Monday, December 13, 2010
McNeal Wedding Films is one of our site partners and one of our favorite wedding resources Nashville. Their brides love them and we love the way they capture Nashville weddings and preserve memories for a lifetime. This fabulous team of women specializes in wedding videography. They take in every detail of your wedding and turn it into a full-on movie - complete with a movie poster and movie trailers.
They're such a wonderful, warm and fun collective of women and if you haven't given them a thought, please take time to do so today.
Nashville Wedding Resource Spotlight: McNeal Wedding Films, Timeless Wedding Videography
Contact Info:
Name: McNeal Wedding Films
Main Contact: Lynette McNeal
Website: McNealWeddingFilms.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/McNealWeddingFilms
How did you get started in weddings?
It started in the early 2000s when Cheryl and I were shooting weddings for friends and family members. We have a large family, and it was fun for us to produce wedding videos for the people that we love. But soon we began getting requests from friends and friends of friends, etc. The financial investment required to do the job up to our standards pretty much dictated that we make it a legit business venture. We did some research and found that Nashville had a shortage of videographers that offered high quality wedding video . . . and so it began.
What do you like most about weddings?
Everything. That’s why we shoot only weddings. The commercial stuff just doesn’t interest us at all. We meet the most wonderful families and make new friends along the way. We love seeing all the beautiful flowers and and all the other details of the day. Everyone at a wedding is happy. Brides have dreamed of their wedding day for most of their lives, and its an honor to be privy to all that happens before and after the ceremony (that most people don’t see).
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
Wow. It’s hard to choose just one! I use lots of different video clips to showcase our work, so there are lots of favorites! I have to admit that I still love the music video we did for Toni & Jessi. And there are moments in every wedding movie that stand out as special to me. Some that immediately come to mind: the mom and sister of the bride crying while watching the bride dance with her father; the way a father of the bride looks at his daughter just before they go through the door and down the aisle; the expression on the groom’s face when he first sees his bride; and sometimes the things they say to each other after the bride reaches the end of the aisle will melt your heart. The couple’s first dance can be favorites of mine for different reasons – some are just fun and others are completely lost in each other while the music plays. I always have a different favorite moment for each wedding we cover.
MOVIE PREVEW-Allie & Brandon from McNeal Video on Vimeo.
What is your service philosophy?
It’s all about the bride, the groom, and their wedding day. While we become friends and are involved with the couple and their families, we respect that this is THEIR wedding day and we are there to capture and preserve it. It is not about us! To make sure they get the attention they deserve, we never book more than one wedding per weekend. That way, a bride doesn’t have to worry about us being tired from working late the night before or that we’re thinking ahead to the next wedding. Our focus is entirely on her and her wedding day. And that extends to after the event as well. Basically, our service philosophy is to make our brides happy and to exceed expectations.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
I think we excel in several areas:
~I’m a perfectionist, and the quality of our work shows that aspect of my personality. (I am guilty of spending an hour or more editing just a few seconds of footage until I feel that it is just right.)
~We are a team of women, and we specialize in weddings.
~We create a movie poster image and provide a page on our blog for each couple We also put up a descriptive post on “Cheryl’s Notes” detailing the events of the day, including many stills pulled from video footage. Graphic work is customized for each couple. After the movie is edited, we post all the main chapters of the movie online to share with friends and family. (Click here to view one of their movies)
~And, last but not least, we’re “fun” and “nice” to have around for an entire wedding day. At least that’s what our brides tell us!
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
Nashville is full of so many talented wedding professionals. I really think that choosing the right one is based on the bride’s individual needs. That said, it would be hard to go wrong with any vendor that is a StudioWed member, so that’s where I would start my search.
What are your favorite wedding websites?
Ashleys Bride Guide and Style Me Pretty
Yours is one of our favorites too:). What advice for brides?
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of all the “pretty stuff”, but you need to think about whats going to be important to you the day AFTER the wedding. In my opinion there are three “must haves” – a photographer, a videographer and a wedding planner (not necessarily in that order). Budget accordingly.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Photography & Videography
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Anyone can take a picture. Not everyone should, can or is qualified to take phenomenal wedding pictures and that's why professionals like Brian Kaplan Photography exist. Everytime I hear a couple say "My relative/friend isn't a real photographer but he/she has one of those fancy DSLR cameras" my stomach just feels all twisted with concern. Maybe some people just aren't concerned with photography and don't care if their wedding is photographed well - more power to them. For the rest of us who want to cherish memories, preferably ones in which we look awesome, then a professional photographer is key.
Brian Kaplan's style of photography is a great mix of illustrative and candid. He captures the scenes you may have missed and sets his subjects up using really cool angles to tell a story instead of just, "Here's the bride and groom again." Each picture shows the couple's personality, their affection for each other and the fun they're having and that takes such a skilled eye that Brian possesses.
