New branding + blog design + GIVEAWAY! || dallas, tx wedding photographer

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

I wish soso much that I had a screen shot of my first blog design.  It was quite horrific guys.  I don't remember much about it other than the fact that the 3 main colors in the design were light brown, a khaki cream color, and a faded navy blue.  And I'm preeeetty sure I designed my header in picasa.  Quite obviously my brand has evolved a lot since then.

My first year of business, I redesigned my blog 4 times.  I felt like a little girl who was finally getting to pick out her own clothes and dress herself without mommy's help and at first the results were somewhat hilariously ugly...and then slowly but surely I started to figure out how to put together an outfit that actually looked good, and that fit my "style."  (This parallels my own childhood very closely in that when I first started dressing myself at about age 6 I was very confident in my ability to come up with killer outfits.  But my dad used to teasingly tell me when I would come out in a bright yellow tank top, hot pink skirt, and red cowgirl boots--a favorite combo of mine--that if anyone came to the door I should just run back to my room and hide until they left, so they didn't see me.  But hey, I've turned out ok, right dad?!)  And though there was a little part of me that was sad for sentimental reasons to see the old blog go, it was time for it to lose the hot pink skirt and red cowboy boots and put on something a little more grown up ;)

Branding is a process that never really ends.  Because I want my brand to simply be a reflection of who I am and what I love--as my tastes and style continues to mature and change, I'm continually fine tuning my brand to more clearly reflect those changes.  My mantra for my life + business this year is "Simplify."  In every way, at every outlet, I wanted to simplify what I was doing and how I was doing it.  So that became the keyword for the updated brand/design as well :)  One of the things that I definitely wanted in a new blog design was a blog that doubled as a website.  EE photography,  Jessica Claire, and Amy Wenzel are three fabulous photographers who utlilize this type of design and I really like it.  The idea of having just one place for clients to come with links to whatever they might need to see was very attractive to me, AND it fit my mantra :)

Since this was my first time working with a designer I didn't really know what to expect, but goodness gracious it was the funnest thing ever!  It was like magic was happening right before my eyes as I emailed Hannah telling her what I was wanting, sending color swatches, and creating a pinterest inspiration board for her, and then a few days later she would email back with design samples, headers, fonts, and it was a thousand times better than anything I was expecting or could have come up with on my own! :)  She was patient with me every step of the way, making revisions when I'd change my mind about something, and weeded through all my ideas--only keeping the good ones.  And this is what we came up with: http://www.jessicashae.com The entry page to the new "blogsite" and from there you can view galleries, a pricing page, etc. and click through to the actual blog!  I'm still working on getting all the different pages written and set up, so if you click on some of the links  in the navbar up top and they go to a blank page, check back later and hopefully there'll be something a little more interesting to see :)

She is amaaaazing guys.
picture taken from her blog.

So, I have happy news for you all :)  I'd love to give someone else the chance to work with the fabulous Hannah Nicole as well--so we're giving away a blog design!  Mmhhmmm, so if you've been wanting a new blog design here's your chance to have it done by a fabulous designer for free!  Here's what's included:

Blog package ($100 value)
For personal bloggers

  • Brand development
  • Header
  • Favicon
  • Blog button
  • Signature
  • Custom navigation
  • Color palette
  • Font integration
  • Custom layout
  • Installation

Here's what you have to do to enter :)

#1. Leave a comment telling me what your favorite part of my new design is.

Other optional additional entries:

#2. (follow both of us on twitter--if you don't already) and tweet this: Friends! @jessica_shae is hosting a giveaway! Go here to enter for a chance to win a new blog design by @imhannahnicole: http://bit.ly/IHlENq

#3. ("Like" Both of our Facebook pages--if you don't already) and post this on Facebook: Jessica Shae is hosting a giveaway!  Go here to enter for a chance to win a new blog design with Hannah Nicole: http://bit.ly/IHlENq
(if you post on FB, write on the wall of my Jessica Shae page letting me know that you posted about it because it doesn't always notify me, and I want to make sure that you get credit for it!)

