April 10, 2014

The Most Overwhelming Moment in a Wedding || Embracing a Good Cry

April 10, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

We've all seen it before -- the impending cry. At a moment when you least expect it, a bride or groom will suddenly become hushed -- their face will start to scrunch a little, or a once-resolute chin will quiver, or, with no warning, a huge crocodile tear will start that rivery path down the side of a cheek. When Adam read that note from Natalie, his bride, we knew we had just witnessed a truly special moment (and you can, too! watch their full wedding film!).

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Some people enter their wedding with a certainty that they will or won't cry at some point over the course of the day. In our experience as wedding professionals, however, the emotions can hit a bride or groom at any point, and suddenly, there's no turning back -- if you're a bride and you're in the make-up chair, your artist will have lots of great suggestions to prevent your make up from smearing, like, "look upward" or "hold tissue just at the edge of your eye, but don't press or wipe, just let it absorb." Some people don't want to cry, and are determined not to, and they fight it---I've heard some people comment that they are afraid of the "ugly cry" face they might make. I happen to be of the firm belief that when it comes to happy tears, there's no such thing as an "ugly cry." Happy tears are only beautiful. So embrace the happy tears! These are precious moments, and you need to live in the moment, fully aware of what you're experiencing on your wedding day!

Here's a beautiful moment where Tara opened up her gift from her groom - a Cartier Love bracelet. Her happy tears were so sweet, it's the moment we chose for the opening scene of her wedding film. Alex chose to give her this bracelet both because she had always admired it, but also because their relationship started with the gift of a bracelet. Watch her full film here.

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In the spirit of embracing a beautiful cry, we want to share this next wedding video clip from the heirloom feature commissioned by one of our recent clients. Kellye is a bride who, with an open heart, truly embraced the emotions of the day, and one of my favorite moments from her wedding came during her father's toast. As he spoke about how he's looked forward to this day, he described that as Kellye grew up, waking up to her presence in their home everyday was "like Christmas morning, every morning." And if that wasn't enough to melt your heart, what happened next most certainly will.

Don't you just love that? We also thought that the confetti guns were a great way to celebrate the wedding ceremony kiss at an outdoor backyard wedding. You can watch the full wedding video here.

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"It doesn't get any better than this"

April 08, 2014

Second Line Tradition - Moments from weddings at The Roosevelt + The Ritz-Carlton

April 08, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

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If you've never experienced a NOLA celebration, well, then let me tell you something - they do weddings right in New Orleans. Weddings are already unique amongst parties in that they are always a cheerful celebration of the joining of two circles of families, friends, and communities, and then adding the tradition of a second line just amps up the celebration level. What is a second line? A basic description would say that it is an informal parade of wedding guests lead by a live brass band through the streets of New Orleans. But those words don't do it justice, because what a second line does is something bigger.

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Imagine, for a minute, that it's the end of a wedding reception. You've spent the day being pampered with close friends and family, sipping mimosas, getting ready in leisure, taking portraits with everyone from your closest college friends to your great-great aunt, making sincere wedding vows, enjoying cocktails and home-style cajun cooking, and dancing the night away to live jazz, and now it's time to leave. But just because it's time to leave the wedding doesn't mean it's going to be over so soon. As you gather your things to leave, the sounds of a trumpet, tuba, and trombone are wafting through the halls to the ballroom. Suddenly, a whistle guides you to handkerchiefs, and you're dancing down the street following this band, waving your handkerchief to the beat of the music. As you dance through the french quarter streets with your wedding party, other NOLA residents wave and join in to dance with you for a few minutes. Some of them will join your parade for the entire time! Half an hour later, you can't wipe the smile off of your face from the fun that you've had. Everyone you pass by cheers along with you, because everyone knows: this is special, and worth celebrating.

Here are some scenes from second lines we've filmed in the past:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

Photographer Paul Morse. You can view his official images of the wedding here.

Event Design by Linda Matzkin & Alexandra Kappel of Hopple Popple Events.

