Gorgeous wedding in Germany!

Ok, this is going to be a really long post. I couldn't condense it any more. The wedding festivities spanned over 3 days and it basically was just one giant party. I thought the Americans partied hard but in reality.. we don't come close. I was beat by the end of it. Any more all nighters and I was going to have to go on another vacation after my vacation. It's a good thing the wedding was at the end of our trip. :) It all started with the party on Wed evening/night. That day they "officially" got married which then turned into the partying. It's a tradition to break plates, cups, bowls, etc. and to bring in trash and leave this at the house. The kids loved it and my son thought it was pretty neat to throw dishes as well. Everyone they know comes to this party to eat, drink, dance, watch the fireworks and so on. I'll have you know this little shin-dig lasted well until 7am. eek!! Afterwards, they have a clean up party and then they sleep. On Saturday, the "real" wedding took place. It was amazing! Her colors were green and white and the reception was just awesome with its decorations. After the ceremony there are several traditions that take place with none of them being anything like in the US. It was rather neat to see other traditions and events that are anything unlike ours. Once they made their way, via parade, to the reception the partying began once again!! These people really know how to party let me tell ya. This time it lasted until about 5am. My husband and I took our son who was sleeping on the chairs home around 4:30am. :) Needless to say, we had a great time!!

Williamsburg, Virginia maternity photography

My sister is pregnant. Guess what?... I'm not!!! It's such a nice change to be the one taking the photos and getting all excited for her little bundle of joy to enter the world. I'm not a fan of being pregnant. It just wasn't my thing. Don't get me wrong, I loved bringing my children into this world but gaining tons of weight was just so hard. Well, now it's my sisters turn and she is going to be having a sweet little girl who she is naming BERLIN. I think naming after locations runs in the family. We all love the name and I'm sure we will all just adore her.

Photo session contest!!

Spread the word, get the most new likes on the facebook page for Jessica Oatman Photography and win a FREE photo session here in Williamsburg, Virginia!! Go here: Jessica Oatman Photography FACEBOOK page

My brother.

For the longest time now, the past 2 years, I've had Paul's voice as my text message alert sound. It's great to hear his voice and to remember what it sounds like. Some days it can totally catch me off guard and then I realize that I will no longer hear it in real life. He always had a way of making so many people laugh. It was his best quality.. humor. It's been hard not having him here. My life.. our life, is no longer the same. It will never be the same. I don't view things the same way anymore. Unfortunately my eyes have been opened in a way I never wished possible. I have hope and faith for the future. For the future that goes beyond this world and into the next. Jesus is the way and I know that Paul is in heaven giving lots of people a run for their money with nothing but laughter. Knowing that makes this life a tad bit lighter in grief because of that hope. I'm thankful for HIM! I'm thankful Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we may live for eternity in a place filled with no pain, sorrow or grief. Rather we may live in a place filled with pure happiness. Paul is waiting for us... I know it. So, here is a clip of my brother... love him now and always. My hero.

Williamsburg, Virginia High School Senior Photographer: Austin

Got to love your high school seniors! They have the whole future ahead of them. Their paths are wide open and they can choose their own destiny. I'm a little jealous, can you tell? If only you really knew that at this age. I was happy with my path actually but if I only realized I had so many more options. Oh well... I'm here and doing what I love now, photographing high school seniors. Meet Austin. I've known him for a while now through swimming. A lot of my connections stem from the swim world. Love my swimmers! :) He's smart, kind, quiet, shy and an all around great guy!! Can't believe his senior year is about to come to an end. I'm sure he will choose the right path and do exactly what it is that will make his shine! Good Luck Austin!

Punta Gorda, Florida Wedding Photographer

What an amazing time was had by all. I traveled to Florida with my kiddos, brothers and mom for a mini vacation/ wedding. The first couple of days were spent in Orlando hanging out by the pool and trying to get our first dose of sun. Then on Saturday I traveled to Punta Gorda for a wedding for two fabulous and amazing people. Brock and Kacey were married in the evening on a gorgeous and sunny day. I knew Brock from the good ole college days. He's best friends with my husband and we all hung out quite often back then. Now they live in Missouri and we live in Virginia. However, when you get together things pick up like you had never been separated at all. It's never enough time, visiting the day of a wedding but it's a visit none the less. I'm thankful to have been able to shoot their special day and get to visit with some good friends. Congrats to the two of you and hopefully we'll see each other soon again!! hugs.. we love ya!!