I have been happily married since May 12th, 2005- WOW that went by so fast! That is a photo of my husband and me to the left! I also love my job, I have photographed weddings since 2001 and owned my business since 2005. Do you want me to shoot your wedding? I have a current passport and love to travel even in America; Email me : info@jessicamonnichphotography.com and let’s talk!
I thought I should let you all know that I am throwing in the towel for shooting weddings. There are a lot of reasons but the main one is that I have kids and they are only young once. Other people may scoff but that is ok because I don’t live my life for other [...]
I thought I should let you all know that I am throwing in the towel for shooting weddings. There are a lot of reasons but the main one is that I have kids and they are only young once. Other people may scoff but that is ok because I don’t live my life for other people. I have to make sure that my family is taken care of and I didn’t feel like this was happening while being a wedding photographer. I also didn’t see much progress and felt like I was SHOVING doors open to make anything happen. So right now I am being a Mom, soul searching and trying to tap into every aspect of my creativity. BUT if you still want family photos, birthday photos, Christmas photos etc I would be more than happy to help you as these are MUCH shorter time commitments than a weddings. I may or may not ever do weddings again but I did love doing them and will give my full heart to the last two that I will be shooting. If you would like to follow our new adventure in crafting and kid related fun you can check out my new blog here… Enjoytodaymomma.blogspot.com (working on being a full time blogger with this new blog we will see where it goes). Thank you for all your love and support over the years!
We wanted to do a 70′s styled shoot with a modern twist. Something funky but not over the top. So we channeled our inner hippies and came up with this fun take on a 70′s “Peace, Love and Marriage” shoot. We think this shoot will inspire brides to think outside of the “white dress” box [...]
We wanted to do a 70′s styled shoot with a modern twist. Something funky but not over the top. So we channeled our inner hippies and came up with this fun take on a 70′s “Peace, Love and Marriage” shoot. We think this shoot will inspire brides to think outside of the “white dress” box and explore different options.
We also turned this fun shoot into a workshop where we mentored some of the new local photographers on some of the finer ins and outs to wedding photography. Thus the creation of Shoot Outside the Box Workshop, we hope to do another fabulous shoot later this year.
For the workshop I created one of a kind gift bags with the help of my 5 year old daughter. We gave them all their own unique water color rainbow treatment. Then we made name tags out of small circle and square wood pieces we picked up at Micheals. We painted the edges different colors then the tops black and wrote the attendees names in white paint pen. Inside the gift bags we gave each attendee a coffee cup. We spent about an hour and a half discussing photographing weddings. After which we started photographing all the loveliness the vendors brought.
About the shoot itself, Mercury Hall was the perfect backdrop for this particular shoot as it is a gorgeous white cottage (on the inside and out) with colorful stained glass windows. I have seen this space transformed in many different ways and thought it would be perfect since the layout and design is simple it is truly perfect for just about any kind of wedding.
We really strived to create a “Peace, Love and Marriage” feel throughout the shoot. Visual Lyrics created some amazing florals for us that had a “fresh picked out of the garden” feel to them mixing high end flowers with typical 70′s flowers like baby’s breath. The same owners of Visual Lyrics also started a new vintage rental company called Vintques they brought all the beautiful couches, chairs, table, and table scape set up that complimented our theme perfectly.
Catering with a Twist brought a lovely twist to the table with a Fondue cart. This would be a perfect appetizer option for cocktail hour. Then they created a Waldorf Apple Salad within an apple cup, Shake-n-Bake Drummettes, and a Petite Baked Potato which made for a beautiful dinner plate that begged to be eaten!
Austin also has a new baker in town that is specializing in cakes and cookies the name of this fabulous new company is Fine Arts Bakery. They created the beautiful hand crafted cake and the cookie gift box which would be perfect for the couple’s parents or bridesmaid gifts.
