Hard Rock Riviera Playa | Cancun, Mexico Destination Wedding Photography

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!! 

Jenna & Tim Cancun Wedding 2016 from Katy Jo Caringer on Vimeo.

Daniel + Katlyn | Coronado Island Beach Engagement Session

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

Luxury Meets Red Rock & Agate Details | L'Auberge, Sedona AZ

Laura & Rodrigo were gems of clients this past year. With crazy professional schedules and their proclivity for travel,  their destination wedding planning process was punctuated with long pauses and an understood need to trust her vendors implicitly. As travel photographers, Makayla & I are familiar with the strain -- the sense of "I'm not fully in control." There is an inherent unpredictability in destination weddings and nerves that come with it. We aim to be a salve to that anxiety and are thrilled to work alongside vendors that take that similar stance.

 //VENDORS//

Wedding & Reception Venue: L'Auberge de Sedona Creekhouse // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator, Designer & Stylist team: Imoni Events // Florist: Foster-Wright Floral Design // Gown Boutique: Chantilly Place // Groom’s Tux: 1701 Bespoke // Groom's Bow Ties: Brackish Bow Ties // Groom’s Ring: Furrer Jacot // Hair & Makeup: Carrie Kacen // Bride’s Bracelet: Marco Bicego // Bride’s Ring: Jordan Widdes Jewelry // Caterer: L'Auberge de Sedona // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Cake Topper: Creation Bay // DJ/Band: Sweetwater Strings // Officiant: Anthony Flesch // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Jeep Rides: Pink Adventure Tours // Stationary Suite (invitaiton & menus & logo design) Eleven Note // Calligraphy on agate stones: White Ink Calligraphy // Mr & Mrs. Chair Signs: ZCreate Design

The morning of their wedding Laura & Rodrigo treated their wedding guests to the infamous Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona. Megan, Makayla & I split up into different guests' jeeps and caught a few slices of thrill, antics and a few screams to top it off.

Guests returned to the L'Auberge and started the primping process.

The prelude time before the ceremony was ripe with anticipation. The way Rodrigo was visibly nervous but composed was heart-warming.

“We are excited to bring our families & friends together in such a beautiful area. I cant wait to see him standing in front of everyone and have our moment when we first see each other. I just tear up thinking about it...Top priority for our photographer is to capture those moments for us so we can have them always. - Laura, Bride”

and as they paused their prelude to grab an intimate, secluded first moment together...the day eased, rodrigo relaxed as his eyes sparkled looking his bride up and down. that moment was crazy beautiful...

L & R parted ways and the media team made their way up to the top of L'Auberge's prime outlook spot where the red rock stood proudly in the distance. Design elements and classy metallic nuances merged the natural aesthetic with a modern sheen. Guests sprinkled in and the ceremony began with a deep breath. From that first look down the aisle to the vows to the kiss, guests and vendors alike felt the undercurrent of gratitude and respect the couple had for each other. 

The remainder of the evening was filled with delicious food accented with attention to detail and the sweet affection and hospitality of the bride and groom.

(Real Feedback Post Wedding....)

LKM: Laura! Rodrigo! Pictures are all ready to go!! Here is the link to preview the release

 Bride: OMG! MORE!!!! I'm crying again!!!!! love love love! seriously crying as soon as opened them. what is wrong with me!? thank you!!!!

LKM: Oh you are so precious! #BESTREACTIONEVER

And for the finale, here is Laura & Rodrigo’s beautiful wedding video by Gavyn Gates Cinematography.

