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

December 06, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

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.

Rachel + James Sand Dune Arch Elopement, Arches National Park {Sedona and Flagstaff wedding videographer}

September 11, 2017 by Leslie Allred in wedding

The minute I picked up the phone and started chatting with Rachel, back in the spring, I knew I'd like her. She's a first grade teacher (I have a first grader!!), is easy going, adventurous and so genuine. There are endless locations to elope around here, and Rachel and James decided on Sand Dune Arch, and for a hot sunny day, it doesn't get better. It's a dream to shoot. James had a fresh tattoo of Sand Dune Arch on his arm, above his wrist. Look for it in the film!!

Rachel and James came from the Boston area. We met at a cafe the day before the wedding. I think it had been about 48 hours since they landed in Vegas, and they'd already checked off 3 National Parks. After their elopement, they checked off many more over 10 days or so. Such a good idea- elope, then adventure.

Just this past weekend, Rachel and James had a gathering with loved ones and showed the film. This was the email Rachel sent me after the party:

"We had the film playing on a loop for guests during the party and every single person commented on how professional, creative and talented you are!!! Every guest cried watching it (I had to put a couple boxes of tissues out) and most people watched it more than once!! They were so curious as to how you filmed it and what direction you provided- your attention to detail and vision for our film was phenomenal!

You can go right ahead and post the real deal on social media - so many guests will be looking for it so they can watch it again!"

Emails like this are so incredibly rewarding to receive. I don't often get to see a bride or family watch a wedding film, so I love hearing about reactions.

I truly love filming elopements. The photographer, officiant, and I are the only ones who get to see this incredible event and it's seriously such a privilage. And then I get to create a film the couple can share with their loved back at home. It is just so exciting and meaningful.

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