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!

Erin Nutting: Maternity Shoot

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

All belly! Thats what I say when I look at Erin! For Erin and Brett’s maternity session- I met them at La Paloma (I love this shot above at the Red Door Spa there). I am so excited for these two to have their first BOY! The cute couple already has two beautiful girls- so this will be a fun addition to the family. Erin, a best friend of mine, will also have a boy just 4.5-5 month apart from my sweet boy. I can not wait for play dates!

I am so in love with this next side by side….

We started to walk over to a different area that I thought would be nice (for backdrop), and I noticed this amazing light on Erin. I had to stop and take a few photos…of course these ended up being my favorites!

Adorable! She is stunning too…

G is for Greyson. Love him already!

It is not surprising that Erin has modeling in her background is it?!

These new few are of the couple. I just love these images. So sweet.

All belly!

Thank you so much Erin and Brett! You are going to be wonderful parents to little Greyson! Your kids are lucky to have you! Hugs!

Holiday Sessions!

Posted on September 14, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

I can’t wait for the holidays for some reason this year! I am excited to announce these holiday sessions! This year I will be bringing some props for kids- think banners, baskets and crates! As always I encourage you all to bring any accessories and props you want to incorporate as well! For poses, themes and outfit ideas see my Pinterest board HERE. Can’t wait, see you soon!

For more info or to book your session contact:

Elizabeth McDonnell Photography
Phone:520.909.8501
Web: www.elizabethmcdonnellphotography.com
Follow me on Facebook!

The Lindberg Family Summer Shoot

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

This is a special post for me. I can NOT say enough good things about this cute family! After meeting Natalie at their family photoshoot, I knew I wanted to be her friend. If for no other reason that to see how she handles 3 kids all under the age of 5! As it turns out, she totally does it flawlessly! She is an aspiring photographer (not too different from myself!) so naturally we hit it off. Her beautiful work can be seen on her Facebook page HERE. Over the last few months the Lindberg family became not only one of my favorite clients, but friends too! Natalie will now, be taking the place of ‘second shooter’ during my upcoming wedding season shoots. For their fun family shoot we decided to meet at an Oro Valley park…the result was pretty cute I have to say!

What a little love this guy is!

These Lindberg’s are as funny as they are adorable….see what I mean….

These next two have the best story to go along with them…

So while we were shooting, Evan, the oldest (age 5), started picking some flowers off this tree. He then took the flowers over to his Mom, gave them to her, and said, “Mom, this is for LOVE.” Swoon!

The youngest, at 7 months here, is Lucy- can we talk about her outfit? Seriously.

So, whenever I am photographing a family- I inevitably get some bloopers- but this next one was a gem. I had to share- sorry Natalie! You mom’s out there can relate I know!

I love this….

AH! What a cutie.

Don’t you wish someone would do this to you?1!

I mean these shoes…REALLY?! Love.

This next one is my favorite of the whole shoot. I adore it! So simple, so meaningful.

Love the little coordinating outfits.

Trying to get a two year old and a 7 month old to sit together is comical….

Thank you Lindberg Family! You guys are the best!

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!

Fall Mini Sessions!

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

It’s almost fall! That means fall mini’s! Choose between either- Howard’s Apple Orchard in Catalina where you can pick fresh produce among their beautiful apple and pear trees! Or the spooky, old historic Barrio in downtown Tucson among the gorgeous old buildings with crumbling stucco. Kids are encouraged to bring their Halloween costumes! I will provide a bunch of props like pumpkins, crates, baskets and a banner. Hope to see you there! (Details below)

To book contact us:

Elizabeth McDonnell Photography
Phone:520.909.8501
Web: www.elizabethmcdonnellphotography.com
Blog: www.elizabethmcdonnellphotography.com/blog

Don’t you just love these little cuties?! Howard’s is so fun! Happy September.

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!

Charlotte at One!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Elizabeth McDonnell

Often I am asked by clients to do follow up session from newborn photos at age One. I love doing this! For me, it is so fun to see how those tiny little infants grown up. When I met little Charlotte last year she was a 7 week old little chunk! Now she is all grown up and walking. And isn’t she still the cutest? The best part is, I know her personally too, so I have watched her grow up all year on Facebook (they live in Michigan). For our one year old shoot, we choose the Arizona Inn, which was a great backdrop for this little cutie.

Dont you just love this dress…!

Just spend a few minuets with Charlotte and you will learn how much she loves to climb!

Charlotte was so fixated on this leaf in the grass that we couldn’t get her to look at us- so I decided to take a few shots of her cute bow in the back…of course once we left and stopped trying to get her attention she wondered- “Hey where did they go?!”, and looked back at us. The photo turned out cute however: