Life has been pretty amazing since we've arrived.  The long 15 hour drive was over as quickly as it had began - mostly I believe because we had hope in our eyes and confidence that we were living our dream.   It was close to nine o'clock when we ascended the jungle filled winding road when a light drizzle of rain began to fall.  We rolled the windows down and allowed the new air to flow through our hair.  Seeing lightening bugs, we caught a glimpse of the sign that read "20KM Tepic"  and our hearts fluttered.  We had stopped listening to music at this point and felt the wear of the 15 hours begin to veil over us.  We were almost there.  

The next day we began searching for the right apartment.  After seeing a few not so great, we had the energy for one last one.  One, my husband said, had a balcony.  He loves balconies. As soon as we walked in, we felt that our hopes and dreams had found a home.  A home with not one, but two balconies.  And so we started to settle in.  

And we're still settling in.  We brought all of what we could in our car and so we are slowly furnishing and decorating as we go.  I'm in no rush.  I know that it will eventually be a place that represents who we are now.  In this place.  At this time.

What I love most about this city is the way it feels bigger than it is. As if proving that it can give more to it's people.  I love that vibe of ambition.  I love that we can go swim in a natural crater lake lined with trees or go to the beach with it's warm waters.  I love the luscious green jungles that make up the parks and line the streets.  We have much to see and do still and we're eager to do it all!

We've also adopted a pup and it's been such a great addition to our little family.  I like to have family hugs and it makes all of us warm inside.  If you have a pet then you know what I'm talking about.  If you don't well, don't think I'm a crazy lady, ok? 

Let's just say that I don't want the adventures to stop and I think that I have finally found a place I can call home.  

Have an amazing Sunday!

Sasha the rescue pup

Santa Maria Del Oro Laguna

a natural crater lake in Nayarit.

Rincon de Guayabitos

beach in the Riviera Nayarit

Old Textile Ruins

this factory once was a textile mill and now, only it's ruins tell the stories of the past.

Indigenous Roots

It's easy to find authentic indigenous food here made with blue tortillas.  delicious!

Downtown

Downtown fountain just in front of the cathedral.

Rain

one minute it can be sunny and the next rainy and cloudy.

Fog

Fog looking out of one balcony.  

Sasha the rescue pup

Santa Maria del Oro

Crater lake

Many brides don't know how much a quality photographer actually costs until they begin the planning process.  They also don't know that wedding photography is an investment.  As far as pricing goes, most quality photographers range between $3000 - $7000.  Of course there are photographers who are worth investing much more and there are those who will offer for less.  

Pricing is not the be all end all when it comes to quality photography.  As an investment, there are many other factors to consider when looking for your wedding photographer like experience, style, passion, client base, What they are like? Do you get along with them? 

Here I have outlined a few reasons as to why hiring that really great photographer you loved, but is just a tad bit over your budget, is totally worth investing in. 

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1. NO DO OVERS

Your wedding is one day.  One.  You don't get do-overs.  You won't have a chance to hire another photographer because the one you spent little on didn't know what they were doing or didn't know how to anticipate moments. Your day will be over in the blink of an eye and soon it'll be two days as husband and wife.  A quality photographer will make sure that they've made quality photos so that you can relive your day again and again.  

2.  LONG TERM INVESTMENT 

Ever cringe at that photo that your cousin posted when you were two naked in the sink? Photos last forever.  They last years, decades, and even after we're gone, they are the only memory of our legacy.  Your wedding is the first event of your legacy.  Invest in quality photography so that you don't have to cringe or hide the photographs later but rather be in awe of them and remember those one of kind moments.  

Don't you want your children to see and feel what your wedding day was like? How the love just pours from the album of your beautiful day?  I know I do.

3.  QUALITY 

Investing in a qualified professional wedding photographer who takes quality photographs will ensure that you get only the best out there.  You won't have to worry about enlarging a photo and having it be pixelated.  You know that the photos in your album will be of the highest quality. 

It is more than just a "good camera." A quality photographer will make sure that your day is stress free, will help with the schedule of events, will go above and beyond for you on your day.  Why? Because they love their jobs.  Because they have experience.  Because they know how to anticipate moments.  Experienced photographers know their equipment and know how to make your day as beautiful as you remember it.  

Not having to worry about your photos and knowing that your investment in a qualified and quality photographer is going to take the best photos ever is worth more than gold.  You as the bride already have enough to worry about. 

4.  INVESTMENT PROTECTION

When you invest in something, you want to know that it's going to be protected.  A quality photographer will do just that.  They will have your event backed up, they will know how to care for your images and even give you options for creating one of kind products so that you can relive your day over and over again.  You can safely say that your investment in quality photography is protected.  Can you say that about any other purchase for your wedding?

