Jennifer & David Snowy Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding // Sedona Wedding Videographer

Where to begin with this wedding? We all knew it was likely going to snow on Jennifer and David’s wedding. The day predicted 80-90% chance of snow, 1-3 inches in Sedona. On my drive from Flagstaff to Sedona, it snowed the entire time, but wasn’t accumulating much. I didn’t feel too worried about it because I drive in snow all the time, and 1-3 inches isn’t that much for Flagstaff standards. I wasn’t stressed at all and was sure I’d be home with my family that night. Ha ha.

As soon as I arrived at Sky Ranch Lodge to film Jennifer getting ready, it started snowing a lot harder. Jennifer remained calm and was grateful Stevy Fletcher the photographer, and I were there. I think she kind of worried we wouldn’t show up because of the weather, which never crossed my mind! It snowed while she put on her dress and final details, but then suddenly stopped snowing. Then I saw a warning on my weather app that said “SNOW SQUALL WARNING.” I asked Stevy- what the heck is a snow squall?

As I started setting up my tripods for the ceremony and as the guests sat down, I suddenly understood what it was. We could see a white wall coming towards us from off the Mogollon Rim. The ceremony started with a few flurries but 10 minutes in, it started snowing HARD. They weren’t snow flakes but little hard balls of snow. The visibility went down between my cameras and Jennifer and David, it was snowing so much. The snow accumulated on David’s suit, and on my cameras. However, Jennifer and David smiled through it. The officiant asked if he should cut it short, and they both said, nope! What resulted was an unforgettable ceremony, and I learned that my cameras can take more snow than I thought. Thanks goodness.

There rest of the wedding went on without a hitch- thanks goodness for the large tent at the venue! However it kept snowing. Soon we learned that the 89 and I-17 were shut down, and as vendors, we were stranded in Sedona. Sky Ranch Lodge put Stevy, her second Taylor, and I in a room for free, which was so generous. Stevy even let me borrow a pair of sweats to sleep in, that saint! Huge congratulations to Jennifer and David, and huge props to them for loving their best day ever, come what may.

Full film above, preview below.

Nina & Tyler Agave of Sedona Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Everything came together for Nina and Tyler’s beautiful Sedona wedding. Nina is an RN and has been on the frontlines caring for COVID patients this last year. Tyler has been by her side supporting her through it all and working hard in the paving industry. This power couple is hilarious, kind and completely in love. I was so happy they could have friends and family gather around, many of them fully vaccinated. It’s a joy to watch loved ones celebrate after such a tumultuous year.

I loved being back at Agave of Sedona for the first time since March 2020. Shooting with Victoria from White Desert Photography is always a joy. I also brought along Jen Sawyer as my second shooter along with her sister Rachael, an excellent drone pilot. The wedding was planned by Casey Green Weddings, and she is the queen of the best timelines ever. Live music and entertainment was provided by Lucky Devils Band. It had been far too long since I’ve heard live music. This year, spring feels more amazing than ever. Full film above, preview below.

Kellie + Erich Sedona Elopement // Sedona Flagstaff Wedding Videographer

Kellie and Erich eloped in the afternoon with their family and a wonderfully warm spring day. There were two things I’ll never forget about their ceremony. First, Erich wrote Kellie a song and performed it for her. It was intimate, vulnerable and lovely. It is the first time I’ve had someone sing to their partner during the ceremony and it had us all swooning. The second thing that knocked my socks off were the words that Kellie spoke. She wrote these incredible vows comparing the rugged landscape of the Colorado Plateau to their love—about how it will stand through the tests of time. She also said she would love him similar to how mother earth loves- by nurturing and helping him to grow. It’s moments like this that I believe in the power of video more than ever. They will be able to hear the song, hear the vows, and see themselves moving on the Colorado Plateau forever.

After the ceremony, we left their family, climbed in Hailey Golich’s 4Runner and adventured to an amazing location for sunset. Hailey is an incredible photographer and great driver. She’s one of the very best. Congratulation Kellie and Erich! Full film above, sneak peek below.

Mackenzie + Joseph Sedona Elopement // Sedona Elopement Videographer

Mackenzie and Jospeh eloped in a snowy canyon with their closest friends. We knew it would be a chilly morning, but I don’t think any of us thought it would be 21 degrees. Also to their surprise, the lovely spot they’d chosen months ago to stand on to elope wasn’t sandy but covered in snow. I think the snow made it extra magical, but there were some very cold toes However, everyone’s celebration drinks stayed very cold, so that’s a bonus. After the ceremony we explored the surrounding areas and eventually found warm sunshine. One moment that still makes me laugh was when the photographer wanted a shot of them slow dancing, so I told their friends to sing them a tune. Someone sang “All Star” by Smash Mouth. It was a beautiful, authentic morning with tears and lots of laughter, as it should be. Full film above, preview below.

