Under Canvas Moab Wedding // Claire + Jeff {Flagstaff, Sedona, and Moab videographer}

Claire and Jeff. Where to even begin? About a year ago, my bff Angela Hays Photography told me she had a bride that wanted us to travel to the Dolomites in Italy, July 2020. I love shooting with Angela and doing so in Italy sounded like a total dream. We immediately started planning.

Claire and Jeff are both fighter pilots for the US Air Force. Claire was stationed in Italy and Jeff in Vegas. Getting married at a vineyard near Venice and escaping to the Dolomites for a couples’ session after was the perfect plan. And then COVID-19. Italy suffered so much devastation in Italy and Claire was there through it all. We were hopeful that things would settle down by summer. In Italy, things did get better, but in the USA, they got worse. We were holding onto hope even into early June until it was clear that no one from the states would be traveling to Europe for a very long time. We were all a little/lot crushed.

Claire and Jeff were planning to get married on July 4th, Independence Day, and decided this day was non negotiable. They changed their plans to Under Canvas Moab in Utah, and the wedding was AMAZING. The day of the wedding, we went rafting together on the Colorado. That evening there was a beautiful ceremony and dinner at Under Canvas Moab. There was also a full moon rise that I will never forget. The next day, we headed up to Canyonlands for a magical couples session. Claire and Jeff were so gracious, cheerful and just grateful to be getting married, no matter where they were. They are already on new assignments abroad, so fitting it in during a pandemic was no easy feat.

Claire and Jeff also had the greatest family and friends, and it really was an honor to be with them all on the 4th of July. There were so many distiguished pilots, armed forces, and veterans there. Thank you for all your service!

Preview above, full wedding film and river film below.

This place is unbelievable. Flagstaff, Sedona, and Moab wedding videographer.

An incredible evening in Moab. Flagstaff, Sedona, and Moab wedding videographer.

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!

Heaven married Devon, Blanding, Utah Wedding {Moab, Utah videographer}

Blanding, Utah is a town about 90 minutes south of Moab.  Heard of the Bears Ears?  Blanding is the gateway town to that incredible area.  This was my first wedding in Blanding, and I was excited because it felt like a local wedding.  We small towns in rural Utah have to stick together (except when it comes to high school sports).  

And then when the groom's mother told me the couples' names- I got even more excited.  Heaven and Devon.  And then I showed up to the beautiful barn venue, that sometimes acts as a drive-in theater(!!!!), and saw the marquee: "Match made in 'Heaven', said Devon".  And the rest is history. 

Andrea + Chantell Castle Valley Wedding Film, Moab, Utah {Moab wedding videographer}

In his opening remarks, the officiant Timmy, a good friend of theirs, mentioned that more than three times as many people showed up to the ceremony than they originally thought during the planning stages.  Chantell and Andrea, two local Moab women, were surrounded by loving and supporting friends and family.  In the beginning of the film, I include some of Timmy's words. He essentially says that Andrea and Chantell's happiness is of huge importance to their friends and family's happiness, and that if they ever need anything, loved ones of these women are trusting that they will ask for assistance.  So lovely!

The two got ready separately at Red Cliffs Lodge, and then arrived separately at the wedding venue at the gorgeous Castle Rock Ranch.  Their first look was down the aisle and dramatically fun as Chantell arrived first by classic car, and then Andrea by a horse drawn carriage.  The ceremony was full of beautiful words while they also raced the setting sun.  I was so glad I prepared ahead and brought my lights, as they were essential for the couple's session after.

The reception that followed was one of my favorites of the year.  There was a beautifully lit tent out in the alfalfa fields, complete with a dance floor and DJ.  Have you ever seen a wedding money dance?  If not, watch the entire film!  Basically you pin money on the bride and dance with her.  It is one of the most joyful things I have seen at a wedding.  I drove home from this reception so cheerful and grateful for the love that absolutely does still exist in this world.

Jonna + Josh Corona Arch Elopement {Sedona, and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

Jonna and I started planning her wedding this spring. She had some epic plans. She would bring her two kids and her fiancé Josh all the way from Georgia.  They would ride horses, elope under an arch, fly home, and two days later have a reception at the Sky Lounge in downtown Atlanta, where her wedding film would be debuted to her loved ones.

Jonna is a professional horse trainer.  Her darling daughter competes in riding and jumping horses.  So naturally, she wanted footage of her family on horses.  The night before their sunrise wedding, we headed over to Moab Horses so they could ride into the sunset.  The views of Castleton Tower and Fisher Towers from the ranch are absolutely lovely. And then the trail ended right at the Colorado River; it was quite dreamy.

The next morning, we met at 6 am at Atomic salon to start filming.  The original idea was to get married at Delicate Arch, but with all the road construction and restricted hours in Arches this summer, she decided to go for Corona Arch, which was genius.  While Delicate is incredible, Corona is pretty amazing itself, and with hardly any people. 

After Jonna was ready, I picked up Josh and drove him to the trailhead so we could do a first look. We met up with photographer Angela Hays, and got everyone positioned.  I love the anticipation of first looks!  And the double first look with the kids was extra cute. 

The hike to Corona arch is no stroll in the park.  It's 1.5 miles, with elevation gain, a section with steep enough climbing you need a chain, and then there is a ladder. The family did it in their wedding clothes, and no one complained once.  It was actually a breeze for them.  The ceremony went fantastic and clouds hung around for a great photo/video session after.

