Sarah & Phil • The School Teacher & The Superhero

Sarah & Phil’s big day was the perfect combination of a personal but traditional, laid back but upbeat wedding. From the moment we arrived at The Peter Allen House, I could just feel the tight knit, family love that was pouring out all throughout their day. As far as brides go, Sarah was easily one of the most relaxed, cool-as-a-cucumber brides I have ever encountered. (Not to mention, she looked beautiful from head to toe – and her entire look could not have been more perfect for her!) I loved being there to capture Sarah’s important phone call to a friend who wasn’t able to make it to her big day because she lived so far away and was expecting. It’s moments like these that make capturing weddings so unbelievable for us. These moments open tiny cracks for us to escape into our couple’s lives and really get to know things about them that just a dress, or vows or toasts could never share. It’s truly humbling to think about.

We dubbed this “The School Teacher & The Superhero” because Sarah’s a kindergarten teacher (we film a lot of school teachers, I’m noticing – and I wouldn’t have it any other way, really. They are some of the *sweetest* people.) and Phil has a *serious* love for comic books & illustration. Speaking of awesome illustration – check out the invitations that Phil DREW of the venue, The Peter Allen House. AMAZING, no?! I am a geek for illustration, too, but not enough to the point where I’ll be having comic book references in my ceremony – hehe, Phil :) – so this wedding was all around special for us to capture.

There was a moment at the reception, that didn’t make it into the film, that had us all in tears while we were shooting it. Sarah & Phil experienced a great number of losses in the days before their wedding and Sarah’s dad spoke so bravely about it. It was one of those moments (again – but a different kind) where it feels so wrong to be filming something so intimate, but in the end, we know that what was captured (and said) is something that Sarah & Phil will want to have for the rest of their lives (and they do have on their finished DVDs).

Needless to say, this was such a special wedding for us to be a part of. The venue was quaint and beautiful, the day was SUNNY (DISTINCTIVELY so – we made it a point to show the sunniness in the film because it really defined their day) & HOT, their antique car was a stunner, and the personal touches were abundant.

During their ceremony, their pastor spoke about marriage using the word “GLUE.” We loved the way he wove the personality of Sarah & Phil and the importance of God’s role in marriage into this sermon, so we made it a heavy thread in the film.

In post-production, we spend easily 120+ hours handling a wedding film. When we start a film, we talk with the couple about what kind of music they connect with and we study the footage of their day, seeking out the most thematic moments. When I started on Sarah & Phil’s wedding, Sarah & Phil were a bit stumped about the best music selections but gave me their uptmost trust in deciding what would really make their day shine in its truest light. (There is no way to describe how valuable we feel when a couple gives us their trust. It makes us jump bigger and greater leaps for their edits. Real examples: All of our 2011 films to date.) I was digging through my music library when I stumbled upon an old song by The New Amsterdams. Within seconds, I heard this perfect guitar melody and then… the words “I’m the glue. I’m the permanent fixture.” And bam. That was it. It fell together, perfectly, and faster than ever. (This film was edited in 2 days. Must have been an act of God.) So, after one long winded explanation – enjoy our latest wedding film, Sarah & Phil • The School Teacher & The Superhero:

Venue: Peter Allen House (Dauphin, PA)
Day-Of Wedding Coordinator:  Wendy Hammaker of Hammaker’s Flowers (Lemoyne, PA)
Photography: Klose Photography (Harrisburg, PA)
Caterer Accomac Catering (From the Accomac Inn) (Wrightsville, PA)
Cake: Jaime Cakes (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Florist: Hammaker’s Flowers (Lemoyne, PA)
Wedding Gown: Mori Lee – J & B Bridals (Chambersburg, PA)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Mori Lee – J & B Bridals (Chambersburg, PA)
Menswear: Wardeckers Menswear (Carlisle, PA)
Hair: Chet from Salon Didia (Carlisle, PA)
Makeup: Stephanie from Kimeb & Co (Carlisle, PA)
Rings: Mountz Jewelers (Carlisle, PA)
DJ: Jason Klock of DJ Klock Entertainment (Harrisburg, PA)
Photobooth: Wink! Photobooths (State College, PA)

We’re giving away a Wedding Film!

