Janice and Mateo’s Wedding in Lanikuhonua, Oahu
Wow, where do I even begin to tell you about what an amazing experience Janice and Mateo treated us to. This might be a long one 
I originally met Janice and Mateo last year when they called and booked an engagement session with me. From the get go these two were amazing, super relaxed, full of laughs and so in love. They had told me they would be getting married in Hawaii and at that time I am pretty sure neither myself or the couple knew that they would end up bringing Jamison and I there to photograph their wedding day. I was beyond thrilled and honored when they asked us to be their wedding photographers. I’m sure your thinking heck yeah who doesn’t want to go to Hawaii, my thought was, heck yeah who doesn’t want to photograph a wedding in Hawaii with such a sweet fun couple. I think I was more excited for their actual wedding day then the trip itself and boy they did not disappoint. Janice and Mateo’s wedding day was full of their close family, friends and loved ones and I can not even tell you how welcome they made us feel.
When we arrived to our hotel which was The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel just off of Waikiki we were given a gift bag, without really looking at it I took it up to the room, and just assumed it was something the hotel gave to everyone. We sat down and started unpacking and I finally took a look at the bag and saw a hand written note from Janice and Mateo. I was so shocked that they cared so much that we came out for their wedding that they actually put together this bag full of goodies and all the information we could need for being on the island. It is amazing how small gestures can mean so much We vacationed for a couple of days before the wedding and or course while we are in Hawaii this huge storm hits and rained pretty much the entire time, I was so worried, where would they get married if it was still pouring on their wedding day. Well the wedding day came and I looked out the balcony to find a beautiful day with just a hint of clouds for some nice drama in the sky and much relief.
We headed out to Ko Olina Resort where the couple was staying and getting married. We arrived to a beautiful suite overlooking the ocean and a very excited bride and groom. Janice and Mateo decided to do a first look so we had more time for portraits before the wedding ceremony. I just love Mateo’s reaction to seeing her for the first time, so cute! After that we headed to the ceremony location of Lanikuhonua “Where Heaven Meets the Earth” . It was absolutely beautiful and just before the ceremony a friend joined us from out of the ocean!
The reception though was insanely awesome It began with Janice serenading Mateo, some pretty sweet dance moves from Mateo aka the Filipino Pit Bull, lol, a song their niece wrote and sang for the two of them which was AMAZING! Followed with a big surprise for all of the guests, a festive dance show featuring fire dancers and hula girls. We can not even begin to tell you how incredible the wedding day was but I hope that these pictures show you all a little bit about the wedding day!
Can’t get enough? Want to see more? Check out the slideshow I put together for them below!
Janice and Mateo’s Wedding Slideshow from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
In case you want to see a little video footage we shot around the island during our down time check out the video below!
Hawaii 2013 from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
Getting Ready Venue: Ko Olina Beach Resort
Venue: Lanikuhonua
Photography: Moxie Studio
Wedding Cinematographer: Loyd Calomay Films
Wedding Coordinator: Carrie Lance-Kurnow with Cherished in Hawaii Weddings
Hair and make up: Beauty by May
DJ: NDMixx
Cake : Tiers of Joy
The Polynesian Show is run by chief Lilo
Las Vegas Strip Engagement Photos // Jessica + Damien
So I normally avoid taking photos on the strip. It can be so chaotic plus the majority of the hotels in Vegas do not allow outside photographers on their grounds. This time I had to make an exception though for Jessica and Damien. Jessica had been searching the internet for ideas for their engagement photos and after she sent me all of her ideas I knew we could make it happen at the Bellagio and Paris. While they don’t allow photographers inside we were able to walk around the grounds outside which was perfect! This was also a very special place for the couple as Damien proposed to her there in the botanical gardens inside! Jessica brought two outfits, a little red dress and a super dramatic sequin gown, they were so perfect! I think I may be a bit obsessed over the sequin gown and ask all my girls to wear it, lol 
We had an absolute blast with you guys and I thank you for challenging me to get outside of my comfort zone! I can’t wait for your wedding this fall!
Here are some of my favorites!
Las Vegas Engagement Photography // Andy + Melissa
We headed down to the Smith Center for Andy and Melissa’s engagement session. We took some around the grounds first and then headed to their car for an outfit change. While there we noticed the awesome train tracks, plus somewhat tall golden grass which I always love I knew I had grab a few images down there as well. This could be a new favorite spot for me!
Love their shadow in the image on the right!
