Sedona & Flagstaff, AZ Video

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

Jillian and Kyle Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

May 14, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Jillian and Kyle’s wedding was at Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek. This venue is stunning. You drive right across Oak Creek and then climb a small hill to a beautiful hideaway. The sound of the creek is nearby, the cliffs of the canyon are visible everywhere, the architecture blends in, and the orchards are so inviting. We were there just before the blooms, and I’m dying to go back and see it in its spring glory. The food was so delicious and a majority of the produce was grown on site.

Jillian and Kyle were married on St. Patricks’ day. Kyle rocked some clover socks and the families proudly displayed their crests. The wedding seemed to be everything Jillian and Kyle wanted it to be. It was intimate and cozy. The bride and groom had time to visit with all of their guests and have time with Caitlyn Jennings and myself to get some quick, romantic shots on the grounds, without missing too much of cocktail hour.

Brides and grooms, there is no right way to do a wedding, as long as it’s what you want! Follow your heart!

Full film below:

Amanda + Dallas Horseshoe Bend Elopement {Sedona and Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

May 07, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

The last time I visited Horseshoe Bend was in 2006. Back in the old days, you had to know exactly where to pull off the road. I always remembered it was the pullout after the bridge that goes over a slot canyon. There was no sign, no pavement, and no people. Now, this place is unmistakeable. The parking lot is huge and there are a gazillion outhouses lining the parking lot. They are actually in the process of making the parking lot bigger and when we were there, we had to park in a lot a few miles away and take a shuttle over, because the parking lot was closed. When we arrived, there were hundreds of people from all around the world, and I was a bit shocked. HOWEVER, this place is still just as gorgeous as I remembered. The view of the Colorado river below is so beautiful, and the cliffs are dramatic and intense. It was just a tad noisier than I remembered.

Dallas and Amanda were hardcore. They flew to Vegas from Indiana for a few days to themselves. Then their children and family met them in Las Vegas. They got up early, got ready, and rode in a hired shuttle van all the way to Horseshoe Bend. This is a long way- like over 5 hours!!! Then they met Erika Greene, an incredible photographer, and Jen Paul, the most lovely officiant, and myself. We rode over to Horseshoe Bend, walked the short uphill trail to the view, found a secluded little spot, and a beautiful ceremony took place. They have quite the love story. Dallas and Amanda both had sons on the same football team, and with a little help form mutual friends (whom came to the wedding), they started dating and fell in love. After the kiss, I heard one of the boys say “brothers!”. I love watching families come together. We celebrated on the edge, got some incredible shots, hiked back down the trail, and soon they were off in their van all the way back to Vegas. A few days later, they celebrated with a reception back in Indiana and showed this film. Congratulations Dallas and Amanda!

Sarah and Michael Agave of Sedona Wedding

April 08, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I can’t get enough of this wedding. First off, Sarah was the happiest bride with the best laugh. She was laughing or doing the cry/laugh all day. And Michael was so sweet. It was clear he was ecstatic to be marrying his best friend. These two were overflowing with joy, and it was like they both knew they had won the jackpot. Sarah gave a good “woohooo” during the ceremony when the nitty gritty was about to start, and I laughed/cried out loud.

Sarah and Michael asked Sarah’s father to be the officiant. I’ve been waiting and hoping to film a wedding with a father as the officiant, and it was just as incredible as I hoped. Later during his speech at the reception, he said that it was the thrill of his life to be asked to do this. Rewatching the footage, I cried a good 10 times. All the speeches and readings were beautiful and moving. These two have great support behind them. I love this couple and I love this film! Also, Agave of Sedona is a fantastic venue. I was also able to work with Sedona Bride Photographers, whom I love, and A Day to Cherish Weddings. Fresh From the Kitchen provided the food, and everything was delicious. Floral design was by Sedona Mountain High Flowers, and hair and makeup by Sedona Beauty Team. There is so much wedding talent in Sedona and it’s a joy to work with everyone. Full version above, preview below!

