Funky Wedding Ideas & Inspiration
Behind the Lens: Jacob Poehls of JPP Studios
Welcome to another Behind the Lens post where I interview talented wedding photographers whom I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with. Every photographer has their own distinct style so the purpose of this series is to help you choose a photographer whose style best represents you. Thus I want you to meet them not as “vendors” but as potential friends who just so happen to have the skills to creatively chronicle your special day in pictures. 
Meet Photographer Jacob Poehls
Chicago-born Jake studied photography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA and has been in the wedding photo business for years. He started JPP Studios in the bay area, and two years ago he returned to Chicago where he now resides. I first got to know of his work through Beth & Scott’s Hip-Meets-Classic Wedding and was immediately taken with his artfully composed naturally-lit photos! Jake embraces photography for the art form that it is — he doesn’t hide behind Photoshop techniques and only uses the basic functions of the camera to create his wonderful, genuine images. I also love that his clean and modern photographic style fits the vibe and aesthetic of the city weddings he captures so beautifully!
His work has been featured on widely read publications like Style Me Pretty & The Knot magazine where he was voted “Best of The Knot” for two years in a row (2011 and 2012). He’s also a member of the prestigious Chicago Social “Luxe List.” Hope you enjoy getting to know Jake and looking at the striking photos that’s made him in demand in the wedding world!
* All photos on this page are copyright JPP Studios*
Hello Jake! Please tell us more about yourself and JPP Studios.
I am the owner/founder of JPP Studios, based in the city of Chicago, IL.
The company itself is only a few years old but I have been photographing weddings for close to 8 years. I began as an assistant carrying camera bags while still in art school and gradually worked my way up to owning my own business that shoots 20-30 weddings a year.
Although weddings are what I primarily shoot, I also do corporate events, Bar Mitzvah’s & the occasional family portrait session.
In terms of aesthetic, the company itself is very DIY. Outsourcing is at a minimum and every product has my personal touch.
What’s your photographic style?
To pin point my photographic style, I would say that I am predominantly a documentary photographer but I know how to direct people when need be.
Regardless of how I go about getting the shot, I try to make sure my photographs are graphically exciting (whether that results from the environment, use of light, composition or color) and as ‘natural’ as possible.
The quirkiest wedding you’ve ever photographed?
It was actually one of the first ones after I started my company. I was still living in San Francisco and it was my last wedding before moving to Chicago. The couple had their ceremony in a boat under the Golden Gate Bridge & when it was over, everybody (including the bride and groom) jumped into the bay to “take the plunge.” Everyone was in swim suits and costumes and the pictures that came from it were really unique. I have a sample album of it at my studio and it is continually a client favorite.
The most unusual or unexpected location you’ve shot a wedding at?
Salvage One. This may may seem like a standard choice since it is so popular, but when I first stepped inside, it completely blew my mind. I have a penchant for “interesting” & “unusual” locations and I had never seen anything quite like it.
A wedding photography fad you will never follow?
I guess I would say the ‘Vintage Chic’ look that is so popular these days (Ex: the mason jars, the ranch, sun flare, suitcases, etc). I have seen a lot of talented photographers do it well, so no disrespect or anything, but it just isn’t me. I have never been one to follow the fads, though. A few years ago, it was all about weird Photoshop filters and now they are completely outdated. I find that the best pictures are the simplest ones: a clean black & white or color photograph of a couple in their element; There’s no need to make it complicated.
Jake, I can’t tell from your site if you’re married but if you are, can you tell us what your wedding was like? If not, how do you foresee it being?
Nope, not married yet.
I’d like to say I see my wedding being a laid back party with close family and friends but that seems to be what everyone says & it ends up taking on a life of its own…so we’ll see!
Barring budget, logic or reality, what would your dream wedding (to shoot) be like?
I can’t say I have a ‘dream’ shoot, to be honest. Part of the fun of this profession is going to new places & meeting new people, so there hasn’t been a wedding I’ve been praying for. However, if I had to narrow it down, it would probably be in an architecturally vibrant building in Chicago. I tend to get inspired from my environment, so if it’s in an exciting venue, that is enough for me.
