There is beauty, colour & magic in a traditional Hindu wedding. In true style, this teaser represents all these elements with a pinch of mystery & a touch of aura.
Narayani had contacted me to film their wedding celebration. She was a referral from one of my very beautiful brides who celebrated their wedding a year prior. Cultural weddings are always an amazing event to film. There is always loads of energy and an amazing amount of aspects to capture.
Filmed at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Down and reception at Luxor in Taylor’s Lakes, it’s a priveledge to showcase the wedding trailer of Anujan & Narayani
As many marriages would have it, they are a union of a couple that have know each other for many years. So is the case for Siwei & Esther & oh what a day it was.
Siwei contacted me last year as he searched for the right producer that would characterise his day with awesome shooting and ultimately an awesome edit. I think I may have spoken to him many times before he left to Hong Kong for his new job. It was only after meeting Esther and her sister that they decided that we were the one to make it happen for their wedding film. In the end, I only met Siwei at his rehearsal which was like a day or so prior.
In corresponding with Esther, it’s so obvious why Siwei loves her…she has a beautifully kind nature about her, which complements the more charismatic & “out there” personality of Siwei.
So to their day. We started off early at Esther’s There was going to be loads of games followed by 2 traditional tea ceremonies. As I was listening to what the girl’s planned for Siwei’s initiation to the family, I couldn’t help giggle at the thought of what he had to do. In true fashion it was absolutely hilarious to see the guys complete their challenges.
Following this, Mauro from Dezine by Mauro, took the group to some beautiful locations and the day was completed by the ceremony & reception at Leonda by the Yarra.
Bride Magazine
I came across this article from Bride.com.au and found that at last there is a magazine that appreciates the value of a producer. In the wedding world, there are videographers, cinematographers & wedding storytellers. Most people would ask, “but will they record my wedding?” Ultimately yes but the styles have emerged somewhat like the diversity there now is for photography.
So what’s the difference and what will suit you?
There is no right or wrong choice for a couple…just the choice that suits them. These definitions are very much my own perception of the terminology that may help you understand the lingo in the industry.
Documentary Videographer
Often a videographer will tend to follow a documentary style and have a very much of the “fly on the wall” approach. For some couples, this is perfect for them as they just want whatever happens in a clean & no fuss presentation. It’s a traditional style that has been around for many years.
Cinematographer
A Cinematographer uses movement in their filming & editing. It has become a popular term to describe an evolution in wedding productions & certainly can add flair to a piece. It doesn’t become the salt of the wedding but a complementary addition that has added some spice to a wedding film.
Storyteller
Storytelling is not new in film-making…all good movies revolve around a good story. Weddings have a story – a wedding is a story. The filming & editing style though for storytellers are far more intricate as the thought process involved requires planning for events that have happened, are happening and will happen. A producer needs to give thought to how to best shoot what is happening, consider the angles, lighting conditions and obviously the audio elements that make a movie.
One of my all time favourite scenes is from Jerry McGuire – yes, I love Tom Cruise
If you look at the angles, the varied scenes and the connection of one shot to the other – it gives perspective & it tells the story.
This is what we do. I guess I will be biased in saying that we are one of the best storytellers in Melbourne ~ you will need to see our films to make that choice. Just like there is a right photographer for a couple, there is the right professional wedding video producer to capture your day.
Michael & Priscilla are an awesome & sweet couple. Being from Lebanese background, we needed to look at catering for a cultural need as well as producing a wedding cinema film.
Starting their day with what naturally happens on a wedding day, the musician arrived and added to the excitement that was already there. Traditional poems were sung by family to herald the dawning of the new beginning…dancing & celebrations filmed the rooms.
Celebrating their wedding at Our Lady of Lebanon Church & reception at the Brighton International, the night continued with some awesome speeches, both filled with touching moments and an equal amount of humour.
Filmed in conjunction with Marcus from Couch Media, this runs for 14mins so sit back, relax & enjoy.
We were lucky enough to come across Asher & Alia as a result of one of our favourite photographers, Andrew Noble.
I got a call one morning from Andrew who was trying to help find a producer for a couple – their videographer had to pull out due to ill health. When I spoke with Andrew and he told us of their date, we were fortunately available.
Andrew passed on our details and I spoke with Asher. Coincidentally, we had recently shot one of their friend’s weddings so it was good to meet Khong (Fred) & Pauline again.
So a bit about Asher & Alia. Well, I’m sure their friends will know them best but this wedding has some special significances. Asher plays the bagpipes. For their wedding day, Asher & Alia celebrated their vows at Scotts Church in Melbourne. They had a bagpiper churning out melodic tunes that were symbolic to the feel of the day. And in good old traditional Melbourne weather, it rained after the ceremony. Fortunately photos were done in the morning, after they shared their first meet at the Hotel Lindrum which proceeded within Scotts Church and then at Poets Lane.
So sit back and enjoy at little glimpse of a very beautiful day with a very wonderful couple.
On December 1st Women Filmmakers around the globe are making a viral splash with this short film inspiring women to create. We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting this call to action. The clip doesn’t promote one company or idea, it’s an inspiration piece for women filmmakers. All 42 participants, plus respective blogs we have contacted, are going to be releasing this all on December 1st.
This is a truly inspirational clip & I am honoured to be asked to publish this on my site. The film industry is often seen as a male industry. There are some truly amazing female producers and as such WE are uniting to make our mark on the world.
