Erika Jackson Photography - The Blog

{Married}: Alicia & Jeff

2011-11-26T11:18:00.001-08:00

I couldn't have picked a better wedding to end my 2011 season with. I shot Alicia's sister Erin's wedding last year and have kept in touch with the family since then. When I arrived Friday morning to see Alicia, Erin and their mom, Eva, I felt like I was part of the family :)

I think the pastor put it best when he pointed out that a couple must be very loved by their friends and family for guests to not even budge when the rain starts pouring on an outdoor ceremony. Jeff and Alicia, you have started a beautiful family and I can't wait to watch you all grow. Thank you for asking me to shoot your fabulous wedding day. I loved every minute - even the soaking wet ones :) Yours, ej.

So many sweet babies!

I love that just one year ago Alicia was helping Erin get into her dress (trip down memory lane here!).

That's love.

These may be the closest sisters I've ever met.

Two minutes without rain!

Alicia & Jeff with their sweet boys.

{Married}: Holly & Chris

2011-11-13T09:05:00.001-08:00

We've been waiting for 11-5-11 to get here for a long time...but not just since Chris & Holly got engaged last July...and not just since they moved in together after college...and not just since they dated through college. We've been waiting for this day since Holly & Chris started dating in high school and we realized how happy they made one another. Holly is my little sister (in-law) and the whole family fell in love with Chris many, many years ago. These two have been through so much together and it has all worked to make them one of the strongest couples I know. Last weekend was a celebration of their journey together and the life they have ahead of them and it was beautiful.

There aren't two people that deserve more happiness than these two. Holly & Chris, I love you and am excited to watch you two grow old together - and to eat Imo's pizza with you, to celebrate Christmases with you and to someday raise our kiddos with you. Yours, ej.

I loved getting photo updates as Holly shopped for dresses thousands of miles away. When I saw this one I new it would be the one.

I love that Holly's mom, Marla, along with her Aunt Janie, who babysat the kids when they were little, were there to put the finishing touches on the dress.

She's gorgeous. This will be a recurring theme.

The wedding took place at Quail Ridge Lodge in St. Charles, Missouri.

It was a stunning location and we got super lucky with beautiful weather for this late fall wedding!

Groomsmen being pensive :)

The problem with fall is the sun sets so dang early. Luckily, Holly & Chris opted to see each other in advance which gave us plenty of time to wander around and shoot. So glad they did.

I love the way he looks at her.

Remember what I said about her being gorgeous? A few more good examples :)

They could not be cuter.

Holly's a crier and I love it about her. Here she and Marla are getting a good laugh about her inability to keep it together.

Married!!!

Isn't my husband cute? Not as cute as Holly, but still pretty darn cute :)

He was a proud big brother on Saturday.

Their favorite kiddo, their nephew Ethan, was delighted to see them.

Holly seriously rocked the details.

Andy, Holly & Jake's brother, probably gave the best toast I've ever heard.

And then it was time to party. These two take that job pretty seriously.

{Engaged}: Krysti & Cole

2011-11-02T23:06:00.000-07:00

I've known Krysti for a few years and was so happy when she asked me to shoot her & Cole's engagement session. We met up in Berkeley's Tilden Park and spent the evening shooting away while they picnicked. I loved how they interacted with each other and I think the photos reflect how excited they are to be getting married. Hope you like them too!

{Married}: Rebekah & Al

2011-10-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

Despite being born on opposite sides of the world, Rebekah and Al truly found their best friend in one another. The stories told about their relationship throughout their ceremony were truly inspiring and made me tear up more than a couple of times. Working with these two was such a treat for me - nothing makes my job easier than getting to shoot a couple that is madly in love.

Their afternoon wedding in Moss Beach was beautiful, relaxed and close-knit and a joy to be a part of. Rebekah and Al, thank you for your extreme warmth towards me and for giving me the opportunity to shoot your day. I hope the cruise is treating you well! Yours, ej.

