Kayla & Jason // Sedona Merry Go Round Elopement {Sedona Elopement Videographer}

For the second time this summer, I had a couple tell their family and friends they were just going on a vacation to Sedona, but really, they were eloping. Only her mom knew the plan. Kayla got ready with her mom on FaceTime. When Mom saw her, she exclaimed through tears “You look like Cinderella!” . It was one of those wedding moments I’ll never forget. Kayla and Jason did bring along their two little boys, and they were such troopers. We made the Jeep ride up to Merry Go Round and they had the sweetest ceremony up there. Kayla was my first bride that wanted to drive a Jeep to the top, so she drove a Jeep with me, the photographer, and the officiant, and Jason drove the other Jeep with the boys. A few weeks laters, back at home, they gathered their people for an “engagement party”, showed them this video, and celebrated.

Steven & Vanessa // Sedona Merry Go Round Elopement

Steven and Vanessa told their family back in Canada they were just going on a quick getaway to AZ. Turns out they eloped! These two had the adventure of a lifetime and followed their hearts. A few weeks later, they returned to Canada to get back in their wedding clothes, celebrate with family and friends and show them this film. Congrats Steven and Vanessa. Full film above, preview below.

Marley + Bill // Sedona Elopement {Sedona Elopement Videographer}

I love a true elopement. Just the two of them, far from home. They were easy going on all the details because getting married was what mattered most. Marley and Bill were genuine and sweet and exchanged vows where they were vulnerable and real. I’m so happy for these two, and grateful to witness such sacred moments. Also, this was the windiest ceremony I’ve ever filmed. Marley put her own veil in, and that thing stayed put, which was miraculous, because veils seem to fly off 80% of the time. Preview above, film below.

Lindsey & Duane // Sedona Off Road Elopement

Lindsey and Duane came from Tennessee to elope in a remote location in Sedona, AZ. It was Veteran’s Day, which was lovely as Lindsey is a veteran. The two actually met in high school- Duane was the cute guy that she always wished about. Life took them in different directions for many years, and when they needed each other the most, fate brought them back into each other’s lives. Full film above, preview below.

Raquel & Jarrod Grand Canyon Elopement

The day after Halloween (November 1st), I woke up at 3 AM to drive to the south rim to film Raquel and Jarrod’s sunrise elopement at the Grand Canyon. After swerving to miss a huge elk on the 70, I successfully made it to the historical Bucky O’Neill cabin where Raquel and Jarrod snagged a reservation. The Bucky O’Neill cabin was built in 1890 and I was geeking out at the opportunity to film there.

While Jarrod and Raquel were dating they spent an unforgivable evening on the edge of the Grand Canyon that helped form their connection to each other and to nature. The Grand Canyon also brings me incredible peace and connection, and I was so emotional to watch them elope under pink clouds as the sun came up. The energy there is undeniable.

A few weeks after their elopement, Raquel and Jarrod had a wedding in Sedona at Sky Ranch Lodge. Stay tuned for more! Full film above, preview below.

Amber + Alex // L'Auberge de Sedona Elopement

Amber and Alex eloped along the creek at L’Auberge de Sedona. It was an incredibly beautiful ceremony with just the photographer, officiant and I, and a lone fly fisherman in the distance. Their full elopement film will be kept private.

Shawna & Todd // Sedona Elopement

Shawna and Todd traveled from Kentucky to elope in the red rocks. First off, I loved Shawna’s bold choice to wear black. She looked incredible.

Last year was a tough one as COVID forced them to reschedule their wedding, and their DJ business felt the effects from so many cancelled events. Luckily, there is a time and season to everything. Their business is thriving again, their pups are adorable, and they got married! Shawna and Todd were so thoughtful and sweet, and it was a joy to meet them. Preview above, full film below.

