Peyton - Newborn

I kept calling Peyton my allstar baby because photographing him in every set up was a breeze.  With that being said, I had to cut this blog post down to 1/3 of his images because he has SO many in this gallery.  Can you handle those lips, thick dark hair and adorable cheeks!?! Ahhh, and his proud big sister is just as adorable!  Peyton was also the first baby I ever did a golf theme with - so fun! I cannot even wait to see how much adorable he becomes as he grows - if that’s even possible! Enjoy just a few of my many favorites from Peyton’s session.

Addison - Newborn


Well, the bad news is Addi isn’t very into sleeping. The good news is, she’s adorable and we made it work anyways! Addison’s mama soon deserves some gorgeous pics of her little because she worked as hard as I did during this session! (Dad, well… he was our DJ + live entertainment ;) ) Anyways, pretty girl wanted to stay tucked in most of our session and that is A-Ok with me. That’s how babies really are, right? Aside from her array of cute handmade props from her grandmother (UM YODA?! REALLY?!) she also brought along the biggest pair of gorgeous baby blues that I got to capture at the end of her session.  My only hope is that she ends up half as hilarious as her parents - andddd maybe grows to like me more (talk to me when you can eat candy, Addi!) ;) Enjoy some favs from her session!

Ellie - Newborn

She's her daddy's sweetheart, Mama's lookalike + brothers' new best friend. I have been waiting and waiting and waitingggg to meet Ellie and she was just as sweet as I thought she would be.  I've been photographing her family for years now and I have to admit, seeing her with her big brothers (who were just tots when I met them!) made my heart burst a little.  Her daddy is totally wrapped around her tiny finger and her mama finally has her little girl to spoil!  I have no doubt she will fit in + be well protected by that crazy awesome family of hers ;)  Enjoy some favys!

Nick + Amanda - Engaged!


So once upon a time, I was still shooting outdoor sessions in January…. crazy, right?! Nick + Amanda definitely bit the bullet on a breezy, cold but beautiful day + it was absolutely worth it. These two were terrific to photograph even when clouds were rolling in around us. Nick + Amanda are genuine, fun + relaxed around one another - what more could a photographer ask from them?! And I gotta say, I loveeee Amanda’s sweet laugh, too. Only a few more months until their Big Day! Enjoy some favs!

Quin + Karly - Engaged!

These two managed to have a sunrise session on the iciest day of the year (extra props to Karly for wearing heals for half of it!) and still ended up with an incredibly beautiful gallery. We started their session at the Harrisburg Capitol building.  Boy, was that an adventure. If you look closely at the ground Quin + Karly are walking on, it was a compete sheet of ice. But we caught some beautiful light so it was well worth it. Next, we headed to Fort Hunter where we captured a cute baseball save-the-date + even got down close to the Susquehanna River where it was completely frozen over. All in all, these two were troopers. You would never guess while looking at their gallery how cold they were + they totally rocked their session with smiles on their faces.   Now to patiently wait for September! Enjoy some favorites of mine.

Jim + Hannah - Engaged!

I just ADORE these guys. So much that I traveled to Philly for such an exciting session with these two! The Franklin Bridge, Philly skyline, some incredibly beautiful walls, + the street corner where they had their first kiss all make an appearance in this eclectic session.  I’ve gotta say - I LIVE for sessions like these where my couples trust me to push the limits with creative posing + unique spots.  Jim + Hannah are so in-sync with each other and it shows in their posing. Natural, soft, loving <3They also had me laughing hysterically (I won’t mention any drunk stories, Jim) and feeling like I was hanging with friends during their session. I’m counting down the days until I get to photograph these two become husband and wife. They are already 2017’s power couple in my book! Enjoy some (or many) of my favs.

Adalynn - Maternity + Newborn

It’s been awhile since I blogged a newborn session but sweet baby Adalynn is too special not to share.  I have been photographing the Deimler Family for several years now and I was so thrilled when they found out they were finally having their baby girl! Baby A is her mama’s twin + already has daddy (+ big brothers) wrapped around her finger. I can’t wait to watch her grow.

