Joseph and Katy's Arches National Park Sunset Wedding {Moab, Utah wedding videographer}

October 25, 2016 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I loved this wedding. I loved that the extended family and friends camped together before and after the wedding at the Devil's Garden campground in Arches National Park. I loved filming the children in their wedding best playing on the sandstone fins. I loved that Katy was willing and totally comfortable applying her finishing touches in the campground bathroom. And she was absolutely stunning. Seeing a wedding dress in the red rock desert will never get old to me. I loved how the setting sun illuminated the arch during the wedding. I especially loved that we had the arch completely to ourselves for the entire time.

As I edited this film, I fell more and more in love with their vows. Today as I delivered their film, I told Katy today how much I loved the vows, and she responded that their vows were completely on the spot. They spoke with so much sincerity, love, and eloquence. I feel privileged that I was there to capture the vows and provide a way that they can listen and watch this incredibly intimate moment, forever.

Venue: Devil's Garden Campground, Arches National Park

Photography, makeup, and hair: B. Beautiful Artistry

Moab and Manti, Utah Wedding {Lexi and Taylor}

September 06, 2016 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Lexi and Taylor's beautiful wedding weekend began with an intimate, romantic first look at Pack Creek Ranch. A few days later they were married in Manti, Utah. The weekend ended with a backyard sunset reception.

10 best moments from their weekend:

Taylor's big grin as Lexi approached him during the first look. He was EXCITED to see her.
The perfect sunset after a cloudy afternoon.
Since the first look wasn't on their wedding day, Lexi and Taylor were in no hurry and very relaxed. Their romance could really shine.
Driving to Manti and helping a family stranded on the side of I-70. Good thing we left with plenty of time to spare.
The crowd of family and friends that traveled to Manti to support the couple. So much love.
Lexi and Taylor's fun couple's session on the Manti temple grounds. That temple is stunning (finished in 1888!!) and so were the bride and groom. They were playful and in love, a winning combo.
The sprinklers came on during the couple's session. Lexi kept her cool, and Taylor acted as a shield to protect Lexi. Luckily it was hot.
Eating a burger, fries, and raspberry milkshake on the drive home from Manti.
Filming the bride's dance with her father. I cry when I film this 100% of the time.
The little boy catching the garter and his "what is this thing?" expression.

Photography: Moab Photo Co

Flowers: Forget Me Knot Flowers and Gifts, Moab, Utah

Location: Pack Creek Ranch (Moab, UT), Manti LDS temple

Eureka Lodge, Silverton, Colorado Wedding

August 05, 2016 by Leslie Allred in wedding

The Million Dollar highway from Ouray to Silverton, CO, is one of the most incredible stretches of road in the country. Waterfalls cascade down every gully and there are too many peaks to count. Although paved, the highway has a few exhilarating/terrifying stretches where the white paint delineating the lanes practically hangs off a 500+ foot cliff. No room for guardrails. No texting and no Pokemon Go.

Moab bakes in the summer so it was a welcome relief to dig my puffy jacket out of the closet and head to the San Juan Mountains. So much green! So much water!

From Durango, Andrew and Amanda genuinely love these mountains. The day before their wedding they summited Engineer Peak. The wedding was held at the Eureka Lodge and the entire party stayed there for multiple nights. This secluded spot is past Silverton, CO, where the road turns to dirt and the Alpine Loop begins, basically the last ounce of civilization before steep 4x4 roads, abandoned mines, and the tree line. The Eureka Lodge is nestled in the pines at nearly 10,000 feet elevation, along the Animas river. It was built in the 1920's as a mining boarding hotel and has been wonderfully preserved. It was rustic and charming and full of history. I wanted to get myself a room and stay for a week to listen to the river and climb a few peaks.

This wedding was special. Watching Andrew commit himself to Amanda and her daughter, was something I will never forget. It was such a celebration. Their vows were genuine and bursting with love. Everything turned to magic in this remarkable location. Amanda's choreographed dance with her daughter was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen, and when they pulled Andrew in at the end, I had to really hold the tears back. But truly I felt immensely privileged to witness such beautiful and meaningful moments, and I'm so glad I could capture this day for them and that they have this film to relive and remember the day.

Nearby the lodge is a small campground where I happily stayed. I set up my tent by headlamp, dreamt all night that I was still filming, and then woke bright and early to hit a trail before my drive home. The trail, like all trails around there, was relentlessly steep but offered huge rewards. I ended just above tree line at a crystal clear blue lake. I then made the drive back to Moab to snuggle my children and squeeze my husband. Such a fulfilling weekend.

Venue: Eureka Lodge

Photography: Collected Light Photography