Extraordinary Wedding Films for Daring Lovers
Learn More About Rafa & Shy
Meet Your San Luis Obispo Wedding Videography Team!
We are Rafa & Shy, a hubby-wife team serving Santa Barbara and available for travel anywhere on the West Coast and beyond!
Our work is probably unlike anything you’ve seen out there, every film a unique work of art in itself inspired by each one of our couples. We encourage you to watch a few films below to get an idea of what we mean.
When we’re not filming or at home editing, we’re usually at the dog park, sand dunes, taking trips down or up the coast, or obsessing about our goals for our future like owning a ranch, wedding venue or starting an animal sanctuary.
What You Should Know…
Our Couples Are
Unconventional, Dynamic & Quirky Individualists. Confident, Fun & Bold. Whimsical & Earthy Adventure bugs. Elegant, Aesthetic, Detail Oriented & Trail-Blazing-Bad-Ass-Bosses!!!
Our couples WANT something unique for their Wedding Film, and they won’t settle for anything less. They have vision, often creative people themselves, always enthusiastic about brainstorming concepts to add their own personality and flair to their Film. Their desire for having a unique wedding film isn’t just for the sake of it, but because they’re non-conformists themselves. This manifests in different ways, from the out of this world Vows that one couple wrote to each other, to the 1920’s themed wedding that another had, or simply saying “screw it” to tradition and doing things their own way like the trail-blazers they are.
Even if your wedding day falls more on the spectrum of tradition, our couples always trust us to work our magic and create a unique EDIT, or to tell your story in a unique WAY for it to stand out from the rest.
Our Style Is
More like a Roller Coster, and less like a Ferris Wheel.
Our style is hard to define because it is always tailored to the energy of our couples and the vibe of their wedding day. We highly recommend that you watch at least a few of our featured films below to see what we mean! What we CAN say is that the common thread in our style is that it’s very story driven and dynamic. Often carefully selecting parts of your vows, speeches, or the officiants message to tell the story of your day, yourselves and your love.
Dynamic, the experience you’ll have watching your wedding film will likely be comparable to your wedding days itself. A roller coaster of emotions with all it’s unexpected drops, twists and turns. Maybe we’ll start with all the feels, embracing those intimate moments, then suddenly laughing your ass off at your dad’s funny speech, then back to crying again. Your Film will reflect the vibe, energy, and mood of each moment on your wedding day as we believe it should. A beautifully constructed preservation of your memories.
FEATURED FILMS
“Stardust”
Mt.Rainier Elopement
Vibe // Epic + Abstract + Dramatic + Earthy
"Every atom of you & every atom of me"...I am fascinated by this idea that you are attracted to your soulmate at the molecular level. Two specs of stardust rotating around each other, eventually going on to form our planet and everything in it... and somehow still finding your pair. It makes our existence and our love feel so small yet infinite.
“Romance of a Century”
Ebell Long Beach, CA
Vibe // Glam + Fun + Emotional + Romantic
Adrienne and Leilani had the kind of chemistry and passion that is just out of this world, and I'm certain you'll see it otherwise you miiiight need glasses. They were absolutely dripping in style and their vision brought so many unique elements; from exchanging roses instead of a first kiss, wearing a partying kimono, to everyone dressed in 1920s style. And they absolutely OWNED the camera, every pose, every action, what more could we ask for?!
“Fox, Wolf, & Whisky”
Joshua Tree + Snohomish, WA
Vibe // Rustic + Rock n Roll
When we first met Adam & Kathy at Joshua Tree for their pre-shoot we quickly found them to be the warmest, funnest, kindest souls, the kind of people you just instantly want to be friends with. We got to meet their beautiful beast of a dogs and capture them in all their glory as we all stomped around the desert. A few months later, their wedding day was nothing short of magical, super fun and warm energy just like them, it truly felt like a reflection of their personalities, and they both wrote amazing vows that told a beautiful story. Those words, in the end, is what really drove their wedding film.
“It’s All for the Gram”
Seattle Sunset Club
Vibe // Quirky + Dramatic + Fun
They're quirky cool, they're inspiring and fascinating individuals, we poured our heart out as we always do but times 10,000 cause we were overwhelmed by the uniqueness of Pema & Brian!!! We felt comfortable taking risks with these two, everything about them screamed different, unique, quirky… and we freaking love them for it!