Stylish, Modern Photography by Brian Kaplan Photography
About Brian: My purpose is to create photography that truly moves people through artistic expression and to transform the way you think about wedding photography. I strive to capture emotion, impact your memories, and to make your experience as delightful and respectful as possible. I love art, music and tattoos, adventure, and the great outdoors. I am a big thinker but also relish the small details. Most of all I love being a part of such a beautiful day and being able to give you a gift that will last for generations.
These first three pictures follow Brian's couple, Jonathan and Nicola from their engagement sessions to their wedding day at Benton Chapel.
From another engagement session, Richard and Ishita also had Brian as their photographer at their wedding.
There are so many things about this photo that blow me away.
I almost feel like I'm being rude and interrupting this couple's private moment! Such a romantic shot!
Video slideshow of Sara and Tim from Brian Kaplan on Vimeo.
Brian's packages start at $2,900. The basic package includes full wedding day coverage (up to 10 hours), unlimited images captured, online viewing and ordering, and all high-resolution images on a disc. For your other options or to see more of his work visit the Brian Kaplan Photography website and contact him if you have more questions.
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Tuesday, November 16, 2010
At ABG, our goal is to make things easier for Nashville brides who are looking for services for their wedding day. We partner with local wedding pros, attend bridal shows and read blogs and share our findings to help you make a decision.
If you haven't hired your wedding videographer, today's feature might help! First Dance Pictures, a husband and wife team who pre-wedding videos, that you can screen at your wedding, and wedding day videos that allow you to relive you important day forever. It's nice to have options!
Nashville Wedding Resource Spotlight: First Dance Pictures
Contact Info
Name: First Dance Pictures
Main Contact {first and last name}: Bill Vincent
Phone Number: 615.473.2625
Email Address: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Twitter: @firstdancers
Facebook fan page: First Dance Pictures
Number of years in the business: 1.5 yrs
How did you get started in weddings?
Bill has a telecommunications degree with a minor in music. He has worked in the corporate world for over 20 yrs shooting and editing video with companies such as Deloitte & Touche and CMT. In 2008 Bill began seeking new business possibilities, and started looking into shooting weddings. When we looked at how much wedding videos had changed from our wedding (circa 1989) and how they had gotten so creative, we knew this was our calling! Deanna is a master at organization and manages the business, as well as getting very creative shots of the day along with Bill.
Bill & Deanna (owners of First Dance Pictures), photographed by Kristen Steele Photography
What do you like most about weddings?
We LOVE seeing the joy in our couple’s eyes on one of the happiest days of their lives. Bill loves being creative and designing a wedding film to match the personality of each couple with highlights of their special day. Deanna loves to see all the new and exciting things each bride brings to the day. Although some elements remain the same, each wedding is SO different. They never disappoint!
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
It’s very hard to name a “favorite” because we put so much of ourselves into each one! Each piece is reflective of the couple, the day, and the energy that the couple brings to their wedding. Plus, after spending so much time working on them they become like family – it would be hard to name one. However, we do work to keep our demo updated with current stuff, and we rotate clips to keep it fresh. We work very hard to make sure every piece we do would be something we’d be proud to display for future clients.
What is your service philosophy?
We work hard to get to know our couples as much as possible before the wedding. We enjoy getting to know each of our couples so that we can deliver a truly unique product. What we DON’T want (and what our clients don’t’ want either) is just another wedding video. There are plenty of budget videographers that will give you a no-frills video. Our clients are attracted to us because we are going to give them something more – more personal, more entertaining and stylish. Having said that, we also are very cautious in making sure we don’t insert too much of us into their day. The last thing we want is to have to edit out all the things we do or say! Our style is not to be in your face, because we know that having a camera around can make you feel uneasy - so we work to make you feel comfortable. We feel truly honored to be a part of each couples big day – we know how important their day is, and want to help couples enjoy it without being conscious of our cameras every second.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? / Why should a bride hire you?
There are many new & upcoming wedding filmmakers/videographers popping up due to the economy, and the relatively low cost of starting up as a videographer. With that, you’re going to find that some of these companies really haven’t had a lot of experience. You’re also going to find fly-by-night companies who, when things get too busy, just stop answering their phone and move away, leaving a couple without anything. We are established in the community and are members of TWESA, WEVA, and maintain a high standard and good reputation with other vendors and our community. We are dedicated to professionalism and very high quality work. Anyone can pick up a video camera and say they are a wedding videographer – this particular profession doesn’t require a license, and you get lots of people who do it because they think it’s easy money, or because you don’t necessarily need formal training. It’s another thing altogether to have years of live event filming experience, knowing what to do if problems arise, and knowing how to treat everyone involved with the ultimate courtesy, respect, and professionalism. We do that, from the moment we meet the couple until the final DVDs have been delivered – but we have the added advantage of formal media training, years of experience, and a creative vision and passion for what we do. Plus, we won’t show up in jeans and a tee-shirt for your wedding!