Ceremony and Reception at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Reception Band: Jimmy Church Band

Makeup: Tisa from Tisa’s Beauty Bar

Florist: Urban Earth

Second Line Band: The Storyville Stompers

February 14, 2014

What Love Really Looks Like: confessions of a wedding videographer

February 14, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

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With Valentine's day, the talk of love is in the air, and I've got something to let you know:

I'm still surprised how often I meet strangers who, after finding out that I film weddings, often lean in and whisper to me in some sort of pseudo-confession: "I have never watched my wedding video in the past 30 years." In contrast, our own clients have been known to watch their wedding films on repeat until they are basically suffering from sleep deprivation--all in the first day of receiving their film!

Now, I know what you're thinking when you hear the word "wedding video" too--but these aren't your Aunt Pam's wedding videos--with those heart-shaped frames around the edges & star wipes between each shot, so bad that they are never watched---our films of weddings are time capsules of some of the greatest moments in a person's life. The stories in our films will make your heart skip a beat, and they will make your face hurt from laughing so much.

Like when a wasp got caught in this bride's dress during the ceremony. Or, when she cried sweet, happy tears as she spoke her vows.

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What's the difference between the films we make and the stereotypical wedding videos from the 1980s? I'll tell you:

We know that love is made up of both big moments and small moments. We know that a wedding day isn't just about the DIY accents--it's also about a community of people getting to celebrate together---a community that has supported the couple as individuals over the course of their entire lives, and they're all coming into the same town and the same room for a week, or a weekend, or a few hours-- and they're cheering as they get to witness the start of a new chapter for this couple. We also know that a wedding is not a finish line--it's a party celebrating the beginning of the biggest adventure and the bravest self-sacrifice two people could ever make. Love is a continuing story, passed down generation to generation.

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Over the course of each year, we get to witness special moments as we make wedding videos for our clients, and it might sound crazy, but we walk around our office quoting wedding films more than we quote hollywood movies. In fact, as much as I love romantic movies like Thoroughly Modern Millie, The New World, and Ever After, I'm going to be so bold as to say that not only are our wedding films better than 80s wedding videos--but I like them better than hollywood films because, seriously, y'all. These love-birds are REAL. These people are really, really real. And knowing that these stories are true as day is extremely encouraging and refreshing--sure to soften the heart of even the most hardened cynic.

Just to prove it, here are some special wedding moments from the past few years that make my heart skip a beat or my face muscles hurt from laughing each time I think about them:

How History repeats itself:

We found out that this bride met her husband in front of the exact same building where her parents met each other 20 years before. Not only that, this bride and her groom share the exact same birthday. ...watch the story here

When this groom is amazed at his bride's jaw-dropping beauty.

When this groom saw his bride in a private "first look" right before their wedding ceremony, his jaw LITERALLY dropped when he saw her beauty! I also love how the bride's dad SANG during the wedding reception as Jackie and Chance danced their "first dance" in front of friends and family. ...watch the story here

When a family friend officiates the wedding:

It always cracks me up when I think about this hilarious moment where the officiant in this wedding is handed the rings for the vows, and he looks at the bride's ring for a minute, then turns to the groom and says, "well, there goes your boat payment." Keeping your wedding personal always makes weddings more memorable! ...watch the story here

When dads make grand gestures:

During the reception at this wedding, the father of this groom announced that he just donated money to support the museum where his son, Andrew, met Erin, the bride-to-be. ...watch the story here

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When a groom exclaims, "I'm the luckiest man alive!"

When the best man explains why he chose the groom as a godfather for his own children.

...because he knew that in the event that Scott would need to raise his daughter, she would grow up seeing a great example of what it's like for a woman to truly be loved by a man. Oh, man, you better grab your tissues before you watch the full story here.

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When this father surprises his daughter with fireworks at the wedding reception.

....watch the full film here

When this groom cries.