Ensuring that your photographs are safe and will be of the best quality can only come from a quality photographer.  Get the 5 Star Photographer and get 5 Star treatment.  

5. TRUST IN YOUR INVESTMENT

Not all photographers are created equal.  It is nice to see that more and more people are becoming passionate with photography and allowing their creativity to flow.  That being said, it is important to find a quality photographer who will take your ONE DAY and treat it as if it were their own day.  Not all photographers are passionate about their work.  Not all photographers have the same level of experience, style, or even pricing.  We are all different and it is important to trust in your investment.   Not all photographers will know how to work a wedding and vibe with you and your family.  

Make sure that when you do invest in a quality photographer that you trust said photographer with your legacy.  Like I mentioned before, there are no do-overs.  Take the time to seek a great photographer who will make sure that your day is remembered forever just the way you want. 

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What are you thoughts? Do you think photography is an investment?  

Let me know what you think about this post in the comments below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

I love real wedding inspiration.  It's like getting a glimpse at all the hard work that the bride put into her details for the day of the wedding.  From the florals, the dress, the shoes, and the cake!  I know first hand that each detail is important.  

I remember including sunflowers because my late grandmother loved sunflowers and it was her way of being there.  The rest of the florals were wild-like because we wanted a sense of adventure and nature through out.  The dress had to be a particular flowing and comfortable yet simple dress.  The list goes on... 

What is so great is pulling the detail images and really seeing how it all pulled together.  These are for you, future brides! Make sure you pin the inspirations so that you can come back to them and create a wedding with details all your own :).

Which one is your favorite? Don't forget to view our last Real Wedding Inspiration post.

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I loved Brenda & Marcos' Elegant Autumn Wedding with beautiful Orange hues and a bit of glam details through out the wedding day.

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Isn't this Red Velvet Wedding just so beautiful?! I love Karina and Jose's wedding where Red made a come back and looked so elegant! 

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What is not to love about Carmen & Alonso's wedding? Seriously, the floral filigree, the sheer seat covers, the beautiful chandeliers... just pure elegance! And a tiara to finish all the details. Details by Castallia Eventos.

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Karla & Sergio's blush lavender and rose made the event intimate and romantic. The chic details of cafe lights and glass charger plates were to die for.  Details by Xitle Wedding Design.

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I hope that these weddings inspire you and help you plan your wedding! Don't forget to pin these so you can refer back to them :).  Which is your favorite?

Happy Tuesday!

I was going to write this whole "Thirty things that I've learned in thirty years" but to be honest, I'm still learning the ropes of being a live and doing good.  I can neither confirm or deny that I've actually learned anything... so rather than making it all boring and long i'm just going for the YAY in BIRTHYAY!!

I turn 30 today and that is awesome.  Just for the simple fact that I'm alive and breathing and healthy! I'm going to indulge in a good ol' cheeseburger, some Netflix marathon-ness, and hugging my Husband and the pup.  I may or may not have a beer to top it all off.  Here's to another kick ass year!!! 

Whoo!!! 

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I am so happy that my clients are as wonderful as they are.  I am also happy that they ask all the right questions when it comes to their portrait session.  Where should we shoot? What time is best? and of course, What should I/we wear?

I've put together some examples and tips to help you answer that question.  Ultimately, it depends a lot on your own personality.  Keep reading and you'll see why :).

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1.  LOCATION AND WARDROBE

Now that you've settled on a great location for your session it's time to start searching for the perfect outfit.  There are many different ideas behind wardrobe, many photographers will tell you that you should match the background/location.  Others will give you basic guidelines and tell you what not to wear - large prints, too many busy colors, etc.  But I'm going to make it super easy for you to figure this out.  Here are two important questions to ask before putting it all together:

• Do you want to be colorful and really stand out from the background?

• What kind of feeling do you want to have in your portraits?

These two questions will help you determine what to wear depending on the location.  I know it's not a detailed, however, this will help you determine what kind of color scheme you should wear. If you want to stand out from the background, perhaps loud and bright colors are for you. If you want more of a calm feeling, then perhaps some neutrals.  And if you want serious and formal, then add in some grey and black to mix. 

2.  SEASON 

Ok, now that you have the location set and the feeling you are going for, it's time to consider another important factor: Season.  During the summer, you want to stay cool.  Especially if you live in an area where temps can reach the triple digits at 8pm.  *Hi California!*  

For example, if you're shooting in the summer try light or bold colors with a little added fun and keep it lively.  If you are having your fall portraits, think boots, scarves, and hats.  This way you don't look out of place with the background during the season you are having your session in.  