#4. Pin either the picture below or a favorite picture from my blog to pinterest with this as the caption: @jessica shae is hosting a giveaway! Go here to enter for a chance to win a new blog designed by @hannah nicole: http://bit.ly/IHlENq





#5. (Follow both of us on instagram--if you don't already) and instagram the picture above and post this as the caption:  @jessicashae is hosting a giveaway! Go here to enter for a chance to win a new blog designed by @imhannahnicole: http://bit.ly/IHlENq

So you have 5 different ways to enter for a chance to win! To be entered in the contest at all you HAVE to at least do #1, and then every additional (optional) entry counts as another entry.  Make sure that you tag both of us in all your posts on twitter, FB, etc., because if I don't see that you posted it I won't be able to count it. (edited to add: PLEASE make sure you're actually tagging us, friends! I've already seen at least one post that just copied and pasted the status in, but our names aren't actual links to us.  We have to be tagged in order for us to get notified that you posted about it!  I just want to make sure I'm able to count all your entries!)

And if you don't win, but need a redesign or help re-branding, she's the woman for you!  Check out her site here, she just updated it, and it's suuuuper fun! :)

You can enter now through Tuesday the 17th of April and the winner will be chosen by random.org and announced next Wednesday, the 18th!

Much Love,
Jessica Shae

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167 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. my favorite part of your new design is the header. i adore the font/the pastel palette in the background/all of the quotes! hannah's designs are amazing, no? and she's a lovely young woman, too. love you both!
    -jocee <3

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  3. i tweeted it!
    https://twitter.com/#!/shessoloverly/status/189706951196807168
    -jocee <3

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  4. pretty sure my favorite part... is the Anne of Green Gables quote ;). What can I say? I'm an Anne fan. :D

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  5. i pinned it!
    http://pinterest.com/pin/261631059572655632/
    -jocee <3

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  6. Totally the color palette. I adore it!

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  7. Love the color circle things at the top! The colors are beautiful.

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  8. My favorite part about your new bog design is the colors. They look amazing together. Hannah's design skills are amazing!!

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  9. I just pinned it! http://pinterest.com/pin/188940146837247656/

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  10. Plus, I tweeted about it :) https://twitter.com/#!/Auburn_Jones/status/189710459996344320

    Can you tell that I like Hannah's design work ;)

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  11. I just shared it on facebook....and I like both of your guys facebook pages....

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  12. My favorite part of the new design is the color scheme!

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  13. I really couldn't pick a favorite part...I love it all. I love how simplistic and pretty it is,and I think it mirrors your photography style perfectly!

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  14. Oh my goodness, Hanah is ah-mazing! I am currently taking blog design mentorship from her and you are right -- she is SO patient and beyond friendly. She is awesome.

    Favorite part of your design? The header + the colors. It has a very soothing and pretty feel. Hannah di a fabulous job. Love it!

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  15. i love everything about the new design! it is sososo beautiful. hannah's designs are always amazing :)
    xoxo,
    gracie

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  17. I love the color scheme. It's so pretty, happy, fun and beautiful all at the same time. :)

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  18. "Liked" both your facebook pages + facebooked about it!

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  19. I love the scrolling quotes at the top...and the colors! :)

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  20. wow, I love love love the new design! my favorite part is probably the color scheme. it's so soft and pretty!

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  21. Favorite part, the header. Amazing! :) I also liked both of your facebook pages.

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  22. I love how lovely and fresh the new blog/website looks...and also lovelove how your header on the blog looks like a watercolor painting. beautiful.

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  23. My favorite part is the scrolling quotes. Beautiful. :)

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  24. i love your landing page! the slideshow is beautiful!

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  25. i followed ya both on twitter & tweeted that!

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  26. I love everything about this new blog! It is very delicate and beautiful. My favorite part is the chosen font and color palette as well as the gorgeous overall design. Great job!

    -Kaitlin

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  27. Wow, I am so excited about this giveaway! My favorite part of your design is the simplicity of it. It is so clean, inviting, and chic. She did a great job!

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  28. I love everything about the design, but the header is super.

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  29. My favorite part is the simple elegance. The understated design and soft pastel colors complement your pictures beautifully.

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  30. My favorite part of the design is your blog header! I love how the quotes change. :)

    Emilie
    emmie0952-blog(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  31. Just followed you both on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway!

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  32. I love the centered header and the icons! :D

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  33. I really really love your header :)

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  34. I follow both you guys and tweeted about this giveaway

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  35. I'd have to say I love having the quotes in your header, and the blog name I really like.

