Torres Family

I love being able to photograph families doing life together.  We photography my cousin Jackie's little family adventuring through the UCR Botanical Gardens.  Finding sticks, playing hide-n-go-seek, and counting turtles.  Capturing their family just as who they are.  More and more I find myself doing these kinds of photos.  It just feels more natural to me than the smiley ones.  But not so aloof or stylized as the lifestyle photos.  Just more real.  And I love getting a glimpse of the real in families.  Because some days are just so good your heart wants to explode.  And we should always try and remember those days and how they make us feel.  

Anyway, here are the beautiful photos! Click on the photo to make them larger. 

 
Isa & Adrian Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding

Isa and I first met during her friend's wedding in Mazatlan a couple years ago.  She is an absolutely easy going person who carried through her day like it was any other.  Truly enjoyed every minute of the day, which was fabulous! I just loved the way Adrian looked at her, he completely adores her.

Their day began with a first look, which are my favorite! It's so wonderful to see the couple before all the madness begins and give them some time and space to truly enjoy each other.  They had a symbolic ceremony overlooking the hotel's playa saying I Do with their closest friends and family.  That is what I love about destination weddings, truly those who attend are those closest to you which makes for a beautiful intimate wedding.  

The reception was full of beautiful accents and details! Along with fireworks during their first dance!  Needless to say, the party lasted a good long while as we could hear the music when we got to our room that night.  Which I gotta say, makes for successful wedding day!

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO VIEW LARGER

If you are looking to have your wedding on a beautiful beach in Mexico, email me! I would love to sendyou more information!  Click on the button below to email me right now.

Isa & Adrian Engagement Session, Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Photographer

When Isa and I first met we hit it off right away.  She is a beautiful person inside and out with a wild heart and bright colorful soul.  A genuine person who is easy going and has a great attitude about everything.  And Adrian simply adores her. 

We had so much fun walking around the grounds of the hotel capturing their love and seeing how they just have fun together.  I loved loved loved Isa's wardrobe! 

The wedding was even more beautiful... which is coming soon! So remember to come back in a couple of days ;).

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER.

I was a little skeptical about the layout but I think I'm starting to really like it! I feel like it has a more modern gallery look to it and you can see the whole session rather than having to scroll for years on end, lol.  What do you think? Keep it? 

Anywhoo, if you want photos like this and are getting married at the beach or vacationing in my part of town Puerto Vallarta, click here to schedule your session!

 
Leon 1 Year

Dear Leon,

I hope that one day, when you are older, you will read this with a full heart.  A heart that has learned to live, love, and change the world for the better.  If not, that's ok too.  Because who ever you are when you read this, is exactly who you are meant to be.  

I am in awe of how much you have grown.  Sometimes you look so big I can't even believe it and other times you look so small I feel like you are still 6 months old, withmore hair. 

You like to talk with your hands, especially when I say 'no' and you try and state your case with your hand raised and your fingers touching.  Sometimes when you're cranky you skip the defense and just go for the gold and try to cry your way out.  Either one is cute, because, well, you're a baby.

I am encouraged by your ability to learn something new every day.  

You aren't walking yet and I kind of worry but at the same time I know you'll do that when you are good and ready.  Mostly because I believe you're a strong willed baby and know what you want.  Even at one year.

I love how affectionate you are and show your emotions accordingly.  I can tell you will be sensitive to your emotions.  And for that I am grateful.

Your excitement upon seeing dad when he walks in from work makes my heart skip a beat.  You love when he tickles you and plays until you literally knock out from exhaustion.  I love that makes you laugh until you can't handle it anymore.

I love when you scrunch your nose and smile at me.  And how you play with water.  

But most of all I love who you are right now at this point in your life.  A very smiley, happy, playful, and inquisitive baby.

Just know that my life is forever changed because you are in it now.  I love you and wish you the best on your birthday.  A day that deserves to be celebrated! 