{Niki & James}: Anniversary

2011-10-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

As a photographer I can't ask for anything more than couples that come back time and again to trust me in documenting their story. This is the third time I've photographed Niki and James and hopefully won't be the last. We met two years ago when I shot their engagement photos and their wedding and this time they decided to shoot some anniversary pics around their new home town of San Francisco. We had a beautiful, blustery day at Twin Peaks and the beach talking about life, living in the bay and what the future holds. Enjoy some of my favorites :)

{Married}: Shanna & Chris

2011-10-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

As wedding season 2011 begins to wind down, I am grateful for such happy, friendly couples to end my season with. Chris & Shanna were no exception. I met them two years ago when Shanna was a bridesmaid in Caitlin & Tom's wedding and after shooting their engagement party and engagement photos I really feel like I know the whole fam!

Shanna & Chris are so sweet to one another. I love when you can see a bride and groom's nerves wash away after their first look. It really shows how much the day will be about the two of them and their relationship, first and foremost. Saturday was a gorgeous day and we were lucky to have such a perfect wedding to shoot, thanks to all of Shanna & Chris' planning. Thanks again to the lovely Sarah Maizland for shooting with me! Chris & Shanna, I hope the green hills of Ireland are providing a relaxing vacation for the next week. Travel safely and enjoy these sneak peaks! Yours, ej.

The flowers were beyond amazing!

First look happiness!

Shanna's niece and nephew are the cutest!!

The wedding was at Wente Vineyards - a magical spot!

It's a small world...though I met these two in California, they actually live in St. Louis! All of their tables were St. Louis places that they love! I felt like I was at home :)

Never hurts to throw in a little Star Wars...

Caitlin & Tom, remember them?!? :)

{Married}: Tova & Jason

2011-09-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

Watching the sun set over the bay while Tova & Jason said their vows was a pretty great way to spend my Satuday evening :) Thank you, Tova and Jason, for inviting Sarah and I to document your day. You are clearly loved and supported by so many and it was a beautiful day to witness.

I hope Maui is treating you well :) Yours, ej.

Tova & Jason's wedding was at Mira Vista Country Club. The views of the bay area were spectacular!

It's hard to beat a sunset over the entire bay area!

Remember Anya & Casey? Their one year anniversary is just around the corner! Tova was a bridesmaid in their wedding. It's so great to shoot couples I've met at previous weddings!

Congratulations again, you two!

{Married}: Roxy & Dave!

2011-09-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love when I get to shoot a wedding of a long-time friend. I met Roxy and Dave as soon as I moved to California six years ago and was thrilled when they asked me to photograph their day. Dave & Roxy had an unforgettable wedding on Sunday afternoon in Tilden Park. Each time they greeted a new guest I could tell how genuinely happy and thankful they were that their friends had traveled all across the country to celebrate with them. It was a lazy afternoon with delicious food, a little badminton and lots of catching up as the sun slowly crept down and cast a gorgeous glow over the meadow. Dave & Roxy, it was a treat to be at your wedding as a photographer and a friend. Yours, ej.

Dave & Roxy had the perfect spot in Laurel Meadow to say their vows.

Friend, you are gorgeous.

Seriously cool rings. Their fingerprints are imprinted on each other's wedding band.

Roxy and Dave knocked the details outta the park. Well done, you two.

If you live in the bay area you've probably seen the Roli Roti food truck around at farmer's markets. They make the most amazing rotiserrie chicken. And see those potatoes cooking underneath - I could eat those every day for the rest of my life. The secret ingredient???...lavender salt...made on a farm where Dave used to work!

Because we weren't full or anything...

Really beautiful, genuine messages from their friends.

To me this picture captures the feeling of the entire day.

If you're from Davis, you've definitely heard of Jaymes' Fat Face Popsicles. She is a staple at the farmer's market and make the most incredible popsicles. Just look at the descriptions!

The Vassar crowd :)

Congratulations, Roxy & Dave. So happy to know you two.

{Married}: Maria & Eric

2011-09-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

It's always such a joy to go home to shoot a wedding for an old friend. Maria and Eric are now fellow Californians but decided to go back home to get married and I'm so glad they did. It was great getting to shoot on the Mizzou campus again and really fun to be back at Lela Raney Hall! Maria and Eric had such a fun, relaxing, loving day as they declared their love for one another in front of family and friends. I am so incredibly grateful to have been a part of this wedding. Maria and Eric - I hope you're enjoying your honeymoon! Thank you, thank you, thank you for inviting me to document your day!! Yours, ej.

