Currently in Postproduction: 

Stephanie & Jarrett	Complete -  Delivered Package
Megan & Justin	All multi-cam sequences complete. Awaiting music selection to edit montages.
Archana & Jacob	Received photos for montages, editing in progress
Whitney & Devon	All multicam sequences complete, editing montages
Ellie & Jeff	Capturing footage to computer for editing

We have added yet another free option to our wedding packages! No matter what package you have purchased. We'll format all of your wedding clips to the video iPod format. These videos will be made available for you or family and friends to download via private access to watch on any computer with iTunes or while on the go via your Apple iPod Classic, iPod Nano, or iPod Touch. These files will even work with the iPhone. Here is how it's done.

To view the M4V iPod digital copy on iPod:

1. Download the iPod file using the link provided privately by the couple. You can right click and save the attached file to the following link to learn the procedure: Ashley's Highlight Video. 
2. Open iTunes, and from the file menu choose "Add file to library" 
3. Select the file you downloaded.  
4. Connect your iPod to sync the video.
5. From the preference pane, click on your Devices then your iPod.
6. Check the Sync Movies button and select the video you downloaded.
7. Then click the Sync button at the bottom of the screen.

Your video should now be on your iPod ready to view.  I hope this bit of information was beneficial.  If you don't yet have an iPod or an iPod nano you might want to check them out, their very reasonable in cost these days.  Here's the link to the Apple store! 

Making the move from Standard (SD) to High Definition (HD):  Moving to High Definition widescreen, is pretty much like starting our business over from scratch.  We've had to purchase all new equipment, beginning with HD cameras, computers, monitors, software capable of editing HD, and even new on-camera lighting, all of which is quite expensive when summed up. Furthermore, delivering HD content on Blu-ray disk not only involves an additional expense  in equipment, but also in the postproduction time involved,  not to mention the current expense of Blu-ray media which is still considerably higher the standard DVD media.

So, in the middle of our 2008 season, we’ve made the long awaited move to HD!  At no additional cost to our clients, we're now shooting, editing, and mastering all of our weddings exclusively in high HD.  However, to avoid passing the additional  production expense to our clients, we will continue to deliver content on standard definition (SD) widescreen DVDs.  It's important to note that even though your video will be in the widescreen format, it will still look just fine on a standard 4:3 television set.  However, it will be displayed in what's called "letterbox" which means you will see some black space at the top and bottom of the screen just as you do when watching a widescreen Hollywood movie on a standard TV set.

If you'll be viewing your standard definition (SD) DVD's on a widescreen HDTV, you'll see a noticeable benefit in picture quality if playing your videos on an up-scale (or up-converter) DVD player or a Blu-ray disk player since it will up-convert your SD DVD's for a more enjoyable viewing experience on a large widescreen TV.

What are the benefit's of shooting, editing and mastering in high definition (HD) if the content is delivered on standard definition (SD) DVD's?   First of all, your video will be of much higher quality when shot and mastered in HD versus SD. In other words, SD originating from footage of a higher resolution source (HD camera) is better than SD from a SD source (SD camera).  Another benefit to shooting your wedding in HD is the fact that it allows us to re-author your wedding video at a later date to HD Blu-ray disk when your ready.   In other words, If it's not shot in HD now, it CAN'T be delivered in HD later, so there's no turning back.

If you want your wedding delivered on Blu-ray disk or in the Apple TV HD format, there's a prerequisite requiring that you purchase at least the Bronze or better package along with an HD surcharge of $500 when purchasing the Bronze or Silver package.  Higher packages automatically include the Blu-ray or Apple TV HD delivery option at no additional charge.  Note that the Silver package provides a $500 enhancement credit that can be used to purchase the HD delivery option if you so choose.

If you have any questions please leave them via the comments link at the bottom of this post. Thanks for reading!

How to import Apple TV files in to iTunes.  If you don't yet have iTunes on your computer you can download iTunes for free. If you don't yet have an Apple TV test file to upload to iTunes you can right click and download this sample Apple TV clip of Cristina's bridal prep.  Insure you know where you're saving the file to. Once you've downloaded the M4V file, inside File Explorer (PC) or Finder (MAC)  right click on the file and choose to open it with iTunes. Depending on your iTunes preferences, it may first copy the file into your iTunes library, it will then automatically start playing on your computer.  

Connecting Your Apple TV to your Network:  You connect your large screen HDTV to the Apple TV box using a single HDMI cable, or a component audio/video cable.  You then connect the Apple TV box to your computer (Mac or a PC) either wirelessly with the built in network capability of the Apple TV to your wireless network (router) or by using a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet cable. Your computer is already connected to your router which is how iTunes communicates with your Apple TV. It's really not as complicated as it may sound.  If you want to learn more, click here for more info on Apple TV. If you have questions, need assistance or just want to add your thoughts please use the "Add Comments" link at the end of this post. 

Playing the video on your HDTV via Apple TV: Once you have uploaded your Apple TV file(s) into iTunes, and you have an Apple TV connected to your network and properly configured with your iTunes you can then view the video on your HDTV. You don't have to sync the file to the Apple TV as long as iTunes is up and running. Again if you have any questions or comments please share them with everyone else by clicking on the "Add Comment" link at the end of this post.

