Hard Rock Riviera Playa | Cancun, Mexico Destination Wedding Photography

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Tim & Jenna's Destination Wedding at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico was a bit other-worldly and rich with color and crazy. When we first got Jenna's inquiry a year prior to her wedding she described her vision to be defined by 3 things she cared most about: the people, the party, and the purpose. The whole year leading up to the wedding, i was most impressed with Jenna's intense attention to detail and desire to really make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone. She was ON TOP OF the details -- and the team she built to help with travel details and communication were ON PAR. Note: Travel Agent Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings was highly regarded. In Jenna's words, "that chic orchestrated transcontinental flights for over 120 people! WHAT?!" Both Tim & Jenna were true hosts and their words of gratitude at their reception only further delivered that priority! 

Here are some sweet highlights from this couple's amazing destination wedding in Mexico. Opportunities to shoot love stories and destination weddings like this -- tropics and iguanas and week long escapades with the beech breeze at our backs and world famous cenotes in our backyards -- it was the stuff of dreams! We were honored to be trusted as the Wallace's storytellers! Enjoy!

P.S.  Be sure to catch and note the vendor list in case you are considering a destination wedding in Cancun. The idea of travel can be daunting but Jenna and Tim sure did hand pick a swell team of reliable peeps to deliver an epic party and experience. 

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Riviera Maya- Arpa Terrace & Maya Ballroom // Wedding Coordinator: Liliana Perez Garcia (Works at HRRM Wedding Department) // Wedding Dress: La Bella Bridal // Bridesmaid Dresses: The Wedding Accessory Superstore // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groomsmen Outfits: Nick's Menswear // Hair Stylist:  Sothy Chau at Rumors Salon in Phoenix // Florist: Tulipania (HRRM Internal Vendor) // Musicians:  DJ Disco Movil (Ricardo de Pavia I) // Videographer: Katy Jo Caringer // Travel Agent- Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings and Travel // Eyebrows: Ann Reed , Scottsdale, AZ // Airbrush Tan: Phoenix Glow // Officiant: Kevin Skinner with Aldea Spiritual Community // Cake Topper: Cake Topper Bliss

The first look was precious -- i mean his FACE when he saw her!!! -- and both had prepared a surprise gift for the other. (note the peanut gallery spying on them in the balcony above :D)

while the rest of the wedding party got ready, we had arranged enough time to just be alone with the couple and capture the diversity of Hard Rock's incredible property...first they OWNED that beach...

then we waited for the wedding party in the jungle in the heart of the resort

Wedding party meandered over and strut their stuff...

Family pictures were relaxed and pleasant -- the special attention to love one's closest to the bride and groom was appreciated. The Tim and his brothers and dad were able to nail an epic "album cover", parents were adequately honored and kissed and thanked for their crazy investment in the whole week, siblings were hugged, kids were relaxed and the prelude before the wedding began to build with excitement :)

Jenna whispered a request to have her parents captured before she and Tim stole away one last time before the ceremony began. 

and then the vows

and then the party

Real Life Feedback from bride and groom received several days post-wedding:

Laura and Lawson,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you did for us. To be honest, I was hoping to write this email to you yesterday, but I was still on such a wedding high that I didn’t want to open my computer…I just wanted to relish in that feeling and dream about it all day!

Photography is a big wedding expense, and I had to fight for that spend in the budget, but after last week, no one was questioning me anymore! My mom, dad, and Tim all pulled me aside to say how good they felt in your hands and how grateful they were that you were there. Not to mention, I was extremely relieved to have you at rehearsal dinner! At first, I didn’t quite recognize how much I needed you there, but then after I got to watch you in action for a bit, this feeling of “fewf” waved over me. Just having another person helping with the timeline, insisting that we run rehearsal once more, and being able to share ideas before the big day…those little things made such a big difference in my state of mine.

