Alison + Duane (1/9/10 at the Omni Mount Washington Resort) were such a nice couple. Kind and gentle towards each other, and their ceremony exudes that thanks to JP William Mellekas (by referral only, he’s located in Franconia, NH – contact me for info). He did such a great job and I enjoyed his genuine care and compassion, and ability to orchestrate such a personal and touching celebration. You can hear more of his sound bites throughout their highlight film.

Does your JP know you? Have you met them prior to the ceremony? Are they a friend of the family? Have you given much thought to the elements that best represent your beliefs in marriage, that you can add into the ceremony? Alison and Duane chose the blending of the sands ceremony, some people write their own vows, some have lots of poems, readings, or songs. Whatever it is you choose to do, make sure you feel comfortable with the person you choose to officiate your ceremony. You will be at ease walking down the isle knowing that everything is in good hands.

To see more images from Duane + Alison’s wedding, have a peak at Elizabeth Bradford Photography. A husband/wife team based in NH. All images in this post provided by Christine + Peter of Elizabeth Bradford.

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

Christine + John: Documentary Edit Part 1

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:

Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral, and Maine Seasons Events.

The different write ups are here: From Inspiration to Reality: The Board From Inspiration to Reality: The Design From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, II From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, III From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, IV From Inspiration to Reality: Translated From Inspiration to Reality: The Film

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

Maine Seasons Events is a design and wedding planning company specializing in one of kind, creative and stylish Maine weddings. Owner, creative director and Maine native, Meagan Gilpatrick has been designing, planning and coordinating weddings and events in Maine since 1999.  With an artistic background, Meagan believes each event design should incorporate unique style elements that reflect the personalities of her clients.  With a special interest in vintage, handmade and one of a kind items, Meagan utilizes ordinary objects in extraordinary ways to create her signature designs. – Maine Seasons Events

The final shout out for the Style Me Pretty shoot I participated in goes to the mastermind herself, Meagan Gilpatrick. I think her comment “using ordinary objects in extraordinary ways” is the one huge lesson I learned from Meagan during the shoot. I couldn’t even believe the things she had come up with! It goes to show we each have our calling in life, and Meagan sure has hers nailed. Details ranged from choosing the right flatware/glassware, linens, chairs, antique and rustic chandelier, to the little blue eggs and roosters complimenting the farm/rooster theme. She delicately balanced many small details to pull together a great look. It was also fun for me to see the images Brea had taken during their trips to find props and collect the right pieces for the shoot. This is a behind the scenes look we definitely don’t always get to see!  I have tunnel vision and have only really known wedding “films” so this was a huge learning experience! I have a complete new respect for event planers. I had no idea what went into this! Thanks for including me Meagan and I look forward to working with you (all) again soon

You can click any of the photos to see them in full. And click here for the Film Recap of this shoot.

Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral, Maine Seasons Events, and Meg Simone Films.

I find more and more that couples are really searching for creative ways to customize their wedding stationery sets. They want their personality and style to come through onto the papers – setting the tone for the event, but also conveying to their guests a bit about who they are as a couple. Oftentimes clients get married in such spectacular spots, that incorporating illustrations of the venue, or elements from the surrounding area, are fun ways of giving guests a glimpse into the big day. Customizing a stationery set can be such a blast in that each element (whether it be the save-the-date card, invite, menu, favor tag, thank you note . . . etc.) can tie together, carrying the theme full-circle from start to finish. It’s a nice way to keep things consistent and unique at the same time. – Sara, Griffin-vites

Until the Style Me Pretty shoot, I had little exposure to custom wedding invitation work. Now, I’m a huge fan! What Sara of Griffin-vites said is so true, the invitation will show the couples personality and often set the scene for the event. Most of the weddings I do are destination weddings for the guests, weather that’s rendezvousing in the mountains at the Mount Washington Resort, sitting lake side at Church Landing, or escaping to the coast, over half of the guest list is usually from out of town, and often other parts of the country. What a great way to visually set the mood for the weekends events. I no idea custom invitations could be so fun, so personal, and a work of art! Not to  mention all the other fun pieces you can have her create – menus, name cards, table numbers, place settings, custom vow books (that was a personal favorite) such a keep sake!

