This Mexican Paradise has magnetized tourists since the latter part of the 19^th century. It’s the heady combination of white sandy beaches and stimulating tropical climate. No wonder John Huston chose it as the location for ‘Night of the Iguana’. The balmy Puerto Vallarta ambience was just the catalyst that sparked off the much publicized, tempestuous off-screen romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. If you want to stimulate your romance, there’s no better place on God’s earth.

Time rolls by as you stroll the streets of this historic town. Or maybe you’d like to tap your feet to the haunting rhythms of the Mariachi. Puerto Vallarta offers many attractions like the spectacular beadwork of the Huichol Indians, beautiful textiles or original works of art from talented local artists, available for a song. And then of course there’s a huge selection of the finest cuisine that Mexico has to offer, all available in this one town of pristine sandy beaches. Oh yes … and there are seven magnificent and challenging golf courses for golf aficionados! Puerto Vallarta has it all and more.

Let’s Travel, the Travel Specialists

If you’re planning a vacation to this idyllic place in the sun, there’s no one better to organize it for you than Let’s Travel. Let’s Travel is a San Jose travel company that has been in the travel and vacation business since 1986. See more of their fabulous vacation offers to Mexico and other destinations at www.toursandtravels.net or its website at www.letstravelvacations.com.

If you haven’t spent a Christmas in Vallarta, I encourage you to do so.   It’s a party.  For about three weeks!  I love it.  The people are all so wonderful too.  I stole this photo from my friend Oscar.  Thanks! 

Puerto Vallarta December 2009 (photo by Oscar Alberto Cabrera-Mendez)

I went to Puerto Vallarta with my mom a few weeks ago. It was her Christmas gift. Although we’ve been doing Christmas-time trips together for about a decade, I’m still shocked by the things I learn about my mom on these trips.

For example, my mother gets really chatty when traveling. While she is a healthy talker in every day life, when she gets on a plane she goes into hyperchat, and it’s not necessarily linear thought or storytelling. It’s more like she finds pleasure in the sound of speech. She will read aloud each and every sign within eyesight, want to describe everyone she can see sitting near her, and repeatedly discuss and change her mind about which drink she’ll have when the drink cart comes by. I try not to get annoyed (or embarrassed) by this, and have tried to give her the hint that I don’t care by bringing really long books on our five-hour plane rides, but she doesn’t get the hint. Instead, she notes, “Que buena eres para leer.” Yes mom, I’m a really good reader, that’s the only reason why I focused on “War and Peace” during the flight.

The trips also remind me that my mom’s whole physical being is stubborn to a fault. Even after 40 years of knowing one another, my mother cannot understand the idea of being on vacation. To her, these days are like all others—she is in bed by 8 p.m. and up by 6 a.m., and when she wakes around 2 a.m., it’s only to yell at me to turn the tv off because it’s keeping her awake.

I know some will ask why I don’t just get her her own room, and I would—if she let me. Upon even making that suggestion, she notes “si estamos aqui para celebrar juntas, para que me quieres mandar a otro cuarto.” Ok mom, guilt me into having to spend every single waking moment with you. I’m sure that will be healthy for both of us.

Perhaps because I know I’m not changing my mom’s personality, I just stand back and watch her do things I’d never expect from her. On this trip, I realized that she will walk toward any random to do and watch it for hours in search of an explanation. In Puerto Vallarta, she saw an iguana roaming around in the trees by a river and she was fascinated. Once she saw it, and the guy trying to photograph it, she became a spotter for him. “Alli esta,” “alla esta,” “no, vente por aca,” she yelled from a bridge for two hours while the hunt for the perfect iguana photograph was on. If she didn’t have a bad knee, I’m sure she would have been (and would have had me) in the river pointing out the giant iguana. In a million years I wouldn’t have chosen to spending our limited beach hours watching iguanas from a bridge.