I can’t tell you how many people came up to me last week to tell me how great you and your husband were. Regular wedding guests were raving about how they caught both of you using all your toys and lighting devices to capture the best image, how you two seemed so passionate about the job, or how fun it was to watch you get really excited or worked up about a particular lighting or photo op. My videographer Katie was raving about your work and how much she learned from you to strangers in the bar. At one point, Lawson was bringing me water and holding my purse. Another person noticed him laying on the ballroom floor with our rings trying to capture a moment. My bridesmaids were laughing about all your quirky verbal directions and reminiscing about it the next day on the beach. Even participating in “red light, green light” with the kiddos was fun! What a beautiful idea to think that my wedding guests felt loved and important just by watching you do your job!

Then Timmy told me about your pep talk to him before we had our first look and it melted my heart. What other photographers give pep talks like that?! I told you that day that I was unusually relaxed and calm…which is a bit odd for me, especially since I have this inner “event planner” who doesn’t know when to let go sometimes. But that wasn’t the case on my wedding day. It was all so easy and smooth. “The bride should have no sense of time,” is what you told me over the phone. I would say we definitely accomplished that! I took out my phone once for a selfie with my husband, but other than that, I didn’t respond to any text messages, and instead just breathed in the memories. I can’t help but think you and Lawson had a lot to do with that.

You two went above and beyond the duties of photographer. I genuinely felt like I had families members not photographers with me on my special day, and I can’t thank you enough for being by my side for both the wedding and rehearsal dinner. You are truly an artist, and I can’t wait to share your creations!!!  Love, Jenna  (bride)

You just can't beat that kind of rock solid affirmation.... Tim & Jenna, It was an honor to be trusted with your wedding day!! BLESSINGS!!! | LKM

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Riviera Maya- Arpa Terrace & Maya Ballroom // Wedding Coordinator: Liliana Perez Garcia (Works at HRRM Wedding Department) // Wedding Dress: La Bella Bridal // Bridesmaid Dresses: The Wedding Accessory Superstore // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groomsmen Outfits: Nick's Menswear // Hair Stylist:  Sothy Chau at Rumors Salon in Phoenix // Florist: Tulipania (HRRM Internal Vendor) // Musicians:  DJ Disco Movil (Ricardo de Pavia I) // Videographer: Katy Jo Caringer // Travel Agent- Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings and Travel // Eyebrows: Ann Reed , Scottsdale, AZ // Airbrush Tan: Phoenix Glow // Officiant: Kevin Skinner with Aldea Spiritual Community // Cake Topper: Cake Topper Bliss // 

P.S. OOOO - one last note! Check out the baller highlight reel that the bride's friend, Katy Jo Caringer, put together of the whole escapade. Such a fun storytelling piece!! 

Scott + Mandy | Sedona Golf Resort | Arizona Destination Wedding

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It was a stunning wedding day in Sedona Arizona only rivaled by the bride in a GREY STEEL Hailey Paige wedding gown and the calm composure of her close friends and family. Here are a few highlights from Scott + Mandy’s recent Destination Sedona Wedding.

VENDORS

Venue: Sedona Golf Resort // Gown: A and Be Bridal Shop // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bridal // Bridal Jewelry: Olive & Piper // Bridesmaids Gown: Vici Bridal // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Stationary: En Love Occasions // Florist: Events by Show Stoppers // DJ / MC: Starz Entertainment // Makeup: Patricia Vega Studios

Q. What was the style/mood that you were going for from your wedding? What were your highest priorities?
A. We wanted a very classy yet whimsical wedding. My dress had a very fairytale like vibe and I wanted to continue that feeling throughout. We used a lot of whites, soft blues, and silvers, with a touch of a starry night theme to bring everything together and give it that whimsical feel we hoped for.

Q. What other vendors particularly rocked your world?
A. Our venue, Sedona Golf Resort, was amazing! The staff were so helpful and the location was perfect. Our DJ was Jimmy D. With Starz Entertainment and he was awesome! Super organized, kept the day moving, and kept the dance floor full! Our hair and makeup was done by Patricia Vega and she did a beautiful job, she really knows her stuff! ~ bride


CLIENT REVIEW (from the Bride:)


