Allison and Denis Briar Patch Inn Elopement {Sedona Elopement Videographer}

Allison and Denis planned the sweetest elopement at the Briar Patch Inn near Sedona, AZ in Oak Creek Canyon. The two had vacationed to this exact cabin, so when they got engaged, they decided there was no better place to elope than on its private deck above Oak Creek. Sedona Bride Photographer Katrina Wallace and I were wondering if we could make a ceremony on a deck, above a raging creek work, but it absolutely did, and it was magical. It’s also good that Katrina and I love working together so much, because we were really close and rubbing shoulders.

Allison and Denis also chose to have their parents, his sister, and her grandmother with them for their elopement, which I thought was so lovely. It’s kind of the best of both wedding worlds- a few people you love present to witness your wonderfully intimate elopement. Full film below, preview above.

Hilary and Nick Lake Powell Wedding {Sedona and Flagstaff Videographer}

Hilary and Nick have the best love story. It’s so amazing that Hilary had me interview them before their wedding to document their love story. In a nutshell, they are both federal employees. She was working in D.C., and Nick as a diver for Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (aka Lake Powell). After terrible hurricanes in the Carribean, both were assigned to St. John temporarily for emergency assistance. It was there that they met, clicked and faced the reality that they were both headed home within days. They did the long distance thing, and it was hard. Going from D.C. to Big Water, UT is no easy trip, but they did it, over and over, falling more ln love with each visit. The stars aligned with Hilary’s job and she is now able to work remotely, and made the move from out east to the beautiful red desert. Watch the full story:

Their wedding day was wonderful. They secured a sweet spot on this mini peninsula above Lake Powell. Hilary planned the entire wedding and executed all the beautiful details. Hilary thought of everything from rock candy suckers to geode breaking, to hanging succulents, to incredible center pieces.

I especially loved when after the wedding, we headed to the NPS boat docks to get romantic footage in a spot that is extremely important to Nick. And of course I couldn’t resist asking Nick a few questions about his fascinating job as an NPS scuba diver at Lake Powell. Congrats you two!

The sneak peek is below and the full film is at the top.

Cathedral Rock Elopement {Sedona Wedding Elopement Videographer}

C and D traveled from Tennessee to elope at Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock has so much scenery to offer. About ten minutes from the parking lot, there is a slab of red rock absolutely perfect for an intimate ceremony. After the ceremony, they kissed their son goodbye. C took off her veil and stuffed it, along with her bouquet, in a backpack, and we started the hike to the top of Cathedral Rock for sunset. D and C were in great shape and all the hikers we passed on the trail were absolutely stoked to see a newlywed couple on the trail. They all kept giving C huge props for hiking in her dress and complimented her hiking boots.

The hike to the top of Cathedral Rock is short but hard, and I absolutely love it. The payoff at the top is always breathtaking and fills me with joy and awe. The sunset did not disappoint, and we got fantastic footage and photos. What an incredible way to spend a first evening as husband and wife. If anyone every needs me to haul my gear to the top of Cathedral Rock, I will always say yes.

The elopement preview is above. The full film will be kept private as per their request.

Colleen and Travis L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding Film {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Sedona has an incredible pull. I’ve talked to couples from all over the country who fall completely in love with Sedona on a vacation, and then can’t get it out of their head when it comes to planning their wedding. Colleen and Travis came from Michigan to get married against the red rocks. I met with them back in the spring at a small coffee shop in Flagstaff. They had been hiking and seeing the sights and meeting their vendors. They too had a history with Sedona. Sedona is a perfect place to get married. There are beautiful venues with all the necessities to endless quiet spots for elopements. There are incredibly talented hair and makeup artists, bakers, florists, DJS, photographers, caterers, etc. It has it all.

Ok, back to Travis and Colleen. They were married at the lovely L’Auberge de Sedona. L’Auberge is a dream. Colleen and Travis had their first look on the grounds right along Oak Creek. That spot makes you feel like you’re out in nature, not at a resort. Their ceremony was on the Spirit Song terrace. The views up there are ridiculous. The reception that followed was one of the most fun I’ve ever filmed. SKM Entertainment kept the party going the entire time. One of my favorite moments was watching all of C and T’s family and friends rock out to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”. People from Michigan love that song even more than the rest of us!!

