Monica is a very special person to me.  When I was in the process of becoming Catholic, I was told we needed a Godmother or Godfather to baptize us and join us in our new journey.  Being that I was in a new city and really wanted to find someone who was a part of the church and active in the faith, I went to the head priest asking him if he knew of anyone.  He referred me to Monica.

We met up at a dark coffee shop in the middle of the day.  Nervously we told each other our life stories and hit it off.  I am glad that we met that day and she went on to baptize me and was there for all of my sacraments.  At first we were only acquaintances, and now, we're friends.  I am grateful for the chance to have her in my life as my Godmother. 

Monica and Eloy found each other and now the tables have turned and I will capture her day.  This makes my heart overflow with love and I know that I will be crying like a baby behind my camera on their big day in January!  

Hello beautiful and fun couple! Brittany and Gabriel were gifted a mini session because, well, they're awesome and getting married next year.  Duh, that's what great friends do - they gift one of kind engagement sessions! 

They were so fun to be around and even though a little camera shy, they totally rocked it by being themselves.  That's the best part of my job, that I get to capture the essence of a person that makes up their personality... that is magic.

We walked around downtown and found great spots to create images that reflected who they are.  And can we just say how gorgeous Brittany is?!?! 

Again and again I am blown away by how wonderful my clients have been!  The mini sessions this year were just downright FUN!  I am so glad that I was able to create something unique and beautiful for each and every one of my clients this year.  Mostly, in the streets of downtown Riverside.  

One thing about shooting in the same location is that it never gets boring.  It makes me work harder to get something different every time.  Use the energy of each client to make something new and one of kind.  I like that. 

I can't believe how grown up Astrid is now! Graduating next semester is a huge step toward something bigger and better!  Congrats beautiful!  I can't wait to see how you make your mark on this world!  

I don't think I ever tire of photography my beautiful and growing family!  Cristy is my cousin and sister to Yessenia, who's wedding I shot last year! I'm so happy for them both and excited that I was able to photograph Cristy and Julian's engagement session in beautiful downtown Riverside.

They are super cute together and had a great time! 

Oh boy, this beautiful woman is just breathtaking!  Laura and I have been friends for a few years now thanks to photography!  Can't say enough about how fun she is to be around and even more when she's growing a human. 

Everything about this shoot was just perfect.  The light, the dress, the location, and especially Laura!  Such an amazing shoot!  

Got like 10 more coming up so stay tuned for each sneak preview!

Where do I begin?

The whole day before and the day of the conference was the worst.  I felt nervous, frustrated, not sure what I would say.  At one point I found myself staring at a blank screen for two hours with "Hi, I'm Jackie."  But I suppose it could have been worse, at least I had three words ha ha.

A friend had invited me to be a part of Festival.Com which was a festival created and organized by the students of the communications college at the UAN (the state university.)  The goal of the festival was to create workshops, masterclasses, conferences, and various media competitions for students.  Being that I majored in Communications, and when I was a student, there was so much to learn from people who were actually living the dream.  Real people doing great things in the media.  Journalists, photographers, cinematographers, social media mavens, and public relations specialists.  So I jumped on board and offered to give a conference.  

It was the worst best experience in my life so far.  

Let me explain, it was the worst because I was so nervous because I had never done anything like this before.  I am not a public speaker and I really don't like having everyone's eyeballs on me.  Ever.  I like to be the fly on the wall that no one notices and gets to observe everything.  The whole time I was unaware of what was coming out of my mouth and I felt that I had said the same thing over and over and over.  

It was also the best experience because I think it was amazing that I was able to share what I am most passionate about with others who are also passionate about photography.  Perhaps they don't do the same type of photography that I do, or maybe they're barely getting into the medium; either way, it was great to be able to share my experiences with them.  The Q&A portion was my favorite part.  Mostly because I was able to answer questions that they really wanted to know.  

Would I ever do it again? Hell yes. 

Even though I know I will be nervous and my voice will tremble.  Even though I will be stressed out and frustrated and stare at a blank screen for two hours (or six).  But if I can teach someone one thing they didn't know before, or inspired at least one person, then I have contributed to our industry and photography as a whole.  Because in the end, that's what its all about anyway.  Sharing, growing, and becoming a community of passionate artists.  And that makes it totally worth it.

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Ever since the very first meeting with Abril, I wanted to photograph her wedding.  Her sweet soul poured into the details of her dream wedding and I just wanted to be a part of it.  During the next 8 months, we would talk, plan out the details, and get excited!  When we photographed their engagement session, it was such a dream to see how Abril's soul would touch Daniel's.  They are a match made perfect.

The day began with lots of emotions and a great team that created the most perfect day for Abril and Daniel.  Each detail was a part of their love story, a part of their soul.  I can't believe it came and went so quickly!  Luckily, we have amazing photos to relive such a beautiful and love filled day!

This is just a sneak preview, there are so many more great moments that I can't wait to share with Abril and Daniel!

A+D:  Thank you so much for having me be a part of your beautiful and wonderful day!  There is nothing more beautiful than to see two people so in love with each other.  I wish you many happy days and for your love to continue growing! 

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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!