If you have been surfing through my site you will notice from my work I LOVE SOUND BITES. This doesn’t always resonate with each couple, and that’s fine because my style isn’t for everyone, (and that’s ok) I have a great list of other wedding filmmakers I can give you If you do like the element of story, I’ll explain what I typically do so I don’t intimidate anyone. I always make sure the timing is right. If something emotional is taking place or if you are admist an engaging conversation I don’t barge in to get “the story.” Your story is going to unfold if it’s meant to unfold. I try my hardest to collect the gems of the day, talking to people when the time and mood is right, but in the end, this is “Reality” and I can’t control your wedding or if people talk to me or not. However, there is quite a bit of time sacattered throughout the day where I can usually count on some alone time with the bride or groom to get their history or have them answer a few simple questions that will help set the stage for future generations to understand how and why the wedding came together.
Sometimes people like my work but think, “we don’t have a story” – not true! Everyone has a story, it may not be long and elaborate, but short and simple. Each wedding is different, unique, and there are always questions that can be asked and answered. Sometimes it’s not even me telling the story, it’s your wedding attendants giving toasts, the officiant of your ceremony, there are many ways to get a story without actually “interviewing” you or your family on your wedding day.
I will wrap up this post urging you to watch the film that compliments the above photo of me interviewing groom John Finn. They didn’t have any pre ceremony coverage (usually a time for me to talk to the bride and bridesmaids) so there was some down time in the parking lot as John waited for guests to arrive and I spoke with him and the groomsmen. You will see just in part one of their film, most of the story comes from events that were already going to take place. If you aren’t sure how you feel about the use of sound bites and story? Just get in touch and we can figure out if I’m a good match. If not, I honestly will point you in the direction of someone better suited for your needs. ”Relive the moment …share your story.” – Meg
I’m back from vacation! What a awesome week! I can’t even get over how extreme the scenery was! I could easily get accustomed to living in the Ski Arlberg region of Austria. We stayed in a small village called Stuben and were able to ski from town to town. I loved every day and every minute of it! The best part… the TV stations over there had COMMERCIAL FREE COVERAGE of the Olympics, and showed all the ski races LIVE, in their entirety!!! Lucky for us the coverage in Vancouver started every day just as we were arriving in for Apres! Talk about good timing! To see more photos from the trip you can friend me on Face Book. It was a family (an extended family) trip, but Dave and I did a day with a guide for some off piste skiing too
I’m still overwhelmed by the talent these gals have! To try and reitterate what has so eloquently been stated on the Style Me Pretty site, or in the film, and of coure on all their personal blogs, would be a daunting task! Therefore in one easy click you can read more about each of them, weather you go to their sites or the specific Style Me Pretty posts, here are the links:
Since I never post photos of me at work, I’ll post a few now thanks to Brea! Normally at a wedding I’m wearing all black and I don’t have my sunglasses on my head, but this wasn’t a wedding
Some things are worth waiting for, right? That’s why I will be rolling out my series on the Style Me Pretty Inspiration shoot I worked on back in November, for the next week! To kick it off, the All Star Team was made up of: Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography, Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, Custom Watercolor Stationery, Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Floral Design and Creation, and Meagan Gilpatrick of Maine Seasons Events, Design, Coordinating, Styling and prop providing! And me, Meg Simone Films. I was honored to be a part of such a fun and educational experience, and I truly value the time I had working along side these talented ladies. I look forward to sharing with you a little more about each one of them this week here on my blogsite. If you missed the highlight Film from the shoot, you can see it here.
I was honored when I was asked to write an article for Nantucket Weddings Unveiled. This was a first for me, and hopefully not the last To read the article direct from the site click here. I wanted to give an overview of what prospective clients should look for in hiring a filmmaker as there are so many great companies out there.
