Sedona & Flagstaff, AZ Video

WEDDING, COMMERCIAL, and LIFESTYLE FILMMAKER. SERVING NORTHERN ARIZONA AND BEYOND.

Rachel and Hayden L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

January 03, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Rachel and Hayden’s wedding was at the gorgeous L’Auberge de Sedona. I had been hoping to film at this incredible venue and was excited the opportunity came so soon. Their ceremony was at the SpiritSong Terrace and the views are stunning. A cocktail hour along Oak Creek and a reception at the Artists Cottage followed. L’Auberge has a sophisticated and elegant, yet cozy atmosphere, and you just don’t want to ever leave. Rachel and Hayden’s wedding was intimate and it was obvious how much their friends and family loved and supported them. One of my favorite moments was watching the moms of the bride and groom hug immediately after the ceremony. They just seemed ecstatic. Later I filmed them saying “best day ever” over and over. I also loved filming the entire party dancing the Hora around the room and later blessing challah (see if you can spy the banana, a family inside joke/tradition). When I left this wedding, my spirits were soaring. I could easily feel the love and joy surrounding this couple, and it was a privilege to be there.

The full film is above, the preview below:

Kimberly and Christian Agave of Sedona Wedding Film {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

December 10, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Kimberly and Christian’s love story is one of my favorites yet. Of all the apartments in New York City, she chose the one right across from his. He landed his childhood dream job of an NYPD police officer. She moved to New York City and landed a job with Inside Edition as a news producer. Soon after she moved in, she knocked on the door across the hall to ask for a dress zip. It wasn’t Christian who answered, but his roommate (best man!). The roommate told Christian about the lively redhead next door. Christian soon met this fun, outgoing beautiful woman at the bar, and the rest is a total romantic comedy. Watch the full film below…he tells the story and it’s sooo good.

Kimberly has AZ roots, but the majority of guests traveled from great distances to beautiful Sedona. Agave of Sedona is a wonderful wedding venue. The ceremony location is jaw droopingly beautiful, and the ceremony room is just lovely with a great dance floor and plenty of room for mingling. Rain was in the forecast for pretty much the entire day, but the wedding gods kept the rain away for when it mattered. Not a drop fell during the ceremony, and clouds kept the sun at bay, making beautiful light for filming. We then headed out for a romantic session on the rocks and got some fantastic footage as we watched a storm roll in. We played for along as we dared until the clouds broke and we had to run to the car with umbrellas, laughing.

Kimberly and Christian then entered their reception with a choreographed first dance, which blew me away. They totally downplayed it ahead of time, saying they just had a few moves..yah right…it was incredible. The rest of the night was just about as ideal as a wedding can be… heart warming speeches with laughs and tears, toasts, and a huge dance party.

Oh, and one huge important detail…Kimberly wore her mother’s wedding dress. She had it altered at The Wedding Dresser, a dress altering shop in Brooklyn. They took away the 80s poofy sleeves and made it just absolutely gorgeous and modern. I loved it…watch for the first look with her mother in the film.

Erin and Taylor's Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

December 05, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Erin and Taylor traveled from Wisconsin to get married in the red rocks of Sedona. They met one evening in a bar, and then the next morning, she asked him to help her move into a new apartment, where he also met her dad. The rest is history. Erin and Taylor were married at Sky Ranch Lodge. Since moving to AZ, I’ve loved checking out the numerous wedding venues of Sedona. Sky Ranch Lodge was perfect for this couple. Their ceremony spot is gorgeous, because it is high above the city with stunning cliff views and twinkling city lights at night. Also Erin and Taylor and their guests could stay at the venue, making it convenient and homey.

When Erin and I spoke on the phone for the first time, she emphasized repeatedly that all of her guests were extremely important to her. She did not want a wedding film with just the couple, but wanted to make sure her guests were in the film. She also did not want a highlight film, but a longer documentary style film (20 minutes), which is below. I loved featuring her sweet family and friends, because as her dad said, this is really what matters in life.

