“You Never Know The Value Of a Moment Until It Becomes a Memory”
The beauty is in the details, and that is what I specialize in. You can hire anyone to record a video, but not just anyone can make a beautiful cinematic film that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Who is Ryan Hender as a Person?
Shortly after marrying my best friend in 2007, we found out we couldn’t have children of our own. After spending some time in Foster Care myself as a child, I knew there were many kids out there that could use a good loving home. Rather than going the traditional adoption route, we wanted to decided to foster children so we could change more than just one life. Jackson came to live with us when he was 7 months old, and just months later we were asked to adopt him, along with his twin brothers that had yet to be born. We went from a family of 2 to a family of 5 in just 4 short months. It changed everything.
I quit my job to stay home with our boys, and that allowed me to finally chase my dream. I had always wanted to make a difference telling stories, but I never thought I would be doing what I do today. I first fell in love with fine art photography when I was just 15 as I was first learning the art. I spent most of my life making videos purely as a hobby, with just over 2Million views on my YouTube channel. As of 2009 I have been a full-time freelance filmmaker and have enjoyed every second of it.
Claudia L
Just watched my whole wedding video!! It was amazing to see the stuff I missed that day! I love you all and the ones who were on camera giving us advice, y’all da real MVPs I had no idea!!
I will snap parts of it tomorrow so u all can see the amazingness that was, that day!! 
❤️❤️
Ps. Anyone need an amazing videographer in Utah, hit up Ryan Hender!
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Stunning Rustic Backyard Wedding in South Jordan Utah | Chelsea + Jordan
After knowing each other for about 10 years, Chelsea and Jordan finally tied the knot in a beautiful backyard wedding. During the wedding Ceremony, Jordan’s father reminded Jordan that just a couple years back, he had told his dad that marriage was just an old fashioned tradition. He then reminded Jordan that it was only because he hadn’t found the right woman, and he was definitely right!
Just beneath the Wasatch mountains, nestled neatly above the Jordan river where Jordan had spent some of his childhood, the couple said their I Dos. Just hours before the wedding Ceremony, I had taken the Bride’s dress and hung it from the tree, not knowing that shortly afterward, the couple would be joining their lives together right where her dress hung. The couple danced their first dances just as the sun set for the evening which made for some spectacular colors in the sky around them.
When it came time for dancing, nobody held back. It was a fun filled beginning to a lifelong adventure. I am so glad I got to be a part of their special day. We were hired to shoot both photography and video for the lovely couple, I couldn’t wait to edit a few images and put together a quick teaser video.
Solitude Mountain Resort Fall Wedding Christina + Dalton
Christina and Dalton were married in a beautiful ceremony conducted by Fire Chief Halvorsen, a close family friend.
The couple wanted to do something special, meant just for the two of them. Rather than reading their hand written vows to each other on their wedding day, they invited me as their wedding videographer over to their suite to film the exchange the night before the wedding. As they sat across the couch from each other while they read their vows to each other, they shared a few tears and a warm embrace.
They’d planned on getting married later in the year, but Dalton’s father threatened to not show up, as their original date fell right in the middle of Utah’s hunting season. I don’t know if they could have picked a better day. The skies were filled with blue hues as fluffy clouds floated by. Nestled atop Big Cottonwood Canyon just a short drive from Salt Lake City, Solitude Mountain Resort offered stunning views for miles around. The air was a touch warm, with a gentle breeze which was welcomed by all.
The energy was intense all around as family and friends, young and old gathered from miles around to celebrate the union between this Highschool Sweetheart couple. Hundreds of people flooded the room to enjoy some dancing, and the company of others they’d not seen (in some cases for years).
I feel blessed to have been the wedding videographer for the newlyweds, I put together a quick teaser video to hold them over while I work on the rest of their wedding film.
Smokey Sunset Photo Shoot at the Castle Amphitheater in Provo Utah
Gema and Jonathan contacted me a while back to shoot their upcoming wedding. Prior to me photographing their wedding, they wanted to do an engagement photo shoot at the Castle Amphitheater in Provo. They simply couldn’t have picked a better day to shoot! The sun was too high in the sky for the first part of the shoot to spend any time in the amphitheater so we took some pictures lower on the property. As we made our way up to the amphitheater the light started to diminish behind the smokey clouds.