Q. Why did you initially hire Laura K Moore Photography?
A. Choosing a photographer for our wedding was actually the most difficult part of wedding planning for us. There are so many great photographers out there, how were we supposed to choose?! When we found Laura’a site and saw her pictures and how amazing she was at capturing the candid moments, it became a much easier decision! In addition, Laura seemed like someone who would be fun and easy going to be around. Since you spend more time with your photographer than any other vendor on your wedding day, this was really important to me. Laura made the day fun, easy, and made us feel confident that we were getting all the amazing shots we wanted and then some!
Q. What were some of the key highlights and memories of having LKM shoot your wedding?
A. She made things so easy! From the moment she got there, she went to work getting pictures of the dress, shoes, little details, everything! I never felt like I needed to give her any extra direction because she was already a step ahead of me, which made it much easier for me to relax. She was also great about helping us figure out posing and making things light and funny. My husband hates having his photo taken, but she made the process fun and easy!
Q. If you were to refer LKM to future brides & grooms, what would you say?
A. You can stop looking, you’ve found your photographer! Her pictures are timeless and elegant and really do capture the day. I spent hours researching photographers and could not be more thrilled to have chosen Laura for our big day! She’s an absolute gem!

Scott & Mandy, What an honor it was to be trusted with your wedding day! Your families were beautiful and your day was stunning! Excited to stay in touch as your future unfolds! // LKM

VENDORS

Venue: Sedona Golf Resort // Gown: A and Be Bridal Shop // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bridal // Bridal Jewelry: Olive & Piper // Bridesmaids Gown: Vici Bridal // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Stationary: En Love Occasions // Florist: Events by Show Stoppers // DJ / MC: Starz Entertainment // Makeup: Patricia Vega Studios

Saguaro Buttes Peach & Peonies | Alex + Kirstie's Spring Garden Wedding | Tucson, Arizona

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We have wrapped up our Spring Weddings for 2017! Spring in the desert has us breathless each and every season. It's just so stinkin' perfect. Kirstie had wonderful aesthetic taste and Alex's vision for their wedding day was a treat to develop.

We were going for was a great outdoor party. Neither one of us wanted the proceedings to be too formal, and we wanted to focus on making it a fun night to remember! Of course, the original, half-joke half-serious theme we tossed around was “beer garden,” which I think captures the atmosphere we wanted to create – laid back and lighthearted. - Alex

 Their fresh garden wedding was complete with bright pops of peach, subtle sage, modern understated design at one of Tucson's hidden gems of a wedding venue. The staging provided a modest, classy garden pallet that was free and lively -- matched only by the bride and groom's effervescent enthusiasm and sincere joy in each other, family and freinds! Mollee Fitzgerald with POM Events nailed the look with the help of flower director Katie Mclain and her florist team at Posh Petals. Saguaro Buttes was a perfect backdrop for the fresh, relaxed but classy vibe -- a venue tucked away on the east side of Tucson; a hidden oasis set in the middle of a mesquite grove and up against the Rincon Mountains. 

Our personal favorite part of the whole day was how each little section of the day was filled with authentic joy. Alex and Kirstie just make each other laugh and love and their friends were so excited for them! And their unabashed joy in each other--Alex's face and embrace during the first look nearly made me lose it, ceremony vows were both witty and sincere and moving, portraits with family were hilarious, sunset sweetheart time was jaw-dropping gorgeous and the party down in the twinkle-light gilded garden was sheer fun! Here are a few highlights and Kirstie & Alex's review at the end :)

VENDOR TEAM

Venue: Saguaro Buttes // Wedding Planner & Day of Coordinator: P.O.M Events // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Videography: Black Sheep Filmworks // Make-Up & Hair: I Do Hair & Makeup // Dress: Lulus Bridal Boutique // Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew // Shoes:  // Bridal Party Gifts: Anthropologie // Food: Edge Catering // Cake: Sugar Song // String Musicians: Aracelli Strings LLC 

Alex's reaction during their first look was, hands down, my favorite part of the day...he just melted into her with awe and joy and held her so hard. We were able to capture nearly ALL the fun and classy portraits with wedding party and family before the wedding. The couple were eager to just have natural and authentic time enjoying their family and capturing images that were casual but classy and beautiful and REAL. 

The couple wrote vows for each other that had people laughing and crying equally hard.

