JessieO Photography

Hey Jude

About three or four years ago, my friend Erin and I took a journey to the depths of Texas, Dallas that is. We were ready for change, wanted to see what the hype about that state was all about, so we picked up all our stuff and moved there. It was a decision that nearly caused my parents to croak. But in the end it was a good one. While there, I formed some amazing friendships. These friendships are unlike some where you just hang out with these folks during the good times and they disappear when something inconvienent or just flat out aweful happens. One of the most touching moments happened here: I was going home to Kentucky for Christmas. My aunt was getting married and asked if I could do her hair for her wedding. 'Well, YES!' I was honored and excited, not to mention I hadn't seen my family in months. That Christmas a huge snow storm spread across the mideast causing me to get stuck in luggage claim for a night in North Carolina with no way of being able to land in Louisville until AFTER Christmas, no availability, period. I called Kara crying, asking her if she would be able to pick me up as Delta scheduled a flight for me back to Texas. 'No problem' she said. The next day (Christmas Eve) they picked me up and said 'You are gonna just have to stay with us for the next couple of days. We are going to the Slacks for Christmas eve by the way.' That was ok by me. When we showed up to the Slacks I could tell something was going on. We sat down on the couch before dinner. Kara, Beverly and Terry congregated into a room only to come back with gifts. Not just one not just three. MOUNDS of gifts, sent by nearly EVERY member of the congregation (the church that I attended in Arlington) most of which was anonymous. Talk about amazing, thoughtful friends (and what I consider family). I will never ever forget everyone's kindness.
Well, Kara got married to this great guy Brad. Brad and Kara had a baby a year ago to date by the name of Judah (HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDAH) And I was more than honored to take some pictures for the lil man. He has the smile of his dad and the heart of his mom. Enjoy

Kara humored me and put Judah in his laundry basket.

Peek a boo!

'Mom who is this crazy lady taking pictures of me in the bath, please don't show these to my girlfriend(s) when I start dating!'

This one is my favorite!

Judah is the biggest flirt....He puts the guys I date to shame.

Lost in Tarpon Springs

I had the privelege of going over to Tarpon Springs for a family/baby shoot. I was touched at how warm and welcome they made me feel! I had not met them prior but immediatelyfelt like I've known Osoth for years. We began the shoot with lots of outfits sourrounding us. Cool baby boutique outfits! There was a pond right next to their home, so we walked over there for some family pictures. Staying in the neighborhood makes the experience more memorable. You may not always be in that house, in that neighborhood so using it as a backdrop can be very rewarding. Here are the first few I worked on! Have a great week, on to Dallas so no updates for another week or so!!
Take care!

This one is my favorite!

This guy was such a gentleman! He held the door open for me and we talked about lizzards.

Such a beautiful baby girl~

No hurricane at this wedding BUT.....

The day was a pretty one. I saw the groom at the Carlouel Yacht Club. Everything seemed normal. Until I met up with Sarah, who was with the bride and bridal party. 'She's sick.' 'Who's sick?' 'Merideth and also some others that are in the bridal party' ~ Oh no! I noticed folks walking in with loads of gatorrade but I just thought it was a good idea for a hot day in Florida. We don't know if it was a 24 hour bug or food poisoning or what BUT it was the worst day to be sick. You worry about your hair, the flowers, tuxes but you rarely worry over your health. Needless to say, the wedding went on, pictures were taken, water distributed. As the day progressed the bride was feeling better, and boy was she a trooper while she felt her worst!
They were such kind hearted folks, I hope they look back and laugh. Most of the pictures, you can't even tell, at least I didn't think so!

For all those FSUer's fans, there were also gator chomps at other tables but its the bride and grooms day, ya heard?!

I love this one!

There were so major party people here. This young man jumped in the circle and broke it down. He rocked it!

Jackie Greene in Ohio 2009

It was three years ago. I had a loonng day at work, was ready to crawl into my bed and just shut off the world. My friend called me and said something like this ' Jessie, there is this concert that I need you to go to. The guy is Jackie Greene and I think you would like him' I was all like 'mmm, not tonight' but she proposed ' I will pay for you if you come along' FREE?? Well, ok. So, we went to this concert. I (being so tired and a Debbie Downer) wanted to sit at the concert but all the seats were gone, so we plopped our bottoms infront of the dance floor. Jackie Greene stepped up to plate, and blew me away. Who was this guy and where has his music been all my life? Not only was it awesome because it was free for me BUT more importantly the WHOLE band rocked. Now, I am not some exclusive rock critic, I am not a critic period but the music just hits you right down to your core. You have to hear it live. Period. On a cd or the radio does the band no justice (though go buy their record), their talent shines.

I had the pleasure of getting to know them a bit. Well, it's quite embarrassing actually. I offered a free meal at the 'Butterfly Garden Cafe'. They took the offer. That day, these guys were surrounded by older ladies, all drinking tea and eating (only the best by the way) soups, salads, and sandwiches that Louisville has to offer. These guys, this band were so nice that they held in their sarcasm and sly smiles pouring salad dressing from miniature teapots. Should have had a camera at that time! I may have lost all my coolness(because I am so cool anyway, ahem) I should have read 'What Rockers Eat 101'. I may regained a small fragment back when I watched them play wiffle (sp?) ball with a duct tape wiffle ball. The game was over when the ball busted.

Three years later we crossed paths again, they were even more phenominal than back when I was bright eyed and bushy tailed over these guys asking them to go to a female restaurant with me. It was a great concert, although they didn't sing my request 'Kentucky Woman'. I even got booed at when it was requested, haters. I took these shots in hopes to capture some of the passion and talent these guys possess. I am sorry my camera didn't have a sound recorder connected to it. Hope I delivered.