Texture Tuesday | Random Desert Weeds...

After the Tiggas Family session last week, i was driving home and the evening sunbeams caught these weeds on the side of the road. Wanted to share a few of them just because :) 

Oh, and hey, happy cold weather Tucson. We're pushin' mid 70s over here folks. Grab a parka! | LKM

so as i was wrapping the edits of these few textures, my husband Lawson insisted i take that first weed and make it a hard core black and white.... they are the exact same image.... which is your favorite? 

Tiggas Family | Holiday Mini Session | Tucson, Arizona

I met Kandice as a fellow kindergarden mom last year. Over the year, from a distance, I have enjoyed watching the way both she and Matt clearly tag-teamed with the kids...love them together. work together. I love that this session captured a little bit of the tag-teaming as well as #madduxmax's awesome giggles, Micah's nurturing big-brother heart, Capri's fantastic free spirit...and even some sweet kisses between mom and dad. What a sweet, intense season of young life!

oh! And since I just received Kandice's ever-so-thoughftul review a few days ago, here are a few of their thoughts from the session! 

What were key moments that stood out to you during your session / wedding day?: Getting kids to smile for an hour long session isn't easy, and LKM was not only able to get their full attention but she managed to capture their TRUE smiles and their real moments.

What were your highlights about working with LKM?: Throughout the session there was never a moment that felt awkward. Sometimes the camera seems intimidating but LKM made us feel comfortable and she knew what to say to us to get the perfect smile, giggle or big laugh. I loved that she encouraged the kids to just be kids, by playing games and letting them explore with no restrictions, you were there to capture whatever they were going to throw at you!

What would you tell a future client interested in hiring LKM?: If you are looking to capture your real life moments, put your best suit on and let Laura take care of the rest! 

Thank you so much Tiggas Family! Here are a few of their mini session highlights...

Tucson's Red Bird of Paradise | "Our Little Desert Peacock" | Arizona-Sonoran Wildlife | Texture Tuesday

As everything shrivels a little in the heat of desert's summer, this fancy plant is cheerful, resilient and so very stubborn. 

I really like these flowers. 

And to get a bit nerdy on y'all.... the Red Bird of Paradise is scientifically dubbed Caesalpinia pulcherrima and part of the pea family. It also goes by Pride of Barbados, Poinciana, Peacock Flower, Dwarf Poinciana, and Flamboyan-De-Jardin (translation: Flamboyant Garden).  

Ironwood Blossoms | Arizona Sonoran Desert Plantlife | Texture Tuesday

I'm a desert dweller. Have been for 3 years. And my project on desert textures continues to unearth a growing respect for the arid environment. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum explains, "Ironwood ranks among the most ecologically and economically important plant species in the region. Ironwood functions as a “nurse plant” and a “habitat-modifying keystone species” of benefit to many other species of flora and fauna." 

At the risk of sounding nerdy and/or religious, I've been thinking about the parallel between agriculture and personal growth. One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is John 15. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."  What if we were to recognize that we too were a most ecologically and economically important specie? What if we were to be a "nurse plant"; a "habitat-modifying keystone specie of benefit to many other species..." 

What if we sought out community as if our root systems were tethered; connected and dependent on each other to grow and flourish. What if we cared enough about the people around us to feed each other; meet each other where they were. What if we, ourselves, readily accepted pruning where we needed help (growth) and rest in the confidence that it meant we were alive; capable of flourishing...

....I might have stretched into a super existential place that you didn't bargain for when you clicked on a pretty picture of pink blossoms. So take it as you may. Think deeply. Appreciate beauty. See things differently...about your home, your land, your life. Or not, and you can simply check out interesting desert textures that caught my eye this past shooting season. 

These texture shots were captured at Bryce & Caroline's wedding up in Scottsdale at El Chorro. I'll be posting their incredibly detail-oriented, organically-delightful, creative, classy wedding super duper soon...

Sonoran Ironwood | Scottsdale, CA | Texture Tuesday | www.laurakmoore.com

Ironwood. Creosote. Cool leaves that i didn't identify. | Scottsdale, AZ | Sonoran Desert Textures | laurakmoore.com

(for more textures search under "texture tuesday")

p.s. thank you to a handful of friends who helped identify this Ironwood via a facebook request for help. That was pretty cool. 

Charlie + Ronika | El Presidio / Tucson Museum of Art Wedding

Charlie & Ronika's Wedding Day Story 

The Details, Behind the Scenes, Memories and Vendor Highlights that made this day extraordinary 

Prep began at the bride's parent's home, surrounded by ladies she loved. The weather was bizarre and stormy. Bridal portraits were done in parent's backyard. Giggles and Fireball whiskey were passed around before the caravan headed downtown.