After the ceremony we were able to slip away for some golden hour sunset portraits and breathing space. This time is our most favorite time of the day... the light was lovely, the weather was perfect, vows had been made and the party awaited...

and then the party.... SO much laughter and fun!  

Our experience with Laura was absolutely fantastic. From start to finish, I felt like we were in the best hands possible. It was great to know we didn’t have to worry about pictures, or our photographer understanding us – LKM just got what we were trying to accomplish, and helped us make the most out of our vision! I felt like there were many times LKM knew what we wanted more than we did, and it really helped to have LKM share her experience from other weddings to help us make the most of our photos. I am SO SO SO SO SO happy with how the photos turn out – I must look at them at least once a month, and they capture all the moments that are so important to me.If you want a photographer you can trust to capture your image, vision, and hopes for your wedding day… look no further than Laura K Moore Photography! - Official Review from Alex & Kirstie

Oh! Here is the highlight cinematography reel by Black Sheep Filmworks! Enjoy! 

More from the couple:

A. why did you choose LKM as your photographer? Were you pleased? What were your highlights?

After reviewing many, many photographers, we knew we had to have LKM as our wedding photographer. Her pictures are magical and we didn't want anything less than the best for our wedding. OF COURSE we were pleased - our pictures are amazing and we will cherish them forever. The highlights? The first look and the pictures of everyone dancing!

B. What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

​Alex and I wanted our wedding to feel like a funky backyard party. We are really into visiting different breweries and hanging out outside and we didn't want it to feel like a formal, ballroom type of event. We mostly just wanted everyone to be able to kick back and have some fun with us. 

C. What was your color palette and your style vision? ​

Alex and I are both from Tucson, AZ and since we moved to Texas, we have both developed an even deeper love for our hometown. Tucson is such a special place, for many reasons, and we both miss the desert so much. We wanted a rustic feel for our wedding with lots of neutral colors that you pick up in the Tucson landscape – succulents and all.

D. What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

​My cousin's husband created a logo for our wedding that we had printed on pint glasses and gave those to guests as our wedding favors. We also purchased a really nice piece of wood to use as our cake stand and eventually want our logo etched into the cake stand to hang in our home. 

E. What was your favorite moment? 

Every moment of that day was so special so this is a tough question to answer. I think my favorite was walking down the aisle to Alex. After not seeing him all day (except for the first look - another favorite moment!), walking down the aisle to him felt like walking home. Finally getting to say our vows, exchange rings and kiss as husband and wife was a moment I'll never forget. (This is supposed to be sappy, right?)

F. Your favorite crafted detail? ​

My lumberjack of a husband built the bar for the reception, so I’d say that was my favorite crafted detail. He’s rad. 

G. Tell us about your flowers, your gown, your favors, your cake, etc. 

Everything came together so beautifully. Posh Petals did an amazing job with the flowers – everything was just as I imagined, and I barely gave Katie any direction. I’m pretty useless when it comes to flowers, but she knew exactly what I had been describing and all of the colors and textures looked perfect. The floral arrangement that was placed on the ceremony arch was just as romantic as I had hoped. I purchased my gown from LuLu’s Bridal Boutique in Dallas and it was stunning. I keep trying to think of places I can wear it again. I felt amazing in my dress, and my flower crown from Posh Petals topped it all off. We wanted to play up the beer garden theme, so the pint glasses we handed out as our favors were perfect and I love that we were able to include a logo on them. I still dream about our wedding cake – it was that good. Lorie with Sugar Song Cakes did a delicious job. It was an orange blossom cake with lots of citrus fillings, honey basil citrus icing and buttercream frosting. Mollee with Peace of Mind Event Design and Waitstaff was a godsend. I didn’t have to worry about anything the day of the wedding and she pulled it all off without a hitch. 

H. What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

The planning process is a necessary evil, but you’ll get through it. I was smiling like an idiot the entire day and couldn’t tell you a thing that went wrong. It was perfect, and yours will be too.  Oh yeah, and don’t skimp on the photographer and the videographer – they’re incredibly worth it.