I also loved Colleen’s sparkly white Ked’s for the dance floor, and her rockin jean jacket. Basically I loved it all and left L’Auberge de Sedona at 11 pm smiling big. 10 minutes up the canyon, I realized I forgot one of my lights, so I flipped around and got it, and still drove home happy. Congrats to this wonderful couple!

Full film above, preview below.

Cammy and Trevor Whispering Oaks Ranch Moab Wedding {Flagstaff and Sedona Wedding videographer}

Trevor and Cammy were married at Whispering Oaks Ranch, located in the beautiful La Sal mountains above Moab, Utah. I’ve shot at this location many times, and it’s always a wonderful getaway from the scorching summer temps of Moab.

Trevor and Cammy met in high school and even went to a dance together, but didn’t truly find each other until college. The speeches at their wedding were fantastic. Cammy’s father, sister, and best friend spoke, along with Trevor’s best friend. All of them said meaningful, sweet things, and it really reaffirmed in my mind that wedding toasts provide some of the most intimate, tender moments. I firmly believe that we need to express our love, admiration, and support to our favorite people as often as we can, and a wedding is a great opportunity to do this. I realize it’s scary, but usually some of the best moments first have to put us out of our comfort zones.

Another great moment from this wedding was running into one of my previous brides and meeting her two babies!!

Congratulations Trevor and Cammy! Your love for each other is obvious and genuine, and I can’t wait to see what you do together. Preview above, full film below.

Irie and Alex Arboretum at Flagstaff Wedding Film {Flagstaff wedding videographer}

Irie and Alex were married at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. This is an incredible venue nestled in the ponderosa trees with gorgeous views of the San Francisco Peaks. I hope to film here over and over again, because it is magic. The smell of the pines with the sounds of hummingbirds and the wind going through forest branches made me want to throw out a sleeping bag and spend the night.

Ire and Alex planned such a beautiful ceremony. The officiant shared stories about how they met and their engagement., followed by Irie and Alex’s vows. It was everything a wedding ceremony should be! Lots of laughter and lots of tears. My favorite moment from the entire ceremony was watching Irie be escorted down the aisle by her brother.

I left this wedding grinning. It was full of so much love and support. The speeches were wonderful, there was dancing to polka and Timberlake, and the food was perfect. I loved this sweet couple and am so happy for them. Wedding film above, preview below.

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Leslie Allred Films Spring and Summer Personal Videos {Flagstaff and Sedona Videographer}

I always promised myself I wouldn’t get too busy to make films for my own family. It’s been tough, and sometimes the family footage sits for months as I edit wedding films, but I wanted to share some videos from this spring and summer. There are few things I love more than a river trip, and we have been able to go on two this summer. In the backcountry, bringing nice cameras is a little tricky because there is a lot of wind, sand, and hot sun. For these adventures, I stick with a trusty, less expensive Canon 70d and a GoPro. The film in the middle is one I made to celebrate my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary and was filmed down in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. I absolutely love making films for my family and my kids love turning on the family youtube channel and letting it roll. And then usually I cry a little because time is going by too fast.

Stephanie and Evan Moab Golf Course Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

I always love the opportunity to go back to Moab, Utah. I lived there for 9 years, and while I am loving Flagstaff, I will forever love the people in Moab, the Colorado River, and the incredible vistas everywhere you look. I also love to shoot with the talented Angela Hays Photography and sneaking in mountain bike rides before the wedding.

The wedding took place at the Moab Golf Course on a hole tucked far far away against the cliffs in the shade of a huge cottonwood. It was probably a good mile from the club house, so all the guests, and Angela and I, got to take a golf cart to the site. Work perks.

The reception was then at the lovely Sunset Grill, which gives incredible views of the city and the Moab Rim. Congratulations Stephanie and Evan!

