Charmae and Abram - [seven degrees] in Laguna Beach

OK...a wedding on 7/07/07 at 7 Degrees...how fun is THAT! It's such a unique location, and Charmae and Abram really made it their own for the day! They incorporated so many details...a classic Lincoln w/suicide doors (!), red-carpet walk outside and a white shag carpet for the processional. a logo that was designed by Charmae and projected on the walls...actually Charmae designed just about all of the details...it's her job!

Awesome toasts, hot band, a special video montage projected on all the walls...it really was an amazing event, and since these two met back in high school and have always had the same group of friends...it was quite the party as the evening went on!!

Aimee and Joshua - The Surf & Sand Resort

Such a great location...one really is on the edge of the ocean! The ceremony site here floats above the waves, and pelicans are always flying by...we always capture awesome shots when we film here.

Aimee and Joshua had met many years before, but it took a date set-up by Aimee's bridesmaid to get these two finally together! They had such a sweet ceremony, and their reception was a blast with a DJ from LA spinning actual vinyl...what a cool mix of music, family and friends. Oh yea...the poem her dad read during his toast...oh my gosh, tears all around.

Rana and Emery – Zaffa

The Zaffa is an ancient tradition…it is a grand entrance that includes musicians playing the zaffa rhythm on percussion instruments, belly dancers with candelabras, men with swords…and of course the bride and groom!

I love this custom, and Rana and Emery’s night was filled with unique performances and wedding dances. Before long, all the guests joined the couple and danced the ENTIRE night…it really was an amazing night!

Erin and Eric – Toscana Country Club

What a beautiful setting in Palm Springs for a wedding! Erin got ready at her mom’s house…we were setting-up for the “first look” shot (where the groom sees the bride for the first time), and as Erin’s dress was being bustled, Eric walked in ahead of schedule (!)…the look on his face was priceless, and it was a moment that was shared by everyone in the room…perfect!

Love…Family…Friends. Erin’s brother and mother walked her down the aisle, Eric and Erin wrote their own vows to each other, and family members participated in the ceremony with words and music.

The outdoor reception was gorgeous…add to that a hot band and they had a party that went well into the night!

Lizette and Geoff - Rancho Las Lomas

Another fantastic Rancho wedding! A big theme for their day was music. There was a wonderful quartet playing during the ceremony, a Mariachi band during cocktails...Lizette's dad even sang a few songs with the band, and another band for dinner and dancing...the night ended with a DJ spinning tunes late into the night.

The day started at St. Regis with Lizette getting ready with her bridesmaids, her mom, and her two dogs...what cuties, one with a bowtie and the other a white dress!! We then traveled to Rancho where there was plenty of time to get a lot of fun shots of the entire bridal party and some really awesome video of both Lizette and Geoff.

I think this was THE hottest day of the year, and there was a light rain before the wedding...but the clouds cleared and the ceremony began with Lizette and her dad walking down the aisle which was overflowing with beautiful flowers and petals. The Teatro was then turned into the reception site, as cocktail hour started up at the fountain area...I love outdoor receptions at this venue as there are so many ways to use lighting to compliment the natural beauty of the surroundings. As night fell in the canyon, we projected their photo montage...always a BIG hit...and the 12 piece band kicked off an incredible night of music and dancing.

Rachel and Albart - Saint Edwards & The Turnip Rose

What an emotional and FUN day! We started with both Rachel and Albart getting ready with their friends and family, and then it was time to get to the church! St. Edwards is so beautiful, it sits on a hill and has an amazing view of the ocean behind the alter. The emotion and love between these two (and their families) was a constant throughout the day! After the ceremony we went to a beach in Laguna for some fun shots by the water...and then it was on to The Turnip Rose for their reception.

Rachel and Albart had an amazing first dance (great job guys!) and the parent dances that followed to "My Girl" were so sweet! The photo montage we showed was a big hit...and I have to say...the dancing during the rest of the evening was OVER THE TOP! What a FUN group of friends!!

Here is a highlight montage of their day.