Summer Edwards of Loud Looks did the beautiful hair and makeup for the models highlighting their stunning features. She added in hair extensions onto our model giving her more of a hippie chic look. We also hand dyed the bit of lace that was in her hair and Summer added in feathers in the back to bring it together. I purchased the dress on etsy and dyed the dress with an ombre effect to give it a little bit of a modern hippie look. Our model created the beautiful feather earrings as well. The jewelry was borrowed from my Mom’s jewelry box and were authentic 70′s pieces. The shoes she wore for most of the shoot were from Forever21 so nothing super expensive but her foot tattoo really helped these shoes pop. At the end during the Holi Powder exit she is wearing a mini dress from Forever21 again that was pretty cheap when it comes to wedding outfits which was perfect in case it were stained by the powder. BUT we are proud to announce after two washes it is safe! The model also covered her shoes herself with a super rad 70′s fabric pattern.
The flower girl is actually my daughter (it was president’s day so she had the day off from school) and the dress she wore my grandmother made for me when I was little it had the perfect hippie girl look and she loves it because it is a perfect twirling dress.
Visual Lyrics and Vintques created a lounge scene outside that would be perfect for guests to wander to if they were all danced out. They also set up hookahs out there where guests could partake in an array of tobacco while lounging outside.
Then at the end of the day they walked through a cloud of holi powder as their “exit”. Which made for a stellar photo opportunity.
Holi Powder exit tips: To do this in a real wedding make sure you inform guests before hand (i.e. in your invitation) you will be doing this and encourage them to bring a change of clothes and a towel for their car to sit on. And if they don’t want to participate they can watch the magic from the sidelines. We also found that you need a pretty good sized handful to really get an impact and to throw it a little above their heads. Make sure the Bride and groom close their eyes and mouths as they walk through the color fog but you can still smile while doing it for photos. Make sure you do it in a spot that will wash off from the rain or the parking lot to where it will be ok to be colored (clear with venue first). Also ask the groomsmen or someone you trust to get a hose or bunches of buckets of water to rinse it away. Take your time walk slowly so your photographer can really capture the moment. And if you don’t have enough color go back through the line and do it again!
So I first met Anslee Connell of Savannahred when I was working on a wedding last December. She created a one of a kind 80′s modern dress for our fun spunky bride! Seeing the beautiful design I just HAD to have a dress of my own. So I contacted her about making my birthday dress [...]
So I first met Anslee Connell of Savannahred when I was working on a wedding last December. She created a one of a kind 80′s modern dress for our fun spunky bride! Seeing the beautiful design I just HAD to have a dress of my own. So I contacted her about making my birthday dress this year. It was GORGEOUS! I received sooooo many compliments! In exchange for this one of a kind beautiful dress I agreed (excitedly!) to shoot her Austin Fashion Week fashion show at Lovely Austin. It was a fabulous affair with SUPER rad dresses! I hope all you lovely plus size ladies head over to her site TODAY to have her make your next wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, birthday dress, doing dishes dress etc! All the FABULOUS hats and millinery were from the talented Millie Starr. Are you eyeing the beautiful jewelry as well? Well those little pieces of art were created by Jill Simmang. Without further ado, strap on your seat belts and enjoy your flight!…
Anslee is trying to go to the Plus Size Fashion week in New York! I hope she makes it! Buy a dress from her to help her make it there!
Where to start? This shoot was suppose to be a workshop for photographers at Volente Beach. BUT Trisha and I went out to the site two weeks before to see where we were going to set up and saw that the lake was at least 20 yards from the beach and then the background had [...]
Where to start? This shoot was suppose to be a workshop for photographers at Volente Beach. BUT Trisha and I went out to the site two weeks before to see where we were going to set up and saw that the lake was at least 20 yards from the beach and then the background had a small marina in the background and in between the beach and marina was limestone. So needless to say we decided to relocate the shoot to a more luxourious location, Horseshoe Bay Resort. Because of the change we lost most of our “students” which was TOTALLY understandable since we moved the location almost 2 hours out of Austin.
