Elopement Film | Andrea + Raul at Glen Oaks, Big Sur, CA

It was so sweet to be a part of this wedding, and all the others, that happened during 2020 at a time when film became more valuable to almost everyone. It was an honor to capture these more intimate gatherings so couples could share them with all the loved ones who couldn't make it, and I'm excited for the weddings this year & getting to film couples who waited to throw a party in 2021 🎉

Location: @glenoaksbigsur
Photos: @evynnlevalley
Officiant: @montereyweddingofficiant

Elopement Film | Michelle + Nick at Glen Oaks, Big Sur, CA


"I stand before you, because I want to continue my life with you, for all my heart's beating days."

🌲


Coordinator: @bigsurweddings
Location: @glenoaksbigsur
Photo: @hellobrandonscott
Florist: @barefootfloral
Catering: @atoecatering
Dessert: #layerscake
Beauty: @blushmonterey
Dress: @bhldn
Suit: @calvinklein

My top 4 most asked questions as a wedding videographer

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My top 4 most asked questions as a wedding videographer

In the words of several successful individuals, creating a resource that addresses frequently asked questions can be incredibly valuable. This FAQ aims to preemptively answer some of the common queries that prospective couples might have, allowing them to feel more informed and at ease.

1. How do you partner with photographers to make the day go smoothly?

The collaboration with photographers begins well before the wedding day. I make it a priority to connect with any new photographers to understand their style and discuss the day's logistics. It's important to me that we do not view each other as separate teams competing for shots but as a unified team with the shared goal of making the day enjoyable and seamless for the couple. Even if our styles differ, I focus on our common artistic goals to efficiently use the couple's time and create a harmonious experience. Often, the greatest compliment I receive at the end of the event is a bride surprised to learn we have only worked together for that one day.

2. What will I receive once all is said and done?

Regardless of whether you book me for an hour or a full day, every wedding film package includes two key deliverables. The first is a cinematic wedding film, which varies in length based on the day's events—examples of which you can view on our wedding films page. The second is a longer raw footage edit that includes all meaningful footage from the day, presented with natural audio and minimal color correction. This edit typically includes the entire ceremony and any speeches or toasts delivered. Additional options like Instagram films or rehearsal dinner films are also available.

3. What audio do you capture throughout the day, and how will it be incorporated Into the film?

While modern trends sometimes lean towards shorter, music-only films, I capture comprehensive audio, including the complete ceremony and all toasts, using lapel mics and audio recorders. When fitting, I incorporate specific audio clips into the cinematic film to enhance the storytelling. However, I avoid forcing audio inclusion if it doesn’t naturally complement the video. Rest assured, the full audio from key moments is always included in the raw footage edit for a complete auditory memory of your day.

4. How does the music selection process usually go?

Music selection is a critical and personalized part of crafting your wedding film. You can be as involved or uninvolved as you wish in this process. While I cannot use popular music due to licensing restrictions, I encourage couples to share any songs, genres, or mood descriptions that resonate with them—be it something moody and ethereal for a Big Sur elopement or light and airy for a Napa wedding. Ideally, this input is shared before the wedding day, allowing me to thoughtfully prepare and ensure the music perfectly complements your film.

👍\🎥

Ethereal Big Sur Fall Elopement at Glen Oaks Big Sur


"We've been to some amazing places and seen some amazing things, but the most amazing thing we have done is create this family and this life that we have together."

Location: @glenoaksbigsur
Coordinator: @bigsurweddings
Photo: @evynnlevalley
Floral: @laughingalfloral
Beauty: @kellyjomakeupandhair
Officiant: @colettecucciaweddings

Dreamy Healdsburg Private Residence Wedding In The Hills | Ashley + Dart

Despite the obvious challenges that 2020 brought us, there were some great moments too. I have hope for the New Year and excitement for what's to come. I hope everyone enjoys a relaxed NYE, next year probably won't be so quiet 🤗🎉

Planning: @asavvyevent
Photos: @brookebeasleyphoto
Floral: @marionmossfloral
Rentals: @encoreeventsrentals
Lighting: @illusionslightingdesign

Glen Oaks Big Sur Family Elopement in the Redwoods | Erica + Zach

In the woods with Erica, Zach and Aiden. This day was full of so much love // ☀️

Venue: @glenoaksbigsur
Planning: @emilyaitkenevents
Photography: @colettebottiaux
Floral: @big_sur_flowers
Hair + Makeup: @blushmonterey
Dress: @bhldn

Ventana Campground Elopement Film, Big Sur, CA

Intimate wedding in Big Sur with sweet people and amazing details 💫

The fact that we live in such a beautiful area with the sea, mountains, valleys and fields, is something I don't take for granted. Often times when I go to film a wedding I'm driving down one of the most beautiful coasts in the world, or heading toward the warmth of the valley with its vineyards and rolling hills. Today I'm extra thankful for all the beauty around and getting to share yet another gorgeous day where two people said 'I do'

// 🌊🌲


Venue: #Ventanacampgrounds
Photo: @shannonyenphotography
Floral: @big_sur_flowers

A Creative/Wedding Professional’s Guide to Surviving The Virus That Must Not Be Named 😷 | aka 7 things that are keeping me sane as of late

I’m no doctor, therapist, or self-help guru, but I do know what has helped me personally keep a level head these past few weeks and strengthen my physical, and emotional well-being. Below are just a few bits of info that I wanted to pass along, and hopefully at least one of these can help you as well during these strange, and trying times. Godspeed!


