Congratulations to Emily and Brad!

Here is there story:

My future husband and I are young (we turn 21 in March), the parents of two beautiful girls, students, and all of these plus life’s way of throwing hardships at people have put us on a very tight wedding budget, so tight, I have been tempted to postpone in several times, but am hoping to find a way to pull it off. Our wedding is scheduled for May 19, 2012 in McCall, ID. Even though we’ve only been engaged 11 months, it feels like we’ve been planning it forever. Then again, we’ve barely been together a year, and it feels like I’ve known Brad my entire life.

We met in January 2011, and have had quite the first year together. We met through a mutual friend who thought we would be perfect for each other. I was living in Salt Lake City, and Brad was living in Boise, so we started our relationship with phone calls and texts. Our first weekend face-to-face Brad went all out. He treated me to Cheesecake Factory, gave me a promise ring, and spent the next 3 days laughing and enjoying each other. We parted Sunday afternoon, and Monday morning I texted Brad “Don’t panic, but I’m going to the hospital, I can’t get my blood sugars down.” By that evening he was in Salt Lake City to take care of me, and never really left. He moved into my small apartment with his 1 year old daughter, Khloe, and by the beginning of March we were engaged. Our engagement wasn’t a big elaborate affair. One night as we were going to bed I asked Brad what we should teach Khloe to call me since I didn’t want it to be confusing for her that she has a biological mom and me. By the end of the conversation he had asked me to be his wife and Khloe’s second mommy.

We were so broke the first few months that I remember one night specifically that Brad searched the apartment for change on the floor to have enough to buy us a box of mac-n-cheese. Things started to look up after Brad found a job in Salt Lake, and in June we were so excited to be able to buy my wedding dress and set a wedding day, November 19, 2011. Little did we know that dress was not going to fit come November because I was 6 weeks pregnant. As soon as we found out about our little bun in the oven, we moved our wedding date to May 19, 2012. If only we had known then how much our world was going to change before our sweet baby girl was born. I began having morning sickness to the point I could no longer work. Brad quit his job because his boss was verbally abusive, and one day when Brad stood up to him his boss pushed him and because I needed help taking care of myself. Our doctor continually told us our baby wasn’t going to make it because of my diabetes. Brad stood by me as I fired multiple doctors because I would not stand someone telling me there was no chance my baby would make it. Sure enough, I was right. And on December 29, 2011 at 36 weeks gestation Remi Blair McNichols was born by emergency c-section due to my extreme preeclampsia.

Just when we thought things were looking up because we had gotten to grove of juggling school and pregnancy, our world really came crashing down. On September 2, 2011, Brad was in a horrible vehicle accident in which a semi-truck rear-ended him at 70 miles an hour on the freeway. He spun a 360 across all four lanes of traffic, was rear-ended by another sedan, and then smashed into the cement barrier. As soon as the car stopped moving he called me. When I asked if he had called 911, he hung up on me. I had never been so terrified in my life, but was thankful Khloe, our unborn baby, and me were safely at my parent’s house. Because of this accident, I had to quit school to stay home and help him and take care of Khloe, when that was too much for me to handle at 5 months pregnant, we moved in with my parents. Because of his accident, Brad is still receiving chiropractics on a regular basis, has not been able to work and is having shoulder surgery later this month. His left arm lost 80% of its strength due to damage caused by the seat belt, and he is in pain everyday. The hardest part has been seeing him grimace in pain every time he goes to lift one of baby girls. But despite all these hardships and running low on funds, we have stuck to it that we WILL have our wedding May 19 of this year.

Through it all, we have stood strong together and known better days would come. As we look back on our first year together, we don’t see it as heartache and hard times, we see it as proof that this marriage will last. We see the strength we have as individuals and as a family. We are thankful for our extended family that has helped us and supported us, and that we have two beautiful healthy girls. We want to have our Wedding as a celebration of our never ending faith, strength, and love for each other. It will also serve as our last chance to see everyone before we move back to Utah so we can both finish our degrees, mine in Counseling and Adolescent Drug Rehab, and his in Computer Network Security.

This year is a little different from past years.  You see, we have a TIE!  :)  Let me introduce you to the two tied couples.  In no particular order… Meet Emily and Brad

and Kelsey and John

Each couples story hit home with me for different reasons, making it impossible for me to break the tie that my judges put apon me  So what are we to do?  Well I decided we will put it to a vote.  So you want to know how to vote for your favorite couple?  Its easy!  Head on over to my facebook page and “like” your favorite contestant’s photo.

Here is a reminder of what they win:

- A full day of wedding coverage by Photography by Joncee May (up to 8 hours)
-an online gallery to share with family and friends
- a full res CD with all the pictures from the wedding day
- A free engagement shoot

I will also have a consolation prize for the runner up.