Filmed on location at POSH 2010 posheventonline.com -
Directed by: Maura Coleman-Murray + Kara Jensen
Filmed by: Maribeth Ratajczyk + Luiza Perkowska
Edited by: Meg Simone
With Collaboration From:
kara jensen . maura coleman-murray . jen moon . reagan zugelter . kristen * . jessica roman . brea mcdonald . dawn kelly . tasra dawson . luiza perkowska . jolanta piwowarczyk . meg simone . lisa mckendry . kat small . melanie darlington . amy warkentien . mary howland . gina howland . jessica ringor . danielle kaiser . beth oslander . april robles . isabel gonzalez . nicole stamps . maribeth ratajczyk . krisztina horváth . tímea jaksa . amy grissom . kria macalpine . terry taravella . sarah pendergraft . tammy akard . jennifer leyva . candice cossel . stephanie higginbottom . stephanie keysacker . regina drury . stefanie childs . carolina bonnelly . gina lende . cherie almand . joanna banks-morgan . shelby downing
We had a challenge – our challenge was to film & produce for another cinematographer. WOW…
Marc & Billy had been planning their wedding from their home town in Portland USA – to be married in Melbourne Australia. We skyped over the months leading up to their wedding and talked about how beautiful the gardens of St Kilda are. They arrived a week prior and we met under the most perfect conditions that mother nature could provide. It was cool to finally meet in person after chatting for so long…Marc & Billy ran through some of the days events and we talked about many things that we as cinematographers, need to know and take care of.
Being a garden wedding and Melbourne experiencing a La Nina, what was the back up plan…”there was none”. Lol – there was no way that mother nature could spoil such a beautiful commitment & surely enough, the weather held out…okay, the wind was blowing a gale, but it was livable.
So we commenced at Sandringham for the bridal preps & proceeded to Half Moon Bay in Black Rock. During the week, Dean & I scouted the pier and planned how we would shoot this. First meets are not typical in the Australian culture but getting it right makes for some awesome footage. With the awesome talents of Laurel & Ben from Powers Photography, bridal party & our team, we took off to the beach for location shots.
The weather was still holding out & once we arrived at St Kilda Botanical gardens we hung out while the set up was taking place. Here, standing among family & friends, Marc & Billy committed their love to each other.
I was reading on Marc website that he makes time to get to know his clients – that this is the beginning of the experience. How true these words are – thanks guys for inviting us to share & capture your day.
It takes a particular type of person to volunteer because volunteering, whether it be for a playgroup, scouts or a larger association means that you put in a lot of personal effort.
I’m into my third year as a committee member of the AVPA and this year I have been responsible for helping in the organisation of the Awards Dinner. I’m also now the Vice President which makes me sound important, but ultimately I will continue working to support the association members.
In organising the night I have had many opportunities to talk to members from around Australia. One very lovely member who is literally in the “back of bourke” is making a special journey from Mourilyan, Queensland to attend. Dean & I will be hosting him as our guest – we haven’t met him but as I have written in a report for the association, the reason I joined the association was a sense of belonging. In that report I wrote about a blog post from one of our members Joel Buncle (Couch Media), who is undertaking a film course in America. He talks about “Spirit”. Joel writes that spirit is “something that is so strong here, it unites people, it brings them together. This is the best part about spirit, what one person could not achieve by himself a large group is capable of completing.”
As committee members we are not only here to provide and increase the benefits to our members, but to encourage the “spirit” of belonging. The association is inspired by members from all sectors – corporate, broadcasting and special event. Their “spirit” is what drives the association to continue to grow and flourish, & it will be the future of collaboration and camaraderie that will make belonging to the AVPA worthwhile.
I’m looking forward to celebrating the wins of my friends & colleagues…roll on Red Scooter
Exposed | Down Under ~ a workshop for wedding producers
Starting out as an assistant to her husband Dean in their wedding video business, Sauvignon Media Creations, Rochelle has become a force to be reckoned with in the Australian video producers’ scene. As this year’s Australian Video Producers Association (AVPA) Vice President, Rochelle is also the Public Relations officer and has been dedicated in her quest to promote the industry through her AVPA work. Her commitment to the development of our industry was recognised when Rochelle was named one of EventDV 25 Top 50 finalists for 2009.
The efforts of Rochelle as a founding member of the Exposed | Down Under team brought some of the great international & local talents together in 2010. We have seen a national unity among wedding video producers with a motto of collaboration not competition. 2011 will be even greater with a schedule that has been well planned and contains as much value in learning and networking that is possible.
“I feel that what occurred in EDU 10 was breathtakingly inspiring. When I stood at the bottom of the theatre and looked up among all those who came, I could feel my heart busting with joy – not only for the success of the event but what it has achieved for all those who have attended. I am honoured to be a founder of Exposed | Down Under.” ~ Rochelle
Craig & Hannah travelled all the way from Albury NSW to meet Dean & I. We communicated many times leading to them booking and in many ways, it’s Hannah’s passion for video that brought her our way…she too is a video producer.
So on the 8th October, we made the journey up north. Dean & I stayed the night at the inn where Craig & Hannah were celebrating their reception. We joined Craig in the afternoon with his groomsman whilst they had some “boy” time at Intencity and then made our way to the ceremony rehearsal.
It’s so obvious that Craig & Hannah are one of the most gentle souled people we have met. During their vows, not only were they both crying but the whole of the room. Their words were simple but divine & heart felt.
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