Maria's brother, Ryan, who initially planned to walk her down the aisle couldn't make it back from Afghanistan so he was skyped in to witness the wedding. Technology rocks.

Maria and I grew up in Columbia, Missouri, the home of the University of Missouri. These columns are a sign of being home to both of us :) Thankfully the rain held off for a couple minutes!

The rain did it's best to shrink our shooting time but thanks to a huge umbrella and a fabulous maid of honor (you're the best, Tricia!) we made it work!

I hadn't been back to Lela Raney Hall since my own wedding there 3 years ago - such sweet memories. It's a fantastic place to get married and have your reception. And an absolutely lovely job was done by Kent's Floral on all the flowers!

A moving toast...

Following in American and Filipino tradition the money dance was performed and all donations were pinned to the bride and groom!

Love Maria's mom (below) and Eric's parents (above)!

Congratulations, Maria and Eric!! Your day was wonderful!!

{Courtney & Ryan}: Married

2011-08-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love Sonoma weddings! Courtney & Ryan's day was everything I could hope for - a completely romantic, meaningful day that was relaxed, enjoyable and topped off with a rockin' party. These two have such a sweet love story and I loved getting to know them. Special thanks to my darling friend who came out from Colorado to shoot with me this weekend. Thanks, Jess!!

Courtney & Ryan - you two were wonderful to work with and I hope these photos remind you of what a happy day you had. Congratulations and many wishes for a lifetime of happiness. Yours, ej.

Such a cute salon! If you're ever in Sonoma, head over to Camille!!

Courtney went above and beyond on the details for her day. She'll give the credit to Etsy but her taste and style clearly made it all come together.

Time for a first look! We only had a few minutes for portraits after the ceremony so it was great to have these two see each other in advance.

Clearly impressed ;)

John knew that keeping Aunt Courtney's ring on that pillow was pretty important...

Proud parents!

Outstanding toasts all around ;)

Livewire put on quite the show! Courntey's brother decided to help out when it came time for Katy Perry.

{Married}: Jiwon & James

2011-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the honor of photographing a gorgeous wedding in downtown Oakland. Preservation Park could not have been a better backdrop for James & Jiwon's celebration of friends, family and their love. Guests traveled across the globe to witness their vows, toast their marriage and have a great night under the stars. My second shooter, Sarah, and I agreed that it was just a perfect night. Thank you so, so much, Jiwon & James, for inviting us to be a part of your event. Your love for one another brought smiles to so many faces throughout the day, including our own. Congratulations! Yours, ej.

{Family}: Sarah, Eric, Kiely & Atticus

2011-08-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

I met Sarah soon after we moved to California and since then she's had two of the cutest babies I've seen. I still can't believe how big Kiely is each time I see her and Atticus is just about the chubbiest, fun-to-hold babe you could ask for. They just moved to Virginia but wanted some family photos from the west coast before the move. Here are some favorites! Hope you all are enjoying the other coast!

{Married}: Ashlee & Ethan

2011-08-05T08:46:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Emily, introduced me to Ashlee and Ethan three years ago, so on Saturday it felt like I was shooting a close friend's wedding. The wedding was beyond perfect. Boston was on its best behavior, providing us with beautiful, mild summer weather for the outdoor wedding. Ashlee & Ethan put so much work into every detail, from the handmade corsages to the scrabble-themed tables. It was obvious that Ashlee and Ethan's family and friends absolutely adore them, and it's easy to see why. Ashlee & Ethan - I am happy to call you friends and am so thankful that you invited me to Boston to photograph your day. Congratulations on finding each other - it's clear to anyone that spends time around you just how perfect you are for one another!!

Yours, ej.

LOVED Ashlee's dress!

Checking each other out at the first look!

Umm, Ashlee, you are beyond adorable.

Married!!!

I love the red and yellow buildings - the fun thing about shooting in new cities is all the new architecture that you would never get back home!

