Abby & Scott

Fools in love.

You’ve probably heard the saying, or maybe read a quote somewhere (perhaps something like, “love is for fools wise enough to take a chance.”).

No matter your familiarity with the verbiage, anyone can clearly see Abby and Scott are indeed fools in love.

Don’t read too much into the literal definition of the word fool — a person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person — but focus more on the power of love. There’s no denying the impacts a love like Abby’s and Scott’s can have. And yes, common sense and rationality can occasionally disappear due to the power of love, but that’s what makes it so incredible.

So, Abby and Scott, be foolish, embrace the power love will have over you, and most importantly, even if there’s no rhyme or reason, forever be fools in love.

“Fools in love, walking hand in hand. Make a wise man tremble, lift a poor man up. It’s a sight to see fools in love.”

"There's nothing more contagious than the laughter of young children; it doesn't even have to matter what they're laughing about."
Criss Jami

I can remember stumbling across this Criss Jami quote a while back, playing around online with the intent of researching laughter. As the father of a 2-year-old (2 1/2 to be exact, I suppose) it hit home immediately.

Too often a child’s laughter leads to chuckling from those around them, despite not knowing where the original laughter stemmed. Lincoln and I have “laughing contests” quite often, seeing who can make the other break out in a hearty laugh first.

Knowing the effects of laughter — increasing endorphins, decreasing stress, working out the abs, shoulders and heart — when good friend and fellow professional Garrett from Floating Leaf Studios reached out with the idea of his Laughter Project, I was immediately on board.

His vision? A light, background, child and a fart noise machine to get those teeth showing, leading to multiple black and white canvas photos hanging at St. Peter’s Hospital in the Cancer Treatment Center and oncology floor. I can only imagine the smiles, and hopefully chuckles, on the patients’ faces as they gaze from photo to photo.

Some of you may recognize Lincoln as the subject in one of those photos, and many of the others are also children of the nurses of the CTC. That’s what truly makes the project special — those patients can connect with their nurses through the laughter of their children.

Make sure to check out Garrett’s Facebook post regarding the subject, and also give a look at his limited edition sessions — which include a laughter session next week.

Summer Star Ranch and Sharp Events & Decor collab

The calendar might say May, but Mother Nature clearly thinks spring needs to stick around a while. With everything happening in the world, that’s probably not the worst thing.

Being stuck at home has led to some extra spring cleaning, and not just your common household chores. Spring is a great time for wedding vendors to play with new toys and equipment, practice some new tips and tricks, or simply bring an idea to life. Enter the world of the styled shoot collab.

Venues, florists, stylists, jewelers, bakers, makeup artists, photographers, videographers, gown and tux shops, invite creators — the list goes on and on — all look forward to an opportunity to create something that will be shared on numerous platforms by numerous colleagues. The best part? The day doesn’t have to follow the, let’s face it, often stressful itinerary of a wedding day.

We get a chance to take our time, there are mulligans (that’s a re-do for the non golfers out there) and mostly it’s the chance to try something different.

So when Jill at Sharp Events & Decor reached out looking for a videographer, I was all in. After all, I had some new ideas of my own, some equipment that I hadn’t yet used, and there’s no such thing as a shortage of content to share with couples past, present and future.

We were able to gather at Summer Star Ranch out near York — my first time on the property — and talk about a stunning location. Mountains, trees, beauty and of course, everyone’s favorite, the horses. Find me a better prop than those stars of the show.

Our bride and groom — Hannah and RJ — were fantastic — and troopers I might add — posing, smiling, laughing and then posing some more for Katie Sue Photography, Jessica Powell Photography and myself. If you want to see some incredible photos, hit those links to head to their Instagrams for some awesome shots.

Linda’s Bridal and Mr. Tux, as always, provided some stunners, and Beauty by Carlyn Hughes flashed those hair and makeup skills on Hannah that would make any bride jealous.

When it comes to your wedding invites, you’ll drop your jaw at what Janiel from Seventh & Anderson creates — give her an idea and she’ll make it even better. Using her creations, your wedding stands out even months before the official date!

By the way ladies, make sure to drop your man a hint about visiting Dillon at Big Sky Brilliance when it comes to jewelry! There was more shine and sparkle in his selection for a mock wedding than a Katy Perry concert (is she still famous?) Seriously, you’ll fall in love with something he already has or he’ll make sure to create something that leaves you breathless.

