ABOUT US
Modern Heirloom Studios was built from a simple obsession: holding onto the moments that disappear too fast. It started with photography, with the quiet thrill of catching something real before it slips away. Over time, that instinct naturally expanded into film, because some stories need more than a single frame. Movement, voice, the pace of a day, the small reactions happening just outside the spotlight. Photo and video aren’t separate worlds here, they’re two ways of telling the same truth.
That’s what drew Modern Heirloom Studios into weddings. A wedding day isn’t just a schedule of events, it’s a living story full of pressure, tenderness, chaos, and the kind of joy that shows up in flashes. The goal is never to “cover” a wedding. It’s to translate it. To document what it felt like, not just what it looked like, so you can come back to it years later and still recognize yourselves.
Rooted in Phoenix and shaped by Arizona light, the work leans into clean composition, natural color, and the atmosphere that makes this place unmistakable. Desert landscapes, city architecture, backyard celebrations, mountain air, candlelit ballrooms. Wherever you’re getting married, in Arizona or across the country, Modern Heirloom Studios brings the same focus: images and films that feel personal, honest, and built to last.
CORE VALUES
At the core of Modern Heirloom Studios is a simple standard: make the experience feel elevated, easy, and genuinely personal, without turning your wedding into a production. Every couple brings their own rhythm, their own humor, their own kind of love, and the work starts by paying attention to that. The goal is not just beautiful photos and a great film. It’s imagery that actually feels like you, honest, unforced, and fully lived-in.
Arizona shapes the way the studio sees. The light here is bold and clean, the landscapes have attitude, and even the quiet locations carry a sense of scale. Modern Heirloom Studios is drawn to the small details that make a wedding day unmistakably yours: the way you hold hands when nobody’s watching, the quick glance before the aisle, the nervous laugh that breaks the tension, the texture of the day that can’t be staged.
The style lives at the intersection of timeless and current. Clean composition, intentional storytelling, and a modern edge that still holds up years from now. The team works calmly and respectfully, present when it matters, invisible when it should be, so the day can stay yours. What you get back is a collection that feels cohesive and meaningful, not trendy, not overcooked, and not generic.
Just as important, the process is designed to feel smooth. From the first conversation through delivery, Modern Heirloom Studios keeps communication clear, planning simple, and expectations grounded. When the wedding arrives, you should be able to let go and be in it, knowing the story is being captured with care and without chaos.
Meet Our Team
Emily - Photographer
Emily is a University of Arizona alum and one of the most naturally gifted photographers we've had the privilege of working with. Her portfolio speaks volumes — filled with timeless, emotional, and striking images captured at both intimate elopements and grand-scale weddings.
Specializing in luxury wedding photography, Emily has a rare ability to photograph those aimless, in-between moments — the kind that end up meaning the most. Her calm, caring energy helps couples feel completely at ease in front of the camera, and she brings a deep sense of purpose to every wedding she documents. Whether it’s a quiet glance, a burst of laughter, or a once-in-a-lifetime exchange, she has a way of capturing it effortlessly.
Emily also speaks Japanese, and outside of weddings, she’s happiest spending time with her family, cuddling her dog and cats, or getting lost in a good movie. She’s warm, grounded, and deeply committed to making sure your wedding day is remembered exactly the way it felt.
Derek - Videographer
Derek brings a cinematic edge to every wedding he films. With a background rooted in big-production video and an unmatched technical eye, he knows exactly how to capture the kind of shots that leave you speechless. Every frame he delivers feels intentional, elevated, and worthy of the big screen.
With years of experience and countless weddings behind him, Derek is the guy who never misses a beat. He knows how to anticipate the moment before it happens — all while staying cool, collected, and completely in tune with the flow of the day.
When he's not behind the lens, Derek enjoys quality time with his wife and kids, kicking back and recharging the right way. His balance of artistry and precision is what makes him such a powerhouse on our team — and a trusted storyteller for every couple he works with.
Maeh - Photographer
Maeh has one of those personalities you instantly vibe with — quick-witted, effortlessly cool, and just plain fun to be around. She brings a lightness and warmth to wedding days that makes everyone feel comfortable, and her sense of humor and sharp instincts turn even the most chaotic moments into joyful memories.
Behind the camera, Maeh is a master storyteller. Her eye for detail is next level — she catches the subtle, fleeting moments that others might miss and turns them into images that speak volumes. Whether she’s photographing a small backyard ceremony or a grand celebration, she brings the same care, heart, and creative vision to every frame.
Also, full disclosure: she’s easily the best dressed on our team. When she’s not capturing weddings, you can find her trying new restaurants with her husband or staying involved in meaningful community outreach — always showing up with purpose and heart.
Haruna - Photographer
Haruna has that rare gift — the kind of intuitive eye and quiet confidence that makes capturing even the most challenging shots look easy. She’s the photographer who sees the moment before it happens, who finds beauty in the in-between, and who brings a level of dedication and precision that’s hard to come by.