It was fun for me to watch Sara, Dawn and Meagan interact and discuss all the small details, how to arrange them, and what their personal inspiration was. I give such huge props to these girls! So talented! You can hear them talk on their thought process for this design by watching the film, here.  All images courtesy of  Brea McDonald Photography.

Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral, Maine Seasons Events, and Meg Simone Films.

I love that the opening line to Dawn’s bio sums up in one sentence exactly what I learned about her the day we worked on the Style Me Pretty Inspiration Challenge (see posts below). The barn provided a stunning environment with charming rustic details, and her personal touches were unusual in a unique and fitting way. Feathers added to the bouquet, a bit of pizzaz stemming from the arrangements, or an added fiddle head fern. Each piece was a signature of what Dawns work is all about. I loved listening to her discuss with the other team members their ideas. Her designs are like her personality, which I instantly loved – fresh, fun, extraordinary!

Dawn Kelly, owner and creative director, creates the unexpected with every bouquet, centerpiece and event she designs. Before any event, Dawn can always be found adding her dramatic touch and repeating her design mantra, “the little details turn an ordinary event extraordinary…after all it’s not a party until it’s a Soiree!”

While her designs may be dramatic, Dawn’s clients will tell you she brings a sense of calm, balance and sensibility to the creative process. She credits her ability to stay calm under pressure to her time spent working on Wall Street. Having left behind the world of dark suits and pinstripes, Dawn revels in an environment where color and texture are her signature. As Dawn guides you through the process of selecting linens, chargers, specialty lighting, and tablescape design she always has an eye toward a cohesive look and feel of the entire event. – Soirée Floral

I look forward to working with Dawn in the future and highly recommend her work to brides throughout New England, Nantucket, New York, and beyond!  Stunning imagery provided by Brea McDonald Photography. Want to see Dawn creating these pieces? Check out the highlight film from the shoot, here.


Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography, Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral, Maine Seasons Events, and Meg Simone Films.

There is an anonymous quote that I love, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.” As a photographer my goal is to capture and preserve the real moments of life. If it’s your newborn baby’s toes, 1st tooth, senior portrait or wedding day I will approach your life event in a unique, authentic and personal manner that stays true to who you are. Your photos will bring to life those exciting occasions for generations, preserving those moments that take your breath away. – Brea

One of the things I loved about Brea from first meeting her was her love for natural light. We both arrived on site armed and dangerous with back up lighting not knowing how dark the barn would be. I think we were both excited and pleasantly surprised to find lots of windows and plenty of sunshine pouring in. All her images from this shoot were done with 100% natural light. Brea’s work will be featured all week here on the blog so check back for more of her images. If you haven’t found a photographer for your wedding yet, I urge you to visit Brea’s site immediately! Easy to talk to, super fun loving, she will be an instant friend! Don’t forget to see Brea in action, watch the recap film from the shoot, here.

Shoot Participants: Brea McDonald Photography,  Griffin-vites Custom Watercolor Stationery, Soiree Floral,  Maine Seasons Events, and Meg Simone Films.

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.

To see all the ideas from the Style Me Pretty Shoot in full screen check out the different write ups here: From Inspiration to Reality: The Board From Inspiration to Reality: The Design From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, II From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, III From Inspiration to Reality: The Design, IV From Inspiration to Reality: Translated From Inspiration to Reality: The Film

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.

Notice the absolutely stunning details above the mantle, the flowers, and the table arrangements in the Presidential Ball Room by Carrie of Dutch Bloemen Winkel, Linens by Diana Ma Weddings and Events, and I’ll be posting some images from their day shortly by Elizabeth Bradford Photography. Their DJ was Peak Entertainment DJs out of Vermont.

Alison + Duane: NH Wedding Highlight Film

How to pin a Boutonniere by Dutch Bloemen Winkel

Alison + Duane: Preview

I hope you enjoy learning all the reasons I went to IN[FOCUS] I hope to see you at the next one!

IN[FOCUS] Video Event 2010 - Austin, TX

IN[FOCUS] Testimonials from IN[FOCUS] on Vimeo.

DAY 3 – IN[FOCUS] VIDEO EVENT from 31Films on Vimeo.