destination wedding photographer

Hard Rock Riviera Playa | Cancun, Mexico Destination Wedding Photography

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Tim & Jenna's Destination Wedding at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya in Cancun, Mexico was a bit other-worldly and rich with color and crazy. When we first got Jenna's inquiry a year prior to her wedding she described her vision to be defined by 3 things she cared most about: the people, the party, and the purpose. The whole year leading up to the wedding, i was most impressed with Jenna's intense attention to detail and desire to really make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone. She was ON TOP OF the details -- and the team she built to help with travel details and communication were ON PAR. Note: Travel Agent Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings was highly regarded. In Jenna's words, "that chic orchestrated transcontinental flights for over 120 people! WHAT?!" Both Tim & Jenna were true hosts and their words of gratitude at their reception only further delivered that priority! 

Here are some sweet highlights from this couple's amazing destination wedding in Mexico. Opportunities to shoot love stories and destination weddings like this -- tropics and iguanas and week long escapades with the beech breeze at our backs and world famous cenotes in our backyards -- it was the stuff of dreams! We were honored to be trusted as the Wallace's storytellers! Enjoy!

P.S.  Be sure to catch and note the vendor list in case you are considering a destination wedding in Cancun. The idea of travel can be daunting but Jenna and Tim sure did hand pick a swell team of reliable peeps to deliver an epic party and experience. 

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Riviera Maya- Arpa Terrace & Maya Ballroom // Wedding Coordinator: Liliana Perez Garcia (Works at HRRM Wedding Department) // Wedding Dress: La Bella Bridal // Bridesmaid Dresses: The Wedding Accessory Superstore // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groomsmen Outfits: Nick's Menswear // Hair Stylist:  Sothy Chau at Rumors Salon in Phoenix // Florist: Tulipania (HRRM Internal Vendor) // Musicians:  DJ Disco Movil (Ricardo de Pavia I) // Videographer: Katy Jo Caringer // Travel Agent- Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings and Travel // Eyebrows: Ann Reed , Scottsdale, AZ // Airbrush Tan: Phoenix Glow // Officiant: Kevin Skinner with Aldea Spiritual Community // Cake Topper: Cake Topper Bliss

The first look was precious -- i mean his FACE when he saw her!!! -- and both had prepared a surprise gift for the other. (note the peanut gallery spying on them in the balcony above :D)

while the rest of the wedding party got ready, we had arranged enough time to just be alone with the couple and capture the diversity of Hard Rock's incredible property...first they OWNED that beach...

then we waited for the wedding party in the jungle in the heart of the resort

Wedding party meandered over and strut their stuff...

Family pictures were relaxed and pleasant -- the special attention to love one's closest to the bride and groom was appreciated. The Tim and his brothers and dad were able to nail an epic "album cover", parents were adequately honored and kissed and thanked for their crazy investment in the whole week, siblings were hugged, kids were relaxed and the prelude before the wedding began to build with excitement :)

Jenna whispered a request to have her parents captured before she and Tim stole away one last time before the ceremony began. 

and then the vows

and then the party

Real Life Feedback from bride and groom received several days post-wedding:

Laura and Lawson,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for everything you did for us. To be honest, I was hoping to write this email to you yesterday, but I was still on such a wedding high that I didn’t want to open my computer…I just wanted to relish in that feeling and dream about it all day!

Photography is a big wedding expense, and I had to fight for that spend in the budget, but after last week, no one was questioning me anymore! My mom, dad, and Tim all pulled me aside to say how good they felt in your hands and how grateful they were that you were there. Not to mention, I was extremely relieved to have you at rehearsal dinner! At first, I didn’t quite recognize how much I needed you there, but then after I got to watch you in action for a bit, this feeling of “fewf” waved over me. Just having another person helping with the timeline, insisting that we run rehearsal once more, and being able to share ideas before the big day…those little things made such a big difference in my state of mine.