Nelson Ghost Town Engagement Photography // Mike + Melissa
I met up with Mike and Melissa for their engagement session at one of my favorite places to photograph, Nelson Ghost town. There are so many cool props and locations out there sometimes it’s hard to stop taking photos! The weather here in Vegas was absolutely perfect for their session. They also brought along their dog who was so well behaved for photos Here are some of my favorites!
Sweet Engagement Session at the Smith Center Las Vegas, NV // Rhi + Perry
When Rhi approached me about their latest photo shoot I wanted to do something different then all our other photo shoots with them. I wanted to make sure the session was all about them and their love for each other in a setting that would allow them to shine. While I love props, I asked Rhi to leave them at home and let’s keep it simple this round. So we headed to the Smith Center of Performing Arts in downtown Las Vegas which was the perfect backdrop for what I had in mind. I just love the soft colors and beautiful architecture at the Smith Center and Rhi chose the perfect outfit to compliment it! Here are some of my favs!
If you want to check out Rhi and Perry’s other photography sessions check them out here! Nelson Country themed session and Mt. Charleston
Engagement Session at the Smith Center // Crystal + Mike
Crystal and Mike are getting married later this summer at Springs Preserve and I cant wait for their wedding. I wasn’t sure we would have a chance to meet before the big day as they are from North Carolina. I was super excited when they planned a trip out to Vegas to finalize a few details for their wedding. So we planned an engagement session down at the Smiths Center. This was actually my very first time going there and I absolutely loved it. I adore the architecture, light colors and courtyard and I am sure there will be many photo shoots there to follow. We also headed across the street to Symphony Park for a few images. I’m not sure you can tell in the images but man was is so cold and windy! Crystal and Mike weren’t going to let it stop them from getting the shots though Check out some of my favorites!
Editors’ Choice Award Winner!
I was so thrilled this morning when I opened my email to find that we, Moxie Studio won the Two Bright Lights Editors’ Choice Award! What does this mean? The 2013 Two Bright Lights Editors’ Choice Awards is a signature program that recognizes photographers and vendors within the Two Bright Lights community whose number of published features in 2012 placed them among the top 5% of all Two Bright Lights members. Winners were published across many of the most respected lifestyle, wedding and other print and digital publications in the United States and worldwide.
Among thousands of photographers and vendors competing for publication, the Editors’ Choice winners represent the best-of-the-best.
Our engagement sessions, weddings, rock the dress sessions and high school senior portraits were featured on some fabulous blogs last year. Here are a few of the publications out of the 17 ! Be sure to check them out if you missed them!
Neal and Nicole’s Wedding at St Joseph and Vitner Grill
Neal and Nicole’s Ghost town Engagement Session
Tess and Nathan’s Wedding at Platinum Hotel
Tess and Nathan’s Rock The Dress Session
Tess and Nathan’s Vintage Glam Engagement Session downtown and the Neon Museum
Family Portraits at Spring Mountain Ranch
Alycia and Deen’s Lake Mead Engagement Session
Las Vegas Engagement Session at Nelson // Katie + Steve
We headed out to one of our favorite spots for engagement photos with Katie and Steve, Nelson ghost town. This was our very first time meeting them after the initial chat at the Bridal Spectacular where they had found us originally which you would have no idea as these two were so comfortable in front of the camera. They made our job way too easy! Katie decided to have a run through on her hair and makeup that day with Amelia C and company and it worked out perfectly, they did a beautiful job and Katie looked flawless!
These two are getting married next month at the Smiths Center and I can not wait for their wedding day. I know it is going to be absolutely beautiful and with the help of the girls from Scheme Events coordinating their day will run smoothly!
Silverton Hotel Veil Wedding Highlight Film Las Vegas NV { Shelley + Ryan }
We are super excited to show you Ryan and Shelley’s wedding video highlight! They were married at the Silverton Hotel pool side and then their reception was inside the super chic Veil Pavillion! Theirs flowers were beautiful and from Crazy Daisies. enjoy!
Ryan and Shelley’s Wedding Highlight at the Silverton and Veil from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
Hotel suite: Silverton Hotel
Ceremony Venue: Silverton Pool
Reception Venue: Veil Pavillion
Photographer: Moxie Studio
Videographer:Moxie Studio
Floral: Crazy Daisies
Bridal Gown: Vera Wang
Some things we think you should consider when you are booking your Las Vegas wedding cinematographer or videographer. Make sure you have an opportunity to speak with the cinematographer that will be filming your wedding day, it is important that you get along and have a clear understanding of everything you can expect.
Ask to see examples of his or her work and make sure you love what they do! When visiting different companies be sure to ask specifically who shot the video and who edited it. Sometime’s companies show work from a prior employee who no longer works for them and don’t have the means to create the same caliber of work, be sure the work you see and who did the work is who you are going to get!
