We have been blessed to film a lot of special couples since starting this business. We have formed a lot of connections & beautiful friendships. But this wedding was so much more than one special couple on one special day…
When Eric and Jess got engaged, they decided that they wanted an intimate wedding. One where their closest friends and family could join them in a three day long celebration of life, love, and marriage. To do this, they needed to find the perfect venue. And let me tell you, they found their perfect venue. Rancho Pescadero is a small 27 room boutique hotel near the tucked away town of Todos Santos in Baja Mexico. After a two hour dirt road drive from the airport you eventually reach wedding venue Shangri-La. Within feet of its own private beach, Rancho feels like it is in the middle of nowhere, outside of time and space. As you cross its threshold, an invisible force field eradicates every aniexity and stress and troublesome thought you have and leave you in a buzzing sense of bliss. It was at this garden of eden that Eric and Jess decided to have their wedding.
It was here that they decided to invite about 45 of their closest friends and relatives to participate in their three day festival of marriage. Luckily for us we were friends of the bride and groom. (Megan toured with Eric.) Because we were friends and because we were at Rancho for three days with the bridal party and all the guests, we got the chance to experience this celebration from a much more visceral position than usual. If words could describe the experience then I would write you all a novel… but it just would not suffice. It was the feeling that we were all left with that encapsulates this joyous occasion. To truly share in two people’s love is intoxicating. To spend three days giving them your support and in return being granted the opportunity to be part of who they are and their experiences is a grace that I wish you could all experience. Rather than crack open my thesaurus and try and relate to you in words who these people are and they experience that they had, I will let the words cease. Watch this film and maybe, just maybe you can be transported back to 11.11.11 with us to participate in the wedding of Eric and Jessica. Hell of a way to end our 2011 wedding season if you ask us…
{wedding day details}
Rancho Pescadero: venue
Nicole Miller: bride’s dress
Laura Marie Duncan: photography
Cabo Flowers: cake & flowers
Music Licensed from The Music Bed
As event filmmakers, we have a very unique perspective on these incredible days. For the bride and groom there is typically a very long build up and then the actual day tends to blur by. They are left with a vague impression of what the day was actually like and what they experienced. Our view point is completely the opposite. We show up the day of and then for weeks and months afterwards we pour over every last second of film we created. We analyze each and every moment so that we can find the right shots to put into the wedding film. In many ways, we have a much better perspective on what happened and how the bride and groom felt than they do themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to tell Jerry and Natasha that they experienced their wedding day with utmost perfection. It can be very easy to succumb to the pressure of this day, but Jerry and Natasha did not. In fact they soaked up each and every moment. The amount of moments that we captured was so staggering that it took us twice as long to go through footage than it normally does. They lived their day. They experienced and appreciated how beautiful all the details were. They shared their love with their families and loved ones. And most importantly of all, they looked into each other’s eyes and connected with one another. The ceremony is what is supposed to unify two people, but Jerry and Natasha were inextricably bound well before they ever said, “I do.” As we watched the footage of them from their wedding day, we could see it. In each and every frame. The sheer delight at the sight of one another. The open and supportive arms as they held each other. The tone of their voices as their volume dropped so that no one could hear them but each other. These two were meant for one another. I could probably write a book on what love is and only use these two as examples, but I’ll stop right here because I can say it all with much more eloquence and pathos with a film. Watch. Experience. Enjoy.
P.S. We would very much like to thank Jerry and Natasha for finding us. At the time that we first met them we were not going to take on any more clients due to some serious family medical issues. With the help of Jodi Cohen at JOWY Productions we met with them despite our reservations. Upon meeting them we knew that we would love to work with them. They are passionate people and their passion fueled our passion. Working with them and creating this film have opened us up to our creative fire. They have allowed us to live in our imaginations and to remember that this is why we do this. So thank you. Speaking of creativity…if you haven’t watched Jerry & Natasha’s Love Story then you absolutely MUST! This film is a perfect example of our dream collaboration with a couple!