Just one week ago, we announced over on our WEDDING SHOW site (borrowed) that we are GIVING AWAY a WEDDING PHOTO + CINEMA PACKAGE with our gal pal, Jillian McGrath Photography at our April 1st show. “What’s the catch?” you ask? No catch, really. Jill and I are just crazy about creatives and want to give one lucky couple, getting married between December 2012 and December 2013 a chance to win a super great, creative wedding photo + cinema package for FREE. All that we ask of you, the giveaway entrants is that you enter our contest – answer 15 quick questions and submit 2 creative samples for us – and we will pick one (1) winning couple based on how much we feel they love us (this is important, too) and how much we feel we connect with them/their creativity. Okay, so one small catch – you have to be present at borrowed on April 1st at AVAM (Baltimore) to WIN. No big deal though because borrowed is sure to be an amazing event with over 30 vendors from all categories, free tastings (from creatives like CHARM CITY CAKES – psst – Ace of Cakes!), a retail area, cash bar and plenty of photobooths to play in all day long – not to mention some other very cool things we have yet to announce! So what exactly do you win, you ask?? Well:

2 Birds, 1 Day – Bluebird Package

Photo

– Complete Wedding Day Photographic Coverage by Jillian + Ryan McGrath
– High Resolution Digital Images of Wedding Day
– Two Month Online Ordering Gallery

Cinema

– 8-9 hours of Wedding Day Coverage with Natalie & Mark
– 5-7 minute Cinematic Wedding Film
– Full Toasts Film, edited between 2 cameras
– 3 custom designed WHCC DVDs

**Not Included/Items sold separately:**

– Engagement session
– Photographic prints or albums
– Cinema add-ons
– Travel Costs (beyond 100 miles one way)

Go on over and check out borrowed - our wedding show – and be sure to enter the contest on our giveaway page! We can’t wait to read your entries! And of course, to promote our giveaway, we had a fun shoot with Jillian & Little Miss Lovely, our beautiful, vintage blogger friend. Enjoy the photos + film! (And just THINK: This could be YOU!)

2011 Client Gifts

2011 has been unbelievably busy and huge for us. We had the privilege of filming nearly 20 couple’s weddings from May through December. This year, we said thanks with a hand-crafted ornament that showcases a cinema still from each couple’s wedding day:

Jessica & Joe • An Old World, Romantic Wedding {wedding film}

This wedding BLEW me away. Every detail, big and small, was so carefully thought out and planned to perfection to give Jess and Joe the old world, enchanted, romantic wedding of their dreams. You almost have to bullet point it because there are so MANY unforgettable details (see the vendor list below, though, and that’ll explain a ton):

• Jess’ stunning Maggie Sottero gown and shoes from the UK
• Joe’s custom tux with long coat tails
• The always enchanting Moonstone Manor (the former Conewago Manor Inn) (remember Sarah & Dan’s wedding??)
• Lawn croquet games, cigar station, fresh lavender on the tables, oh my!
• Incredible/delectable/too gorgeous to eat cake and sweet treats by some of Central PA’s finest bakers
• One perfectly romantic waltz
• An antique Cadillac (via Jess’ boss!) with cans on the back, complete with sparkler sendoff. SWOON.

Needless to say, this wedding was an unforgettable blast to document. I had tons of fun shooting alongside our friends, Brooke Courtney Photography (you should check out the gorgeous photos from Jess & Joe’s wedding & engagement on their site!) and as always, the Smilebooth was there, documenting all of the hilarious, outrageous, awkward moments that only a photobooth can capture. No word seems to suit this day better than STUNNING, as said by the bride’s dad himself. And Ingrid Michaelson and Billie Holliday do just the trick.

Reception Venue: Moonstone Manor (Elizabethtown, PA)
Ceremony Site: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (Camp Hill, PA)
Wedding Planner: Susan Moran of That’s It! Wedding Concepts (Mechanicsburg, PA)
Photography: Brooke Courtney Photography (Manheim, PA)
Caterer + Florist: The JDK Group (Camp Hill, PA)
Cake: House of Clarendon (Lancaster, PA)
Sweets Table (Favors): Jasmine of The Couture Cakery (Camp Hill, PA)
Wedding Gown: Maggie Sottero – J & B Bridals (Chambersburg, PA)
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jordan Bridesmaids – J & B Bridals (Chambersburg, PA)
Hair: Jonni from The Bee Hive Salon & Spa (Pottsville, PA)
Makeup: Helene from Heaven and Earth Salon and Spa (Pottsville, PA)
DJ: Rhythm System
Rings: Murphy Jewelers (Pottsville, PA)
Transportation: Unique Limousine
Shoes: Bourne (UK)

Jolene & Adam • A Fairy Tale Wedding {wedding film}

There’s only one word that can possibly describe this wedding: Magical. I remember arriving at Omni Bedford on Jolene & Adam’s wedding day, taking a look around at this massive, colonial resort tucked away in the woods, unloading our gear, and realizing the bride was all the way at the other end of the building. I took off running with my gear slung on my back, looking like a kindergardener who missed their bus, hoping I could make it to see Jolene before I had to trek back over to their Ceremony site to setup. It was serendipitous that I was able to film her getting into her (can I just say – GORGEOUS) gown (because filming her before the Ceremony wasn’t in the original plans), especially when I caught this magical fairtyale being told to the flower girl to calm her nerves. I knew from that moment on, this day was going to be so magical. From Jolene’s flowy Reem Acra gown and matching Kate Spade shoes to her handmade brooch bouquet and dancer background, to their small intimate party and the song they chose for the first half of their film (that opens with the line “Some kind of magic”), every piece of Jolene and Adam’s wedding puzzle was like a match made in Heaven. We couldn’t be more honored and lucky to have been there to capture it all.

