Saddle cover detail on a two-humped (bactrian) camel, photographed in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia. 2008.
What do backpacking through Mongolia, camel trekking in Jordan, and a Russian-Canadian wedding have in common? Stay tuned to the blog or keep an eye on the Facebook page for more details coming soon and a chance be a part of a fantastic cause, as well as win a collection of my fine art travel prints from around the world.
Enjoy the weekend!
PS Despite being chucked off one camel and almost trampled by another in Jordan this past fall, my love for camel trekking has not been dampened. I’d love to go back and complete our trek through Wadi Rum, but would also love to trek through Mongolia’s Gobi Desert on a bactrian camel. Have any of you ridden a two-humped camel? Please leave a comment below if you have…I’d love to hear your story!
PPS Does anyone else out there remember the song ‘Alice the Camel’? Because it’s now officially running through my head and I hope I just transferred it to YOU!
One of the things I love most about the Mediterranean, from Morocco to Israel, is the lush combination of soft, earthy hues and rich, jewel tones that emanate from the earth and spill over from the sea. The creamy pastel walls and homey cobbled streets of Bozcaada easily drew me in the first time I heard about this wind-swept and sultry Aegean isle, and every time I scanned our travel itinerary, I dreamed of long days and rich wines.
After a few weeks of traipsing around western Turkey last fall, Will and I wanted to spend some time reading and writing, wandering and relaxing, far from the trappings of modernity. And so we rented a beautiful little home outside of Bozcaada’s main town and let ourselves sink into the luxury of simple, savoury meals and daily encounters with happy locals. Here’s a little sampling for you to savour and perhaps inspire your next journey, project, or dream.
I was absolutely captivated by this island. Tranquil and endearing, yet never boring or drab, Bozcaada greeted us every day with beauty, peace-filled delight, and of course, the local mosque’s call to prayer! When I first read this quote while traveling, Bozcaada easily fit the bill of a ‘sun-drenched elsewhere’: “Now more than ever do I realize that I will never be content with a sedentary life, that I will always be haunted by thoughts of a sun-drenched elsewhere.” –Isabelle Eberhardt, The Nomad: The Diaries of Isabelle Eberhardt
Hope you have a wonderful week, rich with inspiration and beauty no matter where you are.
The beautiful Alisha Garvin on the morning of her wedding day
There are plenty of reasons why I love what I do, but when I receive a note from one of my brides that reads something like the one I recently found in my Inbox, well, nothing can compete! I’ve asked Alisha if I could post her note below, because it thrilled my heart so, and I wanted to share it with you.
Hi Jaime!
I was chatting with a friend yesterday about weddings, and she was asking my thoughts about photography, and whether it matters to have a professional, or have someone who it’s more if a hobby for. As much as I love supporting friends, I told her I would not have had anyone other than Jaime Lauren. Not only did you capture one of the best days of our lives perfectly, but blew me away when you told me you pray for the couples you photograph. I was so touched, and feel like I’ve earned a friend.
I hope this encourages you Jaime, because You are such a gem! I wouldn’t recommend anyone else! (Even if you live miles away, I will at least rave about you). Bless you and your lovely hubby, and I trust The Lord is bringing a full recovery to you.
Love Alisha
How’s that for heartwarming? Thank you Alisha and Brian for the privilege of being part of your incredible day, and to all of my couples for the blessing you’ve bestowed upon me by choosing me as your wedding photographer.
To those couples looking for a wedding photographer, I don’t just see our meetings and our planning as a time to do business, but as a time to build a relationship. The wedding photographer is one of the only vendors who spends the entire day with you, and should feel like someone you can trust to be your whole, true self in front of, and someone who will capture your day in a way that reflects the love and community surrounding you. That sort of trust is one of the greatest honours for me, and after your wedding, it will be my continued honour to celebrate you and pray for you in your marriage. I believe marriage is for a lifetime, and will do everything to ensure that the photographs taken on your wedding day will continue to encourage you during the valleys and inspire you on the mountaintops of your marriage.
With all that said, raise a glass of whatever you’ve got next to you, and with me, salute the relationships and romance celebrated through the beauty of photography!
