Jacob & Juliana:Empire Mine Wedding

So how does one even begin to start describing the most special day of their lives? I am still in utter disbelief that this day even happened, someone pinch me please. Empire mine in Grass Valley, CA, was the first and last wedding venue we looked into. We knew instantly this is was our spot for our big day. We fell in love with its gorgeous grounds and historical charm. Planning this day was... okay I am not going to lie, one of the most stressful things ever.  When you first think  of planning a wedding, your initial thoughts are, "oh no big deal, one thing at a time and there you go." Ha! This was not the case for me, having to overcome many challenges and kicking myself tremendously for not saving up to hire that wedding planner, but my mom sure did become my saving grace with all the planning and boy did she make sure I stayed on top of my to do lists. But would I do all over again? You better believe I would do it all again in a heartbeat. The outcome was positively worth it! We had such incredible vendors from our awesome DJ and florist to our wonderful videographer and caterer, we thank each and everyone of you for making our day perfect for us. Yes not everything went as planned, which many people warn you about quite often that it is bound to happen one way or another. The beautiful rented chairs I had selected did not show up in time for us to use for the ceremony, it rained on our parade (literally) with tents blocking the venue's gorgeous views, items and decor were misplaced, and we were running behind schedule (who doesn't?). But once it was all said and done it was the most amazing, spectacular day of our lives celebrated with our closest friends and family. Why you may ask, well because I got to become Jacob Elias Aragon's wife! We felt tremendously loved by all who attended, helped and celebrated. So please take a little time out to view how our magical day played out. A day my husband, Jacob and I will always remember and cherish. 

[Vendors] Venue: Empire Mine State Historic Park, Photographer:Jordan Voth, Videographer: Owl and Tree Films, Caterer: A Family Affair Catering, Florist: A Floral Occasion, Bride's Bouquet: Little Boy Flowers, DJ: Extreme Productions, Tents: The Tent Guy, Bridal Gown: Pronovias, Makeup: Elona Chap and Brittany Velazco, Hair: Candice Campbell

Ireland

Ireland,

Where do I even begin to describe your breathtaking views, history, crisp fresh air, luscious greenery, beautiful stone walls, great eats and meeting your kind population of people?

This spontaneous trip was one for the books, my passport book that is. Being my first time out the country, I could not tell you how darn excited I was to get that first passport stamp in my passport. It was not just a stamp in a little dark blue booklet, for me it was a symbol of the amazing adventures that were straight ahead that lead to stories for years to come. This trip was spontaneous to say the least, Jacob and I thought about it and thought to ourselves, when are we ever going to get another opportunity to go again like this, the plans are already there and all we need to do is just say yes, close our eyes, and jump. And by jump I mean swipe that shiny credit card, yikes. But I can tell you it was all so worth it. 

After many hours on the plane we first landed in Dublin, which was a lot like New York, and stayed at the cutest bed and breakfast. While in Dublin we visited Trinity College, Book of Kells and as many pubs as we could get ourselves in. We also had an awesome time touring around the 9 story Guinness building, my favorite part was the awesome glass incased sky bar overlooking all of Dublin. I have to stop right here and bring up the driving situation, the rental car company tells you a few tips and rules then your on your way. First of all thank goodness for a car or else we would of had one heck of a time trying to get around. Not only are you driving on the opposite side of the road, the steering wheel/driver is on the other side of the car, so in our eyes it was all backwards and could be quite confusing at times but we survived! Poor little car, we managed to get it stuck in mud in the dark, popped off a wheel and drive it over a large cement curb (don't worry we had the insurance). Oh and having no cell reception to communicate between the two cars we had was an adventure in itself, pretty hilarious on the creative ways we came up with to try and communicate. Fun fact, did you know a way to say thank you for someone letting you pass by them on the road you flash your hazards once in front of them.

After a couple of days we headed toward our stay at the villas at Adare Manor. The villas were wonderful, I was shocked with how nicely done they were. We even had our own room with our own bathrooms for each couple, that is rare especially traveling and staying in one place with 8 people. We explored Adare and Limerick he first two days then headed out to the Ring of Kerry. This drive was  my little slice of heaven, you could stop whenever, get out of the car and go exploring. We stopped at an abandoned castle and church, a cool spot down by the lake and all the way up to Ladies view. Sadly it was getting too dark so we had to head back before we could go the entire loop. More reason to go back right?

Tastes of Ireland: I thoroughly enjoyed each meal I had, my favorite being a hot cup of vegetable soup, which I had a lot. Yes there were moments of weakness when the only place open late at night was the little Chinese restaurant in the little town that was pretty darn delicious. Sadly I do not care all that much for beer so I found a drink that I took a quite liking to, Baileys and coffee. 

I felt like the time was just flying by, especially since it was getting dark around 4:30PM. Before I knew it was were over standing the cliffs of Moher, which was by far my favorite spot during our stay. There is just no way to describe the views and feeling you have when you are overlooking nature's masterpiece. I could have easily spent the entire trip just being there and exploring, taking in the fresh ocean air over looking the Atlantic and listening to the wind blow. It was a truly magical experience. Something that made it even more special, our dear friend, Connor proposed to his girlfriend in the castle tower over looking the cliffs. Could you get anymore romantic of a spot, shesshh! It was just all in all a perfect day and was the perfect last day we had in Ireland. 

There is so much more to be said about this trip but I know you all don't have time to sit here and just read this all day so to help tell more, here are some of my favorite shots while there. The pictures might not do it justice but you can get an idea. 

Until next time Ireland.

Iphone captures: places from my pocket

Maui, HI

Maui, do I need to say more? I thought this was a great location to kick start my new travels section of my photography page. I wanted to be able to share some amazing places with you on my travels as they continue throughout the years. I do not travel as much as I would really like to but I am always trying to find new ways to get as much exploring of this beautiful world as possible. 

Maui, HI is like a second home to me and it had been awhile since we were last together, 4 years to be exact. That is too long of seperation in my book. Thankfully my dad pulled me along for our family trip this year and I couldn't have been more excited and thankful. I was anticipating and looking forward to that humid air to smack me in the face when I got off the plane, the warm sand beneath me and the views. Let me just say a week is never enough time on the island, but I did manage to try and squeeze as much as I could in during the time.  

Thank you Tata for an yet another amazing time on Maui! I had an amazing time revisiting some of our favorite spots!

Here are some tips if you are traveling to Maui in the future:

1. You have to stop by the local farmers market for fresh fruit (usually off the sides of the freeway), its simple the best you will ever have!

2. Get up at 2am (yes that early) to head up to Haleakala to watch the sunrise, it is worth it! You are literally above the clouds! And don't worry you can just take a nap on the beach later anyway. 

3. You have to stop by a little restaurant that no one ever knows about, Aloha Mixed Plate, I call it a hidden treasure. It is the best pulled pork you will ever consume!

4. Twin Falls hike is a great spot to check out and swim underneath a waterfall if you are not wanting to do the intense road to Hana excursion. 

5. Finally make sure to plot your tush in the sand at the beach every evening to enjoy that gorgeous sunset!