April 21, 2014

Featured by Glamour and Grace || Romantic, Vintage Wedding at Maison Montegut

April 21, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

Designing her wedding reception to "feel like coming home" to her mother's house, Mary made sure to select decor details that spoke to her heart. All the crystal, lace, silver, mercury glass, and family photos were brought in by her mother for this truly romantic event at Maison Montegut. We are excited to announce that our film has been featured alongside the work of their fantastic New Orleans photographer, Mark Eric, in the blog for brides who love vintage and handmade details, Glamour and Grace.

Enjoy their full film below. Mary's personal touches and gifts for her groom and family will have you misty-eyed in minutes, I promise! Plus, every location seems like a scene out of Downton Abbey, between the historic venue locations and the classic Victorian outfits worn by the bridesmaids and ring bearers.

For a full look at the beautiful photography from the event, you must check out Mark Eric's blog. Here's a little sneak peek at why we think he's one of the best wedding photographers around:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

April 08, 2014

Second Line Tradition - Moments from weddings at The Roosevelt + The Ritz-Carlton

April 08, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

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If you've never experienced a NOLA celebration, well, then let me tell you something - they do weddings right in New Orleans. Weddings are already unique amongst parties in that they are always a cheerful celebration of the joining of two circles of families, friends, and communities, and then adding the tradition of a second line just amps up the celebration level. What is a second line? A basic description would say that it is an informal parade of wedding guests lead by a live brass band through the streets of New Orleans. But those words don't do it justice, because what a second line does is something bigger.

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Imagine, for a minute, that it's the end of a wedding reception. You've spent the day being pampered with close friends and family, sipping mimosas, getting ready in leisure, taking portraits with everyone from your closest college friends to your great-great aunt, making sincere wedding vows, enjoying cocktails and home-style cajun cooking, and dancing the night away to live jazz, and now it's time to leave. But just because it's time to leave the wedding doesn't mean it's going to be over so soon. As you gather your things to leave, the sounds of a trumpet, tuba, and trombone are wafting through the halls to the ballroom. Suddenly, a whistle guides you to handkerchiefs, and you're dancing down the street following this band, waving your handkerchief to the beat of the music. As you dance through the french quarter streets with your wedding party, other NOLA residents wave and join in to dance with you for a few minutes. Some of them will join your parade for the entire time! Half an hour later, you can't wipe the smile off of your face from the fun that you've had. Everyone you pass by cheers along with you, because everyone knows: this is special, and worth celebrating.

Here are some scenes from second lines we've filmed in the past:

Bridal Prep & Groom Prep: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

123 Baronne St New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 648-1200

Ceremony: Christ Church Cathedral

Reception: Maison Montegut

Event Planner: Elyse Skansi, Tying the Knot Wedding Coordination

Photographer: Mark Eric

Catering: Joel's

Florist: Iris Floral and Event Design Studio

Cocktail Hour Music: John Royen Band

2nd Line Band: The Jaywalkers

Reception Entertainment: Crystal Clear Band

Photographer Paul Morse. You can view his official images of the wedding here.

Event Design by Linda Matzkin & Alexandra Kappel of Hopple Popple Events.

Ceremony and Reception at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

Reception Band: Jimmy Church Band

Makeup: Tisa from Tisa’s Beauty Bar

Florist: Urban Earth

Second Line Band: The Storyville Stompers

February 14, 2014

What Love Really Looks Like: confessions of a wedding videographer

February 14, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

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With Valentine's day, the talk of love is in the air, and I've got something to let you know:

I'm still surprised how often I meet strangers who, after finding out that I film weddings, often lean in and whisper to me in some sort of pseudo-confession: "I have never watched my wedding video in the past 30 years." In contrast, our own clients have been known to watch their wedding films on repeat until they are basically suffering from sleep deprivation--all in the first day of receiving their film!

Now, I know what you're thinking when you hear the word "wedding video" too--but these aren't your Aunt Pam's wedding videos--with those heart-shaped frames around the edges & star wipes between each shot, so bad that they are never watched---our films of weddings are time capsules of some of the greatest moments in a person's life. The stories in our films will make your heart skip a beat, and they will make your face hurt from laughing so much.

Like when a wasp got caught in this bride's dress during the ceremony. Or, when she cried sweet, happy tears as she spoke her vows.

