Weddings

MEXICO May 2011. Journal

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THE RUN DOWN ON SOME OF WHAT HAPPENS FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING.

I promise to update with photos as much as possible.

Monday – MAY 16TH, 2011

**Wrapping up the loose ends today around the office.  Working on some editing, a little packing, and making sure all my paperwork is in order for the trip.

Tuesday – MAY 17TH, 2011

**Kiddos off to school at 7:30am so that I could run some errands and then do a final packing of my equipment.  Had to edit 2 more sessions this morning, get a newer camera bag (at least I told myself I needed it), and then pack my suitcase.  About a dozen phone calls and 100 e-mails later, booked 5 more sessions for when I get back.5:30pm, picked the kids up from school.  Not so liking that the Town Car will be here at 3am to lug me to the airport…. flight leaves at 6am.

Wednesday – MAY 18TH, 2011

**Yep… here he comes… 3:15am on the button… off to DIA.

**Extremely happy that my 6am flight leaves on times… I saved a bit of money by having a pit-stop in Houston…. and while I typically fly direct… having $400 more dollars in my pocket sounded better at the time.  We’ll see how that actually plays out.

**Made it through DIA security without a hitch… it’s always a happy day when you get through security without the hassle of getting “the pat down” and having to un-pack your camera equipment for them to inspect.  So far off to a good start.  In addition, my Houston to Cancun leg of the journey got bumped to 1st class… so YEAH… happy day.  A little extra space and pampering for at least part of the trip.

**Small snag (that almost gave me a heart attack), screening in Mexico… I was so happy to hit the button… GREEN… again, my thanks that I didn’t have to dump my equipment and re-pack as usual.  BUT… my travel wallet with my credit cards & money all of a sudden were missing.  So…. not so smooth… stuck in the machine – but needless to say they found it and my heart returned to my chest.  And to think… I almost just walked out of security without it.

**The men in the blue shirts and white ties are typically my friends as I mostly book with Lomas… so they carted me off to my hotel without a hitch this time around (last year… well… there were a few issues), so again… happy day.

** Checked in at the Flamingo hotel (not recommended after the fact I must say)  Service was wonderful, staff great…. food – well laking a lot.   But I the hotel was right next to the Bride & Groom’s hotel and that worked for me as I didn’t have to rent a car this time around.

** Pinya Colada down…. getting to bed as I have shoots that start at 9am tomorrow.And a free Margarita... why pass that up?

Margaritaville was calling!

Thursday – MAY 19TH, 2011

**Up and out to the beach early!  Met the Brides parents and then the Grooms parents for some portraits on the beach and in their hotel.  Then a couple hour break back to my hotel room to cool off (VERY HUMID).

**1pm met the Bride and Groom and we were wisked off by the local taxi service to Playa!

** 4pm or so… back to my hotel, dropped of my cameras in my room and then went down to eat, have a drink and then off to a 30 minute walk on the beach.  Then back to my room to charge and check everything for the wedding tomorrow.  It’s going to be beautiful!

Colors of the water are always amazing here against the white beaches

Friday – MAY 20TH, 2011

Wedding day started with some getting ready photos in the Bride’s room at 11am…  and the day played out until about 8:30pm when their hotel assisted me and a few guests off of the property as that is all we were allowed in… but we got so many great images.  Beautiful wedding, gorgeous bride and such a wonderful couple – the wedding was perfect.

Saturday – MAY 21ST, 2011

Saturday was my free day… and while I had every intention of heading either to Playa or Puerto Morales for a fun photography day.  Honestly, I really just slept in, spent a few hours on the beach and then spent some time editing and backing up images.  Have to have at least one day to relax!

Sunday – MAY 22ND, 2011

The trip home proved to be a little more challenging.  A couple of late flights, stuck for an hour and a half on an airplane on the tarmac…. and well home a few hours later than expected.  But was very happy to be home to see all my boys.

** NOW TO THE REAL WORK… EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT… etc.

My thoughts – about my photography.