Downtown at Tucson Museum of Art, the ladies waited while crowds arrived across the street. Katie McClain of Posh Petals arrived with the flowers...

I have never had a favorite flower but thanks to Pinterest I was able to get an idea of my dream bouquet. Katie’s passion alone had me entranced, so fun and bubbly with so much knowledge and advice. She was helpful and determined to help me create the perfect bouquet. The bouquets turned out beautiful looking perfectly spring filled. Charlie and I wanted to stick by our native plants choosing cacti and succulents for the centers pieces. Everything was absolutely beautiful. 

Bridal party enjoyed some fancy poses until dad arrived and he saw Ronika for the first time...Their wasn't a dry eye after...including myself...

Charlie had started the day off right, breakfast with his best bud, then a man trip to the club for some hot tub and steam room time. As the day went on he worried about is bride to be with the unpredictable weather, was she freaking out? All he wanted to do was comfort his bride. As he kicked back some Manhattans with the guys, she was still lingering in his thoughts. From putting on the crazy socks, a Ware tradition, to tying the dress ties and swallowing the last gulp of Manhattan Charlie was ready to greet his bride. The boys walked form the historic Hotel Congress to the ceremony they passed a few guests driving past them. It was awesome to be cheered be passing guests, with lots of whoops and whistles. 

The weather was cloudy skies and as we drove to the ceremony it started to pour in that moment I surrendered to God knowing Charlie was the man for me and how our outside day of events would somehow be nothing short of perfect. The time had come and it may have been sprinkling rain as I walked down the aisle arm and arm with my dad but no one could have wiped the enormous grin from my face. It was happening now and I was determined to be in this moment and I was. All I could register were Charlie’s eyes.

Charlie could hardly stand the suspense now he could slightly see his bride sitting in a turquoise restored 1960 Impala. He watched her walked toward him and just before she was to handed to him he jumped the gun and reached for her hand before it was given. ( that was a super cute moment during the ceremony. see below...)

Family stayed behind and lingered in the El Presidio Courtyard while sunbeams came out with a fanfare full of joy. Family portraits were a blast. Everybody just laughed and laughed. Family Formals are always a little like herding cats but mix in a bit o' humor and funny uncles and a spirit of "best day ever" and you get some pretty wonderful moments...

Downtown sparkled with dew and celebration. While the wedding party wrapped up their show at favorite restaurant La Cocina, bride and groom stayed behind to take a few more pictures alone. 

Megan Crain of MC Events helped design and coordinate Charlie & Ronika's wedding day. Here are some of their thoughts about her role in their wedding day...

Charlie and I decided we wanted to celebrate our wedding with everyone we love. We saw our wedding as a day of celebration and wanted to be the best celebration/ party ever! With our guest list reaching near 300 people I wanted to get the best deals and explore all my options when it came to food entertainment and décor costs. When we met with Meagan it was a no brainer that she would be worth investing in. Meagan directed me with all the essential guidelines as far as questions and timelines I needed to answer and create. She worked hard for me to get the best prices so I could stay within my budget. 

And then the party began. Guests got settled in, wedding party introduced, and bride and groom came rejoicing in, danced and dinner...

Caterer Carte Blanche was willing to be creative giving us a traditional Mexican menu with a exotic modern twist. Prickly pear meatballs and veggie stuffed quesadillas for the cocktail hour. I loathe the time between a ceremony and reception with no food. Everyone’s thinking whose table is going to get served first, so I insisted on hefty appetizers during the cocktail hour. Our experience with Carte Blanche was awesome and I love their promise that there will always be more than enough food. It is pricey to feed 300 guests but Carte Blanche made it possible to feed my guests a delicious appetizers and meals until their tummies were stuffed, all while staying within budget. 

During consults the year preceding wedding time, Charlie & Ronika MOST talked about their day being relaxed, natural, uncontrived, non-cheesy, celebratory and totally 'them.' When the floor was opened, people danced...and danced...and laughed...and danced. I even got off the clock and was invited to stay and hit the floor too! 

We wanted to party the night away dancing with all our favorite people. DJ Andrew Wagner of Tucson's Muse DJ learned our taste in music and really listened to all of our requests. He set up a sharp sound system and provided us a never ending selection of tunes!

Of course every bride wants to look fabulous on her wedding day and look back at the pictures in awe. Well Laura K Moore Photography was my top pick. She is able to get people to come out of their head while in front of a camera. I knew she would be able to capture the best shots. Turns out I was right the photos are ridiculously amazing; from happy, to sexy, to goofy and precious we got every emotion of that spectacular day captured--so full of life and real emotions! I got my dream wedding photographer. Enough said.

