Joleen Willis Photography

Joleen Willis Photography Romantic photography for modern couples.
-AND-
Fashion forward senior portraits.

When I first started photographing weddings I thought I knew when all the "big" moments were...the first kiss, the first...
07/22/2024

When I first started photographing weddings I thought I knew when all the "big" moments were...the first kiss, the first dance, etc.

But as time went by I noticed more and more "mini ceremonies." Soon it was all the little things in between the big things that I started to love.

The "big" ceremonious moments are important too, but I love to capture the small moments that you'll want to remember forever.

Venue:
Florals:
Photography: ,
Catering:
Cake:
Dress:

Lara & Will's wedding day was planned in worldwind!Will, who is in the military and was stationed in the arctic, on a su...
07/18/2024

Lara & Will's wedding day was planned in worldwind!
Will, who is in the military and was stationed in the arctic, on a submarine, contacts Lara to say, "Guess what, I'm going to get leave soon."

Lara is of course totally thrilled to hear from him, it's been an entire month since they spoke. But what she didn't realize that he was implying...."we have only a few weeks window to get married"....

After the call she realized, he meant plan a wedding!

So in a flurry of determination, they set about doing just that. And even when their venue canceled on them last minute, came to the rescue.

These are already off to the next adventure. Congratulations Will & Lara!

Photography
Venue
Hair Jill Doane
Makeup
Florals (with some blooms from )
Catering

The details 🤩 Sometimes it's all in the small details, isn't it? One of the first things I do as the photographer on a w...
07/16/2024

The details 🤩 Sometimes it's all in the small details, isn't it? One of the first things I do as the photographer on a wedding is photograph all the meaningful details.

In fact, I’m always looking for ways to add meaningful moments to your day. Your wedding day will fly by, so pausing to think about moments you don’t want to miss out on is really important to me.

You'll want to remember what your wedding invitations and shoes looked like. What perfume you wore. It's those details that will bring you back to the day and that's all I want for you as your photographer!

Photography
Venue
Hair Jill Doane
Makeup
Florals (with some blooms from )
Catering

Some fairy tale hair from our shoot with by the talented Alyssa Team: Cake/Food Florals: HMUA Photo Invitation Suite@l...
07/11/2024

Some fairy tale hair from our shoot with by the talented Alyssa

Team:
Cake/Food
Florals:
HMUA
Photo
Invitation Suite@littlewildflowercraftcompany
Suit
Dress
Dress Designer
Rentals

Ohhhh my adventure brides...lay in the grass brides, swat at the bugs brides, run up the hill brides, pose by the s**t b...
06/27/2024

Ohhhh my adventure brides...lay in the grass brides, swat at the bugs brides, run up the hill brides, pose by the s**t brides...you have a special place in my heart.

A little behind the scenes from Angela & Nic's adventure elopement.

Photo
MUA .marie.co
Florals
Venue

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I will never get tired of this view! 😍 I don't care how popular it gets or who did it first...when you look down on the ...
06/27/2024

I will never get tired of this view! 😍 I don't care how popular it gets or who did it first...when you look down on the Yosemite valley it is truly a majestic experience!⁣

Photos: alongside
Video:
Coordinator:.event.planner.ca
Florist:
Caterer:
Charcuterie:
DJ & photo booth:
Hair & makeup:
Venue:
Couple: & Joseph

The moment Brittanie stepped out the door for her first look with Ryan.I think one of the best gifts you can give yourse...
06/24/2024

The moment Brittanie stepped out the door for her first look with Ryan.

I think one of the best gifts you can give yourself on your wedding day is a first look. Weddings are joyful and eventful, which can often mean you don’t see as much of your bride or groom as you thought. This makes me so sad! When you have a first look you’re free to react, to talk, to hug, to cry all without an audience....

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

Thank you Abby & David for letting me be a part of your story. I loved spending the day with you bouncing around Yosemit...
06/22/2024

Thank you Abby & David for letting me be a part of your story. I loved spending the day with you bouncing around Yosemite. In true wanderlust form these two are starting their honeymoon with an extended roadtrip home. I could think of nothing better!

It was such a pleasure photographing Makenna & Josiah's day! Seeing these two families become one was so full of joy, an...
06/21/2024

It was such a pleasure photographing Makenna & Josiah's day! Seeing these two families become one was so full of joy, and truly a family event as each person contributed. Thank you so much for including me, I loved being a part of it!

