A prom Don Draper would be proud of

Remember my cousin, Ralfy?  He asked me to photograph him and his date, Mindy for prom this year and I happily obliged.  Ahhh, prom.  You gotta love how it's a true testament to fashion, hair styles, music, and dance moves.  Luckily, these two are classic in style and swag.  

Don Draper would be proud.  Yeah, I said just said that. 

Mindy, you're gorgeous, no need to be nervous :)

From the archives | Inland Empire Wedding Photographer

I was going through the archives today while looking for images to add to the website. When I originally worked on my website, I simply added photos that I liked rather than choosing photos that would attract the kind of clients that I am looking for.  Which is you, by the way ;).  

While looking,  I came across these two.  This is from a wedding I had the opportunity to second shoot for

Brent Stanely

out in Yucaipa last year.  These were taken right before twilight.  When the sun is teasing you with setting.  When the light is buttery and fleeting.  Love this kind of light.  I never published the images.  

Here is their official debut...

Leanabeth + Brian | Anytime Session | Riverside Portrait Photographer

I met Leanabeth three years ago during an internship.  She was a student at Cal State Fullerton just like I was.  We hit it off right from the start.  While she held the reflector and while I second shot.  We'd talk about relationships, speak in Spanish when we didn't want anyone to understand us, and eat cake during the receptions.

That was also the same time that she and Brian began dating.  As time passed and she spoke more about him, I knew that he was perfect for her.  They just fit so well and I am so happy that they are still going strong, not that I had any doubts of course :).

We met up at the park down the street from my house. The weeds growing tall, succulents growing wildly and green trees.  Once, while running, I noticed the sun set behind this untouched wilderness and I knew I had to shoot a session there someday.  That someday was for Leanabeth + Brian.

They booked me for an anytime session.  Not an engagement session but rather, a session of just the two of them.  Who they are, together.  No labels, no pressure, just who they are right now.  At this moment, three years later.  Let me tell you...it's a beautiful thing.

Leanabeth + Brian:  You two rock!  I had so much fun talking about anything and everything.  Laughing at my lame jokes and getting to know you better.  We've got to get together soon!

Here are my favorites :)

Anyssa | Headshot Photographer

I had such a great time with Anyssa!  We met at the UCR Botanical Gardens on a very hot day.  Headshot sessions are so fun for me because of the one-on-one style.  It's a great time to get to know a person and talk to them like we've been friends forevah.  Of course, I love family sessions too, but these sessions allow me to relax and take my sweet time while I talk too much.

Anyssa is an actress.  She's been on Hanna Montana and a couple of other shows (that I can't remember because I thought being on Hanna Montana was just soooo cool!)  I know that she's going to go far because of her humble and sweet personality.

Anyssa, you were awesome and I had a great time getting to know you!  I'm going to keep my eye out for you next time you're on the tube ;).

Happy Saturday!

 

The mother of all posts... | Riverside Family Portrait Photographer

I have been so busy editing away all of the wonderful sessions I have had the pleasure of photographing lately!  Lots of families, cute kids, and loads of fun!  All of my Living Social families have been such a dream to photograph and I hope that they all love their photos as much as I loved photographing them.

I normally would do one post per family but I decided to post them all in one since they're all sneak peeks ;).

If you have not redeemed your voucher for your session, call me asap!  You have until June 29th to get your session photographed!

SOPHIE | BABY SESSION:

This little one was born a bit early than she should have but being that she was so excited to be in the world, she didn't take no for an answer.  Mom and dad were happy to have her come home from the NICU and have her photos taken.  Look at how adorable she is!  Mom did a great job with the little sign :)

STRANGE FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

Yes, that is their last name.  But they aren't strange at all.  In fact, they are all fun!  And look at their coordinating color scheme!  Gotta love yellow, white, grey, and black!  We had fun hanging out Downtown.  I gotta say, photographing 5 beautiful girls is one great treat.  Each showing their unique and beautiful personalities! From oldest to youngest of course.  And look at that tutu!!! Gaaahhh! LOVE!

NGUYEN FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

How cute are these kiddos?  The little one was full of laughs and the oldest was full of energy and kept running around.  We had such a great time!

TAPIA FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

This family was full of cool style!  From the black and white to the bow ties and pearls.  This family has it going on with looks and spunk!  We roamed around downtown and had a great time with the kids showing off their own little personalities.  Loved this family!

SWARTOUT FAMILY | FAMILY SESSION:

It is always great when I get a family that hasn't really experienced having a family portrait taken.  I love the challenge of giving them a great experience along with great photographs.  I had a great time with this family and can't wait to welcome the baby soon!

