Destination Wedding Videos

Jonny+Melanie // Sedona Golf Resort Wedding

2/23/2024

Sedona Arizona. This place just never gets old. Every time I make the drive in, im just awe struck by the fact a place this beautiful exists. I first met Jonny and Melanie the year before at their friends wedding in Tahoe California. It's as if the two couples were competing on who could have the most majestic wedding location. The clear winner being me for getting to attend and capture both! I rolled into the village just past their venue where the two had rented neighboring apartments for the getting ready portion of the day. Makeup was in full swing as I made my formal introduction to Melanie and got started filming details. Her detail box included some unique and fun posing elements such as a custom wax stamp that I would use to pose with the national park themed invitations. Its always a treat when couples think outside the box and get creative. After filming the dress, the photographer Robert arrived and the camera man collaboration began. We filmed some candids before moving over to Jonnys room just a quick walk away. I grabbed my phone to verify the room number, but soon heard the distinct wedding day party music coming from one of the rooms on the lower level. My assumption that this was the right room was confirmed when one of the groomsmen welcomed me inside. This was going to be a lively crew. I introduced myself to Jonny before I made the more important introduction to the real star of the show, Joey the couples adorable poodle. I ushered Jonny and Joey to the back bedroom to film the getting ready content. With the help of the best man Michael, Jonny was dressed to impress in his beige suit for this fall wedding. After helping Joey into his suit (yes the pup had a suit) Jonny handed each of his groomsmen a special gift, a custom made bobble head. The attention to detail on the bobble heads was incredible and there resemblance to their respected groomsmen was uncanny. Too fun! Back over at the brides room it was time to get Melanie dressed. With the help of her mom, Joanne, Melanie was zipped into her stunning lace wedding dress. Hidden away, we brought Melanies father Mark into the room. The two shared one of my favorite wedding traditions, a father daughter first look. Mark gave me some great sound bytes and after the two collected themselves we released the bridesmaids into the room. Outside, Jonny was patiently awaiting the arrival of his bride to be. After a tap on the shoulder the wait was over and he gave me one of the best first look reactions i've seen. It was adorable. The bridesmaids and couple were quickly swept away to go take photos at a amazing vista view location Robert had up his sleeve, while I made my way to the venue just up the road. This would be my first time at the Sedona Golf Resort, but not my last! I had to come back to play a round sometime in the near future. This place was stunning. I was greeted by Regan, the coordinator setting up the detail rich welcome table the couple had prepared. She showed me around the venue and I then got to work capturing the rooms transformation in progress. Outside the florist was busy decorating the custom signage Melanie and Jonny had made. The ceremony looked out at the historic Sedona Bell Rock. A remarkable backdrop for a first kiss. Guests began to arrive and take their seats and the procession soon followed. The officiant, Robert spoke a bit about marriage before reading a poem by Dr. Seuss, a fellow USC grad. The couple exchanged their personal vows, rings, and a picture perfect Sedona first kiss. We had to hurry out to portraits as the sun began to set. A short drive was necessary and the passengers divided up between the two cars. I made the obvious decision to call dibs on taking my new four legged friend Joey and we set off. The spot Robert had in store for us was breathtaking. Its always nice working a new venue with someone who was worked there before. After about 20 minutes we packed up and headed back to the venue. Another animal had arrived to the venue in our absence, a miniature beer slinging donkey named Diego. Joey had cuteness competition. Introduced by David, the couples DJ, Melanie and Jonny made their way through the awaiting guests to join their hyped bridal party on the dance floor. The stage was set for their formal dances. Dinner followed along with some fantastic speeches before David kicked the party into full gear. The night soon came to an end as I said my goodbyes to a fantastic couple and vendor team before making the long drive back home to Phoenix. The end to another fairy tail Sedona wedding.