Video Provided by Kelly Priest - San Jose Ca

Kelly and Chris Short Form Edit - Runtime: 12:53		Kelly's Photo Session Runtime: 2:06

Meet Kelly and Chris. Their wedding and reception was at Glassworks in Louisville, Kentucky.  Thanks to their photographer, Ted Wirth of Wirth Photography for making the photos avaliable for their DVD cover.

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Kelly's Bridal Prep - Runtime: 4:36		Chris and the Guys - Runtime: 3:39

Credit Roll -  Runtime: 4:52 Photos by: Ted Wirth

Your comments are welcome.  Please leave a note of congratulations to Kelly & Chris using the comment link at the bottom of this post. 

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Next Day Edit - Directors Cut Runtime: 5:38		View Laura's Bridal Prep  Runtime: 5:32

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Each fall, our backlog keeps us in the editing bay well past the end of the year. We attempt to have your wedding completely edited and authored to DVD within about 12 weeks after your wedding, however that’s not always possible considering the end-of-year workload.  We realize this may be longer than some clients desire to wait, but we must be fair to all of our couples and edit each wedding in the order it was shot. Also, do you remember the old saying?  “Good things come to those that wait”?  Well, I never did like that saying myself, but it has some merit to it.

The Next Day Edit - Directors Cut (top left) is an add-on option developed to reduce your anxiety while you patiently wait for your final product. It's essentially your wedding day highlight video. The difference is, we stop production on everything else and make this edit a priority.  We'll go to work immediately following your wedding day and start editing your highlight video and have it posted online within 48 – 72 hours. We'll provide the Internet address for you, your family and friends at the reception so they can access your Highlight online. If you wish, we can provide the necessary information in advance so you can add it to your wedding program.  

Kelly & Adam's Highlight  Runtime 3:16		Kelly's Bridal Prep Runtime 5:57

DSL/Cable Required:  Most of our movie clips are encoded at 1500 kbps to maintain a high picture quality during playback. Therefore, you must have a broadband (DSL or Cable) internet connection to view them. 

Why Does the Video Keep Pausing?  Depending upon your internet connection download speed, the video may stop playing momentarily to buffer as it’s attempting to download enough data to continue playback.  If this should happen, we suggest that you simply pause the playback for a moment and allow clip to buffer about 25% ahead of playback as indicated by the status bar. The gray bar indicates the percentage (%) of data that has downloaded; the black bar indicates the playback point of the file.  Once the file has completely downloaded, the % indicator will change to reflect the amount of viewing time left.  Also, once you have initially downloaded the entire clip, buffering will not be required upon subsequent viewing unless you delete your temporary internet files.

Let the Current Video Finish Downloading Before Clicking on Another:  Please keep in mind that if you start to watch one clip and then pause it and click on another, that first clip is still downloading.  So you're now downloading two clips at the same time, which is using up twice as much bandwidth, causing your transfer rate to slow down.  Therefore, we recommend that you allow the first clip to completely download before selecting another.  Or, if you just can't wait, then refresh the page in your browser and all clips will stop downloading, allowing you to use your full bandwidth speed on the clip you want to watch without interruption caused by buffering.

Still Having Problems? If you're still having problems, please add your comments to this post using the comments link provided at the end of this post and we'll address any issues publicly for the benefit of all viewers.

Thanks!

1. Check our availability: You'll first want to insure we're still available on your date. Simply enter your date into our real time availability checker. If we’re available, you’ll be presented with a reservation request form. If the heading on the form says, "Your date may be available” that's simply an indication that someone else has inquired about the date, but they have not yet paid the retainer required to reserve the date. Therefore, your date is still available! Note: Make sure you supply a password before submitting the form, you’ll need it in step 3
   
   
2. We'll give you a call, or contact you via email to discuss your desired package and investment cost: After we configure your package, we'll input it into our database. The package description and a "make payment" button will now be visible inside the event planner after you login. We’ll then email you the contract for your review. You can then precede to step 3 below to submit the retainer payment of $500.00 which is required to reserve your date.
   
   
3. Submit the retainer payment via PayPal through our event planner: If you choose to pay the retainer or future payments using your credit card or bankcard via PayPal, we ask that you do so through our event planner. By accessing PayPal via our website, your payment records will automatically be updated without our intervention, allowing you to immediately view/print your current invoice showing all payments made to date. To login to the event planner, simply click here on the "Client Login" link, or the client login button found throughout our site. Enter your wedding date and password, and you'll be presented with your event information as well as the "make payment" button.

NOTE: This is a secure payment through PayPal. We do not receive any of your credit card account information. PayPal will also instantly email you a receipt for payment displaying our name as the merchant. For more information about PayPal please go to their website www.paypal.com. 

OR

You can Instantly Secure Your Date
Right Here Right Now!

We'll still need to complete the contract however, you can immediately secure your date and temporarily bypass steps 2 and 3 by using the PayPal "Buy Now" button below to reserve your date. Because this does bypasses our normal database, we'll still need to block out the date manually. However, by paying the retainer using the "Buy Now" button below, you will instantly reserve your date.

First, insure your date is avaliable and submit the reservation request as described in step 1 above. Then click on the buy now button below. This is still a secure payment via PayPal and you aren't disclosing your credit card information with us in any way.

