This perfect spring day was one that I was really looking forward to. I had never met Heidi and Dave, but they were flying in from NYC to meet with little ol’ me and go over their wedding plans. The first thing that struck me about this pairing was, besides their obvious physical beauty, their CONNECTION. They were so in tune with each other about every little wedding detail, finishing each others sentences…you know…connected! I asked them what they were most looking forward to and Heidi got tears in her eyes as she said “Just to say ‘I do’”. Dave wiped her tears away and gently held her face in his hands. WOW! Now do you see why I was looking forward to it?
So my favorite moment was their “first look”. Normally, I don’t like the whole “first look” concept. I am a romantic, and one of the best moments from my wedding was hearing the string quartet, taking my dad’s arm, walking a few steps down the aisle and seeing my husband to be for the first time that day. His eyes welled up a bit, and then he smiled at me. I couldn’t wait to get to the end of that aisle! The drama of that moment still brings tears to my eyes. BUT, sometimes “first looks” are perfection. Heidi and Dave’s was the best one ever. It’s in the preview, so watch it. His reaction to her is priceless.
Lot’s of other favorite moments…shooting with the fantastic Jacob Chinn and his talented second shooter Holly Seeber. The floral design from Tanya Krantz of In Full Bloom Floral Studio was truly inspired. And of course, working with Cindy West at Tucson Country Club is a delight. And not just because they have a mesquite grove for lovely ceremonies, or just because you can have fireworks after your cake cut! No, it’s just such a warm and elegant venue. From witty groomsmen and charming bridesmaids, to a ceremony full of love and an enthusiastic hora, to heart-felt toasts and fireworks…I had lots of favorite moments. Heidi and Dave…thanks for choosing black sheep filmworks to film all of those fabulous moments!
So what do you do when you are a beautiful doctor all set to marry your prince charming, but he falls ill with appendicitis the day before your wedding? Get that offending vestigial organ removed and get hitched! That’s what Sara and Joshua did at their sumptuous Hacienda del Desierto/Saguaro Buttes winter wedding. These two are SO in love that even a surgery couldn’t put a damper on their day…they cuddled, cooed and kissed their way through this entire wedding video! I LOVED the the floral magic concocted by Tanya of In Full Bloom…perfectly conveyed winter elegance with some heat…or is that an oxymoron? Another favorite of mine? Flawless makeup artistically applied to a flawless bride and bridesmaids by Margarita GoDiva. Did I mention Margarita is applying David Beckham’s make-up as I type? That’s how talented she is!
My favorite moment of the day..probably their first look. As Joshua entered the gates of Hacienda del Desierto with his cane, looking like Cary Grant..sigh…
It was all just swoon-worthy.
Thanks Sara & Joshua!
In these next few blog posts, I will post a part of the film and tell you my favorite memories of the day…and that’s tough for me, because as I watch these wedding films, it all comes back and there are many great instants.
For Sheena and Yosh, my favorite moment was seeing Yosh’s face when he caught the first glimpse of Sheena walking down the aisle. They had already seen each other earlier for photos, but there is something magical about the light, the music from the trio, being surrounded by family and friends…it all comes together in an instant to form a transcendent moment. The most dangerous moment for me was during the Hora, when my camera was very nearly knocked out of my hands by a VERY athletic and celebratory bunch of dancers. That’s what I get for being in the thick of things, but the footage was SO worth it! Another favorite moment was when I heard the song “Falling Slowly” begin to play, and saw Sheena and Yosh come together from opposite sides of the reception to dance. This was their second “first dance” song.
I LOVE this idea! A “call to action” for the bride and groom when they are visiting which gets them back into each other’s arms…très romantic!
What I love about this preview is that I get all emotional when I watch it. That’s not much of a stretch for me, as I have been known to get teary eyed at any commercial that shows baby animals, or grandparents being taken out to a meal with the family. Empathy is a blessing for me, especially as an event filmmaker. I can put myself right into your Manolos or your Converse. I am the mother-of-the-bride as she sees her baby girl in her wedding gown. I am the bride seeing her groom’s reaction as she glides down the aisle. I am the bridesmaid, watching out for my gorgeous best friend on her biggest day. I am also a technical, stealthy, ingenious filmmaker. The connection I maintain between the narrative, emotions and complex cameras is a delicate balancing act. A great filmmaker not only sees what is happening in front of the lens, but knows WHY it is happening. The WHY can only be known through an emotional connection with your bride and groom.
When Darcy was getting ready on her wedding day, her mom Cece looked at me and said “We’re so happy you’re here Stepheny, it feels like and old friend is with us.” It was music to my ears…it’s that feeling, that connection that I know makes a great wedding film.