Arizona Inn Modern Wedding Inspiration | 5 Ways to Bring in Class, Color and Life to your Arizona Wedding

This wedding styled shoot was a dream to shoot at Tucson's ever-loved wedding venue, Arizona Inn.  Our goal was to nail a look and pallet that strayed from the neutral typical desert tones and REALLY put COLOR on display!  We had promised wedding blogs SWOONED and AISLE SOCIETY that we would hold off on releasing this highlight reel until they featured the shoot! (shout out to the publishers for being so gracious and complimentary. they also provide some near wedding inspiration in case you need some help!)

So here is one of the most amazing pallets of color, textures, gown and southwestern uniqueness that we have ever shot in Tucson! Here are a few key wedding planning notes to pocket if you adore class, color and a fresh spin on a desert wedding...

5 WAYS TO BRING IN CLASS, COLOR AND LIFE TO YOUR ARIZONA WEDDING...

(1) YOUR PLANNER SHOULD BE A MAGICIAN. Or something close.... With the coordinating prowess of Meagan with Meagan Crain Event Planning, we found ourselves navigating details and elements that were delicious. Meagan orchestrated the entire vibe of the shoot and pulled together a team of wonder-people. She particularly was keen on bringing elements that offered nods to southwest culture (i.e. cigars and tequila toasts instead of traditional champagne and flute glasses). RECAP NOTE: If style and vision for aesthetic are important to you...hire a planner who has a vision and the tenacity to pull the necessary strings and make things happen!

(2) PLANTS. COLORS. COPPER. OH MY. When Jara of Urban Stems showed up with a TRUCK LOAD of punchy pink floral with bougainvillea, peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and pops of delicate air plants accented with copper touches (i.e. Arizona's state metal) we stopped in our tracks and jaws gaped open! Brie Dumais Designs nailed these original wood invitations and water color design accents that brought a super fresh but textile element.  In case you are looking for a graphic and paper designer for your wedding invitations, programs, signage, LIFE in general, Brie is the SHIZ. RECAP NOTE: Think outside of the box and pay attention to the native plant life as well as the colors and textures of the venue.

(3) BE PAMPERED. BE BOLD. BE TAKEN CARE OF AND WHERE IT WELL... MUAH team at Heather Van Houten along with the incredible gown ( ***drool***) by Tucson's stellar bridal gown shop J Bridal created this understated-yet-drool-worthy bridal look. Red lips plus a stark white hourglass gown with intricate lace and framed with poppy peonies... 

(4) SET A STAGE AND PICK AN ACCENT. Setting the stage for a dinner party is one thing. Doing so with cohesive elements that compliment the setting and the vibe and care for details is another. Meagan chose cobalt blue to be the accent that freckled our punchy pinks and native sage colors. Frostings & Ultrapom were both wonderful companies who hooked us up with design elements for staging! They provide rental elements like furniture and seating to further execute a "look" that is refined and swoon-worthy. Sweet Creations laced a classic white tiered cake with gold flecks and eucalyptus details! 

(5) LOVE EACH OTHER WITH ALL THAT IS IN YOU. Granted this was a styled shoot, but our models were married in real life and it made the ebb and flow of this whole styled shoot incredible. Dudes, be strong. Girls, stand tall and breath with poise. Love and be loved. Look, laugh, pause...and love some more. All of it. Be as free as the burst of light from behind the alter below and the dancing petals thrown by people who love you. LEAN INTO your wedding day with as much eager joy as you can muster....and then let others help you muster even more. :) 

Does this inspire you? Share and leave some love below? Compliment the vendors noted below for the work and art they produce...they are worthy of applause! :) | LKM

// VENDOR LIST //

Flowers: Urban Stems // Hair & Makeup: Heather Van Houten // Wedding Gown: J.Bridal Boutique (designer Wtoo) // Bridesmaid Gown: BHLDN // Suits: Brooks Brothers // Paper Products  / Invites: Brie Dumais Designs // Cake: Sweet Creations // Planning & Design: Meagan Crain Event Planning & Design // Furniture: Frostings Event Design & Rentals // Misc. Rentals: Ultrapom

Wyatt + Hilary | Spring Blush & Creme Wedding | Part 2

(To see PART ONE of Wyatt + Hilary's Arizona Wedding, Go HERE.)

