Your testimony NEVER gets old

I was a lost 16 year old.

It was the second year without my father around, I was only 14 years old when my beloved pops was taken into custody. Since then, I haven’t seen him out of the government's system in over 11 years. It was a devastating time in my life because there was nothing more that I wanted than to have my father there during that time. He’s truly an amazing dad. (one mistake does NOT define an individual) 

I desired greatly to have my father to guide through those adolescent years that were crucial for my transition into adulthood. I wanted him to teach me about self-respect.

Late February 2011, I was basically dragged into a church one morning by my friend's neighbor. I was hung-over from a party we were attending the night prior and I definitely was not happy about being awake at 8am. I expected myself to take a nap in the last pew as my invitees went over to the front.

I was never a church girl, ok? I had never actually attended a church service. In fact, I was so lost that I didn’t know WHY Jesus died. 

Anyway, as I was getting ready to drift into slumber all the way in the back, I heard the pastor ask a question: “What do you think happens after you die?”

I instantly inclined my ear, but within seconds I couldn’t hear ANYTHING he was saying. Instead I was having the CRAZIEST encounter of my life. I heard the voice of God. It wasn’t audible, yet it was. It was like this telepathic voice in my heart. WAY more sophisticated than me, WAY more gentler than me.

Trust me— I wasn’t going crazy. 

It was God. 

His whisper was soooo familiar, yet VERY new to me. 

I could tell He knew me, (well duh, He’s the creator lol) I knew He loved me. 

I felt a comfort and peace I had never felt. As if He was saying “I see you, I am with you.” This voice was so gentle, yet SOOO powerful.

I began pursuing God’s heart with ALL of mine.

Many things life changing events happened that year. For one, I transferred out of my art school and over to a christian school my family not only couldn’t afford but were EXTREMELY skeptical about. God made a way when there was none. I received an anonymous donation for my tuition and began my junior year asking millions of questions.

He made sure I got EXACTLY what my heart was longing for, which was to surrender my life to Jesus Christ. He knew what was best and He led every step of the way.

I was baptized that November— 11.11.11

You see, my circumstances remained the same, but my heart FOREVER changed. 

This personally made the burden of my father being incarcerated MUCH lighter.

I gained a relationship with the one who is the Father to my father. 

So I let Him in. And you know what He taught me?

That my purpose is in Him.

That I am more precious than rubies.

That His only desire is to prosper me and to give me a hope and a future.

That I am His daughter. 

You see friends, when Jesus called me I was wearing a crop top and tiny shorts & He wasn’t interested in what I was wearing. God wasn’t interested in my imperfect speech. He just wanted my heart.

& guess what? It’s been the best decision I’ve EVER made.

My heart has been transformed, and it is STILL being molded.

 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Why I Stopped Shooting Weddings:

Late 2019 I found myself meditating on everything that has happened in the last 2 years. I began realizing how fast life was going— So I began asking the Lord if I was going in the right direction with my life, my marriage, my business.

Then it hit me during this life-shifting moment.

It’s all about free will, trust and FAITH. 

I sat with myself and asked very straight-forward questions –

“What’s igniting you to become a better you?”

“What are you passionate about this season?”

“What you not passionate about this season?”

“What is not only permissible BUT also beneficial?”

“What is draining you?”

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And THAT’S when I realized I was in the right industry facing the wrong direction.

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Soon enough, it all became clear. 

God created me to avoid stagnancy in my faith AND my career.

God created us not to fear but to TRUST.

I believe God created me with a very distinct characteristic that He also carries. 

THE LOVE OF CULTIVATION.

He was, and is, and will always be the FIRST creative.

K, back to the point:

I shot my first wedding in 2012, at 17 years old.

It was nerve wrecking but such an amazing rush.

I shot a couple more from 2013-2016 and then by 2017 I realized I was receiving multiple wedding inquiries weekly and I was becoming tired before I even go the chance to BE tired.

 That’s when I knew something was off.. WAY off!

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There is no amount of money that could EVER win my joy. And weddings (although they are incredibly beautiful) where just not my passion.

NOT MY BRAND.

And it got me asking one last question “Well then.. What IS my brand?”

It’s His nature.

The desire to cultivate & be a part of something that grows.

BUSINESS.

I. Freaking. LOVE. Business.

Not the money, not the hype, DEF not the clout.

Simply seeing someone else’s creation EVOLVE.

And THAT’S when I realized I was in the right industry facing the wrong direction.

So I said “NO MORE” and I began setting my boundaries. (New post on boundaries coming soon) And out of ALL this, I founded something in my heart before founding it here. Its called “Make your Mark” Its for all my fellow female entrepreneurs and makers.

I’m here to hold your hand and help your business make a mark.

I’m bringing together what I know best and what I’m most passionate about— to transform your business and help it grow on fertile ground.

So lets go! Mark that territory sis, don’t be afraid.

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How to Prepare for your Engagement Session

FIRST OF ALL, CONGRATS!

