Alexis and Jeremiah: Engagement session at home

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

To say I know this couple well is an understatement. These two are some of the best friends you could have in the world. I actually LIVED with these two in college. I love them so very much, which makes this post a very special one for me. They have been together for ten years…starting a romance at the ripe old age of 18. Most people say that you know nothing at 18, which is so very, very true- but these two actually knew what they had and never let it go. Their love for one another, their commitment, their generosity, their amazing curiosity and creativeness, and finally their true kindness- make them an unbelievable pair. I am constantly inspired by their talent and their spirit. Together they will achieve great things. I could not imagine them not being married- and I am so excited for their wedding.

When they asked me to take their engagement photos I was ecstatic- and knew Alexis (the very talented owner of Avenue Boutique) would have all sorts of cute things planned. Boy was I right. Starting with the pajama set in bed- these two know style. Take a look…

Alexis knitting….always, Jeremiah playing music. Just a typical day in the life.

I am so in love with this next one!

Next we headed inside to play a few games….starting with Cowboys and Indians.

If you think it might be hard to be friends with this beautiful of a couple- you would be right. Indeed…

This tree in their yard is so amazing! I love eucalyptus, but this one takes the cake.

I love this next set in the street. It was hard to choose!
A & J-1-89

Love, love, love, this one!

I love her jewelry- and I had to get a few shots of it. Alexis has always had beautiful jewelry, but now, she makes it and sell it in her shop too (Avenue Boutique) . Gorgeous.

Thank you for letting me take your photos. You two are the world to me, and I can’t wait to watch the rest of your lives unfold. I am so honored to know both of you. Love.

Shannon and Bill: Wedding at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

I absolutely love fall weddings! I love the weather, the colors and most of all when brides use sunflowers! Shannon and Bill, got married at the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch this last November. If you don’t remember their engagement shoot…here is a sneak peek back…

The wedding day was perfect, the bride was gorgeous and the location was a blast to photograph. Below are just a few of many favorites from the day.

Dress time!

Their first look…was really just her first look! So fun. I love his giant bow! HA!

Ceremony time! I absolutely love these next two my second shooter, Kelsey Shirley got!

Deep breath! Love this!
The moment the bride comes down the aisle, I always look at the groom. I love that moment. So special.

This is my absolute favorite parent shot ever! Love!

Congratulations you two! Hugs to you both.

Kristina & Dylan: Engaged

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

This post has been a long time coming! These two are two of the most genuine people I have had the pleasure to photograph. Kristina and Dylan are getting married this weekend! (See…a long time coming, like I said.) I am so excited for their wedding. They are so easy going and affectionate- it’s going to be a blast! For this shoot we went to St. Phillips Church, and then over to Hacienda del Sol.

I love this wall outside St. Phillips- the old stucco is beautiful.

Dylan is the sweetest with Tina- I love this one.

I love these orange flowers! I need some for my yard.

This one melts my heart!

Love this one of Tina laughing at her hubbie to be!

A ll eyes on the bride! So cute.

I LOVE this wall at Hacienda del Sol. Every time I am there I have to use it.

These next few are my favorites. I love these flowers outside Hacienda. They are so gorgeous. The light was also at its most perfect when we arrived.

The gorgeous Tina!

So sweet, love it!

You guys are the best! Congrats! I can’t wait for your big day!

Introducing: The Bump and the Baby

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Introducing our baby and the bump package! I have so many mom’s who get their maternity photos done, and then after the baby comes, decide they want their little one photographed too! This new package offers a discount for booking both shoots with me.

Details Include:
-The Belly and the Baby…………………………$350
-Two photo sessions
-Maternity Session with Mom to be
-Newborn Session, once the baby comes
-100+ hi-res photos from each session

Check out some of these moms and their cute little babies:

Hope to see you soon!

Kelly and Danny: Engaged

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

This was one of my favorite shoots of all time. This couple is gorgeous the setting was incredible, but most of all the couple was truly fantastic. Danny, if probally on of my favorite people to photograph. He is the most easy going guy I have ever photographed. He will do anything we ask! And his gorgeous bride to be? Don’t get me started.

Kelly and Danny are getting married this fall at a gorgeous vineyard in Northern California (jealous!!) and I can not wait for the big day. For their engagement shoot, we first took some shots in the morning in downtown Tucson. We even made a quick pit stop at the train station and got some great and romantic shots. Later that afternoon, we took a drive south of Tucson, to Patagonia and Sonoita to get some incredibly romantic, fall inspired shots.

These doors at the train station are so beautiful.

L.O.V.E.

This was a sweet moment. I love the embrace.

Gorgeous, no?

I really like this shot of Danny. He is so sweet.