{wedding day details}
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: venue
JOWY Productions: planning
Heather Kincaid: photography
Eric Buterbaugh: flowers
The Butter End Cakery:cake
James Gang Encore: reception band
Jasmine Alise: makeup
Shann Beeman:hair
Kenneth Pool: bride’s dress
Vince Camuto: bride’s shoes
Dolce & Gabbana: groom’s tux
Salvatore Ferragamo: groom’s shoes
Amsale: bridesmaids’ dress
Weddings aren’t perfect. In fact 99% of the time something will go wrong that’s completely out of anyone’s control. BUT we always tell our couples, “As long as you get married, nothing else matters.” We truly believe this and so did John & Carolyn. The day of their wedding the clouds opened up and rained on San Diego almost the entire day. But that didn’t matter to Carolyn & John. Nothing could ruin this day. Even though their ceremony had to be moved inside, that did not damper their spirits. The only thing John & Carolyn were concerned about was marrying their best friend and partner in life. Elation and excitement was what everyone witnessed in John & Carolyn. During the ceremony, John came alive when he saw Carolyn walk down the aisle. I dare say he became giddy! And it goes without saying that Carolyn was just as giddy as John, if not more. You could almost hear their hearts fluttering…for reals. In their Love Story, they talked about how they couldn’t wait to start their lives together and being there on the wedding day, I can say without a doubt, that they really couldn’t wait. In fact John and Carolyn were so eager to kiss during the ceremony that the officiant broke the rules and let them kiss right away!
{wedding day details}
El Cortez Don Room: venue
Jim Hjelm: bride’s dress
MaxStudio: brides shoes
Perry Ellis: groom’s suit
Ann’s Plans: coordination
Betwixt Studio: photography
Artistic Productions: dj
Artquest Catering: catering
San Diego Flower Patch: flowers
At the beginning of November we had the pleasure of filming John & Carolyn’s amazing San Diego wedding…which will be posted in the next few days (so stay tuned)! But a couple months ago we met up with Carolyn & John at their home in San Diego to film their love story. We bonded very quickly especially since Carolyn and I have around 80 mutual friends from theatre. Okay not 80, maybe 8. But they also love to cook together, eat pizza, drink wine, and take leisurely hikes…all the things that Ian and I like to do. John is a firefighter and Carolyn a teacher, which I greatly admire. Another thing that I admire about these two is their dedication to each other. They love each other so passionately and sincerely. It’s really something and their love story is fantastic. Carolyn & John showed their film at their rehearsal dinner and shared their story with their family & friends, a wonderful way to have everyone be extra invested on the day of your wedding. We had such a blast with them! Thanks for sharing your story John & Carolyn!
And while you’re at it, don’t you want to watch Carolyn & John’s wedding highlight film?
This was our first wedding in Santa Cruz, and we couldn’t have been happier to have our first experience be with Jon and Danielle. They both live in Oakland, but Danielle went to school in Santa Cruz and really loved the area. Getting married in the swanky Dream Inn provided just the right atmosphere for this fun beach wedding. Often times brides will either be nervous or a little jittery, but Danielle just seemed alive and excited. She just seemed completely on. Like if she decided to go do standup at that exact moment she could have the crowd rolling in the aisles with laughter. This seemed to be her element. And it made her look more beautiful than ever. I hesitate to use the word, twinkle in her eye, since it is such a cliche, but I swear there was a twinkle in her eyes!
Another one of the highlights of the evening was the toasts. One of Jon and Danielle’s nearest and dearest friends gave a speech that must have gone on at least for ten minutes. Most of the time I would not recommend that someone give such a long speech. However, if you can alternate between being laugh out loud funny, and tear inducingly sincere, then you are given a free pass. All in all this wedding was very comforting. Jon and Danielle fit together like puzzle pieces. And all their friends and family loved them and were there that day to support them and to celebrate with them. It really was a perfect beach wedding. And if you’d like to know more about how Jon & Danielle came to be, check out their Love Story!
{wedding day details}
Dream Inn: venue
J.Crew: bride’s dress
Tory Burch: brides shoes
Calvin Klein: groom’s suit
Mike Danen: photography
Joel Nelson Productions: dj
Angel Cakes: cupcakes
Chris and Lauren know how to have fun. A lot of people tend to get nervous the day of their wedding. They sit around anxiously and let the pressure build. They want to get through the ceremony so they can relax and have some fun. Chris didn’t wait till after the ceremony. We arrived at 10am to film him jumping his bike into the lake on the property. With a group of his best friends we watched and filmed as they ramped up their speed heading down the driveway and then up and over the ramp, flying through the air a few feet before ditching the bike and splashing into the water. See what I mean. They know how to have fun.
As they day progressed their fun loving selves did give way to the emotional side as Lauren’s dad came in to see his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. It’s one of the hidden perks of our jobs to be there for these moments. It was such a delight to see his face light up with pride and awe in his daughter. This particular ceremony had a deeper meaning than usual as both fathers played a large role. For Chris, his father unfortunately passed away less than two months before the wedding in an accident. In a moment that had Ian and I both choked up, Chris wanted to leave a empty seat at the ceremony, reserved for his father who was watching on from above. As for Lauren’s father, he was the officiant and presided over their union. Lauren’s father was eloquent and moving as he helped join Chris and Lauren in matrimony.
