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Meet Jessica Torres Yaynel Yambo of Saint Johns

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Torres Yaynel Yambo.

Hi Jessica Torres, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Neli and Jessica met while serving in the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, Virginia. Their journeys, both personal and military, eventually brought them to Florida, where they planted roots in the Jacksonville area.
For years, they shared a vision of building something together. They explored different business ideas, tested various paths, and faced a few starts that didn’t quite stick. But each attempt brought them closer to something that truly felt like them.
That spark finally came during Neli’s engagement party.
Jessica had set up a simple full-length mirror at the entrance with a backdrop so guests could take photos. It was a small touch, but it created a big moment. Watching guests interact, laugh, and capture memories, Neli had a thought: there has to be a mirror that actually takes the photo. That idea led them to discover the mirror photo booth- and everything clicked.
With the full support of their husbands, who quickly became part of the vision (including one stepping in as the official DJ)– La Vibe Events was born!

The name reflects who they are at their core. With Neli’s Venezuelan roots, Jessica’s Salvadoran heritage, and both husbands being Puerto Rican, “La Vibe” is a celebration of their culture. It blends Spanish and English- “La” meaning “the,” and “Vibe” representing the energy, joy, and atmosphere they bring to every thing they do.
Hosting, celebrating, and creating meaningful moments has always been second nature to them. Turning that passion into a business wasn’t just a goal, it was the natural next step.

Today, La Vibe Events is more than a photo booth and DJ service. It’s about creating an experience. From the moment guests walk in to the memories they take home, Neli and Jessica are dedicated to bringing energy, connection, and unforgettable vibes to every event they’re part of.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to building La Vibe Events has been anything but smooth, and that’s exactly what makes it so meaningful.

When we started, they knew almost nothing about photo booths except: they’re fun, they bring people together, and they help capture memories. Everything else had to be learned along the way. From figuring out the technology to understanding the business side, we faced countless learning curves, and made our fair share of mistakes. In a saturated market, standing out hasn’t been easy, especially while balancing full-time jobs and building this business after hours. We’ve asked ourselves what makes us different, and the answer is simple: it’s not just what we offer, it’s how we show up. We bring energy, intention, and genuine care to every event. For us, it’s more than a service, it’s about creating an experience people will remember.

Even our growth didn’t follow the “typical” path. Expanding from a mirror photo booth into two simpler booths was, as others in the industry pointed out, a bit unconventional and maybe even backwards. But instead of seeing that as a setback, we embraced it as part of their unique journey and continued building in a way that worked for us!

Along the way, we’ve faced not just technical challenges, but professional ones too. Running a business together isn’t always easy- especially when you’re 2 very different type of people. But our 12+ year friendship became our solid foundation.

Through faith, patience, and experience, we’ve learned how to navigate conflict with respect and understanding. We’ve built a partnership rooted in open communication, minimal offense, and a genuine willingness to listen to and value each other’s ideas.

That bond is what keeps La Vibe Events strong. It’s not just about the services we provide, it’s about the trust, resilience, and heart behind everything we do.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in creating fun, high-energy, and memorable moments through our mirror photo booth, DSLR booths, and digital booths, as well as providing music that keeps the vibe going throughout any event.

We’re known for the energy we bring, our attention to detail, and how we connect with people. We don’t just set up and walk away! We engage with guests, make them feel comfortable, and help create an experience that people genuinely enjoy and remember. We also take pride in how we show up. We aim to do things the right way, and when we make mistakes, we own them, fix them, and learn from them. Integrity, trust, and respect are at the center of how we operate with each other, our clients, and everyone we work with.

What we’re most proud of is building this business from the ground up with no prior experience, while balancing full-time jobs, our families, serving and leading at our local church, and growing through challenges. We’ve learned everything hands-on and stayed committed even when it wasn’t easy.

What sets us apart is our heart behind it all. We’re not just offering a service, we’re creating an atmosphere. Our culture, our story, and the way we show up for every event is what truly makes La Vibe Events different.

Contact Info:

Two women in elegant dresses stand on a black platform with a green neon sign nearby, in a dimly lit room.

Group of people posing for a photo in front of a food truck outdoors with trees in the background.

Pink-framed mirror with digital display showing hearts and text, placed on a tiled floor near chairs and a red carpet.

Three people posing for a photo in front of a black curtain, with colorful artwork on the wall behind them.

Person's hands operating DJ equipment with colorful lights and controls, wearing a beige jacket with pink accents.

Two women smiling and pointing at a large black photo booth or kiosk in a room with white curtains and green decorations.

Group of four people, two adults and two children, posing for a photo in front of a decorated backdrop.

Two women in red dresses pose indoors near a pink floral backdrop, with a black carpet and velvet rope barrier.

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