K&C Backyard Tucson Wedding Film {Flagstaff, Tucson, and Sedona Videographer}

I love Tucson. I lived there from when I was a chubby baby, until I left for college. My parents and two of my siblings and their families still live there. I love the red blossoms of the ocotillos, the zillions of tacos, the impressive Catalina Mountains, Eegee’s, the smell of creosote, saguaros (of course), the roadrunners, the lines of baby quail running after their mom…I’ll stop because I could go on and on. My move to Flagstaff has put me closer to Tucson, which I am very happy about.

K&C had an incredible Tucson wedding. They were married at his father’s beautiful ranch home. The home and barn were built out of handmade adobe bricks. There were burros, southwest orange stucco, mesquites, and all things Tucson. It was one of the most stunning backyard weddings I have ever seen. This couple has a beautiful love story, which they prefer I don’t share in detail, but it is lovely and proof that true love can be found when you least expect it, even after life throws some major curve balls.

I loved meeting several Tucson wedding vendors. I worked with photographer Taylor Mitchell , DJ Hans Hutchison, and Eastland Alley floral design. There were incredible eats from Edge Catering, The Duke Truck, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Isabella’s ice-cream, and a late night Sonoran dog truck that I still can’t find the name of. Have you tried these things? Do it!!

Congratulations to this beautiful couple for an incredible wedding that fit their love perfectly. And the above film is just their sneak peek. They preferred I keep their full wedding film private.

Jillian and Kyle Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

Jillian and Kyle’s wedding was at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek. This venue is stunning. You drive right across Oak Creek and then climb a small hill to a beautiful hideaway. The sound of the creek is nearby, the cliffs of the canyon are visible everywhere, the architecture blends in, and the orchards are so inviting. We were there just before the blooms, and I’m dying to go back and see it in its spring glory. The food was so delicious and a majority of the produce was grown on site.

Jillian and Kyle were married on St. Patricks’ day. Kyle rocked some clover socks and the families proudly displayed their crests. The wedding seemed to be everything Jillian and Kyle wanted it to be. It was intimate and cozy. The bride and groom had time to visit with all of their guests and have time with Caitlyn Jennings and myself to get some quick, romantic shots on the grounds, without missing too much of cocktail hour.

Brides and grooms, there is no right way to do a wedding, as long as it’s what you want! Follow your heart!

Full film below:

Amanda + Dallas Horseshoe Bend Elopement {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

The last time I visited Horseshoe Bend was in 2006. Back in the old days, you had to know exactly where to pull off the road. I always remembered it was the pullout after the bridge that goes over a slot canyon. There was no sign, no pavement, and no people. Now, this place is unmistakeable. The parking lot is huge and there are a gazillion outhouses lining the parking lot. They are actually in the process of making the parking lot bigger and when we were there, we had to park in a lot a few miles away and take a shuttle over, because the parking lot was closed. When we arrived, there were hundreds of people from all around the world, and I was a bit shocked. HOWEVER, this place is still just as gorgeous as I remembered. The view of the Colorado river below is so beautiful, and the cliffs are dramatic and intense. It was just a tad noisier than I remembered.

Dallas and Amanda were hardcore. They flew to Vegas from Indiana for a few days to themselves. Then their children and family met them in Las Vegas. They got up early, got ready, and rode in a hired shuttle van all the way to Horseshoe Bend. This is a long way- like over 5 hours!!! Then they met Erika Greene, an incredible photographer, and Jen Paul, the most lovely officiant, and myself. We rode over to Horseshoe Bend, walked the short uphill trail to the view, found a secluded little spot, and a beautiful ceremony took place. They have quite the love story. Dallas and Amanda both had sons on the same football team, and with a little help form mutual friends (whom came to the wedding), they started dating and fell in love. After the kiss, I heard one of the boys say “brothers!”. I love watching families come together. We celebrated on the edge, got some incredible shots, hiked back down the trail, and soon they were off in their van all the way back to Vegas. A few days later, they celebrated with a reception back in Indiana and showed this film. Congratulations Dallas and Amanda!