Edwin and Camilla Sorrel River Ranch Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

November 01, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I have been waiting to film a wedding like Edwin’s and Camilla’s since I started this business. It combined many of my favorite things- adventure, romance, and a guest list of people absolutely stoked to be in the southwest. As most of the guests traveled from the other side of the world and took at least three flights to get to Moab, Edwin and Camilla wanted their guests to really experience Moab. The weekend started with a day of adventure. Their guests went canyoneering, rafting, UTV driving, and horseback riding (see adventure film above). Canyoneering with the guests was my favorite part of the weekend. This canyon was not an easy one, and we swam at least 5 times in freezing, stagnant water. I thought it quite incredible that Edwin and Camilla were willing to do this before their wedding day. I also got very good at getting my gear in and out of dry bags, and no cameras were harmed in the making.

The next day, their wedding day, was absolute elegant romance. They started the festivities off with a traditional tea ceremony. I loved how this gave them intimate time with their family before the wedding. The wedding ceremony and speeches were so full of heart and eloquent. The reception was complete with a live band, delicious food, and perhaps the most fun with a photo booth I’ve ever seen. Congratulations Camilla and Edwin!

Vicky and Nico Whispering Oaks Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

October 23, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Vicky is a photographer and Nico customizes jeeps . They road tripped their jeep all the way from MIAMI and traded white sand beaches for mountains and red rock. I followed their Instagram as they made their journey. They camped on the beaches of Lake Powell, traveled the 66, and checked off National Parks. Their family and friends soon followed, some driving their jeeps too, others flying, mostly all from Miami, some from overseas. They had a beautiful wedding at Whispering Oaks. The reception was full of some of the best salsa dancing I’ve ever seen at a reception. The next day, we met up at Canyonlands to get footage in the red rocks and watch the sunset. I love day after sessions. Everyone is relaxed and the schedule doesn’t feel so tight. Thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible wedding.

Darian and Tanner's Moab Mountain Wedding {Sedona wedding videographer}

September 18, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Darian and Tanner’s wedding was FUN. I noticed immediately that these two are incredibly likable and people LOVE them. Their bridesmaids and groomsmen were obviously close and were laughing, happy crying, and dancing the entire time. It was also clear that they were all 100% in support of this marriage, and that D&T care deeply for their friends. I watched Darian finish doing a friend’s hair (on her wedding day, a first!) and I watched Tanner help a friend get dressed. This couple looks out and cares for their people. I also loved that during the procession, every single groomsmen gave Tanner a massive hug. I also loved watching the couple with their own siblings and parents. There was a whole lotta of love, between a huge group of people, and that is special.

Tucson Twins Newborn Film {Flagstaff and Sedona birth videographer}

August 30, 2018 by Leslie Allred in newborn videography

This is my sister's family. My sister and I have always lived too far apart to be there for the birth of each other's children. Until now!! With my move to AZ, I was able to be there the day her beautiful twins were born. It wasn't an easy ride for my sister though. She had preeclampsia so the twins were delivered about a month early. And then she felt pretty awful after. Guys, I'm sure you all know, but most births are not done with lovely makeup and silky robes. Often the cute robes and makeup don't come on the day after, or even week after. But this doesn't mean documenting those first moments with your newborn isn't possible. Watch this little film for a great example of this. I returned a month later to film her entire family, and the moments are just as magical. There are so many ways to do a newborn/birth film, so do not worry if labor and delivery doesn't go how you imagined.

Joseph and Jessica Sedona Wedding at Cathedral Rock {Sedona and Flagstaff videographer}

August 13, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

My first wedding in Sedona, AZ! It was incredible. Joseph and Jessie were married at the base of Cathedral Rock with a few of their favorite people, and their beloved dog Lucy. There were multiple standout moments. After the first look, Lucy, Jessie's dog ran up to them, and JP bent down to pet Lucy and said "My two girls in white." Heart melter. During the ceremony, Jessica tried to kiss JP at the end of his vows, and the officiant stopped her. It was so charming and hilarious (see film :)). And then they fumbled JP's ring during the exchange (also see film), and their reaction was priceless. And then when it was all said and done, Jessica blurted out "We did it" and gave JP a big high five. I love couples that can totally relax on their wedding day and be 100% themselves. And they really were.

