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!

Happy Friday everyone!

Jaime

I generally have a lot to say…about EVERYTHING.  But in this instance, I’m limiting myself to one. short. paragraph. Last November, I had the unbelievable privilege of attending Jose Villa’s workshop in Jalisco, Mexico.  From the food, to the friendships formed, to the sheer volume of information and inspiration I experienced, this workshop has been the highlight of my photographic career.  Of course, Jose and the rest of the team, as well as the staff at Hacienda el Carmen, really worked their rears off to ensure our experience was truly one of a kind.  To photographers out there (both film and digital, novice and experienced) looking to hone your skills, network your face off, and be inspired to the moon and back, Jose’s workshop is THE best thing you can do for your business and your passion.  Here are just a few photos from the various styled shoots we were so blessed to be a part of.  As for the mariachi band, guacamole, bonfires, and margaritas, well you just had to be there!

 Feel free to check out Part II–you WON’T want to miss these gorgeous wedding gowns!  Happy weekend everyone!

Many thanks to the the following:

Jose Villa Workshops  |  Hacienda El Carmen  |  Abby Larson of Style me Pretty  |  Jill La Fleur Weddings + Events  |  Joel Serrato Films  |  Brian of Richard Photo Lab  |  Karina Puente Artist  |  Jim Cagel Accountant  |  Mar of Team Hair and Makeup  |  Kate of Flower Wild Design  |  Paper goods design: Amber Moon  |  Calligraphy: Mara, Neither Snow  |  Cake: Erica O’brien  |  Wedding Gowns: Claire Pettibone  |  Hair Pieces: Mignonne  |  Engagement session gowns: Everly

 Sponsors:  Richard Photo Lab  |  Fuji Film  |  Velvet Raptor  |  Cypress Albums  |  Kraft and Jute  |  Think Tank  |  Ryan of Finch Designs Website sites