Sarah and Michael Agave of Sedona Wedding

I can’t get enough of this wedding. First off, Sarah was the happiest bride with the best laugh. She was laughing or doing the cry/laugh all day. And Michael was so sweet. It was clear he was ecstatic to be marrying his best friend. These two were overflowing with joy, and it was like they both knew they had won the jackpot. Sarah gave a good “woohooo” during the ceremony when the nitty gritty was about to start, and I laughed/cried out loud.

Sarah and Michael asked Sarah’s father to be the officiant. I’ve been waiting and hoping to film a wedding with a father as the officiant, and it was just as incredible as I hoped. Later during his speech at the reception, he said that it was the thrill of his life to be asked to do this. Rewatching the footage, I cried a good 10 times. All the speeches and readings were beautiful and moving. These two have great support behind them. I love this couple and I love this film! Also, Agave of Sedona is a fantastic venue. I was also able to work with Sedona Bride Photographers, whom I love, and A Day to Cherish Weddings. Fresh From the Kitchen provided the food, and everything was delicious. Floral design was by Sedona Mountain High Flowers, and hair and makeup by Sedona Beauty Team. There is so much wedding talent in Sedona and it’s a joy to work with everyone. Full version above, preview below!

Michelle and Josh L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

I know I say this a lot, but seriously, I will never forget Josh and Michelle’s wedding. Watch this film (full version above, preview below) and your heart will be full of love, peace, and hope. This world is crazy and stressful, but good people are finding love and real fairytales happen.. Michelle has two children, and the vows Josh gave to the children, and the words the children spoke to Josh were so loving and joyous. It was clear that this wasn’t just two people coming together, but an entire family, with all four people loving each other tremendously. I am so happy for them and am excited I can follow their lives on Instagram, because all four of them are going great places.

The wedding was at L’Auberge de Sedona right along Oak Creek. It was such a lovely and intimate setting. L’Auberge is a fabulous venue. There are multiple ceremony and reception locations and they are all so classy. I absolutely loved working with Katrina at Sedona Bride Photographers, and Bliss Extraordinary Floral did another fantastic job. Also, Patricia Vega did the hair and makeup, and it’s obvious she’s amazing. Also, Dan Vega played guitar, and his cover of Perfect was insanely sweet. I am loving the wedding industry in Sedona. There is so much talent and kindness. The staff at L’Auberge even forgave me for losing my valet ticket… My first 2019 wedding is in a few weeks, and I can’t wait.

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Lilli and JT Flagstaff Little America Wedding {Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel is a winter wonderland. I absolutely love how they left huge stands of Ponderosas on the grounds. You can get shots that look like the middle of the forest just seconds from the lobby. However, you do have to be on the lookout for tourists having snowball fights. Lilli and JT traveled here from the Vegas area. JT attended NAU, and Flagstaff still has a huge place in his heart. Lilli was one of the toughest brides I’ve filmed. Two days before the wedding, there was a huge snowstorm. Lilli and JT drove through it to get to Flagstaff. Then, the day of their wedding was overcast, breezy and freezing. Lilli never once complained of the cold, and during their portraits, her toes were literally covered in snow, but she powered through it with smiles and laughter. I’m still not sure how she did it because my toes were chilly in wool socks and boots. I think being filled with bursting joy can really keep you warm.

Congratulations Llli and JT.

Also, I’ve been waiting my entire videography career, and it finally happened…the officiant quoted the Princess Bride. Listen for it in the full film:

Canyon Pet Hospital's New Boarding Facility {Flagstaff commercial videographer}

Canyon Pet Hospital recently opened their brand new boarding facility. I had the opportunity to film some adorable cats and dogs hanging out in this beautiful new space. It was so much fun to trade filming human brides and babies for animals. By the end, I kind of wished I could spend a weekend away here. It was clean, modern, and the staff was so friendly. The animals were obviously treated with love and respect. I would have absolutely no problem dropping off my animal here, or recommending it to anyone in the Flagstaff area. If you have any concerns about where to board your fur baby, this will put your mind at ease and you can 100% know that they will be in the best of hands.