Tess Gearhart Photo & Film | Scottsdale Arizona Wedding Photographer
Where editorial edge meets emotional grit.
Hi, I’m Tess. I’ve spent the last nine years photographing weddings across the globe, beginning with intimate celebrations in my home state of Michigan and now documenting weddings that are emotionally charged and artistically composed from my base in Arizona.”
What began as a childhood instinct to document life as I experienced it has evolved into a career built on trust, emotional honesty, and a refusal to dull what’s real. I’m not interested in perfectly staged moments — I’m here to capture what it actually felt like.
My approach is immersive and intentional. I’ll be there, fully present, documenting the heart of your day with an artistic eye and an unwavering commitment to the truth of the moment.
Offer/Pomotion
If you found me through Rocky Mountain Bride, mention it when you reach out — I’ll throw in an additional hour of coverage!
And if you’re booking a 2 or 3 day wedding weekend with me in Arizona, I’ll throw in a mini Super 8 highlight film too!
Love Notes
“We had Tess fly to us to do our engagement shoot and then later our wedding. We are obsessed with her!!!!!!!! Her energy is so fun and calming, it doesn’t feel forced and we felt like we were hanging out with a friend. The end result is absolutely magical. She truly is an artist and is somehow able to capture feelings and moments in a photo. Would recommend 1000000x!!!!”
— Rachel + Mike
“Tess is amazing to work with! We have worked with her a few different times and each time she knows how to capture the moment. She is so easy & fun to work with and you can tell how much she cares. If you want a photographer who is going to give you photos that will surly make you cry happy tears, then use Tess! 10/10 recommend.”
— Kaylah + Jake
“Tess is EVERYTHING! She did our engagement shoot in NYC and then we had to request her for our GTNP elopement this past August. Everyone in our family immediately recognized what a talented professional she is - truly capturing our group dynamic and all the love in her shots. She was one of the best decisions we made for our little wedding❤️ besides being so fun to be around, her style is unmatched. She is a magician with documentary style shots and she delivers exactly what you ask. This might also be attributed to by the fact that she checked in with us often leading up to the day and her communication was 10/10. Until next time. Love you Tess!!!!”
— Sophia + Jim
Fun facts
What do you consider your style to be?
My style blends editorial direction with honest, emotional moments. I lean into movement, texture, and film to create work that feels artful but never stiff. It's intentional, cinematic, and a little raw—crafted for couples who value art and authenticity equally.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I got my start in the wedding industry at 18 years old, second shooting for photographers in my hometown. A few years later, I found myself working in the photography/videography world, where I stayed until about two years ago, before returning to my true passion of photography. I went to college for a short time, but ultimately left when I realized that no degree could pull me away from what I knew deep down I was meant to do.
Where do you find your design inspiration?
I find a lot of my inspiration from film, physical art, music, and clean desert landscapes. If I am ever in a rut, I either go for a drive down my favorite dirt road, or I watch a new movie.
What is your favorite part about a wedding?
I’m drawn to the fashion, the florals, the architecture, the little details that tell a bigger story. But I’m just as captivated by the singing, the dancing, the moments when everyone’s screaming their favorite song with scrunched noses and full hearts. I love the way beauty and realness coexist on a wedding day.
Videos
