Joleen Willis Photography

27/01/2025

The magic of being a bride always gets me. There is a transformation that I have the honor of witnessing on a wedding day: the bride as she transitions from "getting ready with a lot on my to-do list" to "The day is here and I'm getting married!"⁠

I absolutely love photographing bridal moments, but my favorite is right after she’s in her dress. All those expectations from the morning of hair and makeup get amped up a notch when that dress goes on...it’s like the wedding finally turns in to just that-the wedding day!

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Hair Stylist:
MUA: .makeup.bar.916
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Dress Designers: Martina Liana Bridal
Venue: Heirloom Inn
Rentals:
Cocktails: .bar
Cake: .simply
Calligraphy:

23/01/2025

I had the pleasure of shooting at one of our new luxury wedding venues - IL Refugio! I've gotta say, it's a truly special retreat nestled in the foothills of Vallecito, California.

If you're looking for a venue reminiscent of the bygone era of the Renaissance - this is the place for you!

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21/01/2025

You know I love a good love story! And Lauren and Grant have a great one.

These two met on reddit when Grant snuck his way into the over 30 dating subreddit (when he was a young 29)! Bold move, Grant!

I loved capturing their Yosemite Elopement.

Lauren & Grant had their first vacation to Yosemite when their plan to go to Sequoia NP were thwarted, so it was only fitting that they would return here on their wedding day🥰

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16/01/2025

Does it get more magical than a private first dance in the snow? I don't think so! 🤩

Justin and Johanna eloped followed by a small family dinner in a "pod" at Vulcania. And of course, their romantic first dance in the snow on the patio.

The biggest Congratulation to Justin and Johanna!

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13/01/2025

As a I've had the pleasure of witnessing lots of couples get married and I can tell you from real life experience that there is something that allows your true self to shine when guest lists are small.

I don’t know the why it happens this way…maybe it’s because you don’t feel obligated to be a host to over a 100 people, or maybe you just have more time?

Either way, with an or you get to spend the whole day together! I think that the time with each other is one of the best gifts you can give each other on your wedding day.

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08/01/2025

I LOVE when couples include their dogs in their wedding day!! If you're asking my opinion - I'll always tell you to bring the dog(s)! I mean, how cute is Winnie??

Here are a few tips for planning a dog friendly wedding day - Ask yourself:

🐕 Is your destination dog friendly? Don't worry many of them are!
🐾 How familiar is your dog with hiking? Adventure couples, I'm positive they are very familiar! I love a pup of honor over here! 😍
🧡 Will your dog be part of your ceremony? If not, whose going to watch your dog(s)?

I'd love to help you plan your dog friendly wedding day like Lauren and Grant's!

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06/01/2025

I think as photoraphers we all love the pretty details. They're fun to photograph and something you've put thought and intention into choosing. But the truth is, details will never be as important to me as real moments between people.

The last photo of Aubrey & Nathan is 😍😍😍😍

I really think of the perfectly curated moments as the icing on the cake of a meaningful and intentional and wedding day experience.

Which is what I want for you!

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02/01/2025

Megan and Adam wanted a relaxed and fun day where everyone felt welcome and at ease. They were so committed to this, they snuck in a BBQ on the back deck of John Muir house right before Megan put on her dress! How amazing is that?

There was no first look since they got ready together (I love this and it's such a good way to get time together), but they still wanted to do something just for the two of them, so instead they had private game of Jenga.

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31/12/2024

Adventure brides always have my heart 💜 Also - Happy New Years Eve!

Here’s some encouragement for you: no wedding has to be fully traditional or fully an . Take the time and space YOU need to make it yours. For some, that’s a day completely to themselves.

Or an elopement day with a shared reception
Or a week of relaxation before the big day
Or a private vow day
Or a weekend long summer camp adventure

If you need ideas on how to slow down the experience and make the day yours, I would love to help☺️

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26/12/2024

Here's my friendly photographer reminder to carve out time on your wedding day that is just for the two of you. It's worth it 💜 I promise!

I love this moment from Brittanie & Ryan's big day 😍

Trust me, I know it can feel impossible when you're planning a day where you host guests with a desire to make each one of them feel special.

BUT don't forget, those guests are there for YOU. While you delight in sharing your day with them, don't forget to add some alone time on the exact day you start your marriage.

Coordinator
Venue & Catering
MUA
Hair .bylynette
Florals
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Video
DJ ...sounds...dj
Cake
Dessert

24/12/2024

Something I love so much about elopements is that you can mark the occasion with something that truly ignites your soul 💞 And that's exactly what Stephany & Rafael did! Along with small group of loved ones, we headed off to gorgeous Convict Lake blanketed in snow.

Here's my advice:
If you're passionate about travel, or a once-in-a-lifetime activity, or if you have a bucket list item....what better way to start your married life together

What does your dream elopement experience look like?