I’ll be honest, there was one moment I thought about sneaking a piece of the cake (from the back so it didn’t show up in the video or photos) because anything Park Avenue Bakery is a giant, “Yes please!” from me. You won’t be surprised when watching the video to start drooling at the mere sight of this two-tiered deliciousness. Can someone deliver me a slice of earl gray cake, please?

When it comes to the setup, whether you’re looking for linens, chairs or a giant canopy, Party Plus Rentals should be on speed dial. They offered up the linens for this styled shoot, but believe me, you could get lost in their catalog of available accessories.

Make sure to give every one of those vendors a follow on Instagram, a like on Facebook and a visit to their websites. It was great having some fun with these professionals, and you know your wedding is in great hands with any of them on your vendor list.

The only thing I didn’t get a chance to showcase was our new live stream capabilities, but we’ll have more on that in another post this week! Coronavirus can’t keep us down, and we’ll make sure every guest you want to see your wedding, whether it’s in person or across the world, gets that opportunity!

(Jeremy Wong photo/Pexels)
(Jeremy Wong photo/Pexels)

Should I postpone my wedding because of the coronavirus?

Should I postpone my wedding because of the coronavirus?

By now the thought has crossed your mind — my wedding, the day I’ve dreamed of and spent months (maybe more!) planning for, is scheduled for this spring/summer, but with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, should I postpone?

Across the country, stories like this one and this one are popping up as couples change their wedding plans due to COVID-19. It’s not a decision brides- and grooms-to-be make lightly, after meticulously planning every detail from the venue to the dessert, but it is a decision many have deemed necessary during these unusual times.

Still, many other couples have shared their vows, albeit not as planned, utilizing FaceTime, Skype and even Facebook Live to share their moment with family and friends across the globe. In these instances, many still plan to hold a reception, complete with toasts, cake and dancing, once coronavirus can be tamed.

So should you postpone your wedding? Honestly, there’s no easy answer to that question. Every wedding is a different scenario and could have multiple options, including:

    • Postponing to a later date.
        • It’s not an easy task to re-schedule a venue, photographer, videographer, florist, baker, food vendor, DJ and all of your family and friends. Chances are slim every vendor will be able to make the change, but for many it’s the safest bet. There’s also no rule that says a wedding must be on a Friday or Saturday afternoon — check with the venue and vendors to see if they are available on the other days of the week. You may not have to postpone as long!
    • Securing a “backup” date.
        • Similar to above, it won’t be an easy task, but for couples with mid-summer weddings, many are hopeful to go on as planned, but securing a backup date should they need it.
    • Continuing, but improvising.
        • There have been the FaceTime, Skype, Facebook Live or even Zoom weddings as mentioned above, but even options like nuptials at a park or family farm, with only parents (socially distanced) in attendance while other friends and family watch a live stream set up by the videographer.

One important thing to keep in mind — you’re not alone. There are literally thousands of couples pondering the same thought, so many, in fact, that dozens of publications are penning articles much like this one.

The Knot published “How to adjust your wedding timeline due to COVID-19” and basically suggests whether you should postpone, monitor or proceed as planned based on the date of your wedding.

The decision is yours, but here are a few things to keep in mind.

    • Restrictions on social gatherings.
        • Whether it’s 50 people, 20 people or even single digits, there are various restrictions prohibiting social gatherings. If these stay in place, a wedding won’t be an exception.
    • Shelter-in-place directives.
        • At the time of this post, 45 states have some sort of shelter-in-place directive issued, with various “essential” exclusions available — grocery runs, medical visits and emergencies. Weddings don’t fall in that category.
    • Acquiring goods may be challenging (or expensive!)
        • You’ve heard of the great toilet paper shortage, but Charmin isn’t the only thing in high demand. Items from food to flowers could be more challenging to obtain, or at least be more expensive than originally planned. Delivery dates have also changed on many items, with suppliers like Amazon attempting to focus on “high-priority items” first and foremost.
    • The guest list is almost guaranteed to change.
        • If your date changes, it may create challenges for some guests. If your date remains the same, some guests may be uncomfortable or even unable to travel with the current restrictions. Lodging could also be affected. Live streaming the ceremony is an option if you want to be able to include those guests in some capacity.
    • You’re not alone.
        • There are links above stating how other couples have been affected, and there are thousands more with their own stories. Feel free to chat with other couples to see how they came to their decision. Their scenario may be similar to yours, and they may give you a few pointers and ideas along the way.
    • Nobody knows when things will return to normal.
        • This is the most important factor and the reason why there isn’t a “right answer” to any questions couples may have. The greatest experts can’t tell you a specific date that would guarantee your wedding falls in the safe period, so your vendors, planners and maid-of-honor can’t either. Pay attention to the updated CDC guidelines, directives from your state and then make the decision(s) that suit your situation best.