As I stand there taking video of iguanas instead of having drinks on the beach, I always feel guilty that my mom and I don’t enjoy the same idea of a vacation. It reminds me that if we weren’t related, we probably wouldn’t have anything in common, and that makes me feel bad. I ponder this every year as I settle in for our long flight home and then my mom turns and asks, “If we go down, I don’t ask questions, and I just follow you if I want to live, right?” I smile, amused that she remembered and believes the annoyed admonition I gave her when she asked too many safety questions during a trip years ago.

Yes mom, when it really matters, let’s put aside all of the little stuff and we’ll both get out alive.

The famous Tshirt from the News, ¨We Make Fish Come¨

Time To Break That Fuel Piggy Bank, Corbeteña Has It All Right Now!

Here in my office on the Malicon or Board Walk in Marina Vallarta, I see and hear pretty much about everything under the sun. This past week the Docks have been alive with action with Sailfish and Dorado plentiful in local fishing grounds like the Marietta Islands. But the story this week, once more is Corbeteña. You name it, it is there waiting for you! Hopefully you’ve been stashing that extra change so you can give some of the best fishing in the season a shot. This has been the strange season for sure and there is no reason for things to get sane now. Water currents change so fast Terrafin can’t keep up with the changes in water temperatures. From day to day the fluctuation can be as much as ten degrees. Now in water temperatures, this is huge. It´s like a cake batter that is being mixed. When you put the chocolate in the white batter, the swirls would represent hot and cold water. Same thing. So satellite readings can change in a heartbeat. Would you like to swim in ice water? That’s the strange news, the great news is there are fish in our world famous fishing grounds. When it comes to Sportfishing in Puerto Vallarta we have become patient and look for opportunities that spring up in other areas. If you’re looking for Billfish, El Banco has been doing well with Sailfish and Dorado. Not too much when you’re looking for Striped or Blue Marlin. With plenty of bait in the water, the absence of larger numbers indicates cool water temperatures are taking their toll. Right now I wouldn´t hit the bank unless you hear of some changes…. Or call me at the shop and I’ll fill you in on the latest and greatest…. Corbeteña, the famous and reliable Rock as we call it is living up to its reputation. For some reason water temperatures have been holding which is bringing fish and keeping fish in the area. This means if you’re targeting Yellowfin Tuna, this is the only place you´ll find any of size. Hopefully you´ve been putting away your nickels and dimes for these conditions. We knew they were coming sooner or later. With Yellowfin in the 40 to 160 lb range, mostly in the larger size categories. Even the Bonito are running in the 40 lb range. Lots and lots of bullets or baby Bonito as well. So as you can expect, Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin of all species, Dorado, Sailfish, Cubera Snapper, all sorts of runners, Jack Crevalls, Wahoo, you name it, it will be in the area. Recently Marlin and Sails have been hitting kite baits as well, so even if you’re seeing Yellowfin, anything can happen. Blue Water and smooth seas have been the norm so don´t miss out on this hot spot in some of the worlds best known fishing grounds. Marietta Islands have been automatic for the last week. Sailfish, a few Rooster fish, Jack Crevalls, Dorado, larger Bonito and the list goes on. The nice thing about this area is its proximity. A 8 hr day in a Super Panga will run you $175.00 usd with Master Baiters. For about the same as a round of golf, you can get four people taking the shot of a lifetime at a Sailfish or some other finned fantasy. With plenty of bait in the area and perfect conditions all around the bay, this is a favorite among tourist of all ages. North of Punta Mita has shown some more signs of life and this will continue into the winter months. Sailfish and Dorado are the main players in this area. Eight hours will do the job, but to be on the safe side, I suggest ten hour trips. You´ll have a shot at Striped Marlin. This area can get hot when everywhere else cools off. The bay has been wonderful lately. Near the Los Arcos area the Bonita are thick. If you’re looking for smaller fish, thirty five pounds to us are smaller fish. You’re in luck if you stay closer to shore. If you head out as little as five miles, you may just fish you’ve got a sailfish on the end of your line. With Roballo moving back in to this area, a four hour day again has some nice appeal! Well worth the money just to get out where the whales are! Master Baiter´s®, I should say we are now selling our world famous T-Shirts online at www.MasterBaitersGear.com … We only have two designs up for the time being, but if things go well, we’ll increase the products offered. Hopefully I will have tackle in the name of Master Baiter’s online soon. So check us out. As soon as I can get my web master to respond to a phone call or email, I will have my link put up. For now, go to the site and order away. A Perfect gift for the fisherman in your life as a Xmas present, guaranteed to get a chuckle. Delivery has been quick and reliable so what’s stopping you…? Come be my Facebook ¨Friend¨. You can contact me at MasterBaiter Stan (username). I blog also: www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com for the local inside information on what is happening in Marina Vallarta….. Well that’s about it for now, until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish! Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions you can reach me at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx or CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