My wife Deanna and I started this business not because we wanted to make a quick buck, but because we LOVE working with couples and have a passion for creating work that will hopefully be cherished for a lifetime. We want each of our couples to have a beautiful and unique vision of their wedding, and of themselves. It’s more than just a “wedding video” to us, and to our couples. Our clients have spoken, leaving us testimonials that we are very, very proud of – we plan to continue that level of service to each and every couple we work with.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
(Besides Ashley’s Bride Guide ) Amy Parman at CJ’s off the Square (Franklin, TN) – so friendly and professional with a fabulous event space
Sara E. Rose – Photographer – Sara is a sweetheart! LOVES her clients like family
Enchanted Florist – incredible arrangements – beautiful and very professional
Middleton Entertainment (Jason Middleton-DJ) – nice professional set-up with lights
Nashville Event Lighting – we love great event lighting!
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
I tend to read blogs of all stripes, as well as geeky film sites and forums quite a bit. We also keep up on what others are doing in our area. ABG is a huge resource for us as well!
What have you discovered as a neat wedding find?
One of my “heroes” in the wedding filmmaker business is Kevin Shahinian – he’s an amazing director with incredible wedding films, travelling all over the world to make his masterpieces. We would love to work with a couple to do something even slightly like this someday! pacificpictures.net
For the budget bride, what's the one thing you think should always make it into a budget Video of course! When the cake is eaten, the dress is cleaned and put away and the flowers have wilted, the only thing left will be your memories. Pictures are a static memory of the day, but video tells the entire story of the day. There will be so many things that you won’t remember, or even see, so we capture those moments that you will treasure for the rest of your life. It’s one of those things that can seem so optional before the event, but after the event it’s forever too late, and so many brides realize too late that they should have done it. It is said that not getting video is the biggest regret that couples have after the wedding day.
For the platinum bride, what is the one thing you’ve always wanted to see? We really want to work with a couple that would like to do something really creative, such as a music video or a short film around them and their wedding. Especially in Nashville with all the songwriters and performers, we think there’s a good opportunity to get really creative and have a lot of fun – we just need to find the right couple who is willing to put the time in to do it! We feel like there is a Nashville couple that might want to do a Hollywood-style short film, and we would love doing that. If you’re out there and reading this, hit us up and let’s do something really different!
What advice would you give to brides on the wedding planning process in general? Hire a wedding planner! If you can’t afford one, then designate someone who can coordinate and “direct traffic” the day of the wedding. The day is stressful enough, so you don’t need to be worried about who is supposed to be where and when.
We hope you like the videos they've shared. You can watch more wedding videos on their website, and follow their blog to see the latest clips and highlights from weddings they've done. Let them know that you saw their spotlight on Ashley's Bride Guide if you decide to give them a call!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
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Tuesday, November 2, 2010
As part of our ABG Giveaways + Specials week, we would like to introduce a RARE opportunity to save on your wedding photography from Krystal Mann of The Collection!
Krystal Mann Special - $2500 (hire by 11/15)
$4200 value + includes:
Event coverage with Krystal Mann up to six hours
Two photographers covering wedding & reception
Entire wedding day image collection disc w/ Certificate of Reprint Rights
Online slideshow of select wedding images
All images will be placed on Pictage.com for friends and family to view and purchase.
Courtesy of StyleMePretty.com and Krystal Mann/The Collection
Krystal Mann takes dreamy weddings and photographs them to make them dreamier and utterly beautiful. Krystal's photography has been featured on Style Me Pretty, and many times on our blog because we love her work.
Courtesy of StyleMePretty.com and Krystal Mann/The Collection
Reserve your wedding date with Krystal Mann by November 15th, 2010 to receive this package.
You NEED great photography. Period. Here's a rare chance to save money AND get a stellar photographer. Your pictures could {and should} look like these great wedding photos courtesy of Krystal Mann.
All photographs, unless otherwise stated, are property of The Collection.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Photography & Videography
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Monday, November 1, 2010
I received some awesome love stories from our loyal ABG brides and have selected my favorites. But, I can't decide who should win the love story video! I need your help.
Simply read each love story below and comment on your favorite love story. The couple with the most comments wins a love story video produced by VidSigs.com (valued at $379!). VidSigs created my "get real" video. I love it and am excited to help one lucky couple capture and cherish their love story forever!
