BEHIND THE LENS
behind the lens
behind the lens
Meet Jenn
My Story
Fifteen years behind the camera, a lifelong love of film, and one simple belief — most moments should be documented as they happen, and the ones that call for guidance deserve a steady hand.
I picked up my first camera — a Yashica Electro 35 MC — at 14, and film taught me something I still carry into every wedding: slow down, look closer, let the real moment happen.
That same philosophy shaped my own wedding day. My husband and I originally dreamed of eloping in Italy, just the two of us. But our kids couldn't make the trip, and they mattered too much to leave behind. So we pivoted — a small ceremony on my in-laws' property in Washington, under 50 guests, the people who mattered most. We were already planning our honeymoon to Thailand, and its spirit found its way into the day anyway — nearly 1,000 folded paper cranes hung above the tables, we served our favorite Thai dishes, and custom lotus flower details tied it all together. It wasn't the plan we started with. It was better, because it was actually ours.
That's the thing about the moments that matter most — they rarely go exactly as planned, but they still deserve to be remembered well.
I picked up my first camera — a Yashica Electro 35 MC — at 14. Film taught me to slow down, look closer, and let the real moment happen. I still carry that into every wedding.
It shaped my own wedding day, too. We dreamed of eloping in Italy, but our kids mattered too much to leave behind — so we chose a small ceremony on my in-laws' property in Washington instead, under 50 guests. We were already planning a Thailand honeymoon, and its spirit found its way in anyway: nearly 1,000 folded paper cranes, our favorite Thai dishes, custom lotus details. It wasn't the plan we started with. It was better, because it was ours.
The moments that matter most rarely go as planned — they just deserve to be remembered well.
Why History Matters To Me
When my husband and I started planning our wedding, my original dream was simple: I've always been drawn to places that have stood the test of time — a church built centuries ago, a garden that's outlived generations, a castle that's seen empires rise and fall. Things change. Ownership changes. Countries change. But the history embedded in those walls, that landscape, doesn't disappear — it's just waiting for someone to notice it.
I put God first in everything, and I'm endlessly grateful for the life I've been given. When I travel, I seek out museums and botanical gardens wherever I go — the botanical garden and museums in Washington, D.C. are still some of my favorites. I have a soft spot for Jane Austen, old churches, and anything set in a bygone era with a castle in the background. A beautiful old Catholic church will always pull me in for a detour, just to take in the architecture.
Experience matters when the moments can't be repeated — whether it's a place that's stood for five hundred years, or a wedding day that happens once. Both deserve to be documented, remembered, and honored.
That's exactly how I feel about a wedding day.
My Garden is my Happy Place.
06
My animals are my everything.
05
I love finding new ways to be creative.
04
I took a film photography class at 14 and learned how to develop and use a dark room!
03
I Love travelling with my family
02
I'm obsessed with journaling
01
The Little Things That Make Me, Me
A Peek Into My World
I use it as a planner, photo journal, tracker, meditation journal, and so much more.
I have such a huge travel bucket list that I'm hoping to accomplish that within the next 10 years!
In this season of my life, they are with me constantly. Love my hubby and kiddos but c'mon, look at them. :)
-Zach & Lauren
We are extremely happy to have chosen Stunning Portrait photography and to have so many cherished moments captured perfectly.
Thinking of Creating Your Own History?
Whether you’re leaning toward an Oregon elopement or trying to pare down a guest list that keeps growing, you’re not alone. I’ve been there—and I help couples through it every season. If you’re wondering what this kind of wedding actually looks like (the good, the tricky, and the honest), let’s talk about it.