Our Conservative Shirt and Corp. Logo

Good Day at Corbeteña, Dorado on Tap!

Erratic Currents, Erratic Fishing, Yellowfin / Sailfish at Corbeteña!

It’s getting hard to keep up with what the currents are doing these days. As it has happened for eons, the currents change from a summer flow to the north, to a winter flow to the south. This can turn into an interesting time of the year for fishing. You have cold water fish like Whales, Bottle Nose Dolphin, and Jack Crevalls moving into the area. Yet the water is still warm enough at the deep water locations like Corbeteña and El Banco to still have Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin hanging out. But if the current is chilly, you won’t see Charlie, the Tuna that is…

Corbeteña and El Banco were opposites this week. El Banco was sporting cooler water, below 80 degrees some days, above on other days. Currents are raking up the muck and you could run into some unexpected dirty water. If you hit a ¨warm day¨ you might boat a Yellowfin Tuna or a Marlin. Cold day, forget about it! You can use those Terrafin readouts or NOAH sites, but the real deal is what is happening there, at the bank, at that moment. Currents are changing so fast, those are now worth a lick… A good plan would be to head to El Banco, five the high spots a shot, check the water conditions. If it’s not working, head towards Corbeteña trolling. Pay attention to those expensive electronics and GPS the ridges, where upwelling currents can be. Many a tournament winning fish came from between El Banco and Corbeteña. Keep that one to yourself, wouldn’t want everyone out there!

Corbeteña now, the water has been a little more consistent there. Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Marlin (Striped Marlin mostly) have been plentiful and hungry. Cooler waters have the Cubera Snapper (aka Pargo in Spanish) action picking up. So don’t be afraid of a little bottom fishing. Cubera have been running in the 45 lb range. The sails around 80 inches in length, Dorado have been in and out, but they´ve been between 35 to 50 lbs on average, with some trophy sized beauties in the mix. The Yellowfin have been running 40 to 75 lbs, not monsters by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly arm killers! Rainbow Runners, Green Runners, Wahoo and more are here for the taking. Just keep in mind the currents and have a backup plan.

One place you can always fall back on is the Marietta Islands. 28 miles out from Marina Vallarta, the Marietta Islands are very well known as fish city. This area always has something for the vacationing angler. Right now larger Sailfish are plentiful from a mile to ten miles out (to the north). Jack Crevalls have started to move into the area and they´re running in the 35 to 45lb range. If you´ve never caught a Jack Crevalls, you owe it to yourself to try one of these on. Fierce fighters that will put light tackle to the test. Fly guys love them, light tackle guys will be impressed! Dorado is also here in the 25 lb range, large Bonito in the 35 to 45 lb range have been around the rocky areas. Well worth the fuel dollar. But plan on 8 hrs, you wouldn´t want to cramp your day…

Now El Morro, just a few short Kilometers out from the Marietta Islands will many times be ignored, which is not smart for the guy looking for action. On those days when the currents get active, like now, El Morro on the south side has a sloping area under water that creates upwelling’s that bait fish love. In turn, you´ll see gamefish looking for an open buffet of their favorite dishes! Rooster fish will many times be hanging out there in big numbers. Of course Sailfish and Dorado is no stranger to this area. So don´t forget to give it some respect as you’re in the area.