Thank you so much Rodrigo & Laura for trusting us with your beautiful wedding weekend celebration! It was such a joy to see your deep sense of joy in hosting, gifting and celebrating with your friends and family! Cheers! | LKM & CO

 //VENDORS//

Wedding & Reception Venue: L'Auberge de Sedona Creekhouse // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator, Designer & Stylist team: Imoni Events // Florist: Foster-Wright Floral Design // Gown Boutique: Chantilly Place // Groom’s Tux: 1701 Bespoke // Groom's Bow Ties: Brackish Bow Ties // Groom’s Ring: Furrer Jacot // Hair & Makeup: Carrie Kacen // Bride’s Bracelet: Marco Bicego // Bride’s Ring: Jordan Widdes Jewelry // Caterer: L'Auberge de Sedona // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Cake Topper: Creation Bay // DJ/Band: Sweetwater Strings // Officiant: Anthony Flesch // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Jeep Rides: Pink Adventure Tours // Stationary Suite (invitaiton & menus & logo design) Eleven Note // Calligraphy on agate stones: White Ink Calligraphy // Mr & Mrs. Chair Signs: ZCreate Design

"Our love is the thrill of adventurous exploration with no fear of being lost because I will always have your hand to hold."
-Leo Christopher

Scott + Mandy | Sedona Golf Resort | Arizona Destination Wedding

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

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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

Kyle + Megan | Interlachen Country Club Modern Wedding | Orlando, FL

Kyle + Megan were a certain kind of wonderful to work with. (See their engagement session here and here) Below is essentially their personal feedback on all the facets of their wedding day — their vision and their vendors. I’ll let their words speak for themselves! For starters, when Megan originally connected with us, she wrote down some of her vision:

I'm calling my theme (for my wedding) "modern tropical". No stereotypical hibiscus flowers, but tons of palms and other touches of Florida in the food. It will be a destination wedding for half (I'm from Kentucky) so I want my guests to feel like they're on vacation. I want a tangible artifact I can take with me from my wedding. I'm most excited about candid moments. I don't like over-posed shots (bridesmaids going gah-gah over my ring, etc.) I want to also make sure everyone who attends get captured at some point, so focusing on the crowd at the ceremony, reaction shots, etc. I of course want gorgeous photos of me and my soon to be husband, too, that we can display in our home.

// VENDORS //

Prep Venue: The Alfond Inn // Ceremony & Reception Venue: Interlachen Country Club // Coordinator: Sonya with Busy Bride Wedding Design // Gown: One & Only Bridal Boutique // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie // Bridesmaid’s Gifts: Olive & Piper // MUAH: Makeover Station // Florist: Fairbanks Florist // Caterer: Interlachen Country Club // Cake Artist: Sprinkles // Musicians: Classern Quartet // DJ: Blast Productions // Photo Booth: Blast Booth // Videogrpaher: Gavyn Gates Cinema // Signature cocktail signage: Jes Married // Invitations & Signage: Paper Goat Post // Card box and hexagon ring boxes: West Elm

The Alfond Inn provided our room block for our wedding guests, and also served as our bridal brunch location within Hamilton's Kitchen and our getting ready room. My guests loved the boutique feel of the hotel, and were amazed by the quality for the price! They provided my husband and myself with special surprised along the way, including a room upgrade, free champagne and Winter Park chocolates, and a free one night stay for our 1st anniversary! We cannot wait to relive the memories of our wedding! … Also note…. Fairbanks Florist--what more can I say about Lana that hasn't been said before? My bouquet was insane. I've never seen such a bountiful bouquet, which captured my tastes while presenting a one of a kind work of art. Everything Lana did was first class all the way.
Interlachen Country Club was our dream venue. The staff are incredibly professional. Working in events, I am aware that some food tasting may not be representative of the actual food quality and presentation on the actual wedding day. The food and drinks at ICC were even more delicious and beautifully presented on the day of the wedding!~ Megan

Laura and her team arrived several hours early on our wedding day, which alleviated our time crunch and added more content to our story. She was so generous with her time, and she even presented me with a meaningful gift to remember her and her team by!
Laura was and is truly fearless. She loves to take a chance on what could end up being a perfect shot. She embraced the unpredictable Central Florida weather and found alternatives to our planned outdoor ceremony….Laura is a true professional. A fun, genuine, adventurous one at that! Be open with her about your priorities. She will hone in on those for sure. Be willing to take a photo that you may be originally weary of--it may turn out to be the best one! She has a creative eye and is someone to be trusted! ~ Megan & Kyle

