Framed By The West


By The West is a Colorado wedding photography and videography studio offering cinematic, heartfelt storytelling for weddings in Denver, Vail, Aspen, and destinations worldwide.

As I reminisce over the body of work that represents more than a decade of my life, I find myself overwhelmed with grace, and more importantly, gratitude. These occasions are not just projects or discardable memories. They are lived moments. Real stories. Proof that love exists.

I have spent countless hours at my desk reliving these days, often moved to tears, not out of sadness, but out of reverence. Reverence for the lives and fleeting feelings unfolding in front of me. To witness something so intimate, and to be tasked with honoring it thoughtfully, is something I will never take lightly.

Life can feel heavy. It can feel repetitive, uncertain, and difficult. But within these stories, I am constantly reminded that it is also profound. That love, when found and nurtured, makes the effort worthwhile. The patience. The grit. The time it takes to arrive at something lasting – loving. Something true.

I experience life through the stories our couples share with us, and I carry that weight and that beauty into every film I create and every moment I capture. This work gives my life meaning. It grounds me. It sharpens my appreciation for how precious our time really is.

I have never been interested in chasing trends, metrics, or applause. This work was never meant for performance. It exists for real life. For the moments that quietly shape who we become. The moments that, years from now, will matter more than anything else.

This is the heart of By The West.
– Mark Blake
By The West — /info FAQ + Film Guide (publish ready)
A Moment Before We Begin

Before the details,
how we think.

A wedding day is not something to be managed. It is something to be experienced. Before getting into specifics, it helps to understand how we approach this work — and what matters most when telling a story.

01

How do you approach a wedding day?

We approach wedding days with intention and restraint. Rather than directing every moment, we focus on creating space for things to unfold naturally. Our role is to observe, anticipate, and document what is real — not manufacture what is not.

We work quietly and deliberately, allowing emotion, atmosphere, and connection to lead. The result is imagery that feels honest, timeless, and deeply personal to the people in it.

02

How would you describe your style?

Our work blends editorial sensibility with candid, documentary storytelling — shaped by a cinematic and romantic approach. We are drawn to light, movement, and quiet moments that carry emotional weight.

Rather than directing every beat, we focus on atmosphere and pacing, creating imagery that feels immersive and timeless. Nothing is overly staged. Nothing feels performative. From intimate vows to multi-day celebrations, our focus remains the same: honest storytelling that feels lived-in, emotional, and enduring.

03

Can you do both photography and video on the same day?

Yes. We regularly document weddings with both still photography and motion, working as a cohesive team to ensure the day is captured consistently across mediums. This allows us to maintain a unified aesthetic and rhythm throughout.

If you are interested in photography or video only, we are also happy to collaborate alongside other creative teams. We often refer to our work as stills and motion rather than photography and videography — it reflects how we approach both as parts of a single visual language, rather than separate deliverables.

04

What does investment typically look like?

Coverage begins at $6,500, with most couples investing between $7,500 and $10,000 for a full day of photography or videography.

Rather than fixed packages, we shape coverage around the day you are actually planning — the timeline, the location, the moments that matter most. Full-weekend and destination coverage are available. Reach out through our booking page to begin the conversation.

05

What does the booking process look like?

It begins with a conversation. After reaching out, we will confirm availability, walk through approach and options, and answer any questions you may have. A signed agreement and retainer officially reserve your date.

From there, we remain closely involved — offering guidance and support as your plans take shape. About one month before your wedding, we will share our final timeline recommendations, ensuring everything feels calm, intentional, and unhurried.

06

When will I receive my photos and film?

We prioritize consistency and quality over speed, ensuring each gallery and film reflects the level of care you see throughout our work. Sneak peeks are delivered for photography couples within days of the wedding.

Photography galleries are typically delivered within 8 to 12 weeks. Films are delivered within 12 to 16 weeks, depending on coverage scope and time of year. All deliverables are privately hosted, password protected, and fully shareable.

By The West — Film Guide v4
Film Guide

Every story,
retold and remembered.

Every collection includes a Feature Film and Trailers as standard. Below is the full slate of what we make — shown from the same wedding, so you can see how each format serves a different purpose.

01 Trailers 30 to 60 seconds. Landscape, movement, the quiet moments between the two of you. A distilled impression of the day — felt quickly, remembered for a long time.
02 Feature Film 4 to 6 minutes. A cinematic narrative shaped by pacing, atmosphere, and emotional arc. Built to reflect how the day actually felt — designed to be revisited for the rest of your life.
03 Chapter Films Full-length, chronological documentary edits of the ceremony, speeches, and key formal moments — uncompressed, unstyled, and completely preserved.