Venue + Cake: Omni Bedford Springs Resort (Bedford, PA)
Bedford Springs Coordinator: Bryan Stiffler
Photography: Pat Little Images (Phillipsburg, PA)
Wedding Gown: Reem Acra – Belle Vie Bridal Couture (Chicago, IL)
Shoes: Kate Spade
Florist: The Colonial Florist and Gift Shop (Mount Union, PA)
Antique Brooch Bouquet: Handmade by Parents of the Bride
Flower Girl Dress: Handmade by Mother of the Bride
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Suits: Brooks Brothers
DJ: Jeremy Ganss Productions

Jolene & Adam’s first response:
OH. MY. GOODNESS. We just watched our film last night and it is absolutely AMAZING! I’ll say it again, AMAZING. We are in love. For two people that were apprehensive about getting a wedding video in the first place, this is by far the most beautiful way to remember and share our day. We couldn’t be happier with your work and your choices. Very thoughtful and artistically crafted. (I loved opening the box, too!)

Giveaway: 2 Tickets to Lovesick Expo (Philly)

Winner Announced: Emily, Abby, Ami, Sheena & Vicki.

That’s right. We’re giving away tickets to our 5 commenters, just because.
‘Tis the season, friends. See you in January!

In the spirit of the holidays, and since today is one month from the day, we’re giving away a pair of (2) tickets to attend Lovesick – A Wedding Expo For The Cool At Heart on January 8, 2012 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Philadelphia’s own World Cafe Live. We’ll be there, showcasing our films and chatting it up with awesome vendors we love – like Hi-Society Productions, Sullivan Owen, Maggpie Vintage Rentals, Love Me Do Photography, and We Love Photobooths – as well as couples we can’t wait to meet. To enter our giveaway, please leave a comment with your name and e-mail address (so we can notify you that you’ve won!). One winner will be randomly chosen and announced back here on the blog, at the top of this posting, tomorrow, December 9th. Watch the promo below for a little sneak peek of Lovesick 2011 (and the founders, Hi-Society Productions, themselves):

PS: We’ll be giving away tickets to our own show, borrowed, in the new year ;)

30 Reasons To Be Thankful

Now that our tummies have had some time to digest the tasty treats of Thanksgiving and the Christmas decorations are starting to go up, we thought there’s no better time than today, November 30th, to share 30 things we are thankful for in 2011:

{30} Keurig – for always fueling us
{29} Pandora – for getting us in the zone for our films
{28} Panera & Hampton Inn – our travel wedding day staples
{27} The not-awkward/mildly embarrassing bouquet and garter tosses – you know, the ones that don’t include the re-putting on of the garter to the bouquet toss catcher?? Thank you for them!
{26} Cool weather weddings – thank you thank you thank you for making filming 10x easier/more comfortable/more enjoyable
{25} First looks & video only moments – for bringing so much added cinema to our films
{24} Hand-written vows & thoughtful toasts – for you I always pine
{23} Thank you notes from our couples – I keep all of them (and they make me tear up)!
{23} Our intern, Emily – for being a perfect, sweet work companion
{22} 24 hour diners – for feeding our perpetual, ravenous, post-wedding-day beasts within
{23} Skype – for making it possible to meet our couples that live so far away
{22} InFocus – for forever teaching us how to be better at what we do
{21} Midtown Scholar – for inspiring us and being a perfect meeting spot
{20} LensRentals – our forever friend
{19} Hilarious couples – we are ALWAYS game for creating comedic wedding films (!)
{18} Happy couples – we have some seriously happy couples and it makes me giddy
{17} Word of mouth/past client referrals – because they mean the most
{16} Blogs we love that love us back – 100 LC, Ruffled, Bridal Musings, Hi-Fi Weddings, Capitol Romance, Green Wedding Shoes, Wedding Chicks, Brooklyn Bride
{15} Cinelab – for taking great care of our proposal film
{11} Open, Kind & Humble vendors whom we have made friendships with this year (including but not limited to) -
Jillian McGrath, Maggpie Vintage Rentals, the girls of Sullivan Owen, Danielle Pasternak, Kristy Rice of Momental Designs, Heidi & Kevin of Sweet Pea Photography, Mikkel Paige, Kim & Jon of Sanderson Images, Penny of Moonstone Manor (Conewago Manor Inn), Tom & Jon of Hi-Society Productions, Cory Cross of Dorothy Cinema, Katie & Dan of Paperback Weddings, William Gaff of Humanstory, Lisa Benigni of 12th Street Catering, Bree Ryback of Capitol Romance, Phil & Allison of The Susquehanna Photographic, Ben Fraser of Weddings by Two, Guy Ambrosino of We Love Photobooths
{10} Our new equipment – cameras, lenses and accessories to boot (aka our weapons of choice)
{9} 9 more great months living in the birdhouse – we miss you, old friend
{8} Sundays – our one day off (most of the time, anyway…)
{7} Winter – for giving us a much needed break to work on personal projects (and snowboard!)
{6} F/1.4 – THANK. YOU.
{5} Jillian McGrath – gets her own number because she is an unparalleled force of good things for our business (& our life)
{4} Riot and Mabel – for being the best positive re-inforcers & companions two kids could ask for
{3} Our families – for believing in us and being our biggest fans
{2} The gift of storytelling – (We are forever grateful. Enough said.)
{1} All of our couples – we couldn’t have gotten where we are today without you <3