On another note, Darcy and her sister Debby (my first Derickson bride) are both pregnant and expecting the next amazing generation early next year. So exciting! Yes, I cry when babies are born as well. I always say that being a filmmaker is great because I get to be with people on their best day, only second to the day they have their children. I think a “baby story” is next in line for the Derickson clan …
Thank you again, to the Derickson’s. We have conversed, laughed, danced, traveled
and made amazing wedding films together. I thank you for connecting with the black sheep!
Check out the latest, greatest cover shoot from Tucson Bride and Groom magazine. Tucson’s finest wedding creatives came together to create a new look for Marie Antoinette. The energy was amazing, and a great time was had by all.
Let them eat cake, indeed!
In this age of instant gratification, one of my favorite things is the same day, or next day edit. It really is a show-stopper. We take the footage we so creatively and lovingly took during the getting ready, processional, wedding ceremony, photo session, cocktail hour and whatever else time allows, and we make a short film. We started out doing these for free, just to make sure we could do it. The stress is HIGH, and the adrenaline is pumping. We usually have two filmmakers shooting, and one editor, cutting. We check in with each other, making sure the edit and filming are progressing nicely. Many Diet Cokes and soda waters with lime are required, along with a precut sound track. The magic really occurs when it’s show time. Playing a beautifully shot and edited highlights video is…euphoric. The lights dim, a hush comes over the guests, and there is a story being told. In sight and sound, with motion and every detail. It’s fresh, real, and it makes you want to melt. A voice is heard after the applause… “Everyone should have a wedding video like this.”
Here is the latest next day edit we produced, just this last Friday, February 11. Enjoy!
I am besotted with Emily and Zack. Seriously. Just check out my new website www.blacksheepfilmworks.com.
Emily and Zack’s photogenic mugs take up a lot of real estate. Obviously, they are gorgeous, but they have to be one the most genuine couples for which I have had the pleasure of creating a wedding video.
Zack posted their highlights video to his blog http://lostangelesblog.wordpress.com/. I love the way he writes, so I asked for and received his permission to share this post. He composes a blog relating to all things “Lost Angeles”. Especially suited for USC football fans and ABC’s “The Bachelor” junkies. You know who you are.
Thanks Emily and Zack–an inspirational take on your wedding day.
January 13, 2011
A View From My Wedding.
As we’re getting ready to go on our honeymoon, I thought it might be a good time to share with my readers the recap video from my wedding. Originally, we had decided to postpone our honeymoon because we wanted to spend some extra time in Arizona with all the family and friends who made the trip for us. It turns out, it was also because I would need to take a month to fight the ultimate bear, cancer, in the meantime. I am healed and now that we have the video, I think of what a special day it was, waking up in my bed and seeing Arrogant Nation holding up signs reading “You Can’t Sanction The Endzone”, “Bowls Are For Salads” and of course, “Congratulations Zack and Emily” as I put on my tuxedo, ready to do what any good Trojan should do, marry a beautiful, smart and strong blonde woman who totally digs my arrogant approach to the universe.
While it is strange to think during this video I had no idea I had cancer, it is beautiful to see how life’s best and worst feelings can coexist without detracting from each other. I would not have changed a thing. Soon, it will be the 2 year anniversary of this blog. I have made thousands of new friends from it from alumni to students at rival schools, from Song Girls to starting football players. This year Lost Angeles will reach it’s millionth view. I have enjoyed every moment of it and I assure you I will keep going and have some amazing things planned for next season and my homeboy Matt Barkley.
So here is a rare glimpse into one of the best days I’ll ever have on this earth. I am happy to share it with you, Arrogant Nation, my newest and most cherished friends. Here’s to 2011 and all the happiness you will find, including but not limited to the 12 wins we plan to get come August.
Here are Emily & Zack’s outtakes for good measure. Enjoy.
Andrea & James just sent this out, and I received it last week. I’m having major craft envy.
Andrea & James’ save the date
It’s a “Save the Date” for their wedding next September, with a “ticket” with all of their wedding info. SO CUTE! They are getting married on the Colorado river, on the border of Bullhead city, AZ and Laughlin, NV. They have a beach theme, and Andrea’s dad is planning a flotilla on the river to honor the bride and groom! I can’t wait! I got to know them at Andrea’s sister Brie’s wedding here in Tucson in June of 2009. Brie and Jon’s wedding was gorgeous, with one of the many highlights being the Same Day Edit we showed to family & friends during the reception. We laughed & cried, and ended the eve to applause and “Bravo!” AND WE GET TO DO IT AGAIN! Chris Richards, who took the AMAZING pics of Brie & Jon’s big day, is also traveling from Tucson to shoot Andrea & James nuptials. The “dream team” will be on the river! We are honored and super excited to be the filmmakers for Andrea & James…BRAVO!! Just for fun, here are the out-takes from Brie and Jon’s wedding. This should give you some idea why we are SO excited to grab this same crew, and take this show on the road!
