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

Mountain Indian Wedding Ceremony in the Woods | Mt Lemmon, AZ | Arizona Elopement Photography

This intimate mountain ceremony wrecked me a little bit. At the risk of being dramatic, I truly left this time with the moreno and narichanias moved and inspired to re-assess what i loved most about weddings.

My most favorite thing of Aalap & Paula's intimate indian-american wedding was their deep desire to honor their family and keep things simple but deeply personal. Family stepped up and took the admonishment seriously--each member came prepared with thoughts and encouragement that they shared with tears and memories during their hour long ceremony together. Brother's played guitar, parents gave their blessing, sisters affirmed and the couple beamed with a sense of "wow, this is more special than i realized." They had a few cultural nods included the Saptapadi  - the point in the ceremony where the couple conducts seven rounds of the Holy Fire, which is considered a witness to the vows they make to each other.  As the afternoon wrapped up and we took a few sweetheart images with the newlyweds they shed their shoes, spun in the leaves and twigs and the breezy motion of nature. 

Real Review From the Clients:

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for providing your art and lending your vision to our celebration. We loved spending those moments with you and could not have asked for a better photographer. We did get a chance to see all of the photographs, and they are absolutely wonderful. You perfectly captured the beauty and unique craziness of the night!"

Oh sweet friends, you two are incredibly beautiful people. it was such a joy and honor to be part of your intimate wedding ceremony and listen to the sweet affirmation and bond you have with your loved ones! Blessings! | LKM & CO

JW Marriott Starr Pass | Mihai + Chan | An "Energy-meets-Elegance" Formal Affair

This Tucson Wedding at JW Marriot Starr Pass was full of energy and elegance--a combination that takes the finess and grace of a good planner and family lover. :) Mihai and Chan were a joy to work with this past year. When they originally inquired, they said they wanted their day to be formal and elegant while also being fun..."we want fun with plenty of food and drinks and lots of memories that you can help us capture forever! While we are excited for a few fine art portraits of ourselves, wedding party, and family - we also really look forward to action shots of moments!" 

Behold a merge of fun and formal below -- a mixture of moments and elegant sunbeamy editorial splashes that make us swoon. :)

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa // Wedding Dress: Gigi Bridal Boutique // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groom's Tux: Indochino // MUAH: Margarita Godiva // Florist: Country Couture Flowers // DJ: Fantastic Five Entertainment // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Officiant: Haig Huynh // Bride's Shoes: DSW // Groom's Shoes: Magnanni // Gifts: Mignon and Mignon // Veil: Bridals by Teri // Suspenders: Little Lovies Bowtique // Bridal Sash: EYMbellish Designs // Groom's band: Peacefield Titanium // Bride's Wedding Band: Sea Babe Jewelry // Cake Topper: Artifice Producciones // Wedding Burro: Walking M Farms

Mihai & Chan were eager for their first look...they knew that "all the people" were going to be a lot to manage for the day so these fleeting precious "alone moments" were some of the most anticipated....and probably, hind-sight, some of our most favorite :)

Thank you so much for inviting us into this season of wedding planning and celebrating Mihai & Chan! It was an honor to be part of your wedding day & season!! | LKM & CO

Also, sweet treat! Check out their wedding video by Gavyn Gates Cinematography! 

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa // Wedding Dress: Gigi Bridal Boutique // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groom's Tux: Indochino // MUAH: Margarita Godiva // Florist: Country Couture Flowers // DJ: Fantastic Five Entertainment // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Officiant: Haig Huynh // Bride's Shoes: DSW // Groom's Shoes: Magnanni // Gifts: Mignon and Mignon // Veil: Bridals by Teri // Suspenders: Little Lovies Bowtique // Bridal Sash: EYMbellish Designs // Groom's band: Peacefield Titanium // Bride's Wedding Band: Sea Babe Jewelry // Cake Topper: Artifice Producciones // Wedding Burro: Walking M Farms

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! 

ANNOUNCING: LKM STUDIOS, a new Associate and a letter that started it all....

So it's time. We're making it official. Laura K Moore Photography is growing. We'd like to introduce you to a part of LKM that is going to be a bit of a game-changer. I'm beside myself--completely, utterly stoked. 

Here is a little bit of history...

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

Back in October 2014 LKM had reached it's ceiling. We had capped out in availability and were turning down weddings and sessions due to limited availability and personal capacity.

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

At the same time I had seen a local photographer's work sprinkle across my facebook feed and I'd swoon. He could deliver these epic shots in weddings that were breathtaking. I wanted to watch him work though. In my book of humble standards, quality of image must not trump the quality of client experience. Could he connect, direct, develop rapport, maintain trust, make his clients laugh? So when Trevor Crosby asked me to second shoot with him I took the opportunity to watch him work..... And his couple laughed. The bridal party was comfortable. The guys were at ease. He covered the story and everybody hugged him and his amazing assistant (cough) wife at the end of the night. SOLD. :)

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So then we talked. I asked him what he loved most about photography. What part of the process of being a business owner resonated most and what did not. I had remembered, in times past, conversations about back-end stuff not being favorite -- the marketing, blogging, contract writing, etc. I grinned. This entire last year has been a calculated process of developing a succinct backend workflow process that can help us be more on our game. We've also been researching different modes of marketing that resonate most with our local and destination audiences. We have been watching the trends and meeting with vendors and asking questions about industry trends and tools. And folks, we are still in the midst of a maturing stage, but it was time to sit in front of this photographer whom I had grown to respect and ask him a big question...would you be willing to be part of LKM STUDIOS.