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I had heard from wedding coordinator, Meagan Crain of MC Events AZ, that the details and setting were gonna make our heart swoon a little bit. This is one of those weddings where I showed up to green rolling courtyard of Tucson's hidden wedding venue, La Mariposa, and had a sharp inhale. My eyes got wide. There were sparkly tableclothes set with wooden place settings and classy rustic carved numbers. Their wedding cake was paired with an anniversary cake for their grandparents--celebrating THEIR anniversary on the same day. 

Wyatt + Hilary were a gracious bride and groom. They were eager to get married and deferred so many timeline and organizational pieces so that we could really cover a plethora of moments and get such a wide, diverse story. Their first look moment made me cry. (oh the way they diffused and were so excited about eachother!) Their wedding party was jovial and attentive. Their family was so complimentary. Their friends were crazy. The food was delicious. The toasts were meaningful. And their dance floor rocked. -- Especially when you see what the bride tossed instead of a bouquet as a prank. So. Much. Fun.

Thank you so much for letting us be your storytelling, memory-keeping, sparkler-dodging wedding photographers Wyatt & Hilary! It was a joy to be part of this season with you two!

// VENDORS //

Wedding Coordinator: Meagan Crain of MC EVENTS AZ // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography {LKM STUDIOS} // Ceremony Venue: Corpus Christi Catholic Church // Reception Venue: La Mariposa // Scottsdale Wedding Gown Boutique: Marie Gallery // Bridal Hair & Makeup: Gadabout // Bridesmaids Dress: J Crew // Flower Girl Dress: Nordstrom // Groomsmen Suits: Mens Warehouse // Cake: Cakes by Genevieve // Florist: Urban Stems Designs

Valentines Promo for the Newly Engaged!

Happy Valentine’s Weekend! We hope it is full of joy, hugs and LOTS of WOO :D // Oh! And if you were to find your way to our little webpage and fall in love...we’d love to say, why thank you! All wedding inquiries* received till next friday the 19th will receive $325 credit to go towards an LKM Signature sweetheart / engagement session! (link in profile :D)

Jeff + Emily | Celebrity Wedding Teaser | Arizona Wedding Photographer

This weekend we had the honor of shooting Jeff & Emily (Weprich) Campanella's wedding at SaddleBrook Country Club in the Catalina Foothills of Northwest Tucson. Before we head off to this weekend's San Diego wedding, we wanted share a few sneak peaks of Emily's pre-wedding bridal portraits. You might recognize her from the celebrity engagement feature a few weeks ago or from the post earlier this summer honoring her father. Having shared a few slivers of storytelling in this family's life this past year made this wedding more meaningful. And being part of Emily's first deep breaths as a bride -- the moment she put on that incredible dress, loved her mom fiercely, laughed with her ladies--her resilient cheerfulness, grace and concern for others was radiant. More coming soon! (see note to all guests/friends/family below)

If you were a guest or are a friend or are a family member, go HERE to register and be kept apprised when all wedding pictures are released! 

Andrew + Jen's DIY Backyard Wedding | San Jose, CA

Andrew & Jen had an incredible backyard wedding in San Jose this summer. (You might remember their faces from their Manhattan Beach Engagement Session in the spring). It was small, intimate, relaxed, full of laughter and brightly lit with warm sunshine bursting through garden roses and all sorts of DIY details.

The ladies got ready at a good friend's salon, ate In-N-Out and caught up on memories and "remember-whens"...

Andrew + Jen chose to have  FIRST LOOK moment primarily to make sure they could truly enjoy each other for some private time...and THEN take a lot of relaxed pictures with wedding party, family...

Wedding Party caught up with them at the park and the timing was perfect. There was a breeze, their was leisure, there were picnic blankets and grown men playing on swings and see saws. Just couldn't have been better.

While the rest of the wedding party made way to Jen's aunts house where the festivities were being hosted, Andrew & Jen stayed behind for a few sweetheart portraits...

We were able to snag a few more relaxed family portraits pre-ceremony with Jen's fam...