North of Punta Mita is turning into what we have seen for the last several years. Sailfish and Mahi Mahi will linger in these areas twenty miles north of the point. It´s a ten hour day at best, but it’s a worthwhile trip. Many Striped and Blue Marlin have been seen and caught this past week in this area. Between this area and Corbeteña, I’d say we’re coming into the time of year where they could be a tossup as to where to go. I hope you have a lucky coin to flip….

The bay has been active, but not as active as the last couple weeks. Around Boca de Tomatlan there have been Roballo or Sea Bass in large numbers just a kilometer off the rocks and shore line. Light tackle heaven for those short on time or budget. Snapper, Bonita, smaller Jack Crevalls are here as well. Don´t forget about the Snook, yes they´re out there!

Master Baiter´s, I should say we are now selling our world famous T-Shirts online at www.MasterBaitersGear.com … We only have two designs up for the time being, but if things go well, we’ll increase the products offered. Hopefully I will have tackle in the name of Master Baiter’s online soon. So check us out. As soon as I can get my web master to respond to a phone call or email, I will have my link put up. For now, go to the site and order away. A Perfect gift for the fisherman in your life as a Xmas present, guaranteed to get a chuckle. Delivery has been quick and reliable so what’s stopping you…?

Come be my Facebook ¨Friend¨. You can contact me at MasterBaiter Stan (username). I blog also: www.masterbaiters.wordpress.com for the local inside information on what is happening in Marina Vallarta…..

Well that’s about it for now, until next week, don’t forget to kiss your fish!

Remember, if you have any questions or suggestions you can reach me at: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx or CatchFish@MasterBaiters.com.mx

Alright, I just got back from NYC after a not-so-sweet two-hour delay on the JFK tarmac.  Other than that JetBlue is great, so is Sunday night football, and ninety-nine dollar flights across the country.

Recommence blog status.

This is the follow-up to last week’s wedding post.  I did a really fun day after shoot with Heather and Kyle in Bucerías.  Back when I second shot for Elizabeth Lloyd I made the hour long bus ride every day up to this little quirky beach town.  Of all the cities in the bay I feel like Bucerías has the highest good-eatery to person ratio.  It’s definitely a great place to check out for yummy foods if you have the time.

When I shoot for the first time in a place that I’m very familiar with it’s a little bit like seeing something brand new.  Things jump out, and what was once part of the daily grind becomes new and fresh to the eye.  In the end you resent less and you love more.

Just an idea, but take a camera to your place of work, or around your neighborhood and you may find yourself loving all over again the things you every day ignore.

I wonder if this idea of rediscovery can apply to people and not just place. Yes, no, maybe?

A couple more times I’ve felt that way about place recently have been with this E-sesh out in the Bethany area of Portland, and with these post-wedding photos downtown.

Got one more post on Heather and Kyle coming tomorrow.  Their Holga photos from this same day (I shot four rolls).  You can also check out there Holgas from their wedding day here, and their wedding photos here.

Enjoy!  (21 Photos Total)  Click Below!!!

“It never rains here in December, amigo.”

“Good to know.”

I stood there and watched it pour at Vista Vallarta, home of two lovely golf courses just outside Puerto Vallarta.  As they say in Mexico, c’est la vie.

I was fortunate enough to play three times while I was away, and the best was the last.

Thursday.  Perfect weather.  Dandy company…Dan and Steve, two nice guys from California.  Older.  (It’s still nice to be the young guy every now and then.) Superb course, El Tigre in Nuevo Vallarta.

El Tigre. Lots of water. Only 2 balls took a bath.

I knew this would be my last round of 2009.  I played free and loose.  I hit two shots that will get me through the winter just thinking about how sweet they were.

This was a golf season like any other.  Some days I played well, other days I did not.  I did not break 80, which I still believe I’m capable of.  Joy and frustration, platitudes and profanity, great shots and missed 3-foot putts.  No matter how I played, the beer was still cold afterward, and the company was always good.

