Every event has a story and that story can be told in an infinite number of ways. Every second and every shot must have purpose to drive the story as effectively as possible. If the video contains a wasted shot, then there is something to improve on in the video. No one story is the same we strive to tell each one more effectively than every before. There is no pattern or formula or else you're just following the motions. We don't seek to alter reality and strive to keep the integrity of events, but that does not mean we won't look for the most cinematic way to present it. We don't settle because we one day hope to be the best and bring something new to the fold that has never been done before. Your story is yours to own and we strive to tell it. There is a beginning, middle, and end. We are 3 years in and look forward to many more come.
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Kristina and Brandon's wedding film is now available for viewing! We are proud to announce that it encompasses all the new techniques and skills we picked up this year, namely drone shots.
Thanks to all the vendors for making this possible! Photography - Bailey from photosbybaileystenson.com DJ/Master of Ceremonies - The Sound Factory thesoundfactory.com Event Planner - Katy Browning katyb58@gmail.com Venue - Swans Trail Farms swanstrailfarms.com info@swanstrailfarms.com Flowers - Flora D' Amore Floral Artistry floradamore.com Catering - Pyramid Catering pyramidcatering.com The day of Michelle and Nomar's wedding was also the first real rainfall Washington has seen in a while, signaling the end of summer. Fortunately, the wedding was indoors. The entire event was safe from the storm and power outages. Having arrived early, we took the opportunity to get some establishing shots of the venue: The Westin Bellevue Hotel. We started the bridal preparation off by eliminating any unnatural light and closing the windows to paint Michelle's face with light. Here we began working with C2 Photography who were great throughout the day. We split up to get footage of Nomar and the groomsmen preparing where we learned of their adventures the night before. They showed us the watches Normar had custom made for them. When we attached our microphone to Nomar, he made a few jokes and then gave Tyler and Sid codenames for the day: Bison and Falcon. Names that Michelle didn't approve of for their kids. Initially, we went with Michelle to film the first look at the pool area of the hotel but it was full of guests so the location was changed to the hotel. As much as everyone wanted to film the first looks outside, the storm on this day made it impossible to walk outside. We went ahead to the bar with Nomar as he waited for Michelle, he told some more jokes over the microphone to Bison and Falcon. When Michelle arrived, the couple was so happy to see each other for the first time for the day and their chemistry as a couple seemed significantly strong. Next, it was time to get detail shots of the dining/dancing area and the ceremony room. In the room, we formulated our filming strategy. DJ Phosho from Integral DJ's, arguably one of the coolest people ever, arrived and started setting up his gear for the ceremony and reception. Donn Castro, the officiant/emcee, also arrived around the same time, practicing in the ceremony hall. Either we were going crazy or we really did hear Final Fantasy/video game music as the guests were seated. The nostalgia was real. The ceremony began and Michelle and her parents were the last to walk down the aisle. She was in tears. Next came their personal vows, and they both expressed unconditional love for one another in a heartfelt manner. As Donn declared them husband and wife, Mr. & Mrs. Mapalo danced out of the room to “No Letting Go” by Wayne Wonder. Soon enough, the seating began for the Grand Entrance. All the attendants entered the room where all the dining, speeches, and toasting was to take place. The room was buzzing but the noise was silenced when the bridal party walked in to “Give Life Back to Music” by Daft Punk. Then Mr. & Mrs. Mapalo came walked in to “No Better Love” by Young Gunz. Upon Donn’s blessing, the buffet was opened while the newlyweds went around to greet tables. Toasts began when everyone was had their meals for the feast. First up was the dual best men, Nick and Jerry. The stories they told were so funny but we should probably not retell them. Next was the dual maid of honors, Rhianna and Amanda. DJ Phosho threw on the beat from the theme song of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and the ladies rapped over it about how Nomar and Michelle got together. Then they spoke about how Michelle fit into their family so well. Michelle’s parents spoke next of how Nomar stole their daughter away but they were ultimately accepting of it. The final toast was by Nomar’s parents, and we found out the origin of his name and how happy they are to have Michelle as a member of their family. With everyone in a very cheerful mood