Wyatt + Hilary | Spring Desert Wedding | Shades of Pink & Happy Part One

We are excited to share this desert spring wedding in the eastside foothills of Tucson Arizona. Blush and creme were soft against her satin and the polished aesthetic of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Huge peonies were graced with eucalytpus leaves and set against brick and blue skies and whispy clowds. It was a beautiful desert spring day and the shades of pink, class and happiness were rich and effortless.

Here are a few highlights! 

// VENDORS //

Wedding Coordinator: Meagan Crain of MC EVENTS AZ // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography {LKM STUDIOS} // Ceremony Venue: Corpus Christi Catholic Church // Reception Venue: La Mariposa // Scottsdale Wedding Gown Boutique: Marie Gallery // Bridal Hair & Makeup: Gadabout // Bridesmaids Dress: J Crew // Flower Girl Dress: Nordstrom // Groomsmen Suits: Mens Warehouse // Cake: Cakes by Genevieve // Florist: Urban Stems Designs

More highlights coming soon! Tomorrow we will be sharing Part 2! 

WPPI 2016 | We made the cut for the PHOTOBOOTH promo video!

We made the cut for Photobooth Supply Co's WPPI 2016 highlight video! I just found this gem online and at :34 we might also strut our penthouse pillow fight skills! Click image to check out the video! :)

WPPI 2016 | Notes from LKM's TIME TALK.

"....There is stress. There is fear. There is this crazy bad habit of tending to either unnecessary urgent things or trivial time-suckers. There is a lack of systems or discipline or even the awareness that those might be missing.

And yet still there is this crazy beautiful stir for growth--something that keeps you at the helm--maybe it brings you back on deck to assess the storm or the ship. And you've got this fire that can't be snuffed and hope that there is something more than inspirational chatter with empty promises blessing ambition. You want something real, tangible and applicable. I did. I craved it. I needed help if I was going to sustain. survive. and dare i even dream of thriving?..."

WANT THE NOTES?

If you would like to get a copy of the script and challenge questions + tools from the presentation: "The Art of Running Your Business by Treating Your Craft Like One" please fill out the mini form below AND answer this question in the comments below: WHAT IS AN AREA OF YOUR BUSINESS THAT TAKES UP TOO MUCH TIME?

Click here to read more behind-the-scenes stuff about this talk AND to win an "on us" sort of skype or phone date to talk tangible systems and schedules; areas of time YOU crave to redeem! // And thank you for taking the time to do that! Your feedback is valuable. Every response is read by a real, live human and taken into consideration as we develop and curate more resources! Joy! | LKM

FEATURED WEDDING | Vintage Countryside Glam | Tubac Arizona Wedding

When we first met, the bride wanted strictly candid coverage. Nothing posed or cheesy or artificial. We thought patiently, "I get you. I get what you are saying. Lets talk more...." We heard her speak of Tubac Resort in southern Arizona and the way she was excited to have people in the same place for the weekend. She talked about her dress and the boots and the mix of sophisticated country with old spanish adobe accents and the red brick silos and green grassed rolling hill panoramic. After we wiped our drool off our face, we navigated the journalism conversation. And as we fleshed out how to best tell a story that would move fast and be filled with details and unpredictability, we merged candid storytelling with some anticipated cluster-catching. We staged a few things while we let other things just happen in front of us. More of the story is scattered below... 

VENDOR HIGHLIGHTS

venue: Tubac Resort and Spa | dress: adore bridal boutique | make up: Maragarite Dominguez | flowers: Posh Petals | flower girl dresses: etsy | bride's boots: J gilbert | bridesmaids boots: J Gilbert | saphire ring: Constatine Creations | wooden ring box: Pink Tree Creations | feather boutonnière: Reed Creative Design | seed bombs (favor): Visualingual | DJ & Musician: Hans Hutchison

Also NOTE: This wedding is being featured on Rustic Wedding Chic and you can see the feature HERE!