They happened to get married outside of the building where they signed the papers for their new home!

The reception was in the Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center which provided an absolutely stunning backdrop for their evening!

Emily, my friend who introduced me to Ashlee and Ethan is in green. She's fantastic and I'm so thankful she's found this wonderful group of women to have as friends in Boston. Anne (left) and Jenny (right) are pretty darn fantastic as well :)

The grand entrance!!

Chatting with her mama during a dance.

Gotta check out the bling!

Congratulations again, Ashlee and Ethan!!

{Married}: Malena & Andrew

2011-07-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

Malena & Andrew: I told you that I wished you would get married every weekend and I meant it. Shooting your wedding as an absolute dream. From the moment I got out of my car on Friday night until I left on Sunday afternoon you treated me like family and I got to see what an amazing relationship you have. You are loved by so many (as evidenced by your 500 guests!) and I look forward to keeping in touch with you two. Thank you so, so much for inviting me to be a part of your day. Yours, ej.

Clint Klipfel & Kim Martin, owners of Florassentials, completely outdid themselves in the decorations and flowers.

I was stunned each time I saw a new piece. They are based in Columbia, Missouri but open to travel. Give them a call!!

Malena's sisters were her bridesmaids and made for excellent models :)

Rebecca is one of my closest friends from college so it was wonderful to spend some time with her!

A seriously packed church!

Headed out to the farm for some pics! I love Portageville, Missouri :)

Malena & Andrew: you are dreamy together.

These people know how to party.

Pictured above are the Wilsons - some of Malena's closest family friends.

Guests came from all over the world down to the boot heel of Missouri for this wedding - Hong Kong, Finland, Montreal and more!

Left: The Gator Dance. I had never seen it before this wedding but it is awesome. Look it up.
Right: Nothing beats the bride and groom dancing on a table at their reception - except when the bride's mother joins them.

{Family}: Michal, Bryce, Noa & Oren

2011-07-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

I met Michal, Bryce, Noa and Oren out at the park a couple weeks ago to stroll around and take a few new shots of their family. I have watched these two little ones grow up for six years now - Noa since she was about 1 year old and Oren since he was born! They are absolutely delightful to be around and I always love making new photos for their family!!

Noa - pure sweetness. Oren - a complete ham!

{Engaged}: Jessica & Josh

2011-07-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Jessica & Josh : Thank you for reminding me how much I love my job. Spending this warm Missouri evening hiking around Rockbridge park with you was absolutely refreshing. I love your story, how you interact with each other and how easy it was to hang out and photograph you two together. Thank you. I hope these photos make you smile. yours, ej

p.s. - check out Jessica's etsy store or facebook page to follow her crafty adventures - darling stuff!!!

{Married}: Lauren & Hunter

2011-06-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was so lucky to start my 2011 wedding season with Lauren and Hunter. From the minute I landed in Dallas I was impressed by how kind and lovely they were to each other, their friends, and their families. Lauren and Hunter, you two made my first Texas wedding incredible. Your day was perfect, and I look forward to seeing y'all soon! ;) Yours, ej.

The classic pocket square dilemma ;)
These boys looked seriously sharp once all these details were ironed out!

We went to Texas Women's University, Lauren's alma mater, for the first look and some bridal portraits.

Bless them for their beautiful library and outstanding air conditioning! It was 105 degrees on Saturday!

Lauren & Hunter opted for a first look so they could have a little time to themselves before the ceremony. Love Hunter's reaction to seeing Lauren for the first time!

Ceremony time! Pretty sure she couldn't be happier to be marrying her guy.

One last look at her girls before her I dos!

I loved this moment - right after the recessional they just grabbed on to each other and didn't let go.

Hunter's groom's cake was his class ring from Texas A&M made into a giant cake!

Hunter was given his grandfather's own shotgun as a wedding present. It was so sweet to see how much it meant to Hunter.

Mr. & Mrs. Jarvis - You are wonderful. Congratulations again.

