Fall leaves in Sedona | Arizona Engagement Session

Sedona-arizona-luxury-destination-wedding-photogrpaher

The air was crisp. The colors were out. These two were childlike and full of dance and play.

Funny story behind the scenes of this session…right at the very end I caught a barbed wire that was about shin height and took a spill. I hit my head on a rock and nailed my knee while twisting my ankle. Tommy is an ankle and foot surgeon and immediately went into doctor mode. Checking my vision and asking me, to describe my pain…he cautiously gave me a go-ahead. I was shooting a wedding later than afternoon and more concerned about the gear I had nearly smashed on the boulder. As I hobbled back to the hotel my husband said, “looks like you had fun.”

Also on a side note, they sent me when I knew Tommy + Kara would be such a fun couple when i received their first “get to know you” questionnaire. The specificity endeared me immediately.

Q. Describe your favorite dinner?

A. cooking over open campfire

Q. What is your top 2 favorite deserts?

A. baklava and chocolate chip cookie

Q. What vegetable do you love? hate?

A. We love baby spinach, brussel sprouts. Dislike bittermelon

Q. Pick your favorite types of date:

movie at home. cuddles on a couch

stay at home in pjs with a good book...at least we're in the same room!

anything new and adventurous! we are all about experimenting and experiencing new things

Q. Pick the type of gifts that you love the most:

a surprise get-away with my honey

something hand-made and thoughtful like that

Q. What book are you currently (or recently finished) reading?

A. Clinical Scenarios in Surgery. Atlas of Foot and Ankle Anatomy

Q. Describe a perfect day off:

A. hiking and setting up a hammock to read

Q. If you could redo any date or design a date you wish you had had, what would that look like and why?

A. Astronomy observatory , this was our first date.

Q. If you could adventure anywhere together, where would you go and why?

A. All the National Parks, we are slowing hitting each one

Q. What is the most random thing about you/you both that would be fun for us to know?

A. Tommy has bilateral single palmer crease. Kara has bifurcated uvula

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.

Groomsmen Gift + Party Bag Ideas

Gifting dudes is hard. Finding a gift or party presentation that doesn’t scream “my lady friend helped me with this” is a tough task. So when grooveyGuyGifts.com got in touch with me, it was a vendor collab I couldn’t resist. They sent me a bag to sample and said, “only if you like it, vouch for us and say something cool and you can keep it.” So i got it, the COMBAT COOLER SPECIFICALLY and gifted it to my husband with the question… do you think men would like this?

The monogram, the color, the fit and the style of the bag is masculine, well built, well lined and waterproof. Considering that my husband has used it as a cooler MULTIPLE times for a couple evenings camping and fireside with some whiskey and good conversation—this is not manipulated opinion. My man loved the color and said, “yea, that would be a sweet gift to get as a dude.” Success! And legit fist bump to this crazy intentional company who actually says great product for an audience of men hoping they might get a gift as cool as the girls’ . Come on guys, we can do better. Wow and woo with groovyguysgifts.com. AND check out the rest of their recent updated inventory!

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 :)

Star Wars Themed Backyard Wedding | Gilbert, Arizona

L + R’s backyard wedding (last year) may or may not have included Death Star cufflinks, Mandalorian weaponry, Yoda socks and Darth Vader centerpieces. Set in the backyard of their family’s private home in Gilbert, this casual arizona spring wedding was joy-filled and as special as their love for each other.

Laurissa & Ryan, thank you so much for trusting us with your wedding. Shout out to Makayla for being primary shooter for this wedding and all the loveliness she captured :) // LKM

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

John + Allie | Culinary Institute of America | Napa Destination Wedding

John + Allie were SUCH a fun couple. With a long history of napa-wandering, wine-loving tribe excursions it was not a hard decision to stage their glamorous castle-like , color-exploding, wine-flowing wedding in Napa at the Culinary Institute of America. Here are a few highlights!

VENDORS

Venue: CIA Greystone // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Gown: Luv Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: Levkoff // Gifts for Wedding Party: Louis Vuitton + Pretty Plum Sugar // Makeup Artist: Taryn Passifione // Hair Stylist Studio 55 - Samantha garcia Carden // Florist: Melissa Lewis w/ Table Tops Etc // Caterer CIA Greystone // Cake Artist CIA Greystone // Musician/DJ Extreme ProDjs // Videographer Yours Truly Media //

As the flowers arrived and the colors popped against the bridesmaid's dresses, we just started to drool over the corners of the venue that all seemed to pop with elegance as the designers pulled the nuances together. Here are a few thoughts and highlights from the bride:

What was the style/mood that you were going for from your wedding? What were your highest priorities?

