I can not wait until I show you the rest of this amazing wedding that took place at Sunset Plaza in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

I love my job.  

Happy new year!

Working on this wedding right now.  From the first meeting we had, I knew they were my kind of couple.  Such a beautiful day with lots of laughter, happiness, and loving friends and family.  Can't wait to show you the rest!

At the Expo, that we had the fortune of participating in, we raffled off an engagement session and Sandra + Julio won!  We received their phone call about two weeks later and we met up at Starbucks.  We met up to talk more about their engagement session and what they pictured as their backdrop.

When I  meet with a couple, I like to narrow down what they really want.  The kind of background they want or better, what kind of look they're going for.  Something more green and natural or city and modern.  Each couple has their style so I make sure to know exactly what it is.  

Sandra + Julio are adorable.  They are so beautiful together.  The way Julio makes sure Sandra doesn't fall walking the dirt path in her heels.  Kissing her on her forehead ever so tenderly, and how he makes her laugh is all full of love.  God brought them together at a retreat, even though, Sandra didn't know it at the time that Julio was already in love at first sight of her.  Now, she is deeply and madly in love with Julio.  

They already have a photographer for their wedding, however, I hope that we stay in contact! They were truly such a pleasure to photograph! 

Here are my favorites :)

And a some behind the scenes, with my AWESOME assistant ;)

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 :)

It's a matter of he said she said.  The all time classic story of lives intertwined by fate and each side, telling an entirely different yet similar story.  

He says she was checking him out.  She agrees but argues that she was noticing him noticing her.  He says that she was with a friend, so naturally he didn't want to over step any boundaries.  You know, just in case the friend was her boyfriend.  Once she made it certain that the friend was indeed only a friend,  he says he began to talk to her.  

He said.  She said.  However, no matter the minor difference in details of how it all when down, they will both be saying "I Do" in August.  

Deanna & Edgar:  I had the most fun getting to know the both of you and your wonderful fun story.  I am honored that you have chosen me to photograph your wedding next August!  ♥ Jackie

Location: Wedgewood Wedding & Banquet Center, Corona

Oh hello gorgeous!  Deanna, you are going to one beautiful bride!

Had to get one of the bling!  Edgar: good job :)

Happy Tuesday!

Analicia and I go back.  Waaay back.  Back like high school back.  However, we didn't run in the same circles, didn't hang out, and we didn't call each other to have movie nights.  

But as fate would have it, when I posted a bulletin on MySpace in 2008 offering $50.00 sessions to help raise money to pay my tuition, she was one of the first who responded.  Presley, that pretty girl in the yellow, was 6 months and needed some photos for her baptism.  Then, in 2009, I photographed Analicia, Chris, and Presley for their Christmas portraits.  And this year, I was honored to photograph their wedding.

In between the fundraiser, the family portraits, and wedding, Analicia and I would get together for coffee and talk.  I got to know her on a deeper level and in retrospect I would have so been in her circle in high school.   I learned that their wedding was themed "Day of the Dead" in honor of her father, who had passed on.  I listened and couldn't help myself smile at how meaningful this wedding would be.  And it was nothing short of it. 

We talked about how her wedding was a DIY wedding and that day I was so amazed by how great of job she did!  All the paper flowers, every invitation, the murals around the reception, the table settings, photo booth, and down to the party favors they made them.  It was a lot of work but each piece has their special touch.  

Analicia + Chris + Presley: Thank you for having me photograph your wedding!  I am truly honored to know you and have been there to capture your wonderful and beautiful day.  Being your photographer and your friend is more than I can ask for and I wish you all the very best!  Now, we are in the same circle :).  Love you guys!

Oh Greystone Mansion, you are a dream!  I would love to photograph a wedding there someday!  

Analin + Javi are so perfect for each other.  He can make her laugh and she looks at him with such an endearing smile.  We had a great time exploring the grounds.

Then it was time for a change of scenery to Hilltop Park in Signal Hills where we caught the sunset and flickering city lights behind.  This is also where Javi took Analin on their first date.  I love it when I get to photograph couples in places that mean so much to them!

I can't wait to photograph their wedding next month!  

Analin + Javi:  Thank you for having me photograph you guys and I can not wait to share your special day with you!  

I loved photographing these two!  And with Greystone Mansion as our backdrop... I seriously didn't want to stop.  More to come from these two!!!

Portraits sure have come a long way since the 1800's.  No need to sit still for one hour to take one family photo or engagement photo.  Or can you imagine an hour sitting for a wedding portrait of your new wife/husband?

I thank the photography gods (and technology) for making it easier to do my job! And as part of my job, I would like to let you in on a few tips for your next portrait session.

Tip #1:  Matchy-Matchy is so out
You mean we don't have to wear white and kaki at our beach portraits?  That's right.  That is great for really large groups where variety would be distracting.  However, for families and engagement couples, being matchy-matchy is sometimes stale.  What is in:  Colors that go well together and complement your skin tone.  Like so:

Tip #2:  Large weird prints
Ed Hardy is most certainly out.  It is for your own good!  Large and distracting prints do just that: distract.  I want to focus on how well you look, the background of the location we chose, and those who are also in the photos.  Having prints that distract aren't very flattering.  Instead where textures or patterns that aren't large, flattering, and don't distract us from how awesome you look.  Case in point:

Tip #3:  Get Groomed
This goes for both men and women.  Men, make sure you get your haircut 2-3 weeks prior to the session, just in case they didn't do a great job you have time to get it fixed.  Day of the shoot make sure to shave, groom, and look oh so debonaire because who doesn't like a handsome guy?  Women, get your hair and make up done.  Even if you don't wear lots of make up, make sure you have a pro do it for you on the day of the shoot.  You'd be surprised how far professional make up will go on a day of a shoot.  Plus, who wouldn't want a day to get a make over!  For example:

Tip #4:  Bring Props
I love it when my clients bring props to add to their sessions.  It represents you and it is my job to do just that.  Get you the way you truly are.  If you play the guitar, bring it and strum a few chords.  If you have an idea that involves props, bring them!  It's better to try it than to have wished you had.  And I love to see  the true you!  Like these two couples did:

Tip #5:  Have fun
This is probably the most important tip!  Getting photographed can be nerve recking and trust me, I've been on that side of the camera, I know how you feel!  I tell clients that it takes about 15 minutes for one to really relax and start showing off to the camera.  Once you're relaxed, getting photographed becomes your own personal America's Next Top Model moment!  And that's when the fun really starts.  That's when I play with your two year old or when I get you to smile with your eyes.  This is a special time to really be you and show off what your mama gave you!  See how much fun we have:

And that's all!  Happy Thursday!




if you would like Jackie to photograph your next portrait session contact her at 951.732.7039.

These two are so in love and so perfect for each other that it was almost hard to stop taking photos of them.  The photos are all vintage because that was the request of the couple, something vintage.  Which I think matches them perfectly.  And honestly, these two are such a hot couple!  

Thanks Amber and Kevin for having me be your engagement photographer.  I hope you love these as much as you love each other, well, you know what I mean :).