I can’t tell you how many people came up to me last week to tell me how great you and your husband were. Regular wedding guests were raving about how they caught both of you using all your toys and lighting devices to capture the best image, how you two seemed so passionate about the job, or how fun it was to watch you get really excited or worked up about a particular lighting or photo op. My videographer Katie was raving about your work and how much she learned from you to strangers in the bar. At one point, Lawson was bringing me water and holding my purse. Another person noticed him laying on the ballroom floor with our rings trying to capture a moment. My bridesmaids were laughing about all your quirky verbal directions and reminiscing about it the next day on the beach. Even participating in “red light, green light” with the kiddos was fun! What a beautiful idea to think that my wedding guests felt loved and important just by watching you do your job!

Then Timmy told me about your pep talk to him before we had our first look and it melted my heart. What other photographers give pep talks like that?! I told you that day that I was unusually relaxed and calm…which is a bit odd for me, especially since I have this inner “event planner” who doesn’t know when to let go sometimes. But that wasn’t the case on my wedding day. It was all so easy and smooth. “The bride should have no sense of time,” is what you told me over the phone. I would say we definitely accomplished that! I took out my phone once for a selfie with my husband, but other than that, I didn’t respond to any text messages, and instead just breathed in the memories. I can’t help but think you and Lawson had a lot to do with that.

You two went above and beyond the duties of photographer. I genuinely felt like I had families members not photographers with me on my special day, and I can’t thank you enough for being by my side for both the wedding and rehearsal dinner. You are truly an artist, and I can’t wait to share your creations!!!  Love, Jenna  (bride)

You just can't beat that kind of rock solid affirmation.... Tim & Jenna, It was an honor to be trusted with your wedding day!! BLESSINGS!!! | LKM

// VENDORS //

Wedding Venue: Hard Rock Riviera Maya- Arpa Terrace & Maya Ballroom // Wedding Coordinator: Liliana Perez Garcia (Works at HRRM Wedding Department) // Wedding Dress: La Bella Bridal // Bridesmaid Dresses: The Wedding Accessory Superstore // Flower Girl Dresses: Dillards // Groomsmen Outfits: Nick's Menswear // Hair Stylist:  Sothy Chau at Rumors Salon in Phoenix // Florist: Tulipania (HRRM Internal Vendor) // Musicians:  DJ Disco Movil (Ricardo de Pavia I) // Videographer: Katy Jo Caringer // Travel Agent- Ketti Menne from Paradise Weddings and Travel // Eyebrows: Ann Reed , Scottsdale, AZ // Airbrush Tan: Phoenix Glow // Officiant: Kevin Skinner with Aldea Spiritual Community // Cake Topper: Cake Topper Bliss // 

P.S. OOOO - one last note! Check out the baller highlight reel that the bride's friend, Katy Jo Caringer, put together of the whole escapade. Such a fun storytelling piece!! 

Kelly + Nolan | Jeffersonville, Vermont

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The Barn at Smugglers Notch in Jeffersonville, Vermont was such a fun treat of a venue. Unsuspecting and surrounded by the green mountains, the summer day was perfect and full of sunbeams and laughter. Here are highlights from Nolan and Kelly’s wedding In Vermont. To see more of our Vermont weddings and vendors we appreciate, go HERE.

VENDORS

Photography: Laura K Moore Photography // second shooter: Makayla w/LKM // Event Planning: Leather & Lace Event Planning // Bride’s Dress: Show Me Your Mumu // Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch // DJ: Green Taylor Ensemble // MUAH: Elizabeth England Studios // Florist: Nectar and Root // Hair: Jessica Murphy Studios // Catering: Cast Iron Catering // Cake Artist: North Country Cakes // Videographers: AMP Creatives // Officiant: Carmen George

Q. Describe the style/theme/motif/vibe that you are aiming for on your wedding day

A. Summer day in Vermont, mountain views, a lot of greenery and flowers. Neutral tones, theme colors are sage, beige, white and gold. Vintage, simple, classy. Formal but relaxed.

