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.
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.
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.