After the ceremony, they said goodbye to family, strapped on hiking shoes, and we headed to the top of the Cathedral Rock trail just in time for an unbelievable sunset. This location was one of the most beautiful I have ever shot, and I already can't wait to go back. I loved working with Sedona talent. Caitlyn Jennings is an amazing photographer and so lovely to be around. Christopher Bullock is a very talented MUA and hairstylist, and happens to be my next door neighbor, BFF from childhood. We hadn't seen each other in a good 8 years, and we could not contain our excitement when we were reunited. Moving to AZ has been good to me!

I always create a preview for my clients, and I especially loved this one:

I am so grateful for this wedding. Moving is always hard, but I'm so lucky to have moved to another incredible place. I am grateful for JP and Jessie, because they were such a fun couple to have as my first AZ couple. I can't wait for more AZ weddings and AZ sunsets.

Alexa and Jacob Mountain Wedding Film {Sedona and Flagstaff wedding videographer}

July 23, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

My family moved to Flagstaff, AZ from Moab, UT just over a month ago. Alexa and Jacob's wedding was exactly one week before our move date. While I will still be filming weddings in Moab, I was feeling extra sentimental at this wedding. Jacob and Alexa are Moab locals. Jacob coached one of my kids several years ago in toddler soccer. Alexa is so loving and has some of the most amazing parents. Their bridal party was made up of nearly 20 local young people, many of whom I'd had some association with, either through swim lessons, the local Pop shop, or church. And everyone was so polite, kind, cheerful, and excited.

And Jacob and Alexa- they are so in love. One of my favorite parts of the film is hearing Jacob talking to Alexa right after the ceremony. You should probably watch it, because it is so sweet.

The location of this wedding was an unbelievably gorgeous piece of private property at the base of the La Sal mountains. I could move there now and never need to leave. So yes- this wedding was about perfect. Lovely couple, beautiful venue, sweet guests, cheerful bridal party. And that cake cutting and feeding- watch it. Oh, and the choreographed first dance. Too bad licensing Beyonce and Ed Sheeran's Perfect would cost a good million dollars, because their dance to this song was pretty amazing, complete with a lift. Ok, I could write about this wedding forever.

Stocks Family Oral Video History {Flagstaff and Sedona videographer}

July 20, 2018 by Leslie Allred in lifestyle videography, oral history

60th wedding Anniversary Oral History Family Film

Jerry and Marie Stocks recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. About 6 weeks before their anniversary, their 5 children gathered with them in their home so we could film an oral history. Their 5 adult children asked them all sorts of questions- everything from "describe your first kiss", to "what's your greatest fear?". There was a lot of laughter and several times, their kids said, "I didn't know that!". They interviewed their parents for a good 90 minutes, and then we headed outside to film in their lovely garden.

I feel like I learned so much from these wonderful people! Jerry and Marie gave great marriage advice. They talked about how you shouldn't expect a fairy tale marriage- about how sometimes they drove each other crazy, but at the end of the day, they never did anything to one another they couldn't take back, and they always loved each other.

I cannot express how important I believe it is to have oral histories filmed. Cindy, the daughter who hired me, has told me repeatedly that this is a treasure for her and her family, forever. Time goes by so quickly, and often we lose people before we are ready. But a film like this will allow you to hear their voices, learn from them, and allow future generations to see them.

I gave the family the full 90 minute interview, along with this film, and a short preview for social media. Please contact me if this is something you are intersted in for a loved one! leslieallredfilms@gmail.com

Grand County High School Graduation Film {Sedona and Flagstaff lifestyle videographer}

July 12, 2018 by Leslie Allred in lifestyle videography

Nick graduated high school in May, and his sister had this genius idea. For his senior gift, she wanted a film made of his last morning of high school at graduation rehearsal. Graduation rehearsal had this very fun, laid back vibe. All the seniors were absolutely stoked and relaxed- much more so than at actual graduation night (until it's over). Plus I didn't have to worry about getting in parents' way during the legit graduation. I loved my time with these seniors, and it got me thinking that life has soooo many important events. It's not just birth and weddings that should be documented and preserved- but there are epic milestones in between (and after!) that deserve to be celebrated. Congratulations Nick!

