John + Haley | A Tucson Covid Wedding

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. :)

I have never laughed so hard during an engagement session

Jonathan + Krystal were one of our spring weddings that got detoured by the Covid19. As they have had to make some incredibly hard choices their grace and value in the things that are most important have been loud and real. As they have maneuvered the change of plans, these images from their engagement session have seemed to take on more profound value. I am often surprised by how sweet and special engagement pictures become AFTER the wedding. They can quickly be a side thought or some special non-essential icing to the wedding process—but the civilian-clad, real-world, this-is-how-i-look-without-a-white-dress-and-laughing-hard images are the stuff of Gold. I truly don’t think i’ve laughed as much as i did with these two during an engagement session. The sun rose with fierce golden flare only rivaled by their intrinisc eagerness to be real and authentic.

They say as much in their review and it’s sessions like these that remind me that relationship and being real both in front and behind the camera are essential to survival. We love you guys and support you during these crazy times. I hope these images are fierce, potent trreasures for years to come

Session feedback from the bride & groom:

• Q. What was the the 'look' or 'vibe' that you wanted to nail with your engagement session?

  A. Romantic and fun!

• Q. What were you most nervous about leading up to the shoot? What do you care about the most?

  A. We weren't all too nervous about the shoot itself - maybe intrigued at how our perceived awkward selves would look on camera - but Krystal was worried she wouldn't wake up on time since it was a sunrise shoot. We cared most about the three of us connecting - having a good time, getting good direction, and also getting a variety of shots. Also, lighting!

• Q. What were your favorite moments during your shoot? Things that made you laugh or were just plain memorable?

  A. Honestly, we think everything made us laugh. We are gigantic goofs. If we had to highlight some moments though, we'd say: the moment you asked us to make a really ugly face at the same time = GOLD. We also felt you were 100% yourself, genuinely enjoyed what you were doing, and genuinely wanted to capture us well.

• Q. What was most memorable about your session with LKM?

  A. Grabbing breakfast together at Prep & Pastry and getting to know one another better.

• Q. If you have seen pictures, what do you think? Which are your top favorites?!

  A. BEAUTIFUL. The way you captured the light, highlighted the beauty of where we were, the way you captured our silliness. Krystal's favorites: the close-up of us walking hand in hand with the sunbeam coming through on the right hand side of the shot, Jon's solo shot where he's laughing with a crinkled nose. Jon's favorites: all the candid shots, especially where Krystal is bursting in laugher!

• Q. If you were to share your experience with another couple interested in hiring LKM, what would you say?

  A. Come with a sense of humor and flexibility! No doubt LKM could have directed us step-by-step, but her Goldilocks approach allowed us to be playful with our shoot and feel free to improvise.

• Q. How could we have made your experience even better?!

  A. We loved everything about the shoot itself, we truly had a blast. The gallery perusing experience was wonderful and user-friendly. Thank you so much for this gift!

Real words from the real couple:

WE IMPLORE YOU to book Laura K. Moore for all your love-capturing needs! She encouraged our goofiness, took time to get to know us after our session, and has supported us in this time of unprecedented uncertainty. Not to mention she’s just a wildly talented photographer :) Thank you, Laura, for making us feel cute and beautifully telling our story!

What a joy you guys were to shoot and capture and get to know! I look forward to your future and the many memories and chapters that are ready for you to unfold! Blessings friends! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this precious season (though hiccupy) of your lives :D // Laura

The final dance before the chapter turn | A Personal Post

I write this while sitting in the parking lot of a closed-due-to-Covid19 Starbucks slurping their wifi and enjoying the alone space. I’ve got tears all sparkly in my eyes. These are unprecedented times with an enormous amount of fear and unknowns circulating. A gift that I’ve experienced in all of it as has been the space provided for our family. Homeschooling started yesterday and we are clumsily working through a new normal we haven’t quite figured out. It’s a strange tension of space to be still and hunker into contentment no-matter how twitch-worthy or lonely. It’s also provided the space to reflect and take inventory of treasures…

This session is valuable because the images are both cathartic and an anchor. Also, they are precious memory markers for our time with Leah—our sweet friend who came to live with us 3.5 years ago. We’ve gone through hell and high-water together in those years and loving her and growing as adults, humans, women, friends—it can be quite breathtaking to count the ways life was shared when you live with someone. It can also be scary to transition when it is time. Leah transitioned so well this February. This portrait session was an intentional gift from her—a last hurrah and timeless nod to a chapter in both of our lives. This was the final dance before the chapter turn when she moved out.

Also note — this whole session experience was a gift from Leah. She flew her sister in law, the phenomenal Rae Barber Fine Art Photo & Film, in from Denver and treated us to pictures in the desert and dinner afterwards. How lavish the love a friend is when they LEAN IN even when it is hard and unknown. We love you Leah! // Laura & the Mob of Moores

Thank you for these treasures miss Rae Barber — what a gift this session was, is and forever will be. We love them so much! // Moore Family

Night Out on the Town | Tucson Engagement Session

It was a frigid Wednesday night and Louie & AnaLia came decked out to the nines and eager to make some sweet honey sauce happen on the streets of Downtown Tucson. They wanted drama, they wanted sexy, they wanted bling and they wanted sass. Del Bac might as well just send us our paycheck (no those posters weren’t planned or photoshopped. just rediculously well timed and placed :D) Here are our highlights…

 What was the the 'look' or 'vibe' that you wanted to nail with your engagement session?

