We had the good fortune of connecting with Rio & Tane Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rio & Tane, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity has always come naturally to me. I (Rio) was that kid who always had a video camera in hand—documenting family trips, milestones, and anything that felt meaningful. Storytelling through video was something I gravitated toward long before I realized it could become a career.

My mom, who was a wedding photographer, played a huge role in encouraging me to take my love for video seriously. She pushed me to explore it further in high school, and I’m so glad she did. That early foundation not only shaped my skills but also my passion for capturing people’s most meaningful moments.

Years later, when I was nine months pregnant with our first daughter, I convinced my husband, Tane, to join me in this adventure. While creativity didn’t come to him as naturally at first, he has an incredible eye and has taken to it in a way that amazes me. That’s how our journey together as filmmakers began—rooted in passion, partnership, and a shared drive to tell stories that matter.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At RioWalks Films, our passion is creating wedding films that feel like so much more than a highlight reel—they’re cinematic, emotional, and deeply personal to each couple. What sets us apart is how intentionally we craft every film to not only evoke the emotions our couples felt that day but also to capture the people who were there with them, the meaningful details they poured into their celebration, and the essence of their love story. Our goal is always for them to watch their film and feel like they’re starring in their own blockbuster movie—because, in our eyes, they are.

My journey started humbly. The very first wedding I ever filmed was on a GoPro, and the first wedding we were ever paid for was $800. From those early days to now, over a decade later, we’ve been able to scale our business to consistently work with couples who value what we do. It’s been a long road of growth and learning, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

No, it hasn’t been easy. Building this business has taken years of dedication, networking, and a relentless commitment to giving our absolute best to every single wedding. We’ve faced challenges—balancing family life with entrepreneurship, breaking into a competitive industry, and continually raising our own standards—but those challenges shaped us. They pushed us to be better filmmakers, better business owners, and better partners to our couples.

The biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way? Never stop investing in your craft, treat every client experience like it’s the most important one, and nurture relationships in the industry—because they’re just as valuable as the art you create.

What we want the world to know about Rio Walks Films is that our work is personal. We pour our hearts into every story we tell, and we truly believe wedding films should be more than just documentation—they should be a legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles has so much to offer—it’s impossible to fit it all into one week, but here’s how we’d make the most of it:

Day 1: Iconic LA Vibes
We’d start with brunch at Republique (because you can’t visit LA without experiencing those pastries). Afterward, we’d walk down Melrose to check out some trendy shops and street art. In the evening, we’d catch the sunset at Griffith Observatory—the view of the city is unbeatable.

Day 2: Beach Day + Coastal Drive
We’d head to Malibu for a relaxing day on the sand at El Matador Beach, followed by lunch at Malibu Farm on the pier. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway as the sun sets is pure magic. Dinner? Nobu Malibu for a splurge-worthy evening.

Day 3: Arts & Culture
A morning at The Getty Center for its art and stunning architecture, then coffee and people-watching at Alfred’s. At night, we’d go to a live show at The Hollywood Bowl or Greek Theatre—two of the best venues in LA.

Day 4: Downtown Adventure
We’d explore The Broad Museum, grab lunch at Grand Central Market, and then walk over to The Last Bookstore (a must-see for anyone who loves unique spaces). Dinner would be at Bestia, because their pasta is unforgettable.

Day 5: Theme Park Thrills
You can’t come to LA without at least one theme park. We’d do Universal Studios Hollywood for the rides and behind-the-scenes fun—or Disneyland if we’re feeling extra nostalgic.

Day 6: Hidden Gems
We’d take a hike at Runyon Canyon in the morning for the views, then explore Abbot Kinney in Venice for boutiques and artisan eats. We’d end the day with drinks at Hotel Erwin’s rooftop bar overlooking the beach.

Day 7: Chill & Soak It In
For the last day, it’d be all about relaxing—breakfast at Great White in Venice, paddle boarding in Marina del Rey, and then a slow evening strolling Santa Monica Pier and grabbing ice cream at Salt & Straw.

LA is full of energy, creativity, and endless food options—you really can make every day feel like an adventure here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom, Laura Shepard. Rio walks films would never have started without her encouraging me to start my own business back in high school.

Website: https://Riowalksfilms.com

Instagram: @riowalksfilms

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@riowalksfilms?si=_SlGGHpcdd-2NZYm

Image Credits
Laura Shepard photography

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