Side note for second photographers aka assistants or photographers starting out who would like more opportunity to shoot some FUN wedding fashion…Soooo if you are interested in attending out workshop in February let me know it is going to be SUPER fabulous with a TON of AWESOME vendors signed on with a modern 70′s theme and Mercury Hall on board it is going to be SWEET!
Ok back to Horseshoe Bay Resort, SERIOUSLY if you are having a wedding this century you should consider this place! They work with just about any budget and their grounds are SOOO Beautiful as you will see shortly.
Also we had Visual Lyrics come out for the floral and rentals, they have a new line of rentals called Vintique Rentals. They will be renting vintage dishes, the chairs you see in the photos, the rustic table and bench in the photo as well. They also did all the awesome sea shell bouquets and centerpieces! SIMPLY STUNNING!
Here is some info that I was given from the owners of Vintique Rentals…
“Vintique Rentals offers a wide variety of vintage décor and antiques for events, parties and stylized photo shoots. Our inventory includes couches and chairs, tables, tableware and linens, containers, chandeliers and more. Mix and match items from each category to set the perfect antique or vintage scene. Our inventory is growing and special orders are welcome. Our website is currently under construction and a detailed inventory list will be added soon.
Then Catering with a Twist came all the way out as well to showcase their new seafood menu which looks AWESOME! Sushi, Scallop salad then a Paella! YES PLEASE!
Last but not least the wonderful Fine Arts Bakery, Patti Wright. She used to own her own bakery years ago but focused on raising her family and following other passions. Now she is back and get ready to be stunned by her creativity! She is working on her website at the moment but until then if you would like some SUPER yummy cookies and custom cakes you can email her here… pattiwright2016@yahoo.com.
Also Thank you Jen Bertrand for being such a BEAUTIFUL model for us! Also Trisha Coker for coming all the way from Memphis, Tennessee to shoot with me (ok and go to a Dance competition but still you came out to shoot and that is awesome!)
So our super sweet “Mermaid” costume came from Lucy in Disguise in Austin. It was actually a piece of a mermaid costume and then with the help of the accesories counter and the costume dept. we were able to pair it with a super sweet gold sequined corset!
Visual Lyrics created this awesome shell hairpiece. Visual Lyrics is SOOOO creative I just know every time I work with her she is going to KNOCK it out of the park with their creativity!
Before you get too jealous of our super hot model she is wearing false eyelashes. Not like that really helps I still hate her, she is soooo freaking beautiful! Ok I don’t hate her just admire her beauty a heck of a lot!
This is one of the things that Visual Lyrics will be renting, a Macrame shell curtain that would be perfect for a ceremony backdrop or the backdrop for a cake etc.
This is typically where they have their bride and grooms stand for their ceremony, GORGEOUS!
Ok seriously get a load of this tablescape by Visual Lyrics! OMG STUNNING! Trisha of Visual Lyrics took a vintage umbrella and stripped it of it’s fabric and put giant leaves in it’s place, GENUIS!
Visual Lyrics also created several centerpieces from shells!
So here is the fun cake that Fine Arts Bakery created for our shoot! It was based off a dress that we put on our pinterest board. Not the one we used for the shoot but a different one. And I think it was a PERFECT fit for our wedding fashion shoot!
The cake had an ombre effect that was STUNNING! The detail on this cake was phenominal! I mean really!? Check out those cookies!
So Fine Arts Bakery specializes in cookies and she creates one of a kind pieces of art on a cookie. For instance she will paint a Picasso on a cookie or any other art that you can think of. Which would make such a wonderful favor for your guests OR an extra gift for your bridesmaids. ORRRR a super sweet gift for your husband the day of your wedding. I remember hearing “The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” She also can do Gluten Free options as well you can ask her about that as well!
Onto the food! Catering with a Twist did such an amazing job! You should contact them for your wedding they are so creative you will be so glad you did!
