"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." -Kahlil Gibran

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My name is Jennifer Mendoza Stanelle. I photograph families, from newborns to great, great grandparents.

My goal is to create a portrait with you that captures where your family is in this moment in time, whether that is diapers, little league, braces, or beyond. My photographs are about you.

Visit my Portfolio pages for samples of my work. Keep in mind that if you choose to work with me, your photos will not be reproductions of what you see there. Your portraits will be as unique as your family. Just like you, my work is always evolving.

Follow me here on the blog (posts are below). You can also join me on Facebook or Twitter, and more recently on Pinterest. In addition to photography, I am interested in being the best wife, mom, sister, friend, daughter and member of my community - locally and globally - I can be. I don't claim to be superwoman, by any means. It's a crazy juggling act in which I'm doing the best I can. Occasionally, I will blog about things that relate to those topics as well.

And to answer one of the questions I get asked most: You can call me Jen, Jenny, Jennifer, Mendoza or Stanelle. I get and respond to them all!

Photos of me by Elle Photography.

Homecoming | Jacksonville Military Family Photography

Posted on December 8, 2009

I had the priviledge of photographing a special day in the life of a remarkable family. The P family welcomed home their “husband, father, and hero”. All the words I can think of right now to express my admiration and appreciation for all military families and this one in particular, fall short and have been said a million times. To put it simply, I am humbled and honored to realize the sacrifice that every member of a military family makes. I was thrilled to be invited to capture this happy event for them.

After months of counting down the days, those last few minutes seem to take an eternity.

It was a cool and windy day, but everyone had their special outfits on that they were not about to cover up with jackets. Here are some friends waiting for their daddies.

Every one is mingling, congratulating each on other on making it to this day, trying to be patient. Then all of a sudden, here’s the plane!

Not sure if you can see it on your screen, but I love the hand pressed up against the round window.

They get in formation when they de-plane and before their families can smother them with hugs and kisses.

And, finally…

I hope that I’m not out of line for mentioning this, but I have to tell you that while her husband was away and she was caring for their three gorgeous kids, this beautiful mama somehow managed to complete her doctorate. Incredible! I can barely keep up with email when my husband’s gone for more than a day or two.

Helping with Daddy’s bags, and ready to get out of there and have him to themselves. Can’t blame them.

Thanks again for letting me be a part of this day, Mrs. P(hD), ha ha!  I hope you love these as much as I loved capturing them for you.

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Leave a Comment

12 Comments so far

  • Sara says:
    December 8, 2009 at 6:47 pm - Reply

    You captured the event beautifully! I, too, admire the whole family. Well done.

  • Misty says:
    December 8, 2009 at 8:19 pm - Reply

    Jennifer,

    I love it! I enjoyed our coffee, but I still feel really bad about your head :( !!!! What a great day!

    Misty

  • Theresa says:
    December 8, 2009 at 9:12 pm - Reply

    I am a teary mess–what wonderful pictures to remember such a happy day. You guys are truly an inspiration–thanks, Patrick family, for all your sacrifice.

  • Kathryn says:
    December 8, 2009 at 10:16 pm - Reply

    Great pictures Jenny! I got all choked up just looking at all of them. You captured some wonderful moments.

  • Vanessa Caruso says:
    December 8, 2009 at 11:12 pm - Reply

    Great work! JP, you gave me a wonderful idea for when Mike comes home from deployment. This is a wonderful way of capturing those precious moments without having to be the one to do it! (if you’re anything like me, WE’RE usually the photographers). Enjoy each other!

  • Jennifer says:
    December 9, 2009 at 11:07 am - Reply

    Jenny, these pictures are amazing! Your work always brings tears to my eyes, but these ones especially. Beautiful, honest, and touching in the most sincere way. Thanks for sharing!

  • Rachel says:
    December 9, 2009 at 12:10 pm - Reply

    To the P Family -
    CONGRATS! and WELCOME HOME!!!!!
    What great pictures and wonderful memories!
    Everyone looks FABULOUS!!

    Love and miss you all!! :) Rae

  • tracie says:
    December 9, 2009 at 3:38 pm - Reply

    jenn … these are amazing!! you captured the moment so beautifully … what a treasure …

  • Pia says:
    December 9, 2009 at 7:05 pm - Reply

    Dear Jennifer, you captured with extraordinary talent the emotions we felt that day at the hangar… There is nothing more precious than being able to relive, over and over again, such wonderful moments as your spouse’s home coming through pictures.. :-)

  • Stephanie says:
    December 10, 2009 at 11:03 pm - Reply

    Unbelievable photographs that I’m certain don’t do justice to an even more amazing journey. Thanks to your family for your sacrifice for us! Like the shirt says “Daddy does ROCK”!!

  • Debbie Maher says:
    December 12, 2009 at 12:43 am - Reply

    I am not a member of Rob’s immediate family of wife and children, but he has been my cousin in a tight Irish/Italian family since he was born into the Tedeschi/Patrick clan. We have ALL said prayers for him to come home safely to his beautiful family and brother, sisters, and Mom. This is a beautiful tribute. Debbie Tedeschi Maher, 1st cousin and fan

  • Curtis Copeland says:
    December 28, 2009 at 4:23 pm - Reply

    Wow! What an amazing story. She is truly an amazing woman. It is great to hear of such inspirational people. Thanks for sharing!

    Curtis

    Photographers Miami









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