Voting ends Feburary 20th, and the winner will be announced here February 21st.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Wedding season is just around the corner…

We are looking for a couple with a story.  It could be about a hardship they had to overcome or are in the middle of now.  It could be about the awesome cause they are dedicated to, it could be because they are involved in the community.  What every the story is, I want to hear it.  I want to know what brought you together, what keeps you together and why you need wedding photography.  So if you know a couple, or if you are getting married soon, tell us a story!

- A free engagement shoot

- Your submission must be TRUE. This contest IS for couples who have overcome great odds, hardships, or are otherwise deserving of free wedding photography. This contest IS NOT for people who can afford a photographer, and just want to win something free.

Our selection committee will be made up of a local officiant, my sister, both sets of parents, 2 former brides and friends, and by brother and sister in law. Results are final.

I cant wait to get your submissions!

Please share this blog post on facebook!

The Wedding Photography Contest:

Every entry we got was so awesome, you all know how to tell stories!  My Judges all said that this was a very hard decision…and I agree.  I am so glad I do not have to make the choice alone.  The 3 finalists are in no particular order:

Crystal Matthews and Sean Jennings

David Pilli & Suman Kanna

and Lacey Bunker and Cris Endicott

Congrats to our 3 finalists!  This was a really tough decision.  Thanks to all our participants!  The winer will be announced on February 21st.

Now on to the Photographers raffle!  First I want to say thank you to all our great vendors for donating prizes!  You all are awesome!  And thanks to our participants, I really appreciate you being willing to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.  To determine the winners I used random.org, I tried to match you with your choice of prizes, but some of you got other prizes instead.  Some bout more than one ticket too, so if you see someone’s name more than once that is why.  I hope you still use the prize!  :)

1. Studio Seven Photographer boutique – Karen

2. Moo minis – Dean

3. Wild Hearts photography and Design – Beverly

4. Laynie and Belle – Amy

5. Album Cafe – Beverly

6. Album Cafe – Karen

7. Kiss – Beth

8. Organic Bloom – Jill

9. Suttermom university – Kelli

I will be in contact with you, with in the week, on how to redeem your prizes.

THANK YOU ALL!!!

Recently I started training for a marathon.  you can read more about my decision to do that here.  One of the reasons I decided to do a marathon with the Team in Training group is that they are not just running, they are making a difference.  It is my Goal in life to make a difference!  that is one reason why I love photography, I can see the impact it has on others when they see themselves or their loved ones captured in a beautiful way.  I decided to combine my passion for photography and passion to help others to help rase money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is an important cause to support.   Cancer effects everyone in some way or another.  Two people I work with at my day job have been effected by cancer, and both of them were under the age of 30!  It does not matter your age or your race or your social standing…cancer can effect you and overcoming it is hard.  Cancer is difficult, regardless of whom it afflicts. The side effects from treatments can be harsh and debilitating and recovery is not a guarantee. Particularly disturbing for me is the number of children that have been diagnosed. As a parent I could not imagine having to see my baby go through that!  That is why I think supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma society is important!  They are helping fund research to find a cure, as well as supporting families who are currently suffering with cancer.

Photographers, I have a treat for you!  As part of fundraising, I am holding a raffle, and we have some amazing prizes to give away.  All you have to do is buy a “raffle ticket” by donating $10.00 for one entry or $40.00 for 5 entries to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and your name will be in the drawing.  You can enter as many times as you want.  Each prize will be drawn for separately, so you have more than one chance of wining something!  :)  Because the entries are a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society your donations are tax deductible!  I will explain how to donate a little later, but first let me tell you what our awesome prizes are!

1. From the Studio Seven Photographer Boutique we have a $25.00 Gift Certificate good for any templates in the store.  These templates are incredibly cute and you will fall in love with them!  I love her designs!!!

To see the awesome templates that Studio Seven has to offer you can visit their facebook page or go directly to the store.

2. I also have an amazing prize form Moo.com to give away.  Moo is where I get my business cards form and I can not tell you haw many complements I get form them.  I also use their mini moos as client gallery viewing cards for weddings.  The Possibilities with moo cards are endless!  :)  Moo is offering one free pack of mini moos and a mosaic frame.  You can check out Moo’s mini moos and the mosaic frame at Moo.com and while you are surfing the web, go leave them some facebook love for donating!

3. Our next prize is an awesome chance to win a $50.00 gift certificate and a premade logo from the Wild Hearts Photography design page!  What an awesome opportunity to get your branding done!  ;)  You could use your gift certificate for anything form photoshop actions to marketing templates.  Be sure to check out Wild hearts facebook page as well!

4. Laynie and Belle Is also going to be making a donation for a prize! She makes DARLING hair things that will be perfect to use as a prop for newborns or as a splash of color for that fun girl that comes in to your studio!  Be sure to check out her Etsy store and facebook.