We wanted to nail a night out on the town feel. We were most nervous about the weather and our outfits. Favorite moments were laughing together when we were nervous or when Laura would make us laugh with her contagious laugh :) She makes you feel so special, literally you are the center of attention. (As far as the pictures go) we love them all! Our top favorites are the ones of us sitting down eating ice cream together , walking across the street together and our absolute favorite is of us standing together where Louie is grabbing his jacket and I am looking the opposite way

If you were to share your experience with another couple interested in hiring LKM, what would you say?

I would say she is the best in Tucson! She makes you feel so comfortable and is the sweetest person to work with, which is so important for such big moments of your life.

Louie & Analia, you guys really are so thoughtful. I can’t imagine they chaos of having to reschedule your wedding 3 weeks out but you have been delightfully gracious and aware of all the needs :) you guys are wonderful and look forward to September! // LKM

WARDROBE NOTES:

Make-Up & Hair: @chanelmolleobeauty // His Jacket: @soho_miami // Her Gown: @fashionnova

Ryen + Kaitlyn | Stardance | Tucson, AZ

I'm so overwhelmed with happiness that we had Laura as our wedding photographer, that I'm writing this review having not even seen our photos yet (our wedding was just last night). From our (earrrrrly) morning start, to our sparkling ending, Laura & Makayla made our day nothing short of MAGICAL. Of all the wonderful aspects of working with the Laura, because there are many, the most meaningful to me is that she truly cares about her clients. She takes the time to learn all about you-your concerns, your quirks, and the things that are most precious an important to you on your day. And when you meet her you can feel the passion she has for her work radiating off her. She was able to manage our large group with ease and a with a genuine smile that never left her face. Both Laura and Makayla are bubbly and fun and shared in the joy and the craziness of the day right along with us, even out on the dance floor! We've spent a lot of time making the rounds today saying our 'thank-yous' and 'goodbyes' to our guests, and I am not kidding when I say nearly every single one of them has mentioned how incredible and fun these ladies were to work with. To hear this from our guests makes me certain that Laura and Makayla were able to capture the most authentic emotions of the wedding, and we are beyond thrilled to relive the magic of the night over and over again through the photos. We feel truly blessed to have worked with Laura, we would recommend her a million times over. ~ Kaitlyn, Bride (day after the wedding)

Ryen & Kaitlyn were such a treat to serve as their wedding photographers. Their trust and prioritized storytelling let us hunker into the hybrid of editorial and journalism. Both leaned into both the downtimes and the on-times and by the end of the evening were feeling the FULLNESS of family and party and romance and ALL. THE. THINGS. Here are a few highlights of their wedding day!

// VENDORS //

Venue: Stardance Event Center // Event Coordinator: Kelly Abbot (Stardance Director) // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Florist: Alexis Grace Florals // MUAH: Heather Van Houten // Gown: Maya’s Palace // Bride’s Shoes: Lane Boots // Bridesmaid Dresses: Amazon // Bridesmaid Gifts: Mod Party // Groomsmen Gifts: In God We Must // Caterer: Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market // Cake: Village Bakehouse // Cake Stand: Blooming Happy // Signage: Hadley Designs // Custom Bourbon Barrel Guest Book: Whiskey Made // Custom bridal hanger: Distinctive Designs // Custom Cornhole Boards: Yard Games // Local Wine: Elgin Wines

Ryen & Kaitlyn nailed some really neat personal details in their gifts for their wedding party. With robes and boots and sweet customized cuff links, the classy approach to western was delightfully consistent.

The MOST exciting thing for us is being able to share the happiness of our special day with our family and friends. Our top priorities when trying to find the right photographer to tell our story is finding one that captures the small details, the candid moments and the raw feelings and emotions of the day. To have the uniqueness of our love as a couple, but also the special relationships with our loved ones come through in the photos, so they bring us right back to the moment every time we look at them! - Bride & Groom (from their initial inquiry)

after a genuinely fun and meaningful time with friends anticipating the ceremony, it was time to walk the aisle. the ceremony was precious and simple. The backdrop glowed with the setting sun and immediately pictures with family followed.

bridesmaid and groomsmen portraits were so fun with champaign and sunflares. the girls glowed and let down their hair for some special celebratory fun

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?