Venue: Bennet Barn, Twain Harte
Photo:
Video:
Coordinator: Ceremonies By Sandra
Hair: Jessica Algiers
Suit:
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As someone who has photographed many weddings and elopements I have some advice for you: you only get to do this day onc...
06/17/2024

As someone who has photographed many weddings and elopements I have some advice for you: you only get to do this day once, do it exactly how you want to!

On the day you promise your life to another person, do it the way that means the most to you.

For some, that’s a big party with everyone they love, for others it’s quiet spaces and lots of time alone. There’s no right or wrong way. But there is a right way for YOU.

If you ever need a sounding board, I’m here for you!
Ok, now, go plan the day you want!

Florals
Hair and makeup
Photographer
Dress & suit
Color

Here's my friendly photographer reminder to carve out time on your wedding day that is just for the two of you.Trust me,...
06/13/2024

Here's my friendly photographer reminder to carve out time on your wedding day that is just for the two of you.

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. And 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

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

Something I loved about these two from the start was their unwavering commitment to not just do wedding stuff because it...
06/11/2024

Something I loved about these two from the start was their unwavering commitment to not just do wedding stuff because it's what you're supposed to do.

They didn't want to have a big production, they just wanted to be themselves completely with their closest friends and family. Their wedding was exactly that! Friends and family from all over gathering together and hanging out to celebrate love 🧡

Venue, Planner, Caterer:
Florals:
Photographer:
Hair & Makeup:
Pie:
Dress:

My ultimate goal as your photographer is to add to your day in the best possible way, not take you away from your friend...
06/05/2024

My ultimate goal as your photographer is to add to your day in the best possible way, not take you away from your friends and family and all the food and entertainment you’ve picked out to enjoy!

It’s a delicate balance to keep you at your party, and deliver as many dreamy, romantic, stunning couples portraits as possible…

So…I ask. Especially couples who have an adventurous spirit and love for the mountains, I ask them to take a day just for themselves, no timeline, no guests waiting, just them and the anticipation and excitement of being married!



I think putting words to paper is becoming a lost art. How many of actually write letters any more? Even a note...?Who a...
06/04/2024

I think putting words to paper is becoming a lost art. How many of actually write letters any more? Even a note...?
Who among us can imagine a time before text messages? I remember my mom leaving notes in my lunchbox, or mailing letters to my grandparents. Those days may be over! So when it comes to your VOWS, literally the whole reason you throw an awesome party and invite all your favorite people, it's worth putting them to paper. It's probably one the most budget friendly yet most important heirloom your relationship will share. So get those books handmade or shipped to you in one day from amazon, and take time to truly reflect on what you want to say to your forever person.

Vow books from Kim & Eric's day.
Florals:
Photo
Venue
Catering:

Not all wedding venues are created equal, and sometimes nature makes the best one.Oriana & Joseph chose to get up before...
05/30/2024

Not all wedding venues are created equal, and sometimes nature makes the best one.

Oriana & Joseph chose to get up before sunrise on their wedding day to make time for a private vow exchange at Glacier Point in Yosemite. I fully supported this decision and look at the results 😍

After a mountaintop morning complete with charcuterie breakfast, these two rejoined their guests and included everyone in their big celebration!

Photos: alongside
Video:
Coordinator:.event.planner.ca
Florist:
Caterer:
Charcuterie:
DJ & photo booth:
Hair & makeup:
Venue:
Couple: & Joseph

I made a list of things to ask your partner a week or so after your wedding day. Maybe even on your honeymoon?What was o...
05/27/2024

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

What was one of your all-time highs?

What memory feels the most powerful?

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

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

Florals & Coordination:
Invitations:
Dress:
Suits:
Caterer & Cake:
DJ:
Rentals:
Photographer:
Hair & Makeup:
Bathrooms: El Dorado Septic
Shuttle service: Motherlode Adventures

Something that I have learned about myself as a photographer, is that I really prefer spontaneous and joy filled reactio...
05/23/2024

Something that I have learned about myself as a photographer, is that I really prefer spontaneous and joy filled reactions. When I first started, so much of trying to be a photographer was seeing something beautiful, and then trying to copy it. It took awhile to make it my own.