After our hike out, I filmed the family at their celebration brunch at the Moab Diner. The diner is so kid friendly and relaxed, and the staff was fantastic.  I loved watching those kids chow down on their well deserved cinnamon rolls. 

We said our goodbyes, and the next day they flew home to Georgia, and I got to editing.  I edited non stop for two days and had the film ready on Friday night, in time for their Saturday reception.

I was dying with anticipation to hear how the film debut at the reception went.  I heard from Jonna Sunday morning.  She said:

"I can't wait to show you the video of everyone's reactions....Countless people cried.  The moment was almost as magical as that special day.  It was amazing.  You are truly gifted and captured everything I could have imagined.  I will never be able to thank you enough."

---

I was shown this sweet photo of Josh and Jonna watching the wedding film at the reception in Atlanta.  

Dante + Anna, Moab Under Canvas Wedding {Flagstaff and Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Dante and Anna are from Chicago, but have history together in the desert.  From concerts and festivals, to the proposal, the desert is a part of them.  They traveled from Chicago to Moab, for their wedding day.  They were surrounded by loving friends and family who also traveled similar distances to be there.  The whole day was grooving, with a fantastic playlist for each part of their wedding weekend.

Before the wedding, we buzzed over to Arches National Park to get some photos and footage in front of Turret Arch.  It was about 100 degrees, and the first really hot day of summer.  However, Dante carried water for his bride, and Anna had a parasol, and we had a great time.  I love when people are flexible and face the elements cheerfully.  Multiple times, they had to scramble up boulders in their finest for that perfect shot, and they did it so well.

We then headed back to Moab Under Canvas for the wedding.  What a beautiful venue that is!  You have gorgeous views of the La Sal Mountains, Arches National Park, Gemini Bridges road.  It is lovely.  Anna and Dante wrote heart felts vows bursting with humor and sincerity. It  was gorgeous.  And then the dancing.  The dancing was amazing.

And I must mention that Anna's hair was gorgeous.  Perhaps one of my favorite wedding hair styles ever.  So happy for this couple!

Heather + Anthony, Whispering Oaks Ranch Wedding {Flagstaff and Sedona Wedding Videographer}

Heather and Anthony climb, raft, and hike, with their sweet son in tow.  They are my kind of people!  Don't stop doing what you love because you have kids, just alter it a little! I am so glad I met this couple.  Immediately I thought to myself- we would probably hang out often if we lived in the same city.

Heather and Anthony's day was full of joy and laughter.  I could tell they were genuinely loving their wedding day. I found out Anthony has a secret skill of juggling pinecones.  And Heather- she is tough.  She lived in a tent for several months, pregnant.  Yesss.  

And to match the beautiful day, the La Sal mountains had recently received a spring snow storm, and they were absolutely stunning!  Now, over a month later- this is hardly a patch of snow left up there.  Congratulations Heather and Anthony!

Drew + Diana Moab Wedding Film, Long Canyon and Fisher Towers {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding videographer}

I loved Drew and Diana's wedding day.  It was windy.  Not breezy, but blow-your-hair-all-over-the-place windy.  Blow-flowers-off-the-bouquet windy.  However, we found gorgeous locations and shelter when we needed it.  And for sunset, the wind practically died.  And best of all, my lav microphones still did a fantastic job picking up the vows, despite being on a cliffside with the biggest gusts of the day.

Drew and Diana are both law enforcement officers.  They met on the job, across the country in Florida.  Looking for a change of scenery, Drew accepted a job in Moab, and Diana soon did too.  Diana has a fun loving 6 year old daughter who immediately took to the red rocks and scared everyone by always getting too close to the edge.

All three wrote their own vows, and they were perfect.  Perhaps the highlight of the ceremony was watching Drew get on one knee as he made a vow to Diana's daughter. It was such a privilege to film this intimate ceremony.

After the ceremony, we hid from the wind in a park for cake, and then went on to Fisher Towers for sunset.  Fisher Towers is a stunning and majestic place.  The light was fantastic, and it was a great way to end the day.   

Bonnie Estell,  Florida photographer, was wonderful to work with.  This was her first time in Moab. I LOVE being with Moab first timers.  Her excitement was contagious, making for fun car time. 

Editing this wedding film was a complete joy and I was so excited to show it to Diana.  I am obsessed with the song, the footage, Diana's beauty, the scenery, Drew's suspenders.  Congratulations you two!

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

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. 

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Venue: Devil's Garden Campground, Arches National Park

Photography, makeup, and hair: B. Beautiful Artistry

Moab and Manti, Utah Wedding {Lexi and Taylor}

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:

1. Taylor's big grin as Lexi approached him during the first look.  He was EXCITED to see her. 
2. The perfect sunset after a cloudy afternoon. 
3. 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.  
4. Driving to Manti and helping a family stranded on the side of I-70.  Good thing we left with plenty of time to spare.
5. The crowd of family and friends that traveled to Manti to support the couple. So much love.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Eating a burger, fries, and raspberry milkshake on the drive home from Manti.  
9. Filming the bride's dance with her father.  I cry when I film this 100% of the time.
10. 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

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Eureka Lodge, Silverton, Colorado 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.

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Venue: Eureka Lodge

Photography:  Collected Light Photography