I remember my mom showing me old Super 8 films on a clunky old projector off of our living room wall as a child. I remember staring at the little figures that were being projected on the wall. I could make out my mother as a young person … my grandfather – with hair! Wow. How special to see what they were like back in the day. How I wanted to jump into the picture to experience even more of what it might have been like for them, what they must have felt.
I also remember that the projector had to be handled just right otherwise the film might melt due to a too-hot bulb or snap in half due to a weakness or small tear in the film. I knew then how important that film was. It was my glimpse into my family’s life. I glimpse I could have seen no other way.
Fast-forward several years.
I stand in a church as a bride and groom say their vows as I watch them thru the viewfinder of my camera. This time I’m the one creating the images that will be experienced by this couple’s family, future children, grandchildren, etc. Maybe no longer projected on a wall, maybe now on a 42-inch flatscreen. Old switches now replaced by remotes.
What draws us in has less to do with the technology used but everything to do with the story. The medium has changed, the emotions haven’t.
Not everyone considers video a necessity for his or her wedding. Whether it is because they remember cheesy star-wiped videos from the 80’s or because the budget just doesn’t allow for it. All valid. People may have a dozen reasons why they shouldn’t have a video but sometimes they fail to remember why they should…
... to hear the emotion in your spouse’s voice as he or she utters their vows to you
... a grandparent smiling at you and your new spouse as you begin your new life together
... your parents’ heartfelt toast telling you how they've never been prouder
All these moments plus many, many others come together to create a story that is uniquely, sublimely yours. Your story is not a solitary point in time but many weaved together to include the sights, sounds and emotions of the day.
An experienced videographer knows how to capture these moments, knows how to piece them all together to evoke an emotion. Aside from the obvious benefits of hiring an expert – professional equipment, experienced eye, dedicated shooter, editing skills – a wedding video has the magical ability to make those ethereal moments tangible all over again and what was once tangible is now ethereal.
As I watched those old Super 8’s, I poked fun at my mom’s high-teased hair, all the time thinking how beautiful she was. I don’t know if your children will tease you about anything but I can guarantee they will see their parent’s beauty and the love they share in the video that captured it all.
Today’s videographer goes by many titles … filmmaker, storyteller, visual artist. Whatever you want to call them, they all have their own unique way of telling a story. Matching the talents of the artist with the vision and story of the bride and groom will be covered in an upcoming blog on finding the right videographer.
oxox,
iz
07.07.07 – Probably the busiest day in the wedding industry … ever! The luckiest day of the century? Maybe. It was for Larisa and Chris anyway – my beautiful, joy-filled bride and groom. It was for me as well because I was given the opportunity to shoot their gorgeous event.
The triple sevens were on their side the entire day, no doubt about that. One special moment that comes to mind when I think of their wedding occurred during the reception. Chris surprised Larisa by having some musician friends perform John Lennon’s ‘Love’. It was quite beautiful.
So, here it is … a scene from one of the luckiest days of the century.
Happy Anniversary Larisa & Chris!
oxoxo,
i.
P.S. Another favorite – the Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. kiss on the hand moment. (sigh)
The Date: June 23, 2009.
The Setting: Sexy outdoor patio of X Bar at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Century City, California.
The Occasion: Mixer for Beverly Harris’ Leave It To Me Events.
Another opportunity to hobnob with wedding industry professionals. Although I didn’t do too much hobnobbing myself since my skills were required behind the camera.
When viewing the world through a small viewfinder, life can become a little more concentrated ... beauty is much more obvious … talents more apparent. This was the case with Beverly. You can tell by the reactions of the attendees that this event planner has a fan club in the making.
Enjoy the video of this fun little soiree.
(Grab a mic everybody!) ... It was a good night (woohoo) … let’s do it, let’s do it again.
I recently had the chance to participate in a great little event - Wedding Happy Hour (WHH) at the oh-so-cool Foundry on Melrose. WHH is a chill get-together for brides and grooms that still have a few things to check off of their wedding to-do list.