Enjoy some favorites from the Deimler Family’s beautiful maternity session at Longwood Gardens + newborn session!

Tim + Laura - Married!

Tim + Laura’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect. They had their special day at a venue I absolutely adore (And I mean REALLY adore - I got married there a week later!) and the weather was the best of the season. Tim + Laura brought a lot of fun to their Big Day. I loved their royal blue colors, Laura’s unique dress, their hilariously adorable ring bearer and son, their epic gun picture request, and man, do these guys and their friends/fam know how to party! The reception was too much fun! Don’t even get me started on their superhero boutonnieres and fabric flowers. But one of my ABSOLUTE favorite parts of this day was when Tim’s son Gavin brought Laura a flower while she was getting ready and told her how beautiful she looked in her dress.  I think everyone was in tears!!  This was my last wedding of the season and I went out with a bang. I wish this little family nothing but happiness and love!

Tyler + Autumn - Married!

It’s been a wonderful, crazy year for Ty and Autumn. They got engaged, had the cutest baby in the world, got married, and most importantly - met me ;) haha!  I have clicked with these two since the day that I met at Autumn’s uncle’s wedding and to say it has been an honor to photograph all of their biggest moments is an understatement.  

 

I know everyone wants the perfect sunny day for their wedding, but that just didn’t happen for them. Actually, it was the complete opposite. It was torrential downpours. Ty and Autumn’s wedding was held on Ty’s family property that sits beautifully right next to the Susquehanna River. Realistically, as a photographer, I knew that capturing the mountains and water during their ceremony would be difficult during the mid day but because of the fog and overcast skies we actually caught the most AMAZING views. Maybe I’m crazy, but watching Ty stand waiting for his soon-to-be wife in the pouring down rain (with still obvious tears in his eyes) will forever be one of the most beautiful moments for me. They shared their vows while the skies opened up and they did. Not. Care. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again - rainy weddings might be a little more complicated but they are sometimes the most beautiful visually. 

 

The rest of their day was a big party surrounded by their family and friends (all who I personally got to hang out with and had a wonderful time with!) and sweet moments - including speeches from all of the groomsmen, a tear speech from Ty’s grandfather, their beautiful baby being passed around to all of the people that they love, and the dirtiest wedding dress of all time. My heart almost wants to explode over the fact that I met Ty + Autumn through photography. On the craziest, most stressful days of my job I can always know I made some of the best friends simply by taking their picture. Ty and Autumn are a rarity. They are real and bold and passionate.  They’ve been through extremely stressful situations and came out on the other side stronger than ever, together. They are just as beautiful inside as they are out and their son is basically my favorite person in the world (Aunt Jess loves you, Brodie)! I have tons more favorites from their big day but I might be a little biased. Enjoy their big day <3

Ira + Chelsea - Married!

I am such a lucky person to have met Ira + Chelsea and even luckier to have been able to work with them on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. These two are just lovely, creative souls that truly just. GET. IT. In a world full of flash and fakeness, it is a breath of fresh air to meet a couple so truly genuine and meant to be.

Ira, Chelsea and their family worked their BUTTS off for their wedding. The whole thing was completely made from bare hands and big dreams. It was truly unbelievably to see. Chelsea’s dad HANDMADE their dance floor and ceremony site. UNREAL. The food was also homemade and delicious.  And the swing, teepee and Photo Booth?! With my own wedding only being a monthaway, I wanted to just pick up the whole dang thing and use it as my own wedding.

So I might have put a little extra shots in here that weren’t necessarily needed for this blog post. But little things like the cutest/funniest flower girl and ring bearer, a song from the groom to bride, and a cat walking down the aisle just had to be shared. It’s a part of Ira + Chelsea’s story and they have created a beautiful one for themselves.  Enough babbling. I will leave you with a quote that Ira dedicated to his new wife before singing to her in front of all of their friends and family.

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes “Awww!” - Jack Kerouac

Brian + Kaitlin - Married!