....And he does, multiple times. In fact, he's so expressive that his groomsmen gently tease "your make-up's gonna come off!" This good-natured groom takes it all in stride, even though the tears well up multiple times--and he's got some impressive moves on the dance floor, too! ...watch the story here

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When this groom jokes about improvising more and more wedding vows.

The custom wedding vows this couple shared are better than any hollywood script: "Every day spent together with you is the best day of my life," wrote the bride as she prepared for the ceremony. On the way to the ceremony site, the groom teased "If your vows are better than mine, I'm going to improvise more vows!" This bride and groom were both collegiate-level athletes, and their competitive spirit was super cute--but we have to admit that both of their vows still bring us to tears. Chris & Caroline decided to elope---but they still took along some family and friends--watch the film here or read more about it on style me pretty.

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When these childhood sweethearts prove that young Love CAN be a Forever Love.

This bride and groom have known each other since the bride was 3. They grew up as neighbors, dated for seven years as adults, and the groom still CRIED when the bride walked down the aisle. In their vows, they say, "I promise to kiss you first thing each morning and last thing each evening." ...watch the story here

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When this bride cries happy tears:

After being pronounced man and wife, Morgan turned to the crowd and CRIED as she showed off her wedding ring. And then they way that they look at each other. Pure adoration! ...watch the story here

When this father-in-law tells why he first approved of his son-in-law:

The Bride's dad tells a story about when he met his future son-in-law for the first time that has us in stitches each time we hear it. In Texas, wearing cowboy boots is a good way to impress your future father-in-law! ...watch here

When Love lifts us up where we belong:

When this bride opened a gift from her husband on her wedding day, she found a bracelet with a Hot Air Balloon Charm to remind her of the moment he proposed in a hot air balloon. ...watch here Kacy & Jason's story is a reminder to put things around us that remind us of important moments.

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When this couple reminds us that it's Never Too Late For Good Things to Happen:

This groom got his bride a ring with a diamond for each decade of his life that he had to wait to find her. (She's pretty thoughtful, too--she hired his favorite artist to come and create a "live painting" on site at their wedding reception, and managed to keep it a secret from him 'til the wedding day!) ...watch the story here

When this groom makes a promise to his father-in-law:

I'm telling you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Mark stood up at the rehearsal dinner to promise his father-in-law that he would take care of Liz for the rest of her life. We've filmed both Liz' wedding and her sister Sarah's wedding, and this family has truly shown us that love is filled with both a deep sense of honor and a generous sense of humor. ...watch this film.

When this couple is told they are a sign of hope.

The priest at this wedding is a wordsmith, seriously. ...watch the story here

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It's a beautiful thing when two people promise to care for one another unconditionally. Love has the power to shine a light into the world, to encourage and surprise us, to carry us through difficult circumstances, and to teach us to cherish the big and the small moments. The love that we witness at these weddings is a strong reminder of what is good in life, and we hope that as you have read these stories, you've been reminded of good things in your own life.

xoxo,

kourtney amelia

April 30, 2013

New Orleans Weddings

April 30, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

New Orleans is a hub of beautiful culture, and it is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, it is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. When strolling through town, you'll find bowls filled to the rim with gumbo, late nights in dark jazz clubs, historic neighborhoods, and tantalizing festivals throughout the year.

Every time we visit for a wedding, Jones seems to find the best local spots for us to eat when we're not filming. For example, Cafe Du Monde, which is famous for its cafe au lait and delicious fluffy powdered donuts served in a Parisian open air cafe setting. Excuse us as we share an obligatory photo of our food, solely intended to make you jealous, but unintentionally causing ourselves to now be hungry in the office.

And we ALWAYS get excited to see the word "sucre" involved with any event we're filming! They are a sweet boutique, and they are often called upon to create the most delightful macaroon cookies and other delicious treats for weddings--both as desserts served and sent as "to go" gifts with guests.

