Antigua, Guatemala - July 2017

What inspired this photoshoot?

In July of 2017, I went to Guatemala for a week-long Wildhearted Meditation retreat with Ashlie Woods as part of my year of Action. During the retreat I got very clear just how safe I was playing it in life and knew that some things needed to change. After the retreat, Ashlie, her mom, and I went to Antigua for a few days. When I saw how beautiful the cobblestoned streets and ornate buildings were, I knew I wanted to do a photoshoot here. I also wanted to capture my transformed spirit post retreat because I sensed I would be in a whole new energy…and I was.

How did you find your outfit?

I found this gorgeous yellow dress from Socialite Clothing which fit in perfectly with the rust colored doors and brick-lined buildings. I remember putting the dress on the morning of the photoshoot and thinking, “This must be what it feels like to put your wedding dress on the day of your wedding.” While I’ve never been married or experienced what that is like, to me, this shoot made me feel like a bride and the start to a new life.

How did you feel during and after the photoshoot?

I felt so special, beautiful, and like I was floating on a cloud during my shoot. And I’m not going to lie; I enjoyed the attention and intrigue sparked by passers by. I imagined them wondering, “Who is this?” While I am not famous or a professional model, I tend to stick out in other countries with my pale white skin and deep blue-green eyes. It’s nice to be the center of attention once in a while. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and invokes confidence. Freedom and play were two of the words I set as the intentions for this shoot, and the photos embodied these perfectly.

Photoshoot Credits

Photographer: Ashlie Woods Photography

Ashlie Woods is a Retreat Leader, Coach, and Photographer from Dallas, Texas. When she is not living in Dallas, she is spending time living abroad in places like Mexico, Guatemala, and Peru. I have known Ashlie for several years. I did my first photoshoot with Ashlie in 2015. That shoot opened my eyes to my own inner and outer beauty. It was the first time I experienced what it is to be vulnerable in front of the camera. Ashlie is wildly talented and unlike any photographer I’ve worked with. She has such a unique gift for bringing your intention to life through photos.

To hire Ashlie or setup a creation call with her, visit her website or check her out on Instagram.

Hair + Makeup: While I styled my own hair and makeup for this shoot, I must attribute my talented stylists in Dallas who I’ve been with for over 7 years.

Master Hairstylist & Owner of Pura Vida Salon in Dallas, James DeFrange

Master Colorist & Owner of Sweet Hair Space, Kinome McGrane