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!! 

Fall leaves in Sedona | Arizona Engagement Session

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The air was crisp. The colors were out. These two were childlike and full of dance and play.

Funny story behind the scenes of this session…right at the very end I caught a barbed wire that was about shin height and took a spill. I hit my head on a rock and nailed my knee while twisting my ankle. Tommy is an ankle and foot surgeon and immediately went into doctor mode. Checking my vision and asking me, to describe my pain…he cautiously gave me a go-ahead. I was shooting a wedding later than afternoon and more concerned about the gear I had nearly smashed on the boulder. As I hobbled back to the hotel my husband said, “looks like you had fun.”

Also on a side note, they sent me when I knew Tommy + Kara would be such a fun couple when i received their first “get to know you” questionnaire. The specificity endeared me immediately.

Q. Describe your favorite dinner?

A. cooking over open campfire

Q. What is your top 2 favorite deserts?

A. baklava and chocolate chip cookie

Q. What vegetable do you love? hate?

A. We love baby spinach, brussel sprouts. Dislike bittermelon

Q. Pick your favorite types of date:

movie at home. cuddles on a couch

stay at home in pjs with a good book...at least we're in the same room!

anything new and adventurous! we are all about experimenting and experiencing new things

Q. Pick the type of gifts that you love the most:

a surprise get-away with my honey

something hand-made and thoughtful like that

Q. What book are you currently (or recently finished) reading?

A. Clinical Scenarios in Surgery. Atlas of Foot and Ankle Anatomy

Q. Describe a perfect day off:

A. hiking and setting up a hammock to read

Q. If you could redo any date or design a date you wish you had had, what would that look like and why?

A. Astronomy observatory , this was our first date.

Q. If you could adventure anywhere together, where would you go and why?

A. All the National Parks, we are slowing hitting each one

Q. What is the most random thing about you/you both that would be fun for us to know?

A. Tommy has bilateral single palmer crease. Kara has bifurcated uvula

Kelly + Nolan | Jeffersonville, Vermont

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The Barn at Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont was such a fun treat of a venue. Unsuspecting and surrounded by the green mountains, the summer day was perfect and full of sunbeams and laughter. Here are highlights from Nolan and Kelly’s wedding In Vermont. To see more of our Vermont weddings and vendors we appreciate, go HERE.

VENDORS

Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // second shooter: Makayla w/LKM // Event Planning: Leather & Lace Event Planning // Bride’s Dress: Show Me Your Mumu // Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch // DJ: Green Taylor Ensemble // MUAH: Elizabeth England Studios // Florist: Nectar and Root // Hair: Jessica Murphy Studios // Catering: Cast Iron Catering // Cake Artist: North Country Cakes // Videographers: AMP Creatives // Officiant: Carmen George

Q. Describe the style/theme/motif/vibe that you are aiming for on your wedding day

A. Summer day in Vermont, mountain views, a lot of greenery and flowers. Neutral tones, theme colors are sage, beige, white and gold. Vintage, simple, classy. Formal but relaxed.

VENDORS

Photography: Laura K Moore Photography /// second shooter: Makayla w/LKM // Event Planning: Leather & Lace Event Planning // Bride’s Dress: Show Me Your Mumu // Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch // DJ: Green Taylor Ensemble // MUAH: Elizabeth England Studios // Florist: Nectar and Root // Hair: Jessica Murphy Studios // Catering: Cast Iron Catering // Cake Artist: North Country Cakes // Videographers: AMP Creatives // Officiant: Carmen George

Daniel + Katlyn | Coronado Island Beach Engagement Session

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Laura is an absolute gem to work with! She is so full of passion for her art of photography and breathes life into the images she takes. Not only does she have an eye for capturing the tender and fun moments but she allows you to feel so at ease and truly just enjoy the experience. She does an excellent job of giving clear direction so you know where to look, place your hands, smile, etc. It is undeniable that she has so much experience as she makes the whole shoot feel effortless. My fiancé and I couldn’t stop laughing (we are pretty silly) and she was right there laughing at/with us and making us feel completely ourselves. The pictures she captured for our engagement are moments that we will treasure forever. We cannot wait to have her there to celebrate our wedding day and see just how magical and special she will make it!! ~ Katelyn, Bride

Joshua + Christy | Loews Ventana Canyon Wedding | Arizona Photographer

This fresh desert wedding at Lows Ventana Canyon was modified for Covid but just as precious. Joshua + Christy both work in the medical field and were particularly intentional about navigating a celebration to usher their wedding in and navigated the sacrifices and compromises so graciously.

