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!

Parin + Shiragi | Arizona Indian Wedding | Day 2

The groom arrived mid-morning on Day 2 of Parin & Shiragi’s wedding. (See DAY 1 here) and the atmosphere was ripe and welcoming. Shiragi, by tradition, was hid by the brothers and men closest to her pretended to keep her and make it rough to get to her. I legitimately teared up when they finally hugged. 24 hours of pre-celebrating without him had made everybody so eager for his arrival and for them to finally be together.

Now that both families were together, the time melded together into the flurry of family laughter, reunions, everybody wanted a picture with a loved one ALL the time. it was awesome. Pulling away to get a few quick portraits with the bride and groom became less about what time it was and more about how sneaky we could be. It became a game…lots of intuitive eye contact with Shiragi and Parin and keeping a pulse on family. We also had to be fast both because relatives would start hunting us down AND because it was the first triple digit day in the desert and we were SWEATING bullets.

GROOM’S PITHI

As Parin and his family collected onto the terrace of Westward Look, the music and dancing began and ushered everybody into an energetic and playful Pithi ceremony while they blessed and prayed and laughed over Parin. Best moment was when aunts got fiesty and demanded he strip down and the haldi got crazy. Mom and dad got flanked too. It was fantastic.

RAAS GARBA

There was an interlude in the afternoon for reprieve, showers and primping for the Raas Garba (i.e. the coolest, loudest, most vibrant dance party you’ll ever go to). Once refreshed and ready, we grabbed some moments alone with the couple for a few sunshine desert portraits…and of course a cohort of friends insisted on coming to cat call and join in :)

There is a an indian art form called rangoli where a relative or loved one created an intricate pattern drawn by hand an then filled with powdered rice, flower petals, chalk powder and coloured sand. It’s a form of blessing and expression of celebration. A close relative of the bride and groom was interior designer, Nisha Tailor Interior Designer, who lovingly shared her heart and her art in these designs all over Westward Look’s property. Her particularly eye-catching peacock piece was center stage in the massive ballroom for the Raas Garba.

During cocktail hour and through the evening, our photography team took turns running an open air personalized photo booth. It was a fantastic way to be part of the welcoming experience for guests. We got to meet each couple, take more portraits, connect personally and were welcomed warmly.

MM Celebrations LLC was ON FIRE all weekend long. The event design and planning company from New Jersey had driven in a massive UHAUL cross-country packed with all the treasures to transform each ceremony into an explosion of festivity. Raas Garba was said to be a crowning jewel of color and dancing for the weekend so we came with energy drinks, extra manpower and eye wide open. Santosh flew a band of famous musicians from India for the weekend and they treated guests with lively music until midnight. Sticks were passed out as part of the traditional dance, Dandiya Raas, and EVERYBODY got in on it — old and young — men and women. The energy (and sweat) and fun in that room took “how to celebrate” to a whole new level. Here is a little youtube clip of the BEGINNING of their 45 minute Raas where two circles are formed and start with a first dance of bride and groom. If you can imagine all 400+ guests ending up in that room, dancing in circles faster and faster for 45 minutes.

Midnight came quickly and the party did not peter.

Day 3 coming soon :)

// 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

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

Park Ave + Winter Park Engagement Session | Kyle + Megan Love Story Session Pt 1

I was drawn to Laura's previous work with its dreamy posed shots and lively candids. Once I reached out to her, Laura showed a genuine excitement to shoot our wedding in Winter Park. We instantly clicked over the phone. She took interest in Kyle's and my story, and wanted to document our engagement and wedding--her first in Central Florida! ~ Megan, Bride

Megan + Kyle wanted their engagement session in Orlando to be classy, shnazzy but personal and authentic.  Kyle is a chef and culinary teacher and Megan is Rollins College Associate Event Director. With their refined taste and Megan's acute sense of planning, we were able to meet for coffee the morning of their session, cover a few details, talk timeline, catch up on a bit of their love story and prep for the evening's engagement session around winter park. We grabbed a few casual shots with their fur baby in the rain in the courtyard of Barnie's Kitchen and then reconvened a few hours later all gussied up and ready to strut their stuff in Winter Park. Shout out to Armando's for graciously letting us get cozy in their classy restaurant and messin' with their wine glasses. 

“We had several highlights with LKM and they started at our engagement photo shoot. I highly recommend arranging one prior to the wedding so you can get to know your photographer and learn how to pose you and your partner's bodies for the best shots. Laura took us under her wing, and by the end of that day, we were completely in sync with each other!” ~ Megan + Kyle

We couldn't have asked for a classier couple to be our very first #LKMorlando lovebirds! Thank you so much! See PART TWO of their engagement session in Kraft Azalea Garden's here! 

// NOTE TO OUR READERS & NEWLY ENGAGED //

Hi! If you are newly engaged, take note! LKM has officially launched LKM in Orlando! We are providing wedding and engagement session packages for Central Florida couples at no extra travel cost! It is our new travel hub -- our new place of adventure and plan to be out once every fall/winter and spring and summer seasons! Inquire HERE to check on dates for our next Orlando visit! 