It feels like eternity since I blogged last but this wedding is worth breaking that trend for. Brian and Kaitlin are a beautiful unique couple. They’re smart, creative and just downright perfect for each other. If you are wondering some examples of this, how about their teary old church ceremony, their dandelion wish entrance, or their handmade details (I mean those flowers!? They were done by Katilin’s friend and they are FANTASTIC!)  Don’t even get me started on their rings! I also couldn’t help but notice that their family and friends mean everything to them and the feeling was mutual. Throughout the whole day everyone was speaking such praises of the sweet newlywed couple and I couldn’t agree more. With their deep passion + incredible work ethic, I know these two are going to go so far, and even further now that they are together. Enjoy my favorites from this fantastic wedding!

Ryan + Janelle - Engaged!


We waited for the perfect weather for Ryan + Janelle’s session and with the slightest overcast skies, we got it. Janelle mentioned a beautiful spot where she had hiked in the past and it served lots of unique spots - including a “beach”! Ryan + Janelle are the sweetest together and were a breeze to photograph.  I wish every session were this *easily* perfect :) Can’t wait to photograph their Big Day - so soon!!!

Andrew + Emily - Engaged!

This session was SO fun.  It was one of those times that “work” felt an awful lot like hanging out with friends. Downtown Hershey was the perfect location for Andrew + Emily’s session. It was simple, classy + offered great airy light.  To make things that much greater, a little cutie named Oliver joined in for our session and offered his modeling skills. Andrew + Emily’s wedding can’t come soon enough!

Sam + Cierra - Married!


This wedding was the epitome of all things that make me happy. Good friends that I’ve known for years, wedding decor that I would like to steal and use for my own wedding, a brave bride and groom that are wiling to go the extra mile for epic shots, and, oh yes, tears. Lots of tears. (Sorry Beth - you might be crying more than once in here.)

I’ve known Cierra for what feels like forever. (There are some embarrassing pictures somewhere to prove it.) The first time I worked with Sam and Cierra one-on-one for their gorgeous daughter’s newborn pictures, I just fell in love with how they are together. They are hilarious, adorable and best friends. They are also the most amazing parents and, as I can attest to, the most amazing friends.

My site literally crashed when I tried to upload this blog the first time so I had to cut it in half. (Yeah, THAT’S how many pictures there are.) But I will say, the most beautiful thing about being friends with the couple that you are photographing is that they trust you…… to do crazy things like wear their wedding attire in the middle of the creek. (Highlight of my wedding season so far.) Sam + Cierra (and Addie!), I loveeee you!  This is just the beginning for your little family and I can’t wait to be there every step of the way to photograph the rest ;) 

Raelynn - Cake Smash


Raelynn is the sweetest little girl to work with. Ever single she pooped all over her parents during her newborn session, I knew we’d be best friends (hahahaha, sorry, Kara! Still hilarious!). Luckily, we didn’t have any of that during her Cake Smash.  Raelynn was an angel - giving major cuddles to her parents, actually LETTING us put a flower crown on her, giving us big smiles, and delivering me one of my favorite Cake Smashes of all time.  I knew I wanted to do something very special for Raelynn’s Cake Smash and not to toot my own horn but danggggggggg did this Cake Smash set up turn out awesome!!! It was put together with my grandmother’s comforter, my mom’s quilt, and hand picked flowers from Paulus’s Market. All we needed was a gorgeous little girl to devour her cake and that is exactly what we got. A big thank you to my grandmother and master crafter for making these real flower crowns! Happy 1st birthday, Raelynn!  You are BEAUTIFUL!

Gerry + Stacy - Married!

Holy moley, it’s been awhile since I did a blogpost - but I HAD to blog this wedding. I know I say this every wedding, but the Bowerman Wedding was my largest wedding gallery yet and it is pretty easy to see why. A beautiful venue, the happiest couple (can we talk about Stacy’s mega watt smile though?!), a gorgeous wedding party and family (and shout out to all the kiddos - I could have made a gallery just for them!), tons of unique details, dance moves that I have honestly never seen before, and maybe even a few happy tears. It might have been the hottest day of the year but the only thing I could focus on was Gerry, Stacy and the beautiful little family they brought together that day.  I’m a little sad to be sending this gallery off but I know a couple that well deserves it. Gerry + Stacy, you are both truly a couple to look up to.  Your loving gentleness with each other, your kids, your friends, and everyone you come across is something the world needs a little more of. Thanks for giving me this beautiful day to capture.

