Destination Wedding Videos

Matti+Brian // Lost Dutchman State Park Wedding

7/25/2024

If I could start every wedding I cover off with filming the rehearsal, I would. It's always so nice to meet everyone in a more casual setting, tour the venue, and capture all of the additional speeches that take place. When Matti asked if I was available the day before the wedding to cover the rehearsal, I jumped on the opportunity. I arrived at the Tygret family home. A few hours before the speeches were set to take place. In addition to the speeches, I wanted to capture detail shots of Matti, our bride's dress, and jewelry, freeing me up on the actual wedding day to focus on the other planned events. When I arrived, Matti and Brian were in the middle of taking photos with the photographer, Laurel. I introduced myself and then went to unpack my gear. Once they wrapped up with photos, Laurel and I got started capturing the details. We both share the mindset of being more candid camera people, and staged detail shots aren't our specialty. Back on the other side of the house, guests were fixing their plates and taking their seats for the main reason why I was here, the speeches. Though there were only four speeches in total, having the additional content for the couples feature film was vital. The next day my coverage started at Lost Dutchman State Park with a bit of a panic. Arriving early, I made my way to the gate of the park to find out the lot was full. I explained to the ranger that I was there to capture a wedding, to which I was informed that the permit only allows them to have a wedding; it doesn't necessarily give the couple access to the parking lot. The only problem was there was no parking within a mile of the venue. I made my way out to the road and called Matti... No answer. Panic began to set in. I called Brian, and thankfully he picked up. Through some negotiation, I was granted access to the property. I made my way to the assigned space and parked in one of the many open spaces available, not sure what that was all about. This was my first time at this stunning park and hopefully not my last. It was incredible. We guided Brian to a spot off the trail so the couple could share their first look and vows privately. Between the lighting, the words exchanged, and the iconic rocky face of Lost Dutchman as our backdrop, this would be a first look to remember. We spent the next hour taking some breathtaking photos before I parted ways to beat the couple back to the Tygret house. When I arrived, the backyard had been completely transformed from the night before. I grabbed my camera and began shooting details. Back at the house, it was time for the couples "getting ready" footage. Even though I was not a part of the real getting-ready moments, this is still very important footage for the progression of the film. Stories take time to develop, and starting the film off at the ceremony or first look doesn't allow the viewer to see the couple as individuals or hear the speeches of their guests talking about them as individuals. Fun fact: most weddings I film involve some level of recreation of the getting-ready moments. Guests began to arrive, and I made my way to the lawn to capture the moment. This too is important segue content to move the story from pre-ceremony to ceremony. Guests took their seats, and the ceremony was underway. The couple's friend Jordan officiated the wedding and mixed in some funny with some sappy notes. The couple then shared their public vows and a kiss and made their way back down the aisle as a married couple. Cocktail hour kicked off as the couple had a few more pictures to take with their families before joining in. I always highly recommend that the couple join cocktail hour. Guests took their seats as the couple was officially announced into the reception. They gave a quick thank-you speech before sharing their first dance together. The sun set and the party officially kicked off. This group was SO much fun on the dance floor. After some goodbyes, my night officially came to an end.