Wedding Date: April 2, 2011
Initial Wedding Team: The Cannery (venue), Brocade Design Arts (floral design), Amy Lynn Larwig (makeup)
Our Story - Sara and Nate
My fiance & I were engaged on April 2, 2010 and will be married exactly one year later on April 2, 2011 (so sooon!). We have been dating since March 2, 2008. We met through mutual friends here in Nashville and saw each other around a lot until one day I thought "hm..he's cute". After some pushing from friends, we starting hanging out and the rest is history. 2 1/2 years later we're happier than ever and so excited for the rest of our lives together!!!
Wedding Date: October 22, 2011
Initial Wedding Team: Simply Stunning Events (planner), Krista Lee Photography (photography), Crumb de la Crumb (cake)
Our Story - Kristin and Kevin:
My love story with Kevin started 8.5 years ago, but we only began talking about marriage last year. Now Kevin has never been one to plan surprises so I actually expected a proposal while eating dinner on the couch. However, I would not be writing this if that was how it turned out. In fact, I think I might have one of the best proposals ever.
So my story requires some background information. One: I love modern art and I love Andy Warhol. Two: Kevin and I have two corgis, and while I love all dogs, I am obsessed with corgis.
The day began with a trip to see the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Modern Art Museum with my two best girlfriends from college. Since all three of us are photographers, it did not seem strange that Sarah had brought her camera and was very adamant about visiting the sculpture gardens as soon as we arrived. Little did I know she was in on the surprise!
We made our way upstairs, past the exhibit and into the garden where I saw two stuffed corgis sitting on a sculpture. I squealed with joy “Oh my gosh, it’s corgis!” and decided to get a closer look. They each had a collar with a heart shaped dog tag reading “Will You Marry Me?”
Now the funny thing was I turned to my friends and said, “We are in someone else’s proposal! We need to get out of here.” Then I noticed them pointing to Kevin who was down on one knee! Needless to say, I was very surprised and started crying. It was the sweetest thing ever!
Wedding Date: May 21, 2011
Initial Wedding Team: Front Porch Farms (venue), Enchanted Florist (floral design), Down South Delights (catering), Erin Lee from The Collection (photography)
Our Story - Erin and Ron:
Ron and Erin met in 2007 at a Super Bowl XLI party. Erin, who can be shy upon first meeting, didn't know many people at the party and was very quiet. Ron, who doesn't know a stranger, came over to sit by Erin because he thought she looked uncomfortable and told his friends "I'm going to mess with her." From there it was history...well, not exactly.
Over the next two years, the two ran into each other at a few parties and once chatted in the cheese aisle at Whole Foods.
Ron and Erin became friends on Facebook and some time in early 2009, they began talking via the "chat" feature. They would sometimes spend hours chatting about the most random things. Erin liked that she could always make him laugh. Somehow Ron's love for fishing always came up in conversation and Ron said he would take Erin "anytime she wanted." "When?" Erin responded. Ron was kind of surprised Erin actually wanted to go, but they two decided to go bass fishing on April 18.
Though it is now celebrated as their first date, neither of the two really considered it to be one at the time. However after that day, Erin decided she "kind of liked" him. A week later, Ron confessed he had always had somewhat of a "kindergarten crush" on Erin and the two have been inseparable ever since. Ron jokes "I took her fishing, and she just never left." Though Erin didn't catch any fish that day, she did catch a fisherman!
Erin and Ron got engaged at All Fired Up Pottery when Ron painted “I Love You. Will You Marry Me?” on a frame. They now have a picture of that day on display inside Ron’s creative keepsake.
Wedding Date: April 30, 2011
Initial Wedding Team: Donald Yeager Photography, Brocade Design Arts (floral design)
Our Story - Michelle and David:
My fiance, David, and I both grew up in the greater Nashville area, went to the same college, had some of the same friends, and still never crossed paths until May 29, 2009. In fact, we only both grew up in Nashville, because we both had a parent transferred to Nashville with the same merging company from completely different states when we were little! It wasn’t until right after I graduated college that I was brought by a friend over to a girl's house who was friends with David (confusing, I know). I was wishy-washy about going to her house, since I really didn’t know her well. I am so glad I did! David and I first laid eyes on each other there, and the feeling that we both felt was undeniable. We immediately felt like family.
I truly believe that fate brought us to the same city and gave us the same friends so that we could one day meet and fall in love. We had a whirlwind courtship and were engaged in 8 months. David picked up my engagement ring on February 13th from the jeweler, and it was definitely burning a hole in his pocket. He proposed to me 2 hours later under snow kissed trees in Edwin Warner Park. I was more than surprised…and kind of freezing. We are so excited about our wedding on April 30, 2011, and I couldn’t be happier to be his wife.
An engagement video would be great icing on our wedding cake!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Contests, Giveaways, Specials, Photography & Videography
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