Rehearsal Dinner Coverage

We love capturing the rehearsal dinners of our clients. Typically there are wonderful toasts as there is plenty of time during the evening...on the wedding day there is usually just time for a few...the rehearsal dinnner affords everyone a chance to share a story.

Our coverage is for up to 3 hours and is very low-key. We document the event, edit a 7-10 minute segment and provide all the raw footage of the evening. It's such a great way to remember and re-live the excitement and the emotions you, your family and friends had before the BIG day!!

Here's a sample from Rachel and Albarts rehearsal dinner.

Leigh and Joe - La Venta Inn, Palos Verdes Estates

Check out THIS first dance! Leigh and Joe had a surprise dance performance for their guests. They started their first dance to a slow song (with some cheesy flourishes by Joe I might add!)...and then broke out into an amazing Salsa dance with some cool solo moves by each of them...one of my top favorite first dances!!

Many couples are taking dance lessons before their wedding...and the new trend is to start out with a "traditional" first dance and then WOW your guests with a choreographed dance...it's always a big hit!

Sheiva and Andrew - The Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey

WOW...where to start in describing this amazing wedding! It was such a relaxed day as the ceremony started after the sun had set. I had all morning to get footage of both Sheiva and Andrew getting ready...it really is one of my favorite parts of the day...and the video of Sheiva's dad walking down the hall giving a big "thumbs-up" as he saw her in her gown is just priceless! Then we had a few hours to capture Andrew when he first saw Sheiva, tons of shots around the hotel, a family photo session, and then more time with the two of them down by the marina. They were both so photogenic...guess that's why I shot endless hours of video!

There was a pre-ceremony cocktail hour with THE most amazing spread of food I think I've ever seen, including sushi chefs and music from a wonderful violinist. The Ketubah signing then followed with a wonderful description by the Rabi of the customs and meanings involved with this ceremony. Then all the guests made their way to the beautiful ceremony site which was lit with candles...as the sky turned dark, the procession music started, and Sheiva made her way down the stairs...everyone erupted into clapping and chanting...it gave me goosebumps!

Here are some highlights from this beautiful day.

Jodi and Michael - Montage Resort, Laguna Beach

Here's a Highlight Montage from Jodi and Michael's wedding production. Everything about the day was amazing! From the ceremony on the lawn overlooking the Pacific, to the cocktail hour with an incredible Martini Luge, to the Reception Ballroom with a killer band...to an "after hours" lounge and DJ set-up in a separate Ballroom...everyone danced and celebrated into the morning hours!!

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Michael danced with his mother (who was responsible for these two meeting)...it was one of THE funniest and memorable parts of the day!

Reception Dance Footage

Here's a sample of our reception dance footage. Every Reception is different...but there's usually one or two guests (or even a Groom) who can be counted on to bust out the moves! Our dance footage ALWAYS utilizes the actual music played at your reception...whether DJ or Band...Enjoy!!

Michelle and Chris - Ritz Carlton, Dana Point

Another fun wedding at the Ritz! I really love how the bride decorated the Gazebo...layers of fabric were hung giving the ceremony location a really different look. A gospel choir walked down the aisle ahead of Michelle and her father...it was a big surprise for everyone...including Chris!! Here are some highlights from their wonderful celebration.

Angie and AJ - Trump National Palos Verdes

This couple actually had TWO ceremonies...one at a Greek Orthodox Church which was truly beautiful, and a second outdoor ceremony later in the day at Trump National Golf Course. Both ceremonies were full of symbolism...and a lot of emotion!

The sunset during the ceremony at Trump was spectacular, and we got some awesome shots of Angie and AJ on the grounds.
Their reception was a blast...AJ is a professional baseball player, and he and his BOYZ really tore up the dance floor! We had to watch out for flying dinner plates when Angie's father began a traditional Greek dance. Tons of fun!

Here's some highlights from their day.