What We’re Like on the Wedding Day
Pretty chill and anonymous actually. Rafa is one million percent introverted, and Shy is a bit of both. She’ll usually be the one to come up with ideas and give creative direction when needed, and he’s the one to always make sure the technical aspects like audio and cameras are set and ready. For the most part we’re trying to be sneaky and capture moments without disturbing them. When it comes time for our portrait session is when you’ll hear the most from us. We often get “I didn’t even notice you were there!” or “You guys were the calmest energy out of everyone!” That is the biggest compliment to hear, that in all the hustle bustle of a wedding day, our energy made our couples feel calm and at ease.
“You Came Without Warning”
Straus Home Ranch, CA
Vibe // Emotional + Romantic + Dramatic + Earthy
Pure magic. That's what we felt both on the wedding day and the pre-shoot of Janelle & Piete... internally freaking out a little bit as we watched our camera screens and realized how epic, how beautiful these moments were. It's those times we just become very silent on the wedding day, as to not disturb what is unfolding.
“Not Just a Cheerleader”
Lairmont Manor, WA
Vibe // Theatrical + Elegant + Fun + Youthful
“Believe it or not, Amber is my down to earth child”, something the bride’s father said in his speech, the point he was making is that Amber (despite her drop dead gorgeous looks) has a calm peace about her, a strength. And that calm strength seems to find an equal partner in David. “You guys have this quiet steadfast love”, a line from Ambers sister speech. Needless to say these two are full of surprises and we feel their film reflects that.
“Between Two Worlds”
Ritz Carlton Maui
Vibe // Drama + Island + Fun + Elegant
We feel like fate brought us to Alissa & Justin. They have a deep appreciation and connection to Hawaii and the culture, but they had no idea when they hired us that I am actually Hawaiian. I speak the language, grew up dancing hula, etc, and so I have a perspective that not many Filmmakers would've had. This deep understanding allowed us to create a Wedding Film that really embraced the culture in an authentic way, just what they were looking for.
How We Are Able To Customize Each Film
It all starts with our first conversation, we learn about your love story, life , hobbies, passions, interests, and who you are as people and as individuals. We learn what Films of ours you were drawn to and why and take note of it and keep it in mind for the future. We learn if you’re on the romantic and passionate side, or more fun and playful, which alters how we approach everything from directing poses, lighting, composition, and of course the music and editing. Being witnesses on your wedding day is obviously super important as well and brings it all to life. Not just by hearing what you or your wedding will be like, but by feeling it as well.
Last but not least is all in the edit! Here is where we really get to analyze minor details that would have gone unnoticed on the wedding day. For example, based on your facial expressions of that cringe-worth speech a groomsmen gave, we’ll do you a solid and not include that part lol. Or based on how much you cried and melted into your seat during your grandpa’s toast, we’ll be sure to give grandpa a little screen time in your Film as it’s obvious he means a lot to you. Little things like that. Having the intuition to know what moments meant most and highlighting on them, without you ever having to tell us! And finally, using creativity to weave it all together.
“To the Ends of the Earth with You”
Yosemite Elopement
Vibe // Whimsical + Abstract + Earthy
As we explored Yosemite with Lina & Julian, they expressed feelings about wanting to re-connect with their Latin roots. That’s what their intro is all about, a beautiful poem by the famous Pablo Neruda that speaks to finding home in nature. And every time we came to a view we could hear an audible gasp from Lina, “Wooow… i love it”, so we focused much of their film on that natural beauty.
“Love is Not a Fairytale”
Inglewood Golf Club, WA
Vibe // Elegant + Emotional + Fun + Dramatic
Mona had VISION. She planned & executed their wedding all on her own!!!! An impeccable attention to detail and a very discerning taste. They had the fancy car, the fancy house, the fancy venue, the high end dress, i think that makes US fancy too huh? (i ask that in a T.I. voice of course). In all seriousness, we were honored to be chosen as their filmmakers amongst so many other incredible elements. And DAMNNN, did her vision create such a visually stunning day. While the energy was always fun and upbeat, the emotions were very real & raw, and in reality that is what made this film so powerful!
“Like Champagne Bubbles to a Glass”
Austin Four Seasons
Vibe // Suspenseful + Dramatic + Fun
Fireworks at the end of the night, but Jessica was the true firework spirit of the day. The Four Seasons Hotel, incredible floral & decor, and one of our favorite live band performances to date… Jessica & Kegan had one of those weddings that really covered the entire spectrum. From the grandness of all the things, all the way to the real raw feelings that gave us chills to witness.