A few other vendor shout outs…. Blast Productions is hands down the nicest, high quality DJ and Photo Booth vendor in the area. I recommend them every chance I can!
Sprinkles Custom Cakes created the cake of our dreams! They cake was visually stunning, adapting a very expensive design into something that fit our budget but still sticking with the look we were going for. Most importantly, the cake was absolutely delicious! We look forward to receiving our anniversary cake and reliving that memory on our 1 year anniversary. ~ Megan & Kyle

“I wanted to have beautiful posed shots of Kyle and myself. Most importantly, I wanted Laura to capture candids of our wedding party and guests. The team photographed us with nearly everyone at the wedding, and I'm so glad we can look back at the photos and remember the support we had from family and friends who were in attendance.” - Megan

Kyle + Megan,

Truly you guys were such a joy to work with. The way you compliment each other and the way you cared for your guests and the caliiber of hospitality—it was SUCH A joy to be part of your wedding day and an honor to tell yoru love story!

// VENDORS //

Prep Venue: The Alfond Inn // Ceremony & Reception Venue: Interlachen Country Club // Coordinator: Sonya with Busy Bride Wedding Design // Gown: One & Only Bridal Boutique // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie // Bridesmaid’s Gifts: Olive & Piper // MUAH: Makeover Station // Florist: Fairbanks Florist // Caterer: Interlachen Country Club // Cake Artist: Sprinkles // Musicians: Classern Quartet // DJ: Blast Productions // Photo Booth: Blast Booth // Videogrpaher: Gavyn Gates Cinema // Signature cocktail signage: Jes Married // Invitations & Signage: Paper Goat Post // Card box and hexagon ring boxes: West Elm

Here is the full highlight video from Gavyn Gates Cinematography — our amazing wedding videographer who globe trots and captures love stories with LKM.

This wedding was elegant, beautiful, and full of LOVE. Thank you so much Megan and Kyle for letting us shoot your beautiful Orlando wedding! If you loved this video don't forget to leave a thumbs up and subscribe to stay up to date on everything GGC including tutorials, wedding videos, and many many vlogs.

Austin + Stephanie | Carnton Plantation DIY Wedding | Nashville, TN

This Nashville wedding was one of those treasures. Austin + Stephanie wanted “their people” to be the center focus and they intently set out to create an entire weekend of enjoying friends and family to the hilt. Set at the beautiful historical wedding venue Carnton Planation, A + S put together a delightfully DIY spread of southern chic meets personal touches and nostalgia. Here are highlights from this stormy bagpipe playing, collaborative, southern-inspired, historical-nuanced, DIY sprinkled nashville tennessee wedding. :)

I (Stephanie) had met Laura while a bridesmaid at a different wedding and fell in love with her and all of the beautiful photos we saw afterward. I showed Austin and we both agreed we loved her style the best, as it seemed to always be story-telling focused, which was what we were after. - Stephanie, Bride

// VENDORS //

Venue: Carnton Weddings // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Gown: Morilee Bridal Boutique // MakeUp: Sarah Kay Makeup // Hair: Hair by Ashley // Bakery: @redheadedladybakery // DJ: DJ Connection // Catering: Daily Dish Events // Suite: iTailor // Invitations and Signs: Southern Shop Designs // Event Rentals: Southern Events Online // Musicians: Trapped on Earth Music // Uplighting: Bright Event Productions // Bagpipes: Nashville Musicians 

FIRST LOOK….For a year prior, wedding emails were often peppered with conversations about whether or not to do a first look. Going back and forth, A + S finally settled on a compromise — they would do a first look without seeing each other. The blacked out aviator sunglasses with white-out and prior to the wedding did a super sweet exchange of gifts, letters and some super energetic wedding party pictures. We were skeptical about the logistics at first but from head bumps to laughter to “i can’t see you but i can touch you” romance… this was a highlight of the day.

Rain was foreboding. And yet… the ceremony — right before she walked down the aisle — the sprinkles subsided and it was actually a pretty incredible moment.

We were able to swoop away and dodge the rain for some beautiful portraits in Carnton Plantation’s garden. The wedding guests welcomed the two party animals and the rest of the evening moved into a thriving party with live dancing, reunion selfies, delicious food and memories to last a lifetime.