We talked more. A lot. Multiple occasions. He was intuitive and cautious but we were both beginning to get excited. And finally we found ourselves, with our spouses, facing a contract. Here is the opening to the contract--a letter of anticipation and thankfulness to Trevor:

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

Trevor,

Respected magic-maker, craft-developer, artist and friend, 

You have been asked to be part of LKM Studios because of your expertise in technical artistry, ease of communication, gracious demeanor, love for the craft and love for people. I hope and pray that this is only the beginning of something both life-giving and incredibly fun and rewarding for both of us. 

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

I anticipate a lot of laughter and excitement. I anticipate a sense of “team” that attracts people to our brand. I anticipate camaraderie, brainstorming, dreaming, challenging, sharing, bearing burdens and encouraging each other. 

I am pumped.

I am nervous.

I am giddy with ambition and tangible possibility.

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

But first and foremost…I am honored that you are willing to come and shoot for LKM STUDIOS. I am proud to have you part of this team! 

Sincerely,

Laura K Moore

Executive Photographer & CEO

www.laurakmoore.com

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So this is our preliminary announcement.... we will be rolling out a few more details and 'the way things will be' regarding this LKM STUDIOS thing and probably a few with FAQs and sassy answers. For right now, here are 3 clarifying points:

- I, Laura, am still shooting, just capping my number of weddings and portraits each month.

- Trevor is now an LKM photographer. His name will still be attached to his work and he will still be sharing highlights of his work but his clients are LKM couples and his work under the LKM Studios logo.

- Our goal is to not diminish his work nor reduce the the high quality and energy of the LKM brand. We also aim to serve our clients well, offer more options and availability, and will strive to strengthen a comprehensive portfolio as 2 photographers sharpen each other! CHEERS! | LKM

photo by Trevor Crosby | LKM STUDIOS

So this is Trevor. And his serious face....

and this is Trevor, one of his precious dogs Marty, and his silly lighthearted self. :) 

Welcome to the LKM team Trevor!

John + Lauren | A Vintage Private Affair | Destination Wedding | Bisbee, Arizona

John + Lauren // Hosterman Wedding Story

So there is this tiny little historical mining town in the middle of Arizona called Bisbee. It feels straight off of a Hollywood studio set. The aged brick, old signage, red rock set against ivy-covered vintage inns--I was so intrigued. The moment you drive into the narrow roads you are transplanted into this vibe of a vintage city....I'm gonna let the bride, Lauren, take the story from here.

Bisbee is our favorite place to go. It's where we fell in love, where we got engaged, and it was the perfect place to start our lives together. We loved that you can really see a lot of Bisbee in these photos. They capture the essence of this quirky little town!

Meanwhile, John waited to be led downstairs where he would meet his bride...

VENDOR SHOUT OUT // I have to just make a shout-out to my make up artist, Wendy Fiallo, of Wendy Rae Makeup Artistry worked with me for months prior to the big day. During my makeup trial she put my mind at ease and made me so excited about my big day. She is hands down the BEST makeup artist I know. Book her for your makeup for any event. She'll make you look so beautiful and glamorous!

I loved, loved, loved how personal Laura made each photo time...She truly cared about the little details and the moments with the bride and groom...I loved having this "first look".

the girls loved being girly...

Lauren: I'm so glad John and I decided to see each other prior to the ceremony. Those few moments that we had alone really were special and I loved the photos that were captured. Also, getting to take a majority of our pictures before the ceremony really cut down on the time we were away from guests during the reception. Our whole family kept telling us after the wedding how fun taking pictures was! This is something I've never heard before! I've been to weddings and I've always hated waiting around for pictures. Laura made the entire process so much fun though and everyone enjoyed it! 

People made their way upstairs to the private level of Cafe Roka where the small, intimate ceremony took place

I loved getting away with Laura and my groom during the cocktail hour. We feel like Laura really captured the essence of the wedding and of Bisbee in our shoot. When I look at the pictures, I feel like I'm reliving each moment over and over again. 

Laura was so spontaneous! She saw opportunities for great photos and took them...After a few moments of images in the streets of Bisbee, Laura turned and asked if we wanted to take an extra 10-15 minutes to get some even better shots and drive to the outskirts of Bisbee for some last memories....and it was SO worth it! 

We have to take moment for a solid shout out to the entire staff at Cafe Roka! Fred Miller, the banquet manager at Cafe Roka, worked with me for 7 months on every single tiny detail of our ceremony and reception. There were countless emails that he replied. Room measurements he took, menu changes, photos he sent... all of the effort he put in made us feel so at ease with having our wedding at Roka.

Rod, the owner and chef at Cafe Roka, was also a freaking rock star! The day before the wedding, we showed up to decorate and he bent over backwards to ensure everything got set up the way we wanted. He fed us his 5 star food for lunch and dinner the day before the big day AND made the most incredible food for our reception. Our guests kept gushing over how amazing the food was. I've never seen so many to go boxes being used at a wedding before! No one wanted to waste any of the deliciousness! Also, the wait staff at Cafe Roka took care of our guests so well. Huge thank you to them!

John + Lauren, thank you for inviting me into this sliver of your to capture a collection of memories that will be on your walls and in your hearts for the rest of your lives!  You guys are pretty darn special yourselves! | LKM

VENDORS

prep location: Letson Loft Hotel // ceremony & reception location: Cafe Roka // wedding dress: Norman's Bridal // bride's shoes: Dillards // flower girl dresses: Dillard's // make up rtist: Wendy Rae Makeup Artistry // hair: Erica DeFevers // photography: Laura K. Moore Photography

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