Project 52
Week 3 of 52: Delicate
When I was little, my “Aunt” Sally would crack me up with her Pringles. She’d always make the duck lips, make faces, and open and close her chip lips. It was hilarious. She could even take a whole Pringle and flip it entirely over without breaking it. And that IS skill because these things are DELICATE. Everytime I eat Pringles, I think of her.
I’ve been trying to teach Pixie how to make duck lips with her chips. This week, as she was trying and they would crumble, I thought, PERFECT. Delicate. I have my week 3 photo for project 52. 🙂
Canon 5DMkIII, 100mm f/2.8
ISO 400, 100mm, f/2.8, 1/200 sec
Chelsie and Mike. Married.
AND THE BRIDE WORE TOMS! 
Along with the rest of her bridesmaids and even the little flower girl.
This was some serious dress-puttin-on business.
STUNNING! Chelsie, really!
Tough man. They played with these Nerf guns all day. I love fun, casual weddings!
Chelsie and Mike had a first look where they saw each other before the ceremony. It was oh-so special. He stood at the altar and she walked down the aisle to him. Doesn’t he look so nervous?! I love how he is spinning his wedding band. 
And then the nerves went away. Just like that. Because they both knew, this day, their wedding day, was only about their love.
And an abundance of it, at that.
The Westin ballroom is TO DIE FOR. SO elegant and classy. 
The beautiful couple said “I do” right after Christmas. There was lush snow on the ground and beautiful trees with twinkle lights everywhere. 
Wedding day fave. LOVE IT! Love her warm cover up and Toms. So cute.
SNOW!
Snazzy red watches to compliment the guys and their snazzy tuxes.
This is the day they promised to love, honor and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. And it was one to remember.
I can’t get over how special these photos are and will forever be to these families. Their parents have both been married for a long, long time. And they are all SO in love here. It makes my heart happy. Both Mom’s take credit for setting Chelsie and Mike up. They’ve known each other since they were little. And now they will spend happily ever after, together. I’d take credit for that too, if I could!
Father/Daughter dance was so very touching. They both cried throughout.
And so did everyone watching. 
You know you have the most awesomest clients in the ENTIRE WORLD when they have a TACO BAR AT THEIR WEDDING. Shut the front door. That’s awesome!
Every detail, to a T.
The candy bar included candy mustaches. They were a HUGE hit!
Fun behind the scenes with Crystal Jo Foto. It really is the BEST “job” on the planet! 
To view a slideshow of some of my favorites from the day, click HERE. If you’d like to pre-register your email address to view ALL of the wedding photos (that will be released soon), click HERE.
Chelsie and Mike, you are fabulous. REALLY! Thank you for inviting us to document your wedding. Capturing your fun spirit and beautiful love for each other is truly why I love doing this. For REAL people and real love. You share an incredible connection and I wish you ALL of the happiness in the world. Xoxo, Crystal Jo.
Their creative team…
Reception site: The Westin
Cake: Cakes Creatively by Crystal (it was the best cake I have ever had)
Flowers: Kelly Diebert
Hair: Robyn Wears at Kenneth’s
Invitations: Peabody Papers (absolutely the most wonderful experience, ask for Meg)
Rehearsal dinner: Martinis
Dress: Girls in White Dresses
What was the most memorable moment of your day?
Bride: My most memorable experience of the day was taking pictures in the snow. I had been hoping for snow on my wedding day for more then a year and we finally got it. Throwing snowballs was a blast.
Groom: My most memorable experience of the day was our first look. Getting to see each other for the first time that day was exciting.
What was your favorite detail?
Bride: My favorite detail of the day was my dress. I think I would sleep in it if there was room in my bed.
Groom: My favorite detail was the watches I got my groomsmen. They were very noticeably red. My groomsmen stood during the ceremony with their hands crossed in front of them. Every time Chelsie or I said the word “I”, they in complete sync changed the direction of their hands. (Mike, this is hilarious and I did not even notice!)
Any advice for future brides/grooms?
Our advice, always remember what the day is about. It is about the marriage and not the wedding. The wedding is a nice touch but the marriage is forever.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
We both loved the day so much and there is nothing we would change about it.