Thank you all for sticking with me through one of Austin area’s hottest days! I LOVE the results!! I mean what else would you expect from Austin’s GREATEST wedding vendors!? Again thank you all for trusting my vision and being so flexible with the changes we needed to make.
Erin Coleman, creator of Peppermint Pretty the dress designer for the shoot, I and Beth Bennet (Austin wedding coordinator of Stylish Happenings) collaborated this fashion shoot over etsy.com. The location for the shoot was soooo fabulous! Three Points Ranch it is such an amazing location if you are looking for a place to host your [...]
Erin Coleman, creator of Peppermint Pretty the dress designer for the shoot, I and Beth Bennet (Austin wedding coordinator of Stylish Happenings) collaborated this fashion shoot over etsy.com. The location for the shoot was soooo fabulous! Three Points Ranch it is such an amazing location if you are looking for a place to host your wedding PLEASE check them out. Sally the owner is the sweetest lady ever! Let her know we sent you her way I am soooo excited to share this with everyone. It was several months of hard work and one day of truly sweaty work as it was 90+ degrees outside the day of the shoot. I hope you enjoy the details and creativity that all of us gathered for this fabulous feature. Please scroll to the bottom for the entire list of amazing vendors and their links!
Jewelry by: Clever Girl Industies, Costume rented from : Lucy in Disguise
Fire Girl: Devin Willow
Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Groom’s attire by: New Brohemia, Costume rentals: Lucy in Disguise, Jewelry on Bride: Clever Girl Industries, Jewelery on Fire girl: Basil the Cat, Mini top hat: Two Black Flats, Makeup for bride by: Chrissy Edwards, Makeup for fire entertainers by: Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance, Hair by: Tawney Tyler
Models: Inge Bothma and David Doria
Entertainers: Devin Willow and Victor Chary
Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Boutineer by: Fritts Rosenow, Costume rentals for entainers: Lucy in Disguise, Amazing white bridal boots :Goodie Two Shoes, Groom’s vest and hat: New Brohemia, Hair and makeup by: Zoraima, Hair by: Tawney Tyler, Jewlery by: Clever Girl Industries, Balloon animal necklace by: Ravishing Jane
Models: Inge Bothma, Moore Mads, David Doria
Fire entertainers: Devin Willow and Victor Chary
Hair and makeup by: Zoraima, Hair by: Tawney Tyler, Jewelery by: Clever Girl Industries, Balloon animal necklace by: Ravishing Jane, Mini Top Hat by: Two Black Flats
Fire girl’s makeup by:Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance, Groom’s tie by: New Brohemia,
Groom’s boutineer by: Fritts Rosenow, Bridal Hairpiece by: He Knows My Name, Fire girl’s costume rental: Lucy in Disguise.