This summer, we have had a lot of fires across Utah that have affected the air quality, but it has made for some spectacular sunsets! Toward the end of our shoot, the sun dove behind some clouds which were lit up with some pretty amazing color due to the smoke which made for some amazing portraits. Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot.
History of the Castle Amphitheater in Provo Utah
During the time of the great depression, the State of Utah was hit hard economically; harder than most of the states. The state had an unemployment rate of 36 percent in 1933, which was the fourth highest in the country. The unemployment rate averaged 25 percent over eight years, between 1932 and 1940. Due to this crisis, and the fact that Utah was worse off than other states, Utah received more federal assistance than many other states. Per capita federal spending in Utah in the 1930s was 9th highest among the 48 states.
Many public buildings were built with the funds now provided by the national government. This recreation center is historically significant because it represents and helps document the impact of New Deal programs enforced by the federal government during this time of crisis. The structure was built in 1936–37
The recreation center covers three acres, seating 800 within its amphitheatre and attached interior rooms. The amphitheatre itself is set against the hillside next to the hospital, on the east end of Provo. “It is constructed almost entirely of stone, as are the attached rooms and two-story towers at the southeast and northwest corners. The towers and the “battlements” of various sections of railing give the structure a castle-like appearance. Attached to the tower at the southeast corner is a large interior room with a fireplace, and above, on its flat roof, is another fireplace and an open-air area for social gatherings. Stone ramps at both the north and south sides provide access to the amphitheatre from the grass play area at the base of the facility (Historic Preservation Research Office p. 2).”
The man responsible for drawing up the plans and supervising the work on site is Lavar S. Morris. Despite plans to eventually build additional recreational facilities on site, such as tennice courts, a handball court, and picturesque gardens, the recreation center remains the only recreational facility near the hospital.
Stunning DoubleTree Hilton Salt Lake City Utah Wedding | Jackie and Brad
Jackie and Brad contacted me months ago to shoot their engagement photos. I gladly accepted the opportunity, assuming that I would be shooting their wedding. They were a lot of fun to work with, Jackie brought in some attitude that relaxed Brad even further. Shortly after the shoot, I learned that they had planned to get married in Las Vegas. I was disappointed that I would not have the opportunity to be their wedding photographer in Las Vegas as their venue would not allow it, but wished them well.
A while later, Jackie contacted me inquiring about a Bridal photo shoot. Their Las Vegas wedding venue fell through, so they were now looking for a place here in Utah to tie the knot. I was so excited! The most painful part was shooting her bridals, and not being able to post her pictures online. I banned Brad from my website in hopes of keeping him from seeing her Bridal portraits before their wedding day, but I still didn’t dare.
Their wedding day was just a few days ago, it turned out so nice! Granite Bakery cake was both beautiful, and (from what I hear) delicious! They even came in and cut the cake for the couple so serving it was easy.
They spent the night in the hotel (separate rooms of course). Jackie surrounded by her beautiful daughters, along with other family and friends. I recall a moment when I was taking a picture over the shoulder of one of the girls when I asked “is she your daughter?” “Yes she’s my daughter, and this is my other daughter” she replied. I had made the mistake of assuming that only ONE of the girls were her daughter. In fact, one of them was her biological daughter while the other one was becoming hers through marriage, but Jackie did not see it that way. In her eyes, they were both her daughters through and through, it was so touching to see and feel the love between this Bride and the beautiful women in her presence. Jackie did not see it as “his” and “mine”, to her it was ALWAYS “ours”. I can now see what Brad saw in her, such a loving woman without end.
Brad has a kind heart and a love as deep as the sea for his kids, and for his Jackie. He could not keep his eyes, or hands off of her.