Find out the style of wedding videos that you like, do you like something very traditional, do you like documentary style with interviews and voice overs? How about the artsy cinematic style? We are a combination of documentary meets artsy cinematic.
You also want to find out if the studio you are using edits their own work, this is very important as they will have insight to your personalities and all the details of your day that made it so special. When it comes to editing you also want to find out approximately how long the finished video will be. Some people think that if you have your cinematographer there for 7 hours you will have 7 hours of video, that is not the case. In fact the finished video depends on the activities of your day and how long your ceremony is.
Do they offer a highlight video? Is that all you receive or do you receive a completely edited DVD as well? We have two different types of wedding video packages one more traditional which includes a short highlight video that will be posted online for you to share with your family and friends as well as a completely edited DVD of all the events of your day. The DVD will have a menu with chapters so you can easily skip to different events that happened throughout your wedding day. The ceremony will be in it’s full not just bits and pieces. We also offer packages with a Wedding Film and the complete ceremony. This captures all the best moments of the day and puts them into a short film that you can share with your friends and family.
Will you be able to request the songs that are used for your wedding video? You bet! We always ask that you choose 5 or 6 songs that we try to edit different sections of your wedding day to. We may also choose songs that we feel tell the story of your day.
Bridal Spectacular Engagement Session Winner
This past weekend we had a booth at the Bridal Spectacular Bridal show at Cashman Center. We met so many amazing couples and had a blast chatting with all of you! We always like to do a drawing every show to say thank you for stopping by Moxie Studio’s booth and this time it was for a FREE Engagement Session. We are super excited to announce that Kelly Matheson is the WINNER!!!! Kelly contact us to schedule your free portrait session which will include a disc of all of the images with a print release.
For those of you that did not win don’t worry! A complimentary engagement session is included in all of our wedding photography packages. Even if you have been engaged for a while this session is perfect to get you both comfortable in front of the camera and so we can get to know each other better. This helps tremendously so when it comes to the big day we know each other better and you both feel at ease in front of the camera. Congratulations again to Kelly Matheson and we look forward to creating a wonderful experience and amazing portraits for you!!!
Check out this slideshow of images from Alycia and Deen’s Engagement Session at Lake Mead!
Alycia and Deen’s Engagement Session Slideshow from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
“I cannot even count how many compliments we have had on our engagement pictures! Lisa and Jamison were incredible! We went to Lake Mead for our engagement pictures and they both did whatever was necessary to get the perfect shots INCLUDING going in the water with their amazing cameras! Nuts right?!? Deen and I had no clue what we were supposed to be doing, but by 10 minutes in they both just made us feel so comfortable and it could not have been anymore perfect. Can’t wait for our wedding to have them there to capture it all! Thank you guys so much!”
Alycia and Deen
Headshots in the Las Vegas desert // Nathan Ferrier
This past Sunday we were shooting a teaser for an upcoming short film we are creating called “Bright Tapestry”. Keep your eye out for the teaser film for our latest project ” Bright Tapestry” and for some sweet movie poster designs. While filming we had a couple of minutes in down time while makeup was being done on the other character in our film, so I decided to grab our lead actor Nathan Ferrier for a few quick photos. We stepped just out of the shot into the beautifully lit desert and snapped some photos of him. He had been meaning to schedule a session for some time now but it was always on the back burner so I figured this was our chance to at least grab a few. Nathan is a very talented local actor and has been in many of our films, music videos, feature films and he is also a producer for The Will Edwards Show here in Las Vegas which is aired on the CW. Be sure to check the show out! http://www.thewilledwardsshow.com/ Without further ado here are some of my favorite images ! Also if you are interested I did a photo shoot of Nathan in a 300 Spartan outfit a while back which was pretty awesome so be sure to check that out too! Spartan Session
Revere Golf Club Wedding Film Henderson, NV Kate + Nachum
Kate and Nachum were married in the fall of 2012 at The Revere Golf Club in Henderson, NV. We are so honored to have captured their special day and create a wedding film highlighting their love story. Kate is part of a local band called Jewish Jammin’, she arranged for them to play music during her ceremony and her reception which was really fun and unique. After editing their video I can’t seem to get the tunes out of my head, lol. Their night ended with a walkway lined with all of their guests, sparklers in hand and minnie mouse ears on Kate , which I just loved! I love when a reception has a grand finally exit with sparklers! It is so fun and magical! I hope you guys enjoy their wedding film as much as I do!