As I titled this “have sheep will travel”, we also had the privilege of flying to Jackson, WY to film Dana & Adam’s wedding in July. I had never been to the Grand Teton National Forest, and it’s so majestic, I kept asking myself “Am I doing this justice?” I think we all feel like that when trying to capture the scope of something so grand. We want the viewer to not only see what we see, but to feel what we feel. This is one of the reasons that weddings are my biggest joy, and my biggest challenge. I want to capture what is the most special to the client, but also all the details which make the story rich and real. The anticipation and wonder in the air at Dana & Adam’s wedding was almost palpable–and one of the things I love about destination weddings. Once you get there, you and your loved ones are on vacation. You can relax, go for a hike, get a massage, hang out with family…it’s a great way to get mentally and physically prepared for the “big day.” Like Dana/Adam and Andrea/James you have to be uber organized, and be able to let go of the little things. I was told having us along also helped ease the stress, relieving the “fear of the unknown.” Dana & Adam knew how we worked, and they didn’t have to “babysit” us. We knew where to be and when, and filmed all of those little moments that are so easy to forget. We even got to go on a float trip down the Snake river with our bride and groom and family. The bald eagles were fishing and even took a few rapids. How many couples get to have something like that professionally filmed? It also helps to hire professionals like Carrie Patterson of Carrie Patterson Photography. She photographed Dana & Adam’s wedding with so much style and calm creative energy. She made us feel at home and was a joy to work with. AND her photographs are STUNNING! The ceremony and reception were held at Couloir Restaurant at the top of the mountain. Amazing views as we took the Bridger gondola to the summit. The ceremony was breathtaking, with the Long family singers left not a dry eye in the house with their renditions of “Love me tender” and “Here, there and everywhere”. As is the case with Derickson weddings, it rained…no, it poured, but this time the rain held off until just after the ceremony. We even had a rainbow! The food was fabulous, the dancing-fierce, and S’mores instead of cake. It was incredible—so glad we got to capture it in all it’s glory! We also have the honor of filming sister Darcy’s marriage to Anthony in Feb. 2011…I hear it has a baseball theme…let’s just hope the rain holds off. And if not, we may get some more stunning “kissing in the rain” footage! Here is Dana and Adam’s preview-Enjoy!
First wedding vendor picked was…Stepheny Keith of Black Sheep filmworks! Okay, maybe Hacienda del Sol was picked first because they had a venue when Moira and her mom, Mary, contacted me, but I was honored to be a close second. Hacienda is one of my favorite Tucson venues, just the right blend of “Old West” elegance, there is no bad backdrop. We had a great time working with Courtney & Erin from www.erinheartscourt.com…truly creative and low-key photographers from L.A. The Creative Events team kicked this event into high-gear (do they have another gear?), and all went swimmingly. Moira and Sean are gorgeous, wicked smart and savvy, and I think their preview does all of these qualities justice. Thanks to Sean for picking such great music, and thanks to all for such a lovely and FUN day!
AND thank YOU for looking at the blog of the black sheep–stay tuned!
Happy September!! This summer was a happy blur of good times. We were lucky enough to spend some film making time in Laguna Beach, and film a stunning wedding in Jackson Hole, WY. Destination weddings are becoming a welcome addition to our repertoire. So remember, tell your friends and family… anytime, anyplace they need a filmmaker to invite the black sheep! “Have HD film gear, will travel!”
The photo montage above was inspired by Joel and Kristina telling me their favorite movie was “500 days of Summer”. I took that info and ran with it. Their story was especially cinematic as the surprise wedding proposal was caught on film. Kristina was the University of Arizona’s mascot “Wilma the Wildcat” during her college career. Astonishingly, “Wilbur” (Wilma’s male counterpart) showed up during a family photo session, took a knee, and popped the question. She said “YES!” and they went on to have a great engagement and gorgeous wedding. We filmed at Saguaro Buttes, and had the pleasure of working with Heather and Jacob Dahle of Delightful Photo. This montage was shown at the reception, to lots of laughs, a few tears, and rousing applause.
Thanks for visting and please stay tuned for the next black sheep filmworks blog, I gotta feeling…you’re gonna like it!
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