Originally from Japan, Haruna moved to the U.S. several years ago with her husband, who serves in the military. Now a proud new mom, she balances motherhood and photography with grace — continuing to create stunning, emotive work with every wedding she captures. Haruna also speaks fluent Japanese and brings a calm, centered presence to every shoot.
If you’re lucky enough to have Haruna behind the camera, you’ll not only end up with breathtaking images — you’ll walk away wondering how she made it all look so effortless.
TJ - Photographer & Videographer
TJ is our visual poet — the kind of artist who doesn’t just document a wedding day, but transforms it into something cinematic, artful, and unforgettable. His photographs and films consistently leave us in awe, filled with beauty, emotion, and a quiet magic that feels like stepping into a dream.
With a cool, calm presence and a ninja-like ability to move through a wedding without ever interrupting the flow, TJ captures every fleeting moment with precision and heart. He sees the world differently — and it shows in the way he frames light, movement, and connection. Whether behind the camera for photo or video, his work always speaks volumes.
Outside of weddings, TJ is an adventurer at heart. He’s passionate about travel, discovering new landscapes, and exploring the roads less taken — a spirit that finds its way into every story he helps tell.
Jeff - Photographer
If laughter really is the best medicine, Jeff might just be the healthiest guy at any wedding. A stand-up comedian when he's not behind the camera, Jeff brings that same sharp wit and infectious energy to every couple he works with. He has a way of making people laugh hysterically — the kind of laughter that’s real, unfiltered, and makes for some seriously unforgettable photos.
But beneath the jokes is a photographer who’s deeply passionate about what he does. Jeff is all heart — always putting his couples first and going above and beyond to make sure your day feels joyful, effortless, and meaningful. He knows how to read a room, lighten a mood, and capture timeless memories in a way that feels natural and full of life.
If you're hoping for wedding photos that are equal parts beautiful and filled with genuine joy, Jeff’s your guy.
Hassell - Photographer & Videographer
Hassell brings an all-in, go-getter energy to every wedding she’s a part of — the kind of drive that ensures nothing gets missed and every moment is captured beautifully. Whether she’s filming or photographing, she moves with intention, effortlessly creating art while staying fully present for her couples.
Her eye for detail and composition is matched by her dedication to producing work she’s truly proud of. Hassell is someone who shows up, goes the extra mile, and always puts her couples first — creating a calm, supportive presence on even the busiest of days.
Fluent in Spanish and passionate about connection, Hassell values family, community, and quiet moments just as much as the big ones. When she’s not capturing weddings, you’ll likely find her spending time with loved ones or getting lost in a good book.
Tram - Photographer
Tram brings the kind of energy you feel the second she shows up. She’s fun, quick-witted, and somehow still locked in on every detail, even when the day is moving fast. Couples relax around her because she’s genuinely easy to be around, and that comfort shows up in the photos. Natural expressions. Real reactions. Nothing stiff.
Behind the humor is a photographer with serious skill. Tram knows how to read a room, find clean light, and catch the split-second moments that most people miss. She can handle the chaos of a wedding day without making it feel chaotic, and she has a talent for making portraits look effortless while still keeping them flattering and intentional.
When she’s not photographing weddings, she’s usually with her family or watching movies, which honestly tracks, because she has a storyteller’s brain. She notices the little things that make a scene feel alive, and she brings that same instinct to your day. If Tram is on your team, you’re getting someone who will keep things light, keep things moving, and deliver images that feel like you.
Your story guides our lens, and it starts here.
Marriage isn't just a single snapshot. It is a series of moments, both big and small, that tells the beautiful story of the journey of your love.
Allow your legacy to shine through and be a story that you keep to your heart. Each minute captured is a piece of you, and your journey together. Through our lens, unique storytelling capabilities, and your trust, you will receive not just photos that stand the test of time, but the first chapter of your story delicately told visually.
OUR VALUES
NO.1
CONNECTION
We believe in forging genuine connections with our couples. Our journey together starts with a questionnaire that helps us learn about you—not just your wedding plans, but your love story. We pour our hearts into every project, and we ask that our couples do the same.
NO.3
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
We prioritize quality and meticulous attention to detail in every client experience. From our first conversation to the final delivery, we ensure our clients receive timeless heirlooms that can be cherished for generations.
NO.2
PERSONALIZATION
Tailored to you. Photography is a time to be vulnerable but feel confident. By knowing your values and desires we can better capture who you are. We love a heart-to-heart moment with the people in front of the lens and desire to have those deeper conversations. We’re all human and knowing your heart when taking your photo matters to us.
NO.4
EXPERIENCE
We strive to truly get to know you, ensuring we provide the best support throughout your journey. We want you to feel at ease and confident, knowing we will capture your best angles, the carefully crafted details, and your most treasured moments with loved ones.
OUR PROCESS
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Select your package, sign the contract, and pay the retainer
It's wedding day! Sit back and relax while the team preserves every intimate moment.
Completed photos and videos final delivery. Print options available.
Schedule a call, go over our questionnaires and approve the day-of itinerary for our team
Receive your private gallery containing photos and videos.
