Blog - Jessica Nettles Photography

Natalie’s Disneyland Birthday

April 27, 2018 In Lifestyle No Comment

“Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional”- Walt Disney

Oh, how I love it when spontaneous shoots turn out better than I could ever imagine!

Natalie called me on the morning of her birthday asking if I was available to capture all the birthday festivities she had planned with her boyfriend. Natalie a TV Host and Journalist, and Brand Ambassador @rw_co was only going to be in Southern California for a few days visiting from Canada and wanted to celebrate her 29th birthday the best way anyone knows how; with a birthday button and some bubbles. Everyone knows I’m how much I love photographing at Disneyland and I’m always up for the challenge of shooting at the ~~busiest~~ happiest place on Earth. Of course I said yes! 2 hours later, I somehow managed to find Natalie at the front gates of the park. It took me a minute to find her because I didn’t realize I was looking for a princess look-a-like. Seriously, this girl is gorgeous on the inside and out. We had a blast inside the park while trying to dodging tourists, posing in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and cramming in as many rides as humanly possible in between. I want to wish a very happy (and belated) birthday to Natalie! I hope all your wishes came true this year.

Abner and Jackie “Fated”-Oak Canyon Nature Center

February 16, 2018 In Engagement No Comment

“Because I could watch you for a single minute and find a thousand things that I love about you.”

Everything about this amazing session was fated. These pictures were supposed to be in a flower garden. For several months we talked about a garden blooming with flowers. Then Jackie was inspired to wear a traditional Korean hanbok. Jackie found an extraordinary dress at Leehwa Wedding dresses in Los Angeles, CA . Suddenly our color palette changed, now more than ever she was going to be my center of the focus. We decided on Oak Canyon, with browns and greens and lush dense trees. When Jackie showed up I was completely floored by how stunning she looked. The hanbok truly made her look like royalty. The dress’s regal colors and beautiful stitching moved with slight whispers of fabric, matching Jackie’s gentle mannerism.

It’s fitting actually. It sounds so corny, I know. But these two draw you into their love when you’re next to them. But, yup it’s totally true. They look at each other with so much love, support, and kindness. Abner looks at Jackie like someone who’s back from a long journey and has found his home in her. In turn, the way Jackie is drawn to Abner, a touch of an arm while talking, a subtle smile when she hears his voice. There is something so elegant about them as a couple. They draw you into their love story.

So without further delay meet Abner and Jackie.

Ryan and Caitlin

February 11, 2018 In Family Photos No Comment

“She’s the exclamation mark in the happiest sentence that I could ever possibly write”

The joy of being a photographer is meeting couples like Caitlin and Ryan. This would be the 3rd shoot together from their wedding to now a baby. Any day now this gorgeous mama is having their little girl, joining big sister Evelyn.

One thing about their story that makes this even more special, well Ryan has been serving our country. He has been deployed for pretty much all of Caitlin’s pregnancy. Thankfully he is home now and will be here for the birth of his daughter.

Thank you, Ryan, for serving our country! Can’t wait to meet this little one.

Alta Vista Country Club {Robby + Ashley}

February 2, 2018 In Wedding No Comment

“Someday, when I’m awfully low, when the world is cold, I will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight”-Sinatra

I can’t say enough amazing things about Robby and Ashley, a couple who are truly soul mates and best friends. They have been such a joy to get to know over this past year and a half.

From the start of the day till the last song on the dance floor and every detail in between, Ashley, Robby, and their family made this wedding spectacular! From the amazing sunflower arrangements to a custom-made bar for the popcorn, in an assortment of flavors, to a cigar station, even having a custom-made corn hole boards this wedding was one to remember!!

Robby and Ashley wed at Alta Vista Country Club in Placentia, California. The beautiful outdoor gazebo, a signature element at Alta Vista, was the ceremony site. After an emotional vow ceremony, we headed to the lake and the kissing bridge, and wow they made for the perfect place to show off Ashley’s stunning dress and cathedral veil, seriously you have to see the back of this dress!

The guest enjoyed appetizers and games of cornhole on the outdoor patio til everyone was whisked inside for the reception, held in the ballroom. Family and loved ones from all across the country came to celebrate this beautiful couple. After a wonderful dinner, everyone danced to the best playlist ever. After months and months of planning this stunning wedding was one for the books.

This couple has always seemed destined to be together. From fated beginnings to this beautiful day. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ashley and Robby Binder.