How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
Most importantly…. our experience with Crystal Jo was unforgettable. During our wedding it was like hanging out with our friend instead of a photographer. Crystal was so kind and patient, which I think is a super important quality when shooting a wedding. I mean this was serious, she stopped traffic on high street for a picture, for the love of god! I assure you I will never forget this. (Thank you, Chelsie. And the photo was SO worth stopping traffic. :))
Project 52
Week 2 of 52: Light Through Yonder Window Breaks
I know I’ve totally been non-existent. Does it count I just MOVED? Nah. Not really. I know this project is supposed to be more of a personal interpretation of our lives and how we view each theme. Weekly, we are supposed to push ourselves and use the theme and our camera to do so. I’m not gonna lie, this photo is not from week two of January, but it is current (so current the bride has not even seen it!) and it is SO VERY personal to me as it was my eye and vision and it came out even better than I could have ever imagined.
I just LOVE window light. I love the mood…the feel it brings to a photo. I love the shadows of light that are cast from the other windows and how they hit her beautiful bridal gown. I love the detailed lighting on the ceiling and how elegant it is framed. I love the lines and reflection. Mmm… I just love THIS photo!
Now I have ZERO moving excuses to use. IT’S ON LIKE DONKEY KONG for week three. Which we so happen to be in the middle of right now. I better get on it! Toodles, friends.
Project 52
I’m undergoing a grand project. A photo a week, on a planned theme, for 52 weeks. I’ve done something similar on Instagram (follow me @CrystalJoFoto) where I’ve posted daily photos. This is a bit more of a challenge because I have to get out the “big camera” and actually post the weekly photo to my blog. But with a new challenge brings learning, motivation and creativity. So I’M IN!
Week 1 of 52: In the Beginning.
Here it is. We are selling our house. The home where we became two. The home where we became three. We are soon saying hello to a new home (renting for a bit as we build our dream home) and goodbye to our first little house. This has been extremely bittersweet for me. As we pack the boxes, room by room, tears fill my eyes and I remember all of the special moments we’ve shared. This is where we shared our beginning. In the Beginning. 
Merry Christmas from Susan and Katie. 🙂
Delaney. Two Years Big.
Don’t you just love her polka dots and pretty curls?
A Momma’s love. Pretty indescribable.
The Franklin Park Conservatory is ready for Christmas. It looked so festive and beautiful!
To say she loved the train would be an understatement.
She couldn’t keep her eyes off of it!
Session fave. On the right. WHA? I’m two, who me?!
Delaney is going to make a great big sister! And it’s a BOY!
Pouting. She’s two. That’s her job 🙂
My little buddy 🙂
More on Delaney…
What is your favorite memory during Delaney’s first two years of life?
I still love remembering the night she took her first steps! With clenched fists and constant hollering, she made her way across the kitchen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYHv4C3-8sE&list=UUfQ6XwCHPsoNqxHjBt1mMvQ&index=12
Do you have a funny story or something that happened that you’d like to share?
Delaney is definitely NOT a morning person! Getting her up for school each day is a challenge (unfortunately, she’s just like her momma). We always try to wake her up slowly by asking questions about fun stuff she has going on in the day whether it’s playing outside, visiting with her Mimi or going to school (which she LOVES) – typically she answers EVERY question with a whiny Nnnnooooo! Here is a clip of one of her rough mornings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttUr1RbSlDY&list=UUfQ6XwCHPsoNqxHjBt1mMvQ&index=7
What age/month has been your favorite and why?
We have favorite memories from every stage, but the stage she’s going through right now is so awesome. She’s just so excited and intrigued by everything around her and it truly makes your heart smile. She’s talking more and more each day and her personality is really starting to shine…just love the little lady she’s growing up to be
One word to describe your Delaney is…ADVENTUROUS
Delaney’s Favorites…
Animal: Doggies
Food: Marshmallows
Toy: Her Yo Gabba Gabba Toys, especially Brobee
Dylan. Newborn.
Jackson is a big brother. His baby sister, Dylan, is sweeter than Coca Cola.