Taylor Falls Minnesota Wedding | Missionary Kids get Married at a Waterpark | St Paul, Minnesota

“Not only did she capture our day perfectly, but she made us all feel comfortable the whole time (even my husband who isn’t a fan of taking pictures). ~ Heidi, Bride”

Caleb + Heidi were highschool sweethearts from Faith Academy International School in the Philippines--my old highschool stomping grounds. When they asked me (Laura) to come shoot their wedding, I was thrilled. Missionary kid weddings are often a big international reunion of sorts--rich with understanding and inside jokes and nostalgia. Also, escaping 116 degree heat in Tucson, Arizona was also a perk and I was more than thankful to be shooting anywhere BUT the oven of the summer desert.  

When the couple initially inquired they shared some of their priorities for their wedding that i thought were beautiful and refreshing--they knew that people were most important and they wanted both a personal and journalistic approach to the day. #wegotyou is what I thought and hollered to Maggie Witter, another Faith Academy Alumni and phenomenal photographer based in Minnesota, to come shoot with me! Enjoy the highlights below! (oh and if you missed their pretty epic Rehearsal Dinner on Tayler Falls Paddle Boat!

From the Bride...Caleb and I are both very simple and we want our wedding day to reflect that, we're both just thrilled to be getting married. We're going for a more natural wedding style, with a vibe that reflects who we are as fun, casual people :) ...The most important thing to me is that the candid moments and true joy and happiness of the day are captured through the photos. I'm most excited for images that capture the special moments between Caleb and I. I'm also excited for photos with the special people in my life that are able to celebrate with us (family and best friends). ... In regards to horror stories or concerns that we have...to be completely honest, both Caleb and I aren't the most photogenic people, haha. We can't do the 'serious/model' like photos, it just doesn't suit us well. So I guess just know that and know we're much better at being natural and smiling with each other-- we welcome direction when being photographed :) (apart from just being natural) I also really would love to have a journalistic approach to capture the full story...

“When I started wedding planning, the only thing I knew for sure was that I wanted LKM to photograph our wedding. I was so happy that it all came together and she made it out to Minnesota. Laura is absolutely amazing!! ...LKM a pro, so she knows what will look best in terms of lighting, poses, background, etc.— but at the same time she also knows when to let things play out and just photograph the moment unfolding. Now we have stunning photos to look at for the rest of our lives, and I could not be more grateful. If I had to make the decision of a photographer again, I would choose Laura, every single time.
~ Heidi, Bride”

Caleb + Heidi, I can't thank you guys and your families enough for trusting LKM with your precious wedding weekend. It was such a refreshing treat to be among missionary families and celebrate a wedding out in the mountains with Faith family! Blessings! ~ Laura

Vista West Ranch | Wedding Videography Highlight Reel

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Here is a highlight wedding video from Eric + Katie's Wedding at Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas. *Push Play*

To see highlights and photos from their entire wedding weekend, go HERE.

Vista West Ranch | Austin Texas Wedding Weekend | Jade Green, Babies Breath & Southern Charm

“ One reason I knew I wanted Laura to photograph my wedding, even before I was engaged, is because she has a personality that will bring the fun, smiles and spunk out of people. She can fit into any crowd. She loves to tell a story with her photography. She wants to capture the emotion and thoughts during each and every moment of your special day... ~ Katie Dollar, Bride”

The Wedding Day Story...behind the scenes recap

Wedding photography for this Austin wedding day began early. My team and I (Makayla, Gavyn & I) made our trek (but first, coffee) to Molly, the make up artist’s house and our jaws dropped with the shiny chrome and class that oozed from Molly’s home studio. Her work was stunning and you could tell that the girls were being pampered well. We hung out a little while the bride relaxed with her girls and mimosa.

We peaced out to the venue 10 minutes down the country road to Vista West Ranch -- a hidden boutique gem of a venue in the middle of Dripping Springs Texas on the outskirts of Austin. The whole location was perfect--nailing the casual but classy vibe of the couple's personality colors were fresh and the sunbeams ROYALLY on par. Also note, Austin wedding coordinator Jordan Smith with Coordinate This helped move things along from the very beginning of the weekend and kept everything smooth and organized!

//VENDORS //

Wedding & Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator: Coordinate This // Florist: The Flower Girl // Gown Boutique: Paisley Crush // Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo // Grooms Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Hair & Makeup: Molly Makeup // Caterer: Freebirds // Cake: Gale's Cakes  // DJ: Premier Entertainment // Photobooth: Posers Photobooth // Rehearsal Dinner: Trudy's // Farm table + Vintage Chairs: Petal Pushers // Bartenders: Bar Butlers // Videography: Gavyn Gates Cinematography

The first look was one of the most precious. The couple being nonsense "lets just have fun" kind of people seemed to sink into the moment alone--reading their vows to eachother and breathing in the first real moments of the wedding day. Their affection and eagerness was palpable. From there we swayed into wedding part pictures, family portraits and all the relaxed, casual moments with the VIPs. Can we just take a moment to note that First Look's are crazy intensely game-changing? It was, at least, for Eric & Katie. They had been on the fence but experiencing that space of sweetness and unprompted freedom and privacy--it set the tone of joy for the day!

