Katherine + Chris {Charleston, SC}

Where do I even begin on this one! For a long time I've always wanted to film a wedding in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina. Tiffany Snyder and I had been chatting for awhile, and she kept saying how much they wanted to bring us down for a Charleston wedding. Well the ladies from Loluma finally blessed us with the opportunity to film a gorgeous wedding in this historic southern town. Charleston lived up to all of it's hype and then some! This place had it all with cobblestone walkways and palm trees galore! We couldn't have asked for better clients while shooting down there, Katherine and Chris were so amazing to work with! Katherine had a love for super8 film which went so well with the look and feel of her big day! I loved all of the localities of this wedding. From their intimate wedding ceremony at the Confederate Home....to the beautiful formal dinner at downtown McCrady's led by a marching band!....lastly, ending the evening a few blocks away at Marion's in the french quarter.

I hope to blog more often, if you keep checking back and it's still the same posts....check out our vimeo page ! We'll post videos there before anywhere else!

Cinematographer: Shaking Hands Productions

Event Planner: Loluma

Photographer: Juliet Elizabeth Photography

Weddings Unveiled {Published}

Hi everyone! So excited to share that our styled shoot was recently published in the new Weddings Unveiled {summer 12}! I felt so honored to be a part of this shoot as there were so many talented vendors involved with this project. I have to say Marta Locklear did an absolute fantastic job w/ the film photographs from this shoot! Each image turned out so dreamy, and I think that was the feel we all were going for. Below you can see the images published in the magazine, as well our short film of the styled shoot! Photobucket

We also found out our same styled shoot was also published in the new e-magazine {MagRouge}! You can see even more stunning images from the shoot on pages 178-193

Margaret + Noah {Eastern Shore}

We had an absolute blast filming Margaret and Noah's wedding in Exmore, Va! There were so many fun details to this wedding. The unique ceremony location was held on family grounds, and each element of the day surrounded a sort of marsh land feel. It was a really cool experience to be a part of. Austin and I couldn't wait to bring this story to life in editing! More than anything, we felt this wedding had so much love between both families. It was just a good feeling throughout the entire day. We were able to boast that this wedding was a stress free experience! When your clients are relaxed and happy, your vendors are happy...it's a beautiful thing, but I guess it helps when the bride is in the wedding industry...Margaret gets it=)

 

cinematography- Shaking Hands Productions

coordinator - Brittany Barham Platinum Events

photographer - Amy Sandoval + Alice Proujansky

cake - Becca’s Cakes and More

flowers - Norfolk Wholesale Florist

catering - The Island House Restaurant

song cover - Bruce Springsteen - Should I fall behind

Styled Shoot {Venn Workshops}

It's been quite awhile since our last post, so I thought I'd share this fun little super8 video we put together from Venn Workshops in DC. We had such a talented team on board! I just love shooting super8 film, it's so timeless and cinematic...the colors and tones you get from film is just unreal! We were so excited to find our shoot was featured on both Wedding Chicks + Green Wedding Shoes! Anyway, check out the little super8 film we put together! venue Parks House

event designer by Amber Karson Events

photographed by Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography + Jodi Miller

cakes by Charm City Cakes

Liliahn + Ibrahim || NYE || {D.C.}

One word to describe this New Years Eve wedding would be "epic"! From the venue, to the reception details..this wedding had it all! On a side note, I'd like to share a little about these two, because I like to brag on my clients=) Liliahn is the Senior Director of teams marketing and business operations for the National Basketball Association(NBA). Ibrahim is a M.B.A graduate of Harvard, and a Vice President of investments at Landmark Partners. You can actually read more about their engagement notice in The New York Times! So I was more than thrilled when Liliahn asked us to film her D.C. wedding on New Years Eve! This was our very first holiday wedding and this event will be one to remember! I've been to a lot of hotels in my 10 years of filming weddings, and  the Mandarin Oriental, DC  is right up there with brands such as the W Hotels! Ibrahim and Liliahn had their "first look" at the top of the penthouse suite overlooking the National Park. The views from the suite and the amenities provided were absolutely stunning. The guests were servedt traditional chinese/mandarin cuisine during the cocktail hour...sooo delicious!  Of course the best part of the night was the counting down to 2012! What a party, and what a way to welcome in the New Year!  All the best to Ibrahim and Liliahn, may your marriage be blessed!!

Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions

Photography: Michael Clark

Event Planner: Vicky Johnson

Venue: Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C.

Enjoy=)

Sierra + Joel || Berry Hill Estate ||

Well this will be our last wedding trailer post for 2011! It has been an absolute fanstatic year for our small company, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us next year:) Several new people have become part of our filming and editing team. On a side note, we are actually filming a wedding on the last day of 2011, that will carry into the first day of 2012. This New Years Eve DC wedding couldn't come any faster, and we couldn't be anymore thrilled to film it! Now onto this spectacular wedding story, I first met Sierra at the beginning on this year at our local Sbux. She expressed to me how important her wedding film was to her, and all the specifics and details she wanted us to capture in her own film. Fast forward several months after booking, we randomly got a lead at our church for a couple looking to join a small group in our area...turns out it was Sierra and Joel. Joel and I hit it off real lywell, and so did the girls. We all became good friends over the past year, so when their wedding day finally came in October we couldn't have been more excited to be a part of their big day!

Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions

Photography: Sam Stroud Photography

Venue: Berry Hill Plantation

 

Lauren + Andrew || Veritas ||

I love filming weddings at Veritas Winery, such a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. Lauren and Andrew had a great creative team for their wedding. I thought the stationary from Bella Figura was quite creative! I guess L&A are also big Vineyard Vines fans cause they pulled out the big pink whale hats for pictures....the bridal party was hoping to make the front page of Vineyard Vines blog...and they did=) It's always refreshing to film so many little details that make these trailers so interesting to watch.

cinematography by Shaking Hands Productions

photography by Jen Fariello

venue: Veritas Winery

florist: Pat's floral design

stationary: Bella Figura

grooms cake: Maliha Creations

wedding cake: Cakes Unlimited

officiant: Claire Goodman/Sacred Ground Ceremonies

Susan + Tim || Philadelphia ||

I remember when Susan contacted me a year ago about filming her wedding. She said she found us on Facebook, as one of her friends were tagged in one of our wedding trailers. Oh, the joys of online networking=) Some of the best moments from the day was the filming the traditional Korean Paebaek ceremony.

Some exciting news, I was informed by Susan that her wedding was selected to be published in Philadelphia Magazine this coming spring!

Cinematography by Shaking Hands Productions

Photography by Alison Conklin

Stephen + Taryn || Palos Verdes, CA ||

Hands down, this was one of our favorite couples this year! Taryn is a very gifted artist//painter and hails from South Africa. Stephen is from my hometown of Virginia Beach and is now a rescue diver for the US Coast Guard, stationed in LAX. The couple were married at the Palos Verdes Lighthouse on USCG property overlooking the cliffs of Southern California. One of the most memorable moments of the day was when steve's buddies from the Coast Guard did a surprise helicopter flyby, and then hovered over the couple while they posed for photos!

I loved everything about this wedding, from its location to originality. Each detail displayed in this film{bridesmaids dresses, gifts, boutonnieres/head pieces, invitations, and centerpieces} was hand made by this talented bride. Taryn actually wore the same floral head piece her grandmother wore some 40 years ago! I was very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing couple's wedding!


Cinematography: Shaking Hands Productions

Photography: Jacob Galleries

Florals: Magical Blooms

Lighting: Ric Robertson/Event Lighting Services

Cupcakes: Hayley White/Sweet and Saucy Shop



Ben + Ghazal || Persian wedding ||

I love being a part of cultured weddings. Ghazal has Persian roots, and wanted to mix some her family's traditions into their ceremony. The backdrop for the ceremony takes place in a specially decorated area with flowers and a beautiful and elaborately decorated spread on the floor called "Sofreh-ye Aghd". Traditionally Sofreh-ye Aghd is set on the floor facing east, the direction of sunrise (light). Consequently when bride and bridegroom are seated at the head of Sofreh-ye Aghd they will be facing "The Light".

Persians love to dance, we had so much fun documenting the event!! From the toasts, to the dancing, you can just tell how much family meant to this couple. Thanks to Ghazal and Ben for letting us be a part of their big day!