Sleeping Beauty…
Have you ever seen a cuter hat?
Dylan, you are beautiful! I wish you could stay this little forever.
Becky and Janjan. Engaged.
Happiness meets reality for these two. They met in the Philippines while Becky was a Peace Corps volunteer. They fell in love and had a very happy relationship overseas. When Becky was finished with her duties, she came back to the US to finish school. They’ve kept their relationship alive with Skype and online messaging. Last week, Janjan moved to America for his one and only soulmate. This is the VERY sweetest of love stories and still gives me chills just writing this. They are so completely in love and it’s just beautiful to witness.
Becky said she was SO nervous waiting for Janjan to get off of the plane for their reunion. Soon after, Janjan was meeting all of her family and friends for the very first time. And in just one short month, they will say “I do” forever. 
Do you wanna know more about this adventurous couple?
When and where is your wedding?
We’re having our wedding and reception at North Bank Pavilion on the afternoon of December 30, 2012.
How did you meet?
We met in 2008 when I (Becky) went to the Philippines as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I was training in Bacolod City, where Janjan is from. The rest is history =)
Tell us about your proposal!
We met for the weekend in Iloilo, a city between where we each lived. The night of the proposal, we went out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, which was a special treat since they are so rare in the Philippines. I suspected something was up because the whole evening Janjan kept putting his hand in his pocket feeling for something, and he seemed really nervous. After eating, we were drinking some margaritas when Janjan pulled a ring out of his jeans and asked, “Will you spend your life with me?” Of course, the answer was yes!
What’s your favorite thing about your significant other?
Janjan’s answer: I love that Becky is adventurous and malambing (sweet).
Becky’s answer: Janjan is always smiling, happy, and ready for the next adventure.
What makes you guys unique?
We’re unique because we met in the Philippines when Becky was a Peace Corps volunteer and we’re always doing crazy things together — climbing mountains, running marathons, biking, triathlons, travel, skydiving…you name it, it’s on our to-do list. We may seem huya (shy), but neither of us ever says no to a dare =)
How did you find Crystal Jo?
I had several friends recommend Crystal Jo. Some of them had attended weddings she had shot and said she was just a pleasure to work with. After looking at the website, I knew I wanted her to shoot our wedding!
Joie. 4 Years Big.
Meet Joie and her mom, Megan. Two beautiful ladies!
All wrapped up in love!
We went to OH-YO! Frozen Yogurt in Grove City for some extra SWEET shots! Look at all of those toppings!
Megan, you are such a beautiful person. Inside and out. I admire your strong, independent outlook on life and motherhood. You are so very blessed. Xoxo!
Kathrine. Senior. Class of 2013. Grove City High School.
She’s BEAUTIFUL! Duh.
And we even got to do a little nighttime photography.
Some fun facts about this featured senior…
Hello there! My name is Kathrine and I believe the most important thing in life is to laugh, smile and be silly because if i didnt do that everyday I wouldnt be the person I am today. 🙂
List 3 songs on your musical playlist…
Imagine Dragons- It’s time
The killers- sweet talk
passion pit- It’s not my fault I’m happy
Don’t be fooled, I have Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber in there too.
What do you do in your free time?
In school I am an ambassador in rennaisance club and I’m in astronomy club. I fill up the rest of my free time with my friends, family, taking picutres and painting.
What is your favorite memory from High School?
My favorite memory from High School would most likely be my friends. Without them, I wouldn’t have any memories from High School and without them I would not know what to do. We’ve all grown so close together and they are always there for me. My friends are what make me literally laugh out loud and what make me laugh everyday.
What are you plans for post graduation?
After graduation I’ll most likely cry for having to leave High School. haha I really dont want to leave, but after High School is college, not sure where yet but definatly to a culinary school. I would love that more than anything. 🙂
What do you wanna be when you “grow up”?
When I grow up I’d love to be Martha Stewart. Or any person on the food network. That would make me the happiest person alive and it’s the goal I’m going for!
How was your experience with Crystal Jo?
My experience was so great! I was laughing and having a great time, she made me feel like a natural and I am so glad she was the one to take my picutes! Thank you so much Crystal Jo. 🙂