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Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Photographing for over two decades, my photography has been a living breathing thing that is sometimes very controlled and at times very out of control.    Sometimes my style is a mirror of how I’m feeling for the day, and at times it brings me back to my photograph with “rules.”  I know some photographers take the utmost care in planning each session perfectly; however, in my case ~ as much as I plan, it is more about what is happening and how I’m feeling at the last second that I pull the trigger.  On the other side of the coin, after so many years shooting film, I was bound by the camera and making sure everything was technically perfect and spending hours in a darkroom processing and creating unique textures – dodging and burning and left with yellow fingertips from my 20 efforts on one image to get it exactly how I wanted it.  Now… really not much has changed except the tools I’m using (computers) are probably healthier than soaking my hands in chemicals because I was too lazy to put on rubber gloves.  And… well, I get to see daylight – I would at times spend 24 hours in one run in complete darkness with my film & paper.
I think there are such a variety of ways to capture images of your children, weddings, events, and everyday moments.   The candid images are such an important part of recording details that you may have missed or just forgotten without the reference back.  Personally, I have thousands of snapshots of my children and much less professional looking images that I really should, and probably definitely less than  most people expect because I’m a professional photographer.  But, the candid moments are captured and there to look back on with my showcase pieces that you have large and hanging and walk by every day and still can’t stop looking at them.  They are the ones that you look at, take a deep breath and say “wow, my child is so amazing” and it brings an overwhelming feeling that takes you to events before during and after that image was taken.   As much as every photographer would love for me to say you should have these type of images done every year… well, I have kids and know the reality of such a production.  But if you can do every 3 years or even every 5 years – it really is an amazing experience… trying to capture that one image that you have hanging 24×30 on your wall of your child, you as a couple, or your family.
I feel very lucky that I can shoot a mixture of styles so that most of my clients are very long-term… I’ve been photographing them for so many years that I have actually went from birth to graduation  – from toddler to wedding, from high-school senior portraits to their first child.  It is truly an overwhelming experience that I get to be a part of so many families as they change and grow.  It is an honor that I don’t take lightly and that makes me smile every day.  I’m not going to lie, it is a very self gratifying job – I get invited to photograph in my clients homes where I see my images framed and showcased.  Many times my clients are so excited when I visit to show my how they have displayed their images over the years – and honestly – as proud as they are to show me, I’m humbled by that pride.  While my husband may long to have me work a Monday-Friday 9-5 job and have every weekend open for my own family… well, honestly… most of my clients are or become my extended family too.  It is a selfish and selfless job if that makes any sense at all.
So, while clients come and go – photographers come and go – I don’t fear the competition, I work very hard and I ride the breeze whenever it comes my way.  I keep my amazing clients as close I can without smothering them – and yet try not to let go.  When they drift away, I try to win their love back.  If this sounds like a relationship – that is EXACTLY what it is – I have relationships with thousands of people and that is what I love most about what I do.  If I have photographed you now, I am grateful.  If I’ve photographed you in the past, may our paths cross again.  If I have lost you, I hope that I can get you back.
All of my love to the very many people that have filled my life and made it possible to be a professional photographer for 23 years.  My never ending gratitude to you for the support you have given me as friends, and allowing me to do what I love most as my work.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Garner Laureta Wedding

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Beautiful March wedding in Colorado.  Stefany & Jason were all smiles on their wedding day at Lionsgate in Lafayette.  The ladies arrived looking stunning and hustled off to the brides room to get their gowns on for the event.  Stefany – was bursting with a smile and biting back some happy tears between family and friends.  The men on the other hand were also full of smiles and some quick tongues that made everyone bust out laughing the entire time I was photographing group portraits.  Although a perfect temperature for a wedding – the wind gusts are something we had to fight through a little – but it was worth having the wedding outdoors as Lionsgate has some fantastic grounds to photograph around for a wedding.