Whew!  That was a lot!  I hope you enjoyed these families because I did!  Can't wait to show you more families soon!

Happy Wednesday!

Broughton Family Sneak Peek! | Inland Empire Portrait Photographer
Mr. & Mrs. Bonta | Crestmore Manor Wedding

He saw her profile.  Her Myspace profile, back when Myspace was the social network.  He was intrigued and asked her out to the movies.  He tells the story with great detail vividly telling me he remembers her walking up the steps to the platform as he waited to meet her for the first time.  She remembers how sweet and romantic he was, and still is.  Making sure that she is not without all her needs, not without love, not without a perfect wedding day.

It was such a brilliantly beautiful day.  She was getting ready.  He was anxious to see her. She laced up her dress with a small token taken from her grandmother's bridal gown, made sure to have her veil on tight, and toasted with her girls as she was to leave being engaged behind and walking towards being a wife.  His wife.

I feel so extraordinarily honored to have photographed these two on their most special day.  Not because of all the beautiful details, or how gorgeous of a day it was.  I was honored because the amount of love that poured out of their hearts in every breath they took that day.  Anastasia + Duanne made their day uniquely them.  Full of family, love, and excitement.  Pronouncing their "I Do's" loudly and ever so proudly.

Mr. & Mrs. Bonta:  This past year of knowing you has been such a terrific joy in my life.  I have loved getting to know you on a personal level and ultimately becoming your friend.  There are no words to accurately express how honored I was to have been at your wedding.  I cried during Duanne's vows, and smiled when Anastasia and you kissed.  I know that the love you have for each other will not only last forever, but inspire many to love as deeply and as truly as you two do.  Thank you for allowing me to experience such a love.

Love you guys!

Venue:  Crestmore Manor
Coordinator:  Intertwined Events
Caterer:Summit Event Catering
Cake: Tasteful Cakes (951-270-0949)
Florals: Wendie Monrroy (951-781-3106)
Photobooth:  Smile Lounge Photobooth
Videographers: Wicoha Productions
Second photographer & assistant extraordinaire:  Mayra Ariza
Beautiful invitations made by one of my previous brides, Analicia!

A bride that wears flats on her wedding day is a girl after my own heart!

The blue backing behind the lace up is from Anastasia's late grandmother's dress.  A great momento and her something blue.

Anastasia and Duanne opted for a First Look.  This is where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony and have a few minutes alone together.  It is such a treat to have this time to embrace each other and really enjoy taking in the day.

Anastasia: You're freakin" gorgeous!

Anastasia's grandmother was a part of every element of her day.  She was there in every piece.  From the lace back of her dress, to the piece pinned on the sleeve of her dress, and this Franc on her bouquet. It was beautiful to see her grandmother's spirit resonate through out the day.

Anastasia's grandfather wore the French flag and little ties in the colors in his hair and beard.  He gave such a great service!

That is one happy groom!

This was quite possible the best moment of the entire day.  Anastasia's vows were very heart warming and straight from the place only reserved for Duanne.  Duanne's vows were a little different.  For three months, he, with the help of one of Anastasia's cousins, learned his vows in French.  The reason for this was because he wanted Anastasia's grandmother's spirit to be there during this very important step in the ceremony.  And cue in the tears!  There was not a dry eye in the entire place.  It was so special!

A few reception details:

After dinner, the light was absolutely so beautiful.  I took out the bride and groom for some sunset photos around the fountain (which earlier in the day was so bright during the day) and by their grand exit car.  These are my favorite!

 
Support me and vote!

Normally, I don't enter in contests but this one caught my eye.  Living Social has been so good to me with the promotion and their excellent customer service.  So when they sent out an email about teaming up with Chase in giving a business a $250,000 grant, I was all in!

This is where you come in.  Help and support me by voting for Jackie Lamas Photography!  We need 250 votes to be entered into the final drawing.  From there a panel will choose the winner.  Help me get in there!  Click on the photo below and it will take you to the voting page.  Make sure you share the link with your friends on fb or twitter :).

Thank you all! And wish me good luck!  (Voting ends June 30th).

Life Instagram-ed

A few weeks ago, I posted about Instagram and posted some photos.  A couple of weeks after, I discovered that the app was available for Android.  I was so excited!  I don't always carry a camera with me and so this is a perfect app to photograph my day to day life.  The best part?  It posts directly to my

Twitter

and

Facebook

accounts so I can share with all of you!  You can follow me on Instagram

here

.

Happy Friday!