Second Photographer: Jacqueline Smith

Assitant and Photographer: Emma Wahlstrom

Also be sure to check out below all of the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Venue: Alta Vista Country Club

Flowers: Victoria’s Garden

Hair and makeup: Debra Castellanos ( Salon Technique)

Photobooths- Westside Photo Booths

Popcorn Station- Pop-O-Licious’N More

Dj- Diamond Dj’s Entertainment

Cake- Creative Cake

Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Bridal Dress- Mary Me Bridal

Robby’s Tux- Men’s Warehouse

Ashley’s Bracelets- The Stacked Collection

Invitations- Posh Paper

Andre and Esther “An Ocean and the Kiss” Laguna Beach Pirates Bay

September 2, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“and then he gave her the ocean; because she didn’t want the moon”

When I met Andre and Esther, there was a gentle manner that drew me in. They are both athletic and tall, strikingly beautiful, in totally contrasting ways. At our first meeting about their wedding day, they would almost finish the other’s thought. Not in a ‘cut each other off’ way, but in a gentle way, one would stop, the other would continue. A beach wedding was the plan and a beach engagement session, for their love of the ocean was a common bond, so Laguna Beach was where we decided upon.

Day of our engagement session was a crazy day for me filled with family events in the morning and a crazy day for them prepping for pictures. Yet our drive to the beach was full of laughter and stories about their family, Andre’s college football playing for the University of Colorado and how they fell in love. The entire drive, both kept stating “please make sure you direct, we haven’t done this before.”

When I started the session, I was prepared for a lot of interaction. But that’s when the comfortable manner with each other just took over. They didn’t need to be prepped or directed. The looks, the nuzzles, all the sweet moments took over. Watching them, you feel a sense of calm; a feeling you get to know when you see love. I saw two people at home in each other’s arms.

People on the beach stopped and stared. At one point we had to wait a minute for the wind to shift slightly and the sun broke through, and this beautiful sky broke through, and a couple behind me said: “Wow they are as stunning, they look so in love, almost peaceful, don’t they?” I couldn’t have worded it better.

This is Andre and Esther

Faith and Bryce A lady and her Army Gentleman- Cresent Bay Laguna Beach

July 18, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“I love you, and that’s the beginning and the end of everything.”

I’ve met couples that have planned their wedding in months and some that call me a year and a half out. One even has booked me three years in advance. But Faith and Bryce is the first couple that booked me with the idea that “we just don’t know.” Faith is planning a wedding around Bryce’s getting leave for the wedding. The date is really up to the Army. They have a general idea; he’s requested three dates. But the final day won’t be confirmed till… well that’s the question.

Their engagement session was pretty similar. Bryce had put in for some time to come home but just wasn’t sure when that would be. So when Faith called me to tell me that Bryce would be home in a week, and could we fit it in, I made sure we could.

Now don’t misunderstand, Faith is planning her dream wedding. She has her dress, DJ, flowers, me. She just needs the stars to align. Considering her and Bryce, I know it will.

Bryce and Faith met shortly after high school at a game at his alma mater, went on a date. Four years later Bryce went into boot camp, the week of his graduation from basic training he proposed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Faith knew that Laguna would be her dream wedding destination, so thankfully when Bryce had a very short leave, we planned for a beach shoot. Laguna did not disappoint, and Cresent Bay glimmered in all her glory.

Now we wait. The calendar’s narrowed down some. The couple do have venue the stunning Tivoli Too so Faith has her dream venue by the beach. But they will be the first to tell you, it’s not about the beach, not about the venue it’s about anxiously waiting for the day they can finally say ” I do.” So now meet Faith and Bryce, the future Mr. and Mrs. Baskin.

A beautiful soul- Kendra Canyon High School Class of 2017

June 16, 2017 In Senior Pictures No Comment

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within” -Maya Angelou

This young lady graduated today a senior at Canyon High School in Anaheim Hills Ca When talking to her mom there has been so much anticipation about this day. Mom is watching her oldest graduate, from a little girl with pigtails to this beautiful young woman ready for the world.

During the shoot, this young lady was often reserved, almost hesitant in front of the camera. But as we continued her smile was brighter her laughter deeper.

When it came time for cap and gown pictures her mom couldn’t help but tear up “Nothing prepared me for this” her mom shared. It reminded me how special these pictures are. It is not only special for my Seniors to have these memories but for their parents. By having parents apart of the process from outfits to hair and makeup. The time we spend during our shoots is part of the letting go process for most of the parents. Seeing their little ones not so little, figuratively and literally preparing for the next step, the next stage

World I hope you’re ready for this young lady, her beauty, intelligence, and firecracker personality is going to blow you away. World meet Kendra

Meeting the Gentleman Graduate- Jared Day soon to be student of NYU Stern School of Business

May 26, 2017 In Senior Pictures No Comment

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching” -C.S Lewis

Sometimes I see so many high schoolers sacrifice fun for homework. Sometimes it’s sports and the dedication and hard work to become a better athlete. Jared did those things and more. Jared worked so that he could attend a very prestigious high school in Boston. Becoming a star hockey player with stellar grades, he was accepted into NYU Stern School of Business, a renowned business school. But that’s what makes Jared a good student. The reason he is a gentleman goes so much deeper.