Their wedding took place at the Gatehouse – Lionsgatecenter

The original Gatehouse and barns were built in 1910 as a dairy farm. In 1993 the Jenkinsons purchased the property and began the renovation process to create beautiful location for larger events. The lower level is home to both Lionsgate’s management offices, as well as offices for a number of other event vendors for our client’s convenience.

 

For the LOVE of chocolate

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Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

I personally don’t think I found the “Love of chocolate” until around the time of my 2nd child.  Now – well…. sometimes I can’t stop thinking about it.  It is a nearly universal “sweet” and therefore…. perfect for weddings where so many people and tastes come together.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Now, I’ve seen chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes, chocolates, chocolate fountains (the fountains FYI are a disaster on a bride’s dress), so want to offer up “fondue” as a possiblity for some sweetness at the end of the wedding day.  Fruit with chocolate is divine.   It may still be a tad messy… but at least at the table, you can “tuck” a napkin instead of standing near a splashing fountain!

So for a CHOCOLATE FONDUE SENSATION I have to direct you to the MUY BUENO blog for some yummy recipes – and in particular, a mexican style fondue chocolate that makes you say mmmmmmmmm.

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

2011 Quality Hill Bridal “Thank You”

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Fototails Photography Table

It was such a fun day at the Quality Hill bridal show on Sunday.   Lots of anxious brides with their friends and families wandering the floors of The Grant Humphreys Mansion!  Have to say…. it was a feast not only for the eyes – there were so many catering companies there – everyone left with a super full stomach.

A huge thank you to everyone that helped me pull my table together.  We were straight ahead as the brides poured through the door.  With beautiful flowers provided by Julia Kaaren of Mullberries.  Luxurious shawls on our table from Nil or Splendor for your Guests.  And then of course the gorgeous Autumn Murray standing on her feet and fielding questions the entire time from Orange Poppy Events.

Fototails Photography Table

Our “photo-tree” was a huge attraction not only for brides needing photography or event planning services, but it was also the “IDEA TREE” of the show.  Lots of brides were talking about how they could use a display like this for their guest table, or centerpieces for their wedding.

Many thanks also to Wendee Walters for putting on an amazing boutique event as usual – she really knows how to make everything look fantastic and make not only the brides-to-be feel special, but she takes care of us vendors so well too.

The Photo Tree

Well – off to another year of beautiful weddings, gorgeous brides, handsome men, awesome happy families – and lots of wedding parties!

Rachel & Jonathan

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Well – meet Rachel’s one and only.

Ok… really it is Johathan.  But her furry friend is very close 2nd, and not many could argue with a cute fuzzy face like this with big puppy dog eyes. 🙂

Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

 

It was so fun photographing Rachel and Jonathan this past weekend.  I usually ask my couples where they want to go for their engagement photos… something that “fits” them and Rachel didn’t hesitate to let me know that Ice Cream was their thing!  I’m definitely not going to argue… we headed over to Little Man in the Highlands area of Denver for some fun photos after a little time in the studio.  Rachel is just one of those girls that smiles ear to ear – and makes everyone smile around her.   Really looking forward to their beautiful June 2011 wedding!

Weddings in Mexico – Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Wanderley

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Riviera Maya Beaches

Welcome Party. Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

This is a wedding above most when it comes to style, grace, beauty and all of the amazing details.  This couple is just one of those that stands out in a crowd, not only because they are a couple of the most beautiful people around, but such nice people and genuine – with a wonderful group of family and friends.  It was an amazing day from start to finish with the clouds rolling in just in time to give everyone some much-needed shade for the ceremony and reception and the rain stayed away so all was dry.  Heidi (from Texas) in her Oscar de la Renta gown was a stunning sight as it fit her beautifully, and the ever so handsome Jorge (from Brazil).  Loved my trip to Riviera Maya to photograph their wedding on the beautiful beaches and amazing sunset skies.

Destination Wedding Diva’s took care of all of the little details to make it a wonderful and stress free day for all.    I took a trip into Puerto Morelos for some last-minute table decorations/gifts for the welcome party – and what a quaint little “authentic” feeling town.  It isn’t the commercial Cancun – and I love the OFF THE BEATEN PATH towns in Mexico whenever I go.

