“Are you ready?” I asked Erin as we pulled up to the Starbucks in Point Loma two years ago to meet our new “marriage mentors” that our church, The Rock, had paired us up with as a newly married couple. We both couldn’t have been more excited as we walked in and saw them – Jon and Jeseca – hanging out at a little table just all smiles towards each other like they had gotten married yesterday. Within seconds of just seeing them, I immediately identified with the way that Jon looked at Jeseca and the way that she giggled at his dorky jokes (boy do I relate to that!) I look back on the times we got to spend with Jon and Jeseca, and even though they were limited, I see them as a huge part of the success of our marriage. Talking to Jon constantly made me want to be a better man and a better husband, and Jeseca is the most incredible example of love, courage, and faith.
Jeseca battled a rare form of cancer for almost 6 years before ultimately going to be with the Lord. Jon and Jeseca were married for nearly 12 years, and together they have two AMAZING little guys, Christian and Everan who are seriously the coolest kids EVER. Really. Super cool
Check out their story here – it’s amazing. Seriously, go check it out!
Jon called me a few weeks ago and said that he needed some headshots done for some things that he’s working on, including a bunch of articles and a book about Jeseca (sooooo cool!!) and I was floored by the opportunity. I made him a deal that I’d only do his headshots if we could pair that session with a photo session of him and his boys, and he was all for it!! For more about what Jon’s doing and how God is using him and his boys, check out his website, and be sure to read his blog. The way that he has turned such a difficult situation into such an amazing thing is truly remarkable.
Jon – thank you for being such an example to me of strength, courage, and grace. Thank you for letting me photograph the wonderful love that you and your boys share, it was such an awesome experience for me! Jeseca – thank you for believing in Jon, loving Jon, and helping to make him into the man he is today. You rock!
Two quick headshots (we took a bunch more, but I wanted to save room for him and the boys). Isn’t he studly?
I loved this moment between the boys. I can’t tell you how many times I hear “I just really love you, Dad” yesterday. Seriously.
The loved making faces, and they LOVED the cameraApparently Christian is from the “West Side”
The best part was that Christian and Everan are both photographers at heart – they set up SO many shots, which was adorable. Jon kept insisting that they listen to me and my directlion, and I just kept laughing and letting them do their thing. The shot below on the left was one that Everan set up, with some minor coaching by me. How fun is that?
This CRACKED me up. Ok, so you know the standard shot that I do of a lot of my grooms, slightly kneeling, hands crossed. Cool shot, looks awesome. I decided to do that with Christian and Everan and check out their first interpretation of what I was asking (on the left) and then the adjusted pose. How hilarious is that?!?!?
These are some SERIOUSLY cool dudes.
Brothers.
Okay, so Everan is super silly, but check out how Christian is looking at him. Can’t you just tell how much he looks up to his big brother? I just love it.
I’m not kidding, this is what I got when I said “Everan just put your arm around your little brother.” He’s such a good big bro.
The boys were enjoying the sunset and watching the sailboats out on the ocean…fun.
Boy Rule #17: Where there’s a tree, it must be climbed.
My favorite shot of the day. I’ve never been a little brother, but I think any little brother can relate to the feeling in this image.
I lied. This is my favorite shot
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