The Solis Family

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

I love family sessions. I love the interactions between parents and kids, I love sweet little siblings- its just all so fun. This session was extra fun because this family was also expecting a new little bundle! Big sister Gia was the sweetest, and so excited to be having a new baby in her family.

Solis Family-56

I love this idea!

I have a real soft spot for Dad’s and daughters…

This next photo is extra special. Tina, had the idea to take a photo of her and Gia in the same pose as she was once photographers with her mom. It was such a special tribute to her mom, who passed away. With a two year old, this can be a little tricky, but I think we got close.

These 3 and a half were just adorable.

I of course had to get a few shots of just Tina and her beautiful belly.

Such a incredibly kind and sweet family!

This is one good looking pregnant lady! Except for the belly, she didn’t look pregnant at all!

Isn’t she the cutest?!

They decided not to find out if they were having a girl or a boy until delivery, which is such a fun surprise!

This is my favorite.

Thank you Tina and Rick for letting me photography your beautiful family!

Greyson: Newborn Photos

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

A little peek at a few of the cute photos we got of new baby Greyson. I am sure there will be many more photos in your future little one! Welcome to the world sweet boy.

YAWN!
Grey-1 copy

My favorite!

Little everything. Love it.

Nothing like a Mom and a baby.

Daddies and babies. Swoon.

I took Grey’s parents photos a few years ago, and realized- that this one with Greyson was so similar! So Sweet.

Congratulations Nutting family!

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.

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!

Baby Mia: 6 Months

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Mia Shirley is a doll. Truly the sweetest disposition of any baby. Plus, she is adorable! I recently photographed this ‘doll’ for her 6-month photo documentation. (Mia’s Mom has hired me to do a ‘First year in the life’ photo documentation of Mia’s entire first year of life). Mia’s Mom, Dad and big brother Max came along to help and watch, so we got a few of theses guys as well.

I just love this sweet little face, look how excited she is! The bows on the back of her dress, also had to be documented. I love details!

We managed to get a couple family photos, even though this shoot was all about Mia. Look forward to seeing this family again, when we do their holiday photo shoot this fall!

I just love this little back shot!

Mia and her mama.

Everything blooms in the desert when we finally get some rain! These bright cheerie flowers remind me of Mia!

I had to take a few of Mia’s big brother Max. What cute kids the Shirley’s have!

I love this last one! This will definitely make her album!

Thank you Shirley family!

Charlie Turn’s ONE.

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Elizabeth McDonnell

It’s not everyday that Charlie Borland turns one! Naturally, you have to document it. Charlie’s parents were married at the Arizona Inn almost 4 years ago, so it made sense to document Charlie turning one, in a place that is both sentimental and beautiful. Below are the images we caught of Charlie, his personality, and his handsome good looks!

Charlie is in a phase, where he wants to know what everything is…”uh-daaat?”. I love this pointing picture…you can almost hear him say it!

I love his little balloons! Unfortunately, most of the balloon shots didn’t work out because he was a little distracted (obviously!)…but we did get this one! He looks a tho he might just fly away!

Baby drool…

I just love this next shot!

He is just such a happy little guy! Look at all his little faces…

Oh those eyes!

So curious…

Finally, Charlie stripped down and put on his comfy overalls right before he left for his nap time.

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!

Elizabeth Mcdonnell Photography Blog

Category Archives: Tucson