And then the bride hid with dad while guests trickled in to sit on fold up chair under a picnic awning laced with branches and burlap, hemp string and garden flowers...The ceremony began and...I am again so tickled by how no FIRST LOOK or anything can take away from a groom watching his bride come down the aisle. It is special in and of itself... They incorporated several special jewish traditions into the ceremony, the audience participated, bride giggled, groom beamed, they stomped on glass and everybody cheered!

Conveniently aunt owns two homes side by side. A garden door leads from one ceremony backyard straight into a stunning modernized bohemian / understated alice-in-wonderland kind of patio. They hired a catering company to serve and keep the wine flowing. It was a simple sort of family affair. The perfect kind. Where laughter meets dancing at the intersection of newlywed.

While guests partied freely, A + J skipped out for a few minutes to grab some casual neighborhood sweetheart shots. We captured them on the sidewalk where sunbeams were sending their fareawells. We walked down the street that they'd remember as their wedding day street. They kissed fiercely. Loved exhuberantly...and then went back to join in on more dancing. Happy Wedding Day folks. This one was a favorite. | lkm

VENDORS

....while most all details seen and captured were DIY or borrowed from friends and family, here is a working list of some of the paces and resources for A + J's detai

Location: Aunt's Backyard // Flowers: Costco // Bride's Shoes: Toms & Ross // MakeUp: Paizleys Salon & Spa // Bridesmaids Dress: Davids Bridal 

Desert Bridal Portraits | Scottsdale Wedding Photography | Texture Teusday

We're branching away from plants and letting this beautiful bride take stage for Texture Tuesday. Bryce & Caroline's Scottsdale Wedding at El Chorro is being featured tomorrow but for now...here are a few textures and a couture dress and newlywed romance that just make me feel all warm and sparkly inside. Amid Palo Verde trees and Ironwood blossoms, these two snagged some beautiful sunset portraits immediately after their ceremony... 

Check back tomorrow to see their whole wedding story... :) | LKM

PT 1: Kris + Kristen | Miss USA's Enchanted Garden Wedding | Simi Valley, CA | Los Angeles Wedding Photographer

Kris + Kristen's wedding was exquisite. The details. The sparkles. The beautiful people. There was glamour. There was friendship. There were details from incredible vendors pulled from all corners to make this enchanted garden wedding happen. I'm working on a culled list of all the brilliant hands that pulled together to make this event happen! Here are a few particular details that were so special to these two...

- DETAILS: Sparkles. Sparkles and white light everywhere. Those are some of Kristen's most favorite things. Along with fairy tales, glamour, whimsy and an effort to bring an enchanted garden to life. //  FIRST MOMENT: Kris & Kristen didn't want to see each other before the wedding but they did want to give gifts and pray together before the ceremony. She gave him a treasure chest dubbed "For His Eyes Only...A Taste of What is to Come." It contained her favorite images from her luxury bridal / boudoir session we had shot a week earlier...and he gave her a precious book of memories along with a jaw-dropping aqua diamond ring. oh my stars...so incredible! // BRIDESMAIDS: All the girls were close friends and family part of the Miss USA journey. With prestigious titles, hollywood credits, modeling contracts, sough-after designers, speakers, writers... but despite all the craziness, on the day of, all eyes were on the bride. They honored her and rejoiced over her with every ounce of joy they had. // HIM: the patience and anticipation Kris showed...(swoon). His men were goofy. They laughed and sprawled out in the stellar bachelor's room. They had a few drinks. They relaxed. They bonded...But as the ceremony got near Kris donned a pair of headphones and asked for alone time. He waited quietly for the ceremony... and oh his face when he finally did see her for the first time... go HERE for part two and HERE for part three

... so here is the prelude...

Go HERE for Pt 2!

VENDORS:

Venue: The Vineyards // Hair: Emily Dawn Artistry // Make Up: Katarina Van Derham // Flowers: Laura Williams of PoppyHill Flowers // Cake: Delicious Bakery // Bridesmaid's Jewelry: Marrin Costello // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Alfred Angelo // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Videographer: Janelle Perusi // Lighting & SoundDiversity Sounds DJ Services by DJ Christopher Tandy // Musical Performers: Cameron & Kelly Brier // Wedding Coordinator: Alice Issac: 00aliceissac00@gmail.com