The ceremony time approached and the bride made her way back to the room to freshen up and cool off a little. (It was a warm one that day). Guests trickled in and the bride watched eagerly from above through the window of the bridal parlor. Because the timeline had provided these margins of space to just breath and enjoy eachother, she used this pamper time to give a few letters to her girls. Good grief were those notes special!

Because we   been able to capture so many of the signature portrait moments and enjoyed family time, bride and groom grabbed a few relaxed moments in creme de la creme late afternoon light and then surprised the guests by joining cocktail hour early and doing a super special receiving line--welcome their guests personally into the dining hall!

The rest of the night was spent eating yummy food, enjoying cake and being merry. (note the Baylor Stadium Groom's Cake!) 

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Katie + Eric on their wedding day. They are such a sweet and laid back couple and their love for each other was evident from the moment I met them. They put together a fabulous vendor team, including Laura Moore Photography. Not only were they fun to work with throughout the evening, but their professionalism made the event run smoothly and the whole night went off without a hitch. Of course the images are stunning and something Katie + Eric will be able to treasure forever as they look back on their wedding day. ~ Jordan Smith, Owner & Lead of Coordinate This”

“What a firecracker and joy to have (LKM & her team) photograph our wedding.... They want to capture the emotion and thoughts during each and every moment of your special day! I would HIGHLY recommend LKM for an engagement and wedding photographer. Thank you, Laura, for all you did for Eric and I. Thank you for going above and beyond! ~ Eric & Katie”

Eric & Katie, it was an honor to be part of your wedding weekend! Thank you so much for trusting us with your crazy fun and spaztically awesome wedding day! :D Joy, LKM

To see more from Eric & Katie's wedding weekend, go HERE for their engagement session, HERE for their rehearsal & mini sweetheart session and HERE for their wedding video!

//VENDORS //

Wedding & Reception Venue: Vista West Ranch // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator: Coordinate This // Florist: The Flower Girl // Gown Boutique: Paisley Crush // Bridesmaids Dresses: Alfred Angelo // Grooms Attire: Men's Wearhouse // Hair & Makeup: Molly Makeup // Caterer: Freebirds // Cake: Gale's Cakes  // DJ: Premier Entertainment // Photobooth: Posers Photobooth // Rehearsal Dinner: Trudy's // Farm table + Vintage Chairs: Petal Pushers // Bartenders: Bar Butlers // Videography: Gavyn Gates Cinematography

Dripping Springs Texas Wedding | Rehearsal & "Day-Before" Sweetheart Session | Austin Wedding Photographer

We adore storytelling and are a bit obsessed about people...the natural, real side of people.

As part of our "wedding weekend" packages we often are able to be a part of the rehearsal and maybe some dinner flare. It offers a chance to meet people, break the ice with our destination wedding folk and start storytelling off on the right foot--with relationship and candor. :)

Eric & Katie spent some sweet moments with us during their wedding weekend -- we met each other Thursday morning before the wedding for a sunrise engagement session on PennyBacker Bridge on the outskirts of Austin Texas. Afterwards we parted ways, edited a few highlights and then met back up again later that evening to casually watch, shoot and meet friends and relatives at their rehearsal on wedding venue property: Vista West Ranch in Dripping Springs. 

Below are a few highlights of the chill evening and camaraderie between their favorite people. It set the tone for the weekend -- celebratory, energetic and deeply affectionate and grateful. See highlights from the evening below a!

Go HERE to see Eric & Katie's engagement session on Austin's PennyBacker Bridge & HERE To see their full wedding day highlight story! 

Austin Texas Engagement Session | PennyBacker Bridge & Colorado River Sweethearts

Makayla, Laura & Gavyn flew into Austin thursday night before Dollar Wedding Weekend kicked off! We grabbed a rental car and skiddadled over to Pennybacker Bridge where the couple, Eric & Katie, had asked to do their sweetheart / day-before / kinda-sorta engagement sunrise session the next morning! We scouted the area and noted shadows, parking, greenery that tickled our fancy, watched the light play on the rocks on the side of Lake Austin (i.e. Colorado River) and then made our way back to our AirBnB.

The next morning we met up for the engagement session at PennyBacker Bridge and met Eric & Katie's fur baby Bean. (he may or may not have a ridiculously cute instagram page :D). There was a thin layer of cloud cover that softened the rich greens and rugged browns of the mountains. Eric & Katie were relaxed and...well...just couldn't keep their hands off eachother :) 

To see Eric + Katie's wedding day go here!