Early in the day, when I was in the Groom’s room shooting some photos, I noticed one of the boys wearing a suit with a special name badge that said “Bling Security”, only then did I realize that it was HE that was the ring bearer. I have seen many adorable ideas for the ring bearer, but never a CIA operative outfit, complete with the shades and all. He was looking sharp!
When the time came, Brad waited anxiously for his Bride to join him at the top of the aisle. “I am not emotional” he claimed, but it’s hard not to be emotional when you’re blending two families, making promises not only to your new spouse, but to your children that you will all love and support each other. It was so wonderful to have been part of such a special occasion between two great families, whom despite all odds, lead extremely successful lives. Thank you Brad and Jackie for letting me be part of your special day!
Huge thanks to a few vendors that I am aware of Granite Bakery for the always gorgeous Wedding Cake, Alicia the coordinator with DoubleTree by Hilton, Breezy Floral.
Alex + Alex Wedding Teaser Video | Noah’s South Jordan Utah
The morning of the wedding, Alex’s brother-in-law was flying in from Denver where he was there representing a client. His plane landed just in time for him to marry his Sister-in-law to her longtime friend. Alexa said in her vows “never did I expect to be marrying someone with my own name”. Both the Bride and Groom wanted an intimate wedding with just their closest family and friends. Such a laid back couple, until the dance floor opened. I had so much being their wedding videographer for the day at Noah’s wedding venue in South Jordan.
How Do You Keep A Smile On Your Face?
Just the other day I was filming a wedding when during the Couple’s Formals part of the day, the Bride looks me straight in the eyes and asked me “How do you still have a smile on your face?” During the day, we got talking about life quite a bit, and she learned a couple things about me that she didn’t know before. Some things that some could/would use as an excuse to not show up to work, or to just be miserable in general.
Some of my readers know a little about my life, but not many people know the whole story. I should maybe do what I’ve been told so many times before and write a book.
I come from a broken home, with a severely abusive and neglectful father. For a long time I kept that to myself, because I doesn’t define me, but I am who I am in spite of that challenge. When I was in my teens I spent some time homeless, I spent some time in Foster Care, and lots of time bouncing around from one friend’s house to another as I struggled to find stability. All of this while Never quite understanding how broken I truly was. There were three main people in my life that helped me realize that I was not a lost cause, I had just taken a few wrong turns and needed to find my way back to the road.
Just a few years ago, as my father was slowly dying, I was also diagnosed with the same disease that was destroying his lungs and liver. A genetic disease for which there is no cure. In 2016 my father lost his fight. For 10 years I didn’t speak a word to him. I hated him for ruining me and stealing my childhood from me. The last few years of his life I had finally forgiven him and we started to repair our broken fences.
In 2018 I have spent more time going to doctor after doctor doing routine check ups, until my liver doctor decided he wanted to do a biopsy. We learned that my liver was progressing faster than once expected, and that I may only have 3-5 years to live. You read that right. While at first it was quite devastating to hear, it has been almost liberating to know that I might not be around much longer. We have a great life insurance policy that will cover my expenses when I am gone, and leave the family enough to live off of for a while. Death is not the end, it only the beginning of a new chapter.
Rather than laying down and accepting defeat, I would rather stand up and make memories. With my own family, and with the families that I work with. There is a reason that I am a photographer/videographer. I see things in a different way, in a way that allows me to capture little moments in the lifetime of a family that they get to cherish forever. I think that by seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, gives you perspective on the important things in life. I am so grateful to do what I do each and every day. No matter how difficult things get, someone always has it worse than you.
Just recently I was at the Temple filming for a wedding when someone I was with asked me why I was ok to leave some of my camera gear where I left it. My response, “if someone feels the need to steal it, they obviously need it more than me”.
Contact
FAQ
Pricing
Planning your wedding budget is hard enough without having to hunt down pricing and endless emails to find out how much your favorite videographer/photographer is. We have listed all our pricing to make planning your day as easy as possible.
There will be additional charges for destination, or Out of State weddings. Travel pricing varies on a case by case basis.
For example Flight, Hotel & other travel expenses.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any travel quotes.
DO YOU DO BOTH PHOTO AND VIDEO?
