Jana Contreras Photography

This wedding was one that was extra special to me. I have known Hannah since we were kids since her cousin (and basically sister, Megan) happens to be best friends with my sister. We grew up having sleepovers and hanging out together. So it was truly an honor to capture Hannah & Kelly’s day. It was also another reminder of how time flies by and we are officially all growing up too fast. This day included stunning florals, lots of beautiful emotions and the best BBQ food I have ever had at a wedding. They literally had personal fries cups for everyone and later on that night vegan cupcakes. Need I say more? Their day was a beautiful one! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//hannah-kellys-weddi/

Like most 2020 weddings this one was supposed to be at a venue and got changed to her grandmother’s backyard. I have to be honest, I almost prefer simple backyards, national parks or airbnb’s. I love the simplicity, less stress and the focus on the couple. This couple is close to my heart as I have walked with them over the course of the year through all the hurdles they have had to overcome. They are the sweetest and literally ate dinner with me you guys on their wedding day.... Their sunset pictures happened to be around the neighborhood which you would think would be a challenge but it literally was the prettiest neighborhood ever that showed off this fall season. I would 100 percent do a shoot there again! Julianna and John so happy for you guys hope you are enjoying Tahoe and relaxing by a beach eating some yummy food right now. Dress: Grace Loves Lace https://janacontrerasphotography.com/blog/julianna-john/

Meet these two over two months ago pre-engagement and we became friends while avoiding fire ants and the heat in the desert. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, they got engaged & I might have cried and followed their instagram accounts hour by hour that day since Regan told me he was going to that day. (I am invested in this love story since they are the sweetest couple ever!). I could not be more happy to hike the canyons with these guys and shoot their engagement pictures! Their smiles and love for each other is one that you can see in every picture and feel when you are around them. They are the best. So stoked for you guys to get married! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//regan-naty-engageme/

My first double engagement shoot was a success. We hiked through canyons and Tori even spotted my butt (literally) so I could get the best shots. Met Tori through Naty and man I feel like we all became friends via instagram instantly and then were bonded for life through hiking over some tough canyons together. Tori and Ian’s are the sweetest couple as well. Not to mention they have the best style too. She even hand painted her leather jacket you guys! So excited for these guys to get married too!! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//tori-ians-engagemen/

This couple and I bonded over our love for Jesus, California and of course food. Charlotte & Logan had to reschedule their wedding from May until Nov and on top of that this venue was evacuated due to wildfires the week leading up to their wedding (talk about stressful). However, they stayed calm and we all prayed day and night for doors to be open to celebrate these two. Thankfully their wedding day was perfect in every way and Logan’s reaction to her was my favorite yet. He... turned to me at one point during the day and said I just cannot wait to cuddle her now every night. It melted me and reminded me of how the simple things are my favorite with Eli too. So happy for you guys! P.S. He surprised her with a firetruck for their exit getaway car. (He is a fireman) How cool is that? Already scoring hubby points with Charlotte I am sure. Charlotte and Logan come visit Nor-cal and Eli & I anytime! Venue: Rancho Las Lomas Planner: Vianca Second Shooter: Monique Caterer: 24 Carrots Videographer: Alex Films DJ: DJAY Company Florist: Chesca Makes Things Decor: White Blossom Events Cake: Cinderella Cakes Makeup: Sky Q. Makeup Hair: Hannah Keith https://janacontrerasphotography.com//charlotte-logan-wed/

Megan and Mike’s Sonoma County elopement was not as they had planned as COVID-19 has changed everything. However, it was one of the most beautiful, raw and intimate wedding’s I have ever witnessed. I know I am biased as one of Megan’s close friends, but it was truly one of those weddings where you cannot help but cry. Megan and Erica (her sister in law) made her bouquet that morning and she wore the romper she was going to where for her bridal shower. Our friend and amazing Chef Mimo made her cake. Erica also made bricks so we could all stand 6 feet apart. It was simple and truly focused on love. Hope you love this Sonoma County elopement! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//megan-mike-sonoma-c/

So I have been eyeing this spot to shoot at for months. So after three months of shelter in place and finally being allowed to shoot again (with a mask on of course) it felt amazing to do what I love again. Plus, Jordan and Julia were such a dream to shoot. Cannot wait for them to visit the area just to hang out again! Hope you love this Petaluma Rooftop shoot! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//julia-and-jordan-pe/

This year has been one crazy wild beautiful ride. Starting from his birth- we flew out of state on a couple hours notice of his birth. Then we road all the way up the I5 with a 3 day year old baby back home. During his first year of life we experienced power outages, evacuations due to fires, trip to Israel, trips to Joshua Tree and Hawaii as well as a worldwide pandemic and the beautiful black lives matter movement. This year has been one the world will not forget and neithe...r will we. We are grateful for every single moment of it. This year for his party we wanted to do something simple and invite all our family and friends to come to a drive by party. Due to covid and most friends/family living far away it was a small party but we were so grateful that everybody was celebrating with us near and far. Thank you to all who came truly meant the world to me! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//james-wilders-1st-b/

I always feel honored to shoot my friends engagement session’s. Due to COVID we had to reschedule this session a ton but man I am so thankful it worked out because telling a little bit of their story on camera was truly a gift for me in this season. They sang parks and rec. songs, worship and Johnny Cash songs. They ran in the forrest, danced in the forest while always avoiding poison ivy like a pro. Victoria & Matt’s engagement session truly was magical from the way the birds were chirping to the perfect crisp yet warm summer air. Stoked that these two are getting married in two months!! Hope you enjoy their Occidental- California engagement session. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//victoria-matts-enga/

