Gindrew Elopement

Rewind to roughly two months ago when my sister, Ginni, called me to ask if I would help plan her courthouse wedding in Las Vegas.

Of course, I excitedly said, “YES!”

Ginni causally mentioned hiring a photographer and quickly squeezed in they thought of asking me to take photos but declined that notion because they wanted me to enjoy the ceremony and not stress.

Um.

Immediately, I asked for more details of the day and very strongly volunteered my services. Hah. And Khang’s! (more on that later)

Maybe I’m biased, but this is probably one of my “Top Three” favorite sessions-to-date.

After their very sweet and intimate ceremony in front of 15 witnesses, the new Mr. and Mrs. decided to take their offical “married photos” at the very beautiful Red Rocks about 20 minutes away.

And my oh me, I was the luckiest to been able to capture it all!

But let’s start with some pre-ceremony shots. I could do an entire post on just all the lovely little details alone.

My brilliant and creative genius of a sister, Jill of OMAC, is responsible for all the calligraphy and handlettering designs.

I knew exactly how I wanted to take these photos when I saw all the cacti in the yard of our Airbnb.

Each guest had their very own wooden namecard and Marvel action figure with a personal quote from that hero.

The bride and groom loved it all!!

You can check out their Marvel-themed engagement session too!

Okay, if you’re not into all the casinos and city hustle…drive 20 minutes out to Red Rocks for a beautiful scenic drive and hike one of the many trails if you’re feeling up to it!

I definitely would have if I did not have sandals on.

Oh yes, Jill designed their “book elopement announcement” too!

Y’all, how freaking gorgeous right?!?!

I died. Died. After seeing these scans for the first time!

I think my favorite part of the day was when Andrew finally put Ginni’s wedding ring on her finger.

She could not wait to wear it and was so so happy and giddy when he vowed it on.

Here is their video that my crazy talented husband put together for yhe newlyweds!

. Absolutely done with these two.

Well until they ask me to photograph them again. Hah!

You know the saying, “Love loves to love love”?

Well that’s me times 100.

And then when you see it on film…

Done.

I’m done.

Thanks for reading and following along

with me,

Jules.

Read more
 

Thi+Minh

It’s fitting that today “With Jules” turns

ONE-YEAR YOUNG.

Because it’s because of this blog that I’ve been given amazing opportunities to share my talents, which continue to make my heart happy. 

Wow.

What a wonderful journey it’s been so far.

Just want to take a second and say THANK YOU to all my family, friends, and friendly strangers who take time to follow and read along here on

With Jules.

I’ve gained intangible gifts that beyond exceeded my expectations. 

I won’t ever be able to truly express my gratitude for your love, support, and encouragement. 

I still don’t know where I’m going with this blog of mine but I’m loving the view so far.


Okay, today I get to share a very special wedding that I had the great honor to play a little part in.

These two. Minh & Thi.

Like the photos were delivered just yesterday!

My incredibly sweet and beautiful sister,“in-law” but we like to just drop that part, Thi said I made her Pinterest wedding dreams come true, but if we’re being honest, she made my dreams come true! 

A year ago, I wouldn’t have imagine being in charge of making wedding signs for anyone. Let alone Phamily members!

And here we are, I’ve made signs for 

FO U R weddings already.

Weddings are such joyous celebrations and I just can’t seem to get enough.

So of course, I was more than happy to oblige when Thi asked for “three small simple signs”.

I remembered thinking, “That’s all?! You HAVE to want more…”

And Thank GOD she did!

The venue was so freakin’ picturesque. I did more twirls around Mobile Botanical Gardens than I’d like to admit.

It was THAT gorgeous.

&&I was so happy for my brother and sister!

Enjoy the photos m’dears! Taken by the insanely talented Leslie Davis!

All lettering by yours truly.Can I just say… eucalyptus, you have been dethrone.

Plumosa is 100x times dreamier than you’ll ever be!
Surprisingly these simple table numbers were the most challenging for me. Go figure. I finished them the night before the wedding. Hah!
Any Harry Potter fans? 

Myheart did a little jump when she asked for these “bride & groom chair signs”. Classic. My favorite sign. Such a sweet quote. It was actually the easiest to handletter.  Again, go figure.