1. Stick To A Schedule And Create Routines 📅

For most people, including myself, we are more effective, purposeful, happy, and healthy when we have more structure and routine in our lives. Now is a perfect time to re-enforce some stability when things may seem so chaotic and unstable.

What this looks like for me:

Sticking to a normal work/sleep schedule (even though I don’t have to), walking the dogs before and after work at similar times, playing a game with my wife before going to bed.

2. Practice Gratitude 🙏

It’s so easy to think about all of the things we’ve lost, are losing, or may not have in the future right now, but the truth is, for most Americans, we still have a ton to be grateful for. Personally, thinking about what I’m thankful for snaps me right out of a despondent mindset.

What this looks like for me:

Writing down three things I’m thankful for every morning. Yesterday It was our three sweet dogs, clean running water, and popcorn! Idea Inspired by Jeff Manion’s devotion found here: https://www.adabible.org/resources/november-25-26-2017-power-thankful-heart/

3. Don’t Watch So Much News 📰

It’s really easy to get updates on what’s going on through YouTube, news websites, and watch live coverage of what’s going on in the world and locally, but for me it is usually paired with a little extra dose of paranoia, fear, and panic. Personally, I prefer to get informed through more fact-driven, objective sites such as cdc.gov (Center For Disease Control) and who.int (World Health Organization). Also, I’d limit yourself to checking only twice a day, maybe once in the morning and once at night.

What this looks like for me:

Here are the two main homepages that I frequent for the current news:

CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Cases & Latest Updates and

WHO: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

4. Research Passive Income Ideas 💵

A general definition of passive Income is “money you earn in a way that requires little to no daily effort to maintain". Although researching and starting a passive income stream might not bring in much initially, it’s a great idea to set something into place now when most of us have such a high supply of time on our hands. This will still benefit our future, and could possibly set us up to help in any lean times to come.

What this looks like for me:

Throughout the years, I’ve had the honor of filming in some of the most beautiful locations around the world, and with most of these locations I’ve been able to shoot 4k aerial drone footage for their respective wedding locations. One thing I have been doing this past week is slowly sifting through some of the best clips from my aerial footage library, and uploading them to stock footage websites that can later be purchased or licensed from other filmmakers for a fee.

5. Help Others 🤝

Sometimes when we are so caught up in our own problems (*ahem* me), the best way to get out of our own way is to reach out and help someone else. It becomes a win-win when you help someone else and get some perspective on what you are going through.

What this looks like for me:

Mainly writing this post to hopefully encourage and help others, but I’m currently thinking of other ways to reach out.

6. Exercise Even Without The Gym🎽

One of my favorite ways to de-stress or clear my head is to get my heart rate up and do something physical. I know that many people may feel stranded without a gym to go to, but there are still a ton of viable ways to stay physically fit during these times. Even through Shelter-In-Place orders we can can hike, jog, run, walk, bike, do yoga, or dance!🕺💃

What this looks like for me:

Between daily walks with our three pups, a stationary bike and a yoga mat in my office, and an electronic drum-kit at home, I’m able to still get my heart rate up, and break a sweat every day.

7. Finally Tackle That Project That You Have Been Putting Off 🔨

I feel like everyone has at least one daunting project in their life that always elicits that response of “yeah… I’ll get that done when I have more time.” Well, now we all have more time. Everyone’s project is probably different, but if something popped in your head while reading this, that’s probably the one to tackle!

What this looks like for me:

This is not necessarily a project I’ve been putting off, but one that I sought out knowing I had the extra time. I reached out to my parents and asked if there is anything I could do for them as I now have a bit more time on my hands, and my mom told me about something that I never knew until now. My Grandma & Grandpa passed along a box of almost 60 Super 8mm film reels that they captured through the 60s, 70s, and 80s and has sat in a box under their bed for almost 4 decades. So, I researched what it would take to digitize and upload all the film reels and I am currently going through the tedious process of digitizing all the film so they can re-watch and cherish those memories forever.

If you found this helpful in any way, feel free to share it with other creative/wedding professionals, or anyone else that might benefit from it. Stay safe out there! 👍