 

Welcome aboard the Belle of Louisville in celebration of Taneesha and Thurman's wedding. This was a little different kind of wedding for us, but it was so much fun!  You can visit the Belle on-line here. View their DVD cover.

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

The MovieTrailer Edit A New Add-On Option -  Runtime: 0:41		Elen & David's Highlight Runtime: 5:26

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

If you like the piano, then you’ll love the elegance portrayed in ths Highlight clip (top right).  This clip begins with Ellen & David engulfed in their first dance at the luxurious Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville, KY.  The clip then transitions to their ceremony, which takes place in Bardstown, KY at the beautiful  St. Joseph’s Proto Cathedral, were the Rev. William Hammer is the pastor.   This edit uses the time shift concept which we intend to use more often in our future edits. 

It takes many hours of postproduction to create a great wedding video. I estimate that it requires approximately 10 hours of postproduction for every hour of raw footage we capture at your wedding. With 10 to 12 tapes per wedding, unlike other vendors, our work has just begun. Once editing has been completed, the authoring process has yet to take place.  This involves implementing the navigation structure of your wedding movie with motion menus, as well as designing the artwork for your DVD covers, and disk labels. 

We feel each wedding is special! After all, it’s not “just another wedding” it’s YOUR wedding, and you are important to us.  We simply will NOT take short cuts in postproduction whether you’ve purchased the basic package or our most elaborate one.  Therefore, postproduction can take some time as well as authoring, reproducing, and packaging.  

To help reduce your anxiety while you wait for the finished product, we’ll produce a trailer and post it online at the beginning of the postproduction process. What does a trailer consist of, and what is it’s purpose?   Well, first of all, it's not to be confused with the "Next Day Edit" which is a highlight video produced the day after your wedding.  The Trailer runs anywhere from 30 seconds to  a minute and a half.  The trailer may or may not be in chronological order of the day’s events.  The trailer is not intended to tell the “whole story” but it’s designed to show you what you can expect to see in your upcoming wedding movie, as well as the video and audio quality obtained from the shoot.  This will be the first edit we accomplish once we start to capture all of your raw footage and begin postproduction (normally to 8-10 weeks after your wedding.  We will then upload it to our blog, or if you prefer, we can put in a private area requiring a password for access. 

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load once you've clicked the play button. For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Behind the Scenes - Runtime 2:00		Coal Miner's Daughter - Runtime: 4:29

Ivan Engle Promotions (502) 458-0855  englei@bellsouth.net recently contracted us to videotape a live performance in tribute to Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Patsy Cline as well as members of our armed forces, and veterans. This marvelous event took place on August 3, 2007 at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville, Kentucky.  Lee Casey was the  Emcee, Jill Engle & Kathy Smith our the publicists.  The Catering was by Chef Oscar's Big "O" Barbecue.

A Tribute to the Great Country Music Stars: Emily Portman is an exceptional talent and did a fabulous job of portraying Loretta Lynn.  Travis James did an outstanding job as Conway Twitty, while Theresa Dunn was wonderful in her roll as Patsy Cline.  They, along with the band, overwhelmed the audience in their performance.  We really enjoyed shooting and editing this performance, and wanted to make the videos available for you to view.   Click on Emily Portman's photo above and you can view a streaming video her singing Coal Miners  Daughter.  Not only will you find the video quality to be is exceptional, but I hope you'll notice the sound quality of the audio, which was originally captured at 96 kHz 24 Bit. This is the new standard now associated with all of our productions. 

Meet the band; They’re known as The Legends. Members include Richard “Wichita” Douthitt- Lead Guitar/Acoustic Guitar, Trent James- Electric Bass/Upright Bass, Tony Cooke- Fiddle/Acoustic Guitar, Phil Redmon- Piano/Keyboards, Ronnie Murphy- Harmonica, Jim Killen- Steel Guitar/ Dobro, Tim Beitzel- Drums, Kenny Underwood- Background Vocals, Kricket Atwood - Background Vocals.

		Meet the Legends - Runtime: 5:12

Watch the videos! The entire show was about 3 hours, and we now have it all for you right here on the blog.  If you're a fan of these performers, please leave them a comment expressing your gratitude for their talents using the "comments" link below this post. 

iPod versions of the videos are now available by request!  The iPod clips are free, however to request them you must add to this blog, your positive comments and which songs you like the best and why. You'll find the link to add your comments at the end of this post. When adding your comments, please state your desire to acquire the iPod videos and we'll email the link for the free download. Don't forget to provide your email when posting your comment.  (Note: Your email address will not be made public)

Listen to the songs! Below is the set list of the songs in the order they were performed. If you don't have time to watch the videos, and want to listen to the songs via your computer, MP3 player, or iPod, you can now download the entire show contained in 2 separate MP3 files.   To download the files right click the link below and save the file to your computer. 