When you are going to interview a filmmaker or inquire about booking, be sure you have seen a few samples of their work online. Ideally you would be calling them because you like the footage you saw, and the quality. However, here are a few things you may want to talk to your filmmaker about before making the final decision:
1) Will they be shooting in Standard Definition or High Definition? Some people do still shoot in Standard definition and have not upgraded to better quality cameras. You may not notice this when watching clips on their site. ASK. You need to know up front what you are getting. It will still be great quality footage, and if you don’t have an HD TV you may not notice the difference. However, thinking forward, you are going to want your video shot in the best format possible for archival purposes down the road. Right now if you do not have a Blu-ray DVD player but you do have an HD TV, there are still a few easy and affordable (actually cheaper then Blu-ray) options to watch your wedding in HD.
2) Wireless microphones and off camera back up audio. If the person filming your wedding is not using either of these, you may be missing a HUGE piece of your story and your day. Audio is equally important as video. Professionals will pick up a whisper of a vow, where having your cousin run a home camcorder from the fourth row back is probably not going to get the job done.
3) Is the company or individual you are hiring the person who will actually be there shooting? This can be a disappointment the day of your wedding if you are not informed up front if the studio/company/etc is sending an associate. Be sure to know in advance so everyone is on the same page. There are a lot of great companies in the New England area with multiple shooters, and I personally recommend them when I am booked, they are all wonderful to work with, just know up front who that person will be.
4) It’s ok to ask a lot of questions, but at the end of the day you are hiring a professional filmmaker because you genuinely like their work and style and have trust in their abilities. If you try to micro manage the film aspect of your wedding, the filmmaker will be more focused on getting your list of specific shots and may miss key moments that in the end, would have meant a lot more to you. Educate your filmmaker on what’s important to you but don’t overwhelm them with so many details that they can’t do their job.
5) Turn around time. If you can’t get in writing or on your contract a confirmation that your wedding will be done in 6 months or less, you better find out what else that filmmaker has going on. Backlog is a huge issue with a lot of visual artists, but after filming your wedding it’s so important that they start working on your project right away so that they can remember and recall the vibe, the feelings, the emotion of your day. The more time that goes by the more of that feeling may escape the memory of the person working on your film.
A few months ago I ran into North Conway local Erica Frieswick and discovered during our conversation that her beautifully crafted jewelry pieces would be a great bridesmaid or wedding gift for those celebrating in the Mountains. Erica has been actively designing jewelry for seven years. While she studied architecture in Providence, RI, she worked for a small bead retailer on Thayer Street, near Brown University and RISD. After she finished her degree, she took a job as a jewelry designer for a large jewelry manufacturer north of Providence. Now, after moving away from the hustle and bustle, “I enjoy the outdoors and get inspired to design by the nature that surrounds me. Life here is peaceful! I spend my spare time climbing, hiking, mt & road biking, and gardening!” – Erica Frieswick of Silver Mountain Jewelry in The Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire. Images courtesy of Silver Mountain Jewelry.
Wedding professionals get asked this all the time: “How do you pin a boutonniere?” I think the look on our faces must scream… “Beats Me!” Well, we no longer have an excuse. Everything you need to know in :55 seconds from Carrie Scribner of Dutch Bloemen Winkel, Jackson, New Hampshire’s premiere wedding and event florist.
I still can’t believe the response I got on FaceBook + Twitter with the video I posted from last weeks IN[FOCUS] event in Austin, TX. Author of my new favorite industry book, “Refocus: Cutting-Edge Strategies to Evolve Your Video Business” and absolute inspiration, Ron Dawson, was the first presenter at the event and he just electrified the audience with enthusiasm and “dared us to dream” … so I did! I am just so humbled by the write up. As a subscriber to Ron’s newsletters, I always try to take away one thing each post I can apply to my life or business. I urge you to do the same (if you are a video/photo/ or business professional). Life’s too short – succeed or fail, you have to try, or you will never learn and grow
I return for the 3rd time this year to Austin, TX. The first was back in April for the overly inspiring ReFrame event. I swear my head is still exploding with knowledge and info I learned then! I’m not sure how I’m going to fit in more, but I just can’t get enough when it comes to continuing education. I drove through Austin in December when I picked up the latest addition to the wedding line up, a fully mobile editing studio (and no, I don’t offer Same Day Edits yet, but this van would allow me to in the future). Finally I’m back the 17-20th for IN[FOCUS] which is loaded with filmmakers and industry professionals I’ve been itching to see. Who are some of the presenters and sources of inspiration? Humanstory Films, Mason Jar Films, Still Motion,Joe Simon Film, VonWedding Films, Vantage Point, Ray Roman Films, Ron + Tasra Dawson of Dare Dreamer Media and authors of “ReFocus: Cutting Edge Strategies to Evolve Your Video Business,” Blue Skies Cinema,Cinematic Bride, Studio Vieux Carre, David Perry Films, Life Stage Films, and Red 5 Studios. Not to mention I get to catch up with ReFrame alumni like my roomie Stepheny Keith, owner of Black Sheep Video Productions (you MUST watch her trailers – you have never seen anything like it before!) and spend time talking “local” shop with Whit Wales of Wales Films, based in MA. I can’t wait to be inspired and bring back more knowledge to continue and transform and grow things here! Look out, it just keeps getting better and better!