Several details were particularly important to her.... that saphire ring was one of them...

The two wanted to wait to see eachother until the wedding. But then knew they would probably relax and really enjoy praying together before everything got swooped up in the fervor. So they did a blind-folded first moment together...

Tubac Resort & Spa's wedding chappel is this fantastic old spanish style chapel with wrought iron details archved ceilings, old lanterns and huge iron chandeliers. 

While guests made their way to cocktail hour, we raced the incoming storm and grabbed a few bride and groom portraits out in the hills of the countryside framing the parameters of the resort. 

The were excited about their cake from Ambrosia Cakery . The butter frosting and staging with eucalyptus vines and hydrangeas were a centerpiece of the hall. They had everybody sign a guest print of a tree with their fingerprints and gifted their loved ones with a bottles of local honey and balsamic vinaigarette.

The dinner party was relaxed and the speeches were classy and meaningful. As the plates were cleared and champagne was enjoyed, the floor was opened. Between special dances and celebratory jigs, there were hugs and belly laughs and all ages seemed to have a skip to their step. 

We were honored to be trusted with this storytelling Mr & Mrs. Andrews! Blessings! | LKM

Art + Sara | Ralph-Lauren-Meets-Mad-Men Inspired Engagement Session

"I was standing on the other side of the glass yelling as nicely as I knew how. We started to laugh. “you want us to do what?!” Their muffled querry came across the glass. my fingers were purple, i was shivering so hard i almost dropped my camera and i most definitely just stepped on a jumping cholla. “LOVE HIS FACE!” i hollered with a chattering grin. After the series was shot I skipped back inside giggling. “wow guys. that was difficult and possibly the most unprofessional i’ve felt in a while…. BUT LOOK AT WHAT WE DID?!” I showed the back of my camera--this picture--the reflection of the winter trees, the bright blue of the sky, and the pop of colors in the modern living room and the dog. oh that dog named blue."

Art + Sara had flown in from Guam to visit family in Tucson. We had prepped for many things, but COLD wasn't one of them. At the end of the day, it was our spontaneous decisions that really nailed the book-end seal-the-deal elements of their session. Shooting through glass, working with horses, playing with interior decor that ends up pushing me as a photographer and providing a really fresh, modern portfolio from this session that has us giddy. Below are a few highlights from their modern love story session! 

Michael + Katherine | Soldier Meets the Museologist | University of Arizona Engagement Session |

They came in from the west coast to visit their alma matre and embrace the nostalgia of the love story that started amid the brick walls of Old Main and park benches along University. They were SO excited....so playful and yet so tender. Here are a few highlights! // LKM

The University of Arizona is where Michael and I met, flirted, danced, tailgated, studied, laughed, and fell in love. In front of Old Main is where we promised to stay by each others side if Michael should ever be deployed, not knowing if we would ever face the stresses and burden of that promise. As life would have it, we did, and just weeks after his return we were able to celebrate with LKM and commemorate his homecoming as well as our engagement in the place we hold so near to our hearts!

FROM THE BRIDE: What were key moments that stood out to you during your session / wedding day?: The University of Arizona is where Michael and I met, flirted, danced, tailgated, studied, laughed, and fell in love. In front of Old Main is where we promised to stay by each others side if Michael should ever be deployed, not knowing if we would ever face the stresses and burden of that promise. As life would have it, we did, and just weeks after his return we were able to celebrate with LKM and commemorate his homecoming as well as our engagement in the place we hold so near to our hearts. 

We always knew that campus would be the right place to take our engagement pictures, the difficulty was in finding the perfect photographer to capture the way we feel about one another, and about the place for which we care so deeply. Laura was so thoughtful in making sure that we captured moments in different areas of campus that meant something to us, and we are so appreciative of that!

What were your highlights about working with LKM?: Laura was incredibly flexible with her time, from scheduling to day-of shooting. Our situation was unique in that we booked LKM while Michael was deployed overseas so we weren't quite sure when we could all get together. Laura was encouraging and patient as we worked together to schedule a date. She is truly a ball of energy and made it easy to relax and have fun. Taking professional photographs can be awkward and forced, but her guidance and silly suggestions made the entire session fun!