Love love love.

And apparently so did Thi because it’s hanging in hers and Minh’s kitchen!
But these next few shots,

They are my favorite.

You looked “Perfect”.

I love you, Thi.

And I love how we can always pick back up where we left-off.

You are an absolute gem. 

I lucked out with you. 

But Minh is the luckiest. 

Just like Khang said in his speech, “When I met Thi, I knew her and Minh were made for each other because I saw the same great qualities in her as I do in Minh.”

Y’all are meant to be together. 

It’s only inevitable that your marriage and life be splendidly spent together.

Thanks for reading and following along 

with me,

Jules.

Read more

Ronald+Joy

When I look at my four sisters,

I really don’t know how I ever survived childhood.

Ha ha.

So much has changed, but we’re still a big hot mess. 

And I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. 

There’s no way I can explain or describe the dynamics of each relationship I have with each sister, but I’ll tell you this:

They’re individually so different in their own right.

And I love each one so much.

Today, it’s all about my our baby sister, Joy.

This girl. 

We used to “hate” one another … like big sisters versus little sisters do.

Just ask our group of girlfriends growing up.

She’s exactly 1 year and 11 days younger than me.

Room, clothes, friends, and the list goes on…

We were forced to share everything with much resentment. 

Everything.

This only added to our annoyance for the other.

And now thinking back on it, I never ever ever thought in a million years that I would be sad to share her. 

Like what? How did that happen?

Y’all, my baby sister is a married woman now.

Witnessing her during this whole marriage process was more emotional than I ever thought possible.

Listening to her talk about her soon-to-be husband with so much love, care, and utmost consideration was a prideful experience for me.

For me, the best thing about being a big sister is watching your little sister grow up in all ways possible.

Joy likes to say “Sisters by birth, but best friends by choice” and I couldn’t agree with her more.

I’m so proud to be her big sister.

My family likes to joke that she got lucky with Ronald, but I know the truth.

And it’s the truth that Ronald married a sweet and caring soul who puts those she loves at the top of her priority list.

I know Ronald is at the very top and just know they’re in for a lifetime of happiness.

So Joy asked me to handletter a few signs for the reception.

They turned out a lot better than expected.

Their florists from The Petaler Co did such a beautiful job executing Joy’s vision by incorporating natural arrangements of florals and greenery at the reception hall. 

Look at that gorgeous flower wall!

*A little hint for later on*

So when you have two crafty sisters,

Y’all remember Jill right?

Ms. CEO of OMAC?!

…it can be confusing for the two of them on certain responsibilities they each have.

Example Numero Uno: Bridal hangers.

Jill and I both thought the other would take it upon herself to make Joy a bridal hanger.

She looked at me and I looked at her when the photographers asked if there were nicer hangers…

Um no.

We both forgot.

But I was not going to just call it an “honest mistake” and continue putting on my makeup.

I quickly rushed around the cottage rental in search for prettier hangers or pretty ribbon.

Nothing.

I remember holding a plain metal hanger we happened to find laying around.

And then looking at Joy’s beautiful bouquet…also remembering the gorgeous flower wall  being set up from the day before.

Freakin’ lightbulb went off.

I hastily told the photographers to give me 15 minutes and bolted out the door.

Yep, that’s me collecting leaves to embellish the metal hanger.

I was determined to give my baby sister a one-of-a-kind bridal hanger.

She loved it!

I saw some palm leaves and remembered my paint pens I packed in my makeup bag for “just in case”.

I live for opportunities like this.

WithJules made me confident enough that day to pull off these lovely details (on short notice).

Thank you both Joy and Ronald for letting me be part of your beautiful day!

I’ll end this post with my sweet family.

Thank you for reading and following along,

with me

Jules.

Read more

Weddingswithjules: Ngoc + Greg

My last post for 2016 and I’m incredibly happy it’s about my favorite Mr. & Mrs. Smith!

I’m sort of at lost for words because you had to have been there to truly witness all the love and laughter floating around not only between the bride and groom, but all their family and friends too.

