Destination Wedding Videos

Jennifer+Austin // Red Agave Resort

11/15/2024

I've said it before, but I will say it again. Red Agave Resort remains unmatched in their views of the red rocks of Sedona. It is always so stunning. I arrived at Jennifer and Austin's wedding day bright and early. Hair and makeup were underway, and our bride, Jennifer, was putting the final touches of her bridal look together. I introduced myself and grabbed some shots of the action. Aslan, my photographer counterpart, soon arrived on the scene. I've had the privilege of working with The Shepards Photo at several weddings in the past, and it's always a pleasure. We make a great team. We grabbed the details for our flat lay material from the bridal suite and headed outside. Nothing beats natural sunlight. Outside, the team at Red Agave was busy setting up for the ceremony and reception. While Aslan broke out his detail tackle box and got started setting up the flat lay, I got busy shooting the setup. Behind-the-scenes shots are my favorite way to open my feature films, and there is only a small window in the day that content is available on a wedding day. Besides, photographers are always much more creative than me in that department, and Aslan doesn't seem to mind me stealing his flat lay arrangements. After some details, we met up with Austin, our groom, and scoped out a good place for him to get ready. Red Agave's bungalows offer a very unique, moody ambiance that I'm obsessed with. Austin opted to wear a salmon-colored suit for the occasion. Not only was it an extremely unique and very cool option for the big day, but it also paid homage to the surrounding red rock of Sedona. A very nice touch. The couple opted to exchange gifts with one another, so once dressed, Austin dove into his present from Jennifer. You'll have to watch the film to see what was inside. With Austin tucked away, we brought Jennifer into the Bungalow for her getting ready. I should shout out Austin's parents, Kristen and Marty, for letting us take over their room for these two moments. Before Jennifer stepped into her dress, we had her open the gift Austin gave to her. I don't know if these two divulged what they were getting the other, but if not, they certainly think alike. Aslan and I stepped out so Jennifer could step into her dress in private with her mom, Jan. Once she was in a more comfortable place, we came back inside and captured the action. Getting ready content may seem unnecessary, but as a filmmaker, I use this content to build up the anticipation for the couple coming together later in the day. Without it, a first look or procession would have no payoff. Outside, Austin patiently waited to see his bride. The two shared their first look and exchanged gifts to their parents before getting into a brief portrait session. Once finished, I made the short walk over to the ceremony site. Lighting today was going to be tricky. The sky was bouncing between shade and sun. The good news is the clouds really added an extra layer of beauty to the surrounding red rocks. It did make nailing exposer through the procession and ceremony tough, though. The two made their way through the normal ceremony paces before exchanging their personal vows and performing a sand ceremony. I love that personal vows are becoming the norm in the wedding world. After the ceremony we headed out toward the back of the property for some photos. This is where the beauty of the property really shines. We bounced between family, bridal party, and couple shots as the lighting conditions changed. Whenever Aslan and I noticed some light peeking through the clouds, we switched from family to couple portraits, then back to family as the next cloud covered our light. Rather than having the typical catering service, the couple opted to have a taco truck provide the food for the reception. This was a really fun and unique idea. After dinner came the speeches and the formal dances as the desert sun faded away into darkness. The change in light allows me to illuminate the moment with a spotlight, bringing a cinematic touch to such an emotional moment. The night came to an end as I said my goodbyes to the couple and to the team of vendors I got to work alongside. I can't wait to be back at this property again next year.