after the toasts, it was time for everyone to eat. Johanna Dierdoff, Westin's host, hooked the vendors up with our awesome dinners. Most of our crew had so much coffee that we weren't very hungry though. Right as we were finishing our foods, someone came in alarmed. The cake was melting! So we ran to our cameras in the main room, but then they figured out the cake just came that way. Since we were already ready, we went ahead and shot the cake cutting anyway. The couple smeared each other with cake and jumped into the first dance. They danced to “You Are in Love” by Taylor Swift. After that, “You're he Inspiration” by Chicago came on and Michelle danced with her father while Nomar danced with his mother. When the song ended, all the married couples came in and danced to “You and I” by Avant. Then the floor opened up to everyone, and many showed up to cut the rug. DJ Phosho started cutting his choice of songs for the next event, the money dance. People lined up to attached money to the couple and share a little dance with them so their future together starts off with a little resource boost. When the ceremonies ended, we packed up our gear and bid goodbye to Nomar and Michelle Mapalo. The TSP crew for the day: Edward, Tony, Bison (Tyler), and Falcon (Sid) departed as the floor opened up again for everyone to dance the night away. When we arrived at Nature's Connection Place, Washington's weather chose to be sunny over hazy and ended its earlier indecision. The wedding party was preparing for the ceremonies, the flowers were set by Laurel Mitchell of Laurel's Floral Decor, and Saffron Grill's Muhammed was already preparing the feast. Shortly after setting our gear down, the first thing we did was activate the drone. Craig Slater, owner/DJ/cool guy of Bugsie Productions, and a few others witnessed the drone's extra smooth flight around the venue, unhindered by dastardly birds, trees, or power-lines. Our cameras were already in position as the guests gradually filled the seats for the first ceremony: The Indian ceremony. The parents lit the lamps. Kevin was brought by the bridesmaids before he washed his feet and received the bouquet. With her parents, Bhavna walked down the aisle and sat next to Kevin. Together they exchanged garlands, tied a dalis on their necks, and exchanged gifts of clothing. After Bhavna's Father placed her hand on Kevin's, they circle the golden lamp three times. The couple was now married, but once is not enough. Such is Love, yes? The couple return to their designated rooms to change for the second ceremony. In the homely and luxurious building provided by the Nature's Connection, Bhavna and her bridesmaids were getting ready. The owner of the venue stepped out to close the door because of the air conditioning, and we managed to make him laugh before he left. After that, we went to the groom's manly room/tent to see Kevin. The groomsmen stepped out to give us some shooting space. About the same time, the satiating appetizers were served. Returning to the stage, we secured our audio feed and got in shooting positions for the second ceremony. Adrien Craven the photographer, who was great to work with for the entire wedding, spoke with us about marriage. Smiling, she suggested that perhaps it just takes the right gal to a cynic in our crew. Then second ceremony commenced. The seats filled up with the couples' friends and family. The bridesmaids and groomsmen stood in front of the stage. Kevin arrived donning a new suit, his face exuding joy and excitement. Many heads turned as Bhavna, in her new dress, walked down the aisle with her father. Together, they stood in front of everyone as the officiant, David Myers, began the ceremony. Many laughed as he made light of Kevin forgetting his ring and married life in general, but the importance he placed on staying together in love unconditional resonated deeply with all. Kevin and Bhavna shared their vows, they kissed, and they were married once more. A testament to how good their bond is. The feast came next as the guests sought out their seats. Bhavna helped the open bar's bartender by giving her cups she required to actually serve drinks. One by one, each table was called to get their food. The toasts began and a glimpse of the origins of the couple's unity was given. Hearts warmed with each toast. After the toasts, Craig Slater called the couple up for a little game purely for everyone's enjoyment. Kevin and Bhavna answered questions about each other. The results ranged from endearing to hilarious. When the game ended, the couple cut the cake with surgical precision and fed one another without making too much of a mess. They jumped straight into the first dance and showed their partnered dance skills. The origin of such skills was hinted by the following father/daughter and mother/son dance as each pair added their unique flair to the dance. The floor opened to everyone else after that to be merry and dance the night away in celebration of the newlyweds: Kevin and Bhavna. |
