Sedona & Flagstaff, AZ Video

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

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

Nora Jean Newborn Film {Moab, Flagstaff, and Sedona videographer}

April 24, 2018 by Leslie Allred in newborn videography, lifestyle videography

I don't think I will ever forget filming this little baby. My morning with this family was so sweet and so emotional. This baby was long hoped for and some health scares throughout the pregnancy made things stressful. But in the end, after a bumpy C-section, baby Nora and her mother safely made it through the journey. Kenna really wanted me there to film when her two other children met the baby for the first time, as well as when the children's aunt with Down syndrome met the baby. And Kenna was wise, because it was incredible. There were so many tears. Kenna's 12 year old just completely melted all of our hearts. And their sweet aunt just had this immediate love and connection for the baby. I won't forget it. There were also such sweet moments with her grandparents. At one point I captured Tanner's dad holding Nora and saying "I'm grandpa. We're going to have lots of fun!"

There is just so much love in hospital rooms with brand new babies. Honestly, every single time I've walked into a hospital room with a fresh new baby, I cry. It is just such a miracle- every single time.

Filming for the University of Utah, {Moab, Flagstaff, and Sedona videographer}

April 18, 2018 by Leslie Allred in commercial videography

I had the wonderful opportunity to film for the University of Utah. Dr. L. Val Jones, of Blanding, UT received the Champion Award for his work with the Utah Navajo Health System. Blanding is about 90 minutes from Moab, so the U asked if I would head down and conduct an interview with Dr. Jones and capture footage of him with patients and with his staff. I left the interview incredibly impressed with Dr. Jones. He has helped to make healthcare accessible to people in the Four Corners area, eliminating the need to travel lengthy distances. Every single person I met at Blue Mountain Hospital that day was cheerful and friendly. Such a remarkable facility in this rural part of the country. At one point Dr. Jones got emotional as he talked about his service in the community. He has delivered babies that are now having babies of their own. It was obvious that he has an incredible connection with these families. I am incredibly grateful for the people I meet and the many things I learn with a camera in my hands.

Grand County High School Promenade {Moab, Flagstaff, and Sedona videographer}

April 16, 2018 by Leslie Allred in lifestyle videography

One of the most anticipated nights of a teenager's life is unquestionably: PROM. Annabelle's mom called me up and asked me to create a film of her daughter's prom. I loved this idea. Especially, because I love Moab's prom. They do it the old fashioned way. Months and months before prom, the kids start learning a choreographed waltz. Practically the entire community comes out to the gym to watch the anticipated promenade. Every couple gets their own entrance where their names and their parents names are announced. And then they promenade. And then they dance with their moms or dads. And then all the grownups leave, the lights go low, and the true dance begins. When I first moved to Moab years ago, I thought it was so strange. Now I think it's wonderful!! Just what prom should be. I loved the opportunity to document these fun teenagers at such a joyful life event. And teenagers love being in front of the camera, which makes my job incredibly fun.

CrossFit Moab and FitKids promotional videos {Flagstaff and Sedona commercial videographer}

March 19, 2018 by Leslie Allred in commercial videography

Since 2016, I have been creating promotional videos for CrossFit Moab. The first time I filmed for them, I had never attended a CrossFit class. I worked out on the trails only. I was way too self righteous about it. "Working outside is better...blah blah blah." After filming for CrossFit in June of 2016, I was completely blown away by the positive atmosphere and the great fitness of all the members. So I joined, and have completely fallen in love with CrossFit. Tonya, one of the owners, asked if I would film a testimonial video for 2018. I love interviewing and helping people feel comfortable talking to the camera.

CrossFit Moab also runs a program for children, called FitKids. It is such a fun, non competitive way for kids to learn to love fitness.

Both of these films will be a valuable tool for CrossFit Moab. If someone is curious about CrossFit for themselves or their child, these videos will help potential customers see the value of signing up. Often, video can reach people in a way that emails and phone calls can't.

Just Dance Company Winter Recital {Flagstaff and Sedona videographer}

March 19, 2018 by Leslie Allred in commercial videography

I had the opportunity to film the recital for another one of Moab's talented organizations, Just Dance Company. In addition to the group numbers, several of the girls performed solos. I really enjoyed filming the solos, and marveled at the bravery of these girls.

I love filming these recitals. I like that parents can relax and watch the performance with their eyes, instead of through their phone camera. I love that after it's over, they can relive the entire performance, as well as enjoy the highlight film. I love this career for this very reason- so people can relive their favorite moments and share them with their favorite people. And even more- 10, 20, 30 years from now, they can watch it all over again!