Patsy Cline Songs by Theresa Dunn 

Theresa Dunn "Crazy" - Runtime 3:32

1st Half of Performance Audio Clip (1:16:47)

National Anthem by Theresa Dunn
Lee Casey - EMCEE  Introduces the Band 
Crazy (Audio @ 7:13)
Leavin on Your Mind (Audio @10:45) Video 
Fall to Pieces (Audio @13:40)  Video
Back in Baby's Arms (Audio @ 16:41)  Video 
Seven Lonely Days (Audio @19:03) Video 
Won't You Come Home Bill Baily (Audio @ 21:46)  Video 
Foolin Around (Audio @ 25:41) -   video

2nd Half of Performance Audio Clip

A Poor Mans Roses (Audio @ 0:01) Video
Walkin' After Midnight (Audio @ 3:30)  Video 
Sweet Dreams of You (Audio @ 6:34) - Video 


Conway Twitty Songs by Travis James 

Travis James "Slow Hand" - Runtime: 4:15

1st Half of Performance Audio Clip

Slow Hand (Audio @ 2828)
It's Been a Long Time (Audio @ 32:42)  Video
Boogle Grass Band (Audio @ 35:47)  Video
Linda on My Mind (Audio @ 38:19)  Video 
Lay You Down (Audio @ 41:29) -  Video 
It's Only Make Believe (Audio @ 45:09)  Video 
Tight Fittin' Jeans (Audio @ 48:01) - Video 

2nd Half of Performance Audio Clip

I Don't Know a Thing About Love (Audio @ 10:36) Video 
Red Neckin' Love Makin' Night (Audio @ 13:42)  Video 
I May Never Get To Heaven (Audio @ 17:23) - Video 


Loretta Lynn Songs by Emily Portman

Emily Portman "Hey Loretta" - Runtime: 3:24

1st Half of Performance Audio Clip

Hey Loretta (Audio @ 50:59)
Honky-Tonk Girl (Audio @54:23 )
Blue Eye Kentucky Girl (Audio @ 57:49)  Video 
You Aint Woman Enough to Take My Man (Audio @ 1:02:35)  Video
Trouble In Paradise (Audio @ 1:05:30)  Video
When The Tingle Becomes a Chill (Audio @ 1:09:05) Video
One's on the Way (Audio @ 1:12:58)  Video

2nd Half of Performance Audio Clip
Dear Uncle Sam (Audio @ 20:54) Video
Coal Miners Daughter (Audio @ 24:06) Video
God's Country (Audio @ 28:33)  Video

Loretta Lynn & Conway Twitty Songs

Emily & Travis - Runtime: 3:04 "Louisiana Woman / Mississippi Man"

2nd Half of Performance Audio Clip

Louisiana Woman - Mississippi Man (Audio @ 32:25)
Lead Me On (Audio @ 35:29)  Video
From Seven Till Ten (Audio @ 38:48)  Video
After The Fire is Gone (Audio @ 42:04)  Video
Feelings (Audio @ 45:30)  Video
I Can't Love You Enough (Audio @ 49:46)  Video
As Soon As I Hang Up the Phone (Audio @ 53:25) Video
Spiders and Snakes (Audio @ 57:21) - Video
It's True Love (Audio @ 1:00:32)  Video
I Still Believe in Waltzes (Audio @ 1:03:59)  Video
Lovin What Your Lovin' Does to Me (Audio @ 1:07:36)  Video
Recognition of our Armed Services (Audio @ 1:10:36)
God Bless America Again (Audio @ 1:14:55) Video
Presentations  (Audio @ 1:18:25) Video

It was a pleasure to capture Sarah & Ben's wedding which took place in Pikeville, KY city park back in May 9th, 2007.  We had a lot of fun along with their photographer Stephanie, as she took us to the campus of Pikeville College  overlooking the city to shoot Sarah & Ben's post-ceremony photo session.  Click on the image below to watch the video.

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Photo Shoot at Pikeville College Runtime: 5:38

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Wedding Day Highlight - Runtime: 4:27		Pre-Wedding Prep - Runtime: 6:03
First Dance - Runtime: 2:59		Sarah's Salon Clip - Runtime: 4:12

View a brief video of Sarah and Ben’s rehearsal as they each tell their version of the proposal, which took place in the city park, as did the ceremony itself.  After the rehearsal they had a fabulous cook out-out where we even had a little alligator.  Well, I didn't try it, but they said it was good!

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Rehearal Clip - Hear About the Proposal Runtime: 6:52		Rehearsal Dinner - Ever Eaten Alligator? Runtime: 9:04

We are now offering Surround Sound captured in 24-bit 96kHz audio!  I feel superb audio is just as important (if not more so) than fantastic video. Therefore, major improvements are now taking place in the way we capture, and produce audio for our video.

Throughout the years, we’ve been capturing the ceremony audio using a total of 3 wireless mics. One mic would be placed on the groom, another on the minister or officiate, and the third mic would be connected to the venue or DJ’s soundboard to capture any additional person(s) which may participating in the ceremony, and utilizing one of the house mics. In an attempt to provide the best possible audio, I would monitor and mix the audio via our 3 wireless mics at the front camera, while preserving the audio captured on the back camera’s on-board mic for backup or ambient audio.    Mixing audio while shooting video requires a lot of attention. Needless to say, at times either the audio or the video may take a “hit” since I would be concentrating on one or the other, and maybe miss either a good shot, or not have the audio set quite right.