I was going for very classic and natural. Our venue and location was naturally incredibly beautiful so for the style we really just wanted to highlight the beauty of wine country. I wanted LOTS of beautiful flowers and Table Tops Etc. did not disappoint! Melissa (from Table Tops Etc) did all the decor and flowers. She did amazing!! I had the best dress experience I could have ever imagined at Luv Bridal. Taryn Passifione Makeup and Samantha Garcia Carden made all of us ladies look naturally gorgeous! The Culinary Institute did an amazing job with catering, particularly with the beautiful cake 

One of the sweetest ways to fully enjoy the WHOLE wedding day is to enjoy family pictures before the ceremony. There is less rush, less crazy, less herding of cats and nobody is waiting on you. While i wrapped up family pictures Makayla swooped over to grab details of the ceremony. Check out that rose-laced cobblestone aesthetic. Wine tones agains rustic wood textures… florist designer from Phoenix (Table Tops Etc) made the trek to Napa to deck out Greystone’s Culinary Institute and didn’t hold back.

The space to enjoy fine art portraiture was delightful. John and Allie relaxed and leaned into eachother. Meanwhile the cocktail started up and the wine began to flow. the rest of the evening was “let down you hair and dance with all you’ve got” kind of atmosphere. It was a thrill to capture and the details and joys in all friends and family were ON FIRE. :)

Why did you initially hire Laura K Moore Photography? What were some of the key highlights and memories of having LKM shoot your wedding?

I was looking for a photographer with very natural, vibrant photos that captured the story and emotion of the day. I came across LKM's Instagram and fell in love. Even once I decided to get married out of state, I knew LKM was who I wanted there to do my photos. Laura and Makayla's attention to detail combine with their professionalism, kindness and fun personalities made everything about our wedding day photos amazing. Once we got our pictures back, we couldn't believe how many great shots there were capturing every detail of the day!! Scrolling through all the shots is like reliving the moment every time - exactly what we were looking for!! Choosing LKM as your wedding photographer is the best decision you can make. Not only the team amazing on the day of, but the photos will turn out better than I could have every imagined! LKM is simply amazing!

John & Allie, you were a joy to work with and a delight to capture! Your family is crazy….awesome :) Blessings! | LKM

VENDORS

Venue: CIA Greystone // Photographer: Laura K Moore Photography // Gown: Luv Bridal // Bridesmaids Dresses: Levkoff // Gifts for Wedding Party: Louis Vuitton + Pretty Plum Sugar // Makeup Artist: Taryn Passifione // Hair Stylist Studio 55 - Samantha garcia Carden // Florist: Melissa Lewis w/ Table Tops Etc // Caterer CIA Greystone // Cake Artist CIA Greystone // Musician/DJ Extreme ProDjs // Videographer Yours Truly Media //

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

Luxury Meets Red Rock & Agate Details | L'Auberge, Sedona AZ

Laura & Rodrigo were gems of clients this past year. With crazy professional schedules and their proclivity for travel,  their destination wedding planning process was punctuated with long pauses and an understood need to trust her vendors implicitly. As travel photographers, Makayla & I are familiar with the strain -- the sense of "I'm not fully in control." There is an inherent unpredictability in destination weddings and nerves that come with it. We aim to be a salve to that anxiety and are thrilled to work alongside vendors that take that similar stance.

 //VENDORS//

Wedding & Reception Venue: L'Auberge de Sedona Creekhouse // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator, Designer & Stylist team: Imoni Events // Florist: Foster-Wright Floral Design // Gown Boutique: Chantilly Place // Groom’s Tux: 1701 Bespoke // Groom's Bow Ties: Brackish Bow Ties // Groom’s Ring: Furrer Jacot // Hair & Makeup: Carrie Kacen // Bride’s Bracelet: Marco Bicego // Bride’s Ring: Jordan Widdes Jewelry // Caterer: L'Auberge de Sedona // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Cake Topper: Creation Bay // DJ/Band: Sweetwater Strings // Officiant: Anthony Flesch // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Jeep Rides: Pink Adventure Tours // Stationary Suite (invitaiton & menus & logo design) Eleven Note // Calligraphy on agate stones: White Ink Calligraphy // Mr & Mrs. Chair Signs: ZCreate Design

The morning of their wedding Laura & Rodrigo treated their wedding guests to the infamous Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona. Megan, Makayla & I split up into different guests' jeeps and caught a few slices of thrill, antics and a few screams to top it off.

Guests returned to the L'Auberge and started the primping process.

The prelude time before the ceremony was ripe with anticipation. The way Rodrigo was visibly nervous but composed was heart-warming.

“We are excited to bring our families & friends together in such a beautiful area. I cant wait to see him standing in front of everyone and have our moment when we first see each other. I just tear up thinking about it...Top priority for our photographer is to capture those moments for us so we can have them always. - Laura, Bride”

and as they paused their prelude to grab an intimate, secluded first moment together...the day eased, rodrigo relaxed as his eyes sparkled looking his bride up and down. that moment was crazy beautiful...

L & R parted ways and the media team made their way up to the top of L'Auberge's prime outlook spot where the red rock stood proudly in the distance. Design elements and classy metallic nuances merged the natural aesthetic with a modern sheen. Guests sprinkled in and the ceremony began with a deep breath. From that first look down the aisle to the vows to the kiss, guests and vendors alike felt the undercurrent of gratitude and respect the couple had for each other. 