Proud wife moment: Khang’s first ever video. I’ll admit I’ve watch it at least once a week so far. It’ll give everyone a better idea of what I’m trying to describe above. Enjoy.

The beautifully talented Moriah Elisabeth Photography captured their ahhhmazing wedding. There must’ve been pixie dust sprinkled everywhere because their wedding was oh so magical y’all.

When I went back to work that following Monday and my coworkers asked me how was the wedding…I started to tear up just thinking about how absolutely gorgeous Ngoc looked as a bride. She was glowing.

Just look at this already adorable family with their furbaby Rascal. I know my heart won’t be able to take it when they give us a niece or nephew (no rush!).

I was and still am beyond honored to have taken a tiny part in their wedding. So let’s get to it shall we?

When my sissy-in-law mentioned needing a few little details for her Santa Rosa beach wedding this past October, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.

I think I’ve made it pretty clear how much I love to work with my hands right?

I’ve learned this past year and a half that I absolutely la la love weddings (and all the planning). Maybe it’s because I had such a wonderful experience with my very own wedding this past June, but honestly it’s just that I love love.

 The saying “Love loves to love love” comes to mind <3

Ngoc and Greg were so so chill about details and only requested two things for their place cards: pops of color and a hint of gold. It worked out great because I adore the small details and just went with it.

The results turned out beautifully and they both loved it! Whew*

Ngoc called them “unicorn colors”. I totally agreed.

Two weeks before the big day, Ngoc asked me which menus(from minted.com) I thought would compliment the place cards.

Um. What?! Stop.

Of course I was more than happy to create matching menus.

After testing out a few designs that night, I decided to hand-paint and hand-letter a menu for each guest. A total of 80.

Ngoc thought I was crazy and said it was “too much work”, but I was tickled with joy the entire time.

Every ink stain and finger cramp was well-worth it.

I love calligraphy especially with this beautiful gold ink. I couldn’t get enough. In fact, I felt sad after all the work was done and I’m itching to do more.

They wanted to a few signs like a seating chart and welcome sign too. I purchase the frames at a variety of shops at the Antique Village of Denham Springs, La. 

Glass is hard to photograph. Here are my best shots in our backyard. Ha.

Okay okay, I’ll spare you more of my amateur iPhone shots.

Here are Moriah’s pictures of all my hard work. Pretty proud of myself and really happy with the way it all came together.

[gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="932,916"] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="924,931"] [gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="927,923"]

I made each kid their own menu too. I do not play. 

I should mention both bride and groom are Mississippi State graduates.

They love their cowbells.

Two-sided wooden sign to signal the bride walking down the aisle…

… and to get the PARTAY started!

Technically I made these “Greg-on-a-stick” for Ngoc’s bachelorette party, but Khang convinced me to bring them to the wedding too. Such a good idea.

So that’s pretty much my little role in this lovely wedding. But there’s a moment I’d like to share. A moment I did not expect to happen.

Picture this: I’m in the middle of curling my hair and Van, Ngoc’s MOH, asks me if I’m too busy to help Ngoc. Duhhh, I say NO! Van and the bridesmaids are running a little behind but Ngoc needs to start taking bridal portraits on the beach…I rush out in my pjs with no bra, slipped on someone else’s flip flops, grab her dress train, and the three of us are out the door. No questions asked. 

So while Moriah is shooting away, I get full view of Ngoc in all of her glory and my eyes begin to water because she is just so damn beautiful. I’m trying to hold it in y’all, but then Ngoc asks me to jump in to take photos with her. Yeah, so I quickly become a mess. A complete mess. I take advantage of this sweet moment to tell her how stunning she looks and how I’m overjoyed with happiness for her and Greg. Luckily Moriah is there to capture it all. Thank you thank youuuu so much.

I’ll hold these images close to me forever.

There’s quite a number of engaged people I know and if there’s one piece of advice I can give is…there’s going to be some serious planning involved but don’t get so overwhelmed with your plans that you pass up “real moments” during your wedding day. Remember that a wedding is just one day, but a marriage is a lifetime. Start off your marriage not by over-analyzing the materialistic items but by creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Thanks for reading and following along,

with me

Jules.

Read more