I cleaned the clubs and tucked them away in the basement today.

2010.  It’ll be my year.  I just know it.

Our days in Puerto Vallarta produced three distinctly different but equally fabulous sunsets.

Tuesday: Sun, light clouds, and a sailboat for good measure!

Wednesday: Just the sun and the sea. Perfect.

Thursday: Clouds provide a memorable effect.

For as long as I can remember, I have always charged into the ocean.  As a kid on the Cape.  As a honeymooner on Kauai.  On one Caribbean island or another.  The bigger the waves the better.

But standing on the shore of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, I didn’t charge in.  Something said don’t. The waves were breaking big and bad.  The surf was pounding to the point I could feel it.  I wanted to.  But I didn’t.

Another wall of water rolls in.

I stayed on the shore.  Feeling older.  But wiser.  Until next time.

We are often asked by prospective buyers at Rivera Cuale, “What are my financing options?” We are pleased to inform you that there are a number of options available to you for financing your home here. Some of our owners have successfully secured mortgages for their homes and are already enjoying life as Rivera Cuale residents.

There are several very professional mortgage brokers in Puerto Vallarta who can place loans both with Mexican lenders and US lenders. Mexican banks are actively marketing themselves in the mortgage business, making attractive loan packages available for foreign buyers.

If you don’t wish to take equity out of a property you own outside of Mexico, you can be prequalified for your purchase quite simply with one of these lenders.

Interest rates have dropped for the first time ever for US Dollar loans in Mexico. The rates have decreased by 1% for 30 year loans, to around 7.75% with a 75% loan to value ratio, and to 7.25% for a 20 year loan.

Being pre-approved for your mortgage is a good way to keep your purchasing timeframe short and manageable. Also, the condo regime and tax ID papers are all in place for Rivera Cuale, so loans can be processed quickly.

We would be happy to refer you to a mortgage broker or bank in Puerto Vallarta so you can start looking into your financing options. We can even give you an idea of your mortgage payments for your Rivera Cuale home once you’ve decided on a particular unit and loan term.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.

Email: info@riveracuale.com

Toll free from USA & Canada: 1(888)226-0563

From within Puerto Vallarta: 223-3770

El fin de semana anduve de compras por Palermo Soho, y el barrio estaba que reventaba de turistas!  En una zapatería me encontré a un nutrido grupo de mexicanas que andan de vacaciones en Buenos Aires y compraron a lo loco! Cuando fueron a pagar, pidieron la boleta del Tax Refund para que se les devuelva el impuesto a la salida, entonces les pregunté si en México pasaba lo mismo y me dijeron que hace más de un año que México devuelve IVA a los turistas extranjeros.  Qué buena noticia!  Así que me metí a averiguar en www.visitemexicoprensa.com.mx y ahí salían detallados los aeropuertos en los que se puede hacer el trámite que son Cancún, México DF, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos y Guadalajara.  Considerando que muchos turistas argentinos llegan a México por Cancún, es interesante que se motive el consumo por esta vía, sobre todo conociendo los increíbles centros comerciales que tiene Cancún.  Nosotros que hemos estado ya un par de veces, hacemos compras al atardecer, después de un intenso dia de actividades actuaticas o de simple sol y playa.  Asi que a comprar sin culpas en Cancún !

They love to sing and listen to music here, no one is shy about bellowing out a tune. You see them all ages enjoying a song acapella, some belt out the whole song while others a bar or 2, but every one enjoys it.

This month there are parades of people partaking, as each night for the first 10 days they congregate for candlelight walks from 4 directions of the city to the main Church in the city center; with music, singing and displaying religious symbols and decoration with the center float a large picture of Mary. The music varies, some are calm and soothing while others are rhythmically exciting with dancers in full native garb.

I almost always enjoy what ever music is being played… it really adds to the romance of this country when you can sit outside just about any time of day or night and listen to the soft notes that play through you and not at you.

