I'm Jessica, the owner of Under the Sun Photography. I'm so glad to have you here! Welcome to my blog! 

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Weddings

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Happy Monday! My heart is full and so is my cup of coffee. I am gearing up to take on the week and preparing for our upcoming launch at Under the Sun Photography, I can’t hint too many details yet, but there are going to be some great opportunities & giveaways for past and future UTS peeps. And if you’re wondering what a launch is… basically it’s making a grand idea into something tangible and bringing it to life. Promise it has nothing to do with rockets and official NASA launching and me reporting into Houston. But the impact is going to be pretty darn extraordinary! So maybe more like a confetti rocket launch of cheer is probably most accurate.

The excitement level here is parallel to how I felt when taking Bailey & Doug’s Engagement Portraits this past month at the glorious Hotel Eilan. When I first spoke to Bailey about how Doug proposed to her and just things they absolutely loved to do together as a couple.  When Bailey told me of Doug’s proposal at the Bellagio along with their obsession with going to Vegas and their infinite love for Frank Sinatra, I immediately thought Hotel Eilan here we come! Although, Hotel Eilan is not the Bellagio, it has the feel and style of Vegas, it’s entire infrastructure is elegant and luxurious throughout the property.

We made the plan and upon arrival, there were cars and limos EVERYWHERE. One word, PROM. We drove up on site and we saw dozens upon dozens of Promsters (is that even a word?)endless limos, and even a few lamborghini’s. This place was HAPPENING. But if you have been to Hotel Eilan you will know it’s massive and we ended up having an entire area to ourselves. There is beauty everywhere here and not just by the infamous stair case leading into the hotel. And within the hour the staircase was completely empty.

Bailey & Doug had their own mock Vegas included with a few tunes of Frank Sinatra playing casually on my iPhone. We walked and toured the grounds together and reminisced about our own funny personal prom experiences from our high school “glory days”. It was a wonderful evening and we even had the opportunity to find a little water fountain to replicate the Bellagio proposal.

I cannot wait until October and know it’s going to be an amazing day for these two! I just adore this couple!

Twirls are always a must with dresses. ALWAYS!

 

Doug’s expression is everything here!

Oh and you bet it wouldn’t be a Vegas tribute without a gold dress and a girl’s Louie’s!

That rock! Isn’t it gorgeous?!

This same staircase had dozens of prom kiddos on here right before we made it to this spot.

Is this not the sweetest little area? Probably one of my favorite locations at this hotel!

Okay I’m ready to pack my bags for Vegas!

Mucho Love,

Jessica

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  1. Natalie Pearce says:

    Gorgeous pictures! I’m a fellow Sinatra fan myself. John and I got engaged with Fly Me to the Moon playing at Jazz, TX – which as you know sparked our whole Moon themed wedding! By the way, love your new website!
    @ndnatalie

  2. This is just so stinking cute! Also I am loving your new website! Congrats on the launch! P.S. my instagram handle is jsparksphoto 😉 lol

  3. Tabithia says:

    Love how you took what was special to the couple and incorporated the same theme into their photos ❀ She looks stunning in that gold dress! @tabithia20

    • jrakowitz says:

      Thank you Tabitha! I love to make everyone feel genuine to themselves and their style! It was an absolute blast, love these guys!

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"We have the most beautiful moments of our lives    "

captured

- Jessica & Austin 

"Beyond Incredible! We really hate getting our picture taken but Jessica made it feel so natural and not scary at all! We knew for our wedding it had to be done and done right because you only get 1 chance! How did she make us look so good and not awkward? She's truly great at what she does and I will never pick anyone else after the experience we had."

- Brandi  & Joe

"I will never pick anyone else after the experience we had"

Jess is the best, from the moment we met her we knew we made the right decision. We had to make major changes to our wedding due to covid, Jess addressed all our concerns, and answered all our questions along the way making all the necessary changes effortlessly. Jess captured our engagement, bridal and wedding day photos each every photo is absolutely amazing. We have the most beautiful moments of our lives captured so beautifully because of Jess.

Jessica & Austin

"We have the most beautiful moments of our lives captured"

"Jessica was right there with us getting ready and capturing some very sweet and intimate photos that I know we will forever treasure. She knows exactly what to say and when to say it to get that best smile out of a very nervous bride! We had a perfect ceremony and I've seen a sneak peek of my wedding photos and am just speechless! Jessica was with us for our entire FIVE hour reception and was the perfect combination of photographer and dance partner! Jessica very quickly became a guest favorite and a family member for life! I would have her as my photographer and friend 100 times over! I will never be able to thank Jessica enough for making my day even more special."

Katie & Derik

 "I would have her as my photographer and friend 100 times over!"

"Jessica is so much more than a photographer! She is a planner, friend, someone who listens, and such a beneficial asset to any wedding! I cannot recommend her to enough people. She exceeds any bride's high expectations - all with a smile on her face. It is impossible to feel uncomfortable around her, she is goofy and will constantly keep you laughing. She does anything for her Bride and Groom and will not stop until you are satisfied."


- Kayla & Derek

"Jessica is so much more than a photographer! "

I love Jessica and her work!! She took mine and my husband’s engagement pictures, wedding pictures and bridals and did an outstanding job. My husband is not very happy when it comes to taking pictures (especially with PDA ) but by the time the first session was done she turned him into a pro. The night after our wedding he was telling me he was ready to see how all the pictures turned out! She definitely knows how to help you feel comfortable in your own skin while in front of the camera. Highly highly highly recommend her for your wedding! I cannot say enough good things about her work!

- Melissa & George

My husband isn't happy when it comes to taking pictures, by the time the first session was done she turned him into a pro.

"Would recommend to any and everybody! She did an amazing amazing job with our wedding and engagement photos. I couldn’t feel more grateful and thankful that we found Jess! She is amazing and funny and finds all the great moments that we take for granted. Thank you so so much for taking care of us and our crazy family!"


- Kaitlyn & Chris 

I couldn’t feel more grateful and thankful that we found Jess! 

"Jessicas passion for photography radiated from her soul the moment I met her. When looking for a photographer, We decided that we would call a few to get a feel for the type of people they were and if they (the photographer) would fit into what we were looking for in our wedding vendors. We saw your work, we LOVED your work, but we didn’t know you. From our first conversation up until now you made us feel like you were meant to be apart of our big day! On my wedding day you made me feel like the prettiest bride to ever walk this planet! Your photos blew my husband away! You captured the uniqueness and beauty of us, our surroundings and our guest! This review, nor my “thank you”, will ever be enough to show you how grateful we are for your talent!"

- Eliza & Bradley 

 You made us feel like you were meant to be apart of our big day!


I can't say enough great things about UTS. Jessica is the BEST photographer, not just because she makes you look great, but she makes you feel great! She fills the shoot with funny jokes, music, and laughs to make sure you feel comfortable because not everyone is a super model. Each and every time I get our photos back I am blown away by great they look! She went way above and beyond anything I ever expected from a vendor. She helped us out on the wedding day in so many different ways and worked side by side with our other vendors to make our day successful and perfect. The sneak peak was incredible! She also brought a partner with her who was equally as fun as Jessica. I loved how they both worked and made the pictures fun. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. My husband & I will be using UTS exclusively for all of our photography needs. 

- Bailey & Doug

She went way above and beyond anything I ever expected from a vendor!


"Jessica is so passionate about photography, not only does she take amazing pictures BUT she also makes you feel so beautiful and comfortable while you’re with her! She’s very professional but FUN!! I used her for my engagement photos and my wedding, beyond happy with her!


-Kailey & Garrett

she makes you feel so beautiful and comfortable while you’re with her!

“