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.

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

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

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