What are you thankful for this year?

Christine & Michael • May 29, 2011 {wedding film}

You know those moments when something monumental, something epic, something so important happens that your brain is sent a signal, immediately, saying “I’ll never forget this”? Well, we get a lot of those moments at weddings, because weddings are one giant monumental, unforgettable moment – we really need a word for this. (Next post. We’ll get cracking on it.) This wedding? I remember standing in the room just after Christine got ready, waiting for her Dad to come in and see her in her wedding dress. She was so nervous that I started to get nervous. Her Dad peeked in the room and clearly started to get choked up, so he ducked back into the other room – giggles abounding from all of the bridesmaids and the bride herself at the sight of this. It was just one of those moments where you said to yourself, “Wow. I’m capturing this moment in history that is so special, so irreplaceable. I feel SO grateful to be here witnessing it.” (You’ll see what I mean.) Special is the word. But even that’s not big enough. Christine & Michael’s wedding, all the way back in May, was so whole-heartedly filled with love and joy that it was impossible not to capture a smile with every take. Without further ado, their wedding film, set to a Heavenly tune by one of Christine’s favorite musicians, Jeff Buckley, and songs by one of the couple’s favorite bands, Coldplay.

Ceremony: Emmanuel Episcopal Church (Cumberland, MD)
Reception: Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (Flintstone, MD)
Photography: Exclamation Imagery (Fairfax, VA)
Cake: Lorenzo’s Bakery (Frostburg, MD)
Band: Tastes Like Chicken
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids Dresses: Dessy Group

Christine & Michael’s Review:
What can I possibly say? The video brings us to tears every time we watch it – you guys absolutely exceeded our expectations and showcased our wedding day and love beautifully! Thank you so much for all your work; it was well worth the wait!

From the Mother of the Bride:
Your wedding video of my daughter is truly the best wedding video I have ever seen…and I say that not just because I’m the MOB!

News!

Hello birdies! 2011 has been a year of big changes and big news for us. The past 6 months have been a whirlwind of 15 weddings, engagements (like our own), birthdays, work for our wedding show (borrowed), non-profit work and then, to top it all off – we moved! (And we’re moving, again, within the next year.) We knew the day would come when we would leave the birdhouse, and I was certainly more than sad to say goodbye, but it’s onward and upward for us. We have big plans for the next couple of years and though we’re not yet ready to share them, we will suffice it to say that to us, all change is good change. Birdhouse has grown leaps and bounds in its first two years and we can’t wait to watch it grow in new places, with new people, in the future. So, friends, stay tuned for what we know will be one exciting ride.

Sarah & Dan • June 18, 2011 {wedding film}

If you read through the list of my favorite things about weddings, you’d find: handmade gifts, first looks, the groom’s reaction, personal vows, emotional parent dances (etc). This wedding? Had ALL of them - and more. Sarah & Dan are such a beautiful couple, inside and out. Their love for each other – and for life itself – radiates through their personalities and the relationships surrounding them. Within an instant of meeting Sarah & Dan, we felt like we had known them for years. Their intimate wedding day was held at the stunning Conewago Manor Inn, in Elizabethtown, PA. It was an absolute honor to capture it all and we’re certain this is one of our most emotional films to date.

Ceremony & Reception: Conewago Manor Inn (Elizabethtown, PA)
Photographer: Conrad Erb Photography (Philadelphia, PA)
Caterer: Weddings by JDK (Camp Hill, PA)
Wedding Dress: Gowns By Design (Mechanicsburg, PA)