What would you tell a future client interested in hiring LKM?: Don't hesitate to give her a call. Whether you are a seasoned pro, or someone who has never had their picture taken, Laura makes sure the session is about you. Your personality, your likes, and your comforts, are all paramount in the way she operates. Plus, her final products are to die for!

It was such a treat to meet you two! Thank you for trusting me with this super sweet session! // LKM

Valentines Promo for the Newly Engaged!

Happy Valentine’s Weekend! We hope it is full of joy, hugs and LOTS of WOO :D // Oh! And if you were to find your way to our little webpage and fall in love...we’d love to say, why thank you! All wedding inquiries* received till next friday the 19th will receive $325 credit to go towards an LKM Signature sweetheart / engagement session! (link in profile :D)

FEATURED WEDDING | John + Lauren Destination Wedding | Bisbee, Arizona

John + Lauren's small destination wedding in Bisbee, Arizona is being featured on INTIMATE WEDDINGS this week! IntimateWeddings.com is the #1 go-to wedding site for planning a small wedding! Go here to see the full feature! 

Go HERE to see the rest of the feature and HERE to see some of the behind the scenes story :)

Some sweet words from the bride: We hired Laura K. Moore of LKM Photography to capture the whole day, and we wanted to truly enjoy seeing our guests and enjoy our time with them, without seeing a bunch of cameras instead of their faces! It was great and I felt like our guests were really present with us, in every moment instead of being distracted by phones and cameras. And can I just give a shout out to my photographer Laura?! She is AMAZING! She caught moments that I don’t think anyone else even noticed. She is a true artist. Hands down the best wedding photographer out there! She blended herself right in and it didn’t feel like we were at a photo shoot. She made sure we kept the intimate vibe flowing throughout the entire day. // Thank you so much John + Lauren!! Congrats on the feature!

Nathan + Emily | Childhood Friends get Married | Navy Blue + Silver | Upland California Wedding Photographer

When I heard Nathan smiling through the phone I wanted to squeal. But I knew that'd probably embarasse him.....so I did. 

He was calling to tell me he talked to Emily's dad and that they were courting. My brother had watched and waited for this little lady for a million years --a good long enough time to have his eyes fixed and his heart hopeful. Who would have thought that back then on the tire swing and in the sandboxes and Awanas and clown parties, they'd have their future hearts align and fall in love. Gaining Emily as a sister is...just so crazy beautiful! :) Here are a few highlights from the Bugbee's winter wedding in Upland, Southern California :)

Guys started off getting ready at Foothill Bible Church. Super casual at a place the Bugbees call home... Nathan found these sweet 'wallet ninjas' as gifts for his men...

We were able to jot down the road a bit to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Trail where Emily snuck up to have their first moment together... by far, one of my most favorite moments of a wedding day is the First Look. The emotions are all just so raw. And there is no pressure, no weird audience oggling, just pure nervousness and crazy beautiful excitement for each other. 

Nathan's groomsmen....were on par. (note: the picture below with emily and her brothers...was NOT posed. Her brothers had never seen her kiss before and were legitimately shocked and flipped out a little.)

Mr. Nakamaura is a long-time friend and notorious for his tears...we joked about what he would be like throughout the day. We were surprised and tickeld to see both he and mother of the bride so so joyful....it was the aisle, however, that broke him. When he saw Nathan's face perhaps. Or realized he was giving away his only daughter... it was a sweet, sweet thing to see. Giving her to this man that waited for her. And would strive to lead her...the whole ceremony was full of celebration and worship!

At some point during the ceremony it rained hard. And before preparing for the couple's reception grand entrance, we grabbed a few sweetheart spins together in the puddles outside of the church.

