Honest, Authentic Arizona Wedding & Family Photography
Based in Phoenix, Arizona
It’s not enough to simply take beautiful photos of people in epic scenery and take trendy photos for social media. Nearly every photographer can do that these days. What I think matters most is being an honest, authentic mirror, a witness to people’s small and big moments in their lives and capturing those for them so you can keep them forever. I’m here to document your humanity, how you loved and are loved, whether that’s a loud, boisterous love or a reserved, quiet intensity, giving you space to be yourself. I want to capture moments and photos that mean something to my clients throughout their lives- the photos they hang on their walls to bring them joy when they are going through a tough time and the photos that bring them comfort at the funerals of their loved ones. I’m here to be a calm presence, creating space and encouragement for you to be joyfully and enthusiastically present, connected and wholeheartedly yourself.
For the independent free spirit who loves the wind in your hair. For the person who loves nature but hates trends, who wants to be authentic and real, down to earth, not a princess. For the person who craves depth and vulnerability, imperfect aliveness, for photos that show who you really are, to look at on the wall and smile and be proud of because “this is me, this is us”. Real.
Weddings
Weddings are my jam. I’ve been shooting weddings in Arizona for over 15 years and have photographed 200+ of all sizes. My style is documentary- I want to tell your story so when you are 80 and your memory is fading, you still feel like you were there at your wedding. Your wedding is not a performance or a photoshoot. It’s likely the only time you’ll have all of your loved ones gathered in one place, celebrating love.
Elopements
I’ve been photographing elopements & small weddings (micro weddings, intimate weddings) before it was cool because of COVID. Want to elope but don’t know where to start? Let me be your guide to make your Arizona elopement dreams come true, whatever that means to you.
Families & Maternity
My experience shooting moments happening rapid-fire at weddings, coupled with my own very active feral wild girls, means I can definitely photograph your crazy family and love doing so! My style is documentary lifestyle, leaving you with true to life, beautiful family photos that will stand the test of time, showcasing your connection and relationship as a family. My sessions are designed to make your life easy with lots of help and guidance including wardrobe help & a full client closet saving you money and stress.
Underwater
Yes, I shoot underwater! I love photographing creative underwater sessions in pools for many reasons: underwater maternity, underwater engagement sessions, trash the wedding dress, underwater senior sessions- you name it! I am one of the very few photographers with this specialty in the US and have been shooting underwater for over 8 years.
Check out my wedding & elopement resources
95+ Wedding Venues in Arizona
Some of my favorite wedding venues all across Arizona
Elopement Location Ideas in Arizona
View some elopement ideas from an Arizona native and elopement photographer of over 12 years.
Arizona Microwedding Venue Guide
Thinking of having an intimate micro-wedding? Here are some gorgeous location ideas!
Take photos of the good times before you realize they were the good times.
Hey there, I´m Alyssa and want to capture your real moments and connection with the people you love.
Honesty & authenticity is one of the bravest and daring things. It is vulnerable because society tell us who to be, what to think, how to act from the moment we are born, implicitly or explicitly. Sometimes, the message is “hide your true self behind what’s expected” and do what you’re told. Doing what’s expected is often the forced smile and posey photos that everyone expects, but isn’t a reflection of who you really are. It’s a fake smile, a hollow laugh.
“But I’m not photogenic!” I hear you, I understand. Authenticity isn’t about stiff poses, it’s about connection to each other, and yourself. It’s about having the bravery to be your genuine self without fear of how you’ll look. Because I promise you, when you are authentically yourself, you’ve never looked so good. And best of all, it makes being photographed FUN. Yes, I said the f-word. If you’re ready to be vulnerable, real, honest & brave, scroll through my work and see if it speaks to you. Then email me to get the conversation started.
Photo credit: Sarah Waggoner Arizona Female Empowerment & Boudoir Photographer
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