VENDORS

Photography: Laura K Moore Photography /// second shooter: Makayla w/LKM // Event Planning: Leather & Lace Event Planning // Bride’s Dress: Show Me Your Mumu // Venue: The Barn at Smuggler’s Notch // DJ: Green Taylor Ensemble // MUAH: Elizabeth England Studios // Florist: Nectar and Root // Hair: Jessica Murphy Studios // Catering: Cast Iron Catering // Cake Artist: North Country Cakes // Videographers: AMP Creatives // Officiant: Carmen George

Shayne + Allison | Backyard Wedding in New England

Shayne + Allison | Backyard Wedding in New England

Allison’s dream was always to get married in her mom’s backyard and when we arrive, we couldn’t have agreed with her more…

Aaron + Lisa | Hag's Head Cliffs of Moher | Galway, Ireland

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“Our vision…we wanted a seamless day where neither of us need to worry about anything…we just wanted it simple! I really love Ireland and its landscape and wanted photos that capture that and our love.”

Aaron + Lisa had connected with us through a mutual friend and photographer, Jenni Marie. She was already booked and asked if Makayla would be interested in taking the gig. Through a series of emails, phone calls, and logistics a trip to Ireland was planned with a tiny little family gathering on the cliffs of Moher. Landing several days prior, Makayla had done some scouting to see where things would be hosted and options on the cliff where the vows would be made. It would be high sun so mapping out the whole day of storytelling was critical.

The couple got ready at The Huntsman Inn and ended up having their first look right near the shiny iconic bar. Goes to show that there need be no hoopla to still feel real emotion. Both of them swapped tears and held each other a bit. There would be much more of that to come…

// VENDORS //

Inn & Prelude Venue: The Huntsman Inn // Gown: Madison Collection from Everything But the Groom // Bride’s Shoes: Aldo // Suit & Shoes: The Bay // After-Ceremony Pub: The Dail Bar Galway // Officiant: John Burns // Florist: College Road Floristis // Photography: Associate Makayla McGarvey of Laura K Moore Photography

It was a beautiful day. The skies were blue and family came eager to celebrate. The vows were sweet and tears were shed by several.

Following the time on the cliffs, everybody made their way back to The Dail Bar in Galway. Dresses were changed and shots were tossed and pints were passed. The streets were alive with the hum of a historical city while a sweet family celebrated into the evening. See below for some thoughts and highlights from the couple!

// VENDORS //

Inn & Prelude Venue: The Huntsman Inn // Gown: Madison Collection from Everything But the Groom // Bride’s Shoes: Aldo // Suit & Shoes: The Bay // After-Ceremony Pub: The Dail Bar Galway // Officient: John Burns // Florist: College Road Floristis

BRIDE & GROOM REVIEW:

Why did you initially hire LKM!?

We were looking for a photographer that matched our love for travel and our style! I found LKM through one of my dearest friend’s wedding photographer on Instagram!

What were some of the key highlights and memories of having LKM shoot your wedding?

Makayla made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera. It helped that we had our engagement shoot with her the night before! It allowed us to feel comfortable on the day of and not worry about how we look! She gave us all the direction we needed and it was perfect! She's amazing! Makayla also did her research! She showed us some parts of Ireland we never thought about! She did her work!!

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

Our highest priority was just to capture our wedding and the Irish beauty!! We wanted to make sure Ireland was a part of our wedding as well as our family! We wanted to make sure it was captured as we were far away from family and wanted those who couldn't be there still see it!

If you were to refer LKM to future brides & grooms, what would you say?

I would say, if you want a professional company with people who really care about you and your day, pick them!! I can't believe how amazing our experience was and how quick we got our photos!!


Happy almost anniversary you two! What a treasure it was to capture your love story and this wonderful, totally-you-guys wedding :) Blessings!

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

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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 //

Scott + Mandy | Sedona Golf Resort | Arizona Destination Wedding

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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


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

LKM in SEDONA | "Behind the Scenes"

updated our behind the scenes blog today! a few highlights about last month's trip to Sedona for a shnazzy bridal show! click picture below!

me, nicky and corrie (#lkmwooteam) celebrating one of the best bridal shows we've ever done! 

me, nicky and corrie (#lkmwooteam) celebrating one of the best bridal shows we've ever done! 