Growing up I spent part of my summer attending, and then working at YMCA Camp Huckins on Lake Ossippee here in NH. Thanks to Facebook I reconnected with a former camper, Emilie, and ended up filming her wedding at the Wentworth By The Sea last June. As I reflect back on 2009 and continue to improve offerings for 2010, I want to extend a Camp Huckins “Heart” to any former Nellie Girl who books with me (or if someone associated with Camp is in your Wedding Party). Get in touch for details, and lets help keep the Huckins Spirit alive
The Style Me Pretty Inspiration to Reality Shoot that I participated in on 11/29 was exposed to the masses on Tuesday and Wednesday in FIVE different blog posts on SMP! To say I felt honored to be a part of this experience is an understatement. I was elated when Meagan of Maine Seasons Events asked me to join the team for the day. It was such a great opportunity for each of us involved to see what the other really has to do to make events come to life. I was humbled by the compliments from each participating vendor and equally impressed with their brilliant talent and ingenious ideas. They were all perfectionists at their craft, and beyond passionate about the task at hand. I hope to work with the girls again, as we really hit it off.
To end the day (unfortunately not shown in photos or video) we had a great meal with homemade soups, whoopie pies, treats, all gathered around Meagan’s super cool Shasta Converted “Camper”, which she took over a year to custom rebuilt with her husband! It’s a must see, and matched the days color palate just perfectly. We all agreed for a Farm inspired wedding, her “camper” would make the ideal bridal hang out – talk about one super chic detail! … and if not for the bride, how about the vendors
Again, the All-Star line up: Brea McDonald of Brea McDonald Photography, Sara Fitzgerald O’Brien of Griffin-vites, Custom Watercolor Stationery, Dawn Kelly of Soiree Floral, Floral Design and Creation, and Meagan Gilpatrick, Design, Coordinating, Styling and prop providing! And The Film!
Where have I been!? I know my blog has been on vacation, but that’s because I’m focused on getting all 2009 weddings completely done for the Holidays. I only have three left to focus on, but between that and the Style Me Pretty shoot (below) it’s been a zany few weeks. In addition I spent the last week working from the road while driving back to NH from CA (I wasn’t driving, I was working). The power of mobile internet and laptops is amazing! Once I have 2009 wrapped up you will see lots of long awaited blog posts and info, to help guide you through your 2010 wedding… which by the way I’m booking now
April 2008 Wedding Client, Stephanie Cornwell, Hosts 2nd Annual Vendor Open House! One-stop shopping for all of your holiday gift-giving needs! Saturday, November 21st, 10am to 6pm + Sunday, November 22nd, 10am to 4pm
55 Timberlane, Wolfeboro
Visit each vendor and receive their unique signature to qualify for the Door Prize. You will definitely want this basket – something from every vendor will be in it!
