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.

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 :)

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

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

Arizona Inn Modern Wedding Inspiration | 5 Ways to Bring in Class, Color and Life to your Arizona Wedding

This wedding styled shoot was a dream to shoot at Tucson's ever-loved wedding venue, Arizona Inn.  Our goal was to nail a look and pallet that strayed from the neutral typical desert tones and REALLY put COLOR on display!  We had promised wedding blogs SWOONED and AISLE SOCIETY that we would hold off on releasing this highlight reel until they featured the shoot! (shout out to the publishers for being so gracious and complimentary. they also provide some near wedding inspiration in case you need some help!)

So here is one of the most amazing pallets of color, textures, gown and southwestern uniqueness that we have ever shot in Tucson! Here are a few key wedding planning notes to pocket if you adore class, color and a fresh spin on a desert wedding...

5 WAYS TO BRING IN CLASS, COLOR AND LIFE TO YOUR ARIZONA WEDDING...

(1) YOUR PLANNER SHOULD BE A MAGICIAN. Or something close.... With the coordinating prowess of Meagan with Meagan Crain Event Planning, we found ourselves navigating details and elements that were delicious. Meagan orchestrated the entire vibe of the shoot and pulled together a team of wonder-people. She particularly was keen on bringing elements that offered nods to southwest culture (i.e. cigars and tequila toasts instead of traditional champagne and flute glasses). RECAP NOTE: If style and vision for aesthetic are important to you...hire a planner who has a vision and the tenacity to pull the necessary strings and make things happen!

(2) PLANTS. COLORS. COPPER. OH MY. When Jara of Urban Stems showed up with a TRUCK LOAD of punchy pink floral with bougainvillea, peonies, ranunculus, garden roses and pops of delicate air plants accented with copper touches (i.e. Arizona's state metal) we stopped in our tracks and jaws gaped open! Brie Dumais Designs nailed these original wood invitations and water color design accents that brought a super fresh but textile element.  In case you are looking for a graphic and paper designer for your wedding invitations, programs, signage, LIFE in general, Brie is the SHIZ. RECAP NOTE: Think outside of the box and pay attention to the native plant life as well as the colors and textures of the venue.

(3) BE PAMPERED. BE BOLD. BE TAKEN CARE OF AND WHERE IT WELL... MUAH team at Heather Van Houten along with the incredible gown ( ***drool***) by Tucson's stellar bridal gown shop J Bridal created this understated-yet-drool-worthy bridal look. Red lips plus a stark white hourglass gown with intricate lace and framed with poppy peonies... 

(4) SET A STAGE AND PICK AN ACCENT. Setting the stage for a dinner party is one thing. Doing so with cohesive elements that compliment the setting and the vibe and care for details is another. Meagan chose cobalt blue to be the accent that freckled our punchy pinks and native sage colors. Frostings & Ultrapom were both wonderful companies who hooked us up with design elements for staging! They provide rental elements like furniture and seating to further execute a "look" that is refined and swoon-worthy. Sweet Creations laced a classic white tiered cake with gold flecks and eucalyptus details! 

(5) LOVE EACH OTHER WITH ALL THAT IS IN YOU. Granted this was a styled shoot, but our models were married in real life and it made the ebb and flow of this whole styled shoot incredible. Dudes, be strong. Girls, stand tall and breath with poise. Love and be loved. Look, laugh, pause...and love some more. All of it. Be as free as the burst of light from behind the alter below and the dancing petals thrown by people who love you. LEAN INTO your wedding day with as much eager joy as you can muster....and then let others help you muster even more. :) 

Does this inspire you? Share and leave some love below? Compliment the vendors noted below for the work and art they produce...they are worthy of applause! :) | LKM

// VENDOR LIST //

Flowers: Urban Stems // Hair & Makeup: Heather Van Houten // Wedding Gown: J.Bridal Boutique (designer Wtoo) // Bridesmaid Gown: BHLDN // Suits: Brooks Brothers // Paper Products  / Invites: Brie Dumais Designs // Cake: Sweet Creations // Planning & Design: Meagan Crain Event Planning & Design // Furniture: Frostings Event Design & Rentals // Misc. Rentals: Ultrapom