A. Most excited about capturing the candid moments with us and our loved ones, and with our friends enjoying themselves at the reception

Thank you so much for trusting us with your wedding day Ryen & Kaitlyn! What a treasure this day was! You did a wonderful pulling together the details and merging class with western and treating your guests ALL as they were the ones being honored! Blessings!! | LKM

// VENDORS //

Venue: Stardance Event Center // Event Coordinator: Kelly Abbot (Stardance Director) // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Florist: Alexis Grace Florals // MUAH: Heather Van Houten // Gown: Maya’s Palace // Bride’s Shoes: Lane Boots // Bridesmaid Dresses: Amazon // Bridesmaid Gifts: Mod Party // Groomsmen Gifts: In God We Must // Caterer: Johnny Gibson’s Downtown Market // Cake: Village Bakehouse // Cake Stand: Blooming Happy // Signage: Hadley Designs // Custom Bourbon Barrel Guest Book: Whiskey Made // Custom bridal hanger: Distinctive Designs // Custom Cornhole Boards: Yard Games // Local Wine: Elgin Wines

JIANA | Senior | Tucson, AZ

This senior session was a treat. Jiana is a the daughter of a precious friend of mine at the school I work at. The bond between mother and daughter is so sweet; so strong. Note the image at the bottom as mom is fixing’ a few fly aways and fitting the robe on—SO MANY FEELS. :) Shout out to Cartel on Broadway (Downtown, Tucson) for letting us use their yummy light and coffee lobby and drink their deliciousness. You rock :) // Here are highlights from Jiana’s senior portrait session!

Oh Jiana…may your senior radiate as bright and brilliant as your smile and your joy. I LOVED laughing with you the whole way through this special portrait session! Enjoy senior year baby! // Laura

ALLLLSO — if you’d like to see the little highlight real from our session, check this out! Props to DesotoMedia



Andrew + Shayla | Tucson Engagement Session

They fell in love in starbucks... i sat for hours almost every day working while they met and loved and fell more and more for each other. my husband was his boss. she made my espresso and the distance between patron and server decreased. i would hear of their integrity. their passion. their frugal discipline and good questions. they bought a house. they are prepping for a wedding. he encourages lawson even after he is no longer boss... when 2 humans get in front of your lens and the invested sense of "wow, they are such a gift. to each other. to me. to my husband. to the world." - // Andrew + Shayla are getting married in Tucson in August and their sweet little engagement session in Tucson barrio’s flower garden was a little ray of golden sunshine. Here are a few highlights.

Michael + Juliana | Mt Lemmon Mountain Wedding | Tucson, Arizona

When Michael reached out with his unconventional wedding idea up on Mt Lemmon staged on Inspiration Ridge — a special spot for them—we were eager to say yes. There were few frills or extra details for this one. I listened to their priorities and heard their deep desire for simplicity. I knew the spot they loved up on Mt. Lemmon and that killer view and we decided to “hook em up” and create a customized “elopement-kinda” storytelling photography package of sorts. Below are our favorite highlights! (Oh and fun note—> their wedding was also featured over on Zion Bride yesterday! So fun to see the unconventional ideas of simplicity resonate and shared with other adventurers!)

// VENDORS //

Venue: Inspiration Ridge on Mt. Lemmon // Floral Designer: Posh Petals // MUAH: I Do Hair & MakeUp Artistry (Raemie Makeup) // Dress: J Bridal Boutique // Officiant: Catalina Foothills Church

Prep time was at Loews Ventana Canyon and all guests had been given an arrival time “or forever hold their peace.” Without phone reception, it was a bit of a ‘hail mary’ move but Micahel + Juliana were resolved and confidant that everything would be fine and if anything — they were gettin’ married and that was the point. Nerves aside — most guests arrived in time and were set and ready on Inspiration Ridge. Bubbles were staged, ring bearers were strapped, flower girls were gilded, high heels were removed (they had been warned) and Michael’s face— OH MY WORD—when he saw her for the first time….

I'm very goofy and she is more serious so hopefully you can capture some of those moments of my goofiness and her serious looks she gives me while she tries to hold back a smile :p - Michael, groom

As guests made their way to the cupcake picnic, M + J lingered on the ridge for a sweet series of cuddles and epic valley-backed breath-taking portraits :)

After portraits the newlyweds made their way to the guests and casually shared in treats and hugs and more casual family portraits.

REVIEW FROM THE BRIDE:

LKM is so much fun to work with, she takes the time to listen and really cares, it is so obvious. It felt like a best friend was shooting our wedding with how much she cared and how excited she was. I’ve never been comfortable having my picture taken and was nervous for our engagement shoot. Right away I could tell how much she cared, her excitement and fun personality put me at ease right away- I felt like I’ve know her for years! For our engagement and our wedding she went completely above and beyond our expectations, not to mention everyone at our wedding was asking about our photographer because they wanted to use her! Our photos are so unique and something we will treasure forever, I could not imagine our wedding without her. ~ Juliana, Bride

Michael & Juliana, being part of this slice of your adventurous spirit was a treat and an inspiration to us. Thank you for including us and letting us trapse and laugh and love and be so thrillingly authentic and unconventional :) We will be in touch! | LKM & CO

// VENDORS //

Venue: Inspiration Ridge on Mt. Lemmon // Floral Designer: Posh Petals // MUAH: I Do Hair & MakeUp Artistry (Raemie Makeup) // Dress: J Bridal Boutique // Officiant: Catalina Foothills Church