The 10 best tips for hiring a wedding videographer

Let’s face it, planning for a wedding is a strenuous process — mentally and physically.

Couples are often faced with finalizing plans from the days after an engagement to the hours leading up to the vows. There’s the location, officiant, decor, rehearsal dinner, music, bridal party, dress and tuxes, and that’s just before they start thinking about the vendors.

Often times couples begin that process with a venue, then trickle down to local catering, photographers, florists, bakers for the cake, perhaps custom decor services or a wedding planner, and the DJ or live band. One of the biggest mistakes couples make, and I know this from experience, is putting off finding a wedding videographer to the end of their search or not searching for one at all.

Percentages vary depending on the study, but many point out a bride’s biggest regret is not hiring a wedding videographer to capture their day. Sure, every guest will have a cell phone, and the majority will pull it out at some point during the day to snap a photo or two, maybe to record some video to share with you on Facebook, but they pale in comparison to a professionally shot and edited production by a wedding videographer.

Photos from your wedding day are a must — ours are hanging all over our house, are plastered all over our social media and have made their way into various wedding publications (thanks Wayne!) — but imagine being able to re-live those custom vows or toasts, watching your bride walk down the aisle as the camera cuts to you fighting back the happy tears, or smiling as you watch the reactions of friends and family celebrating your special day.

The point is, if you think you’re going to want a wedding videographer (and of course you will!) don’t put it off until the end of your planning. Prioritize finding a videographer that suits your needs.

There are dozens of variations to what wedding videographers provide, from their style to the products they offer, but there are a handful of tips to help navigate the waters and hire a wedding videographer that will create lasting memories and family heirlooms to be celebrated and enjoyed for years to come.

1. What style are you looking for?

Odds are you have seen friends’ wedding videos floating around Facebook. Did the style capture your attention? Did you enjoy the creative shots, or do you prefer a more simplistic approach? Was the editing smooth and did it go with the flow of the music?

There are truly dozens of styles that a wedding videographer can incorporate into their production, and many can guarantee multiple options to match the needs of the couple. But having an understanding of what style you would like your videographer to focus on should be at the forefront of the conversation.

2. What deliverables do they include?

You’re hiring a wedding videographer, they’re obviously going to give you video, right? Yes, but there’s more to it than that.

Videographers include a variety of different final videos in their packages, from teasers/trailers (like a movie trailer) to highlight films (like you’ve seen on Facebook) to documentary edits (incorporating interviews or audio from the bride, groom and guests). Highlight films are often the most popular, but some couples prefer longer edits with their vows, toasts, speeches and more.

Most videographers offer the full reception, speeches and toasts — either included in a package or as an add-on. Some will even sell the raw footage to couples, who may want to have fun sifting through the different shots throughout the day.

Decide what finished videos you know you want, keeping in mind you can often upgrade (with some notice to the videographers) after the fact.

3. Check multiple places for reviews.

Couples with great experiences are likely to leave great reviews so that future couples can enjoy similar experiences.

Places like Facebook, Google, The Knot and Wedding Wire, even videographer websites are great places to see how other couples felt about their videographer (or any vendor, really). Some videographers will even provide contact info for references to answer any questions that may not be found in the reviews.

4. Discuss your wedding in person/over the phone.

Good wedding videographers want to know every detail about your wedding day — the colors, the theme, live music or DJ, the size of the bridal party and who is in it, what special moments you may have planned (reading letters, first look, surprise entrance, etc.), the decor … the list goes on and on.

The best content creators like to start getting a vision before they ever step foot at the venue, allowing them to brainstorm various shots and locations well in advance.

It’s much more personable, for the videographer and the couple, to discuss all the details in person, or even over the phone using FaceTime or Skype. This allows both parties to get to know one another, see their personalities and answer all the questions they both inevitably have.