Michelle and Josh L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

January 24, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I know I say this a lot, but seriously, I will never forget Josh and Michelle’s wedding. Watch this film (full version above, preview below) and your heart will be full of love, peace, and hope. This world is crazy and stressful, but good people are finding love and real fairytales happen.. Michelle has two children, and the vows Josh gave to the children, and the words the children spoke to Josh were so loving and joyous. It was clear that this wasn’t just two people coming together, but an entire family, with all four people loving each other tremendously. I am so happy for them and am excited I can follow their lives on Instagram, because all four of them are going great places.

The wedding was at L’Auberge de Sedona right along Oak Creek. It was such a lovely and intimate setting. L’Auberge is a fabulous venue. There are multiple ceremony and reception locations and they are all so classy. I absolutely loved working with Katrina at Sedona Bride Photographers, and Bliss Extraordinary Floral did another fantastic job. Also, Patricia Vega did the hair and makeup, and it’s obvious she’s amazing. Also, Dan Vega played guitar, and his cover of Perfect was insanely sweet. I am loving the wedding industry in Sedona. There is so much talent and kindness. The staff at L’Auberge even forgave me for losing my valet ticket… My first 2019 wedding is in a few weeks, and I can’t wait.

Lilli and JT Flagstaff Little America Wedding {Flagstaff Wedding Videographer}

January 14, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Flagstaff’s Little America Hotel is a winter wonderland. I absolutely love how they left huge stands of Ponderosas on the grounds. You can get shots that look like the middle of the forest just seconds from the lobby. However, you do have to be on the lookout for tourists having snowball fights. Lilli and JT traveled here from the Vegas area. JT attended NAU, and Flagstaff still has a huge place in his heart. Lilli was one of the toughest brides I’ve filmed. Two days before the wedding, there was a huge snowstorm. Lilli and JT drove through it to get to Flagstaff. Then, the day of their wedding was overcast, breezy and freezing. Lilli never once complained of the cold, and during their portraits, her toes were literally covered in snow, but she powered through it with smiles and laughter. I’m still not sure how she did it because my toes were chilly in wool socks and boots. I think being filled with bursting joy can really keep you warm.

Congratulations Llli and JT.

Also, I’ve been waiting my entire videography career, and it finally happened…the officiant quoted the Princess Bride. Listen for it in the full film:

Rachel and Hayden L'Auberge de Sedona Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

January 03, 2019 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Rachel and Hayden’s wedding was at the gorgeous L’Auberge de Sedona. I had been hoping to film at this incredible venue and was excited the opportunity came so soon. Their ceremony was at the SpiritSong Terrace and the views are stunning. A cocktail hour along Oak Creek and a reception at the Artists Cottage followed. L’Auberge has a sophisticated and elegant, yet cozy atmosphere, and you just don’t want to ever leave. Rachel and Hayden’s wedding was intimate and it was obvious how much their friends and family loved and supported them. One of my favorite moments was watching the moms of the bride and groom hug immediately after the ceremony. They just seemed ecstatic. Later I filmed them saying “best day ever” over and over. I also loved filming the entire party dancing the Hora around the room and later blessing challah (see if you can spy the banana, a family inside joke/tradition). When I left this wedding, my spirits were soaring. I could easily feel the love and joy surrounding this couple, and it was a privilege to be there.

The full film is above, the preview below:

Kimberly and Christian Agave of Sedona Wedding Film {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

December 10, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Kimberly and Christian’s love story is one of my favorites yet. Of all the apartments in New York City, she chose the one right across from his. He landed his childhood dream job of an NYPD police officer. She moved to New York City and landed a job with Inside Edition as a news producer. Soon after she moved in, she knocked on the door across the hall to ask for a dress zip. It wasn’t Christian who answered, but his roommate (best man!). The roommate told Christian about the lively redhead next door. Christian soon met this fun, outgoing beautiful woman at the bar, and the rest is a total romantic comedy. Watch the full film below…he tells the story and it’s sooo good.

