Allison Bess: Scottsdale Wedding Photographer & Phoenix Senior Portrait Photographer

Tommy Bahama Restaurant Wedding: Nadine & Jim

Allison Bess — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 17:45:41 +0000

Nadine and Jim had a beautiful and very emotional wedding at the McDowell Mountain Community Church followed by a wonderful celebration at the Tommy Bahama Restaurant at the Kierland Shopping Center. The slogan for the wedding was “Two families becoming one” because each of them brought three children into the marriage. The ceremony was full of many tears, Jim serenading Nadine, and the kids surprising their parents with a Brady Bunch inspired video of the three girls and three boys. Jim and Nadine went through a lot to get to be together and I was overjoyed that I got to second shoot for Jenny Bishop and be part of their amazing day.

I loved the delicate and loose knot they tied in the back of her dress instead of a bow. It was beautiful!

I had never seen a man’s wedding ring that was as unique as Jim’s, I really liked it with the gold infinity signs surrounding the band.

Another cool Rolls Royce hood ornament! I think I might start collecting pictures of them. ;)

One of my favorite hobbies

Allison Bess — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:44:00 +0000

One of my favorite things to do in my free time has always been reading. It’s been almost a lifetime obsession you could say ;) From the minute I learned how, I’ve been completely hooked and it’s my favorite way to relax and escape. I could possibly be described as a workaholic and someone who isn’t good at relaxing, but once I get a good book in hand…it’s like a drug! I just can’t stop reading! I never thought I’d say this either, but since I bought my iPad in early 2010, I have read way too many books on it. I’m in love. I really like the paper feel of a book and I fear that one day they will be obsolete and my children won’t know what a real book is like…but the iPad is so convenient to read on! I carry about 80 books around with me on it and it takes up so little space. I feel like a traitor!

I know that I read more than 30 books last year, but here are some of the ones that stood out in my memory for some reason or another. Have you read any of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of them! I probably shouldn’t admit that a few of these books have been read way more than 1 or 2 times…more like six. ;)

I’ll admit that I usually like books geared towards young adults…and I’ve had an 11 year obsession with Harry Potter…but a girl just can’t help it! My favorite new series that I read last year was the Mortal Instruments one that started with City of Bones. It sucked me in quickly and I can’t wait for the 5th one to come out this year!

As one of the 500 social network websites I’m on, Goodreads is one of my favorites for keeping track of books, reviews, etc.! I’d love to connect with you on there if you share the love of reading!

Silverleaf Backyard Wedding: S & B

Allison Bess — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:29:12 +0000

These two were married right before Christmas in a GORGEOUS backyard in the Silverleaf Country Club neighborhoods. The Silverleaf area is one of my favorites for weddings. Their wedding was intimate & perfect and I wish I could photograph more weddings in that beautiful home! Thanks to One Fine Day for having me shoot at this wedding!

The homeowner/groomsman pulled this beautiful car out of the garage…I have to admit…I loved the hood ornament. :)

My 200th Blog Post

Allison Bess — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:09:13 +0000

I was planning on blogging a wedding today, then I realized it was my 200th blog post and thought I should do something a little different for it! Between celebrating all of the holidays and the events that come with them and my busiest Fall/Winter ever for my business the last few months, I haven’t had much time to blog anything personal about my life! This past Fall was AWESOME and I got to work with and meet so many wonderful new people, as well as some old favorites. Sometimes when I get really busy I push everything else in my life off to the side & a normal problem for photographers is forgetting to take pictures of their own family and lives, but I’m happy to say I got a few family photos this year. I’ll just post three of my favorites, these people mean the world to me! I really would be lost without the ones I love. :) Yay for 200 posts! Seems like it’s been more to me over the past few years!

Wright House Wedding: Adriela & Nick

Allison Bess — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 19:07:46 +0000

Last Fall I had the opportunity to second shoot with a bunch of photographers around the Valley and I’m a bit behind on blogging from those weddings! I shot this wedding with Lizzie Kimball back in October and had a wonderful time working with this couple! Adriella is Romanian and GORGEOUS and met her husband Nick at their church in Glendale. They got ready at the Royal Palms Resort in Scottsdale and had their wedding ceremony and reception at the Wright House Venue in Mesa, AZ! It was a perfect day. :)

She had a vintage lace veil that belonged to her grandmother and was very special.

I’m pretty sure every single one of them could be supermodels.

Royal Palms Wedding Preview

Allison Bess — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:35:45 +0000

Phoenix Family Photographs: The Lair Family

Allison Bess — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:21:06 +0000

This wonderful family came together from all over the country to have a photo session as a surprise for their grandma’s 80th birthday! They were so fun and up for trying anything I asked of them…even rock climbing in heels. ;) I had a great time getting to know them and working with them and hope I can have an opportunity to see them all again sometime in the future!

Arizona Family Portraits: The Younies

Allison Bess — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:08 +0000

Here is a quick peek of the family session that I’m working on right now! The Younies were guests/family at a wedding I had the privilege of shooting earlier this year. They are such a sweet and funny family and I had such a great time working with them!

I really love the excitement of photographing new love, but something I love just as much, if not more, is getting to photograph love that has stood the test of time, children, hurtles, highs, and everything in between. These two pour out affection for each other and you can tell just how much they adore each other! They made me smile a lot while I was editing. :)

Scottsdale Senior Portraits: Colin

Allison Bess — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 17:42:51 +0000

Yesterday I got to meet up with Colin for his senior photos! It was sprinkling during 90% of his session, but he was a great sport and kept his parents and me laughing the whole time! He will be graduating from Pinnacle High School in May with the class of 2012. :) Such an exciting time in life!

This is his trademark goofy face! It was great meeting you Colin!!

Phoenix Sister Session: Cara & Callie

Allison Bess — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:52:23 +0000

These girls are two of the sweetest girls ever! Each year, they have a session on the same date and it’s something I always look forward to. :) You can check out their 2010 family session here and their 2009 family photos here! I can’t believe it’s already been three years. Time really flies! This year is definitely my favorite so far. :) Especially since you brought your Mini Poodle Bailey!!

These three girls and even Bailey were so gorgeous and photogenic! Don’t you agree?!