If you ever meet Brianne you immediately know she has a contagious smile and a joyful spirit. After meeting Dustin I could see he had the same spirit. The two of them all day could not stop smiling and holding each other. It was the perfect example of a beautiful start to marriage. While Covid might have changed their plans a little the beauty of the day still remained. Friends and family watched their ceremony via zoom and then afterwards they celebrated with just their family back at their house. Next year they are planning on having their reception and celebrating with their friends and family in Sebastopol, California. I cannot wait for part 2 of their wedding. Hope you enjoy their Sonoma County, California wedding! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//brianne-dustin-wedd/

In the past 4 years I have had the privilege to shoot my two younger sister’s engagement sessions. My youngest sister is getting married this fall and so naturally I had them get dressed up, go to the forest and explore the woods with me for their shoot. They danced, played tag, pointed out poison ivy for me and climbed in a tree for me only to get stung by a bee/bug of some sort. (First time anyone has got hurt/stung on a shoot and of course it is my sister whom hates bugs. ...So sorry again sis!) Seeing them in love, feeding each other ice cream and hiking together made my heart so happy. I think I am starting to realize just how much time has passed and how much I truly love my family. Love you sis and so happy for you! (Also, yes I added the pictures right before you got stung. Hope it was worth it). https://janacontrerasphotography.com//angela-eli-engageme/

This year has become the year to elope. Some wanted to elope from the start, so were forced to downsize and some are doing an elopement this year and a reception next year. Many couples have been planning their elopement as a plan B and found it is hard to know where to start which I why I felt the need to write this post. I want to be able to help give you ideas and help you plan the elopement of your dreams! My favorite thing about elopements are that they are intimate and ...you really get to cherish each moment of the day. They are typically less stressful and you get to put in details that you might not have before. For example, you were going to have 200 plus people at a local winery because it accommodated your big group so you compromised on your dream location. Now you can get married in the mountains or in the redwoods or in the desert if that is what you have always wanted. Before you were unable do your favorite bakeries cookies (because things add up) for a thank you and now you can! Think about everything you guys love: Nature spots, food and color palettes. If you are going to elope why not make it special and unique to what you guys love! https://janacontrerasphotography.com//how-to-plan-an-elop/

I love helping my couples plan elopements. I usually end up helping a handful of couples each year plan their elopements. It is one of the things I love the most as a type 2 on the ennegram test (the helper). I just put out a blog post on how to plan an elopement. However, I love helping couples explore their dream destinations all over the United States. Here are 12 of my favorite spots in the United States that I would suggest to anyone looking for a destination elopement. Most of these locations you will need a permit to get married on but it is worth it(national parks for sure you need one). For your reception I recommend an airbnb or asking the parks, places listed below if small receptions would be allowed. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//favorite-elopement-/

When I planned my wedding I was a stress ball case. I wanted everything to be perfect and wanted to please everyone. I had no idea what I was doing and looking back now would do so many things differently now that I have been in the wedding industry. Here are a couple of my tips as well as past brides on tips on how to be less stressed when planning a wedding. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//tips-on-how-to-be-l/

I honestly always thought of Oahu as the touristy island full of big buildings and cluttered with people on every beach. I have been to Maui and Kuaui and thought nothing could compare to those islands but oh how I was wrong. East & North shore resembled Kuaui’s mountain ranges and beaches so much. Plus, the food resembled Muai’s amazing food. I went into this trip with no expectations of Oahu and came away excited to head back in May to shoot at wedding there! I was so stoke...d to be able to shoot Abish & Jeremy on one beautiful beach in Oahu, Hawaii. They fed each other papaya and told me all the amazing places to at at. Shout out to them for sending me the best smoothie place to go to on the island. Already planning to go back on Mothers day when I return to Oahu. Seriously, Hawaii sessions are just the best you guys. P.S. Abish is one amazing photographer herself go check her out here: Abish- Oahu Photographer. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//oahu-hawaii-abish-j/

Family Trip to Oahu https://janacontrerasphotography.com/blog/oahu-family-trip/

If you know me you know I love supporting local businesses. If you are going to spend money on food might as well be amazing and local. I wanted to publish this blog post to show my couples and guests where I love to eat when they come to wine country for a destination session or wedding. As well as showing everyone what the best local restaurants in Sonoma County are I also wanted to thank these local businesses for being so amazing at what they do. They each pour their heart and soul into their art. I want to just let them all know how much I appreciate them and am thankful they started their amazing businesses! Here is part two of best local restaurants in Sonoma County blog post. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//best-local-restaura/

Lately my favorite place and where I feel at most at peace is in the mountains and forest. Every couple years it shifts for me and thats what it has been for 2020 so far. (For those wondering 2016 was the ocean, 2017- 2019 was the desert). So when Melissa and Chris wanted to do their branding couple pictures in some of my favorite places I got super excited. We had ate burritos, explored downtown Occidental and danced in the forest. Plus, we ate ice cream and who does not lov...e Screamin’ Mimi’s. I could eat their ice cream any day and everyday. More sessions here please. This Occidental, California couples session was truly one for the books. It was an honor to shoot Melissa and Chris. I have been friends with Melissa for years and it has been so refreshing to have someone encourage me in my strengths as well as encourage me to grow where I need to. Thank you for making me into a better person, business woman and photographer Melissa. Will be forever grateful for you. In addition, Melissa and Chris are such an amazing photographers. You guys need to check them out as I am constantly in awe of their work. https://janacontrerasphotography.com//occidental-californ/