PersonalJackie LamasComment
Deby & Beto Engagement Session & Beach Ceremony Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Photographer

These two just amazing me with their fabulousness.  We saw their wedding yesterday, now today we see their Engagement Session taken on the gardens and beach of the Hard Rock Hotel in the Riviera Maya.  

Deby's dress is TO DIE FOR!!! I simply love her dress.  She had it custom made for her and I have to say it was so worth it! 

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO VIEW LARGER

And here is the sweet, sweet beach ceremony they had.  It was brimming with lots of emotions and happiness from both the couple and guests.  The beach ceremony is a symbolic ceremony where the couple gets married on the beach. 

Deby and Beto had both the beach ceremony and in the post before, their religious ceremony.  The hotel or venue where you get married may offer both options or just one.  Be sure to speak with your coordinator.   

Deby & Beto Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Mexico Destination Wedding

We first met at Starbucks months before their wedding.  I was so nervous because they had booked me with out ever meeting me in person and were referred to me by another client and friend.  Deby and Beto is a couple that takes after my own adventurous carefree heart.  We couldn't stop talking and talking about places we had been, how much we like so and so place, and talked about everything under the sun. 

I didn't want to leave without them knowing that I was gonna do everything I could to make their day seamless and wonderful.  And that is just what it was.  Their wedding was full of emotion and excitement as these two beautiful souls joined their hearts in marriage.  I never tire of watching beautiful people tie the knot.

The Hard Rock Hotel in the Riviera Maya, Mexico was our playground for the day.  Deby & Beto decided they wanted their photos indoors, which made for a completely different set of photographs that I personally love!  We had shot their engagement session outdoors and beach side so this wasa nice treat.  *Those photos coming soon!*

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW LARGER.

I'm trying out this new layout instead of the stacked images like usual.  What do you think? Should I change back or keep it? I feel like this way you can see the whole wedding upfront and then click on any image you want to see closer.  Please comment with suggestions! 

Please contact me if you would like more information regarding Mexico Beach Destination weddings.  And share with your friends who might just want some wedding inspiration!

Guest Post Series with Wendy Ruelas at Doca Eventos
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Guest Post Series

WENDY RUELAS at DOCA EVENTOS

Hi Everyone!  I am so excited to announce a whole new series here on the blog.  I had thought of doing something like this before but just didn't know how to go about it and now, I've asked some of my favorite wedding planners/coordinators to participate in this Guest Post Series! They'll talk about what they do, what their favorite moments of weddings are, and what advice and tips they can offer you so that your wedding day runs smoothly!

It's a Q&A and I would love nothing more than for the conversation to keep going! If you have any additional questions for our Guest, please comment below the post!

Our first Guest Post is from Wendy Ruelas with Doca Eventos.  Wendy and I met through weddings however, we've become friends.  I love to work with her as she creates great events with an eye for detail and of course, is just super sweet.  


Tell us a little about yourself:

I'm a destination wedding planner based in Puerto Vallarta.  I am a very creative person and love my job!  I love to play and work with textures, colors, fabrics, and love.

How did you get started in destination weddings?

I started at a local hotel coordinating weddings for their guests.  I worked for them for 3 years and have now moved onto coordinating events through Doca Eventos.

Where are you located?

We are located in Puerto Vallarta

What advice can you give to a bride planning their destination wedding?

Don't choose a day during rainy season (which is June - August).

What are your top 3 destinations for weddings?

Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita
Punta mita

Tell us one of your best memories from a wedding (could be funny or a tearjerker moment)

It was a couple from Vegas and the speeches were the most memorable because all of the guests said incredible words for the couple.  It was an intimate wedding, everyone was crying and enjoyed the time together.  A very emotional wedding.

In your opinion, why should brides have a destination wedding?

I believe  having a destination wedding is a special time spent with all of your guests and you can have an intimate wedding as well as enjoy what Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

What do you love most about destination weddings?