Nicole - Senior

If I were to describe my photographic style to someone I would say … Happy! Real. Bright and colorful. Belly laughs and creative. This girl, well, she embodies all of those things. I had TOO much fun with her, if that’s even possible!

Nicole’s session was a beautiful summer day splashed with gorgeous golden light.  I showed her the back of my camera at one point and she said, “Yes! This light! More of this light!” So that’s what we did :) And she looked glorious in it! I didn’t have to convince Nicole into showing her personality and giving me big laughs. She was undeniably and beautifully herself the moment I met her and it made her session the closest thing to perfect.  Enjoy some favorites of her session - I have so many more still in her gallery!

 

Navy - Senior

Senior Season has been treating me well this year. Navy - although you wouldn’t know it - is NOT a model, but she definitely should be!  This pretty’s lady’s good looks aren’t just on the outside. I had too much fun laughing, joking and hanging out with her during our session.  When picking sneak peeks for her, it was like choosing my favorite children. I just loved them all!

We started off her session at Italian Lake in Harrisburg and then moved to the Capitol Building. I am so glad we did this because she rocked both of these looks! For the first time this summer I captured real golden light at sunset - that beautiful orange glow right before the sun goes down over the mountains. Enjoy manyyyy favorites from Navy’s session.

Rohen - Cake Smash

Rohen’s Mama came to me with the sweetest theme for her handsome little guy - Where the Wild Things Are! How special and cute is that?! It was one of her favorite books as a child and judging by Rohen intending paging through the book, it’s one of his favorites, too.  Rohen was kind of hilarious. He was so mesmerized by the mirror in my camera moving every time I took a picture that he forgot to smile… luckily his mom has the BEST monkey impression that kept both him and I laughing the whole time. Also, I’m sure I’ve said this before butttttt… the medal for World’s Most Beautiful Family goes to these guys ;)  Enjoy Rohen’s Cake Smash! Happy almost birthday, little dude!

 

Greyson is 5!

Today Greyson is 5 years old!  It’s been 5 years of excitement, sleepless nights, adventures, time outs, big kisses, and happiness I never knew possible.  Ever since his little brother has been born, I’ve been awful at keeping up with these personal posts of my boys. The time just somehow slips out of my hands. But Greyson was the whole reason I started this little adventure called Jessica Snider Photography 5 1/2 years ago so it only makes sense that he gets to be a blog post :)

I wanted to do portraits of Greyson that truly showed who he is as a person - fun-loving, adventurous, theatrical, sweet. And I wanted to incorporate some of his favorite things - catching fireflies, art, (of course) Superheroes, his brother, and Rakestraws ice cream! We even recreated a session I did of him when he was 2 years old.

(Here are the shots we recreated above from when he was 2 years old! I miss that fro!)

The things I love most about Grey is his constant happiness (I swear this kid is always smiling no matter what the circumstance), his determination, his big imagination, his love for people and life, and his intelligence (this kid is way too smart for me.)  He also loves playing with his little brother and grandpa, playing with his super hero action figures, helping me bake brownies, pretending to be Hulk (especially when we’re checking out at stores - not embarrassing at all), Chikfila, playing Go Fish, his best friends Riley and Luca, swimming, running, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and art (especially painting).  He wants to be a police officer when he grows up and is starting Kindergarten in a few short weeks.

Greyson is the light of our family. I say every year on his birthday that when he came around, he changed my life forever.  And every year as he grows he teaches me brand new ways of being a better mom + person.  My only hopes for the rest of his life is that he does what makes him happy, works hard, and always knows how incredibly loved he is. I have no doubt that he will do great things someday.  Happy birthday, Greyson Ryder!

Here are some oldies but goodies of little Grey!  He had surgery on his tummy a few hours after birth and had a 3 week NICU stay - you would never know now, would you?!