Revere Golf Club Wedding Henderson NV // Kate + Nachum from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
Wedding Day Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Lindsay Banko
Photographer: Tonya Harvey
Makeup: Hairz by Melinda
Hair: Victoria Kahaian
DJ: Sight and Sound Entertainment
Floral: Flowers by Michelle
Cake: Cravin’ Cake Bakery
Jason and Amanda’s Family Portraits at Floyd Lamb Park
You probably recognize Jason and Amanda as we have photographed them quite a bit, from their engagement session, maternity photos and the latest was newborn portraits of their daughter Chloe. It was time for family portraits a couple of weeks ago and I couldn’t believe how big Chloe had gotten! It seemed like just last month I was at their house for the newborn session and now here she was sitting up on her own, trying to walk and full of smiles. I have to give huge props to my amazing hubby for making her giggle when needed I love a man that can act like a goofball! xoxo Here are a few of the portraits we captured of their growing family! If you would like to check out their other sessions you can seem them by clicking on the name of the session you would like to see: ENGAGEMENT MATERNITY NEWBORN
Jessica and Chris End of the World Las Vegas Wedding- sneak peak
We have been looking forward to photographing Jessica and Chris’ wedding for almost a year now and are so excited that they tied the knot yesterday and survived They were married on 12.21.12 the day rumored to be the last on earth but looks like we are still here since I am writing this blog We had a great time with them yesterday and I just wanted to share a little sneak peak from their 1st look portrait session that took place in the Arts District of Las Vegas shortly before they married. Jessica rocked her red converse with her tea length dress which I think is perfect and very fitting for this bride Congratulations Jessica and Chris and thanks for allowing us to be part of your special day!!!
Las Vegas Family Portraits at a ghost town
It’s been a while since I have blogged, with the holidays we have just been so busy with everything I have not had a chance to! So today is the day, I finally have a little down time so I thought I would share JoAnn and Marco’s family portraits. These two are getting married next year so we did a combined engagement session and family portrait session out at Nelson Ghost town. It is such a cool unique location that I just can’t get enough of! Here are some of my favorite images from their session!
Lake Mead Engagement Session { Alycia + Deen }
I am super excited to show you guys Alycia and Deen’s super fun engagement session out at Lake Mead. We met out at Lake Mead and boarded their beautiful boat to find our perfect locations. The weather was still just warm enough to make us all want to jump on in the water, while I went knee deep Alycia and Deen decided a water fight was in store. This was the perfect location for these two as they spend many weekends out here with their friends and pups We love boating so it was great to find a couple with the same interest as us, plus who doesn’t love an engagement session at the lake, wasn’t really work at all I had the toughest time narrowing down my favorite photos of them but here they are.
Convict Lake Resort, Mammoth Lakes CA Engagement Photography { Emma +Bryce}
Two of our very closest friends tied the knot a couple of weeks ago up at Convict Lake Resort in Mammoth Lakes CA. It was a stunning setting, the fall colors were just right, the view of the lake and the jagged mountains were all so surreal, especially when you are coming from Vegas. Jamison was asked to be the grooms best man and I was a bridesmaid, it was so different knowing we were going to be part of the wedding but not capturing the day. When we were there all I could think was man I hope their photographer took a photo of this or that and the angles I would photograph it at, lol. I love weddings, love capturing the details and the emotion of the day but this time I am truly honored that I got to sit back and just take it all in. It was a completely different experience.
The resort was full of wildlife, we arrived to a cozy cabin with deer greeting us wanting to be fed, a bear wandered into the resort and made his presence known at all of our cabins and while setting up the reception location the deer came back with her little ones to feed on the branches we were setting up. It was an amazing experience for both of us, one we will treasure.
The wedding rehearsal was the first time we actually got to see the ceremony location which was breathtaking. As Emma walked down the aisle with her parents I totally lost it, yup, cried and sobbed like a baby, lol. I knew I would be a mess on the wedding day after that. After the rehearsal I asked if we could do a few photos of Bryce and Emma, they never had an engagement session so it was the perfect opportunity to grab a few photos of them since I would not have my camera with me on the wedding day. Here are a few photos of the happy couple
I’m not sure any photo shoot with Bryce and Emma would be complete without a blue steel look
Mandalay Bay, Valley of the Falls Wedding Las Vegas {Emmy Lou + Brian}
I am so excited to show you Emmy Lou and Brian’s wedding film! They were married at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV at the Valley of the Falls and their reception was held at Wellington Place. Emmy Lou and Brian’s day began in a beautiful suite at Mandalay Bay with all their friends and family. Emmy Lou’s father has recently fallen ill so she wanted to do a first look with him. It was such a special moment between them. She and Brian also wanted to do a first look so we headed down around the grounds of Mandalay Bay for their first time seeing each other. I love first looks, I know many people don’t want to break tradition but I actually think it is so much more special. We find someplace private where the couple see’s each other for the very first time on their wedding day and can share a few moments before the events begin. It also frees up time after the ceremony as we normally do the majority of the couple’s portraits before hand so you can get into the party that much quicker. Their reception was at Wellington place which was decorated beautifully! I loved all the purple uplights! Without further ado I present to you Emmy Lou and Brian’s wedding film. Enjoy!