What better way to end a Monday evening than to unwind with a cocktail (or two), yummy food and the opportunity to pick the brains of some the wedding industry's best. I was shooting for most of it so I didn’t get to try all the delectables being passed around, but I did get to try these little tater tot thingies … kinda like the tater tots you used to have as a child except way tastier. It definitely appealed to the kid in me … ok, ok granted, a big portion of me is all kid but gosh, is there any other way? ;)
So here’s a quick snapshot of the evening’s happenings. if you have a chance, try to make it to the next Wedding Happy Hour …. it’s gonna be good. Here’s hinting at the fabulousness of the event – it’s going to involve martinis and a pool … ‘nuff said! Check in later for more details on the August 12th Wedding Happy Hour.
Many thanks to the stellar coordination of Marcia Vidal of Crystal Clear Weddings.
Here’s a fun challenge: There was a TV celebrity in the crowd. Can you pick that person out? (Contact me for the answer.)
Grand, touching, joyous … these are just a few words that describe the wedding of Pearl and Yousef. What a love story. Don’t take my word for it, catch a glimpse of their trailer. Each shot tells a story all its own, each shot - its own emotion.
There was no place to turn where you couldn’t find beauty, thanks to Design Coordinator Shideh Shahraies … from the Sofreh Aghd (an elaborately decorated spread set out for the wedding ceremony) to the grand location – The Langham in Pasadena … to the abundant amount of eye-popping colored flowers … but most importantly, in the eyes of the Pearl and Yousef when they would look at each other. Now there was the true beauty.
“A naked woman with blond, frizzy hair stands covered in clear, plastic bubbles with soapsuds at her feet and curtains surrounding her. She has got her lips pursed coquettishly. Her legs bent and her wrists locked in large clear cuffs. She is my most recent fixation.”
That’s how Ryan’s valedictorian speech began at last week’s commencement ceremony for Campbell Hall’s 2009 graduating class. You see, while about 90% of my shooting is weddings, on occasion, other celebratory events sneak their way onto my roster. In this case a high school graduation. But it’s not like any graduation most of us are used to. Forget the cramped gym or auditorium. This graduation took place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. (If you’ve never been, I highly suggest it.) And the students who spoke … so articulate, so funny. Hey, I don’t remember anyone like that when I was in high school. What ever happened to geeky and awkward?
You’d think that the beginning of Ryan’s speech had started off on the wrong foot and there’d be no place to go but, well, down the fast-track to S&M-ville. Eek and delish - all at the same time!
“And those who know me, well, know that I’ve traveled twice across the country in attempts to see her live and in person. Born Stephani Germanotta – better known as Lady Gaga. She is a true success story.” Who’d a thunk that a 17-year old man with a GPA of over 4.5 would think of Lady Gaga as a success story … hmmm … ok, never mind.
After all the laughter in the concert hall died down, he proceeded to quote the pop queen, which he affectionately referred to only as Gaga. “I operate from a place of delusion … I used to walk down the street like I was a star. I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be – and then to fight for it so hard every day that the lie becomes the truth.” Ok, so maybe I’ve got Lady Gaga all wrong. Maybe it’s not just about a poker face p-p-poker face.
Ryan ended his speech by saying “Gaga’s words, on the one hand, seem ludicrous but, on the other, are all altogether fantastic. It’s about finding the confidence within yourself to embrace and project whoever it is you want yourself to be… I am handsome. I am intelligent and I am compassionate and I am successful and as I stand here looking into all of your eyes, I see in you all the same qualities … you are beautiful, you are intelligent, you are compassionate and you are successful. Thank you.”
Wow, I felt uplifted after that. Not only am I a sucker for a good wedding, I guess I’m also a sucker for a good commencement ceremony.
As I watched this coy, genuine young man thru my camera’s viewfinder conclude his valedictorian speech, I felt a little buzz.* And to think he was channeling the wisdom of the one and only Lady Gaga, excuse me - Gaga. I guess I’ll never listen to her music the same way again.
*No adult beverages involved. ;)