Lighting/AV: Skyline Tents

Father's Table Bakery

I've been to many weddings over the years, and Ken Reed {Father's Table} is by far one of our area's best caterers. Aside from making delicious food for weddings, Father Table is a full service Bakery, and Cafe in Forest, Va. I love hearing about the history and background of an individual's life, to learn where they came from, and how they started their own business. I don't think a lot people are aware of what goes into making fresh pastries, and baked goodies. I painfully but willingly woke up around 3am just to tell this story. Ken shared with me there is an exact science to making these yummy treats, an extra pinch of salt can throw off a whole batch of pastries. Well I never tasted anything less than scrumptious since shooting there! I really enjoyed getting to know the staff at FT, and I'm looking forward to watching this new business grow!

Hema + Shalin || Hindu Wedding ||

I've always, always wanted an Indian wedding in our portfolio. Several months ago this beautiful couple blessed us with the opportunity to document their cultured event. This was our very first Hindu wedding! I think my favorite part of the trailer was Vidai(Indian tradition where the bride says last goodbyes to her family)...very moving images with the super8 intertwined with HD footage...


I am so excited to share that Hema + Shalin's wedding trailer was recently featured on MaharaniWeddings.com!! What an honor to be displayed on such a respected Indian blog as Maharani!

Special thanks to Tammy Keefer for introducing us to these amazing people!




Marina + Ray || Sundara ||

This was a beautiful wedding for an inspiring couple. Marina and Ray both come from families in the medical field. Both sets of parents are respectable doctors, so the apples did not fall far from the trees=) Marina is about to start her Pediatric residency, and Ray has two years left in his Radiology residency.

I am all for new experiences, and Ray and Marina's wedding was definitely an amazing experience! This was the first Orthodox Egyptian/Christian ceremony that we have filmed. There was a lot of chanting and singing in doxology/verses from the Bible. Marina and Ray did not exchange vows or rings during the ceremony like traditional Christian or Catholic weddings. Towards the latter end of the ceremony, they were robed and crowned by the Church officials! They both resembled royalty, it was really fascinating!

This was the second time we have had the privilege of shooting at Sundara in Boones Mill, Va. It is truly a gorgeous venue! I could tell from first meeting Marina, that this girl had all of her ducks in a row.... and man was I right...Stephanie & Marina spent a lot of time making this reception perfect! I can't wait to see the images taken from their talented photographer, Marta Locklear... I won't list every little detail but you will be able to see from the wedding trailer that it was done right! Congrats Marina and Ray, glad to hear your enjoying your Mediterranean honeymoon!
Venue: Sundara
Photographer: Marta Locklear
Wedding planner: Diamond Events
Florals: Gloriosa

Celebration || Bridal Shop Promo ||

If you live in the Central Virginia area, then you're well aware of Celebration Bridal. They're our area's premier Bridal/Prom couture shop, located right here in downtown Lynchburg, Virginia. When Leecy Fink contacted me about the possibly of making a promotional video for their shop, as well as revamping their old website...I jumped at the opportunity=)

A few months later, we took a few trips downtown, to film and capture testimonials from past clients, as well as what you can expect to experience at the shop, as told by Celebration's staff. We even interviewed one of our 2010 Brides, Angelica. It was a really fun project to be a part of! Hope you enjoy it and be sure to check out the outtakes at the end!!

And just recently, we launched their brand new website! You can check it out here!

Carissa + Keegan || Sundara ||

I met Carissa a few years ago, at a Bridal show in Salem. She was working for event designer (Angela Corsair with Corsair Floral & Decor). Carissa was telling me how she had a real love for video, as she also worked for another wedding videography company in town. Just last year she inquired about us filming her own wedding at Sundara! When I first received the inquiry, I remember her right away...such a sweet girl! Keegan and Carissa have awesome story of how they were brought together in life's tragic events. Blessing to you guys, and your marriage together! Thanks for letting Kelli and I capture such an awesome, and special day!

Venue: Sundara in Boones Mill, Va
Photography: Casey Templeton
Cake/Catering: Center Stage Cartering

Kaitlyn + Ben || Keswick Hall ||

There is so much creativity that is kept cooped up all winter long...so when spring/wedding season finally comes around, I can't help but put that creativity to good use! I have been looking forward to filming Ben and Kaitlyn's wedding for some time now. I can't remember exactly when Kaitlyn first contacted me about filming their wedding. She said that it was the memories that were most important things to book first in the planning process. I love when clients have an utter respect and love for our craft, just as much as we do! Have a look at their fun e-session captured by our friends at Kellan Studios!