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3.  PERSONAL STYLE

Your personality is the number one important factor in a portrait session.  I make it a point to capture my client's' personality during the session.  This is great because no one wants stale photos that look like the family before hand.  I try to mix it with a few fun personality photos and a few classic photos.

This is where your personal style comes shining through and sets your photos apart from anyone else.  How you feel comfortable in your favorite outfit is so important and creates fun, natural, and YOU photographs.  Don't wear something that you wouldn't normally wear or something that makes you feel uncomfortable.  It always shows in the photos. 

4.  TYPE OF SESSION

The type of session that you are going to have can determine the wardrobe.  Of course we want your personal style to shine through, however, if you're having a maternity session, maybe we can play with some fabric to create more ethereal and serene photos.  

Family session?  Here we can play with each member's' personal style and add to the overall look of the family! It's especially important to allow kids to shine and have a lot of fun! 

Each session is different and so it's important to discuss this with your photographer and get ideas of how your session can be more fun and really let you shine!

5.  STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WEAR?  BRING YOUR WHOLE CLOSET

I probably say this more often and it is such a huge help.  Usually my clients look at me like, "really Jackie, just whatever I want?"  

Yes!  I'm totally serious when I say to bring all of the outfits you love and feel great in.  Load up your car with your closet.  I say this because it is such a horrible feeling to have wanted to bring an outfit but didn't and now, you wish you had.  So bring it all.  I love being able to sort through the outfits and help my clients choose the best outfits for their session.  It's like being a stylist and knowing what will look best!

That is my job, after all, to make you look your absolute best!

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I hope these tips help you at your next portrait session.  Speaking of which, I'm so excited for the fall mini sessions we'll be having in October!  Can't wait to have lots of fun creating unique photos for some awesome people! Yay! 

If you liked these tips and found them useful, please share them with your friends! I'm sure they have the same questions when it comes to their photo sessions :).  

Until next time, Happy Thursday!

I love Tepic.  For so many reasons.  One major reason:  Parque La Loma.  This park is so beautiful and filled with large trees everywhere you go, along with a jogging track and for equipment for those crossfit junkies.  Most of all, it's green! Which makes it perfect for photos!

Citlali and I met at the Instatour meetup the second week we moved and she is just so fun to be around!  As a radio host, she has a bubbly personality and a contagious laugh! She's absolutely adorable. 

Can't wait to do another session with this lovely lady! :)

Did you like these photos?  Make sure to hover and pin them or share them with #jackielamas! 

There are so many resources out on the web today with helpful tips and timelines and checklists.  But no one ever admits that these brides are usually first time brides!  As a bride, it's tough to start the planning process let alone create an entire itinerary for a 16 hour day.  Yes, you read that right, 16 hours!  It's a long day and most people don't realize that it goes in flash and so many beautiful moments happen in the blink of an eye.  

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This is probably the most asked question I get during a client meeting.  

The answer: at least two hours.  

Sounds like a big chunk of time out of your day?  Keep reading to see why you need those two hours on your wedding day.

1.  HAVING A BUFFER

During your day anything can happen.  Anything from arriving late to not having your makeup and hair done at the set time.  Or maybe you simply needed to eat breakfast, shifting the timeline back 30 minutes.  In which case, I'm completely all for it.  I rather have a fed bride rather than a hungry bride and 30 minutes less to photographer her.  Anyway, as you can see, there are so many unforeseen things that can happen during the day and having those two hours in reality turns into one and half hours or *gasp* one hour.  

A real story: I once had a bride get to her portraits an hour late.  Rather than sitting around and waiting, I was able to move the itinerary around and photograph the groomsmen first and some family portraits.  This way, I was able to move that hour to after the ceremony and create some great photos for my clients.  If I didn't have a buffer, we may not have gotten so many images from the wedding.  

Having a buffer to allow for amazing photos of you and your hunny is indispensable. As photographers, having that wiggle room helps us to really take our time in framing, posing, and letting us roam the location for great light and unique spots.  If we're running behind, then I need to work quickly on my top 3-5 spots and bang out the photos and create something amazing.  And get you to the church on time!  If we're ahead of time, then I know I can experiment more and create something that's different, unique, and maybe toy around with ideas that otherwise we wouldn't have the chance.  

2.  ALONE TIME

Your day is full to the brim.  Full of wonderful moments, family, friends, and everything inbetween.  What your day doesn't have a lot of is ALONE TIME with your hunny.  Most brides don't realize this until the day of.  Between getting ready with your girls to the infinite line of hugs after the ceremony, your day is filled with people.  And while this is the whole point of a wedding - sharing with friends and family- you have to share the day with your hunny too.  