Oliver Newborn Film // Flagstaff Family Videographer

I love this family. I met L + K in a Flagstaff coffee shop in early 2019 to talk about filming the birth of their baby girl. They were so excited and bubbly. A few months later, I sat in the hospital waiting room with my cameras, when I was told the unimaginable news that baby girl Lennon had died. Since then, I’ve thought about Lennon, L + K every single day. I’ve watched them grieve with so much vulnerability, strength, and sadness. After heartache that I can’t begin to understand, infertility, and an anxiety ridden pregnancy, little Oliver was born. I knew I wanted to gift them a home film, and being in their home was a beautiful experience. I could feel Lennon’s spirit and I have so much hope that she was there welcoming her baby brother home and comforting her parents.

Amara Resort Sedona Elopement // Astrid + Casey

Astrid and Casey planned their elopement with Weddings in Sedona. They stayed at the romantic Amara Resort and Spa, where they both got ready separately and then did their first look by the creek with the ducks cheering them on. Amara’s creekside access is private and lovely. We then caravanned over to a beautiful red rock location for their ceremony. Their ceremony was windy and gorgeous and full of love. After, we had time with Jane in the Woods Photography to get incredible photos and footage. A highlight was when Casey bent Astrid for a dip and her headband fell off her head and landed right on the edge of a small cliff. I love these fun, unique moments. Congrats you two, and what a wonderful way to begin the 2021 wedding season!

Above is their wedding preview. Their film will remain private per their request.

L'Auberge de Sedona Elopement // Melanie + Jason {Sedona & Flagstaff Videographer}

Melanie and Jason came from Canada to elope in Sedona. The day threatened rain and snow, and (the amazing) Hailey Golich Photography knew they were hoping for sunshine and heat, coming from Canada and all. However, we assured them that cloudy skies create the best lighting for the redrock, especially when shooting in the middle of the day like we were. The cloudy skies delivered, and we only felt a few sprinkles. Once again, the wedding gods held off the rain until the sun dipped below the horizon, and then it poured in Sedona and snowed on my drive back to Flagstaff.

Jason and Melanie were married on the banks of Oak Creek on the L’Auberge de Sedona grounds. The creek creates an incredibly intimate feel, making everything else fade into the background, as all you can hear is the sound of rushing water and the words of the ceremony. I also was able to capture high quality audio through the officiant’s mask and with the sound of the creek, which I was excited about. After the ceremony, we left L’Auberge to head to a gorgeous red rock location. Because of the clouds, we could shoot everywhere. We weren’t hunting for shade or backlight, but could shoot every view and angle. This was my last wedding of 2020, and it was such a satisfying way to end the season, complete with my icy, white knuckle drive home.

Note: Jason and Melanie did not want any audio in their wedding film. They did receive a full ceremony film, which I do not publish online. Film above, sneak peek below.

Sedona Elopement // Christina and Jonathan {Sedona & Flagstaff Elopement Videographer}

Christina and Jonathan flew in from New York City to elope at an incredible location in Sedona. The elopement was planned by Weddings in Sedona and featured beautiful flute music by Kel Mockingbird. His music is also the star of their sneak peek above. The couple asked to keep their full film private, and I am happy to accommodate that request. Their ceremony was performed by Mario Blackwolf, and he always does a wonderful job bringing an intimate and spiritual presence that matches the majestic scenery perfectly. Christina expressed words to Jonathan about her hopes for love as a young girl. She has overcome losing her father and feeling unworthy of love, but finding Jonathan changed everything. Seriously, it is such a joy and honor to witness these beautiful moments of humanity and vulnerability.

Sedona Golf Resort Wedding // Mindy + Dillon {Sedona & Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

Mindy and Dillon delayed their wedding at Sedona Golf Resort from the spring to the fall. As a result, restrictions on gatherings lifted a little (before they were tightened down again later in the fall), and they were able to have friends and family attend their wedding. They certainly made the most of it. The wedding party was probably one of the most enthusiastic I’ve ever worked with. I think everybody was tired of isolation and ready to party.

This wedding had so many wonderful parts. Both wrote letters to each other, and I loved seeing all the similarities in their two letters Both Mindy and Dillon exclaimed “it’s long!” about the other person’s letter. Dillon was sure he would cry when Mindy walked down the aisle and he totally did. Watch the wedding film or preview to see and hear this part.