Unfortunately, I'd gotten sick a few days before the wedding....but luckily, I felt much better on the morning of their wedding day. It did end up raining that day, but that didn't stop this couple from having an absolute blast in celebrating their marriage together! This was the first time I've had the privilege of filming a wedding at such a beautiful facility as Keswick Hall. I really enjoyed the whole process of putting this wedding trailer together. I especially enjoyed shooting around the grounds of UVA. Charlottesville weddings are always so beautiful!
Photography: Jen Fariello

Carter + Misha || Hotel Roanoke ||

Awhile back, Lyndsey and I had the privilege of helping out with a photography work shop for VPPA, right here in Lynchburg, Va. Lisa Carter was coordinating the whole gig, along with our super talented friends, Scott and Adina from Hayne Photographers. We really enjoyed our time with Lisa, so shortly after, she referred Misha to me. Misha was busy planning her wedding as most brides do, but she was doing this all from NYC! She worked in the fashion industry for some time. This bride had quite the vision for her wedding, as evidence by the gorgeous floral arrangements and decor by Caroline LaRocca Events. We were super excited to shoot this wedding, as it was our first wedding of 2011 wedding season. Can I just say it freakin' poured buckets the day of their wedding!! Luckily, we dried out inside for the rest of the festivities! Such a fun wedding to be a part of! Congratulations to Carter and Misha Cua!

Wedding Coordinator: Bridget Powell

Royal Romance :: Editorial Shoot/BTS Video ::

I've had the privilege of being a vendor on Hill City Bride, an online resource for brides in the Central Virginia area. Awhile ago, Jennifer Prince(who runs HCB) came up with an idea of having a stylized shoot with the theme of Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. Jeremiah Guelzo(photographer/art director)and Jennifer(project coordinator/art director) orchestrated this event, and used trade specific Hill City Bride vendors to make this vision into a reality. Shaking Hands Productions had the privilege of filming the behind the Scenes footage from the editorial shoot. We even mixed in some super8 film to give it an extra vintage feel.

Lynchburg Living puts out an annual wedding issue entitled, "Hitched"...the magazine gave HCB a four page spread for our editorial shoot. The HCB vendors did a phenomenal job working together and making this a legit big time production in such a small town.

CGS :: Photographer Promo ::

First off, I love being around people who make you laugh and smile...Crystal George is definitely one of those people! Everything about Crystal is just so real...so transparent, and just a calming spirit about her....I am proud to call her my friend...Crystal just recently rebranded herself, and wanted a new image for her talents as a gifted photographer....so I loved putting this promo together, completely different from her last video w/ intriguing locations seen throughout the promo....one location even being my old stomping grounds of Virginia Beach/Norfolk. Special thanks to Rich and Tim for the beautiful cinematography. I think this piece really shows off the wonderful personality and qualities of Crystal, that really makes her stand out from the rest.

Crystal, was just recently featured on Shutter Wars, a reality webisode where 5 photographers go head to head to capture the best shots while being scrutinized by the judges(think Iron Chef).

Also, CGS's new promo was just recently featured on Hill City Bride. If you are a bride in the Central Va area, plan on attending Bliss on February 26th @ Riverviews Artspace in downtown Lynchburg. Bliss offers exciting and informative panel discussions with local wedding professionals along with creative and informative breakout workshop sessions.

Anna + Paul :: wedding trailer:: Lynchburg, Va

Anna and Paul were married this past November, and had their reception at the beautiful Tresca on 8th in downtown Lynchburg. I cannot say enough of how absolutely gorgeous their reception was! I was just mesmerized by all the details, and lighting accents that were displayed. There was a beautiful arrangement of flowing grapes, and towering candles over the couples' dining table...very tuscany feel throughout...I pinched a grape thinking it too ripe, too real looking...nope, definitely real. The florals and decor were handled by the 'oh so talented, Rod Meek and Co.

Here is a list of other vendors that made it happen that evening:

Event lighting: castleeventlighting.com

Dj: officialent.com

Cake: coffeycakes.com

Catering: Ivy Point Catering

Paul and Anna are so great together. Paul is pretty laid back guy like me. I really enjoyed putting this video together on how they met. There is footage from their e-session mixed as well. We try to stay away from all things cheesy, and just let the couples personalities show through. That being said, I hope you enjoy their non-cheesy "love story".

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