Destination Wedding Videos

MaryAnne+Tommy // Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort Wedding

6/24/2024

The Fairmont Princess Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our destination for this magical wedding day. My journey started the night before the wedding, when I was invited to attend and record the speeches at the rehearsal dinner. I always love being a part of the rehearsal dinner. Not only does the content make editing easier, but it's also a great opportunity to meet and become familiar with the guests and vendors I'll be working with at the wedding. The event could have passed for a reception, with stunning floral arrangements, food and beverages, and an amazing guitarist serenading the festivities. It was a great introduction to the magic to come. I arrived back at the resort the next morning to begin coverage. This resort was HUGE, and it was quite the trek to get to my starting location. The couple had reserved a pair of bungalows to get ready in. The lighting was magical; a thin cloud layer diffused the light perfectly. I started coverage, as I always do, with the bride. The room was buzzing with hair and makeup in full swing. As I set my bags down and prepared my camera, I met the lovely photographer Sarah, who I'd be working alongside for the day. The bride had left her details in another room just across the courtyard, so we made our way there. Knocking on the door, we were greeted by the bride's father, Mike. I quickly noticed a set of golf clubs and began chatting with him about the courses he planned to play on the trip. While this was going on, Sarah was kind enough to stage the details; photographers have a better eye for that anyway. Once details were shot, we made our way to the groom's room for Tommy's getting ready. The boys were busy watching college football, so we brought Tommy outside to get ready. He opted for a grey Canali suite with the wedding date custom-embroidered on the inner pocket. Always a great touch. We brought Tommy's dad, Tom, out to help with the final touches, as well as Tommy's two boys, Wise and Thomas, for their getting ready. This grandfather, father, and grandson getting ready moment was super special. Back with the bride, it was time for her to step into her dress. Accompanied by her sisters Sarah and Grace and mom Anne, our bride finalized her look for the evening. Outside, Mike waited patiently to see his daughter on the wedding day for the first time. The father-daughter first look is my absolute favorite wedding day tradition. After the tears were wiped away, it was time for our bride to show her dress to the rest of the bridal party. The final first look was to be shared with the couple. Tommy patiently waited for the arrival of his bride, and after a tap on the shoulder, the two shared a truly special moment with one another and their kids. I made my way to the ceremony site just down the hill, where I was met by the lovely planner Heather fromJ.Star Wedding Company. These girls put on an absolutely incredible wedding for our couple. Guests began to arrive, and one by one, the bridal party made their way down the isle. Vows were repeated, a unity candle was lit, and the couple shared their first kiss. In a race against the sun, we quickly set out to film sunset portraits on the golf course just behind the resort. Just in time! While the couple transitioned to their last photo spot, I broke away to film and set up for the reception. I opened the doors to the ballroom and was blown away by the level of detail Heather and her team had poured into the venue. It was stunning. I grabbed my camera and began filming. Guests began to take their seats, and our couple entered. They made their way to the dance floor and shared a first dance, followed by a dance with their parents. The Lucky Devils Band provided the music for the event and absolutely crushed it! The dance floor was packed all night. There was one last surprise in store for our couple. A send-off was organized, and guests made their way outside. Tommy and MaryAnne, along with their five kids, walked their way through the cheers of their guests, sharing a kiss for the cameras. What they didn't know was that Heather was on the phone with a crew of pyrotechnics on top of the resort's roof. The green light was given, and the sky lit up to the surprise of the couple, capping off a truly unforgettable night.