Their ceremony threatened to be rainy, but the wedding gods held off the rain and even brought out a rainbow for part of the ceremony. It was still pretty windy, but at the end of the day, it didn’t matter.

The ceremony was followed by a romantic portrait session on one of the beautiful holes at Sedona Golf Resort. We all drove golf carts to the location and laughed like children the whole way. After, there was a fabulous entrance, complete with a a wedding party tunnel, speeches, first dances, cake cutting, killer dance party, and sparkler exit. I love my elopements, but wow, big weddings are so much fun. Congratulations Mindy and Dillon! Full film above, preview below.

Chief Pat Kenny, Taking the Cape Off // Sedona and Flagstaff Commercial Videographer

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview and film Fire Chief Pat Kenny. His 20 year old son died by suicide and not long after, his wife died of cancer. He has written a book titled “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss”. He talked to me about how his “cape” failed to protect those he loves most, and how he has dealt with such loss while being a leader of a fire department. Chief Kenny has tremendous insight and guidance about addressing the stigma of mental illness in the workplace and home, and his story will help so many.

You can find his book HERE.

I filmed multiple segments of Chief Kenny. Below is a segment about Leadership and Mental Health. If you are interested in watching the others, please contact me at leslieallrediflms@gmail.com

Sedona Red Rock Crossing Elopement // Maria + Nick {Sedona & Flagstaff Elopement Videographer}

Maria and Nick came from San Francisco to elope at beautiful Red Rock Crossing. A few of their family members flew in from the East coast to join them, and of course, their adorable pup was present as ring bearer. Maria told me that at home, their pup loves to lay on their clothes and blankets. Throughout the wedding day, he kept laying on Maria’s gown. Literally, as soon as she came out of the dressing room in her dress, he ran behind her to lay on it. He snuggled up on the train during the ceremony, and then again at the end of the wedding as she went to walk back down the aisle with Nick. Seriously the cutest thing.

I also keep thinking about Maria and her brother and sister. They lost their mother not long ago, so Maria’s siblings helped her get ready and put on her finishing touches. The hours before the ceremony is such an intimate time that I feel so honored to capture. Family is everything.

Full film above, preview below.

Sedona Elopement // Becca + Mark {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Becca and Mark had the perfect micro wedding. About 15 people joined them for an incredible ceremony with breathtaking views of Cathedral Rock. Cydney from Canvas Weddings and Events set up the most elegant scene on the slick rock. There were florals, rugs, plushes, and a gorgeous wooden frame to compliment Cathedral. There were no tourists, but there was a live guitarist. It was beautiful. After, we headed back to the VRBO for a small reception with incredible Italian, dancing, and cake. Congratulations Becca and Mark!

Full film above, preview below.

Sedona Elopement // Avery + Jason {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

Avery and Jason had a beautiful elopement with a gorgeous ceremony by Mario Blackwolf of the Mechica Apache. It was extremely touching and a privilege to witness.

Avery also made her own wedding dress incorporating parts of both of their mothers’ dresses. I also think the red dirt that gathered on the bottom of her dress made it look even more stunning. Congratulations to Avery and Jason- you were just so lovely.

Preview above. Their full 15 minute film will be kept private, per their request.

Also, to future couples that worry that they can’t have a good wedding film without all the getting ready or reception footage, this is proof that even with 90 minutes of filming, we can create something magical for you to cherish forever.

Briar Patch Inn Sedona Elopement // Ariel + Bruce {Sedona and Flagstaff wedding videographer}

Ariel and Bruce had the most fun elopement. Both were so excited, so chill, and so ready to get married in their own way. In the last minute, Ariel and her dad walk her down the aisle via Zoom, which was very touching. There was a glow stick dance party, cake, an epic champagne pop, and beautiful speeches. So many weddings this fall are not what couples have originally planned, but they are turning out so intimate, romantic, and memorable. Ariel also had the most contagious laugh. I can still hear it in my head. I love love happy brides. Full film above, preview below.

Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding // Jocelyn + Gerson {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Jocelyn was a total boss babe. She planned her entire wedding to the last detail, and it was gorgeous. She kept everything on track the day of and wasn’t even stressed as she delegated down to the wire. Super bride, for sure.

I left this wedding so grateful to have witnessed this intimate, joyful wedding, and to have met Jocelyn and Gerson, their families and friends. It is such a privilege to be able to meet couples like Jocelyn and Gerson, and then capture one of the best moments in their lives. I am so blessed that over and over, I am reminded that love is real, people are good and there is joy all around us. Full film above, preview below.