Beautiful formal dinning.

 

Puerto Morelos

..a place where the tradition of fishing for a living still survives, and the boom in tourism is on the rise. Here the prices are lower, the pace is slower and the atmosphere is laid back. There is a zocalo (town square) in the center of town with a few stores, a dive shop and some restaurants along its perimeter. Just off the zocalo on the beach is Pelicanos offering a nice view of the Caribbean and good food. The beach in the center of town is rustic, with small fishing boats on the sand and moored just off shore. The main fishing pier and the lighthouse are the primary points of interest, with friendly locals and some good photo opportunities. You can expect to be offered an excursion to the reefs from here since most of the boats in town tie up on and around the main pier.

The surrounding area

Puerto Morelos is expanding and has been discovered by the all-inclusive developers, and yet in town the neighborhoods are a combination of modest homes, hotels and cabañas. Here lodging opportunities range from rustic palapa style huts with thatched roofs and beds suspended by ropes; to air-conditioned condo style hotels with meal plans, spa services, jacuzzi and swimming pools. It’s an interesting mix.

Cabanas....

Don’t rule out a beautiful destination wedding for your wedding day

Planning your wedding in Mexico, definitely has its pros and cons.  But it is an amazing experience for every wedding couple and family that has been part of a destination wedding there.  I know many people’s first thought that it is something for celebrities and the superrich, Destination weddings become an exotic way to remember your special ceremony. From destination wedding coordinators and travel agents that I have talked to and work with – they  say the properly planned destination has the potential of saving you upwards of  10-20k,  and can also turn your wedding day into  “mini-vacation” for your family and friends – this alone can make the day unforgettable.

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Court house couture

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Civic Center Park - Denver, Colorado

People may jest about going down to the court house to get married, but not many people associate couture with a court house wedding.  This fashionista made a typical court house wedding look more beautiful than most that go all out for a huge wedding.  Small it was – but with the fashion & beauty that surrounded this wedding day, it was nothing short of an amazing wedding.   This is proof that a small wedding can be grand, and with close family and friends it was perfect.  Now, of course Denver – Colorado has the benefit of having Civic Center Park across the street from the court house wedding… so why not use it for some beautiful images of this amazingly stunning couple.

Deep breath

So, next time you think you want to spend tens of thousands on the wedding… take a peek – this may change your mind.

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A moment alone. Photographer: Jeanine Thurston

Kate, Sam, Love the dress, and Bridal Fashion

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Love the dress - fashion fun shoot

So, I have to admit I had my hopes up really high for this wedding – after doing an engagement session I was just so excited to photograph Kate and Sam’s wedding.  Needless to say, I was not dissappointed!  It was a beautiful day for their wedding August 1st, and the location at Shupe Homestead was amazing.  I could have photographed the two of them for hours… but of course there was a party to get to! 🙂  And, with a groom that dances – well, all I can say is tons of smiles and laughter – JUST EXTREMELY FUN TO WATCH… AND PHOTOGRAPH.  Back to the ceremony though, set under trees with field & mountain background – everyone had a smile on their face as they were watching the exchanging of vows.  I woke up the next morning with a smile on my face… and intent on getting Kate out for a “Love the dress” session.

Steps before "I Do"

The Kiss

The love the dress sessions are so much fun for the bride (and me I must admit).  I encourage every bride to put that dress on one more time for a fun photo shoot.  With Kate, we did a love the dress session – and she was just so amazing that I pulled her back again after that to model some 2010 gowns for a bridal fashion shoot in January too.  She is beautiful from head to toe – inside out, one of the nicest people you would ever meet.

Vintage Romance - a little escape from the day

Fashion fun with an amazingly beautiful bride.

Red Rocks, Dazzle, Wedding – need I say more?