While our previous procedure has worked quite well in most cases, there have been times when the church, reception venue, or DJ cannot (or simply will not) provide an audio feed from their sound systems. In this situation, our only other recourse would be to set our third mic in front of the venues PA speaker.  However, this is not always possible as in many occasions the PA speakers may be mounted on the ceiling, or some other inaccessible location.  Therefore, we have had no choice but to use the ambient audio captured from one of the onboard camera mics (with the exception of the groom and officiates mics as mentioned above). Obviously, this is not the preferred method, and is undoubtedly inferior in quality. 

While it would be ideal to have a totally independent sound system with multiple mics and a dedicated sound engineer at each wedding, it’s just not feasibly possible at our current package prices; therefore we simply do the best we can with the resources available, which brings me to the point in this post!

It’s been in the planning stages ever since I attended the 4Ever Group’s Video 07 Videographers Conference and Trade Show held at Jacksonville Florida, in January of 2007.  The title of the seminar was, “You Can Hear a Lot Just by Listening” presented by Darin Esnard of Roland Systems.  He presented the Edirol R-4!  The R-4 is an audio field recorder capable of recording 4 separate channels simultaneously on one stand-alone recorder via an internal hard drive. The WAV files can then be transferred to the computer for postproduction editing. All of a sudden, the “light” came on for me.  This piece of equipment was the answer to all of my “audio reproduction” dreams, and the end to those ”audio reproduction nightmares”. Also, the best thing about the R4 it is that I won’t have to hire an audio production engineer to accomplish superb audio, nor will I have to raise package prices to accomplish this feat!  So, it’s a win-win situation!

The R-4 will record in 24-bit 96 kHz WAV audio!  Now that’s high quality! The addition of the Edirol R-4 also means that I don’t have to worry about monitoring the audio levels while shooting the video.  The R-4 has built in limiters that will prevent clipping (commonly known as distortion) which will allow me to set the input levels, start the recorder and walk away from it and concentrate on just shooting the video.  It also means I won’t have to worry about loosing the primary audio when having to change out tapes in the camera half way though the ceremony, because the camera audio is no longer the primary audio.

In addition to the Edirol R-4, I have also recently purchased the Zoom H-4 audio recorder which can capture 2 independent channels of audio as well as 24-bit, 95kHz stereo.  And that’s not all, it has built in mics that’s perfect for capturing a string quartet or a piano concerto!

With these 2 pieces of equipment along with 2 or 3 camera productions, I will now have a total of 12 possible channels of audio to work with during postproduction!   That’s a lot of audio channels don’t ya think?  I guarantee that I’ll “blow your socks off”!

Since we'll now have so many different streams of audio at such a high quality to edit with, we can take it one additional step and produce your DVD in Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound!  The production of Surround Sound does take an additional effort during postproduction so we'll have to charge extra for that additional work, but you can be assured even if you don’t choose the Surround Sound option, you'll still have the best audio possible from this side of the Ohio River… heck maybe from either side!

Well,  I finally got my backlog caught up and had a chance to start editing my own daughters wedding from last year.  Rachel and Jeremy were married at Tower Grove Baptist Church in St. Louis MO. on May 5, 2006.  Although I shot and edited the salon clip below, I was fortunate enough to hire Mark and Trisha Von Lanken of Picture This Productions out of Tulsa Oklahoma to shoot her wedding while I'll be doing the edeting.  Check back here frequently as I'll be adding more clips as I can get to them.   As always, comments are welcome!

(Update Aug 2007)  Rachel's carrying developing offspring within the body.  Yep, she's pregnant!  She is hoping I finish this edit before she downloads. I hope so too, or she's going to ask for my head on a silver plater.

Viewing Clips: To view a clip, first click on the image, then click the play button. Please allow  3-10 seconds for the clip to load after you've clicked the play button. If the video keeps pausing, we suggest that you manually pause the playback for a few moments allowing the video to buffer (grey bar) about 25% ahead of it's playback (black bar).  For additional tips, or if you're still having problems, please read this post.

Salon Clip - Runtime: 3:24		Ceremony Intro Clip - Runtime: 4:42

Robert Allen Executive Producer of  the Wedding Podcast Network and wedding videojournalist was interviewed by Darcy Miller weddings Editor.  Listen as Robert and Darcy talk about the importance of video for a wedding.  You will also hear about the things you need to know about choosing the right videographer.  Robert also talks about the Wedding Podcast Network and the programs on the network.

Click here to listen to the interview (Note: It may take a minute to download the mp3 file) or click  here to go to the podcast page where you'll see the link to "Click Here" to listen to the interview.

You may wish to ask your attendants to dress first so they are comfortable and look their best on camera and in photos while they help you, the bride and/or groom, prepare.  Prepare the environment by removing any clutter and turning down noise, such as TV or radio – we want to capture all the oohs and ahhs!

1.)    Zipping up the bridal gown.  Coverage depends mainly on your comfort level.  Evelyn will be filming the bride’s prep, so if you would like to be filmed as you slip the dress on, let me know. Evelyn is very discrete

 2.)    Putting on your jewelry.  Especially if it is a special piece handed down, an heirloom or a gift from someone special.  Every detail counts!

 3.)    Your veil.  Sometimes this is done at the salon; however, we can film a parent or bridesmaid adjusting it for you.

4.)    Your garter.  Have your maid or matron of honor or a bridesmaid put it on for you.

5.)    Pinning parents’ corsages & boutonnieres.  The bride may want to pin her mother’s corsages and/or her father’s boutonniere.