Meagan & Blaine // Sedona Elopement

Meagan and Blaine traveled from Texas to elope in Sedona. I loved the style of this wedding. From their son’s cowboy hat and belt buckle, to Meagan’s bare feet and Blaine’s suit coat with jeans. It just seemed so authentic to who they are. This lovely elopement was planned by Weddings in Sedona with photography by Monica Saatay. Preview above, film will be kept private.

BTS photo by Monica Saatay.

Cynthia & John // Grand Canyon and Flagstaff Elopement {Flagstaff Elopement Videographer}

Cynthia and John had wedding plans destroyed by COVID. They were supposed to get married in 2020 in Flagstaff, AZ at a church, but it was cancelled. And in the long run, despite the heartache, they were grateful their wedding turned out like it did. Cynthia grew up at the south rim of the Grand Canyon. She returned there to work dispatch at the Grand Canyon airport. John is a commercial pilot. One day he was flying into Grand Canyon airport and spoke to a woman through dispatch. The woman was Cynthia. Shortly after, they met face to face in the airport and John was struck by her beauty. Eventually they saw each other in the airport again, exchanged SnapChats, shared pizza on the rim at sunset, and the rest is history. You can’t make this stuff up.

After their original wedding was cancelled, they decided to reschedule with a smaller wedding. The new plan was to fly from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon with John as pilot. The day of the wedding was extremely windy, so we decided to head to the Flagstaff airport to take photos and video with John’s plane, and then drive to the Grand Canyon. I was a little disappointed not to be flying there, but after seeing the size of the plane and feeling the 40-50 mile an hour gusts, I was just fine with the decision— especially after Cynthia told me she even gets sick when it’s that windy.

We drove together to the South Rim, picked up a pizza at We Cook, the same place they shared pizza from on their first date, and headed to a fabulous viewpoint. We met officiant Jen Paul from Life Passages, along with photographer Dalaney Mason (a fab Prescott based photographer).

The ceremony was intimate and lovely with gorgeous views. After the ceremony, Cynthia’s favorite bird, a California condor, flew over us. I’ve been to the Grand Canyon countless times, and this was my first time seeing one at the south rim. It really felt meant to be- magic.

Full film above, preview below. BTS photos from Dalaney Mason.

Sarah & Dalton Oak Creek Wedding // Flagstaff and Sedona Videographer

Sarah and Dalton had a beautiful wedding at a private residence in Oak Creek Canyon. Sarah grew up coming to this beautiful creek side house, and its lush greenery, unique architecture and cliff views were gorgeous.

A highlight from this wedding was the pocket watch. Sarah gave Dalton a pocket watch for his wedding gift, and when he opened it, he was so excited. He couldn’t believe it and said something like “a pocket watch so I can be a gentleman!” Even funnier, he kept calling it a pocket square, which made Hailey Golich, the photographer and his best man laugh repeatedly.

A second highlight was Sarah and her dad’s walk down the aisle. They didn’t just walk, but danced down the aisle, and it brought a great energy to the wedding. Congratulations Sarah and Dalton! Full film above, preview below.

Sarah + Marcus Sedona Elopement // Sedona Elopement Videographer

Sarah and Marcus eloped at the base of Bell Rock with their parents. Sarah’s brother was the officiant. I especially loved at the end when he said “You may now kiss my sister.” After a beautiful ceremony— seriously those views get me every time— we said goodbye to the family and headed over to Cathedral Rock. The parking was absolutely insane. Luckily we were all able to get dropped off, but it took a lot of logistics to make that happen. We grabbed a few shots near the base of the trail, and then Sarah hid behind a tree to change from her wedding dress and shoes into hiking clothes. We huffed and puffed it up the trail, where Sarah changed back into her dress. It’s pretty incredible how quickly she got all this done, and how flawless she looked back in her gown at the top of the cliffs.

Cathedral Rock was very busy, however, the hikers were all so kind and incredibly excited to see a bride and groom. They were very respectful and cheered them on as we got our shots. The sunset was gorgeous. This spot, despite the crowds and limited parking, never disappoints.

The photographer at this wedding was Danielle Holman. She is wonderful to work with! Preview above, full film below.