It doesn't matter if you're doing the portraits before the ceremony or after, having this alone time is so important for the two of you because it'll be the only time you'll have truly alone.  

Seems selfish?  NO WAY!  Having your guests there to celebrate with you is important, however, being able to relish in your love together for a moment, all alone, while taking some crazy beautiful photos sets the day apart.  When you look back on those photos you'll remember being alone.  You'll remember how it felt when that photo was taken, all the excitement and love toward one another.  Photo after photo will make you want to go back to those two hours when you kissed with tender love.  Just the two of you.

3. MORE PHOTOS

Needless to say, having enough time for just the two of not only makes you feel more excited, it also lets the photographer take their time.  I love to take my time creating something unique and timeless for my clients.  To take all the love they have for each other and make it tangible through photos.  Which also allows for more photos of the two of you.  Gone are the days of your grandmother's wedding portrait - standing together holding hands facing the camera and smiling.  

Having this amount of time lets us explore, go places, experiment, and have fun!  And who doesn't want to have fun on their wedding day? 

More time = more photos.  More ways to remember and relive your wedding day over and over again.  

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Now, don't worry, I usually take care of the itinerary for my clients since it's probably the last thing they want to worry about.  I make sure that everything runs smoothly and we can get the amazing photographs that my clients want.  Don't let anyone talk you into having less time for your photos.  It's important not only for alone time, but for having a buffer, and creating more great photos of the two of you!  

After all, your flowers won't last and your dress will go into storage.  What is left are your photographs making your wedding unforgettable.

Did you like these tips?  Share them with a friend or comment your tips below in the comments section, I'd love to hear your thoughts!  

Happy Saturday!

The morning of your wedding can set the tone for the entire day.  I've compiled some tips so that you have a great morning full of laughter and happiness while you get ready to walk down the aisle and say I Do to your soul mate.  

These tips also help your photographer capture the day beautifully with lots of details so that you don't forget how you felt that morning.  That's what is so great about photography, it really does capture the feeling of your day and when you look back, you can relive those feelings again and again! 

1.  GETTING READY ROBE

Having a special robe while you're getting ready makes the day even more special.  A special robe makes the whole experience feel like a spa and creates that spa like atmosphere! And if you can get your bridesmaids to participate with getting ready attire, then it feels like you're all at the spa together enjoying and taking advantage of being pampered.

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2.  GET READY IN A HOTEL 

Getting ready in your home can be a more cost effective solution, however, getting ready in a hotel room can take away the stress of having to clean up after and coordinating everyone to get ready in your home.  The photos in a hotel room are also much prettier as they always have great window light and decoration.  They also provide lots of spaces to photograph you, the bride, by herself in beautiful settings without.

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3.  HAVE EVERYONE DRESSED BEFORE YOU GET DRESSED

This tip is so important when it comes to your photographs.  Having your bridesmaids and your mom, and who ever is going to get you ready be dressed and ready to go.  Everyone looks beautiful and there is nothing to distract from the moment of getting their friend ready for her big day.  It's special and only happens once, and when everyone is ready the photos are effortless and beautiful.  They also look great inside of your album to help tell the story of your day.

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4.  THE NIGHT BEFORE IS IMPORTANT TOO

This is technically the night before but can affect your day in so many ways.  Drink plenty of water so that you are refreshed the morning of your day.   Try to do a relaxing activity and allow all of your thoughts to float away.  Stressing out about any last minute details of your day can really wreck your mood the next day.  

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5.  DON'T STRESS 

Don't stress out about anything on your day.  In my experience, something always goes awry on the day of... can be anything from traffic to having less time for your photos.  These things happen and it's better that you don't stress.  Take on the day knowing what is most important: vowing to love your soulmate!  That is the real reason why you are up and getting ready for your day.  When you take on the day without stressing about the day, you will enjoy every moment of it and it'll show in your photographs.

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I hope that these tips help you when your big day comes!  Don't forget to have some bubbly as well! 

It's no big surprise that couples are nervous about having their photos taken.  I totally get it as I once had to be in front of the camera.  However, with time I have come to understand what can make your engagement session a hit and how to have fun during the session.  

Here are some tips that will help you to rock your session and love your photos!

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1.  HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER YOU GET ALONG WITH

This session is a great way to fall in love again, have fun, and get some amazing photos of the two of you.  Which can only be achieved by making sure you hire someone who gets you, watches the same shows as you do, likes to go on hikes or loves Doctor Who just as much as you do.  In turn, hiring someone who you get along with makes for a new friendship to foster and after sometime, you won't even notice the camera.  Helping get those genuine photographs of the love between you.  

