Kristie and Lester

This wedding had it all! From the soft red up lighting , to the dance floor wash and monogram, to the LCD screens for a slide show presentation, it was awesome. We worked at Deerfield Golf Club, an absolutely incredible place to light and DJ. Steve and the staff there really work with us - they understand that it isn’t all about them and that all of the professionals are there to make the day perfect for the bride and groom. One of the really interesting things we did with this wedding was let the photographer use the screens. They edited their pictures throughout the night, so that the guests could see the pictures that were taken during the day while they were eating. They were all very impressed. Steve Newbert of AOV productions was able to use the screens for live video transmission, always a crowd pleaser. And let’s not forgot about the DJ’ing ... 300 people at a wedding means there is going to be some serious dancing. And boy did they dance. Old school hip hop, some R & B and a few current tracks kept them at the same place the whole night, the dance floor! Make sure to check out the video blog we did a few months back on this event as well. And a big thanks to Rodrick Moore Photography for the images.

-Jason

Jessica's Wedding

On December 12th, 2009 I was able to participate in my sister Jessica’s wedding. It was quite an experience, as I was able to see a reception from another perspective. Now, I’m not going to lie, Jessica had the ability to get pretty much anything she wanted from our company and we were able to show off a lot of the things that we can do. But being on the other side, educated me a lot on how a guest sees our service and productions. I was able to see how our team worked with my family, the professionals she choose and the wedding party. As expected, I was so very impressed!

So here is what we did that I think should be mentioned:

Draping- Jessica wanted to drape out the dance floor. As you know from previous posts, this really creates a lounge feel for the dance floor. When we do this, it tends to make for a much more unique dancing experience. We love doing this and with the intelligent lighting we did, it really creates a visual experience.

Intelligent lighting-Not to many couples go with this option, but we think you should really consider doing this. The lighting was actually hung in the ceiling around the dance floor (we can do this at your venue with a slight twist) so that the entire dance floor was covered with light. Most DJs or lighting companies put the lights over the DJ or band. We don’t think that works to well. With the intelligent lighting, we control everything from the color, design and movements. Kurt did a great job programming and running our lighting rig.

Up lighting and pin spotting-Jessica wanted a darker amber for the up lighting and a pin spot on the cake.

Monograms-We normally do them on the dance floor, but we thought it would be even more interesting to put it on outside at the entrance to the property.

Plasma screens-Actually they are LCD screens, but this produced the most dramatic moments of the night. Let me explain. When we first came in the room, the screens had their monogram on them. Then during dinner, we created an awesome slide show of both the couple, family and friends. It was a great way to get people to peak into their life.

Then when it was time for the parent dances, we added another little twist. As she danced with my dad, pictures of the two of them faded up in the background. Then, during the middle of the choreographed dance that they spent so much time working on (3 months of lessons) we did a live feed of the dance floor so all the guests could see. WOW! It was incredible. People all through the room could see exactly what was happening on the dance floor. Thanks to Steve Newbert at AOV productions, his wireless transmission made it possible. Kyle, our TD (technical director), was switching the video to make it look awesome.

The last piece that made the night was the slide show. Kevin York was our photography and we have worked with Kevin in the past with this. We kinda turned Kevin on to this presentation. But around 10pm, both the couple and their guests were able to watch a 5 minute presentation of the actual pictures that were taken that day. Two 46 inch screens allowed everybody to see the great pictures that Kevin had taken. That was such a great thing for them to see. Instant gratification!

It was a great day and I was a very proud brother. Jessica and Ryan will have a great life together. Hopefully some of this video and these pictures will generate some interest for you into thinking about adding any of these options on, especially the LCD screens.

I also want to give a huge thanks to Erin Proud at Proud to Plan for all the hard work that she did. My sister met her at one of our open houses and said she had to have her. Our family isn't the easiest bunch to work with and she made sure that everything was perfect. It also let me have fun and not have anything to worry about. If you haven't thought about a planner...think again. Thanks Erin!