This is such an exciting and overwhelming time and you may be wandering what is next between choosing a venue, your dress and so much more that comes along with the first couple of weeks. Well that’s why I’m here! To encourage you and let you know that everything is going to be BEAUTIFUL!

So what now?! Engagement session time!

Engagement sessions are a great way to get used to being in front of the camera and building a relationship with your photographer. One of my favorite parts of walking through this process with my clients is getting to know my couples prior to the wedding ceremony— An engagement session is the perfect way to do this!

Trust me, from doing this for 4 years and experiencing this for myself, I can honestly say your engagement pictures will be used OVER and OVER! From your save the dates, to your invitations, as display (for your shower, rehearsal dinner and WEDDING!) And yes even for social media purposes!

This post is for anyone who booked an engagement session with me or is just curious on this topic. Whether you’re uncertain about what to wear to your session or how prepare for it.

Here is a list of quick tips to help you:

1.   Choose your outfits

 This is SOOO important… Its why its my number 1 on this list. Find outfits that will look flattering, great on camera and that will compliment one another! Notice, I said compliment… NOT match :) Also, brides: pay attention to your grooms’ attire. Sometimes we get so caught up in our outfit that we forget his. We want to make sure this session reflects both of you successfully! So here is my inspo board for Engagement Session Attire.  

2. Use the opportunity to get dolled up.

It’s not every day that you get professional pictures taken! So enjoy the process— pamper yourselves if you can. Ladies, get your make up & hair professionally done … Grooms, go get a trim! I truly recommend this because if you feel beautiful/ handsome, it will make all the difference in your camera confidence. Brides, I REALLY recommend applying SPF free make-up because SPF make up can make your face look paler.

3. Know what to expect during the engagement session.

Worried about the poses? The creative direction? Relax. It will all be taken care of, you will quickly catch on to some of the basic poses. Also, please remember that this is a time when you two are simply spending time together as its caught on camera. Its all in the breathing and don’t be afraid of having a conversation as I shoot. It’s a time to be yourselves and relish the moment!

 4. Where should we have our photos taken?

Not to worry, I have a couple of spots I love to shoot at and will suggest. Let me know the basics, are you looking for: City? Country? Bit of both? Lake? Ocean? Rocks? Generally, I love locations that can give us various scenes. I typically prefer timeless outdoor locations, with plenty of natural lighting (although indoor locations can also work great)

5. About what time should we plan to begin taking photos?

As long as the sun is not right above you two, I’m fine shooting anywhere between 1-7pm. However, 2 hours before sunset is usually the best time to shoot. Golden hour is very popular amongst my clients & the prettiest lighting. So, for example, if sunset is at 7:30pm, we'll usually plan to start around 5pm.

Chloe + Walter

That moment when a couple is announced as husband and wife for the first time. There is joy in the air, excitement in every heart and an overwhelming amount of love being shared. Its my favorite part.

The Thorntons; Family session

As I mentioned one of my previous blog posts,  The Thorntons have been one of my clients for a long time. They have a loving, creative and enthusiastic perspective on life. They have a beautiful talented daughter, Kira, who I have also shot previously. Kira is a young singer, dancer, & actress and loves the camera!

I loved capturing these two, its almost as if they can play and laugh all day.

As I was shooting Kira and her father Ben, Nicole shared with me that they have such a sweet relationship. Apparently Kira was born with her mommas spunk and sassiness & inherited computer savviness and game-loving from her daddy.

I loved capturing their sincere and beautiful love. After 10 years together, they are still more in love than ever.

“Vivamus pellentesque vitae neque at vestibulum. Donec efficitur mollis dui vel pharetra.”

— Pablo

I chose a beautiful field that gave Ben and Nicole a perfect space to be themselves and demonstrate who they were as a couple. As we walked, they shared with me how they met.

...Meanwhile Kira was being the beam of light that she is! Well in this occasion more like flash of lighting! <3 

Their style as a couple was so sincere and different.

And finally, after we wrapped up our holiday session, we made it to their home and they treated me to some hot cocoa and a whole lot of laughter!

Till next time Thorntons!

The Thorntons Pt.1

I've known the Thorntons for a couple of years now and we have made it an annual tradition to capture their home during the holiday season as it progresses.

On this day, they were getting ready for their holiday party that afternoon which was being hosted in their cozy home.

The early morning was quiet and the day seemed to stand still... But Nicole, mother of little Kira and wife of Ben Thornton was up and ready to plan for the eventful night that was going to take place in just a couple of hours. 

She sipped her coffee and pointed out to me some of the plans for the nights festivities. 

The Thorntons are a laugh-centered family. They all have a sense of humor and are all different.

I loved that their home was filled with lots of trinkets and accents that filled the home with love and reminders to love.

Before I left they continued with their holiday setting up and filling up their cute pencil tree.

Till Next time Thorntons!

Jacqueline Pinto

Small photoshoot session for Jacqueline Pinto, a Miami jeweler.