A book, movie or tv show you’d love to base a styled shoot on?
That’s a tough one…maybe “Lost in Translation.” I’m not sure how you could specifically style that but something that captures what it is like to be in a visually explosive environment, and exotic culture & just the ethereal, romantic atmosphere that the film conveys.
A celebrity couple’s wedding you’d like to photograph if you could?
Although I don’t have documented proof, but I’d like to think the marriage between Salvador Dali & his wife, Gala, was something to be seen. It would be worth it simply to get a portrait of them.
Quick, name 5 favorite songs off the top of your head!
“Victoria” – The Kinks, ”Sexy Sadie” – The Beatles, ”Elevate Me Later” – Pavement, ”Morning Dew” – Grateful Dead, ”Broken Face” – The Pixies
(That’s a very random selection. Not totally sure why those were the first random 5! Ha.)
If you weren’t a photographer, what would you be?
Professional musician. I was a drummer for years and years. For the longest time, it’s what I thought I would be. Unfortunately, I don’t play much these days but there is still a part of me that holds on to the idea.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about Jacob Poehls. The stunning images on this page are just a taste of whathe can offer! If you want more info on this talented photographer, please visit the following pages:
Website: www.jppstudios.com
Twitter: @jppstudios
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/JPP-Studios/148890405871
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/jppstudios/
* See all our previously featured weddings by JPP Studios.
* While you’re at it, do check out the site map to browse our real wedding/engagement/styled shoot features by photographer and by location.
Wanna get married on a helicopter? Fly Maverick!
You already know by now that here on Poptastic Bride you are encouraged to celebrate your special day however way you want to which is why fresh, new, and alternative ways of saying I do are always welcome in these pages. Lucky for you newly-engaged couples, these days it’s now possible and perfectly alright to get married in an aquarium, a bookstore, an art gallery, and yes, even on a helicopter! Can you imagine how romantic — not to mention memorable – it would be to recite your vows while deep inside the Grand Canyon with the majestic walls surrounding you or flying over a breathtaking view of the neon lights of the famous Las Vegas Strip?
No, this photo isn’t from a Hollywood film though it may look it. That’s because more and more couples are now able to experience this cinematic, once-in-a-lifetime experience through Maverick Helicopters and their special helicopter wedding packages. Whether you want to get married on a private landing site deep within the Grand Canyon or atop a plateau overlooking the Valley of Fire, or on a flight over the world famous Las Vegas Strip, Maverick Helicopters can (and will!) provide the ultimate experience for you and your sweetheart.
So if just the idea of planning a party that involves 200+ guests already sounds overwhelming, don’t fret! Any of the Maverick wedding packages is certainly an option to still have a meaningful yet zero-stress celebration between the two of you and maybe even a select few of your loved ones. Just sit back and let their wedding planners handle everything for you. Here are the experiences you can choose from:
* Desert Dreams Canyon Wedding – includes the flight to and from the Grand Canyon + a ceremony on a private landing site. (Duration: 4-5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Desert Dreams Sunset Wedding – includes a sunset flight to and from the Grand Canyon + a ceremony on a private landing site. (Duration: 4-5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Sunset Brilliance Wedding – includes an aerial view of the world-famous Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire and Hidden Valley + a ceremony on a private bluff overlooking the Valley of Fire. The journey finishes with a sunset flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip. (Duration: 4.5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Painted Dreams Wedding – includes a flight over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire landing + a ceremony an an exclusive plateau. The journey finishes with a flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip. (Duration: 3.5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Painted Dreams Sunset Wedding – includes a flight over the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and the Valley of Fire landing + a ceremony an an exclusive plateau. The journey finishes with a sunset flight over Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Strip. (Duration: 3.5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Twilight Dreams Wedding — includes a twilight hour flight over the desert valley to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam + a ceremony above a nighttime view of the Las Vegas Strip. (Duration: 2 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Vegas Twilight Wedding — includes a twilight hour flight + a ceremony over the glittering lights of Las Vegas. After the ceremony you will make another journey above the city’s iconic landmarks. (Duration: 1.5 hours from hotel to hotel)
* Las Vegas Neon Lights Wedding — includes a ceremony above Las Vegas’ iconic landmarks and the neon lights of the Vegas Strip. (Duration: 1.5 hours from hotel to hotel)
** Options include the minister, photographer, limousine, bouquet/boutonniere and wedding cake. All landing packages include complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
Want to see more photos of Maverick weddings, please see this video.