Kellie + Erich Sedona Elopement // Sedona Flagstaff Wedding Videographer

Kellie and Erich eloped in the afternoon with their family and a wonderfully warm spring day. There were two things I’ll never forget about their ceremony. First, Erich wrote Kellie a song and performed it for her. It was intimate, vulnerable and lovely. It is the first time I’ve had someone sing to their partner during the ceremony and it had us all swooning. The second thing that knocked my socks off were the words that Kellie spoke. She wrote these incredible vows comparing the rugged landscape of the Colorado Plateau to their love—about how it will stand through the tests of time. She also said she would love him similar to how mother earth loves- by nurturing and helping him to grow. It’s moments like this that I believe in the power of video more than ever. They will be able to hear the song, hear the vows, and see themselves moving on the Colorado Plateau forever.

After the ceremony, we left their family, climbed in Hailey Golich’s 4Runner and adventured to an amazing location for sunset. Hailey is an incredible photographer and great driver. She’s one of the very best. Congratulation Kellie and Erich! Full film above, sneak peek below.

Mackenzie + Joseph Sedona Elopement // Sedona Elopement Videographer

Mackenzie and Jospeh eloped in a snowy canyon with their closest friends. We knew it would be a chilly morning, but I don’t think any of us thought it would be 21 degrees. Also to their surprise, the lovely spot they’d chosen months ago to stand on to elope wasn’t sandy but covered in snow. I think the snow made it extra magical, but there were some very cold toes However, everyone’s celebration drinks stayed very cold, so that’s a bonus. After the ceremony we explored the surrounding areas and eventually found warm sunshine. One moment that still makes me laugh was when the photographer wanted a shot of them slow dancing, so I told their friends to sing them a tune. Someone sang “All Star” by Smash Mouth. It was a beautiful, authentic morning with tears and lots of laughter, as it should be. Full film above, preview below.

Amara Resort Sedona Elopement // Astrid + Casey

Astrid and Casey planned their elopement with Weddings in Sedona. They stayed at the romantic Amara Resort and Spa, where they both got ready separately and then did their first look by the creek with the ducks cheering them on. Amara’s creekside access is private and lovely. We then caravanned over to a beautiful red rock location for their ceremony. Their ceremony was windy and gorgeous and full of love. After, we had time with Jane in the Woods Photography to get incredible photos and footage. A highlight was when Casey bent Astrid for a dip and her headband fell off her head and landed right on the edge of a small cliff. I love these fun, unique moments. Congrats you two, and what a wonderful way to begin the 2021 wedding season!

Above is their wedding preview. Their film will remain private per their request.

L'Auberge de Sedona Elopement // Melanie + Jason {Sedona & Flagstaff Videographer}

Melanie and Jason came from Canada to elope in Sedona. The day threatened rain and snow, and (the amazing) Hailey Golich Photography knew they were hoping for sunshine and heat, coming from Canada and all. However, we assured them that cloudy skies create the best lighting for the redrock, especially when shooting in the middle of the day like we were. The cloudy skies delivered, and we only felt a few sprinkles. Once again, the wedding gods held off the rain until the sun dipped below the horizon, and then it poured in Sedona and snowed on my drive back to Flagstaff.

Jason and Melanie were married on the banks of Oak Creek on the L’Auberge de Sedona grounds. The creek creates an incredibly intimate feel, making everything else fade into the background, as all you can hear is the sound of rushing water and the words of the ceremony. I also was able to capture high quality audio through the officiant’s mask and with the sound of the creek, which I was excited about. After the ceremony, we left L’Auberge to head to a gorgeous red rock location. Because of the clouds, we could shoot everywhere. We weren’t hunting for shade or backlight, but could shoot every view and angle. This was my last wedding of 2020, and it was such a satisfying way to end the season, complete with my icy, white knuckle drive home.

Note: Jason and Melanie did not want any audio in their wedding film. They did receive a full ceremony film, which I do not publish online. Film above, sneak peek below.