Absolutely! We’ve developed some pretty awesome packages that give you the best of both worlds.
Our clients LOVE the fact that they have two professionals working every angle of the wedding day.
Having two professionals is an incredible asset to wedding day coverage, we are able to cover the Bride and Groom getting ready, multiple angles of the ceremony and reception!
One of the many highlights to hiring Ryan Hender Films is you get two full time professionals on your wedding day!
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED & DO YOU TRAVEL?
We are based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
All our pricing includes free travel up to 25 miles outside of Salt Lake City.
Travel is billed very simply. If Airfare, Hotel & Rental Car are needed all you are responsible for is a direct reimbursement for the charges.
DO WE NEED TO PROVIDE A SHOT LIST?
Other than family groupings, we would prefer you didn’t. Let us explain why.
It is very helpful to know who your important family and friends are on the wedding day.
Working from a checklist is counter productive from the work you see on our website, shot lists are a great idea in theory, but we generally capture those images without prompting.
Providing us with a long list of shots will reduce the amount of wedding day documentation we are able to achieve. Therefor making your gallery much different than what you have seen.
LOCATIONS AND PERMITS
There are many places that require you to get a permit or pay a fee for photography.
If you have any questions about locations or photography fees let us know and we can help you find the answers.
WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
We use multiple professional Canon & Nikon full frame cameras and lenses.
Make sure your photographer has multiple professional camera bodies during your big day. This is an oversight often missed by most brides but could spell disaster for them. Cameras do and will fail at some point no matter how new or expensive they are. Professional lenses are equally important, they help render the highest quality imagery under any conditions.
Rain, Snow or Shine our equipment is weather sealed and ready for anything.
The last thing you want is a photographer who is afraid of the elements.
DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?
Yes! Absolutely Yes!
Professional wedding photographers should have the proper insurance for their business. Insurance protects the photographer against equipment theft, but more importantly it provides liability protection in case Great Uncle Phil trips over the photographer’s bag and breaks his leg. When wedding photographers do not have insurance, chances are they are new to the industry or are not taking their business seriously.
DO YOU EDIT MY PHOTOGRAPHS?
Yes we do!
All your images are culled and those that make the final cut all receive our special touch.
We often select a few favorites for special attention above and beyond the individual image editing.
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH THE REHEARSAL?
You may add rehearsal coverage to your package at an additional cost if you wish. The Rehearsal Dinner is most often suggested to be covered by the Videographer, and adds an incredible amount of sentimental value in the finished product. Many of our wedding videos include footage from a rehearsal dinner.
WHAT IS AN ONLINE GALLERY?
The online gallery is a section on our website where all of your wedding photographs will be placed online for you and your family and friends to view at any time.
It is also a secure shopping cart for you and family to order prints, cards or albums from and have them delivered right to your door.
HOW LONG UNTIL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOGRAPHS?
Your online gallery should be ready within about 4-8 weeks of your wedding day.
If you’ve ordered a wedding Album, they can take up to 8-12 weeks.
HOW MANY PHOTOGRAPHS WILL I RECEIVE?
The number of photographs taken depends on many things.
Types of events, hours of coverage, number of guests, locations… The average is 500 images for an eight hour day. Those numbers may vary depending on the day itself.
DO WE RECEIVE RAW FILES OR UNEDITED IMAGES?
The Raw, unedited images are not available for purchase or viewing.
The images selected for final delivery reflect our very high standards and cut images are not archived.
CAN YOU HOLD A DATE FOR ME?
To be fair to everyone we do not hold dates until a deposit is made and a contract is signed.
All bookings are on a first come first serve basis.
WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT SCHEDULE?
A non-refundable deposit of 50% of your total balance is due to reserve your day.
The remaining balance is due one week before the wedding day. The retainer fee and all money collected is non-refunable. The retainer guarantees the reservation of your date and after the contract is signed we turn down all other commissions for that day.
WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK YOU?
As soon as possible! We don’t hold dates unless we have a signed contract and deposit is paid.
We often book weddings as far as two years in advance. If you want US, the sooner the better!