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."