Participating Vendors in 2009 Arbonne w/ Tessa Narducci, Barefoot Books w/ Jessica Kelly, Comforts of Home w/ Theresa Crowell, Cookies by Candy, Jewelry by Carol Cloutier, Premiere Jewelry, Robin Cornwell Designs, Sharp Bags, Skysong Pottery, Wildtree – Jessica Demmons and Stephanie Cornwell, Winnipesaukee Chocolates – Jonathan Walpole + Sally Cornwell (Great at weddings as favors! Especially if you are getting married around the lake or at Church Landing or Castle In The Clouds)
As I was editing Rachel + Zach’s wedding video, I was practically rolling on the floor at how funny yet sentimental the toasts were. This of course was right after the emotional and heartfelt ceremony filled with amazing sound bites specific to this fun loving couple. As I continued to edit I jotted down “good example of the importance of spoken word at weddings”…. and so now I can toss my post it note. No two weddings are the same. The JP or Officiant may say different things, the toasts may be shorter, there are many variables. I personally have no control over what happens at your wedding, but good sound bites always help drive the dynamics of editing together your wedding film. I don’t think I need to explain much more, the Wedding Open to Rachel and Zach’s wedding video will help demonstrate
What do I do on weekends I’m not out filming a wedding? Well since November of 1995 I’ve been involved with RSN TV 16 North Conway. It’s an awesome station that broadcasts from the Notches (Pinkham and Crawford), Jackson/Bartlett, all the way down to Wakefield and over to Moultonborough, NH. We cover local events, valley information, weather, ski conditions, and of course where to shop and dine. It’s a ton of fun, and I’m glad to have a few free Sundays now to help out. I’m not on RSN Live (7:30-9:30am) every weekend, but tune in, you just never know It’s a great way for me to stay up to date on what’s going on, so I can help couples with ideas and things to do during their wedding weekend here in the White Mountains.
Well, I’m on vacation this week thanks to sister of the Groom, Kaley Dee, who took me to the airport at the crack of 5AM on Tuesday. I’ve known Colin since we were kids growing up on the Wildcat Ski Team, and it was really wild to see him suited up and walking down the isle arm in arm with his mom, the famous Esther MacDonald! She has somehow replaced “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” with “Three Degrees of Esther”. You can read about her in a previous posts here, and in the post above. I couldn’t be happier for the MacDonald-Malloy families. It was just like being at opening day at Fenway when the party hit the dance floor. Thank you so much, and I can’t wait to get you the full edit in time for Thanksgiving Wedding at The Country Club of Pittsfield, MA.
The Official New Hampshire Meetings, Weddings, and Resources Guide is out, and I was so excited to see bride Alexandra from 8/23/08 at the Eagle Mountain House made the cover. You will sometimes see her, and the other winter elopement photo they used of mine (shown here), rotating in the photo box on my site. The magazine is a companion focusing on meetings and weddings under the umbrella of NH’s “VisitNH.gov” site, which promotes Travel and Tourism (Yankee Savers, fall foliage reports, places to shop, dine, stay, you name it!) It was nice to see a few other elopement photos of mine used in the magazine and on the site. I think most in the industry will agree its a great feeling to help in any way to continue getting the word out about our great state, and the wonderful opportunites, venues, and resources to celebrate here.
Remember, your wedding is uniquely you – no size is too big or too small. Check out some elopement/private ceremonies here, and or larger wedding videos by scrolling down on my blog.
One of the big comments I get when people are inquiring about my services is, “We were at a friends wedding, and the videographer was always so close”... I like to assure people that it must not have been me! My approach to the day in a nutshell: If you hire me to film bridal prep, the proximity of the camera to you while getting ready is really dictated by the size of the room. During that time I’m often found in a corner or behind a chair or close to the photographer so I’m not in their shots – whatever I can do to generally be out of the way (but still capture what I need). Of course I will go in for the occasional close up shots of the dress when it’s hanging, flowers, etc, but usually people aren’t associated with those shots. The goal is to always be as unobtrusive as possible, and to pick up on any vibes from people that they recognize the camera on them, or are getting nervous.