Katya and Matthew Wedding Film {Sedona and Flagstaff wedding videographer}

June 04, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

MOAB, UT WEDDING

Katya and Matthew grew up an ocean apart. One day, nine years ago, he walked up to her during a California evening. It's amazing how life brings people together.

Matthew's parents are documentary filmmakers, and now Moab residents. His father Michael Chandler was nominated for an Academy Award for his editing in "Amadeus", a best picture winner. He worked on multiple films from the 80's and 90's, one being a personal teenage favorite of mine, "Empire Records" (Rex Manning day anyone?). Later he produced documentaries, including one for PBS. In 2015, Michale Chandler and his wife Sheila Canavan (a very successful attorney) created a documentary together that was picked up by Showtime.

I love the incredible people I meet as I film weddings, and I am always grateful to couples and their families for trusting me to witness and capture important, intimate life events.

Jesse Robert Newborn Film {Flagstaff and Sedona newborn and lifestyle videographer}

May 28, 2018 by Leslie Allred in lifestyle videography, newborn videography

AZ NEWBORN VIDEOGRAPHY

This session brought me so much joy. They were lovers and cuddlers and just the sweetest people I could ever hope to spend my morning with. Little Jesse was 10 days old when I came over to film. I loved seeing how the family had adapted to being a family of 4 and watching them in their new routine. I was impressed with how productive they had already been. This family lives in a rural area outside of Moab. They built everything they have. Everything! Since Jesse was born, Dad had built a playground for big sister, and Mom had been out digging a new fire pit. This morning filled me with peace and helped me remember what really matters.

Preview film below, full film above.

This film is a great reminder that even if you don't have your newborn video filmed in the hospital, this time is just as precious from home. I don't think there is a bad place or time to film a family in love with their new baby.

Red Devil Baseball {Flagstaff and Sedona videographer}

May 28, 2018 by Leslie Allred in lifestyle videography, commercial videography

There were 9 seniors on the Red Devil Baseball team this year. Most of these boys have been playing together since t-ball, which also means the families have been sitting together in the bleachers for over 10 years. This is a close group. The families had the wonderful idea to have me create a film for the senior boys. Everyone gets senior photos, but not many high school seniors get a video. I am excited about this project and love that these kids can look back on this important time in their life for years to come.

The film above is the preview, and below is the full film.

Alice and Dan Dead Horse Point State Park Wedding Film {Moab, Flagstaff, and Sedona wedding videographer}

May 14, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I've had multiple couples tell me that they plan their wedding in Moab, sure that it's so remote and hard to get to, that no one will come. And almost every time, when the date arrives, more people than they ever expected make the journey to Moab. It makes complete sense to me! If given the chance, why would you NOT go to a wedding in Moab?

Alice and Dan had family and friends travel from both ends of the country. Literally from CA to NJ. The couple did a slam dunk job planning their wedding, because they hired a charter bus to take their guests up to Dead Horse Point State Park. They wanted to do a first look, so Alice even changed into her dress on the bus while Dan, the talented photographer Emily Klarer, and I set up a first look. After a gorgeous cliffside wedding with a natural rock amphitheater for the guests, there was a picnic-style cocktail hour. Everyone then loaded up on the bus to drive back to Moab for a reception at Sunset Grill. This is such a safe, fun way for a wedding party to travel. I was kind of wishing I could catch a ride on that party bus.

Alice and Dan were so fantastic and cheerful. They were relaxed and went with the flow, and made me laugh repeatedly with numerous butt grabs. If you are planning your wedding day, do what you want to do, and you'll love your day.

Photographer: Emily Klarer

Reception: Sunset Grill