6.)    Freshening up.  Applying lipstick, powder, make-up, etc.

7.)    Slipping into your shoes.

8.)     Bride’s presentation to her family.  The first time your friends and family see you all dressed and ready to walk down the aisle.

Formal poses with family, parents, bridesmaids, flowers girls, etc.  This is where your photographer takes over.  We film as the photographer shoots.  Around this time is when we start getting ready to head to the ceremony location.

Questions?  Concerns?  Contact us at  (270) 312-9760 or email Ron@DigitalCreationsSite.com  This information has been graciously provided by: Jennifer Moak at www.imagesbymoak.com

We at Digital Creations are proud members of the Louisville Wedding Association (LWA).  What is LWA you ask?  I'm glad you asked.  The LWA is dedicated to you - the bride-to-be. Here you will find information from members of the Louisville Wedding Association local wedding vendors, assuring brides the best service for the best prices.  What makes our members special? Our members sign a Standard of Excellence, a public committment to do business by an ethical model. Click here for more info on the LWA.

Congratulations!  The big day is drawing near.  You've invested so much in your wedding video; we want it to be perfect for you – after all, you will have it forever.  The following tips and suggestions are designed to help you maximize the benefits of your investment.  Ultimately, your cooperation will lend to the success of your wedding video.  We hope you find these suggestions helpful.

1.  Don’t chew gum.   Chewing gum on camera, especially in slow motion looks very, very bad.

2.  Bride’s Prep:  If you opt for coverage of bridal preparations, you may wish to ask your attendants to dress first so they are comfortable and look their best on camera and in photos while they help you, the bride and/or groom, prepare.  Prepare the environment by removing any clutter and turning down any noise, such as TV or radio – we want to capture all those oohs and ahhs!

3.  The Processional:  Don’t rush.  Advise your attendants to walk slowly down the aisle.  Processions are one of the most difficult parts of the day to shoot, usually because this is the first time guests see the bride and in their enthusiasm for a snapshot, they block your professional photographers. 

4.  Grooms lead your bride:  The tendency is to allow ladies first, but grooms walk ahead of your bride so you do not step or trip on the train (don’t want any torn trains or veils!).  You may want to practice this at your rehearsal so it comes naturally the next day. 

5.  Cameras during the ceremony:  We strongly recommend making an announcement prior to the start of the ceremony, or printing a request in your program, for guests to stay seated during the ceremony and refrain from taking pictures.  (They will snap pictures, anyway, but it may discourage them from getting up and roaming around, creating obstacles for your paid professional services.)  Far too often we lose valuable moments that you paid us to capture due to an overeager guest with a camera.  They mean well, but chances are you will never see that photo or video so why risk compromising your paid services.  Some churches will make this announcement prior to the processional and often those are the best ceremonies we capture.  Again, this is completely up to you, but we strongly recommend that you protect your investment. 

6.  Readings:  Have all readings/speeches/performances delivered near a standing microphone, such as a podium or mic stand.  If not possibly, have the officiant step aside and have the reader stand in the same spot as the officiant, between the bride and groom, facing the guests, so their voices will pick up on the groom’s lapel mic.  Otherwise, the audio is compromised.  Remind readers to speak slowly and clearly.  TIP:  Give them a copy of the reading beforehand so they can practice.  Too often the wedding day is the first time readers have an opportunity to look at the reading and if nervous, they end up stammering through it. 

7.  Outdoor ceremonies:  While they are often very beautiful settings, they can pose some of the biggest lighting challenges.  The most ideal situation for an outdoor ceremony is to have the officiant, bride and groom all in even lighting conditions  – either everyone in the shade or everyone in the sun.  Mixed-lighting is our greatest challenge and will sacrifice the beauty of your video.  For more information on how to improve this situation, please contact us.

8.  Unity Candle:  Whenever possible, face your guests, standing behind the unity candle, looking out at your guests.  TIP: You may wish to pre-light your unity candle prior to the ceremony so it lights easily on the day of the wedding.

9. Vows/Rings:  The most important part of the ceremony!  Bride and groom face one another, standing toe to toe so everyone, including the camera, can see your faces!  The most frequent obstacles for us during the vows & rings are bridal attendants, guests, and photographers.  Please inform us if you know of any possible obstacles so we may plan accordingly.  Also, if the video is important to you, please emphasize this to your photographer and ask them NOT to block the vows and rings.  You cannot hear the vows in a picture – typically, this is an important moment for your video.  We strive to work with your photographer and we ask only for the same consideration, for your benefit.  And the request always means more when it comes from you.

Ideally, guests should remain seated during the vows.  Some officiants ask guests to stand during the vows.  This greatly limits our ability to get decent coverage due to the added obstacles.  If you have the choice, please ask your officiant to keep guests seated during the vows and rings, if it is important to you.

10.  Receiving line:  We suggest the bride and groom stand last on the end rather than parents or bridal party.  This helps the line move faster, as well as allowing for a clear shot of you interacting with your guests. 

