A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with Erin and Devin at the Woodmark Hotel and Skansonia. Everything in my frame of view looked perfect, the people and their surroundings. I’d like to brag a little bit and say I couldn’t take a bad shot all day, but I think it had more to do with what was in my frame rather than me. Here are a few frames from the video…
I think it’s common for brides to hear videographers say something like “our videos are truly unique to each of our clients.” What does that mean exactly? Well, it’s something we take pretty seriously. Here are a few of things we do to ensure this statement has meaning.
First, we create a custom DVD artwork package like the sample below. In this case, Nikki requested a layout that matched her vintage wedding theme. She hand picked her favorite photos from her photographers, One Thousand Words Photography. I then created custom DVD menus that showcased this vintage look. I use the same colors, fonts, and other elements from invitations, programs, and other details I notice from the event. We also ask that our couples choose all their own music to use as a soundtrack throughout the film. All of these pieces make up the whole of what I can confidently say is a ‘unique viewing experience.’ Set up an appointment and ask to see several of my DVD samples. One thing you’ll immediately notice is that no two are alike!
Growing up, I was fortunate to have parents who had a passion for boating. When I was young we were always on the water taking many trips up to the San Juans. As the years went by and I went off to school and started my career, the memories of those trips began to fade. When I headed out to Roche Harbor for Nikki and Paul’s wedding, I had no idea how quickly and vividly the memories of this place would rush back. Nikki had been brought here by her parents over the years, and one of the great moments of the day was when her father told the story of how as a young girl she once casually stated “one day I am going to get married here in the Rose Garden.” While I’m not quite sure if my family and I had been on Roche at that same moment many years ago, I’m sure glad I was there on this day.
Have I ever mentioned that The Golf Club at Newcastle is one of my favorite venues? Is it because it’s the closest venue to my home? Not really, (but convenient). The spectacular sweeping views and magical sunsets? Perhaps. Maybe it’s because I’m a golf nut and can’t help but to longingly glaze over at the sight of perfectly manicured fairways. After watching Mary & Sam’s highlight, I think you’ll understand… how can you not love this place?
A&J created a truly unique wedding day. So much thought went into every single detail. I kept turning my camera and seeing new things throughout the day. What was a constant, however, were the warm smiles on each of their faces from the moment I arrived to the second I left. I hope you’re smiling by the end of this excerpt from their highlights:
Here is a quick excerpt from A&H’s highlight. Anna wanted something different… and from her feedback, I think I delivered!
“We just finished watching the DVD in its entirety and we’re completely blown away! It is SO amazing! We are so happy and couldn’t ask for anything more. You are a true genius and we are so lucky to have had you document our big day. We love that we get to relive this event again and feel like it was yesterday. What you captured is even better than what we remembered.”
I created a video for a Microsoft group a while back, and one of my interview subjects for that video was Harmony. After a quick referral from another Microsoft employee who is also a client of mine, she was sold on a wedding video almost the same day! After watching their completed video, Chris commented “we felt like we were back at the Edgewater.” Mission accomplished. It’s my job to make you feel like you’re right back at the place you were when you recited your vows… not only physically, but emotionally.
My job is always easiest when I’m shooting two people who are crazy about each other. That was clearly the case in Susie and Ryan. It’s always a kick when a photographer asks the couple for a serious pose, and they can’t because the smiles are too hard to wipe away, even if only for a short moment. This is an excerpt from their full highlight which you can watch in the portfolio of my main site.
I’m lucky in that so often when shooting at a new destination, I am able to take in a sneak peak at an incredible vacation getaway spot. This was the case in Abby & Vasili’s wedding at Semiahmoo. The sunset we experienced was breathtaking, as were all the elements of this day.
So I’ve realized that posting to my blog has left the portfolio on my main website lacking. For that reason, I have posted Meridith and Tommy’s beautiful wedding on my main site. You’ll have to click a few more times to see it, but it’s well worth it.