Destination Wedding Videos

Blake+Haruri // Desert View Event Center

10/30/2024

Desert View Weddings, the site for today's event. A stunning new venue located in Apache Junction, aptly named for its panoramic views of the surrounding desert mountains. I arrived early to tour the new site. It's always a welcomed surprise to work at a venue so well thought out as Desert View. The reception and ceremony sites boast a glass wall that fills the venue with natural sunlight. Between the two buildings is a turfed area for the cocktail hour. Having all three sites within a few steps of one another makes life much easier on a wedding day. As I finished up my tour of the site, the coordinator, Kaylie, arrived with her team to set up. The couple opted to arrange their tables in a "horseshoe" layout vs. the typical individual tables. I love when couples think outside the box. Around the reception were details alluding to the groom's occupation as a pilot in the Air Force. A fun homage to the couple meeting while Blake was deployed in Japan. In the bridal suite, Haruri was wrapping up her makeup process. I took the opportunity to film her dress and details before grabbing some shots of the girls mingling. Blake soon arrived along with his groomsmen. Instead of filming him in the smaller groomsmen suite, we transitioned the boys into the reception hall using the glass wall for some great lighting. I should mention that I was joined by Bailie, the fantastic photographer with Cactus and Vine at this time. Once we wrapped up with the boys, we headed back into the bridal suite to get Haruri into her dress. I always try to film this moment organically, and a dress with a lot of buttons certainly helps make that happen. It gives me plenty of time to gather all the shots I need. We opted to capture the first look in the ceremony building, so I grabbed Blake while Bailie walked Haruri over. The couple shared their first look, a few tears, and a few shots with their bridal party before being tucked away for the ceremony. Guest began to arrive and take their seats where traditional Japanese folding fans were waiting for them. Another great personal touch. Blake made his way down the aisle, followed by the rest of the bridal party. As guests stood to their feet, Haruri made her way down the aisle with her mom, Hiromi. The wedding ceremony was officiated by the couple's friend, John, who told some personal stories and gave some marriage advice before passing it on to the couple to share their personal vows. The two were then pronounced as husband and wife before sharing their first kiss. Cocktail hour was hosted outside between the reception and ceremony building while the couple snapped some photos with their family before joining. I always love when couples join their cocktail hour. Inside, Kylie and her team were putting the final details together for the reception. The couple was soon introduced and shared their first dance before taking their seats. Gilbert, the DJ, soon shared that the couple had placed custom scratchers on each of the guests napkins and that two guests had been chosen at random to win a prize. The prize turned out to be tee shirts of Blake's favorite band Creed. I still don't know if this is an inside joke or if Blake is just really passionate about sharing his love for the band Creed. After dinner, the rest of the program went flawlessly, and Gilbert kicked off the open dancing. Having had the privilege of working with Gilbert on a few other events, I knew he would have a trick or two up his sleeve. This time would be Co2 canons the couple shot off into their guests during dancing. My time with this fantastic crew soon came to an end, and I said my goodbyes to the couple and to the Phoenix wedding season.