Creating the wedding day mood - which makes it so interesting and fun!

Where can we find you?

www.docaeventos.com
wen.ruelas@docaeventos.com
+52 (322) 134 31 67
FB- Doca Eventos
Instagram- Doca Eventos
Twitter- Doca Eventos


There you have it guys!

Do you want to know more about what Wendy does? Comment your questions below!

Would or have you had a destination wedding, what advice would you like to have or can offer? We want to know! Comment down below :) 

Real Fall Outdoor Wedding Inspiration

I love creating inspiration boards from real weddings that I have photographed.  Each detail is carefully selected by the bride and I feel like rather than put together found images from the internet, we'd use their visions to help you!  Nothing is more inspiring than seeing how someone put together their wedding.  Using perhaps the same ideas you have for you big day.  

This one is close to my heart because the bride is my cousin! It was a beautiful fall wedding with deep wines, gold, and dark wood details.  Completely DIY creating the wood pieces themselves as well as all the styling and bouquets.  And nothing says beautiful fall wedding like dancing under warm cafe lights in a beautiful garden.

What is your favorite detail of this wedding? Would you use any of these ideas in your wedding?

Make sure you pin these images and share with your newly engaged friends, they won't want to miss seeing all of these beautiful details!

Leon 9 Months Puerto Vallarta

I had written a beautiful card to Leon and it got erased! But this happens when I know I was meant to write a different post.  Lately it feels like motherhood has become more routine and less crazy, when will I ever shower, sleepless days.  Which has been wonderful! Leon keeps getting bigger and I keep thinking of when he was smaller and couldn't even hold his head up.  

Did I kiss him enough then? Because I feel like I can't stop from hugging him and kissing his cute chunky cheeks.  Especially when he laughs when I do it.  I love watching him sweat as he walks the entire L of our sofa and crawls all over the place screaming in pure joy that he is mobile.  I love when he kicks the water while at the beach because he gets excited.  And the laugh and excitement he gets every time his dad walks through the door is priceless.  It's like everyday he is more himself.  Not sure if that makes any sense.  

Little by little we're finding out who he is.  He's shown us that he's sensitive, inquisitive, a social butterfly, and loves to smile at everyone he comes across.  He's been extending his arm out and I can't get enough at how it squishes his cheek.  He does it with such an energy!

Soon he'll be pointing to things he wants.  Soon he'll be walking.  But for now, I'm going to try an enjoy this phase because so far, it's been my favorite.   

We had in mind to do these photos with his big huge lion stuffed animal that my husband's parents got him when he was only 2 months.  We had a fun time and glad we were able to get a few shots :).  

Table Scape Styled Shoot in Puerto Vallarta

Hey everyone! Happy Saturday!  Whoot whoot it's the weekend!  We have some friends coming over and we're super excited to show them around and barbecue! 

A couple weeks ago, I met up with Wendy Ruelas, who is a great wedding coordinator here in Puerto Vallarta to photograph some styled tablescapes she was trying out.  We met at an old villa a little outside of the main PV area and the view was to die for! Nothing but blue ocean as far as the eye could see and green hills opposite.  Perfect place for a beautiful intimate wedding ;).

I loved being able to walk around and just photograph the whole process and Wendy in action.  She's super sweet! And just as our luck would have it it started to rain just as we were finishing up!  June and July in PV are considered the rainy months.  But it was nice and refreshing since it's been getting humid here too!

Each tablescape is simple yet very distinctive of style with different types of floral arrangements.  What I have noticed at beach weddings is how simple yet elegant each set up is so as to not distract from the amazing view - the ocean! Here in PV the ocean changes color depending on how bright the sun is and time of day, then mix that with the breathtaking sunsets, you really do get a cacophony of colors during your event!

We have another styled shoot in mind and it's gonna be amazing!!! I'm so excited to start getting everything ready for that shoot!

You can find Wendy at contacto@docaeventos.com and here is her FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM