Hello, I’m Kate and I’m glad that you are here! I can’t wait to hear more about you and how I can help bring your vision to life!
wedding and family photographer based in Peoria, Arizona
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Weddings, engagements, & boudoir
Families
Families, Maternity, Portraits, Milestones, Cake Smash & Newborn
get the scoop on the behind the scenes of kate grutsky photography & get to know what we're all about around here.
Xo. Kate
Welcome, friend!
"I loved working with Kate and her husband on my wedding day for photo + video! They were very friendly and made everything feel easy."
"Kate is amazing and captured all the important moments at our wedding. We will cherish these photos and we couldn’t have asked for a better photographer."
"If there was one thing my daughter was the most concerned about, it was having her wedding well photographed. Kate delivered & it couldn’t be more perfect."
Jocelyn and Ryne’s love story is a modern one, beginning where so many connections happen these days—on Tinder. The two met in northwest Florida, where Jocelyn had moved to live with a friend and Ryne was stationed for a military school. From their very first date, everything just clicked. They spent more and more time together, quickly realizing their bond was something truly special.
When Ryne graduated and received orders to Yuma, Arizona, Jocelyn didn’t think twice about joining him. Arizona became the backdrop for the next chapter of their lives, and after nearly two years of building a life together in the Southwest, it felt only fitting to celebrate their wedding in this beautiful state where everything had begun.
Desert Views at Desert View Weddings & Events
The couple chose Desert View Weddings & Events in Apache Junction, Arizona, to host their special day. Nestled against the breathtaking Superstition Mountains, the venue combines rustic desert charm with modern elegance. The outdoor ceremony site offers panoramic mountain views, while the indoor event spaces are thoughtfully designed and fully climate-controlled—a true luxury in the Arizona heat! The Desert View’s versatility and natural beauty made it the perfect place for Jocelyn and Ryne to say, “I do.”
A Day Filled with Personal Touches
Jocelyn’s wedding dress was nothing short of a masterpiece. The gown featured intricate floral lace detailing that cascaded down the bodice and into the flowing train, creating an ethereal and romantic vibe. The deep V neckline, paired with delicate straps, added a modern and sophisticated touch, while the sheer lace accents offered a hint of whimsy. The back of the dress was equally stunning, with a low, open design that framed Jocelyn’s silhouette beautifully. The lace train trailed behind her, adding a touch of drama as she walked down the aisle. Every detail of the dress perfectly matched the elegance and romance of the day, making Jocelyn absolutely radiant.
The ceremony decor highlighted the soft, romantic tones of pink and white roses, accented by sage green table settings that tied everything together beautifully. Jocelyn’s bridesmaids wore mismatched long pink dresses, adding a modern and elegant twist to the day’s palette. Meanwhile, Ryne and his groomsmen looked sharp in classic black tuxedos, with a nod to tradition as Ryne and a few groomsmen proudly donned their Marine uniforms.
First Looks: An Emotional Twist
One of the most touching aspects of the day was Jocelyn’s three first looks—each one uniquely emotional and memorable. First looks are such a beautiful tradition, offering a private moment to soak in the emotion and excitement before the ceremony begins. While traditionally shared between the bride and groom, many couples are adding their own twists, creating special moments with parents, bridesmaids, or even siblings.
Jocelyn’s first look with her bridesmaids was filled with joy and excitement, as their gasps and smiles said everything about how stunning she looked. Her second first look with her dad was deeply heartfelt, capturing the love and pride that only a father can show on his daughter’s wedding day. Finally, Jocelyn and Ryne shared their own first look—a private, intimate moment that perfectly reflected their bond.
As a photographer, these moments are always some of my favorites to capture. The raw emotions, happy tears, and overwhelming love from the receiving end of a first look make it a truly unforgettable part of the day.
A Celebration to Remember
The reception at Desert View Weddings & Events was a joyous celebration of love, family, and connection. Guests danced the night away under the glow of warm string lights, with laughter and cheers filling the air. One particularly fun moment came when friends and family lifted Jocelyn and Ryne high into the air, a spirited and unforgettable way to celebrate their union.
From the thoughtful details of the decor to the heartfelt moments shared throughout the day, Jocelyn and Ryne’s wedding was a true reflection of their love story—modern, deeply personal, and filled with joy. Arizona, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant sunsets, was the perfect place for these two to begin their forever together.
Let’s shout out to the wonderful vendors:
Dress – Mariee Bridal Scottsdale
Florals – Rita’s Floral Designs
Caterer – Sharko’s Catering
Cake – Piece of Cake
DJ – Ray the DJ
Bartender – Shake It Up Bartending
Venue- Desert View Wedding and Events
Want to book your wedding day with me? Click here to get started!
In the heart of downtown Phoenix, Monroe Street Abbey is a venue that seamlessly combines historic charm with modern elegance. Originally built in the 1920s, this Gothic Revival building has been thoughtfully restored, offering a unique and memorable setting for weddings and events. Recently, The Abbey served as the backdrop for a styled wedding shoot featuring models Adam and Carolyn, showcasing its versatility and timeless appeal.
