Cristy + Eduardo | Moon Palace Resorts Riviera Maya Destination Wedding

We were afraid it was going to rain this day.  It rained the day before yet as luck would have it, the skies opened up for us on this beautiful November day.  The beautiful backdrop of the Mayan Riviera at Moon Palace Resort & Spa was just breathtaking.  A quiet morning, the bride ever so relaxed (and what a gorgeous bride)!

Cristy and Eduardo said "I do" at the resort's chapel over looking the ocean.  It was an emotional and intimate ceremony with all of their closest family and friends; and one very funny priest! Coordinated by Weddings by Herick Lamas (he's my cousin!) it was a magical wedding with a beach front reception where the couple danced the night away while enjoying the ocean breeze.

*Español abajo*

[Español]

Temíamos que iba llover.  Había llovido el día anterior pero el destino abrió el cielo y salió el sol en este hermoso día.  El hotel Moon Palace Resort & Spa en la Riviera Maya fue el fondo perfecto para esta gran boda.  La mañana empezó tranquilamente, la novia relajada (y que bellísima novia)! 

Cristy y Eduardo prometieron un para siempre en la capilla del resort con vista al mar.  Era una ceremonia emotiva e intima compartida con sus seres queridos mas cercanos; y un padre muy gracioso!  Coordinado por Weddings by Herick Lamas (mi primo!) era una boda magica con la fiesta en plena playa donde los invitados bailaron toda la noche mientras disfrutando del viento del mar.

Holiday Mini Sessions | Family Portrait Photographer

Officially December! I don't know about you but that makes me super excited!  

Back in October I had the privilege of photographing some really great families.  I always have such a fun time and love catching up with clients.   Especially when I see the children grow over the years! 

Here I am combining them into one amazing post because they really were so fun to photograph and just love all of these people! 

I am currently editing a wedding and after, I'll be prepping my home for Holiday visits! I'm so excited for our families to come and I'll probably be a little tied up with that so I want to wish everyone a mega happy holidays and see you in the new year!

1//Forsee Family        2//Jones Family       3//Valdez Family       4//Garcia-Medina Family           
5//Shramek-Miranda Family          6//Torres Family

 
Grateful + An Update on Life

I have seriously been so grateful for all of the work that I have been honored to have.  No, for real.  I can't believe that all of my clients are so beautiful inside and out and have allowed me a glimpse into their world as a family, as a couple, as a person.  More than anything, I am grateful that I was able to go to Chihuahua and to California to visit those that I haven't seen in more than 6 months.  

You know, it's weird sometimes because I forget that I live in an entirely new place.  Sometimes, the streets are familiar to me and I completely lose the notion that I am not from here... Could be that Tepic is just a friendly place and so it makes me feel like I've found my home.  My husband and I talked about this a while ago and all the places we've lived and how Nayarit just feels right. 

We feel like it's just right for us.  Perfect weather, great people, cheap drinks (haha), and lots of things to see and do.  I don't think I've found a downside yet... maybe the rain? It rains almost every day here.  Since July, we have probably seen 3 weeks without rain.  But I can't really say that's a downside, the rain is refreshing and since it's never really cold, it's perfect.

Everyone should move here haha! I know I sound like an advertisement, yet I suppose that when you truly fit in somewhere, you feel that way about the place.  If I could sum up this place with one word, I believe the only word that would do it justice would be Ambition.  I feel like Nayarit is full of ambition that overflows this small state.  

A little update on what/where I have been this past few months:

  • Got to see family in Chihuahua
  • Photographed an intimate and beautiful wedding while in Chihuahua
  • Photographed a very important engagement session :).
  • Took a bus ride to California
  • Went on a camping moto-ride with my sister to Joshua Tree and made new friends!
  • Celebrated my mom's birthday
  • Got to photograph 9 beautiful families! Yay!
  • Flew back to Nayarit to be with my hubby and pup (whoo hoo!)
  • Flew out to Cancun to photograph another beautiful wedding (coming soon!)

I felt like I was on a world tour, haha.  I am super grateful for all that God has allowed me to do for my clients and for those who are dear to me.  There is nothing more gratifying than that! 

No black friday shopping for me, thank goodness! However, I will be working on a wonderful wedding and a few other things today and sip on some good coffee all while listening to the rain outside, pup at my side.

Happy Thanksgiving/Holidays!

 

Monica + Eloy | Mexico Engagement Photography

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!  


Jackie LamasComment
Brittany + Gabriel | California Engagement Photography

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?!?! 


Astrid | California Graduate Photography

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!  

 
Cristy + Julian | California Engagement Photography
Laura | California Maternity Photography

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!


Conferencia Festival.Com | UAN Tepic

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.

Abril + Daniel | Mexico Destination Wedding

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!