MY ACCOUNT
Checkout
Courses + Products
SHOP

Weddings

Josh + Mandy

filed in:

Ever since I met these two, I have loved them. Everyone loves them. When I’m asked to think of awesome couples in my life, I have a bunch that come to mind and Mandy and Josh are always in the mix.  They are just two amazing people and so as a couple, they are incredible.  I really hate having to try to explain how awesome my friends are in a matter of two or three paragraphs because it’s just not possible. No words can possibly describe the JOY and EXCITEMENT of their wedding this past Saturday.  I’ve been waiting for this day since I got the call from Josh that he was going to propose and he wanted me to hide out and photograph it! I knew this wedding was going to be one of my favorites,

not only because I love Josh and Mandy’s style… but  because I LOVE JOSH AND MANDY!!  I lived with Mandy my senior year of college in the Middle House and Josh was our next door neighbor. And if you’ve been following the blog, you probably think “Gosh, EVERYONE was your next door neighbor!” and that’s kinda true!!  We lived on Prince Drew rd. in a strip of houses and the community that we shared in that place was unbelievable. The friends that I made in college not only changed my life then but they continue to change my life every time I’m around them. Michael and I LOVE weddings like this because it’s not only a wedding celebration, it’s like a MASSIVE FRIEND REUNION and it’s AWESOME!!!

 

Josh and Mandy know how to throw a party and they can also make a giant sanctuary of guests tear up.  As I photographed Josh’s face as he watched Mandy come down the aisle… I couldn’t help but think “Gosh, they’ve waited SO long for this moment!”  They’ve spent YEARS preparing for this day and it’s finally here. I’m surprised any of those images are in focus because I was a mess. Mascara was running and the back of my viewfinder was smeared with makeup.  These two started dating in HIGH SCHOOL… and seven years later, they’re FINALLY husband and wife!!!! Michael and I dated for the same amount of time before we were married and so I understand how amazing it feels to finally be OFFICIAL! No more saying goodbye at night, no more stressing over wedding plans….it’s just a wonderful feeling.

 

Mandy and Josh, I think it’s obvious that I adore you. I could go on and on about how beautiful your relationship is and how you have set an incredible example.  You’re going to accomplish GREAT things together and your marriage is going to be such a light in this world and I’m SO EXCITED for you!! I hope you’re LOVING ANTIGUA!!! Hooray for honeymoons!!! Enjoy a TON of favorites! (This really should be a part 1/part 2 but I tried to squeeze it all in one! I’m praying the blog doesn’t shut down!!:)  Love you both!!!

 

 

First Look!!!  Mandy you make a STUNNING bride!!!
Thank you to the sweet man that stopped his weed-whacking so that we could take some pictures:) Definitely a fav! Girrrrrrl! Thanks Michael… this is like his signature shot.. and Calvin is always in the background! Thanks Jill! Yessssss!!! The church was beautiful!! Instead of a unity candle they planted a tree! Love that idea!  Love this:) aww ga-ma:) MARRIED!!! It was almost DARK in the church because of the storm that was setting in… thank goodness the MarkIII has minimal noise! For all the photogs, this was shot at 12600 ISO AHH!!!! Mandy did such an amazing job with her details… she worked SO hard. Pretty!! Cookie bar! Handmade drink stand….her grandparents did SO much!! LOVE
Only Mandy and Josh would lead their reception in singing “Hey YA!” by OutKast! Hilarious! 
 
 

 Ceremony and Reception | First Presbyterian Church of Hampton

Flowers | Family Friend

Cake | Mandy’s sweet Grandparents!

Dress | Bella Rosa

Hair & Makeup | Jill, Friend of the bride:)

 

Thanks for reading!

— Katelyn

5 Essentials to Turn Pro

5 Essentials Beginners Need to Go Pro and make your photography business a success!

I’m breaking down the MUST-HAVE ITEMS that every photographer needs to be successful at the start of their career! 

READ MORE
Youtube

Oh where do I begin? This wasn’t just another wedding for me. This was a legacy KJ Wedding and I have been looking forward to it ever since my first email from Danny and Megan!

READ MORE

Danny + Megan A Biltmore Estate Wedding

Weddings
10 posing red flags

10 Red Flags in Posing And how to fix them!

I’m really excited about this YouTube video because I know that it resonates with ALL photographers who photograph PEOPLE!!

READ MORE
Youtube
How to Serve a Client Who Isn't a Perfect Fit

Ep. 33 | How to Serve a Client Who Isn’t a Perfect Fit And make it a great experience

Have you ever walked into a client experience and realized “oh wow, this is not what I was expecting?” ….

READ MORE
The Katelyn James Podcast

The business world (and just the world in general) looks A LOT different today than it did 15 years ago when I started my business. 

EP. 32 BUSINESS STRATEGY
READ MORE

Ep. 32 | The Proven Business Strategy That Hasn't Changed in 15 years

The Katelyn James Podcast
HOW TO PERFECT AI EDITING

How to Perfect AI Editing and save more time!

We’ve talked a lot lately about how great AI editing is and how it can be revolutionary for so many wedding and portrait photographers.

READ MORE
Youtube

READER FAVORITES

"Best money I have EVER spent on education! ... and I've spent a lot!”

- Kara Abbey, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I love all the lessons I'm learning from KJ All Access! Thanks Katelyn!”

- Shannon Drummond, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"I find very few educational resources worth it ... this one is!”

- Kate gansneder, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Being able to see behind-the-scenes of Katelyn interacting with her clients has been SO impactful!”

- Angie mcpherson, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"Recently signed up for KJ All Access and it's EVERYTHING!”

- Kassidy Mowery, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER

"SO worth it! It's amazing the amount of knowledge you get out of them!”

- Brittany Lowe, ALl ACCESS MEMBER

"I learned just as much in one All Access as I did in a whole course! SO GOOD!"

- Joanna Krueger, ALL-ACCESS MEMBER
10 Steps to Starting Your Photography Business
Helping a friend survive a season of Infant Loss
How to photograph a first look in Harsh Light
OUR KJ COUPLES REUNION
A Lake Como Destination Wedding - Greg and Kate
A Letter to the Go-Getters fearful of Motherhood

The KJ blog
must-reads

The KJ Blog is where you get to know me, where you meet our KJ Couples and see their beautiful wedding days, where I have been building an archive of education for over a decade and where I let you see a peek into our life, our home, and hear about our purpose! 
don't miss the
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ
Arrow KJ

YOUTUBE

Join 93,000+ others and learn, grow and get connected via our Youtube Channel! This is where I'm constantly sharing new content, talking all things gear, business, tips, tricks and letting you into the behind-the-scenes of our everyday life! 
MORE FREE EDUCATION + CUTE BABIES ON
WATCH NOW

"I have invested in all of KJ’s education!

The way she teaches makes so much sense and I’m so grateful for her! My business will be forever changed!"

- Renee Nicolo

"KJ education has been life-changing

 It has elevated my work so I could quit my day job and work from home with our baby boy!"

- joanna k.

"I'VE INVESTED IN SO MANY RESOURCES... 

and none compare to what I get from KJ!"

- LAUREN M.