I received this email from a 10-year-old first-time cruiser who sailed on the Norwegian Star to the Mexican Riviera.  I think it’s interesting to see travel through the eyes of a child.

Dear Ms. Adrienne,

So after a couple of weeks loving hostel life and exploring, it was time to find somewhere more permanent (and cheaper) to stay. Cuahtemoc, who I met in the hostel, was also looking to move out, so the flat hunting started. After we saw a few very dodgy places, we eventually found the flat that was right for us. Big, bright, in a great location and £80 a month, with Inti living in the back room, it was perfect. It also has a fantastic roof with great views of the city/sky – see below!

In the hostel I met my first other native English speaker Dylan Cate, an American from Vermont who is here studying Spanish at a school called CEPE. We hit it off immediately and he introduced me to his rather large group of friends, from all over America. This was exactly what I needed because after leaving the hostel and moving into the flat I felt quite alienated, due to not knowing the language and having a group of friends that went from ten down to two. The first week in the flat was pretty miserable to be honest, but things soon picked up after I went to Puerto Vallarta with the crew. There were ten of us in total, not my ideal travelling group size, but a good weekend was had by all. We went snorkeling in the clearest water I have ever seen, amongst the most beautiful fish I have ever seen, as well as finding a lush tropical hidden beach, trying to surf and doing a fair bit of partying. It is was also my first experience of Mexican coaches, which are far cheaper and much more comfortable then English ones! Returning back to Guadalajara really felt like returning ‘home’ for the first time; a great feeling!

I

Just

Wanted

to share with you, these Holgas

of Trish

on her wedding day.

Like a poem.

Aren’t they pretty?

A walk along the beach is refreshing from the inner city heat, it’s serene, romantic, engaging, and entices you to participate. With artist and entertainers, sandy beaches, moderate waves to boogie board or wait for the calm to swim and play. There are many colourful shops to buy your gifts and memorabilia, or have a bite from one of the venders’ stands, with their delicious treats and snacks. If a meal is what you want, there are restaurants both on and off the beach to partake in great Mexican food and music, I guess that depends on if you like the feel of sand between your toes while you eat, as well as nightclubs and bars to kick up your feet and raise your glasses in celebration. You can do and buy just about anything that is available in PV on the beach, and if you are interested in leaving the beach and going on an excursion you can buy your tickets for them there too. It is also a sculptural experience you won’t forget; with sculptures ranging from reality to fantasy to the absurd.

Una vez que los juzgados han cerrado, que las notarias operan hasta 2010 y que no reservamos con tiempo fin de año en Puerto Vallarta…. Tenemos dos semanas por ofrecer en Marina Vallarta.

Marina Vallarta Bay View Grand

Para mas información favor de contactar con la Lic. Alejandra Palacios.

Alepalacios62@yahoo.com.mx

I almost decided not to do this section for lack of content, but since before  murals became widely used  in Vancouver as a way to beautify the city, I have  felt that they make up part of the cities story; not by content alone but how they are accepted by the community, what condition they are in, and did the artist have to express him/herself in the dead of night, or does the city accept this as a form of artistic expression and open up venues and hire artists who have adopted these stylized forms of creative expression. I haven’t seen a lot of murals outdoors in PV, and those I have are here. Too bad about the state they are in; a mild reflection of what is going on here, many structures ravaged by time, with a mix of vandalism. If there ever was a town that needed a face lift through art it is this one, might help avert your eyes from all the decaying buidings. Everything gets stoned or tagged; and I haven’t seen many good tags. Fortunately there are many art galleries (never seen so many in one town) and many of the people here are self-employed artisans and craftsmen that have opened up their homes to sell their wares…. these are much better ways to see and experience the art in the culture here, don’t forget to barter, I have gotten some very good deals; usually on days when I didn’t want to buy anything and only had a few dollars on me for lunch or groceries; I would return for just the art and have heard that many do… for even better deals head out of town.   