Sarah and Keith - Montage Resort & Spa

Romance, Family, and Music...that's how I would describe Sarah and Keith's wedding day! Pink and purple were the colors for the day, with classical music performed live throughout the ceremony, and a sextet and grand piano which provided all the music for the reception. Family and friends were included and honored from the morning tea ceremonies through the evening reception. It truly was a magical day full of joy and love for Sarah and Keith, and for both of their families.

Tuyet and Tomi - Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

I love these guys! Their wedding day was just filled with special touches. From the amazing flowers, decor and lighting to butterflies, trumpeters, a grand entrance on a Vietnamese Cyclo, special dance and music performances that were projected live by us, an amazing first dance with choreography you would see on "Dancing With The Stars" and a screening of their concept video we produced which included Austin Powers! I'll have to put a clip of that up soon!!

What really touched me was how in love these two are, and how much their families and friends mean to them. Both Tuyet and Tomi spoke about their parents during the ceremony...and there was not a dry eye anywhere during the toasts from their family and friends.

This clip is from the beginning of their production which included our "Contemporary Edit".

Paradise Delight Florist

Here's a short piece showcasing the amazing work of Steven and his team at Paradise Delight. These are images from Tuyet and Tomi's incredible wedding.

A Unique First Dance - The Langham Hotel in Pasadena California

I couldn't resist showing part of Holly and Darwin's first dance! It included a voice-over with the story of how they met and fell in love. It's such a great option to include as part of your reception festivities, and gives your guests the opportunity to hear your unique story.

Holly and Darwin - The Langham Hotel in Pasadena California

These guys were such a sweet couple! Holly's mom is a producer for Disney, so I was extremely honored that they chose me to film their wedding day celebrations. Their day had so many personal touches...vows written by both Holly and Darwin had just about everyone in tears during the ceremony...members of the Bridal Party sang during the ceremony...and even the music chosen for their video soundtrack was written and performed by Darwin (and his awesome band) and two other groomsmen with their bands.

Special thanks to Victor Sizemore (VCS Photography) for giving me some still shots to incorporate in the video.

Here's a short highlight from their production.

Munjari and Vikas - Malibu

I love the traditions, symbolism, and colors that are used throughout the typical week long ceremonies that happen before the actual wedding day. We filmed the Sangeet party and the Mehendi ceremonies...all of which took place at Munjari's home. This wedding day included two ceremonies, one Hindu and one Sikh. The music and chanting during both ceremonies was amazing.

Their outdoor reception took place at the Mountain Gate Country Club with cocktails taking place on the green. Traditional Indian food was cooked on site, and dinner and dancing lasted well into the night.

Another Timelapse Clip

Here is another Timelapse Sequence of a ceremony and Reception from
Seantell and Michael's wedding at Rancho Las Lomas.

Seantell & Michael - Rancho Las Lomas

This couple had such an emotional day. Seantell was trying hard not to cry, even as we were doing pre-ceremony shots with her Mother and Grandmother.
Both the bride and groom were wiping away tears during their entire ceremony.

One of the cutest shots was the ring bearer walking down the aisle. He stopped at every row to show the ring on the pillow he was carrying!
Everyone laughed and laughed...just one more moment a bride would never see without her video!

The ceremony site was transformed into their outdoor reception while guests enjoyed cocktails up near the fountain.
This is a highlight clip from their day. Check out the Timelapse clip above to see the full transformation of their location.

Timelapse

Here is a sample of a feature we offer called a timelapse. We set-up a camera and record for the entire event. It's really cool to see your ceremony or reception site take shape over many hours. The clip below is from Natalie and Joseph's wedding where the ceremony site was turned into their reception site. We recorded for 12 hours and edited the timelapse below.

Natalie & Joseph - Regent Beverly Wilshire

This was an exquisite wedding! With 500 guests and one location, the hotel staff did an amazing job transforming the ballroom into the reception site after the ceremony was over. This took just 45 minutes while guests enjoyed the cocktail hour.

The day started early with both Natalie and Joseph getting ready with all their bridesmaids and groomsmen. We love filming this part of the day because there are always so many fun things happening, that both the Bride and Groom never get a chance to see.