The remainder of the evening was filled with delicious food accented with attention to detail and the sweet affection and hospitality of the bride and groom.

(Real Feedback Post Wedding....)

LKM: Laura! Rodrigo! Pictures are all ready to go!! Here is the link to preview the release

 Bride: OMG! MORE!!!! I'm crying again!!!!! love love love! seriously crying as soon as opened them. what is wrong with me!? thank you!!!!

LKM: Oh you are so precious! #BESTREACTIONEVER

And for the finale, here is Laura & Rodrigo’s beautiful wedding video by Gavyn Gates Cinematography.

Thank you so much Rodrigo & Laura for trusting us with your beautiful wedding weekend celebration! It was such a joy to see your deep sense of joy in hosting, gifting and celebrating with your friends and family! Cheers! | LKM & CO

 //VENDORS//

Wedding & Reception Venue: L'Auberge de Sedona Creekhouse // Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // Event Coordinator, Designer & Stylist team: Imoni Events // Florist: Foster-Wright Floral Design // Gown Boutique: Chantilly Place // Groom’s Tux: 1701 Bespoke // Groom's Bow Ties: Brackish Bow Ties // Groom’s Ring: Furrer Jacot // Hair & Makeup: Carrie Kacen // Bride’s Bracelet: Marco Bicego // Bride’s Ring: Jordan Widdes Jewelry // Caterer: L'Auberge de Sedona // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Cake Topper: Creation Bay // DJ/Band: Sweetwater Strings // Officiant: Anthony Flesch // Videographer: Gavyn Gates // Jeep Rides: Pink Adventure Tours // Stationary Suite (invitaiton & menus & logo design) Eleven Note // Calligraphy on agate stones: White Ink Calligraphy // Mr & Mrs. Chair Signs: ZCreate Design

"Our love is the thrill of adventurous exploration with no fear of being lost because I will always have your hand to hold."
-Leo Christopher

Scott + Mandy | Sedona Golf Resort | Arizona Destination Wedding

It was a stunning wedding day in Sedona Arizona only rivaled by the bride in a GREY STEEL Hailey Paige wedding gown and the calm composure of her close friends and family. Here are a few highlights from Scott + Mandy’s recent Destination Sedona Wedding.

VENDORS

Venue: Sedona Golf Resort // Gown: A and Be Bridal Shop // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bridal // Bridal Jewelry: Olive & Piper // Bridesmaids Gown: Vici Bridal // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Stationary: En Love Occasions // Florist: Events by Show Stoppers // DJ / MC: Starz Entertainment // Makeup: Patricia Vega Studios

“Q. What was the style/mood that you were going for from your wedding? What were your highest priorities?
A. We wanted a very classy yet whimsical wedding. My dress had a very fairytale like vibe and I wanted to continue that feeling throughout. We used a lot of whites, soft blues, and silvers, with a touch of a starry night theme to bring everything together and give it that whimsical feel we hoped for.”

Q. What other vendors particularly rocked your world?
A. Our venue, Sedona Golf Resort, was amazing! The staff were so helpful and the location was perfect. Our DJ was Jimmy D. With Starz Entertainment and he was awesome! Super organized, kept the day moving, and kept the dance floor full! Our hair and makeup was done by Patricia Vega and she did a beautiful job, she really knows her stuff! ~ bride

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CLIENT REVIEW (from the Bride:)

Q. Why did you initially hire Laura K Moore Photography?
A. Choosing a photographer for our wedding was actually the most difficult part of wedding planning for us. There are so many great photographers out there, how were we supposed to choose?! When we found Laura’a site and saw her pictures and how amazing she was at capturing the candid moments, it became a much easier decision! In addition, Laura seemed like someone who would be fun and easy going to be around. Since you spend more time with your photographer than any other vendor on your wedding day, this was really important to me. Laura made the day fun, easy, and made us feel confident that we were getting all the amazing shots we wanted and then some!
Q. What were some of the key highlights and memories of having LKM shoot your wedding?
A. She made things so easy! From the moment she got there, she went to work getting pictures of the dress, shoes, little details, everything! I never felt like I needed to give her any extra direction because she was already a step ahead of me, which made it much easier for me to relax. She was also great about helping us figure out posing and making things light and funny. My husband hates having his photo taken, but she made the process fun and easy!
Q. If you were to refer LKM to future brides & grooms, what would you say?
A. You can stop looking, you’ve found your photographer! Her pictures are timeless and elegant and really do capture the day. I spent hours researching photographers and could not be more thrilled to have chosen Laura for our big day! She’s an absolute gem!

Scott & Mandy, What an honor it was to be trusted with your wedding day! Your families were beautiful and your day was stunning! Excited to stay in touch as your future unfolds! // LKM

VENDORS

Venue: Sedona Golf Resort // Gown: A and Be Bridal Shop // Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka Bridal // Bridal Jewelry: Olive & Piper // Bridesmaids Gown: Vici Bridal // Cake: Sedona Cake Couture // Stationary: En Love Occasions // Florist: Events by Show Stoppers // DJ / MC: Starz Entertainment // Makeup: Patricia Vega Studios