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

Hey there

Weddings

Bridals

Engagement

Tips

 

 

( Photo Credit: Front Porch Photography)

Hola amigo!

Hey there and welcome to our little blog on this side of cyber space! I am so glad to have you here as this is Under the Sun Photography’s first “big girl” official blog post as we are thrilled to announce the publishing of our brand new website. Woo hoo!

(Insert major cheers and cue mariachi music… and a margarita!)

First off, if you haven’t gone through the website (no worries, there’s plenty of time for that) I am Jessica, the heart & soul of  Under the Sun Photography. My craft for photography began back during my junior year at Tarleton State University, it was mandatory that I took a photography course in order to complete my degree plan. So I picked up my first little kit camera and just starting clicking away trying to learn the basics. It wasn’t actually until a couple years later after I photographed my second niece, Johnelle’s, newborn portraits in 2012 that I began to think, “What if?”

My craft and creativity quickly became the avenue for what my true passion really was, story telling and providing clients with timeless, meaningful photographs they would cherish for a lifetime. Photography allows me engage with couples & families and to learn their stories. I believe everyone has something different to share from all seasons of life. Whether it be a young man surprising his girlfriend with an engagement or new parents beaming glowing over their newest bundle of joy. Its moments like these that make up our life story. So days, weeks, or years from now when you are just going through the house years and run into an old album it makes you stop, smile, and revert back to those memories. As a child that was constantly getting into everything I could at my grandmother’s house, one of my favorite things was to go through pictures of our family, the older the better. It’s through pictures, you can learn about who you are, where you come from, and where you’ve been.

My heart melts like butter when clients laugh,  smile and, or sometimes tear up when opening their photographs for the first time. Those immediate moments of excitement bring  me  such joy as I know these photographs will only continue to bring that same joy later on time and time again.

My Story

So as I have explained with photographs, that you really find out a lot about yourself, well here is a little bit about me and where I’m from. My grandmother & grandfather’s love story was about on the same level of any epic Nicholas Spark written novel. They truly loved each other and it showed not only in the affection they had for another but also in the affection they shared as a couple when raising a family or even helping out a close relative or friend. From the moment they met, they were head over heels and even throughout time from their wedding day to their 50th anniversary their love never changed. These photographs are my family heirlooms and will cherish these forever as both of my grandparents are no longer present here with us.

Next, as you can imagine, is the start of my crazy wonderful family! Mom & Dad got married and then 1, 2, 3, there was my siblings & I. This tells the story of where I have been.

Countless memories spent on the home ranch, mud slides galore, and a many of fishing trips to coast to catch some fish and salt water breeze. Going through these photographs, we have certainly built a lifetime of memories together and knowing we will have only more great ones in our future.

Then out of the blue, I met the love of my life at the fine age of 16 in the show steer waiting line at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. For those of you that do not show, this waiting line is truck to trailer for hours upon hours just so you are able to place your animal in the barn prior to showing. Nonetheless, I met him, we never stopped talking and finally a month or so later we had our first date.  We were inseparable high school sweethearts that spent most of our dates in tractors or out in a field checking crops. After college, J.T. asked me to marry him by an old Oak Tree and we tied the knot in 2012.

Photo credit: Tommy Cooper Photography

 

And then life started when this little guy walked into our hearts. J.T. & I welcomed our first child, Parker, into this world in 2016 and life has never been better. Becoming a wife and a mother confirmed to show ‘who I am’. In all phases of my life photography has been there to tell my story and will continue to tell it for my family in the next generations to come.

Photo Credit: Front Porch Photography

Seriously, isn’t he not the sweetest little guy you ever did see? Love him!

What’s next?

Our plans for the future include more finishing touches to make your photography experience one of a kind, heartfelt, and stress-free. As a mother, wife and full-time employee at an agricultural based company in town, along with practicing photography, I understand how precious time truly is. As brides, moms, or seniors planning out the perfect session it can become stressful. There are million questions that come to mind, “What do we wear?” “How do we pose?” “Do I look weird?” “Locations? Where do I begin?” “Are you going to capture this on my wedding day?”  “Wait, how do I know how many hours to book you for?”.

Guys don’t worry! You’re covered with UTS! As I know how to navigate through these questions and various processes, let’s make it stress free without losing any detail. We go through questions, concerns, and map out a plan for your session or wedding day in a fun and easy manner. For brides I offer exclusive copies of our ‘Bridal Book’ which gives you a behind the scenes of what goes on at Under the Sun Photography. Photography isn’t just a fancy camera and showing up in our business, it’s planning and incorporating your story into your sessions and wedding day, it’s a positive experience from start to finish.

To learn more information about our services offered at Under the Sun Photography, head on over to our amazing new website! If there’s a question that wasn’t answered, feel free to shoot a message through the provided contact form. I look forward to hearing from you and writing out to you all on our new blog. Stay tuned for exciting things coming, you won’t want to miss it!

Mucho Love,  Jessica

 

 

 

 

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  1. Janna says:

    Love the blog!! Thank you for sharing your story! 😍

  2. Sarah says:

    So excited for your new website’s launch! It looks great and I’m so proud of you. You are so talented with your photography. I will always cherish the pics you have taken of my family in the past and I cannot wait to take more in the future. Thankful for you! Keep it up!

  3. Andrea Stephens says:

    Congratulations on the blog and and new website. So glad I know you and your family!

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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!