The outside view of Jared what the world sees is an amazing student and athlete. What you don’t see, what made him this incredible gentleman, was the beautiful women and his amazing mother. It’s where he learned compassion and generosity. Where he learned to give when you have been given so much. She taught him to be bigger than your bubble to share and be kind. This young man, who when he comes home from school, helps his mother at the foundation she created that helps others less fortunate. Jared donates so much of his time at Connecting Hands of Orange County . He will be dressed as Santa at Christmas, or up all night helping wrapped donated toys. His vacations are spent helping to collect and dropping off food for families. He does it with a smile, an open heart, and generous spirit.

The day of our session Jared shined, full of laughter and silliness. We had so much fun in downtown Orange from the time we started, till the time we ended. Hearing Jared’s goals and accomplishments only showed that he will be making a difference, not only on a professional level but to everyone he meets.

World Meet Jared Day a true gentleman.

Moving Mountains- Biola University Graduate Miss Alysa White

May 24, 2017 In Senior Pictures No Comment

“She is clothed in STRENGHT and DIGNITY” Proverbs 31:25

I met Alysa through her uncle who’s family pictures I did last year. Her Uncle Kurt and her Aunt Ann wanted to give her and her brother (his pictures will be featured next week) a special gift. They wanted a unique gift, something that would last a lifetime, capturing this incredible time in both of their lives. Alysa was graduating from Biola University on her way to becoming a teacher.

Alysa isn’t your typical college graduate or even young lady. This woman SHINES, not just her outside beauty, she is beautiful but what’s inside is brighter than the sun. Not only in school but out of school. Between traveling to Mexico to help build houses, or Nicaragua on a mission trip with her church, her time is about giving to others. This summer she will be traveling to Africa to train teachers, doing professional development. Alysa has a heart and soul filled with love and serving others. You smile in her presence. She makes you want to be a better person, give back. She makes you want to pack a bag and travel, see the all the beauty that God has created. She’s laughter and fun. The time I’ve spent with her I laughed at her silliness and breathed in her free spirit.

Thankfully this beautiful and amazing woman studied to be a teacher. I can only pray my children have someone as amazing as her. Watching her love her younger brother, and joke with her mother, her connection with people is more the type of compassion and heart that our future will strengthen from.

Alysa is going to move mountains and change the world. So proud to have captured just a moment in this extraordinary young woman’s life. World Meet Alysa and watch the difference she will make!

Secret Missions, Sneaky Photography and a Surprise Engagement- A Disneyland Proposal

April 29, 2017 In Engagement No Comment

“All our dreams can come true, If we have the courage to pursue them”~ Walt Disney \

There are some things you just can’t wait to be a part of. A surprise proposal is one of them. A surprise proposal at Disneyland is a double cherry on top of a very fun cake! So when Sammi called me from Canada to tell me her sisters boyfriend was planning to propose while they were at Disneyland I jumped at the chance. The plan was Sumeet ( boyfriend) and Rubina (sister) planned on coming to California from Canada, stopping at Disneyland. With a very original plan of a caricature drawing to propose. Well once all the details were made, Sumeet took over. A very nervous fiancee who loving worried about the ring through customs. If security at Disneyland would ruin the surprise. So after many calls and text, the plan was in place.

The location of the caricature is by Pirates of the Caribbean, a small little patio. My fellow photographer friend, who offered to video, tried to be as discreet as possible. Not an easy task. When we saw Sumeet everyone involved from the sketch artist, manager, couple next to them couldn’t help be excited. From afar we took pictures and video till the artist gave us a wink, it was time. On bended knee, to Rubina’s utter shock Sumeet pulled off the perfect surprise. It was beautiful, the crowd cheered and everyone cried.

We then were able to reveal our secret, we were there for this moment. Sumeet had planned it all so that Rubina would have pictures to look back on and share with her family. Shaking and smiling and eyes full of tears you could see the shock had fully set in. After a few moments, we began out brief engagement session. Rubina admittingly couldn’t stop shaking but more importantly, she couldn’t stop smiling. Sumeet was equally as happy with an extra dose of relieved that it was finally in the books and he could just enjoy the time.

So enjoy a few pictures of Sumeet and Rubina’s super secret engagement.