A Historic Venue with Modern Amenities
Monroe Street Abbey was originally designed as a church, and its historical significance is reflected in every architectural detail. The high vaulted ceilings, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows create a stunning backdrop that adds character and depth to any event. These features make The Abbey an ideal venue for couples looking for a setting that is both distinctive and full of history.
Despite its historic roots, Monroe Street Abbey offers all the modern amenities to host a seamless wedding. The space has been updated to include state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, making it easy to customize your event to your exact specifications. The venue’s blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience ensures that your wedding day will be both beautiful and stress-free.
The Styled Shoot: Simple Elegance
In this styled shoot, Carolyn wore a vintage white wedding dress from Desert Gowns, adorned with pearls and a long train that enhanced the venue’s historic ambiance. Adam’s navy tuxedo added a modern touch, creating a striking contrast against the vintage elements of the shoot.
KC’s Floral Designs provided the floral arrangements, featuring lilies and irises in a flowing bouquet. These soft, elegant florals complemented the venue’s architectural features, adding a natural yet refined touch to the overall look.
Making Monroe Street Abbey Your Wedding Venue
The Monroe Street Abbey is more than just a beautiful backdrop; it’s a versatile space that can be tailored to fit your wedding vision. The venue offers various layout options, allowing couples to design a ceremony and reception that reflects their style and preferences. Whether you are planning a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, The Abbey’s flexible spaces can accommodate your needs.
In addition to its stunning interiors, The Abbey’s location in downtown Phoenix is a major advantage. Guests will appreciate the convenience of nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it easy for them to enjoy the city before or after your event.
What The Monroe Street Abbey Offers
When you choose the Monroe Street Abbey as your wedding venue, you’re selecting a place that offers both beauty and practicality. The historic architecture provides a unique setting that’s sure to leave a lasting impression, while the modern amenities ensure that your event runs smoothly. The venue’s team is experienced in hosting weddings and can assist with everything from setup to coordinating with vendors.
This styled shoot featuring Adam and Carolyn showcases the beauty of the Monroe Street Abbey and the stunning locations for your wedding photos. With the help of vendors like KC’s Floral Designs, First Blush Beauty, and Desert Gowns, the shoot highlighted the venue’s potential to create a truly unforgettable event.
Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix offers the perfect blend of both for couples seeking a wedding venue that combines historic charm with modern amenities. Whether you envision a classic, elegant wedding or a more contemporary celebration, The Abbey provides the ideal setting to bring your vision to life.
Let’s shout out to the wonderful vendors who joined me in this styled shoot:
Venue- The Abbey on Monroe
Wedding Dress- Desert gowns
Florals- KC’s Floral Designs
HMUA- First Blush Beauty
Models- Adam and Carolyn
Want to book your wedding day with me? Click here to get started!
Nestled in the heart of Mesa, Arizona, the enchanting Wright House sets the stage for Annie and Greg’s unforgettable wedding celebration. With its charming architecture taking you to a European villa with lush gardens, the Wright House provided the perfect backdrop for their special day.
But it was Annie, radiant in her stunning wedding dress, who truly stole the show. Her gown, with its long train and veil cascading behind her, walked down the stairs to the beautiful sound of a gold harp for the wedding procession. The sweetheart neckline with thin straps falling gently off her shoulder was adorned with delicate floral details and beads. She was walked down the aisle by her father, also the officient of the wedding. Annie and Greg exchanged their vows in the provencal at the Wright house, lush greenery and the sun peaking through providied the most amazing light.
This wasn’t the first time Greg had seen his bride, the couple opted to do a first look, which I always suggest as it gives time for the couples to have that last intimate moment before the wedding ceremony and reception begin.
Annie and Greg nailed the vision with their choice of accent colors for the Wright House. The groomsmen with burnt orange ties, matched the bridesmaids’ dresses flawlessly. Their bouquets, adorned with peach roses and delicate baby’s breath, added a whimsical touch to the scene. The setting of the reception, tables adorned with peach tablecloths, glass china with roses, and baby breath continued the romantic feel of the night.
Once the ceremony wrapped up, the bride and groom stole away for some stunning couple portraits in captivating spots. As the night wound down, they celebrated with their family and friends. When it was time, they were sent off in style, cheered on by sparklers as they hopped into a limo and drove off into the night.
Annie & Greg,
Your wedding day was magical! Thank you for choosing me to capture your day. Congratulations!
Let’s shout out to the wonderful vendors:
Venue- The Wright House
Caterer- Rudy’s BBQ
Dessert- Nothing Bundt Cake
A Romantic Sedona Wedding Venue
Are you looking for a wedding venue with an elegant atmosphere to transport you to another time and place? A wedding at Tlaquepaque located in Sedona, Arizona may be the perfect fit for you! The architecture alone makes this venue stand apart as an enchanting and romantic backdrop for your special day.