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Beautiful day again for a wedding, starting out at Diana’s house for the getting ready photos with her ladies and her dogs looking on quite curious about what was going on.  Everyone was beaming happy since I walked in the door around 10:30am.    We hung out at the home front until the limo came around 1pm for the girls, whisking them off to Red Rocks Trading Post.   I met up with the men for a few shots and then right from the limo to the ceremony line up for the girls when they arrived.  The sun was so bright at that point at least half the crowd of family and friends had their sunglasses on, but the temperature was comfortable.  It was a short and sweet ceremony behind the Trading Post – not without some giggles, as a tecno band was warming up for the concert that evening and decided to belt out some tunes while Ben said his vows.  We did a few shots of family after the ceremony we held out awhile for the scattered clouds to roll in over the foothills and saving the best light for the photo-shoot with Diana and Ben.  Because of the concert we couldn’t go up to the overlook as planned as they were not so forgiving to give us access; however, we still found a perfect spot for a couple shots of the wedding party and some amazing images on the rocks… while lightly on the lookout for patrols… we gratefully got the amazing images and dodged the hefty fine if we were caught climbing on the rocks – worth the risk in my mind as Diana and Ben were wonderful in following my direction in climbing, and laying on the rocks with their wedding best dress on.  Then off we went to Dazzle Jazz Club in Denver for a fantastic reception.  The food was absolutely amazing, the cake beautiful as well as delicious, and a group of friends and family that really knew how to keep the dancing and party going strong.   The flowers were done by Kimball Floral that did some really fantastic bouquets for the ladies – and Sue Kimball was so nice.


King Vitale Wedding: MEXICO

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Mexican shores

From the bright sunny skies to the beautifully staged ceremony and reception – this wedding was a dream wedding by anyone’s standards.  We got a little “extra” music during the ceremony, but Dawn and Corey laughed a little and everything was still great.   Destination Wedding Diva’s created a beautifully orchestrated wedding and reception – and left the bride and groom with smiles on their faces to enjoy their wedding day.  Ceiba Del Mar is a boutique hotel that would meet nearly anyone’s highest standards from the food, to the service they were spot on everything.

Riviera Maya - Mexico

But… best of all, was how completely happy the bride and groom were on their wedding day.  They are beautiful, and their personalities made everyone else just beam when they looked at them.  Plenty of amazing photos, I just couldn’t be more thankful than to have a couple that was willing to have fun and be a little playful to get some great images.

Time together

Then came the reception.  Their first dance was beautifully done as they had been taking dancing lessons (which I always appreciate), but at the end of the dance they broke out in a fantastic Salsa dances that had everyone amazed.  Congratulations Dawn & Corey!!!! It was amazing being here to photograph your wedding!!!!

Ceiba del mar resort & spa

Sunset

In my hands

I will follow

A day of bridal fashion photography

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Fashionista

Sunday – Sept. 26th finally!  After about 6-8 weeks of planning/coordinating… and more, it all came together perfectly.  Beautiful upper 80s for weather… bright sun, everyone involved showed up on time or early.  I have had a chance to work with Heathyrre Kautz a few times over recent months and she again… worked her magic on the models turning the canvas into absolute perfection, and Claudia Opara was assisting Heathyrre.  Berenice worked on hair…. and when she arrived she was a little quiet… with a little nerves because it was actually the day before her wedding.  While the models rotated in and out of chairs between make up and hair the ones on break poured over bridal magazines and chit chat until everyone was ready to go to play dress up for the afternoon.  David was the lucky “groom” for my ladies, with huge beautiful light brown eyes that would make about any girl melt.  To round out the models we had Tristin Huntamer, Rachel Vigil, Melissa Schans,  and Courtney Dalton.  Newberry Brothers provided us with a couple beautiful bouquets, and I did a quick stop at Fun Services to add balloons to a few shots too.  Danielle from Blushing Bride Colorado met us at the park with so many beautiful gowns, and even a tux for David.  It was a completely exhausting day – but so much fun, and loving the images that we all managed as a team.

I would love for you to visit the little video we put together with some selects from the shoot : Bridal Fashion

Black and White