{Baby-on-the-way}: Matt & Monica

2011-05-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

I sat with Monica on her deck, drinking lemonade and eating freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. I was going on about some pointless story and after a lull in conversation she said, "well, I have some news. I'm pregnant!" I screamed out in excitement and then reprimanded her for letting me talk about nonsense when she had such important news to share. Monica has been a close friend of mine since I moved to California and I couldn't be more excited that she and Matt are going to be parents. Here are some of my favorites from my shoot with them last night! Check back in mid-July for newborn pics of baby Mason!

{Engaged}: Tova & Jason

2011-04-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

I met Tova when she was a bridesmaid in Anya & Casey's wedding last fall so I was thrilled when she contacted me about photographing her and Jason's big day! I spent Sunday afternoon hanging out on the Berkeley campus with Tova, Jason and their super sweet puppy, Maya. We had a perfect day to shoot, chat about their lives and the wedding. Enjoy some of my favorites from our afternoon!

{Family}: Felts Clan

2011-04-15T02:13:00.000-07:00

I hope y'all have some extra time today because narrowing down photos of my own niece and nephew is nearly impossible - thus this is a ridiculously lengthy post. I went home for my mom's birthday and loved spending time with this whole crew. Addie can totally say my name, Quinn can tell me everything I ever wanted to know about Star Wars and it was wonderful to be at home at my parents' house to nurse a horrible winter cold. My time with these folks is always wonderful but this trip was especially refreshing. Looking forward to summer weddings in Missouri and more visits with the fam.

Bath time!

Quinn turned 5 two weeks ago so these light sabers are totally old news but he sure loved them that day.

Using "the force" to its full effect.

Addie and Mom join in ;)

He knows to be gentle and not to play as hard with Addie as he does with his Dad.

He'll put his hand out and say "gentle force!"

Little brother and sister above, big brother and sister below :)

{Engaged}: Amber & Andy

2011-04-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

So excited to begin and end the week by posting fun, spring engagement sessions! I loved shooting Amber & Andy's engagement photos last weekend in Sacramento along the American River. We had gorgeous weather and the were so relaxed and easy to shoot. Their dog, Abby, came along and I think I'm in love - she couldn't be sweeter. Amber & Andy - I loved getting to know you guys!! Enjoy your photos!

Abby's not havin' it ;)

{Engaged}: Courtney & Ryan

2011-04-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

I met up with Courtney & Ryan at Cornerstone Sonoma on a beautiful California afternoon for their engagement shoot. They are so sweet together and I'm super-excited to document their wedding this summer. Enjoy these photos from one of the coolest spots in Sonoma!
Congratulations, Courtney & Ryan!

{Engaged}: Rebekah & Al

2011-03-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning, friends! Hope the weekend treated you all well. Mine was wonderfully relaxing but nowhere near as fun as last weekend - which was when I got to meet Rebekah and Al at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco for their engagement shoot. We completely lucked out with the weather. It absolutely poured All day Friday and Saturday morning, but when the clouds broke I called Rebekah and asked if we could get started early to try and beat the next storm. Apparently the weather knew we needed a sunny afternoon so we had amazing weather for the entire shoot!!

So excited for Rebekah and Al's wedding this October down in Moss Beach. Until then, enjoy my favorites of this sweet couple. They live a few thousand miles apart so it was pretty easy to capture their joy for being together!

{Family}: Amanda, Brennan & Kyler

2011-03-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

It was so great to meet with with Mandy, Brennan and Kyler again on my last trip to Missouri. We were hoping for a huge Missouri rainstorm to clear, but
once the tornado sirens went off we decided to just have a cozy family session indoors. And I'm so glad we did! I think we really got to capture these three
as they truly are. Kyler just turned 2 and is getting so big and so talkative. I love all of these shots, but here are my favorites!

Had to have a little fun playing in the rain outside :)

{Engaged}: Jiwon & James

2011-02-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines's Day, friends! I'm so pleased to have such a darling couple to share with you on this day of love. I met Jiwon and James a few months ago and am thrilled to be shooting their wedding. They met here in Davis so we stopped by some of their old favorite spots for photos. Enjoy!

Our shoot was on their 5 year anniversary of their first date, so we decided to grab coffee at the same spot they had been that night!

A little campus love...

So fun to shoot around the law school - where they originally met!