It’s filled with beautiful archways, stucco walls covered in vining greenery, cobblestone walkways and charming plazas to host your event. There are four different locations on site to choose from for your wedding day. Collin and Natalia held their wedding reception at the Patio De Las Campanas, a dreamy courtyard located at Tlaquepaque.
A Love Story Worth Fighting For
Collin and Natalia have such a beautiful love story! Collin is a lieutenant in the U.S. Marines. Natalia is a lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Their service and dedication to our country is an inspiration. Their devotion to one another and understanding of the sacrifices they’ve made make for one powerful marriage ahead of them. It was such a huge honor for me to capture their wedding day.
A Classic Church Wedding Ceremony
Collin and Natalia officially tied the knot and recited their vows with a traditional church wedding ceremony at the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ. The architecture of the chapel will take your breath away and move you in a way that puts it all into perspective.
At the end of the aisle, a large structure of windows floods the space with natural light as a beautiful sculpture of Christ, hung on a cross shaped like a tree looks down upon you. It’s a beautiful location to host your wedding ceremony and remind you of the reverence and spiritual meaning of your commitment to your beloved.
A Wedding Reception at the Patio De Las Campanas
Collin and Natalia moved their wedding reception to the Patio De Las Campanas at Tlaquepaque. Their reception was so elegant and classic. This was such a timeless wedding that the couple will look back on lovingly for years to come.
To honor their service to the country, they did a special cake cutting with a sword! This is the first time I’ve seen this done and I loved it. There’s nothing like adding those special and unique touches anywhere you can to make your wedding day feel more personal.
Collin and Natalia,
Thank you both for the sacrifices you’ve made for our country. If anyone deserves their happily ever after, it’s the two of you! Natalia, you are such a stunning bride. I am so thankful to have the honor of capturing this monumental milestone in your lives. I hope you love and treasure these captured memories for years to come. Congratulations, to the newlyweds!
A Special Thank You to the Wedding Vendors
These special events couldn’t come together so smoothly without a wonderful team of vendors in place. Here’s a special thank you to following Sedona Wedding Vendors who made Collin and Natalia’s wedding day such a dream to be a part of!
Wedding Ceremony Venue: @chapelsedona
Wedding Reception Venue: @tlaquepaqueweddings
Wedding Florals: @blissfloralsedona
Bridal Hair and Makeup: @sedonabeautyteam
A Wedding Venue Under the Tuscan Sun
As you walk through the doors of Villa Siena you are immediately transported to another place. Can this venue be in Arizona?
Yes! The venue makes you feel like you have flown to ItaIy from the fine detail of the courtyard to the architecture with Roman columns, rounded arches, vaulted ceilings, and acanthus leaves.
I had the pleasure of capturing every detail of Nicole and Kevin’s wedding here in December.
The couple + details
Nicole and Kevin choosing the Villa Siena was just the tip of the exquisite details the couple selected for their wedding day. Starting with Nicole’s dress; an elegant strapless, sweetheart neckline with intricate beaded details with a long train and a beaded veil making one of the most stunning brides I have ever seen. Each bridesmaid wore individual full-length plum-colored dresses with the groomsmen in dark blue suits. The details didn’t stop there, from the cupcake stand to the photos of the parent and grandparents on the bouquet to the table settings, everything was executed perfectly.
A Stunning Wedding Ceremony
Kevin and Nicole officially tied the knot and recited their vows with their family and friends surrounding them in the enclosed and private Piazza Toscana. The Piazza courtyard represents the town square of Sienna, Italy with a stunning freestanding fireplace and gorgeous green shrubs making it an amazing backdrop for a wedding. The colors the bride and groom choose for their wedding complemented the setting perfectly.
A Wedding Reception in the ballroom
The Firezen ballroom is a large space with the perfect ambiance for the fun, dancing, and laughter that was shared that night.
Kevin and Nicole,
Thank you both for choosing me to capture this special day, every detail was exquisite. Nicole, you were a stunning bride. The love that I witnessed while capturing this monumental day I won’t ever forget. I hope you love and treasure these captured memories for years to come. Congratulations, to the newlyweds and the new addition on the way!
A Special Thank You to the Wedding Vendors
These special events couldn’t come together so smoothly without a wonderful team of vendors in place. Here’s a special thank you to the following vendors who made Kevin and Nicole’s wedding day such a dream to be a part of!
Venue Villa Siena @villasienaweddings
Hair Beauty by Mae @hairbeautybymae
MUA Emily Mosby @emilymosbymua
MUA Victoria @vixxenbeauty
Babbo Catering @babboitaliancatering
DJ Marcus Trollmann @djmarcust_phoenixuplighting
Dress Luv Bridal @luv_bridal
Bridesmaids dresses Kennedy Blue @kennedyblueofficial
Suits Men’s Wearhouse @menswearhouse
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