“Our cake was made by @redheadedladycreations (see her instagram!) and it was absolutely beautiful, not to mention delicious! A year later, it was just as good and you better believe we ate every crumb! We also loved having Trapped On Earth play as our wedding band! They helped us tailor a super fun set list that was exactly what we wanted. They’re all amazing musicians, command a wide range of styles and they were willing to learn new tunes for us. They were just awesome and Laura helped capture some amazing photos of them!” ~ Stephanie, Bride

Austin + Stephanie, what a treat to get to know you over the past year and be so moved by your deep affection for your friends and family. Thank you for trusting us with such a special weekend in your lives and letting us “join the family” and capture such precious moments! // LKM

// VENDORS //

Venue: Carnton Weddings // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Gown: Morilee Bridal Boutique // MakeUp: Sarah Kay Makeup // Hair: Hair by Ashley // Bakery: @redheadedladybakery // DJ: DJ Connection // Catering: Daily Dish Events // Suite: iTailor // Invitations and Signs: Southern Shop Designs // Event Rentals: Southern Events Online // Musicians: Trapped on Earth Music // Uplighting: Bright Event Productions // Bagpipes: Nashville Musicians

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REVIEW FROM THE BRIDE

Llamas & Cocktails | San Antonio Wedding

San Antonio’s Dominion Country Club was a classy dream of a wedding venue. Between cobblestone , adobe tile and sweeping spanish architecture with domed skylights, the historical location was the backdrop to a lively evening. Below are highlights of this lovely “May the 4th” spring wedding in San Antonio, Texas… oh, and be warned, the force was alive and well with this dance party.

VENDORS

Venue: The Dominion Country Club // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal //

MUAH: Jax Studio // Florist: Botanika // Cake: Cakes by Cathy //DJ: Future Sounds DJ

The day began with leasure pampering by the ladies of San Antonio’s well-known makeup and hair team: Jax Studio. We grabbed lunch at Kneaders and then made our way for our traditional mass ceremony at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Immediately following were family portraits before everybody dispersed to the reception venue.

Once at Dominion Country Club, L + V surprised guests with a llama and cocktails while the wedding party did some fancy portraits in the sunbeams around the beautiful wedding venue’s property.

Dinner started promptly and a rockin’ dance party followed quickly therafter.

Luis & Veronica, you and your friends were a hoot and we are honored to have been a part of your love story this past year and capture such fun and energetic pictures that capture the thrill of your day! // Laura & Nikita (p.s. shout out to second shooter Niki who rocked it with her macro and dance floor storytelling skills. It is always both humbling and totally excited to get two artists together and share a whole portfolio of perspective! You are a joy to shoot with friend!)

VENDORS

Venue: The Dominion Country Club // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal // MUAH: Jax Studio // Florist: Botanika // Cake: Cakes by Cathy //DJ: Future Sounds DJ 

Parin + Shiragi | Arizona Indian Wedding | Day 3

The third day of a traditional indian wedding is the most epic and anticipated day! (to see Day One and Day Two go here and here) For our bride and groom, the day started early in the hills of Tucson, Arizona. The girls and guys were getting ready in their separate suits at Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resorts where we found them buzzing around sorting ALL the details and grand ensemble that goes into an indian bride and groom’s wedding wardrobe. We grabbed a few details, navigated some drama, flexed the timeline and brushed off the stress. It was time to get married…

/ VENDORS //

Venue: Westward Look Wydnham Resort Tucson // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Videography: Fine Art Productions // Event Design & Decor: MM Celebrations LLC // Grah Shanti, Mehendi, and Garba Hair and Makeup: Blushed by Ish // Wedding Hair and Makeup: Makiaj Beauty // Wedding and Grah Shanti Outfit: Ekaya  // Reception Outfit: Shyamal and Bhumika // Garba Outfit: Swati Manish // Parfum: Valentino // Shoes: “a random stall in india” // Reception Flats: Keds // Rangoli & Other Design Details: Nisha Tailor Interior Designer // Tesla: Turo // Famous Singer & Band: Bhavin Shastri & Group // Famous Flutist- Anis Chandani // Famous Female Vocalist: Dhara Shah // Famous male singer- Dharmesh Chauhan