Weddings aren’t the only events you can celebrate on Maverick Helicopters — you can also hold renewals, any type of commitment ceremonies or even bachelor/ette parties on them. Interested? You may visit Maverick’s website for more information or call their wedding coordinator at 702-948-1325 to start planning your one-of-a-kind celebration.
* Sponsored post
Indie Love Song: Beloved by Luscious Jackson
While I was cleaning out my room at my parents’ home the other day I found this gem of an album gathering dust in my cd tower (remember those? ) and immediately thought of sharing one of my old favorite tracks with you. I was a huge Luscious Jackson
So without further ado here’s a down tempo and melodious love song from the Luscious ladies. Some lyrics:
Beloved
Make it feel like summer
make it feel like summertime
Beloved
I’m coming undone sonny
in the danger of the ride
Listen to it below:
What do you think? Will you use it for your wedding?
Certified Poptastic 20: Happy Mothers Day + Sneak Peeks
Happy mothers day to all of the wonderful mothers out there!
So dear readers, are you planning to honor your mom at your wedding? If you are and you’re stumped for meaningful ways to do it, you may take a cue from some of our previously featured couples –
5 Ways You Can Show Your Mom You Love Her at Your Wedding
1. Make Mom your Matron of Honor
Hilary’s Matron of Honor was her mom! And they even wore matching sparkly chucks — how cool is that? (Photo by Krista Lee Photography)
2. Have a Mother-Daughter Dance
Julie bucked tradition and had a mother-daughter dance (instead of the usual mother/son or father/daughter dance). Don’t you just love how sweet they are? (Photo by Studio Sequoia)
3. Show off her wedding photos at your party
Leslie and Josh hung their parents’ — and grandparents’ — wedding photos at their reception. (Photos by One Eleven Images)
4. Wear something she gave you as a child or when you came of age.
Isabel wore an eye-catching green silk scarf given to her by her mom on her 13th birthday to her wedding reception. (Photo by Luzco Photography)
5. Carry her love with you as you walk down the aisle
Katherine’s paper bouquet consisted of love notes from her parents and groom. (Photo by Carrie Wildes Photography)
Any other ideas on how you can show your mom you love her at your wedding? Feel free to let me know below!
***
Sneak Peeks! Please stop by this week to see what these lovely photos are all about.
New Tandem Bike Wedding Invitation Sets + Free Printable Favor Tags!
You guys! I have a new invite design for the shop — about time, right? It’s actually an updated design of our tandem bike wedding invites (you can still find the old design in the store, filed under “classic” ). The invites now sport a simpler, cleaner layout and for a touch of funky, I added background patterns in three different colors.
* Available for this set are 5×7 invitations, 4.25×5.5 save the dates, reception insert cards, rsvp cards, table number cards, matching envelopes, favor stickers, and — coming soon — postage (currently being processed).
* Patterns include vertical stripes, trendy chevron stripes, and bubble dots.
* Colors: lime green, sky blue, and lemon yellow
You may get them in the same pattern / color scheme or you can also mix and match!
See the entire tandem bike wedding invitation suite at the shop.
WAIT! I also whipped up some bonus printable tandem bike favor tags to go with this set! (Yes, they’re free! )
You can use them on small gift boxes, as seen in the above example….
Or you can punch a hole at the top, slip a piece of ribbon through and tie it around your favor jars.
The PDF file is also editable! Just replace the names and dates with yours. Want it? Get it here.
VISIT THE POPTASTIC BRIDE SHOP
SUBSCRIBE TO UPDATES
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Receive our blog posts in your inbox:
Join
and SPONSORS
BROWSE BY TOPIC
BROWSE BY DATE
Partners
 |
 |
 |
 |
Five Latest Posts
Recent Comments
Top 10 Posts of All Time
Tag Cloud
SHOP FOR RETRO GRAPHIC TEES
STATISTICS