11.  Toasts:  Advise your best man, maid of honor, parent, or anyone giving a toast or speech, TO STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND YOU, THE BRIDE AND GROOM, BETWEEN YOU, FACING THE GUESTS so we may capture them, as well as you and your reactions.  We will mic this area, as well as the DJ/band amps.  We will ask the DJ/band to NOT MOVE OR TURN THE AMP away from our mic during the toasts.  If seated at a round or family-style table (with bridal party on both sides), we will ask the bridal party to remain seated to avoid obstacles.  Please understand that we cannot control the environment or people’s actions; therefore, we may be limited in our ability to adequately capture every word if these conditions are not met.

12.  Visiting guest tables:  During dinner is an ideal time to visit your guests so you are free to enjoy the celebration to follow!  You may wish to start with older guests, as they often have a tendency to leave earlier and are less likely to be on the dance floor later.  The bridal party usually eats first and is finished before the guests, so dinner is usually the least hectic opportunity to visit.  (We wish we had done this at our own wedding!)

11. Vendor meals:  Ask your reception hall or caterer to feed your professionals at the same time as the head table so we are finished and ready to go when you are.  If possible, please have us seated in the room, so we can see if anything is happening that we need to get up and shoot at a moment's notice, such as you visiting with your guests.  We don't need anything fancy, just the basics.

12. Have fun!  By taking care of the important details beforehand you will be able to relax and enjoy your fabulous wedding day!

Questions?  Concerns?  Contact us at  (270) 312-9760 or email Ron@DigitalCreationsSite.com  This information has been graciously provided by: Jennifer Moak at www.imagesbymoak.com

Summer is over and everyone is back in the swing of wedding planning. Wedding Podcast Network is ready to help make it a bit less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. We have been very busy creating great content for the network. We are proud to bring original and informative programs not heard anywhere else. This week we launched a new show called Planet Bride. We introduced our beauty and lifestyle expert Jessica Liebeskind. Robert was a guest on Martha Stewart Living Radio talking about video and the WPN with Darcy Miller. Click here to check out the interview. We premiered our first regional Meet the Masters - Getting Married in Philadelphia. We continue to bring you new, original music for your listening pleasure. Robert was interviewed by John C. Havens, the podcast expert at About.com. AND we created a survey to find out how you are using technology in your wedding planning. Please click here to take the survey. It will only take you a few minutes to complete and will be very helpful for us.

No iPod is required to listen. Just click pink/black Play Podcast on your computer. To download to your iPod or mp3 player don't forget to subscribe to our feed in iTunes by clicking here. If you need any assistance in listening to our podcasts please let us know. We would be happy to help.

We at Digital Creations continue to enhance our ability to deliver wedding cinematography at it’s finest. We have recently purchased a series of training materials from Mark and Trisha Van Lanken of Picture This Productions, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  The Von Lanken’s are recipients of over 20 local and international awards, and were recently recognized by “EventDV” Magazine as one of the country’s most innovative and influential wedding video studios.  They were also added to the WEVA hall of fame during the 16th annual WEVA Expo held August 21-24 at Madalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Additionally, I was fortunate enough to acquire the services of Mark and Trisha to record my daughters wedding in St. Louis, MO back in May of this year (2006) and am currently in the process of editing the video myself.  If there ever was the perfect training opportunity of a lifetime, this has been it!  Very few videographers have been given this privilege, and I’m totally humbled by this experience and fascinated by the amount of knowledge I have acquired which has greatly influenced my own work that will ultimately benefit our future clients.

On September 13, 2006 Martha Stewart interviewed Robert Allen (a renowned wedding videographer) along with Darcy Miller editor of the Martha Stewart Channel on SIRIUS Radio.  Robert discusses his new venture called, The Wedding Podcast Newtork along with the significance of the wedding video.

 

Robert Allen is among the many outstanding educators of wedding videographery and will be speaking at the 4EVER Group’s Video 07 Convention and Trade Show in Jacksonville, Florida January 8^th -11^th.  Click here to listen to Martha Stewart’s interview.

Trisha & Mark Von Lanken

My daughter Rachel is getting married this May in St. Louis MO. In an attempt to figure out how I could possibly play the roll of “Father of the Bride” and videographer I posted a message on a national forum of professional videographers which I frequent. My thoughts were to hire a couple videographers to help me shoot the wedding.  I figured after I walked her down the aisle and gave her away; I could quickly change hats and jump behind my trusty ole Glidecam to get the cinematic shots. So I quickly started receiving messages from other videographers stating that I needed to “bite the bullet” and simply hire another company to shoot the entire wedding and just be satisfied with wearing only one hat that day, that of the “Father of the Bride” I then started to receive offers from several videographers to record her special day, but one man and wife team from Tulsa Oklahoma stood out from among all the others. I received a private message from Mark Von Lanken of Picture This Productions, Inc. informing me that he and wife Trisha were available on Rachel's wedding date.

They offered to shoot Rachel's wedding and turn the tapes over to me to edit!  I was floored to say the least! I simply couldn’t refuse the deal of a lifetime!  So I feel honored to report that I have secured the professional services of Trish & Mark Von Lanken to shoot my daughter's wedding!

 

In case you aren’t familiar with Trisha & Mark Von Lanken's work, let me fill you in. Trisha was president of the Oklahoma Professional Videographers Association from 2002 – 2003.  They were speakers of the Wedding and Event Video Association WEVA Expo from 2003 to 2005 as well as the 4Ever Group convention in 2006.  Their Key educational topics are: Creative Marketing, Wedding-day Edits, Moving Camera Techniques, and Cinematic Love Stories & Editing.

