MariAngela and Phillip @ Marina Del Rey
MariAngela and Phillip had such a great wedding day, and they’re such a fun couple. I had the chance to film their Love Story before the wedding so I knew what to expect.
Some of the highlights of the day included wedding pictures with the amazing photographer Ron Solimon at the Bartow Pell Mansion at Pelham Bay Park, an incredible party on the waterfront at Marina Del Rey, and lots of laughter.
Best wishes to MariAngela and Phillip!
Documentary vs. Cinematic Wedding Films
One of the questions that comes up all the time when I’m meeting with new clients is “What’s the difference between Documentary and Cinematic style wedding films?” It’s one of the things that makes the process of choosing your wedding cinematographer harder than it should be. But it’s still a very important question. Here’s a couple quick definitions:
Documetary = simply capturing things as they happen.
Cinematic = using available and artificial lighting to catch the feel of the scene, filming from different levels, using more than a tripod, getting great audio, telling a story, getting different angles of the same scene.
5 Ways to Make Your Wedding Unique
I was filming a Love Story with a couple in Central Park recently and they asked me a really great question. They wanted everyone to remember their wedding, and they wanted friends and family to know how much they were in love. So they asked me the types of things other couples had done to make their day unique. A couple things came to mind really quickly, and a few others took a little thought. I want to share with others what I told them because I know a lot of my clients wonder the same thing.
1. – Personalized Vows. This one was really easy to come up with and the first one to come to mind. They can be quite powerful and memorable. Whether they are heart-felt promises or funny vows that break the tension a little bit, they’re a great way to make your wedding ceremony stand out. It’s an incredible thing to see guests tearing up when a couple puts their feelings out in the open for everyone to hear. I know it’s not always possible to do this – especially in ceremonies where tradition is extremely important, but even in those cases the officiant might make a little compromise if you ask.
2. – Perform at your own wedding. This one might scare you a little bit, but believe me when I tell you that this is a story your guests are going to come away with. I’ve filmed a lot of weddings in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and beyond and performances always stand out for me too. It’s very touching for a bride or groom to sing a song for the other, or for one of them to perform a traditional dance. I worked with a couple once and the bride actually went and rehearsed with the band several times before the wedding. Lots of tears in the room that night at the reception. It might sound scary, but it’s something to think about…
3. – Have someone else perform at your wedding. And I mean something other than the live band that will be playing the dance music at your reception. The best example I can give is a Chinese bride who shared her culture with her groom by surprising him and their guests with lion dancers. The looks on their faces were priceless and it was extremely fun to watch and film.
4. -Bring something new to your reception. Here’s where your guests will be spending most of the their time with you, and where they’ll have the most fun. Some examples I’ve seen are a cigar rolling station, poker and gaming tables, a photo booth (which is always a blast and gives your guests a take away), and fireworks show. The possibilities are endless so give it a shot!
5. – Have fun! So many times I’ve seen couples who get caught up in the stress of making sure their day goes perfect. I hate to tell my clients this, but something always goes less than perfect on the day of. But it’s really okay. A lot of times it’s those moments that they remember for the rest of their lives. If you let go and decide to have fun, everyone picks up on it and your wedding is the one they’ll tell everyone about. Jaclyn and Anthony had one of those days. They may be the craziest (in a good way) couple I’ve had the chance to work with and it shows throughout their Highlight Reel (take a good look at 3:08 in the Reel for an example).
Marisa and Marco Wedding
Marisa and Marco had a really fun wedding day that included photos with the bridal party at the Brooklyn Bridge Park and DUMBO, and a reception at The Riviera that felt like a dance club.
I worked with them for their Love Story in Central Park so I knew to expect some unique things. One of those things was Marisa’s non-traditional wedding dress and it completely fit her personality.
Best wishes to them both and to Christian too!
Erica and Sean @ Seasons
Erica and Sean braved the January cold for their winter wedding at Seasons in Washington Township, NJ. There was plenty of wind and cold, but a lot of sun and no snow.
Favorites of the day included a lively bridal party, a beautiful reception room, and the live band.
Best wishes!
MariAngela and Phil (Love Story @ Untermyer Park)
Mid-February day? Check. Bitter cold weather? Check. Blustery wind? Check. Awesome couple ready to do their Love Story shoot at Untermyer Park in Westchester? Check.
I met up with MariAngela and Phil for a shoot in the snow – quite a brave couple. I’ll be showing the Love Story at their wedding reception in March!
LeAnn and Jacob {A Love Story @ Columbia University}
What a great couple! LeAnn and Jacob braved freezing temps and a little bit of wind for this Love Story. We filmed at Columbia University, West Side Park, and Grant’s Tomb. It was freezing, but very worth the shots we got.
Looking forward to filming their wedding in February!
Dalia and Jimmy @ Lake Valhalla Club
The Lake Valhala Club in Montville, NJ was the perfect lakeside setting for Dalia and Jimmy ceremony. And from the personally hand crafted details and reception room pieces, to the sneakers worn by all the wedding party – even the bride! – this was a fun day start to finish.
Marisa and Ryan @ Crystal Springs Resort
It doesn’t get any better than an old classic car, and amazing photo shoot location and the Crystal Springs Resort. Just add Marisa and Ryan and it’s a perfect wedding!
After capturing preparations of the bridal party, Marisa and Ryan had their First Look overlooking the resort valley. Then photos after the ceremony at an old cereal factory before a crazy reception.
Best wishes!
Michelle and Chien @ The Tides Estate
Michelle and Chien’s wedding day had so many elements that I love – Shooting at the George Washington Bridge, personalized vows, live music at the ceremony, a crazy reception, a sweet First Look.. and I could go on and on.
They’re a great couple and I wish them the best!