Mandalay Bay, Valley of the Falls Wedding Las Vegas {EmmyLou + Brian} from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
Hotel suite: Mandalay Bay
Ceremony: Valley of the Falls
Videographer: Moxie Studio
Photographer: The Emerics
Hair and makeup: Amelia C
Florist: Mandalay Bay
Reception venue: Wellington Place
Silverton Hotel Veil Wedding Photography Teaser Las Vegas NV { Shelley + Ryan }
Shelley and Ryan were married last night at the Silverton Pool, followed by a fabulous wedding reception at the Veil Pavillion full of DIY wedding decor that Shelley made herself. Here is a sneak peak!
Lake Las Vegas Rock the Dress Photography Session { Suzy + Terence}
We were contacted by Suzy and Terence a few months ago because they wanted to recreate some wedding portraits that were missed by another photographer on their actual wedding day. Suzy wanted some images captured of the two of them getting ready as well as some portraits. We headed to the spa at Ravella where Suzy got her hair and makeup done and then headed to one of their rooms so they could get in their wedding attire. I have to say Ravella made for a beautiful area to get ready. After they were all beautified we headed to some different locations around Lake Las Vegas for their portraits. We had really beautiful evening lighting and ended the night with a colorful Vegas sunset.
The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay Wedding Sneak Peek { Melissa + Rick}
Melissa and Rick were married last night inside the Foundation room at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas NV. Melissa looked absolutely stunning in her tea length wedding gown and Rick looked super dapper all dressed up! We are honored to have been there to capture their special day!
Here is a sneak peek!
Las Vegas, NV Wedding Videography Highlight Film- Ryan and Riza
We are so honored that Ryan and Riza chose us, Moxie Studio as their wedding photographer and wedding cinema team. They were married here in Las Vegas at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Summerlin .I had no idea when we first met them just how amazing their wedding would be but as their day unfolded it just kept getting better and better and of course I ended up crying more and more. The day began at the Monte Carlo penthouse suites which was so beautiful where Riza and the girls were getting ready. Ryan and the guys were in another suite. At the couples pre wedding consultation while Ryan had stepped away for a moment, Riza told us she had something special planned for Ryan on the wedding day. Just as she was going to explain Ryan came back. During the reception the DJ announced Riza wanted to make a special announcement, so she stood up and explained how she was losing her voice but wanted to dedicate a special song to her now husband. When she began singing I was floored, she was amazing! Riza was formerly a singer in the Chaze Band here in Las Vegas that played at many of the top casino’s in town but I had no idea how amazing she was! I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room watching her sing to Ryan, it was one of the most touching moments I have ever seen.
Congratulations to Ryan and Riza!!!
Las Vegas Wedding Video Highlight-Riza and Ryan from Moxie Studio 702.527.0258 on Vimeo.
To check out their wedding images click on the image below
Hotel suite: Monte Carlo Penthouse
Ceremony: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
Videographer: Moxie Studio
Photographer: Moxie Studio
Hair and makeup: Nemi Rafanan
Florist: Signature Flowers
Reception venue: Monte Carlo
Lake Las Vegas Engagement Portraits {Janice + Mateo}
I am super excited to show you guys some of my favorite images from Janice and Mateo’s Engagement session out at Lake Las Vegas. I decided to scout out some new locations around Lake Las Vegas and I think I found some beautiful new areas. It doesn’t feel like they are in Vegas and even when we were out on their photo shoot it didn’t feel like Vegas, it was so tropical and relaxing. The morning light was so stunning and inspirational the way it broke through the leaves. It seemed like everywhere I looked there was another breathtaking scene. I had a blast with these two, they were so easy going and Mateo was awesome at making Janice laugh. I have to say being a photographer is so rewarding, I love being able to create and capture moments with such amazing people. Thank you Janice and Mateo for choosing me to photograph you, it was truly my pleasure!
Lake Las Vegas Family Portraits
This is my third portrait session with Talia, Brent, Kylie, Kenna and Blaine. They were getting ready to move and wanted to get one last session in before their big move. We headed out to where their relationship began which was at Lake Las Vegas where they first met.