Something I try to do, on even the busiest wedding day, is try to bring people back to the present. I like to ask questions. And if there’s two people in a photo, I try my hardest to remind you of how you met, and your memories together.

Poses are just poses without the missing ingredient of remembering “that one time in college” or “who made the first move” or “I wish had your (voice, butt, sense of humor…).”

Team:
💄Hair & Makeup -
💍Officiant
💐Florals -
📸Photographer - ,
🍰Cake -
🧺Gourmet Reception Meal -
🪑Rentals -
Suit|
Dress|
Dress By|

When I asked Morgan if she was surprised by any feelings on her wedding day she said, "I was surprised with how calm I f...
05/20/2024

When I asked Morgan if she was surprised by any feelings on her wedding day she said, "I was surprised with how calm I felt during the ceremony. While practicing my vows {before the day}, I couldn't get through them because I was so emotional, but during the ceremony, I was so excited and joyful that I didn't have an issue reading them."

I loved hearing that 🥰

Hair and makeup artist:
Florals:
Photographer:
DJ:
Caterer:
Rentals:
Cupcakes: Jen Owen and Jen Monge
Cake:
Bride's Dress Shop:
Groom's Tux/Suite shop:
Signage: Holly Britton, Courtney Linhares
Wine and Champange:
Bride Prep Location:
Portrait Location:

Groom's Tux:
Arch and table decor: Jen Owen, Kelly Gilbertson, Mona Gaskill, Helen Lucas, Geri Rusch

I often hear, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."Social media has played a mean trick on us and taught ...
05/16/2024

I often hear, "We're shy and feel awkward in front of the camera."

Social media has played a mean trick on us and taught us to be hyper aware of ourselves. I've been at this a long time, and I can tell you the secret to candid feeling images is through your excitment combined with easy prompts and direction. I will draw on your history as a couple, and I promise you will both feel like yourselves.

You will have the freedom and confidence to react, and that makes the best images.

Photos:
Florals:
Rentals:
Dress:
Dress Design:
Tux:
Makeup: .makeup.bar.916
Hair:
Calligraphy:
Signature Cocktails:
Cake: .simply

You may not realize it now, but your wedding day is so full of moments that will touch you as powerfully as your ceremon...
05/14/2024

You may not realize it now, but your wedding day is so full of moments that will touch you as powerfully as your ceremony. Experiencing these moments to the fullest are what make your wedding day special. They are also the parts of the day that you will remember most.

Trust me, these are the most meaningful photos. The photos you truly care about once your marriage outlives the trends of the year.

My goal is to give you time and space to react to these moments. If that sounds good to you...I'm here 💚

Venue, Planner, Caterer:
Florals:
Photographer:
Hair & Makeup:
Pie:
Dress:

It is so important to me that your wedding photography isauthentic to you as a couple.I want you to have the space to b...
05/09/2024

It is so important to me that your wedding photography is
authentic to you as a couple.

I want you to have the space to be yourselves, and the time to savor each part of the day.

I want to make sure that we don't rush to the next part of the day (it's so easy to do!) without really enjoying the part that comes before it. I don't want your wedding day to become a to-do list of things you check off.

Venue: Private Residence
Coordinator:
Florals:
Photographer:
DJ: Rob
Caterer:
Baker:
Bride's Dress Shop:
Groom's Tux/suite shop:

When I photograph your wedding my ultimate goal is to provide you with an effortlessly joyful experience, built around ...
05/07/2024

When I photograph your wedding my ultimate goal is to provide you with an effortlessly joyful experience, built around meaningful moments.

I've been photographing weddings for a long time, and those experiences have shaped my priorities. I do love beautiful bouquets, light and airy scenes, and publication worthy events, but these things are less important to me than real moments.







I love my adventurous couples! It's part of the reason I started , and . Team: 💄Hair & Makeup - 💍Officiant💐Florals - 📸Ph...
05/02/2024

I love my adventurous couples! It's part of the reason I started , and .

Team:
💄Hair & Makeup -
💍Officiant
💐Florals -
📸Photographer - ,
🍰Cake -
🧺Gourmet Reception Meal -
🪑Rentals -
Suit|
Dress|
Dress By|

I've been photographing weddings for a long time, and those experiences have shaped my priorities as your photographer. ...
04/30/2024

I've been photographing weddings for a long time, and those experiences have shaped my priorities as your photographer.

