Jessica | JJ Horton Photography

August 8, 2017

Beaufort NC

Back in June, I made a trip out to Beaufort, NC for my day job. I had been there a handful of times prior to this trip, but I was usually distracted by other events happening…. namely, the last time before this, I was shooting a wedding out there – so no real “explore” time. Thankfully, even though we were out there for work, we did have a little downtime so I got to walk around and take some photos before I had to head out! All images 35mm Portra 400. I was there just before July 4th… how charming is this home decorated!? We rented the Admiral’s Watch home just north of downtown Beaufort. It was the perfect size for us all to have our own bedrooms… and the view out the crows nest wasn’t too shabby! (the first photo of the blog, and that one next to the church steeple were both taken from the top!). The first and second floors were nearly identical, they each had a kitchen and living area. I’d really love to go back and photograph more couples in this part of our state… it’s beachy and charming, without the muss and fuss of bikini-clad tourists! This particular church, St. Paul’s Episcopal, is just darling!! I need to have a couple get married there!

July 19, 2017

Personal | Babymoon

Back in June, we did a little getaway to the Asheville area. We stayed in an adorable cottage in downtown Black Mountain that was so close to all the shops and restaurants. I hope we can make a trip back this fall with baby Kate! All images are 35mm Portra 400 We ate: My Fathers Pizza Sierra Nevada Brewing The Red Rocker Inn Biscuit Head French Broad Chocolate Company We visited: Mt. Mitchell Looking Glass Falls Blue Ridge Parkway Lookout Brewing Rock Barn Spa

July 13, 2017

Couple | Marc & Megan

Sometimes you just need to dress a cute couple up in a bright, non-traditional outfit for a beach session! Pastel’s have taken over the wedding industry, and while I don’t hate it, sometimes I just crave more color! This Ft. Fisher session is one of my favorites to date… the happy colors and infectious smiles are my favorite! We started with her vintage dress and then found a coordinating shirt for him to wear. Marc and Megan have been married nearly 2 years… so we’ll just call this an anniversary session 🙂 Flowers: Farmgirl Flowers (a wonderful alternative to a traditional florist in a pinch!) Dress: Mayberry Market in Mt. Airy (vintage) Ribbon: Hanah Silk Shirt & Pants: J Crew Film: Portra 400 The FIND Lab

June 27, 2017

Personal | Maternity

I never thought I’d be one for maternity photos. When I first started shooting, maternity sessions didn’t really interest me too much, and never did I think I would want them of myself. Capturing a time I’m at my largest, fluffiest, swollen-est self, just didn’t sound appealing AT ALL. Until, it takes you 4 years to get pregnant, and you’d given up most hope that you’d ever get to experience this time of life. Then you want to DO ALL THE THINGS! Lauren and I connected online and I knew she was who I wanted to capture our maternity (and fresh 48 and newborn) session. We met up at Winmock for our time together and it was so lovely. She’s so down-to-earth and a joy to be around. I already can’t wait for her to be at the hospital with us after baby girl arrives! Speaking of which… I thought I’d use this opportunity to share baby girl’s name…. Kate Cecil. Kate is a name we liked from the get go (it was on the short list with Paige and Claire) and it just seemed to stick. Cecil, traditionally a mans name, was my mom’s maiden name. Hair & makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne Dress: Forever 21 (I’m equally ashamed and proud of this) Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carole I was 29 weeks in these images, today, I am 32+3 and cannot believe how close we are to meeting our daughter!

@JJHORTON