Preserving Your Love Story
Through Intimate Wedding Films & Photography
Professional documentary style wedding videography & photography that feels as real as the day itself.
Yosemite · Central California · Sequoias
Capture the Moments You’ll Want to Remember Forever
Your wedding is about more than just curating an experience, decor, and guest lists… It’s about cherishing all the little moments that happen throughout your special day.
It’s the way your dad looks at you when he’s just about to walk you down the aisle. The sound of laughter from your bridal party as they make their entrance into the wedding banquet, and the holding back of tears during heartfelt speeches.
It’s about capturing all the special organic moments in between family and friends…during one of the most important days of your life. This is my passion, and why I take great care in capturing your love story as unobtrusively as possible to create cinematic heirlooms that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
A Unique Approach
Documentary Style
Rather than directing every moment, I allow your wedding day to unfold naturally while capturing it as it happens. The result is a film and gallery that feel authentic to your experience, allowing you to relive your wedding exactly as it was.
Award Winning Storytelling
Your wedding day is a reflection of your love story. From meaningful details to heartfelt moments shared with family and friends, I document all the special moments from your day, weaving them together into a cinematic story that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Calm & Unobtrusive
My goal as your wedding videographer and photographer is to blend seamlessly into the day, allowing you to stay present with the people you love, while I document the authentic moments happening all around you and between you both.
“Drawing from over 16 years of documentary filmmaking, news production, and storytelling experience, I approach your special day with the eye of a filmmaker and the heart of a storyteller.”
Central California’s Documentary Style Wedding Videographer & Photographer
Featured Weddings
After capturing over 200 weddings across Central California, I've found that couples often want the same thing…
You want to be fully present on your wedding day, knowing the moments and memories shared with your loved ones are being preserved.
Below is a collection of weddings that offer a glimpse into how your own love story can be documented through film, from the big ‘wedding vow’ moments to the ones you might otherwise miss.
Carlee + Soren
Toca Madera Winery | Madera, Ca
Tania + Pavan
The Grand 1401 | Fresno, Ca.
Eric + Morgan
Teh 48 Barn | Visalia, Ca
“Rafael was an absolute pleasure to work with. He captured so many incredibly important moments from our day and magically crafted an insane production…We cannot stop watching the videos!!”
The Cinematographer & Photographer Behind the Lens
Meet Rafael
From my early days studying filmmaking at Fresno Pacific University to working as a news producer at KMPH Fox 26, I've spent more than 16 years telling people's stories through film.
That same passion for storytelling eventually led me to weddings, where I've spent the last decade capturing all of the emotion, behind the scenes moments, and little nostalgic details that make each couple’s story unique.
Over the years I’ve learned that the best photography and videography is rarely staged, it’s captured organically. This is why I take a calm and unobtrusive approach, allowing you to stay present while I document the memories you'll cherish for years to come.
A Trusted Vendor of
Explore Our Services
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Wedding Photography
Each of my wedding photography collections is a perfect blend of guided portraits and candid storytelling, creating timeless images available for digital download or print.
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Wedding Videography
My wedding film collections include a teaser film and highlight film, thoughtfully crafted to help you relive the atmosphere, memories, and emotions of your special day.
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Wedding Photography & Videography
Combine both professional photography and film in one seamless experience, allowing your story to be preserved from every angle while you remain fully present and in the moment.
Kind Words from Past Couples
“Rafael Rodarte Films did an amazing job capturing our wedding. Very professional, easy to work with, and his attention to detail truly showed in both the photos and video. Everything turned out beautiful and exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!”
— Eric C.“It’s been a few months since my wedding, but I cannot say enough good things about Rafael! He is a dream to work with. He is kind, creative, and funny! He made us so comfortable on our special day and just made it easy. I 100% recommend working with Rafael!”
— Kylie B.“Rafael was amazing to work with - from the initial phone call to the wedding day. He’s very communicative and super helpful. He captured our wedding so perfectly! I couldn’t have asked for a better videographer.”
— Jessica R.The Process
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Inquire about your wedding date and pick a time for a consultation call. On our call we discuss what you’re looking for in terms of coverage and services. Then I go into the proposal for services and investment.
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Once the agreement is signed, and the deposit is received your date is reserved. Next we have a timeline meeting, one month before your big day, to discuss the timeline, shoot locations, the moments you are most excited to capture, and any questions you may have.
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Get ready for your big day stress free while I show up early to your wedding venue to scout locations for the day. Enjoy all the moments of your wedding to the fullest, as my team and I capture all the magic.
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Your wedding film and photos are delivered within 2 months of your wedding via digital gallery, preserving your special day to print, share, or watch again and again.
Questions Couples Often Ask
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Most couples book 9–18 months before their wedding date. Popular dates can fill up quickly, so it's always best to reach out as soon as you have your venue and wedding date booked.
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Yes. You can choose from wedding photography, wedding videography, or a combination that includes both photography and videography for an all in one experience, and consistent professional quality throughout your day.
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Absolutely. Most couples I work with prefer some guidance during our photo sessions. I provide guidance when needed while focusing on capturing genuine interactions and natural moments as they unfold.
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Your wedding photos and films are delivered through an online gallery no later than two months after your wedding day, making it easy to download, share, and relive your wedding memories.
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My experience and attention to detail in storytelling is what I believe sets me apart. I’ve been working in professional photography and filmmaking for over 16 years, and during that time I’ve filmed over 200 weddings. Throughout all those years filming weddings, I’ve honed my ability to tell peoples’ stories by capturing how they interact with those around them, their emotions, and the backdrop of their stories that often only film and photos can truly capture.
Let's Start Planning Your Wedding Story
Wedding dates book out months in advance.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today.