Eli's Photography Blog

Ashley + Stephen – Southern Engagement Portraits

Ashley and Stephen are two of the sweetest people I have ever photographed. I absolutely cannot wait for their wedding in September! Leslie and I had such a good time taking their engagement photos around the southern backroads of Arkansas. Ashley has lived in this area her whole life and so she was very comfortable in this environment. Stephen being from Louisiana, I thought the swamps were pretty fitting for their backdrop. Congrats you guys! Enjoy!

Sarah + Chris – Teaser Arkansas Wedding Photography

With the storm clouds rolling in and umbrellas in hand, Sarah and Chris were more than ready to risk getting rain on and trudging through an open muddy field. Sarah was ready to do what it takes to get the great shots, and from my experiences, the reward is always greater than the risk. Don’t they look great! More to come, here’s a quick teaser from their wedding day in Altus, AR. Enjoy!

Lauren + Michael – Jonesboro Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Last weekend my wife and I had the wonderful privilege of spending a couple days with Lauren and Michael, their families, and closest friends. I’m so thankful that they chose us to be a part of their wedding day. The ceremony was beautiful, Lauren’s dad’s speech made us all cry, and these people know how to throw a party! I had so many photos that I wanted to share. I tried to narrow them down, but it was way too difficult.
The Ceremony and Reception were both at the Church Street Station in downtown Jonesboro.




All the beautiful flowers were brought to you by Posey Peddler in Jonesboro. Gorgeous flowers and a cool name, check them out.


This was my favorite set of images from the day. Something about vintage wallpaper, a grandfather clock, amazing light, and a beautiful bride make for a great set in my eyes. It’s very southern bride.



This room was so full of love it was crazy. Happy tears are always good for the soul.

One of my absolute favorite images of the day, taken by none other than my beautiful wife and awesome second photographer.







I love wedding receptions with live bands. This band was amazing The Vikki McGee Band, check them out!




All the images from the wedding day can be viewed and purchased here.

Krystina + Cullen – Marlsgate Plantation Wedding

At the beginning of this month I had the wonderful opportunity to photography Krystina and Cullen’s wedding. I feel really honored to have been a part of their big day! Krystina and Cullen are one of those couples that make you smile just watching them together! Congrats you guys! Here are just a few of my favorites from Saturday. Enjoy!

My Big Sister – My Biggest Fan!

Today is the fifth year anniversary of my big sister’s wedding! I just wanted to take a second to thank my sister and her husband Nick for all their love and support over the years. Elana was there with me in the beginning of my plans to be a big time wedding photographer. She supported my dreams and let me take lots of pictures of her to help build my portfolio. I can tell you that without a doubt, I’m no longer the same photographer that I was 5 years ago. A lot has changed.  If I was getting married five years ago, I probably would have considered other options for my wedding photos other than Eli Murray photography, but not my big sis. I was completely under qualified and without experience, but she still trusted me and wanted me to be there to capture her special day. This was probably the most loving gift I could have received at that time in my life. After shooting her wedding, I gained so much courage and confidence to begin the next steps of my life. Like I said before, no doubt, I’m not the same photographer that I was 5 years ago. But that’s my story. Happy Anniversary Nick and Elana! Here’s to 50 more! Thanks for being my biggest fans! I love you both!

Krystina's Southern Bridal Portraits – Scott Arkansas

This Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph Krystina and Cullen’s wedding at Marlsgate in Scott, Arkansas. Some of you may remember Krystina and Cullen from their engagement session in the swamps. I have so many wonderful photos from their wedding that I just cant wait to share, but until then check out some of Krystina’s bridal portraits we took back in September. Enjoy!

Lani's Bridal Portraits – Arkansas Portrait Photography

Today, I am super jazzed to be photographing Justin and Lani’s wedding at Marlsgate Plantation in Scott AR!  I can finally share Lani’s beautiful bridal portraits that we shot last month. Here are just a couple of my favorites. Stay tuned for the wedding photos! Enjoy!

Corey + Kristi – Arkansas Wedding Photography

Corey and Kristi’s wedding will always have a special place in my heart because their wedding was exactly 3 days before my wedding. It was the last wedding I photographed as a single man, haha. Directly after leaving their reception I drove home, changed clothes, and then Leslie and I drove to the Memphis Airport to leave for our wedding in St. Thomas. It was definitely a long night, but I was so happy to be a part of Kristi and Corey’s wedding. Kristi was so excited to get married, you couldn’t take her smile away! There ceremony was at the Cedar Heights Baptist Church in North Little Rock. I was also happy to have my good friend and fellow photographer Mark Gregory with me.
Here are a few of my favorite images from the first part of the day! Enjoy!

To view all the photos from Corey & Kristi’s big day, please visit the proofing site here.

Krystina + Cullen – Southern E-Session Part 2

Here is the second half of that awesome “marsh land” engagement session that I shot with Krystina and Cullen. I love this amazing light and the natural relaxed southern feel of Krystina & Cullen. Enjoy!

Krystina + Cullen – Vintage Southern Engagement Portraits

I’m super excited to share these Southern Arkansas swampland engagement portraits. This was probably the most unique engagement session I have shot. Cullen and Krystina were completely natural in this environment though. I think they may have been born in the wrong era, hahaha. It also could have something to do with all the practice taking photos they’ve had. You see Krystina just happens to be an awesome photographer in Benton and I’m sure Cullen has had his picture taken a few times. I had a blast shooting them both! We were probably inches away from Arkansas Alligators making a snack out of us, and we were definitely lunch for those giant mosquitoes but we got some great photos right? I decided to break their e-session up into two parts. Check back later this week for more photos with and outfit change and new location! Krystina & Cullen I can’t wait for your wedding, Enjoy!