Intimate Wedding in The Desert | Cloth & Flame
Cloth & Flame Wedding Venue
Chris and Amanda had their wedding ceremony and reception at the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is not only one of Arizonas top tourism sites but also it’s oldest and largest botanical gardens. With collections of desert plants from all over the world and over 135 acres of gardens situated in the Sonoran Desert upland, there was no shortage of breathtaking views and epic places to film on their wedding day.
When we initially spoke to Chris and Amanda about their vision for their wedding day we were instantly taken by how excited they were to be together. The most important part of the day for them was that at the end of it they would leave married and committed to each other for the rest of their lives. They were also both very vocal about the importance of genuine moments being captured not only between them but their favorite people that were going to be celebrating along side them. They are a no fuss couple that did not want to be over directed and wanted their chemistry and deep love for each other speak for itself throughout their film, and boy did it. Our favorite wedding days to film are those that it is so evident that the two people in front of our camera are destined for each other. They had a connection that was so strong it was as if us with our two cameras pointed directly at them didn’t exist.
They set up their ceremony in the butterfly garden at the foot of a towering tree. There were benches lining either side of the isle where they laid colorful and eclectic rugs for Amanda to walk down with her father while Chris looked at her in awe. These two decided not to have a first look to keep that traditional aspect and reaction in tact. We were so happy that they chose to write personal vows to one another. They were incredibly heart felt and had guests with tears running down their faces. We feel that using vows in films really helps to tell the story of the couple. No one can explain their love or the way they feel toward one another better than they can.
After the ceremony we snuck off to explore the grounds for portraits and footage of them together. When we got to see them together after being separated all day prior to the ceremony we could see how effortless and genuine their connection was. As we walked around the grounds and filmed them in the most beautiful locations we let them truly soak in being pronounced husband and wife. They were free to talk, kiss, hug, laugh, and adore each other as much as they wanted before the reception. With the exception of the ceremony sunset footage is one of our favorite parts of the day. We love getting our couples in front of our cameras solo and letting them just be them!
Next, we were off to the reception! They had Cloth and Flame set up a beautiful cocktail hour and family style dinner table complete with lounge areas for guests and family to relax and take in the beautiful mountains and plants surrounding them. Amanda had the most beautiful and colorful bouquet and the floral arrangements on the tables were of the same color scheme. There were colorful lanterns hanging from the tree that shadowed the entire reception area. All of these details and vendors lent to the relaxed and intentional feeling of the day. Throughout the reception we saw beautiful first dances and heard touching speeches from friends and family closest to the couple. As the sun went down behind the mountain and guests had finished their amazing meals from Cloth and Flame they danced the night away.
Being the team to film wedding days like this always leaves us with smiles on our faces and hearts full. We truly love what we do and feel so grateful that couples like Chris and Amanda trust us to document such a sacred and pure love in such a beautiful location. We’re lucky enough to film weddings all over the south west and beyond but there is nothing like discovering new beauty in your own backyard.
Arizona Wedding Videographer + Vendors
Venue: Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Planning: Cloth and Flame
Videography: Echoes Of Ophelia