Overjoyed to share this story. To know these people. To consider them friends. Thank you for letting me be part of this whole process of planning and delighting. You guys are awesome :) 

If you want to see more work or keep tabs on what LKM is doing... click on the follow tabs in the right column. | Joy, LKM

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VENDORS

Dress: Alfred Angelos // Bridesmaid's Dresses: Alfred Angelos // Bride's Shoes: Dillards // Hair Sylist: Gaetanas Salon // Groomsmen's Suits: Jos A. Bank // Catering: Carte Blanc // Florist: Posh Petals // Coordinator: Meagan Crain of MC Events // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Ceremony Location: El Presidio Court Yard // Reception Location: Tucson Museum of Art // DJ: Andrew Wagner of Muse DJ // After-party Location: La Cocina

P.S. And just for fun, if you missed Charlie & Ronika's precious, casual, stupid-sexy engagement session, go here

Lantana Bush | "Wild Type Spanish Flag" | Sonoran Desert Plant | Texture Tuesday

ruth be told, one of my most recent desert textures is called "the wild type spanish flag." No joke. I figured it only appropriate...Lots of things happened for Spain last week...(and it's not just Chile's fault.) 

This bush is right outside our apartment. The sun sets behind it perfectly. Almost every evening I'm out near it, smelling the its rich, thick honey waft while kids ride their bikes in the courtyard.

My condolences Spain...here is a hug. a historical salute. a solid handshake. a bouquet of wild spanish flags and a solid dose of honey air. If I knew how to send you a gift, i'd send someone important and symbolic a gift...a fine art canvas large and glowing like a bouquet of remembrance and transition. | LKM 

"Honey Air" by LKM | Lantana Bush | "Wild Type Spanish Flag" | Sonoran Desert Plant | 16 x 20 Giclee Canvas Print: $150

Tucson Botanical Gardens | Ng Family Portraits

It's almost Father's Day and this dad's interaction with his daughters were some of my most favorites taken all year. It was my first time shooting in Tucson Botanical Gardens and I could barely contain my excitement. It was pretty darn dreamy. And with these girls so bright eyed and bright colored, it was a pretty special session experience.

Here is the NG family. Full of joy and such a gentle, patient family. 

Ocotillo: Sonoran Desert's "Flaming Sword" | Texture Tuesday

For a plant that is often called the "vine cactus" and used as "fencing" because its spiny arms keep intruders out, the Ocotillo's springtime blooms are amazing bursts of color. It actually goes by other names like Candlewood, Slimwood, Coach Whip or Jacob's Staff. But personally, I prefer "Flaming Sword." Little fiery blossoms of surprise and life. 

It's like people, right? Sometimes you just don't give them enough credit and suddenly they bloom forth and you step back and think, "Wow! and that was inside of you this whole time? Such life!" 

....the desert is ripe with life lessons.

P.S. I want to print the last one particularly large. Like, the size of a headboard in my daughter's room. :)

Ocotillo Buds n' Blossoms | 20 x 40 Metal Panels - Ready to Mount $220 set

Ocotillo Blossoms | 16 x 20 Fine Art Metal Panel - Ready to Mount $225

Ocotillo Blossom | 60 x 40 Fine Art Giclee Canvas | $525 

HAPPY APRIL! Announcing Spring Sessions 2014!

I still remember my first spring here...i wasn't in a very good spot. 2011 was wrought with painstaking drudgery and the last place I wanted to be was in the desert. And then April hit and I was driving down in a borrowed car on North Houghton, kids cranky in the back, my heart hurting and hating all things dead and brown. Suddenly i passed over a wash and nearly slammed on my breaks. There, for miles, were Palo Verde trees exploding into shades of yellow and happiness. 

It really is incredible. Even on a few unfortunate streets around town, these unsuspecting trees take center stage and remind me that life and happiness are here. You just have to patient for it. 

So Happy April! Take your family out and enjoy the perfect weather. Embrace a little life. And possibly, just maybe, I can meet you there. (And if you're on the fence, go to my FAMILY PORTRAITS page and maybe i'll convince you there. ;) 

Go to my page with SPRING PORTRAIT SESSION DETAILS here.

What if this were printed HUGE and mounted as a headboard? { Texture Tuesday // Sunbeams + Dandylions}

{What if this were printed HUGE and mounted as a headboard? { Texture Tuesday // Sunbeams + Dandylions} I'm not kidding. I think it would be a pretty epic take on 'accent wall' or 'headboard' display. White sheets, flowy white curtains, a cute green clean plant, a dash of shabby chic here and there...i think i'm about to redecorate my bedroom. | lkm