Meet Jackie

Welcome to the Ardensea Blog! I’m Jackie Watson, owner and photographer of my south Florida based studio. I hope you find this space a great resource to explore engagement session planning & wedding inspiration, and see if we’re the perfect fit for your own special day.

35mm Film Photography on Your Wedding Day: What to Expect and Why You’ll Love It

With its rich colors, soft textures, and authentic grain, 35mm film adds an artful depth to your wedding photos.

Is Documentary Style Wedding Photography For You?

Thinking About Going Documentary? Here’s What to Consider.

Is having a Second Wedding Photographer Worth It?

Why having a second photographer on your big day can make all the difference.

Sparkler Exit Alternative Ideas

Photo-friendly ways to have a wedding send off without sparklers.

Common Regrets After Choosing The Wrong Wedding Photographer

Real couples share their post-wedding photography regrets.

5 Reasons To Do A First Look

Should you have a first look on your wedding day? Disclaimer: YES you should, but let me tell you why.

Wedding Day Tips for Florida Brides

It’s become an essential part of my client experience to educate my brides on what works and what does not work for beach weddings in Florida. And now, I am sharing the knowledge!

Planning Your Wedding Day Photography Timeline

Here’s a sample of our wedding photography timeline we suggest to all our Ardensea brides and grooms!

Making Bride & Groom Portraits a Priority on Your Wedding Day

Running out of time is the biggest reason why couples skip over the bride and groom portraits, so it’s important to plan for at least 30-minutes to an hour for newlyweds to step away and capture wedding day pictures.

Best Detail Shots for Your Wedding Day

When it comes to planning out your wedding photography, consider the little details that have a surprisingly big impact. See which shots are absolute must-haves on your wedding day.

Engagement Photography

Just a couple of hipsters in love.

Whit and Phil went all out with this vintage-inspired hipster Virginia engagement session.

First, let me say that I have been looking forward to meeting Whitney and Phil ever since they booked me last year for their September wedding at Bayvue Estate right on the coast in Susan, Virginia. The venue – GORGEOUS. The weather? FANTASTIC. Whit and Phil? ADORABLE.

Secondly, these two seemed to be literally made to be together. Not to mention, they seem completely in tune with each other and they had so much fun schmoozing in front of the camera together. You would think they are models with the way they naturally pose themselves in the photos! Most exciting of all, Bayvue Estate will also be their wedding location, so it was great to plan out some wedding details as well. I may admit that this is my most anticipated wedding of the year.

Virginia is for lovers, after all.

Another HUGE shout out to one of my favorite vendors ever, Mad Hatter Vintage, for styling this session and making it an absolutely amazing scene for us to photograph.

Without further ado, I introduce you to Whitney and Phil!