Tuesday, June 30, 2009

We Love Thank You Cards

As I always say, the most rewarding part of this business is the joy we bring to our couples. Nikki and Josh were so easy to work with and I thought I would share the card they sent us. :-)

In case you didn't have an opportunity to check out their trailer, you can view it HERE.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Sean + Sara Heating Up Palm Springs

When the thermometer hit 106 as we entered beautiful La Quinta Resort in Palm Springs, I was a bit concerned about the day. Fortunately, we brought extra water bottles and Sean and Sara brought some personality to a wonderful wedding.

I found it so perfect that the officiant mentioned that sometimes in marriage, "it's the little things that are really the big things". I found that to be so evident all day as detail after detail was planned to a "T". There was so much footage from this one that I was somewhat overwhelmed as I sat down to put together this trailer. You'll notice a fun touch at the end that gives a shout out to the candy station, because in all honesty, it was one of the hits of the reception. Who doesn't love candy?

A special thanks to Jim Kennedy from Jim Kennedy Photography for being so easy to work with and also shout out to Jenna Ball for keeping everything rolling right down to the minute. Always a pleasure to work with great vendors!

And here it is, Sara + Sean, enjoy!
-Steve

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Why the Photo-Booth Rocks - Reason #423

So I was totally bummed because I took the greatest Photo-Booth Pictures with David and Melissa at their wedding back in January. I got back to the studio the following Monday and sure enough, I couldn't find the picture. I LOOKED EVERYWHERE.

Well, as time would have it, the picture finally popped up this past week when I opened a zipper I completely forgot I had in my camera bag.

And there you have it, reason #423 why the Photo-Booth Rocks - Because they allow you to find cool hide-away zipper pockets in your camera bag. (. . . . ok I know, not a good reason, but hey, why do you think it is all the way down at #423 ???)

P.S. - My favorite is the one down in the bottom right corner




What a great couple to work with!
- Steve :-)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Nikki, Josh & Tivoli, Too!

What a fun couple, and a truly a pleasure to work with! Nikki and Josh were married at Tivoli, Too! in Laguna Beach. The song from this trailer says it all with these two. Just a relaxing laid back way to start a new life together!

Here's the trailer from their big day.

Enjoy :-)
-Steve

Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Art of Storytelling - Ben + Amy

I truly encourage you to read this post prior to watching the clip because I feel there is a great importance in this topic and sharing it with everyone who is kind enough to read. . . .

In our industry, there are many companies who provide "wedding videos". In fact, there are so many that it is unimaginable how overwhelming it can be for a bride to pick the right one. How could she possibly know which company is the best one or at least the right fit for her? While us peeps in the industry love to talk about all the cool equipment we have and why it makes us the greatest, I can guarantee I have never had one bride ask me if I shoot with the Canon 5D Mark II (and if you just read that and have no idea what I'm referring to, that's perfectly normal!) Truthfully, what it always comes down to is the work, and simply put, that's what it should be all about.

Having said that, there is a major difference between "wedding videos" and a wedding film. Likewise, there is a reason why some companies have prices that seem too good to be true, and then other companies (usually very reputable ones) reflect pricing that can at first seem a little high. Remember, there are several differences between a "wedding video" and a wedding film. Amongst the many differences, of which I could take pages to explain, the fundamental key to create a true wedding film is in the storytelling.

It is easy to put together a montage of a bunch of pretty "wow" factor clips and run an epic song with a lot of slow motion shots of bridal gowns and jewelry, but in the end, don't you find all of those "wedding videos" look the same? Why do we never hear any of the audio? This video looks great and all, but what will mine look like? When we watch a film, what is it that draws us in, the really cool shots, or the storyline??

Don't get me wrong, composition, shot selection, technique, and yes, even equipment used can all play a huge role in the film being created, and often times, those "wow" shots can truly add to the effect being delivered, but in the end, without a good story, all is lost. This is the mindset that goes into each one of our films, including Amy and Ben's. And I honestly believe this sets us apart from most companies that offer wedding cinema on your big day. We aim to create a wedding film that tells a story; a film that anyone can watch and be drawn into because of the storyline, not the "wow" shots.

Just a few short posts ago, we shared with you the Same Day Edit from Amy and Ben's wedding, and if you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out! Very fun and everyone loved it at the reception. What we didn't get to show you from that wedding is why Amy and Ben are so special. Same Day Edits are a fantastic tool to really put a unique touch on a wedding reception, but remember, we only have 3-4 hours AT MOST to edit those gems together. Once we come back to the studio, we have DAYS to mull over the perfect clips and cleanly unfold a storyline with which we can sew in the pieces to the actual wedding film.

Usually, we don't post two clips from the same wedding on the blog, but I truly felt this was a good example of why storytelling is so important.

Ben is a Navy Seal. As you can imagine, he is away from home. A lot. While the wedding day is about the couple and their expression of the ultimate commitment, there are always side plots in any wedding day. For Amy and Ben, his job is a huge side plot. Let's face it, the sacrifice he makes every day is not one that cannot go unnoticed, and as such, Amy has to be that much stronger to be Ben's wife.

Details are present at every wedding. What bride doesn't spend MONTHS upon MONTHS of planning all for one day (yes, we know, the groom helps out too. . . sort of. . . ). You'll notice in this clip the sandals that were purchased as bridesmaids gifts and the game plan of the grand entrance being unfolded on the trolley between the groomsmen. Details of the day always create great subplots, and as such, they should be showcased in any true wedding film.

So as you watch this clip, pay attention not to the fun little "wow" shots (even though those are fun to watch, I must admit), but try instead to focus on the story of Ben and Amy, their love for one another, and their joint commitment to a serious sacrifice for the liberty and freedom of all of us. And when you are deciding whether or not to invest in your wedding cinema by booking with us, remember, we don't do "wedding videos", we create wedding films.

These are their actual wedding highlights, which are going to be included in their final shorform film

Enjoy. :-)
Steve

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