Kimberly has AZ roots, but the majority of guests traveled from great distances to beautiful Sedona. Agave of Sedona is a wonderful wedding venue. The ceremony location is jaw droopingly beautiful, and the ceremony room is just lovely with a great dance floor and plenty of room for mingling. Rain was in the forecast for pretty much the entire day, but the wedding gods kept the rain away for when it mattered. Not a drop fell during the ceremony, and clouds kept the sun at bay, making beautiful light for filming. We then headed out for a romantic session on the rocks and got some fantastic footage as we watched a storm roll in. We played for along as we dared until the clouds broke and we had to run to the car with umbrellas, laughing.

Kimberly and Christian then entered their reception with a choreographed first dance, which blew me away. They totally downplayed it ahead of time, saying they just had a few moves..yah right…it was incredible. The rest of the night was just about as ideal as a wedding can be… heart warming speeches with laughs and tears, toasts, and a huge dance party.

Oh, and one huge important detail…Kimberly wore her mother’s wedding dress. She had it altered at The Wedding Dresser, a dress altering shop in Brooklyn. They took away the 80s poofy sleeves and made it just absolutely gorgeous and modern. I loved it…watch for the first look with her mother in the film.

Erin and Taylor's Sky Ranch Lodge Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

December 05, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Erin and Taylor traveled from Wisconsin to get married in the red rocks of Sedona. They met one evening in a bar, and then the next morning, she asked him to help her move into a new apartment, where he also met her dad. The rest is history. Erin and Taylor were married at Sky Ranch Lodge. Since moving to AZ, I’ve loved checking out the numerous wedding venues of Sedona. Sky Ranch Lodge was perfect for this couple. Their ceremony spot is gorgeous, because it is high above the city with stunning cliff views and twinkling city lights at night. Also Erin and Taylor and their guests could stay at the venue, making it convenient and homey.

When Erin and I spoke on the phone for the first time, she emphasized repeatedly that all of her guests were extremely important to her. She did not want a wedding film with just the couple, but wanted to make sure her guests were in the film. She also did not want a highlight film, but a longer documentary style film (20 minutes), which is below. I loved featuring her sweet family and friends, because as her dad said, this is really what matters in life.

Edwin and Camilla Sorrel River Ranch Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

November 01, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

I have been waiting to film a wedding like Edwin’s and Camilla’s since I started this business. It combined many of my favorite things- adventure, romance, and a guest list of people absolutely stoked to be in the southwest. As most of the guests traveled from the other side of the world and took at least three flights to get to Moab, Edwin and Camilla wanted their guests to really experience Moab. The weekend started with a day of adventure. Their guests went canyoneering, rafting, UTV driving, and horseback riding (see adventure film above). Canyoneering with the guests was my favorite part of the weekend. This canyon was not an easy one, and we swam at least 5 times in freezing, stagnant water. I thought it quite incredible that Edwin and Camilla were willing to do this before their wedding day. I also got very good at getting my gear in and out of dry bags, and no cameras were harmed in the making.

The next day, their wedding day, was absolute elegant romance. They started the festivities off with a traditional tea ceremony. I loved how this gave them intimate time with their family before the wedding. The wedding ceremony and speeches were so full of heart and eloquent. The reception was complete with a live band, delicious food, and perhaps the most fun with a photo booth I’ve ever seen. Congratulations Camilla and Edwin!

Vicky and Nico Whispering Oaks Wedding {Sedona Wedding Videographer}

October 23, 2018 by Leslie Allred in wedding

Vicky is a photographer and Nico customizes jeeps . They road tripped their jeep all the way from MIAMI and traded white sand beaches for mountains and red rock. I followed their Instagram as they made their journey. They camped on the beaches of Lake Powell, traveled the 66, and checked off National Parks. Their family and friends soon followed, some driving their jeeps too, others flying, mostly all from Miami, some from overseas. They had a beautiful wedding at Whispering Oaks. The reception was full of some of the best salsa dancing I’ve ever seen at a reception. The next day, we met up at Canyonlands to get footage in the red rocks and watch the sunset. I love day after sessions. Everyone is relaxed and the schedule doesn’t feel so tight. Thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible wedding.

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.

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.

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.

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