After walking around downtown Tucson, we headed over to the Train Station by Maynards Market. If features a vintage train that is absolutely beautiful.

This couple truly has an old world charm. You could swear that they were out of a movie in 1920…classic.

I adore this next image!

I love how this groom to be poped up out of his seat to kiss his girl…

After this morning shoot, we went home for naps (let’s face it, I was pregnant at the time, so I needed one!) and then met later to travel down to Patagonia and Sonoita (about an hour drive south of Tucson).

We Stopped first for a casual rustic shoot, then went to Sonoita for a romantic sunset, formal shoot. This setting was special to Danny because if reminded him of where he grew up.

So adorable!

This setting was a dream!

And now for the formals!

Obsessed with these next few!

It should be illegal to be this cute…

This is one of my faves!

Finally we popped a little champagne to get the celebration started!

This makes me so happy!

Ohhh the colors!!!

How adorable are these two!

Favorite image!

Thank you Kelly and Danny for such an amazing shoot! I can not WAIT for your wedding! EAK!

Aleks & Adam: Engaged

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Adam & Aleks: Engaged

It is a rare treat to find a couple that is so comfortable in front of the camera- and so affectionate. Aleks and Adam, are one of these treats. The Chicago dwelling couple met me this winter at the very beautiful Royal Palms Hotel in Scottsdale, AZ to do thier engagement session. These two love birds met at ASU in Phoenix, AZ – and decided that their wedding also be held in this sentimental place (stay tuned for their gorgeous wedding this fall!). In addition to being beautiful on the outside (aren’t these two adorable?!) Adam and Aleks are also beautiful on the inside, and their love for one another was easy to capture on camera.

I love this one of Aleks below…

I love the lighting we found on these next few…

I love all the beautiful architectural elements the Royal Palms has to offer.

Gorgeous!

I truly can not wait for this couples wedding!

Next, the couple and I headed over to some of Scottsdale’s beautiful rocky lookout points to finish up their shoot and watch an Arizona sunset.

I adore the next image….they are so cute!

I love this!

Congratulations again Adam and Aleks! I can not wait for October! Cheers!

Dana & Adam: Maternity Shoot

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Dana and Adam have quickly become two of my favorite people. Not only were they easy and fun to photograph, but they are two of the nicest people you have ever met. Truly. They are expecting their first baby (a boy) this October. For their maternity shoot- we took a drive up to Mt. Lemonn- to relax and take some pictures in the MUCH cooler air. Below is some of what we captured.

We got a lot of photos pf Dana laughing because her husband is HILARIOUS!

Dana is seriously stunning.

I think this is my favorite image of the shoot…

I love this next one…

How cute are these tiny Tom’s?!

I’m not kidding. Adam is F-U-N-N-Y!

These next few Wildcat themed photos were completely necessary because Dana was on the pom line for U of A and Adam was on the Football team (how fitting!). I love theses…

These are two of my favorites from the shoot.

Boy!

Thank you Dana and Adam for an awesome shoot!

Preview…Ashley and Andy’s wedding

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Just a preview of Ashley and Andy’s Michigan wedding. More soon!

Small Business Saturdays

Posted on August 11, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Being a small business, I like to shop, eat and blog local too. Hence, I’ve decided, that my Saturday post will be dedicated to: Local business. I will try to highlight a small business in my (our) local Tucson community. Complete with…you guessed it- PHOTOS, and a small, modest description of what they do best. This will be a fun way for me to meet new people in my community, eat a new restaurants and shop local, all the while practicing what I love to do most, photography. I will be covering everything from restaurants and farmers markets, to boutiques, printers, florists and other local small businesses. Should you have a small business, or know of one you think I should cover, let me know I would love to feature it!

The Nutting Family

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

This last week, I had the great pleasure of photographing the Nutting family, near their home in Oro Valley, AZ. With the monsoon season in full swing here in the desert, things seem to be a bit greener than usual. Brett, Erin and their two adorable girls and I walked around their neighborhood, scouting the perfect backdrop for this gorgeous family.

I love these images of Erin and her daughter Allie.

Isn’t she breathtaking?!

Spend an hour with these four and you will realize how much love they share for one another. They are all so sweet.

Brett and Erin are truly adorable together.

If you haven’t been on Pinterest before- consider yourself lucky. If you HAVE, then you may be like me, and wonder if there is an AA group for Pinterest junkies. Once I’m on there…its over. I might break for meals, but that is it! Luckily, Erin shares my Pin-Love and ‘pinned’ some cute shots for us to try. Below is an idea we got from another photographer, but with out own twist. I really like how these came out. Erin remarked that the photos, to her, show the amount of love and closeness the two of them share. I couldn’t agree more.