We did a pre-ceremony photo/video session with the bride and groom, which started with shots of them driving down Beverly Hills Drive in their Rolls Royce. It was so cool seeing the people on the street smiling and waving at the couple as they drove by.

When the ceremony started, and Natalie entered the room, every single guest stood and started clapping and cheering. Joseph's face lit-up, and he too started clapping and cheering as Natalie began walking down the aisle.

The whole day was fantastic from beginning to the end!

Jessica & Hiram

Here's an opening Highlight Montage from Jessica and Hiram's wedding production. An artist painted during their reception and at the end of the night, the couple had an amazing work of art which captured their gorgeous reception venue, and their first dance as husband and wife.

This couple's ceremony was so incredibly emotional. Jessica and her dad walked down the aisle to Coldplay's "Yellow"...the look on Hiram's face was one of the many highlights of the day.

Carol & Josh 3/18/07

"To feel the love of people whom we love is a fire that feeds our life"

- Pablo Neruda

This was on Carol and Josh's program and it was so obviously true for them. Their entire day was filled with so much love and happiness from all their family and friends. The day started a bit gray at the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, but when Carol walked down the aisle the sun started to shine and the sky turned blue. And as the Rabbi said during the ceremony...it really was a sign that both Carol and Josh's fathers were there in spirit, and with love for them.

Carol worked with a custom dress designer to create her stunning dress and the beautiful bridesmaid dresses. The flowers for both the ceremony and the reception were truly amazing to see...the already beautiful Ritz lawn was taken to a whole new level with a stunning Chuppah at the edge of the ocean, and a winding path of flowers for the processional. I can't even describe the transformation of the ballroom with satin covered walls and again...just gorgeous lighting and floral designs. You'll see what I mean when you watch the short clip highlighting their ceremony, and the design work of the extraordinary florist.

Nicole & Scott 3/03/07

This past Saturday’s wedding (March 3rd) at the Hyatt Huntington Beach was incredible! From the beautiful Hupa, to the amazing cocktail lounge, which when the sheer curtains parted, revealed the ballroom where dinner and dancing continued the entire evening. Nicole and Scott were a fantastic couple…we received an email from them today which in part said:

“Scott and I would like to thank all of you that helped make our wedding day BEYOND my expectations. Each of you played an important role in our wedding, and I personally could not have asked for a more magical ceremony, reception, and evening over all.

I could go on and on as people commented regarding my make-up, the invitations, the flowers (wow!), the banquet set-up, the centerpieces, the cake table, the lounge set-up, the band, the food and service, the way we incorporated our children into the entire evening, and even mentioning how wonderful it was the way the people taking the pictures and the video were always there at the right moment, yet never over bearing. All that you did, allowed Scott and I to truly relax and enjoy our wedding, and our ease set the mood for the wedding and allowed us to truly enjoy each moment, be true to our feelings during our wedding, and really start our new life off in a beautiful way.”

Here’s a short clip of their first dance!

Erica and Matt - Ritz Carlton Dana Point

I love working at the Ritz, all three ceremony locations are truly spectacular. Every wedding is guaranteed to have a fly-by of pelicans as well! Erika and Matt are such a great couple, I just loved how Erika was smiling and laughing the entire day. When Matt saw her for the first time (in front of both families and the bridal party) he also had the biggest smile, they both fell into each others arms laughing and smiling. It was perfect. The clip is from the opening to their wedding film.

Sherri and Olaff - Rancho Las Lomas

Here's a fun opening to a wedding film that was shot at Rancho Las Lomas. The couple really love television show openings and they wanted me to create an opening to their film that was unique. There's a lot to work with at Rancho as it's such a beautiful location, but Sherri and Olaff also wanted to get some shots at Cooks Corner...a biker bar down the street! Where else but in Southern CA can you have a wedding that includes tigers, zebras and Harley motorcycles!! We had a blast shooting this wedding...and let's just say the guests has a lot of fun as well. You'll have to watch the clip to see what I mean!