BARAAT

The groom and his family came riding in on a horse-drawn carriage with his entire family dancing around like crazy in zealous Baraat fashion. Parin made his way to the entrance of the wedding venue and met the Mother of the Bride who applied tilak and performs aarti to rid him of any evil eyes cast upon him. He then waited under the Mandap for Shiragi to exchange garlands—a lively, fun moment followed by a sudden whooping and hollering. “We got them! we got them” was heard from a cluster of bridesmaids. You’ll see below just WHAT extent the bridesmaids were willing to go to steal the groom’s shoes…

CEREMONY

The actual wedding ceremony is serious, respectful and attended by all. While the groom waited to see as his bride approached, Iwas taken off guard when i noticed dad’s first look of his daughter. Shiragi and Santosh had an incredibly sweet bond and the presentation of the bride was super emotional for everybody in the room. When the curtain covering Parin was dropped, he choked up and the rest of the ceremony was filled with tears and laughter all mixed together.

VIDAI

The Vidai is a goodbye ceremony of the bride bidding farewell to her family and leaving of her maternal home. It was emphasized that “this was going to be super emotional” as it is considered one of the most sentimental outbursts. Santosh was the last in line to hug his daughter. The tradition is for brother and cousins of the Bride help push the vehicle as an indication of their acceptance of the couple’s new life together and adventure forward. The female friends and relatives of the bride playfully stand in front of the car to “keep them from leaving.” All the symbolism was rich and constantly honoring the family and the life being left behind and the joy they anticipated forward. It was crazy beautiful.

RECEPTION

The ceremony was followed by family portraits, then a private lunch and then PREP time for the grand finale — the reception. Set at the Tucson Convention Center, the design and catering team did a phenomenal job serving and keeping the flow of event moving and engaging. With fog machines, light up drums, lazer shows and a massive light-up dance floor…it was an experience for everybody. Bride & groom surprised people with a zealous dance performance but Santosh raise the glass and the bar when the finale included a burst of sparks and fire machines heralded the new life and adventure.

What a privilege to be invited into this crazy intense celebration. Shiragi & Parin, we will FOREVER be greatfull and honored that you and your families trusted the LKM team to come be part of your wedding celebration! What a treasure and highlight of our year! We are excited to see you guys again in July in Chicago!

// BRIDE’S REVIEW //

“Photographers hold tremendously unique roles within a wedding. Typically, they do not personally know anyone on either side, but are still responsible for capturing the most precious moments of two people’s lives. Laura and her team broke this stigma. During our wedding, not only did the LKM team do a fantastic job with their photography, they were family. And when we say “family”, we truly mean some of the most important people at our wedding.

“From Day 1 (and even before the festivities started) Laura and her team showed a supreme interest in (our) wedding. Their excitement and passion only heightened enthusiasm for our special weekend. With every click and with every scream for joy, this wedding hands down would not have been as successful without the LKM photographers. The positivity of the team, the willingness to go above and beyond, and the ability to accommodate all sorts of crazy requests demonstrated professionalism and expertise. Although this was LKM’s first Hindu wedding, they did not show any semblance of confusion and it felt like they had done this type of event a thousand times before…Everyone in both our families has been to hundreds of Hindu weddings in the past, but we can guarantee that no one has ever experienced anything like with Laura and her team. The photographers infused energy, laughter, and vibrancy into every guest. Their aura and presence changed any mood for the better. And do not get us started on the quality of the photos. They are absolutely gorgeous! They embody the true spirit and capture every timeless moment of the weekend. Thank you so much to Laura and her team of excellent photographers for making a huge impact on our wedding! We would highly recommend the LKM team to anyone looking for photographers who genuinely care about their clients and who have the absolute best personalities!” ~ Shiragi, Bride

Amir Thakkar from Fine Art Productions shared this lovely video from their wedding weekend! Enjoy!