Their day was a celebration. A celebration of life and love. Once the ceremony was over Lauren and Chris kicked back and partied the night away with all of their friends. It was hard for us to not put our camera’s down and join in on the dancing.
{wedding day details}
Desert Ridge Ranch: wedding venue
Ryan & Wey: photographers
Allure:bride’s dress
H&M and J.Crew:bridesmaids’ dresses
Katherine Brozowski: florist
Sometimes with our couples we see what I like to call “the simplicity of love.” It sounds cheesy…I know. But it’s true! There’s a moment in this film where Laura looks up at Blake during the ceremony and smiles. But not any old regular smile…a huge big smile that just exudes love and warmth. And Blake. During his interview we asked him what he is thankful for in his relationship. He responded with, “I’m so thankful that I met her.” I couldn’t help but appreciate the simplicity of that statement. This is something that I don’t know if I ever thought to be thankful for in my relationship but thanks to Blake now I am. Blake & Laura have the simplicity of love perfected. Thanks for including us on your day!
{wedding day details}
Bakersfield Country Club: wedding venue
Misty Dameron Photography: photographer
Private Label by G: bride’s dress
Music by Jeff Woods: dj
Flourishing Art: flowers
Rosie’s Bakery: cake
Morgan Devaney: make up
Caroline Carrasco & Maribel Escobar: hair
Dan Towery: officiant
It has been a crazy year (both for the business and our life). Ian and I were in the midst of one of our busiest months this year when he woke me up at the crack of dawn. (Ian is a much earlier riser than I am.) I rolled over and said, “Why are you waking me up?! It’s too early!” Ian replied in a whisper, “I figured I could wake you up for this…we just received an invitation to join Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book!” I shot straight up, ”WHAT?! For reals?!” And that’s when I grabbed my phone to read the invitation email.
Style Me Pretty is the end all be all of wedding blogs. To be a part of their highly exclusive Little Black Book is a huge honor for us. We were shocked that this happened so soon (this year being only our second full season) and we are utterly grateful that Style Me Pretty had been secretly watching our work! Check out our listing.
Where do I even begin about Jerry & Natasha?! These two people are spectacular people. They have a spectacular relationship. And they have a spectacular love story. (You will see what I mean when you watch the film.) Since Jerry & Natasha were having a red carpet, Hollywood themed wedding extravaganza they wanted to star in their own film as well! They collaborated with us every step of the way to create an amazing film that really got to the heart and soul of their relationship. They premiered this film on a huge screen at the rehearsal dinner that was at the Sony Pictures Lot. Everyone who was invited to the wedding was at the rehearsal dinner, so every guest was able to see how Jerry & Natasha came to be.
I really could go on and on about them and their wedding that was last Saturday, but I won’t. Instead I ask you to make sure you have an uninterrupted 11 minutes to watch their film. Close your door, put on those headphones, grab a box of tissues and watch this. You won’t be sorry. We are so proud of Jerry & Natasha for opening up to us, trusting us, and allowing us to capture their story.
And while you’re at it, don’t you want to watch Jerry & Natasha’s wedding highlight film?
It’s always fun getting a chance to interview our couples. Sure, it’s a way to get to know them better and for them to have an invaluable keepsake of their relationship… but with Taryn and Todd, it was just plain fun. I’ve never laughed so much during an interview. The camera was literally shaking. Todd is just a total riot. They are also both honest and frank people. We loved them both the moment that we met them. And when we got a chance to hear their story, it was as moving as any.
They met over 10 years ago at a party. It was nothing too memorable, but at Todd says, “She left an impression on him.” A few months later was September 11th, and the first person that Todd thought of was Taryn. He called her to make sure she was okay, and that was the beginning…
The wedding day itself was tons of fun and absolutely stunning. If you are getting married in Long Island (or anywhere in the TriState area) I highly suggest checking out Oheka Castle. It’s a magnificent backdrop for one of the greatest days of your lives. On this particular day there wasn’t single detail that wasn’t perfect. And the most important detail of all, was fun. They had a great time. And thanks to Kenny Ford band, the most amazing band we have ever seen at a wedding, for keeping the music pumping. So thank you Taryn and Todd for allowing us to be part of your day.
{wedding day details}
St. Agnes Cathedral: ceremony location
Oheka Castle: reception location
Turn Loose the Art: photographer
Simone Carvalli: bride’s dress
Dessy Collection: bridesmaids’ dresses
Kenny Ford Band from Hank Lane: band
Dynamic Entertainment: lighting
Gaetano Florists & Gardens Inc: flowers
Oheka Castle: cake & catering