Your elopement day experience starts long before the actual "date." I am here for you, to help you plan, share in your excitement, and to photograph your day.

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16/12/2024

16/12/2024

Some Tips for Bridal Prep💋

It is pretty easy to get behind schedule on a wedding day, and honestly it's no one's fault. I've noticed that a well planned bridal prep morning will make all the difference!

1. Talk to your beauty team to see what they recommend to keep the morning on schedule. I work with amazing pros, who are incredibly speedy, they will know what's best!

2. Keep the real prep, the mess, and the clutter in a room dedicated to beauty prep. Bridesmaids come with lots of stuff, it's like the ultimate sleep over of your friendship, but it can be challenging to to keep that mess contained. I always recommend having TWO rooms at your disposal- one for the real prep and luggage, and a second reserved for the bride. This is usually the bright, airy, light filled room where she will put on her dress and where I will photograph her pretty details.

3. Communicate with your bridesmaids about the timeline. We often take a group photo and have a champagne toast before you change out of your robes and into your dresses. I recommend having all your hair and makeup finished at the same time as the bride. The trade off is that you have less time to get ready, but you won't be the one bridesmaid in pictures who doesn't have on any makeup. This is totally personal preference. Talk to you bridesmaids to see if they'd rather be ready for the toast picture, or more time to get ready.

4. When your makeup artist says it's time to get in the chair-get in the chair😂 This is a tough one, I know! We know there are so many little tasks left on a wedding morning, but it's time to delegate. Your beauty pro wants to do her absolute best for you, but she needs time to practice her craft.

5. Make time to put on the dress. Seriously, don't skip this part. Almost always I hear, "My dress is easy to put on, it'll be super fast." But, that would be missing out on all the incredible emotions that come with the realization that this isn't just a fitting, this is the actual WEDDING DAY! I love watching this come over my brides!

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Groom: la_nier3

12/12/2024

I’m all about making a mental note of the best parts of your wedding day, so that as the years go by you can revisit them and retell the stories.

I made a list of things to ask your partner a week or so after your wedding day. Maybe on your honeymoon?

What if you wrote down the answers and revisited them every anniversary…? It doesn’t need to be fancy, just open up that notes app on your phone!

🌄 What was one of your all time highs?

🥰 What did you think when you saw me in my wedding clothes for the first time?

🥂 What memory feels the most powerful?

🌲 What was your favorite spot at our venue?

💞 If you could relive one moment over and over what would it be?

🦋 What conversation stood out to you?

😊 I want to remember____ so I can tell the story to our kids.

🎶 I really love this song, when this song played I felt….

💃 Do you remember when ______ did this on the dance floor?

💍 Did anyone give you good advice that really meant something to you?

💜 Next year when we celebrate our anniversary, i really want to……?

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HMUA: .murphy.beauty
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09/12/2024

Ohhh California....there are are states in this country where you could drive hours and never see a change in scenery.

Winter is such a beautiful season to plan your adventurous wedding.

While winter might come with a few extra "challenges" but if you're prepared, you will have a beautiful, adventurous, and comfortable experience. A

nd as a bonus, there will often be less crowds at some of the world's most iconic locations. How amazing would it be to have Mammoth Lakes or Yosemite Valley all to yourselves?!

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05/12/2024

My goal is for you to come away from your wedding day feeling completely content and satisfied- NOT like you just ran a marathon or participated in an all day drill.

My personal opinion is that it all starts out with a well thought out timeline. This is where we imagine the pace of the day, and where we make sure that details specific to your emotional needs are met! If you anticipate you'll be feeling emotional, or want some extra time to soak in a moment, I schedule it in.

While every couple is different, I've been to 100s of weddings and I can usually anticipate when you might need a few extra minutes.
Nothing makes me happier than knowing I played a role in crafting a day that feels just the right pace, just the right excitement, and just the right amount of quiet moments.

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Bride:
Groom: la_nier3

03/12/2024

Zareen and Spencer have one of those love stories that was a lifetime in the making. They literally grew up as neighbors and so many of their childhood experiences were shared! In high school they became best friends, by college....the sparks began to fly!

It was so fun watching all their family together, because even though their wedding date "officially" joined the two, these families have known each other for years. How amazing to have your neighbors turn into your family!

Zareen & Spencer, I loved spending the day with you!

Photo
Ceremony
Reception
Planner Skye
Dunbar House Contact
Florals Country Flower Hutch

29/11/2024

Here's my friendly wedding photographer reminder to carve out time on your wedding day that is just for the two of you. It can feel impossible when you're planning a day where you host guests with a desire to make each one of them feel special. Don't forget, those guests are there for YOU.

While you delight in sharing your day with them, don't forget to add some alone time on the exact day you start your marriage.
It's worth it 💕 I promise