I prefer buying couples a cup of coffee or even a beer at a local brewery to hear about their wedding before I even discuss how I can help capture the day.

5. What are the prices for packages and add-ons?

Every couple has a budget and every couple does their best to stick to it. The wedding videographer’s pricing is obviously an important factor, but make sure to ask what you get for those prices.

The more hours a videographer spends at your wedding, the higher the price will be. But odds are the finished product will also be of higher value because there is more footage to use. In similar fashion, the longer the final video they create, the higher the price will be.

Like anything, a couple will pay for the quality of product they receive and the amount of work it took to create said product. Videography packages typically give you a better deal than going a la carte, but make sure to find out what add-ons like extra USB drives, raw footage or even additional hours of coverage will cost.

6. Get the most out of your contract.

Almost every wedding vendor will create a legally-binding contract to make sure the couple and vendor are in agreement of the expectations. Make sure the wedding videographer’s contract includes the key items mentioned above — the chosen package, price, what the down payment is and when it’s due, when the rest of the payment will be due, and especially what cancellation policies are in place.

7. Are same-day edits and drone footage offered? What kind of music will be used?

I’m combining these three to play off the add-ons mentioned in No. 5 above. Drone footage adds instant production value to any video, but especially a wedding video. Seeing the guests arrive at the venue from hundreds of feet in the air, watching the sunrise from a bird’s vantage point, or capturing the beautiful landscape and setting of your wedding via drone make your video stand out.

Keep in mind, there are FAA regulations that licensed drone pilots must be aware of, meaning some venues may not allow drones to be flown. I like to have this discussion early on in the process so couples understand if they cannot have drone footage because of these FAA restrictions.

Copyright laws prohibit a videographer from using any old song of their choosing, at least without paying for the licensing, which can be thousands of dollars for the pop culture songs you hear on the radio. There are many great licensed music websites that videographers subscribe to, allowing them multiple options for the music that helps display the emotion in your wedding video. If you have a preference to the type of music your videographer uses, let them know ahead of time, but also trust them to pick something that will set your wedding film apart from all the others.

Same-day edits are an instant crowd pleaser at the reception. Basically, a videographer will capture footage throughout the day, then pull up a chair in front of a laptop and piece together a highlights video that can be played for the couple and guests at the reception.

It’s no easy task — shooting the video, importing the footage, editing it in a beautiful manner and meeting a tight deadline can be daunting — but videographers that provide this add-on can leave you and your guests in awe.

8. What is the turn-around time for the video(s) to be finished?

While many of the vendors are finished after the wedding day, the work is just beginning for the photographer and videographer!

Capturing the photos and footage is only the beginning, as they prepare to sit in front of the computer for the editing stage of the process. For a wedding videographer, this is often the most time-consuming, yet creative portion of the journey.

Think about it — if a videographer spends 10 hours at your wedding, with multiple cameras recording throughout the day, there are literally hours of clips to look through to find the pieces that best fit your final product.

Completing the edit(s) will obviously take some time, but make sure you know what the videographer’s turn-around time is. This actually varies quite a bit, with some companies taking weeks, months or even a year to complete their edits. Just make sure this is included in the contract.

9. Trust your videographer.

You’ve researched them, met them in person, discussed your wedding details and their vision for capturing it, now it’s time to let them do their work. If you have done all your homework and found a wedding videographer that suits your needs, one who outlined everything in meetings and in your contract, then trust them to handle the wedding day.

The best videographers will have discussed the itinerary for your wedding day, hopefully even setting time aside to get some extra footage, so they know when to be where throughout the day. They will be getting all of the best shots and moments from the big day.

10. Reviews and referrals.

Take the time after your wedding is complete and you have received your video(s) to review the wedding videographer and offer referrals to future couples. This step was likely a key factor in your decision to hire the videographer, so your review and referral will help brides and grooms down the road make the same decisions.

It only takes 5-10 minutes to write a quick review in places like The Knot and Wedding Wire, Facebook or their Google Business. Sharing your video(s) on Facebook with some great words about all of the vendors is also a great way for them to be recognized for the hard work they put in to make your wedding day wonderful.