Seth + Joelle | A Pacific NorthWest Wedding Affair

Seth Weisser + Joelle Miller  // Astoria Oregon

The Weisser wedding was off the hook this summer. Oregon hosted LKM well. If you missed the OREGON feature in general about the whole Pacific Northwest Journey in June, Go Here. 

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First there was this city of Astoria. A historical little city up on the northern coast of Oregon that sits so simply. 

Here is Seth + Joelle's wedding story as told by Joelle...

With a bridal party of nine it takes a very generous salon to provide space and Champaign for all- and we found the perfect one! Prep time was so fun. The first time in a week I let my mind forget about everything that needed to be done and just let it sink it that it was my wedding day. My wedding day!

After the beautification process, Seth and I finally got to see one another. It was actually Laura who convinced us of the benefits of a first look while discussing photography plans. THANK YOU! That time, those moments just between us on our wedding day are some of our favorite moments. We met on "our bridge". The bridge we had first found late at night on a rainy and cold walk before we were dating- I was so taken with it, and with Seth, and then he asked me to dance. Months after he asked me to be his girlfriend in the same spot, and later set up a beautiful proposal, and then we got to share our first moments together on our wedding day on that bridge as well!

The wedding party joined us after- pictures in the breezy, chilly air were so much fun. One of my favorite, favorite things of all the wedding details were how my bridesmaids looked. Curls, pearls, neutral colors, and darling shoes on all my best friends made me so happy! 

A growing most FAVORITE thing with couple's who choose to do a FIRST LOOK, is the amount of time you can have with family BEFORE the wedding. It is relaxed. People aren't waiting on you. The Weisser and Miller clan was an enormous group of people who were hilarious and spread out all over the country save weddings of siblings and friends they get to come to. So this picture time was precious. We hung out. We laughed. We watched...it was a great prelude to ceremony time...

The ceremony is almost a blur, but a beautiful one! Standing in front of most everyone you love and proclaiming your love for each other, and for the Lord, is a beautiful thing. We kept saying beforehand that we wanted people to know that we loved Jesus first, that he was the reason for us, and we had so many of our guests tell us just that. Such an answer to prayer! Our vows were a highlight. Honest words from our fragile hearts of just how much we love and want to serve the other, and serve with the other, for the rest of our lives. It was beautiful to hear and to share. I know keep those words in my bible and read them so often!

After the ceremony, Seth & Joelle took some time to be alone and take some pretty authentic lovely pictures up in the hills and suburbs of Astoria.

 The reception was a fantastic party! So many people came from all over the country to celebrate! 

We rode away on bicycles- in true Oregonian style! The bikes were ones that Seth had bought from second hand stores and restored himself. Riding away in clouds of sparkly confetti was like magic for me, but Seth recalls being pelted in the face with those confetti clouds and falling behind me on the ride. That cool air felt incredible!

VENDORS

Location: Astoria Event Center // MUAH: Salone Boheme // Bride's Dress: David's Bridal // Groomsmen Outfits: Express // Flowers: Costco

DIY Backyard Wedding Details {teaser} | Texture Tuesday

This DIY Backyard San Jose wedding is about to hit the blog :) There were SO many DIY details, textures, colors and awesome garden plants at this wedding.  I figured it only appropriate to release a few as part of "texture tuesday." Check back shortly for the whole wedding story! | LKM

Desert Bridal Portraits | Scottsdale Wedding Photography | Texture Teusday

We're branching away from plants and letting this beautiful bride take stage for Texture Tuesday. Bryce & Caroline's Scottsdale Wedding at El Chorro is being featured tomorrow but for now...here are a few textures and a couture dress and newlywed romance that just make me feel all warm and sparkly inside. Amid Palo Verde trees and Ironwood blossoms, these two snagged some beautiful sunset portraits immediately after their ceremony... 

Check back tomorrow to see their whole wedding story... :) | LKM