 

Mark and Trisha has won the following awards: The 2005 WEVA CEA Bronze (highlights) award; Two 2005 4Ever Group Artistic Achievement Awards (AAA):2005 Emerald (Pre-ceremony) and Ruby (Wedding Highlights). They were among the finalist, WEVA CEA, 2003-04 (Love Story) . Trish won the 2003 WEVA Battle of the Editing Styles.

 

Additionally, Mark and Trisha have produced several educational DVD’s to further in the develop other professional videographers which I will also benefit from.  The titles of their training DVD’s are: Wedding Day Edits, Breaking Out of the Box, Cinematic Love Stories, Moving Camera Techniques, and Cinematic Wedding Experience.

 

Most recently, Trisha & Mark Von Lanken were chosen as one of Event DV Magazines top 25 All-Star videographers!  So you can understand how excited and honored I am to have one of the best videographer teams in the nation to shoot my daughters wedding!  I just hope I can do them justice with the editing!  In any case I stand to lean a great deal from this experience in the promotion of my own cinematography skills!  Oh, by the way, you can view Trisha & Mark Von Lanken’s work at their website:  http://tulsaweddingfilms.com

Literally thousands of brides every year say they regret not including video in their pre-wedding planning. Now, it's too late.

According to many members of the professional wedding and event video production community this reaction has been their collective experience when talking with these brides.

''Our company is always marketing through direct mail, client referral programs, participating in area bridal fairs and other events,'' says Mary Ann Osness of CorElAnn Productions in Southern California. ''We get to speak with many newly wedded brides as a result and the vast majority of them tell us they regret not having a video of their wedding day.''

Osness says that a good number among this group admit they got portions of their wedding day on video, taken by friends or family.

''They will tell me it's a good thing to have some of their wedding videotaped, but that often the things they wanted to see the most were not recorded, or that they could not hear the vows, readers or other special commentary due to bad audio,'' says Osness.

Osness says her experience isn't unique. She says many of her associates in the professional wedding and event video production community have similar experiences.

Osness points out that such experiences can be viewed first hand on the many wedding web sites available.
''I read post after post on wedding web sites where brides say how disappointed they are now that their day is over and they have no video,'' says Osness. ''These brides are the very ones who, posting before their wedding, strongly advocated the lack of need for video.''

On posts prior to their wedding day, according to Osness, these brides claim photography is enough.
''A bride told me recently that she loved her photographs, wouldn't give them up at any price,'' says Osness, ''but she added that, now that it's too late, she would gladly spend the same or more to have had a wedding video.''
Osness says this is just one example, but the story is universal. She says that brides often mention not having actual live representation of their wedding day, expressing regrets.

''The professional photography community is a strong, solid, well-represented service provider group in the wedding industry,'' says Osness. ''They are aggressive, adding instant services, musical montage creations, even creations with narrative, and hundreds, sometimes thousands, of images for their clients.
''They continue to provide the trophy enlargements hanging in foyers, over fireplaces and in other prime home display areas,'' Osness says. ''But as important and valid as this service is it remains essentially a silent, two-dimensional outline of the event.''

Video is warm, says Osness. She says it has ''life'' and contains elements that enhance and compliment photographs.

''It is essential that photography and video are taken together,'' says Osness. ''Emotionally, they complete the memory. A photograph offers reflection, the video offers reality - that's what many people are into these days,reality, right?''

Osness says her primary frustration, one she shares with her many associates, is finding a way to get brides to realize and address the need for video before they realize and regret the absense of it.
''Yes, there are thousands of us who produce professional wedding and event video product,'' says Osness. ''We do have a personal interest in this. But so does the bride. When so many of them tell us how they wish they had realized the importance of video and are now sorry they didn't, that's saying we as professionals somehow need to reach them.''

Osness notes that a search on the web will reward every bride, regardless of budget size or limitations, with quality video at a price that works for them.

She says the vitality of video will reward the bride, her friends and family with a lifetime of living memories.
''People often think the memory alone will sustain them,'' Osness concludes. ''But there are so many instances caught on video of which celebrants have no memory because they didn't even know it occurred.'' 

Article written by:
Earl Chessher
CorElAnn Productions
Huntington Beach, Calif

No I'm sorry but since we attend all rehearsals, we are limiting ourselves to recording only one wedding per weekend.  Therefore, we must require at a minimum,  the basic package which covers both ceremony and reception.  We do not offer a ceremony only package.

If you purchase a package that contains the Picture CD or if you purchase it as an option you'll be able to view your wedding and reception pictures on your Video iPod.  We'll capture no less than 300 pictures from your wedding and reception video and place them on a CDR which can be viewed on a personal computer, compatible DVD players (JPG compatible) and now your Video iPod!

Think about it, digital video provides 30 frames per second, which means for every minute of video, we literally have 1800 opportunities to get the perfect picture! Just think how many pictures are possible from 4 hours of video! You do the math, but I have to tell you, it's hard to choose only 300 pictures. (Click here to see a sample) Note: Professional curtsey prohibits us from extracting sill pictures of the formal photo session conducted by the photographer.