I do love beautiful bouquets, light and airy scenes, and publication worthy events, but these things are less important to me than real moments.

I want those pretty wedding details to be the frosting on the main event: you becoming a married couple.

My photography style is a mix of both gentle direction in posed photographs combined with beautifully imperfect candid moments!

If that sounds like a good fit for you - I'd love to help!
artistry.co



I love THIS moment! Where you turn around and you are announced as an officially married couple for the first time. It's...
04/26/2024

I love THIS moment! Where you turn around and you are announced as an officially married couple for the first time.

It's one of my favorite moments as your wedding photographer. 💚

Florals & Coordination:
Invitations:
Dress:
Suits:
Caterer & Cake:
DJ:
Rentals:
Photographer:
Hair & Makeup:
Bathrooms: El Dorado Septic
Shuttle service: Motherlode Adventures

Married is a good look on them 😍Hair and makeup artist: Florals: Photographer: DJ: Caterer: Rentals: Cupcakes: Jen Owen ...
04/23/2024

Married is a good look on them 😍

Hair and makeup artist:
Florals:
Photographer:
DJ:
Caterer:
Rentals:
Cupcakes: Jen Owen and Jen Monge
Cake:
Bride's Dress Shop:
Groom's Tux/Suite shop:
Signage: Holly Britton, Courtney Linhares
Wine and Champange:
Bride Prep Location:
Portrait Location:

Groom's Tux:
Arch and table decor: Jen Owen, Kelly Gilbertson, Mona Gaskill, Helen Lucas, Geri Rusch

When I first started photographing weddings I thought I knew when all the "big" moments were...the first kiss, the first...
04/18/2024

When I first started photographing weddings I thought I knew when all the "big" moments were...the first kiss, the first dance, etc.

But as time went by I noticed more and more "mini ceremonies." Soon it was all the little things in between the big things that I started to love. ⁣

Photo:
Florals:
Rentals:
Dress:
Dress Design:
Tux:
Makeup: .makeup.bar.916
Hair:
Calligraphy:
Signature Cocktails:
Cake: .simply

Something I absolutely love about wedding ceremonies is that you get to choose what you fill this sacred time with. I’v...
04/15/2024

Something I absolutely love about wedding ceremonies is that you get to choose what you fill this sacred time with.

I’ve seen all kinds of things passed down from culture and family traditions. They are always incredible to witness!







Nothing makes me happier than planning the next big adventure and what is a wedding really than the start of the ADVENTU...
04/11/2024

Nothing makes me happier than planning the next big adventure and what is a wedding really than the start of the ADVENTURE OF YOUR LIFE!

I’ve said it a million times and I'll say it again - I love this part of the day...the anticipation is real after the hair and makeup is done, you’re at the venue, it’s time to put on the dress. I love photographing it!

What big adventures do you guys have planned? Vacations? Weddings? Elopement? Career change? Cleaning out the garage?

Venue, Planner, Caterer:
Florals:
Photographer:
Hair & Makeup:
Pie:
Dress:

Please enjoy this grand entrance from Halin & Julian's wedding!In Halin's culture, the bride and groom are escorted into...
04/09/2024

Please enjoy this grand entrance from Halin & Julian's wedding!

In Halin's culture, the bride and groom are escorted into the reception via parade of flute and drum. They're greeted by standing guests, dancing and waving colorful handkerchiefs.

After everyone has enough laps around the couple, they go straight into cutting the cake!

I loved it!

Venue: East Lake Ranch
Florals:
Photographer:
Hair: Rashel Malko
Cake:

Written by the bride & groom especially for this submission:

Julian and I met on Instagram. He lived in New Mexico, I lived in California. Neither of us were actually looking or scouting for a significant other on there, but one thing led to another and now we’re married! I used to be a writer/blogger and somewhere along the journey, Julian had come across my content and followed me. From time to time, he would comment or respond to things I posted and we’d engage in meaningful conversations- particularly about our faith. Several years of this passed by and we both realized we tend to talk to each other quite a bit on social media, eventually we exchanged phone numbers.

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Tuesday 10:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 5pm
Thursday 10:30am - 5pm
Friday 10:30am - 5pm
Saturday 10:30am - 5pm

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