And then it was time to dine...speeches were raw and the theme was deep deep gratitude. It was casual and large and hugs and 'yehaws' resounded in the church gym topped off with a surprise groomsmen dance for Emily.

Congrats you two!! It was such a treasure to be part of your wedding day! I hope these moments and this full full day is such a treasure-trove of memories for years to come! Welcome to the family Emily! | LKM 

P.S And also....super important to name a few key partners for this particular wedding... Emily Rickard & Elyse Defoe came to join the LKM team and capture this story! They took the reigns whenever I (Laura) could be IN family pictures and also be part of the story too! So so thankful for their precious spirits and creative eyeballs! 

A Winter Garden Wedding | PJ & Mariah | Old Love New Life | Lifestyle Storytelling

It was a cold January morning. Christmas decor was still up and twinkling but the carols had been replaced with something crooning in the background, makeup spread out over the kitchen table while mom ironed the bride’s youngest sister’s recent vintage find. Old childhood friends and sisters swapped stories while the flower girls chirped with excitemnet and girlyness EVERYWHERE. 

The bride was all nerves. Phone calls were flooding in. Last details were were being listed. Mariah finally handed over her phone and said, "i'm giving this over now." 

The flurry subsided and the dress was put on. When she arrived at at Stlllwell House, she could barely see straight. We went and found the groom-calm but concerned most about his bride. Was she calm? was she ok? what else needed to be done? (always the servant. such a "do-er") We told him, "PJ. The only thing you need to do right now is slow down and help her breathe. Love her. Affirm her. And get yo'self married today."

The first look was precious. There were nervous giggles and an embrace that broke Mariah's resolve to not cry. And in that sweetness, the spirit of the wedding was welcomed. Celebratory--full of story and past and future and present. 

Mariah & PJ met Jesus in 2014. Their love story is woven for years past --spanning decades already. When Mariah chose the song "Future Past" for a worship song during the ceremony, there was a potency about what they sung about--what they recognized to be at the middle. And they sang that song together. Amid their friends and family that also closed their eyes and belted out the joy of Jesus and a Maker who was, is and is to come. 

The day increasingly warmed up while sunbeams created glowy light during an emotional ceremony. Portraits afterwards were calm and deeply romantic. They were quiet and content and both LKM second shooter, Sarah, and I felt the sense of breathing and "finally" happening. It was so necessary.

And as the sun dipped behind downtown Tucson's skyscrapers, we made our way back join in for dinner and a fun after-party that danced the night away.

FROM THE NEWLYWEDS:

Mariah & PJ, what were key moments that stood out to you during your session / wedding day?: The fact that LKM were so personal and easy to be around. I knew that when I was walking down the isle and when we were saying our vows they would catch the emotional feel of those moments.Then there was the fact that they caught things that I hadn't seen. When I saw the pictures I was blown away by how amazing they turned out. Looking at them is like opening a present full of touching surprises. I came across one of my mom ironing my veil. It had been hers when she married my dad over 40 years ago. Also seeing pictures of my girls watching me put on my dress and getting ready. I didn't even know they were looking at me at the time the pictures were being taking. We set up a special memorial area for my father-in-law and LKM got beautiful pictures of that as well. So many beautiful and touching pictures to remember our day!

What were your highlights about working with LKM?: Laura knows our story and has watched us grow in our relationship. She made sure that certain details throughout our day were recorded. She made sure that things that were important to us were included for our memories. They work from the sidelines never in the way, awesome at blending in and having fun with my family and all of our guests.

What would you tell a future client interested in hiring LKM?: Do not hesitate to book. LKM books up fast and so worth EVERY single penny! Our pictures are absolutely stunning. All of the feelings from the day were captured perfectly. I knew from the moment we became engaged that LKM would do our photography.

PJ & Mariah, thank you so much for trusting LKM STUDIOS with your wedding and this whole season of stinkin' wonderful love :) 

COMMENT PROMPT: It's amazing to us which images resonate with people differently! Which image do you love the most and why? We love hearing from you! Comment below! :)