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  36. #1 favorite part is the color scheme. Reminds me of pink lemonade. :)
    #3 "liked" on Facebook. Will post soon!
    #4 pinned!

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  37. I absolutely love the new design. My favorite part is the simple elegance of the color scheme + font choices.

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  38. Jessica! I absolutely love your new blog design! :) When I first saw it on instagram - i almost drooled. :) I have to say my FAVORITE thing is how you named your blog. "The Muse". It is so cute!! Second, I would say that I fell in love with the colors. :) xox

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  39. My favourite thing besides all of it? The slideshow header. It's so gorgeous.

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  40. my favorite part of the new design is the rotating quotes...such a great idea! xx.

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  41. I like the "simplicity" that you were going for. The design an colors make it calming and inviting and allow your beautiful photos to pop.

    I did numbers 1-5!!!

    @AshleeChu
    www.ashleechublog.com

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  42. I "like" both of your fb pages, and I posted about the giveaway!

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  43. I love your header! It's awesome! That's my favorite part!

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  44. Favorite: the cohesive fonts and simplicity of it all! You definitely created a lovely site!
    Love this giveaway idea ;)

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  45. I love the header and the colors...so cute!!!! Just pinned http://pinterest.com/sg4ever/photographers/ and just posted on fb :)

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  46. I think my most favorite thing (other than the fact that this the whole site SINGS Jessica Shae), is your blog title and quotes; they make me smile.

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  47. I really love the quotes. So, so fun. And the new design is absolutely beautiful!
    Alli

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  48. I love the simplicity of the colour scheme and blend in the header, along with the the name! Definitely think you've got your mantra down pat with the design.

    And I love the amazing quotes you have rotating through the header....Peter Pan, C.S. Lewis, Anne of Green Gables....awesome!

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  49. Tweeted, Facebooked, Pinned, and instagrammed!
    Super excited, can you tell? ;)

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  50. I just Instagrammed too!!!!!! Im so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  51. Oh, how exciting!!!! I am in LOVE with the talented Hannah's blog designs and would absolutely LOVE to win. *smile*

    My favorite part of your new design? I am swooning over your header! It's so pretty and fresh. :)

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  52. I follow you both on Twitter, and I tweeted about the giveaway! :)

    eve @ essence of eve

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  53. What a great giveaway! I'm still so lost in branding that a custom website would just have to be redone at this point. I'll keep her in mind when I do need a website though. I love yours! Great job.

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  54. my favorite part about the design is that it is a blogsite!! Hannah did a wonderful job!!

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  55. I love that its light and fresh! The perfect colors!

    abivens2@gmail.com

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  56. following both on twitter and here is my tweet

    https://twitter.com/#!/abivens2/status/189787554399256576

    abivens2@gmail.com

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  57. liked on FB and shared giveaway

    abivens2@gmail.com

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  58. I love the simplicity and elegance of the new site! Hannah did an amazing job! FB+Pinned it as well :)

    Liv

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  59. I like that the color isn't distracting, but it's still there. also, the details are perfect!
    horsezjosie@gmail.com

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  60. I like your Facebook pages & I posted about the giveaway (you're both tagged).

    eve @ essence of eve

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  61. [blog design]

    The subtle, poignant tones of this design remind me of a soft summer breeze. The calming and *happy* pink and cream colours add such a sense spring and newness. This is [literally] one of the best designs I've seen.

    xo

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  62. I LOVE the colors of your new design! So pretty & cheerful!

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  63. I really like the new header (with all the amazing quotes!), and I love how your website/blog are combine - the navigation bar at the top is really nice! :)

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  64. Oh, I'd *love* to enter, Jessica! And I l.o.v.e your new design, by the way. [smile] Favorite part? [do I have to pick one? =)] I love the header and the whole blog/website layout. And it was fun reading your new about page and such. [smile] Thanks for hosting this amazing giveaway! Hannah's designs are amazing. The end. =) She has such a gift from the Lord!! Blessings!

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  65. My favorite thing about the design is definitely the header!

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  66. Your wholeeee new setup looks Ahhhhh-Mazing! But I'm really digging the new signature:)

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  67. I love the header and how fresh, but warm it looks!