5. and 6. How many of you dread album design?  I know sometimes I just get stuck…enter the Album Cafe! The album cafe is offering 2 $100.00 gift certificates (they will be awarded separately).  I am simply in love with their guestbook albums and I adore their senior packages!  Be sure to check out the Album Cafe’s blog for TONS of inspiration and give them love on their facebook page.

7. Speaking of albums we have a GREAT donation for a prize from Kiss Wedding Albums!  YOu will receive a $250.00 discount off of an order!   These Albums live up to their name and are very simple  but extremely elegant!  These albums showcase what we as photographers work so hard at, our photos!  if you are the winner of this prize I guarantee you will be happy!  :)  Be sure to leave love on the Kiss facebook page and tell them thanks for donating!  :)

8.  Have you heard of Organic Bloom?  Well if you havent you should go check out their awesome frames!  When I saw these frames on facebook I instantly fell in love.  I hope to be offering them to my clients soon!  :)   They are so unique and simply wonderful!  The Organic Bloom prize is a set of three 8×10 frames, your color/style choice.  How awesome is that!  Check out the fames and I promise you will want one!  :)  Be sure to like them on facebook for information on fun contests they have.

9. We just got an awesome donation of a lifetime membership to shuttermom university!  This is a great community of photographers!  Not only will you get access to the forums, but you will also get the natural lighting book and access to TONS of ideas and lessons on how to start a photography business and market it.  I am a member, and love it!  :) Check out the Suttermom university website and facebook!

So you have heard about the cause and seen the prizes and you cant wait to enter? All you have to do is Go to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The entry is a $10.00 donation for and entry or $40.00 donation for 5 entries.  After you donate please leave a comment on this blog post telling me you donated and your first and second choice for your prize if you win.  If you donate $50.00 or more you are eligible  for a free donation by “liking each or our prize sponsors facebook pages and leaving them some facebook love.  (if you do this please leave a comment on this blog post letting me you have done so.)  The raffle drawing will take place on February 14th.  I will be using random.com to determine the winners.  All your donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt at your time of purchase. thanks so much for your donations…together we can change the world!!!  ;)

Thanks for looking!

Wedding season is just around the corner…

- A free Day after, or trash the dress session, including a full res CD of the images

Our selection committee will be made up of a local officiant, my sister,   both sets of parents, 2 former brides and friends, and by brother and sister   in law. Results are final.

I cant wait to get your submissions!

Please share this link on facebook!

I have had the privilege to babysit this beautiful.  She is very full of life and imagination!  She always makes me laugh and she is a great “big sister” to Eman.  

Se is a very beautiful girl, but this comes as no surprise once you see her mom!  

Isnt she gorgeous? But back off boys, she has a boyfriend, and TRUST ME, he can kick your butt!  He is testing for his 6th degree blackbelt soon!  he is also the sushi chef at Kyoto.  We wanted to get some good photos of Alyssa and Ole too!

While we were taking this photo the artist came strolling down Freak alley and stopped to see how we were using his artwork.  The whole wall is amazing!  I hope he approves of how we used it!  ;)

Alyssa~  I hope yo like your family photos!  it was fun taking them!  I love you and your little family!  :)

Want your picture taken? CONTACT ME! You can also become a FAN on FACEBOOK to receive updates and discounts, and see more of Alyssa, Lani, and Ole’s photos!

Did you get engaged on valentines day?  We want to here your story!!!  

Heres the deal:

We are looking for the most creative proposal!

Brides (or Grooms) email us at photographybyjonceemay@gmail.com your love story telling of your engagement on Valentines day (or any day).  Make sure to include the details of when you wedding is, and how you met.  We also need your contact info so we can tell you if you won, so please include your name, phone number, and email address!  ;) 150 words max. March 14th, 2009, deadline.

My friends and family will help me read the stories and decide which one is the sweetest and most creative!!  The winner will get 50% off the wedding package of their choice!!!  Happy Valentines day!  I cant wait to read your stories!  

and just cuz pictures are always more fun…here is an old one that is valentine themed!

Copyright PBJM!

With the new year cam a new webpage!  And with the new web page came the loss of my old blog!  :(  So, I decided to do a recap!!!  :)  First, we were having a little competition for a coffee card or a 8X10 with comments…so lets start that again!  :)  The first person to comment will get the above mentioned prize!!!

Update: Another new blog!  Now it is my own!…so we will start this little contest again, for this new blog…and I hope I will not randomly update again!  :)   COMENT AWAY!!!!

We had shared belly bump pics and newborn pics of S and S

Copyright PBJM!

Copyright PBJM!

We welcomed Baby T

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We helped with some Christmas gifts!

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And we Played!

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Copyright PBJM!