of you and your family members out for a hug before I leave.
My favorite thing about photography is that no matter how many sessions or weddings I shoot, there is always a new love story.
Although my first post is a personal post, I am going to keep this blog, for the most part, about you! Of course, there will be the occasional rave about my boys and family because they are every part of my life. But mostly, I want to show off the beautiful people that I get to photograph day to day as well as share tips, tricks and advice to help prepare you for your wedding or family session. Please check back weekly for updated posts and feel free to leave a comment :)
Now that you know a little bit about me, I want to introduce the person I chose to write about in my first post. It should've been very difficult to decide which couple or family to feature. I love every wedding I've ever shot and want the world to see the images of the beautiful couples. I feel like I have become friends with most of my families and their adorable children (it's true, every family I have ever had a session with has the CUTEST stinking kids!). But for me, there was really no question. I chose to write about Jan Kelchen.
This is my best friend. She is the strongest person I know. She is the least self serving and has the kindest heart. I talk with her everyday (sometimes 10 times a day) and always tell her I love her before we hang up the phone. I often think I need to go further and tell her just how much I appreciate her but it's more than words can express. She is an inspiration in strength and kindness. Her work ethic is beyond imaging AND when she kicks off those chore boots, she can rock the latest trends better than any big city socialite ;) !! I am the luckiest daughter to have her as my Mom.
Obviously, my boys love her. If you ask Keller what his favorite thing is about Nana, he would quickly rattle off about a thousand different things: she always gets me presents, she has the best snacks, she let's me do whatever I want, she lives on a farm, and so on...When she's with them, she gives them her undivided attention. Her whole world stops and she becomes a kid again. She will play sports or do crafts or even jump in a kiddy pool to put a smile on their face.
Mom always makes herself available. We joke sometimes and call her Janny the Nanny. Although she has to get up at 4am to do chores and has to be back out again at 4pm to finish just before bed, (not to mention everything else she has going on in her day), she doesn't hesitate to offer to help watch the kids when we're in a bind. She will do anything for them and for us.
She has always been a hard worker. There are very few times you will see her sit down and take a minute for herself. And if she does, you know she will jump up the minute someone needs something. She pushes me to follow my dreams and encourages my art. In return, I strive to make her proud. She's the first person I want to tell anything and everything to (hence the 10 phone calls a day). I am so lucky to have her as a role model and inspiration!
Thank you, Mom for the life lessons and for being there through the twists and turns!
<3 Jamie