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  68. My favorite parts of your design are the crisp elegance and the header. I love the pastel colors and the rotating quotes. When I first opened your blog to see your new blog design, the quote that came up was, "If you're a dreamer, come in." As a dreamer, this made me feel so at home.

    (Side note: I didn't even recognize your blog at first. I remember thinking, "am I following this blog yet? Because if not, I must!")

    Wonderful job on the blog design, Hannah and Jessica, and thank you for hosting this giveaway!

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  69. Oh, also, I follow you both on Twitter already. (Not sure if that counts as another entry, but I forgot to mention it in my previous comments.)

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  70. My favorite part is your new header..... <3 it!!

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  71. I follow both of you on twitter, and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/lauralizphoto/status/189845959465902081

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  72. I liked both pages and posted to FB - https://www.facebook.com/lauralizphoto

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  73. I pinned the giveaway photo : https://pinterest.com/pin/108438303497921580/

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  74. I really love the quotes you have on your header! :D I pinned and Instagramed!

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  75. Gotta admit with some others here that the quote banner is one of my favorites, too!

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  76. My favourite part has got to be the colour scheme! and the header is AMAZING!

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  77. Pinned! http://pinterest.com/pin/101894010289414395/

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  78. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000691067267

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  79. Entry #1: My favorite part about the new blog is the color scheme and the ease of access! LOVE it all :)

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  80. i am totally in love with the new design!! love it's simplicity & it's elegance - perfect :D

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  81. I love your color pallete and the "blogsite" concept. It makes things simpler and easy to view both portfolio and blog.

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  82. Love the water color concept, the colors, simplicity, and just your perfect blend of fresh + classy! It really brands YOU and reflects the same feeling and attitude you convey in your posts! I pulled up your site today and was immediately totally impressed! Great job!

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  83. Love. LOVE the whole new look!! the signature/&"the muse" ...aaanD my favorite, all the little quotes around the blog! :)

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  84. I really like the color scheme...very soft and feminine!

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  85. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Shel Silverstien. End of story. ;)
    Just kidding!!! Your blog is breathtaking. I definitely get that feeling of simplicity-- the colors alone are gorgeous. Altoghether, great job gals!! :)

    Blessings,
    Madison


    ps Also, I admire your faith. Which is the most important of all!!

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  86. To be honest, I just love the simplicity of it, and your color palette. (:

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  87. I tweeted. The reason you're probably have trouble with people not tagging you is because your twitter name is jessica_shae, not jessicashae. unless of course I've been following the wrong person... ;)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Jennoelle!

      Thanks for the heads up, totally hadn't noticed that typo :P I changed it, and I've counted all the people who've been tweeting to @jessicashae too :)

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  88. I love your header! Period. The "switching" quotes are so cute. I also love your page list, the fonts, and the color palette. Hannah did a wonderful job.

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  89. Love the colors and the typography. :)
    I liked Jessica and Hannas page !

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  90. Love how its so unique and seems to be a complete reflection of you. Such creativity!

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  91. I love the quotes and how the font is different on one word in each. Such a statement! :) It's all very pretty!

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  92. I love your banner and quotes on the top! You blog is so clean and sweet.

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  93. I have been reading your blog since you photographed the wedding of an acquaintance, and your work is amazing. Your new look is very cute and perky, and if I could figure out how to have rotating quotes in my header, I would. (-: Your blog is beautiful!

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  94. I'm not sure if you can count this, but I used to have an iphone, and I know for sure that I was following Hannah on instagram, but I can't remember if I was following you...

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  95. i tweeted it!! https://twitter.com/#!/fr120298

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  96. pinned: http://pinterest.com/pin/272116002455158556/

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  97. i love the colors!!! and the layout. you do a great job!

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  98. I like how light the color is, which makes your photos pop out even more

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  99. I love the clean fresh colors of your new look!

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  100. I love the watercolor-esque background to your header. so lovely!

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  101. I love your new header. It is all together elegant, simple, and colorful! I'm so excited for this giveaway! I love Hannah's designs! I had one a couple years ago, and she is so great to work with!

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  102. I just pinned your giveaway button to my board {www.pinterest.com/JazzieSA}.

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  103. I'm following you both on Instagram!