Q. Describe the style/theme/motif/vibe that you are aiming for on your wedding day
Mountain/desert, maybe with flares of adventure. Probably succulents and mason jars. Brunch (breakfast tacos!). A nod to our love of the outdoors, to Tucson and the desert we met in.

Q. What is the most important thing to you when it comes to wedding photography? What kind of images/style are you most excited about?
Definitely a shot of us down the aisle, capturing the emotions of the moment, getting our family. Capturing the story of the day and its inherent celebration and emotion.

Groomsmen Gift + Party Bag Ideas

Gifting dudes is hard. Finding a gift or party presentation that doesn’t scream “my lady friend helped me with this” is a tough task. So when grooveyGuyGifts.com got in touch with me, it was a vendor collab I couldn’t resist. They sent me a bag to sample and said, “only if you like it, vouch for us and say something cool and you can keep it.” So i got it, the COMBAT COOLER SPECIFICALLY and gifted it to my husband with the question… do you think men would like this?

The monogram, the color, the fit and the style of the bag is masculine, well built, well lined and waterproof. Considering that my husband has used it as a cooler MULTIPLE times for a couple evenings camping and fireside with some whiskey and good conversation—this is not manipulated opinion. My man loved the color and said, “yea, that would be a sweet gift to get as a dude.” Success! And legit fist bump to this crazy intentional company who actually says great product for an audience of men hoping they might get a gift as cool as the girls’ . Come on guys, we can do better. Wow and woo with groovyguysgifts.com. AND check out the rest of their recent updated inventory!

John + Haley | A Tucson Covid Wedding

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John and Haley were one of our covid weddings that decided to lean into the changes and still effort to make their wedding precious. Below are highlights from their simple but special day.

Featured Tucson Wedding Vendors:

MUAH: Heather Van Houten // Wedding Gown: J Bridal Boutique // Flowers: Kalae Floral Artistry // Cake: Village Bakehouse // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography

From the bride: One of my highlights from having Laura be our photographer was her clear mask so you could see her smile! Ha! It made a huge difference. Also her helping me navigate this weird covid wedding stuff but telling me I should get all the shots I want as if the wedding happening later wasn't happening which ended up being the case!

A couple vendors I especially want to mention is Kalae Floral Artistry. Erin, the owner, is a friend who just made a bouquet for me since it was such a simple wedding. I regret all the incredible details we weren’t able to nail from our planned wedding but she still made that bouquet so special. Also, J Bridal Boutique!!! The dress shopping experience was amazing! They are incredible!!

Also side note about photography..you won't regret hiring LKM! The energy, care, and professionalism she offers while also making you feel comfortable and at ease is incredible. The editing and photography style is also out of this world. ~ Haley Henry, Bride

John & Haley, you handled ALL The pivots and changes and disapointments with such grace! I can’t wait to see you in February 2021 for our bridal shoot up on the mountain. Way to forge into uncharted territories as we fight to preserve what is special, surrender what is extra and lean into the eternal! You guys are awesome :) - LKM

p.s. below are a few behind the scenes clips captured for my friends :)

Scott + Melanie | Bright & Cheerful | Desert Engagement Session

To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life. ~ Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

These two just announced that they are havin’ their first little one in Janaury! What a treasure these two were to work with in the last couple years. Summer shooting has taken a pause the last couple months but their sunrise engagement pictures get me eager to open back up. I never got around to sharing their session so here are a few golden highlights. :)

Shayne + Allison | Backyard Wedding in New England

Shayne + Allison | Backyard Wedding in New England

Allison’s dream was always to get married in her mom’s backyard and when we arrive, we couldn’t have agreed with her more…

Tyler + Jenny | Desert Engagement

Tyler + Jenny | Desert Engagement

Tyler + Jenny have had to wade through one heck of a season of unknowns as they were supposed to have their wonderfully large and lovely wedding …