Warthan Farms | Jennifer Warthan » farm wife | mama

Welcome!

I'm a farm wife, a mama and a photographer living in Virginia.

My camera is typically filled with images of sunrises, dusty fields, even dustier children and whatever we happen to be planting or harvesting at the time.

Thanks for visiting the farm!

- Jennifer Warthan

May 16 2012

Never Grow Up

Sometimes wouldn’t it be wonderful to be a child again?

When these two children arrived on the farm for their session, it was all I could think about.

They danced.

He teased his sister.

I showed them how to taste honeysuckle.

We even played in the road.

And the creek. Of course, the creek that runs through part of the farm. We could never leave that out.

Oh – look at those faces! They are so adorable.

I didn’t tell her to do this. I looked over and there she was… making hearts in the sandy soil.

“She makes beauty out of ugly”…

Summer is nearly here and the farm is rarely more beautiful. It’s the perfect place to be a child.

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caitlin elizabethMay 17, 2012 - 6:32 am

this session is beautiful one of my favorites!!

May 07 2012

My husband may be a little tired of hearing those words because he’s heard nothing else since Rose first told me she was engaged and asked me to photograph her wedding. First, I have a soft spot for redheads and I also knew that Rose has incredible taste and this wedding would be my dream.

I first met Rose when she came to dinner (lunch if you don’t live in the country) at our house. She works for one of the seed companies and another salesman had invited her to eat at our house with him and we were thrilled to have her… that’s just how we roll.

Their wedding took place on Ned’s family farm, Jeter Farm in Bonsack, Virginia.

Everywhere you looked there were sweet, down-home touches.

These cute chalkboards were scattered throughout the barnyard…

And no wedding on a farm is complete without mason jars.

I think this was the closest thing to an official best man.

As you might expect from a girl who works in agriculture, Rose wasn’t about to be cooped up for too long. So as soon as she was dressed, she headed outside – no waiting and worrying at the window for her!

In the most unplanned, drama-free moment I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding, Ned saw his bride for the first time as they met in the middle of the barnyard.

And he simply said, “Well don’t you look pretty.”

I loved it.

It was perfectly them.

This gave us plenty of time to get some great shots before the ceremony.

This house was moved up the hill from the highway many years ago in order to save it from demolition. I loved that we did portraits here.

The ceremony took place in this barn built in 1871.

While the wind and rained roared outside, Rose and Ned exchanged vows and were serenaded by her uncle.

I am so proud to have been a part of this happy day and here is to many, many more happy days for Rose and Ned Jeter…

*Jeter Farm is in its 5^th generation of continuous operation in the little community of Bonsack, VA in Botetourt County. It is available for groups, private parties and weddings. You may email to jeterfarm@gmail.com

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Connie BealeMay 7, 2012 - 11:34 am

Jennifer,

This blog and these pictures were absolutely beautiful! I remember when Rose was born. She was the prettiest little baby girl, but what a beauty she has become. I don’t see her Mama and Daddy much anymore, but I will certainly have to send a note to them and tell them what a beautiful young lady they have!

I got chill bumps just reading the blog! Your talents are amazing! I am sure they were so glad to have you with them on their special day to capture all of those moments!

Thank you for sharing your beautiful work!

Jennifer WarthanMay 7, 2012 - 11:37 am

Thank you Connie!

I’ve met her parents a couple times now and they are such sweet people.

Rose StalnakerMay 7, 2012 - 4:30 pm

Jennifer, I can see why you loved photographing this wedding so much. It was amazing. So many people could save so much money for their future by learning from these two beautiful people. It reminds me of stories I’ve read of families preparing for a wedding in the country. So perfect….so romantic.

VaGirl2May 8, 2012 - 1:57 pm

I know exactly where this barn is! I’ve been passing it on 460, heading to western VA to visit family, my whole life. It is nice to know one can go there for events. I think I’ve been told it’s the oldest barn in Botetourt County…beautiful wedding pictures! You do such amazing work. Thanks for sharing with us.

Jennifer WarthanMay 8, 2012 - 2:06 pm

Make sure to stop during their Fall Festival sometime!

ashley pesataMay 9, 2012 - 6:04 am

These are gorgeous Jennifer!!!

Carrie TMay 15, 2012 - 9:52 am

Beautiful!! WOW!

Apr 30 2012

Workshop on the Farm

These workshops are one of the highlights of my whole year.

I host them here on our farm with Sharon from Sharon Elizabeth Photography and they are perfectly… us. Laid back yet packed with energy, simple and unfussy and a lot of fun.

Hay bale seats… love those!

Let’s review the food first… that’s the most important part, right?

Brownies… yum!

And fresh strawberries

Of course, sweet tea.

I cannot believe I didn’t get pictures of the amazing oatmeal raisin cookies and pound cake but trust me when I say they were delicious!

After discussing the basics of photography and getting our equipment on the correct settings, we started shooting in MANUAL – yep, no one leaves this workshop without shooting on Manual Mode. It’s the best, most freeing feeling in the world to know how to work your camera.

Look at them working so hard!

Oh – and there were models.

Hubba hubba.

The great thing about having this workshop here at the farm is the space. We’re able to split into groups and have tons and tons of backgrounds to work with and practice.