As a Texan, the most obvious thing that sticks out about experiencing the city of New Orleans is both the grandiose architecture and the natural sounds--live musicians play jazz on every corner, from troupes of young teens using everything (including buckets) as drums all the way to classy, uniformed groups like the ones we see at our wedding events--like The Jaywalkers and The Storyville Stompers. French Quarter weddings (a downtown area of New Orleans) often see the bride and groom reach their reception venue by a horse drawn carriage or by leading a “second line” preceded by a jazz band.

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A second line parade at a wedding signifies the beginning of the life between the bride and groom. The second line band leads the wedding party and guest from the church to their reception venue or it may take place at the reception venue itself. The second line stems from the African American jazz funerals and has evolved to become part of all New Orleans celebrations.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/58914163[/vimeo]

Roman Catholic weddings or very traditional religious ceremonies are also very popular and deeply ingrained into NOLA culture. Just stepping foot into any of the cathedrals in town helps you to see why--the architecture of the cathedrals is very European, and a good reminder of the sanctity and majesty of the wedding ceremony.

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Magnolias, jasmine and gardenias are popular choices for flower arrangements.

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Here are some of our favorite people, places and spaces that we've filmed during our New Orleans events. Whether you're planning an event in NOLA or simply visiting, be sure not to miss these historic landmarks!

The Roosevelt New Orleans

Particularly, visit this place during the holiday season, when all the trees and indoor plants are strung from ceiling to floor with christmas lights and trees, creating a magical winter wonderland within the marbled foyer.

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Academy of the Sacred Heart

4521 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115

Christ Church Cathedral

Located just near the French Quarter, this cathedral's pale pink granite exterior contrasts with its darkly wooden interior and gorgeous blue ceilinged front altar.

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This image from the wedding video reminds me a lot of of the beautiful colors in the images from PBS' popular TV show, Downton Abbey. They often keep their colors confined to a minimized hue spectrum.

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Storyville Stompers

A faithfully Jazzy second line band.

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The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Grand Ballroom

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The Elms Mansion & Gardens

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Maison Montegut House

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Want to know more?

You can watch our films of these NOLA brides and their southern weddings:

March 20, 2013

The Wild Onion Ranch | The Big Time Band Performs Live

March 20, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

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Austin, TX - The Wild Onion Ranch - One of Texas' finest locations for a wedding ceremony or reception is The Wild Onion Ranch located on the south side of Austin. This particular clip features a performance from The Big Time Band and the event was designed by Swoop Events, a subsidiary of 2 Dine 4 Catering.

If you're a Texan with a destination wedding in Maui, obviously, you have to celebrate your wedding twice so all your local friends can join in the fun! Texans love to have a good time with their friends, y'all! Anna Kate & Charles did exactly that, and they included all kinds of cute touches in their Texas reception. Flower necklaces, tropical flowers, orchids, hydrangeas, lilies, birds of paradise--it was a gorgeous event.

Anna Kate had us filming in 8mm during their hawaiian adventure wedding, so of course, we filmed some of their Texas party on vintage film, and we also edited it into the digital footage; it has a neat effect on the imagery in the story. Some people have referred to this combination of super 8mm film and digital HD footage as mixed media format style. We call it fun. :) We are always happy to film at The Wild Onion Ranch for parties or events.

- kourtney amelia

The Wild Onion is located just off IH-35 in south Austin, about a fifteen-minute drive from downtown.

12112 Old San Antonio Rd

Manchaca, TX 78652

Directions (from Austin):

- Take IH-35 South to Onion Creek

- Take Exit 225 toward FM 1626 / Onion Creek Parkway

- Turn Right on FM 1626 (heading west)

- Turn Left on Old San Antonio Road

- Continue on Old San Antonio Road approximately one mile

- Turn Right into the Wild Onion

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Photography: Heather Mabry, Eclectic Images

Austin Reception: The Wild Onion Ranch

Austin Reception Band: The Big Time Band

Event Planning: Swoop Events

Catering: 2Dine4

Floral Design: Westbank Flower Market

Bride and Groom's Cakes: Coco Paloma

Photobooth: Booth 66

Watch more films or join us on facebook:

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