Models: Jonathan Horstman, Alexis Taylor
Fire Girl: Devin Willow
Tissue Paper Poms by: My Silly Bear, Groom’s bowtie: New Brohemia, Bride’s jewelery by: Clever Girl Industries, Makeup: by Chrissy Edwards Hair by: Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance, Mini Top hat by: Two Black Flats
Models: Sabrina Kemble and Sean Craig
Tissue paper poms by: My Silly Bear
Tissue paper pom by: My Silly Bear, Bowtie by: New Brohemia, Jewelery by: Clever Girl Industries, Makeup by Chrissy Edwards, Hair by Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Models: Sabrina Kemble and Sean Craig
Florals by: Visual Lyrics, Shoes by: Goodie Two Shoes
Models: Sabrina Kemble and Sean Craig
Groom’s bowtie by: New Brohemia, Mini carnival themed top hat by: Two Black Flats,
Straws by: My sweet life, Mini top hat by: Two Black flats, Cotton Candy Lemonade by: Catering with a Twist, Makeup by : Chrissy Edwards, Hair by : Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Model: Courtney Johnston
Jewelery by: Clever girl industries, Mini top hat: Two Black flats, Red heels by: Goodie Two Shoes, Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Makeup by Chrissy Edwards, Hair by Loud Looks Aesthetic AssistanceAssistance
Model: Courtney Johnston
Jewelery by: Clever girl industries, Mini top hat by: Two Black flats, Makeup by : Chrissy Edwards, Hair by: Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Model: Courtney Johnston
Jewelry by: Clever girl industries, Ring by: Sugarloo, Mini top hat: Two Black flats, Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Makeup by: Chrissy Edwards, Hair by: Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance Model: Courtney Johnston
Red and white straws by: My Sweet Life, Table number by: Royal Steamline, Wooden nesting dolls by: MooShoo Pork, Tissue paper poms by: My Silly Bear, Vintage plate service by: Catering with a Twist
Nesting circus clown dolls by: MooShoo Pork, Table number card by: Royal Steamline
Jewelry by: Clever Girl Industries, Ring by: Sugarloo,
Makeup by: Zoraima, hair by : Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Model: Kaydance Taylor
Candy Bar by: Catering with a Twist
Cookies made by: Catering with a Twist
Cake by: Blue Note Bakery
Pin from: Uncommon Objects, Cupcakes by: Catering with a Twist
Blueberry mini pie by: Catering with a twist
Salt and Pepper shaker by: Brooklyn Rehab, Table cards by: Royal Steamline, Floral by: Visual Lyrics
Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Red and White Straws by: My Sweet Life, Table number card: Royal Steamline, Popup Circus book by: LilibeeStudio, Salt and Pepper shaker by: BrooklynRehab,
Catering by: Catering with a Twist
Catering by: Catering with a Twist
Catering by: Catering with a Twist, Red and White straws by: My Sweet Life, Wooden Nesting dolls by: MooShoo Pork, Table Card numbers by Royal Steamline.
Lasercut paper Art by: Made by Julene
Florals by: Visual Lyrics
Tissue poms and pinwheels by: My Silly Bear
Boutineer by: Fritts Rosenow, Bridal headpiece by: He Knows my name, Jewelery by: Clever Girl Industries, Makeup by: Zoraima, hair by :Tawney Tyler
Jewlery by: Clever Girl Industries, Makeup by : Zoraima, hair by :Tawney Tyler, Shoes by: Goodie Two Shoes, Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Ring by: Sugarloo
Model: Yani Anyanwuh
Floral by: Visual Lyrics,Tissue paper poms and pinwheels by: My silly Bear, Jewelry by: Clever Girl Industries, Mini top hat: Two Black Flats, Ring by: Sugarloo, Makeup by: Zoraima, Hair by : Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Model: Yani Anyanwuh
Ring by: Sugarloo, Tissue paper poms by: My silly Bear, Jewelry by: Clever Girl Industries,
Mini top hat: Two Black Flats, Makeup by: Zoraima, Hair by: Loud Looks Aesthetic Assistance
Model: Yani Anyanwuh
Floral by: Visual Lyrics, Mini top hat by: Two Black Flats, Tie by: New Brohemia, Tissue paper poms and pinwheels by: My silly Bear, Jewelry by: Clever Girl Industries,
Makeup by: Zoraima, Hair by :Tawney Tyler
Models: Hans Gotun and Izzy Piland
Vest by: New Brohemia,Boutineer: Fritts Rosenow
Model: Keeton Livingston
Necklace by: Clever Girl Industries
Model: Izzy Piland
Mini Top hat by: Two black flats, Jewelery by: Clever Girl Industries, Makeup by :Zoraima, Hair by: Tawney Tyler
All the FABULOUS hats and millinery were from the talented 
I am soooo excited to share this with everyone. It was several months of hard work and one day of truly sweaty work as it was 90+ degrees outside the day of the shoot. I hope you enjoy the details and creativity that all of us gathered for this fabulous feature. Please scroll to the bottom for the entire list of amazing vendors and their links!