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  104. Entry 1: I love the header and colors:)

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  105. Entry 5: followed you gals on Instagram! @kianna_rose

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  106. I follow your blog and Hannah's. :)

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  107. I love the header! The switching quotes are very cool! :)

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  108. I posted about it on fb!! :)

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  109. I pinned the giveaway picture thingy. :)

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  110. My favorite part of the new look is the header-it's so romantic and dreamy!

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  111. I love the rotating quotes in your header!

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  112. I follow you both on instragram and I posted the picture!

    btw.. facebook would not let me tag you two.. but I did post it! http://www.facebook.com/pages/lil-miss-imperfect/170253416381348

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  113. I liked your facebook page as well as Hannah's!

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  114. I posted about it on facebook {tagged both of you}.

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  115. I really love the simplicity of the new design! I love how it sets the right mood for your readers/guests visiting the blog as they look at the photos, which takes center stage (and isn't that the purpose?), and essentially, I think whoever comes to this site (having the purpose of finding a photographer for their engagement/wedding) will be inspired and will want to have you do theirs! =) Overall, I love how everything just really comes together and like I said, all those changes you made really serves as an introduction to your photos and what kind of an artist you are. ;)

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  116. I follow both y'all on Twitter :)

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  117. i absolutely LOVE the new design...especially the color scheme. (: it's all so "you".

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  118. my favorite part of your new design is the header!! :)

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  119. I follow both of you,and tweeted :)

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  120. I love the new header! So simple yet so elegant. BTW, I don't really know you, but started reading your blog after finding a link to it from Carissa and Hannah's website. I think I may have met you in 2007 at Journey to the Heart.

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  121. I love the new header and the color scheme! It's beautiful!

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  122. I follow both of you on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway.

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  123. I also pinned the giveaway picture. Thanks so much for the giveaway, friend! Can't wait to see who wins! :)

    ~Emily
    (www.practicallypink.blogspot.com)

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  124. the header is gorgeous!

    also, Hannah is my favorite and I love her so much. so this giveaway makes me happy.

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  125. My favorite part of the design is that you have a color for the header which fades into a white background. Your blog has one of my favorite designs!

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  126. My favorite part is the header! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the colors and the style of your new look and I love the new name as well!

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  127. I love the new header with the new quotes! The name is also fantastic. :)

    PS. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and viewing your photography! Thank you very much for doing all this. It takes courage to be an artist. :)

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  128. the blog header for sure! love love love totally inspired <3 love you!

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  129. Entering! My favorite part of your blog design is the watercolor look of the header, and the color scheme. :)

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  130. Hi! I was thinking I loved the overall soft look of it, especially the header and how it looks like splashes of watercolor paint (my medium of choice!). And yes, how it changes for...what it is? Different pages?
    But then I took a look at the portfolio page and it's absolutely brilliant! Love the home page and how the black&white photos turn to color when you hover over them and the simple, clean design of the actual portfolio of the different photo sets. Amazing.

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  131. I was already following Hannah, but I also followed you, Jessica and tweeted about the giveaway.

    Thanks so much.

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  132. Ooo!! I love you Hannah. The blog header is amazing. :D +the fonts. :D

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  133. haha...WAYY to late to be entering...i have NO chance, but i'll do it for fun anyway. I've been following your blog for about 2 years now Jess, and I've ALWAYS wanted to meet you! I have some REALLY good friends that go to your church...and I'm SO envious that they know you and i don't! Anyhoo, i hope to meet you sometime in the near future, and my favorite part about your new design is the cuuute pics of you on the about page, and the AWESOME quotes, and the soft colors. :)

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  134. I agree with Elizabeth! This is totally last minute, but why not! I've only been following your photos and FB page for about 2 weeks. But I'm totally inspired by your shots, sense of style, and the gorgeous poses that you have your clients do. I too know some people from IBLP HQ that know you (My sister is now working as an MGA at HQ) and I'm totally quite envious that they know you. {By the way, still contacting some ladies to see if they're interested in taking your internship program up here!} What I love about your design is the soft yellows & the quotes. They're so relaxing, and you have the most beautiful unique photos ever! A lot of people either don't edit their photos and it's obvious... or its strongly the other way. Your photos are so amazing I can't decide if you just know your camera realllllyyyy well (And don't edit), or if it's just a super job on the edits! Seriously amazing, Jessica!

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Oh hey!
Thanks for taking the time to say hello, it makes my day everytime! :)

Jessica Shae