Archive for June, 2008

viva vallarta!

Monday, June 30th, 2008

The fabulous Quinta Maria Cortez, where we stayed while in Puerto Vallarta. It’s the building on the right, and includes seven suites, all uniquely decorated with original artwork and eclectic furnishings. Que perfecto!

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On the left, the entrance to our suite. On the right, the narrow, winding stairway leading down to our room. Notice the wet ground? It rained the entire time we were in PV. But we definitely made the most of it!

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The Guadalupe Suite was the perfect place to hide away from the less-than-ideal vacation weather. So cozy!

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It was a multi-level suite with a nice, big open floor plan. Some of the other suites were completely open-air, as well as the dining and common areas.  I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for something private and unique. I’m always looking for places off the beaten path, and this place did not disappoint. And it was suprisingly reasonable.

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The view from our window. Even with no trace of sunshine, it was beautiful.

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Beach day! You could walk along the beach about 20 minutes into town, so we decided the rain couldn’t stop us! Puerto Vallarta has the most delicious food.  Fresh seafood, spicy Mexican dishes, mango martinis (which were a little too easy going down:), and the best tacos al pastor we’ve ever had from the local street vendors.

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My blindingly-pale legs as proof of the elusive sunshine.

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You know we had to get some CJ jump shots….go Ceej!!

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This is where they served breakfast every morning. It was SO delicious-fresh fruit, granola and yogurt, hot coffee, migas. Heaven.

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The stairway leading up to the main deck where you would normally have a glorious view, if it wasn’t cloudy and raining. Oh, well. Time for gin and tonics! At 10am? Porque no!?!

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I found these dolls at the top of one of the many stairways.

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Kung Fu CJ!

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Hi ya!!

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Apparently, we arrived in Puerto Vallarta just in time for rainy season. Who knew? I was just so glad that we had a nice day for Katie and Drew’s wedding. And as much as we love our little Maggie, it was so nice to have some time to ourselves. Sleeping in, swimming in the rain, smoking Cuban cigars, exploring the streets of Puerto Vallarta in the pouring rain, Kung Fu jumping into a tiny pool-good stuff.

shannon + savannah

Sunday, June 29th, 2008

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Meet Shannon and Savannah! Aren’t they the cutest?!?  Shannon Cunningham, who is a friend and also an amazing photographer, asked me to take some photos of her and her beautiful little girl, Savannah. Of course I was honored…..and  little nervous.  It always a huge compliment when another photographer asks you to shoot them, but it’s also a little nerve-racking!  Shannon is super sweet and Savannah was the perfect little model, so they made my job very easy.  Savannah’s tutu is SO flippin’ cute and I think the giant lollipop bought me a new little friend:) Let’s do a playdate real soon guys!

katie + drew - Puerto Vallarta

Saturday, June 21st, 2008

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Drew sent over this ginormous “Te Quiero” card before the ceremony that made Katie very happy:)img_1225ablog.jpg

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Proud Papa

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Drew’s super adorable nephew/ringbearer Barrett and Drew’s Dad.

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Drew and his Mom.

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I love images that are able to convey emotion without showing the whole picture, like in this sweet shot of CJ’s. Their smiles say it all!

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My view….

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CJ’s view….

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The people of Puerto Vallarta are so friendly and hospitable. Here’s a store owner congratulating the happy couple.

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Some words of wisdom for the newlyweds.

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Our taxi ride to the reception!

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We arrived at the beautiful Mayan Palace Resort for the beachside reception. Isn’t this fabulous?!?

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Katie and Drew made their entrance into the reception accompanied by Mariachis.

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I love the lighting on this last photo by Ceej.

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CJ and I had been looking forward to Katie and Drew’s wedding for many, many months, especially since we would be traveling to beautiful Puerto Vallarta to be a part of Katie and Drew’s big day! We met Katie and Drew for the first time on their wedding day and their love for each other is evident to anyone around.  They’re such kind-hearted people and all of their friends and family were thrilled to be celebrating with them in such a beautiful place.

They were married in the historic Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe,  right in the middle of town. After the ceremony, CJ and I explored the streets of Puerto Vallarta with Katie and Drew and got some great shots along the way. Then we hailed a cab, and headed to the Mayan Palace Resort to celebrate with all their guests.  Everyone had a fabulous time, including CJ and I!

Congratulations to you both Katie and Drew! I hope you had an amazing honeymoon in the Caribbean celebrating your new life together! Thank you for including us in such a special day!

I’ll be posting pics from our own Puerto Vallarta adventures soon!