Of course, style, experience, and budget come into play when looking for a photographer, just make sure you factor in their personality too.  This can be the difference between a fun experience or an awkward one.  

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2.  MAKE-UP, HAIR, AND WARDROBE STYLING

Another great way to rock your engagement session and love your photos is to have your makeup and hair done by someone you trust.  This is mostly for the ladies, but goes for the men as well.  Go for a look to match your wardrobe or styling of the engagement session.  If you are going to ethereal and earthy, go for a bohemian bride or loose curls.  If you're going for urban glam, perhaps a chignon and some red lipstick.  Whatever the style, make sure that it goes hand in hand with your styling.  Men: please don't get your haircut the same week as the session! This is super important because you may not like the way they cut your hair and now you have weird hair for the entire session... not fun!

Now here is a tip that probably not many photographers will dish out.  

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR MAKEUP COMING OFF.

Avoiding to kiss your partner because you don't want your lipstick to come off, or not wanting to hug them because you won't want the blush to come off... this only creates weird expressions and will make the session stressful.  Instead let the moments unravel naturally! That makeup isn't going to go anywhere, trust me.  So kiss, hug, and have fun! 

As for wardrobe, take as much as you can! Having more outfits is better than not having enough.  Also, make sure you are comfortable wearing the outfits.  It is noticeable when something is uncomfortable or something isn't right. 

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3.  LOCATION

Where should you have your session?  I get this question more often than not and it's a tough one to answer.  Here is what I usually ask my clients when trying to figure out the location:

• Is there a location that holds a special memory of the relationship?  Maybe the place where you had your first date, or where he proposed, or your first anniversary.  
• Do you like urban (city, cars, people, downtowns, high buildings) or more earthy (fields, gardens, green, pasture, barns)? 
• What are your favorite colors?

Sometimes, there is more than one location you would like to photograph in.  Ask your photographer if this is something they do.  I've done up to three locations because my clients wanted something different.  And I love giving them that kind of variety to show off their love!

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4.  PROPS + ACCESSORIES

From vintage cars to lanterns, to big letters and suitcases, props and accessories can help set the stage for the entire session.  They can be themed to what you have envisioned or simply add to the session.  You can also incorporate items that mean something to the both of you as a couple.

Ask your photographer if they have any props too and what ideas you have.  These helps the photographer find inspiration and really go after what you're thinking. 

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5.  CHILDREN + PUPS

Anytime you do an engagement session, it is equally important to include the whole family.  Ask your photographer if they are okay with photographing your children during the same session or if you have pups you'd love to have come with you.  Of course, you could make the session just the two of you as well.  All depends on how you want your session to unfold and what you would like to have photographed.  

If you are going to bring your children and/or your pups, make sure you take an extra pair of hands to help when they are not being included in the photos.  Someone to look after them while you are hamming it up for the camera.  

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Well, that's all I have for you today!  I hope that these tips help you have an awesome experience at your engagement session!  I would love to hear your own personal tips if you've already experienced an engagement session.  Post a comment below! 

Since arriving, we have been busy trying to get the apartment in order and painted.  Man, painting is a lot of work!  Mostly though, we have been busy exploring!  Cue in the whole "Adventure is out there!" scene from UP.  There is sooo much to see here and so many beautiful beaches.  However, we didn't want to drive the hour+ to the beach and we were told of a laguna here named Santa Maria del Oro.

Legend has it, that the towns princess fell in love with the son of her father's greatest enemy.  Very much the Romeo and Juliet story with a twist.  Rather than the young love struck couple killing themselves for love, they were punished by both their fathers.  The tears that they shed in captivity are the same tears that filled up the laguna.  So they say... (True story is that it was a crater that hit the area and with time, rain water began to fill the laguna.  But I like the other version much more!)

The lake is about a 35 minute drive down the highway through luscious trees and lots of fields filled with agave, sugar cane, and corn.  Everything is just so green here, tropical, jungle.  Armed with our bathing suits we went.  Man, I've never seen such a beautiful lake before.  Not even Big Bear comes close to how beautiful this lake is.  Hardly anyone there and a few boats passing by but other than that, it was like finding a lake in the middle of a jungle.  

The photos were taken on my trusty Canon Powershot A495.  I bought this camera eons ago and it has always chucked on.  It doesn't have the settings that my big camera does but to be honest, I'm out having a good time with the possibility that the camera might get wet or damaged... so I'd rather it be this little camera than the bigger one.  

Anyway! Check out the lake... What do you think? 

Happy Monday!