Jason

Alison and Troy

Alison and Troy were married last month at Holly Hedge. They had a beautiful ceremony and reception - Jason DJ'd both and we provided the plasmas and did the up lighting. We recently received a lovely letter from Alison's father, Steve, that I'd like to share.

"This note is overdue. We wanted to thank you again for the fantastic work you and your assistant did with the wedding and reception. Your performance as master of ceremonies was just as we had hoped it would be when we started planning the event.

The red up lighting absolutely made the room. We can’t imagine what it would have looked like if we hadn’t done it. It was so dramatic and it created such warmth in the room. The still pictures look beautiful with the lighting in the background. We can’t wait to see what it did for the video.

Speaking of video, the clip during the father/daughter dance came out perfect. It was the hit of the evening. We got so many compliments and many of the men commented that they had gotten 'misty' eyed. Thank you for your kind words after it was over. It was the moment we had planned for so long and it clearly exceeded our expectations.

Overall, every one of the people involved in the making this wedding either met or exceeded our expectations. But we really believe you and Albie were the keys to it. You two work so well together.

Once more, thank you for doing such a wonderful job and making the only major event of our lives such a success. We will never forget it.

With warm regards,
Ellie and Steve"

Ellie and Steve, we're so glad you were pleased with our services. It was a beautiful wedding and we're so glad we could be a part of such an important time in your lives. We wish you, Alison and Troy all the best!

Here is a video clip of the father/daughter dance that Steve mentioned in his letter. While Alison and Steve were dancing, playing on the plasmas was video of the two of them dancing together at an event when she was 7. Thanks so much to Steve Newbert at All Occasion Video for the clip!

Videographers at Weddings

Many couples I talk to are 50/50 when it comes to hiring a videographer for their wedding. They want to put most of their money into pictures and don’t feel that having a videographer is really worth it. I think a videographer is completely worth it and always give them a few reasons why they may want to reconsider.

1. If I had the chance to show you your grandmothers photo album or a DVD of your grandmothers wedding what would you be more interested in seeing?

2. There are a ton of BAD videographers out there. And many times, that is what they're basing their opinions on - bright lights, big cameras, cheesy editing and late turnaround times. The truth is, with today’s technology, if you choose the right videographer, you won’t even know he or she is there and you will get a professional, customized video.

3. This will be something that you will watch for years to come. It is also something you can share with your kids. It will be worth it, trust me.

So, now that you may be reconsidering, let me give you a few tips on what to look for.
-Book a videographer that will cover your wedding day the way you want it to be covered. If footage of you and your bridal party getting ready and your ceremony are most important to you, then choose a package that will cover that. If you would prefer just your ceremony and reception covered, then keep that in mind when choosing a package. However if you want the whole day covered from start to finish then make sure you discuss that with your potential videographer. Decide what parts of your day are the most important to you and make sure they will be covered!
-Ask about editing time. A normal video should take 1-2 months to get back to you. Some higher end companies might take 2-4 because the editing is very intense. Waiting 6 months or more for you video is a bit much.
-Ask to see a video they did for a past bride to get a good feel for their work. Even better, ask to see a video of a wedding that happened at your reception venue.
-Most importantly, make sure you are clear with your videographer in what you're looking for from your finished video. Make sure they know what is important to you and they will be sure to capture the right moments so your video is everything you want it to be.
-Just like any other professional you will hire for your wedding, videographers come in all different price categories. Do your research, find someone you are comfortable with and trust.

Here are some videographers we recommend:

Steve at All Occasion Video Productions, Dave at DVideography and Drew at Tangerine Media Group. Check them out when you have a chance!

-Jason

Open House

Last nights Lighting Open House at the Radisson Valley Forge was a success! Thanks so much to Clem and the rest of the staff at the Radisson for all of their help! We showed off our lighting and draping abilities and I have to say, our guys did a great job! Also, a big thanks to the following vendors for participating as well, Jenn , Jennifer Childress photography, Darlene, Precious Petals, Erin, Proud to Plan, Steve, All Occasion Video, and Brian, Accurate Transportation.

Thanks so much to Jenn for the pictures! You rock!


-Becky