Nashville weddings

Sisterly Love: Jenna of jHenderson Studios Shoots Wedding, Is a Bridesmaid (& Pregnant!) for Her BFF

Friday, June 29, 2012

Jenna Henderson of jHenderson Studios is an excellent photographer, but with her best-friend's wedding, she took her prowess to a whole new level. Acting as both photographer and bridesmaid, Jenna was able to enjoy both ends of the wedding day spectrum - participant and vendor. Impressed? We sure are!

After seeing the two posts that Jenna wrote on the wedding (Part 1 and Part 2 here), we asked if we could share the memories as well. Enjoy getting a glimpse of talent and a beautiful wedding at Legacy Farms.  (Sidenote: Jenna was also pregnant during the wedding! This girl has stamina!)

JoEllen + Kevin
Wedding Date ~ September 23, 2011
Ceremony + Reception Venue ~ Legacy Farms
Guests ~ 140

Wedding Team

Planner | Amy Parman
Photographer | Jenna Henderson, jHenderson Studios
Gown | Jim Hjelm, Faccio Bridal
Groom’s Attire | Express
Groomsmen Suits | Street Tuxedo
Groomsmen Ties | Macy's
Hair | Liz Rote
Invitations | Williamson County Wedding Boutique
Caterer | A Catered Affair
Cake Artist | The Bake Shoppe
Floral Designer | The Enchanted Florist
Photobooth | Old Time Photobooth
Reception Musicians | Jason Middleton Entertainment
Rentals | Southern Events
Lighting | Nashville Event Lighting

So tell us, how did you stumble into being the photographer + the bridesmaid? Why not just let another photographer take it all on and enjoy the day yourself?

When I first began my photography career and I was still a student, JoEllen was always my guinea pig for trying new things. Over the years, I've photographed her on several occasions, and she's always been around to offer anything I need as I've grown my business. After photographing so many other brides, it seemed natural to photograph my best friend when it was her turn to be the bride. Photographing her wedding was a gift I wanted to give to her to say thanks for all she had done for me in the past, but she also wanted me standing with her as the matron of honor. I certainly couldn't choose one role over the other, so we decided I would just do both.

Would you take on this role again?

Only for my sister! In any other situation, I would much rather just stick to the photography.

Do you have tips for other photographers that might encounter this? Or bride’s that desperately want to ask their friends to take on two major roles?

Have a plan! And some really great assistants. I couldn't have done it without my regular assistant, Melissa Scrushy. I also called on Alex Blackwelder of Alex Bee Photo to come along. It was great having two extra pairs of hands. With Melissa and Alex helping out, I was able to do the bride and groom portraits, the family portraits, and most of the wedding party pictures. Melissa and Alex took over shooting when it was time for me to put down my camera and be in the photos, such as a few bridesmaid pictures and the ceremony. They also photographed most of the reception so I could relax and enjoy it.

What was their wedding style?

Kevin and JoEllen love to travel, and were brought together thanks to a couple of trips they had each taken separately. Their wedding reflected that, with maps and globes used as decor.

Do you feel like the dual-role was just as you had expected?

It was more difficult than I thought it would be. When I photograph a wedding I put 110% of my attention to what I need to photograph, but there were times that I needed to stop and play the role of the bridesmaid. It was difficult to switch the photographer side off. Oh, and did I mention I was 6 months pregnant during all of this?!

About the Author:

Megan

I’m new to the wedding industry. Before getting engaged I literally avoided any websites for weddings only because I knew, once I delved in, I would become obsessed…. And it’s true. Once I got engaged, I did become obsessed and luckily, about that time, I started working in the wedding industry. So my interest increased on two levels. Now I am a newlywed and still enjoying the industry. I love writing, social media and connecting to people; happily, I get to do all of this with ABG.

See more posts by Megan »

send   Posted on June 29, 2012 | Filed under: Real Nashville Weddings