blacksheepfilmworks.com

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!

Venue: Skyline Country Club Event Coordinator: Anne Bryan, Creative Events LLC
Photographer: Something Blue Photography Florist: Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers DJ: Corbin Dooley

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 by Chris Richards

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!

So, a not so new trend at weddings…photo booths…love ‘em or hate ‘em?  Personally, I love them.  I always take advantage of having my picture taken while I make a fool out of myself, and anyone else I can drag in with me.  The strip of pics was taken at Jennifer and Jeff’s wedding at Hacienda del Sol in May.  Chris Richards,  one of my favorite photogs extraordinaire, was game to be recorded with this visual medium for posterity. Love the “see no evil, speak no evil” in the last pic. The other photo booth pic is of me and Yone (my 2nd camera grrl and amazing editor) invading Tara & Chris’ photo booth.  They had tons of props, some of which made their way onto the dance floor, which was jumping into the wee hours thanks to the talents of Page Repp of I’m with the DJ.  This leads me to their preview…So much thoughtful detail (1 year plus in the planning!), I hope we got it all. Held on a beautiful day in March at the sumptuous Westin La Paloma Resort.  Patty Hunter of Sauliz Floral Designs created the stunning bouquets and floral arrangements.  She even drove to Phoenix on the morning of the wedding to get the peonies for Tara’s bouquet!

This wedding wasn’t just easy on the eyes, it was  a day of FUN: bobble-heads, cootie-catchers, friends, family and above all, love and laughter. We had a great time working with Spencer Boreup and his uber talented crew for the day Sam Hassas and Travis Williams.  I’m kind of shocked that we got as much great (and steady) footage as we did, because we all laughed A LOT on this day. Thank you Tara & Chris, we hope you had as much fun as we did!

I hope you enjoyed visiting the blog of the black sheep–please comment and let me know your thoughts.

fun with props in the photo booth

Lots of sunshine, laughter and yarmulkes at this Shenanaganza…Jeannie and Ari gave us a few ideas, such as their appreciation for the Guy Ritchie movie “Snatch”–we took it and ran with it! They let us pick the song, so “I want you to” by Weezer was the natural choice. Jeannie and Ari loved it, we love it, hope you do to!

On a different note, it’s May. Really?!  I know they say that as you age, time seems to speed up, but this is ridiculous. It seems like just yesterday I was at In[FOCUS], a top-notch event filmmaker get-together held in Austin at the end of January. The creative energy was amazing, and I had a great time catching up with old friends and making lots of new ones. I can’t wait until the next filmmaker events, such as the POSH event (a cruise to the Bahamas for female filmmakers!) and IN[FOCUS] 2011.

We have been very busy here at black sheep. Besides creating “Snatchified” previews like Jeannie and Ari’s, the spring has been a whirlwind of weddings, films for non-profit organizations, and learning how to use my latest baby, my Canon 7D.  We are also in the process of re branding.  Don’t worry, the black sheep is here to stay, but the word “video” is out.  We are now black sheep filmworks, with the blessing of the wonderful John and Jenn Moon of Northernlight Filmworks (http://www.northernlightfilmworks.com), who are top event filmmakers based in Indianapolis.  In trying to find an available URL, the word filmworks popped up, and I liked it, but it rang a bell.  Oh yeah, Northernlight Filmworks…after contacting the Moon’s they said ‘go for it, we like the sound of black sheep filmworks’.  They create amazing films, and are a source of inspiration for me and many other event filmmakers.  Thank you to John and Jen for being so generous and sharing with me.

I will keep you posted on the re brand.  This blog is new, and should be easier for most because the clips are in Flash posted on Vimeo.  We are working on a new website, and some great new black sheep are on their way.  We are creating a wedding sheep, a corporate sheep, and a blog sheep.  Just you wait!

Enjoy this latest preview, it’s pretty fun.