Rivera Cuale Puerto Vallarta, Riverfront Oasis. December, 2009 E- Newsletter.pdf

Hey!  So, yesterday I posted Trish and Luke’s wedding photos.  The photos below are from the trash-the-dress shoot we did up in Sayulita the next day.  Lots of bright colors and a good ambiance.

If you haven’t been to Sayulita yet, definitely check out Burrito Revolution.  I’ve never had a burrito as good, in any style, anywhere, as their smoked marlin.  Mexico insider note: it’s all about the chipotle salsa.  Now you know.

I love introducing people to all of Mexico’s little quirks.  I swear to God it’s like an odd parallel universe to the US.  So when I mentioned off-hand to Luke that, hey, wouldn’t it be great if you guys had a drink for the way back, and he laughed like, yea, I really want one, but too bad it’s illegal.

Au contraire mon frere.

In Mexico, the driver can’t drink, and obviously I wouldn’t, but it’s perfectly legal for passengers to do so.  A couple minutes, a stop at a roadside bodega and 20 pesos later and the happy couple had a couple of Pacificos para físicos.

Thanks Luke. Thanks Trish.  I had a blast showing you guys around.

Back to reality…

It’s rainy rainy rainy up in the PNW hoy en día and if you could really use some sunshine, like I know I could, I hope these photos help.  Good news is, I’m in P-town till Christmas, then it’s back down to Mexico where I sandwiched a wedding in between then and New Years (shout out to Nadine, the lovely bride-to-be!).  I’ll be stepping off the plane in PDX at 8pm on New Years Eve with my party pants on.  Oh my leopard…

(22 Photos Total) CLICK BELOW!!!

It feels really good to have something to show Trisha.  She was one of the first people to book with me when I first set out on my own apart from Elizabeth Lloyd  with whom I’d  been second shooting for two years.  She was also the very first person to book Holgas as part of her wedding package!  (Which I’ve already posted and you can see here).

Trisha and Luke were both awesome and Kelley from Las Caletas did another great job.  My second shooter for the day was Jillian Mitchell, a San Pancho based ex-pat photographer, and a member of what I’m starting to think of as The Vallarta Foto Crew.  You can check Jillian’s blog and photos at http://jillianmitchell.net

I love the first nine photos below.  Trish is like a little mannequin getting primped and dressed by everyone else.  It’s incredible the amount of detail and things that go into a bride getting ready and I’m amazed every time I see it happen.  I love those photos because you just see parts and pieces; first the eyelashes, the lips, then her head, somewhat detached in the third photo, like, well, a mannequin.

It isn’t until the ninth photo that you see her face straight on and you realize that after all that, she’s finally ready to walk out amongst her best friends, family and, most importantly, Luke.

But please don’t stop there.  Trish is beautiful and so relaxed in front of the camera.  The boat ride back at the end was just a giant party.

Tomorrow I’ll post her Trash-the-Dress photos from Sayulita, and the above photo is a preview of that.  But for now enjoy these!

(53 Photos Total) CLICK BELOW!!!

Well, this is the last of Heather and Kyle’s posts.  Yesterday I put up some of their trash-the-dress photos, and these are their Holgas from that same day.  I shot four rolls and I decided to share some of the Black and Whites.   The first two below I shot underwater.

You can check out Heather and Kyle’s wedding-day Holgas here, their wedding photos at Las Caletas here and their trash-the-dress photos in Bucerías here.

Enjoy!  (7 Photos Total) CLICK BELOW!!!

The best parking ever, untill he tries to get out… his back-end is blocked in almost as close. I figure the driver set himself up for a slow day.

If you make it to PV, a fun stop is the Historic Naval Museum. I was surprised, I expected dull photo’s, certificates, costumes on hangers and a lot of weapons, well, they have all that but they also have miniatures, models, mannequins and art. This is the second time I’ve taken so many pictures on a subject I didnt’ care about, but I thought the displays were fun and interesting, the last time was at the bull fights and I only went there because Wanda wanted to go; so if you know her you can thank her for those photo’s.

They also serve brunch some days, I hear it”s pretty good, it’s on my list.