The Journey Within

The story behind the film

One of the first things I learned about Dana and Joe was how adventurous they are, and how they were planning to travel to various spots in Minneapolis for their wedding before ending up at Aria. But during a walk-through at Aria a week before their wedding, a whole new world opened up that would set the stage for an adventure far more meaningful than any they had planned.

Dana & Joe told me how much they love “getting away from it all” and “going off grid,” so how perfect it was when the Aria event coordinator told me that we could go exploring backstage into the secret, hidden rooms of the historic venue. This is when the story of their wedding video came into focus. As much as Dana & Joe love taking journeys around the world together, their greatest journey is the one within themselves. The journey of growing old together and experiencing everything as a married couple.

To symbolize this, the film starts off (after the intro) with the couple outside the historic flour mill downtown Minneapolis. But then, I show them venturing deep within Aria, exploring every corridor and piece of art together. So while the venue is consistent, nothing ever gets old as they journey through limestone hallways, under ancient elevator gears, and atop secret balconies overlooking their (insane) party. All while having more and more fun with each step.

Dana & Joe are going “off grid” once again, but this time it’s on their greatest journey of all. And they don’t have to go anywhere to get there.

Location: Aria Mpls, Minneapolis, MN