Capital City Bridal Expo — A bride’s best friend

Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to join dozens of other wedding professionals for the Capital City Bridal Expo 2019. Held at the Helena Civic Center, the expo welcomed brides and grooms, as well as family and friends, from all across Montana, giving them a firsthand look at how everything from wedding planning to venues, photographers and videographers to caterers, to DJs, florists, salons, lodging, bakeries and bridal shops help play a part in making their wedding day complete.

I served as the emcee, while Fallon held the fort down at our videography booth. Hundreds attended the event, watching as models displayed the latest wedding fashions courtesy of Linda’s Bridal.

I was also able to capture some video from the event, as seen above, to show how great each vendor was at meeting the needs of the brides and grooms in attendance.

To check out the Capital City Bridal Expo website, please click here. There you’ll find the vendors that were in attendance!

Glacier National Park — Iceberg Lake (Sony A6300 + 18-105mm f/4)

“Wander here a whole summer, if you can.”

If only, John Muir. If only.

Muir, known as the “Father of the National Parks,” knew there was something special about the pristine forest and majestic mountains that made up what is now Glacier National Park, the Crown of the Continent. Its beauty is unmatched, its scenery incomparable and its exploration opportunities immeasurable.

A recent late August adventure took us to Many Glacier, our destination the Iceberg Lake/Ptarmigan Tunnel trailhead. Impressive views of the grand mountains greet the beginning of the hike, though these views frequently disappear as one enters the dense forest of pines, which also happen to obstruct the Ptarmigan Falls.

Though rated in the upper echelon of difficulty by many, the Iceberg Lake portion of the hike is relatively straightforward, though a few steeper sections exist. The risk is worth the reward, though, when one turns the corner to the final stretch of trail above Iceberg Lake. Picture-takers, picnic-goers and even a few brave (foolhardy?) swimmers are the sights to be seen atop this trail.

Dare I say, it seems the perfect place for an adventurous wedding? Pack the dress, tuxes and formal wear — we’ll all change at the top.

For those interested in the videography and equipment, only five pieces of gear made the hike: a Sony A6300 mirrorless camera, rocking a Sony 18-105mm f/4 power zoom lens with a Tiffen variable ND filter. Atop the camera sat a Rode Videomic microphone, while the camera was perched on a Joby Gorillapod 3K.

It seemed the perfect hiking companion, particularly on a near-10-mile adventure — lightweight, durable and more than capable of the job. I did bring a gimbal — the Zhiyun-Tech Crane-2 — but ultimately decided the extra weight wasn’t worth the effort, though it certainly would have brought a stabilization unparalleled to my handheld rig.

Alissa and Paul — summertime love

“If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.”

There’s no denying June 29, 2019 wouldn’t be bragging about love. This magical day saw Alissa and Paul stand in front of their closest family members, showcasing their tenderness and devotion to one another.

There is something special about an intimate setting reserved for family only, those closest relatives that know you better than anyone. That was the guest list for Alissa and Paul on her family farm. Lush wheat fields waved as the backdrop, dancing in the sun. The custom altar, drifting dust on the nearby gravel road, everything combined for perfection — a story of summertime love.

When the intimate, family wedding concluded, it became a community celebration and party, hundreds gathering to congratulate the bride and groom.

Ok June, brag away.

Felicity and Ibrahim — a love story

What do arching bridges, cedar gazebos, charming ponds, romantic row boat and a luxurious fountain have in common? They’re all part of the beauty that is Cedar Springs in Port Orchard, Washington. That’s where we find the latest chapter in the romance novel of Felicity and Ibrahim.

Acquaintances during school, where Ibrahim was a foreign-exchange student, their love story began years later when Ibrahim returned to Washington. Literally the girl he dreamt about, Felicity quickly captured Ibrahim’s attention and affection, and their love for Christ brought them together.

Call it divine intervention, an act of God, or simply a true love story, Felicity and Ibrahim were meant for one another.

This is their love story.

Jackie and Ken — finding love

Life’s full of twists and turns, but sometimes those roads lead right to the unexpected. That was certainly the case for Jackie and Ken.

Their journeys led them to one another’s arms, bringing family and friends to a beautiful location in Florida’s Flagler County: Princess Place Preserve. Lined with rows of palm trees and aged oaks, this southern landmark was indeed fit for a princess. As the sun poked through the vines of the oak, Jackie and Ken shared their love, said their vows and embarked down a new road full of happiness and devotion.