Moving on to the ceremony – the only time I’m in front is during the processional, and usually I’m down on one knee (so photographers can shoot without me getting in the shot). Once the bride walks down, I quickly scoot back up the isle and tripod up. From that point we only work the perimeter of the ceremony area, never getting in front of the guests. One camera is back and center and the 2nd off to the right side typically pointed at the bride. For outside ceremonies this works great because nobody can see us and the photographers can still move in front or behind us as they get their shots too. In a church it’s similar except if there is a balcony, the 2nd camera is usually up there the entire time, while I’m on the main level to either side, trying to say behind the last row of guests.
Cocktail hour and reception – below are two shots from the wedding of Ray + Shannon Shupak at Church Landing last week. Their guest David Baily just happened to get a few shots of photographer Jennifer Stone and I during the photo shoot. You can see a comfortable distance is kept. I split time between cocktail hour, getting any candid soundbites people want to share (that is optional per bride and groom request), and getting some of the ballroom shots, and photo shoot shots. Anything outside is always easy to keep a distance, when the party moves inside, of course I’m limited to the size room and the way the crowd is gathered.
During the first dance we don’t spin around the couple on the dance floor (which is super cool if you have a stedi-cam rig) or set up stage lighting, we are positioned on the sides of the dance floor. We have small on camera lights, that I’ve found most photographers say “this is great, it helps with a nice back light”. During the dance party you won’t find me in the center of the dance floor – I’m always off to the side or working the camera from above (shooting down on the crowd). I know by this point people have usually had a few cocktails and like being in front of the camera, but I still try to work just the parimiter of the dance floor, or if there is a stage (like at The Mount Washington Resort) I can shoot from up there as well (hiding out by the speaker).
In conclusion, if you have doubts or worries that you or your fiance will be nervous with the camera, I’ve worked with a lot of couples who tell me up front they aren’t huge fans, “but friends told us we had to do it or we would regret it”. My goal is to make the best possible video for you, to fit your needs. If that’s taking an even more birds-eye approach, we do it. Some people are all about the party and love the camera – it’s all up to you the Bride and Groom to tell me your concerns and goals, and hopefully by the end of the night when I say goodbye, you’ll reply with “I forgot you were here!”
I have over 80 clips online, so if you don’t see something that will help answer a question, email me for more links
The winter wedding season was busy, 2 events in January, 3 in February, and ReFrame in April. What a fun year this has been! It’s always sad to say “goodbye” to clients, as the culmination of their video draws near, and the anticipation of weddings not yet filmed sets in. I’ve had the pleasure of working with so many awesome vendors and venues so far this spring and summer. May was warmer then usual this year – all elopement and weddings lucked out with summer time temps and plenty of sun. June was a different story, as we only had about 4 days of partial sun from 5/31-7/5, but it did clear just in time for most ceremonies
The month of June was littered with Rain. Most weddings escaped with scattered showers, but it just so happened that one of them decided to break just as Jill was due to walk down the isle at The Bethel Inn, so… “It was so cool that the ceremony was IN the gazebo…it felt so much more personal and close.” Many wedding guests commented. I would have to agree We were all in on the action. On a personal note, it was surreal to see all the “UNH” friends! It’s been so long! Thanks for a memorable day, I look forward to sharing more. In the mean time definitely check out the super cool, always inspiring photography by Andree Kehn and stay tuned for photos of Jill and Dan’s wedding!
Jill + Dan: Wedding Preview By Meghan SimoneView in HD
image courtesy of emilie inc
If you do like the element of story, I’ll explain what I typically do so I don’t intimidate anyone. I always make sure the timing is right. If something emotional is taking place or if you are admist an engaging conversation I don’t barge in to get “the story.” Your story is going to unfold if it’s meant to unfold. I try my hardest to collect the gems of the day, talking to people when the time and mood is right, but in the end, this is “Reality” and I can’t control your wedding or if people talk to me or not. However, there is quite a bit of time sacattered throughout the day where I can usually count on some alone time with the bride or groom to get their history or have them answer a few simple questions that will help set the stage for future generations to understand how and why the wedding came together.
I’m back from vacation! What a awesome week! I can’t even get over how extreme the scenery was! I could easily get accustomed to living in the 
The Official 