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What's the difference between the films we make and the stereotypical wedding videos from the 1980s? I'll tell you:

We know that love is made up of both big moments and small moments. We know that a wedding day isn't just about the DIY accents--it's also about a community of people getting to celebrate together---a community that has supported the couple as individuals over the course of their entire lives, and they're all coming into the same town and the same room for a week, or a weekend, or a few hours-- and they're cheering as they get to witness the start of a new chapter for this couple. We also know that a wedding is not a finish line--it's a party celebrating the beginning of the biggest adventure and the bravest self-sacrifice two people could ever make. Love is a continuing story, passed down generation to generation.

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Over the course of each year, we get to witness special moments as we make wedding videos for our clients, and it might sound crazy, but we walk around our office quoting wedding films more than we quote hollywood movies. In fact, as much as I love romantic movies like Thoroughly Modern Millie, The New World, and Ever After, I'm going to be so bold as to say that not only are our wedding films better than 80s wedding videos--but I like them better than hollywood films because, seriously, y'all. These love-birds are REAL. These people are really, really real. And knowing that these stories are true as day is extremely encouraging and refreshing--sure to soften the heart of even the most hardened cynic.

Just to prove it, here are some special wedding moments from the past few years that make my heart skip a beat or my face muscles hurt from laughing each time I think about them:

How History repeats itself:

We found out that this bride met her husband in front of the exact same building where her parents met each other 20 years before. Not only that, this bride and her groom share the exact same birthday. ...watch the story here

When this groom is amazed at his bride's jaw-dropping beauty.

When this groom saw his bride in a private "first look" right before their wedding ceremony, his jaw LITERALLY dropped when he saw her beauty! I also love how the bride's dad SANG during the wedding reception as Jackie and Chance danced their "first dance" in front of friends and family. ...watch the story here

When a family friend officiates the wedding:

It always cracks me up when I think about this hilarious moment where the officiant in this wedding is handed the rings for the vows, and he looks at the bride's ring for a minute, then turns to the groom and says, "well, there goes your boat payment." Keeping your wedding personal always makes weddings more memorable! ...watch the story here

When dads make grand gestures:

During the reception at this wedding, the father of this groom announced that he just donated money to support the museum where his son, Andrew, met Erin, the bride-to-be. ...watch the story here

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When a groom exclaims, "I'm the luckiest man alive!"

When the best man explains why he chose the groom as a godfather for his own children.

...because he knew that in the event that Scott would need to raise his daughter, she would grow up seeing a great example of what it's like for a woman to truly be loved by a man. Oh, man, you better grab your tissues before you watch the full story here.

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When this father surprises his daughter with fireworks at the wedding reception.

....watch the full film here

When this groom cries.

....And he does, multiple times. In fact, he's so expressive that his groomsmen gently tease "your make-up's gonna come off!" This good-natured groom takes it all in stride, even though the tears well up multiple times--and he's got some impressive moves on the dance floor, too! ...watch the story here

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When this groom jokes about improvising more and more wedding vows.

The custom wedding vows this couple shared are better than any hollywood script: "Every day spent together with you is the best day of my life," wrote the bride as she prepared for the ceremony. On the way to the ceremony site, the groom teased "If your vows are better than mine, I'm going to improvise more vows!" This bride and groom were both collegiate-level athletes, and their competitive spirit was super cute--but we have to admit that both of their vows still bring us to tears. Chris & Caroline decided to elope---but they still took along some family and friends--watch the film here or read more about it on style me pretty.

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When these childhood sweethearts prove that young Love CAN be a Forever Love.

This bride and groom have known each other since the bride was 3. They grew up as neighbors, dated for seven years as adults, and the groom still CRIED when the bride walked down the aisle. In their vows, they say, "I promise to kiss you first thing each morning and last thing each evening." ...watch the story here

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When this bride cries happy tears:

After being pronounced man and wife, Morgan turned to the crowd and CRIED as she showed off her wedding ring. And then they way that they look at each other. Pure adoration! ...watch the story here

When this father-in-law tells why he first approved of his son-in-law:

The Bride's dad tells a story about when he met his future son-in-law for the first time that has us in stitches each time we hear it. In Texas, wearing cowboy boots is a good way to impress your future father-in-law! ...watch here

When Love lifts us up where we belong:

When this bride opened a gift from her husband on her wedding day, she found a bracelet with a Hot Air Balloon Charm to remind her of the moment he proposed in a hot air balloon. ...watch here Kacy & Jason's story is a reminder to put things around us that remind us of important moments.

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When this couple reminds us that it's Never Too Late For Good Things to Happen:

This groom got his bride a ring with a diamond for each decade of his life that he had to wait to find her. (She's pretty thoughtful, too--she hired his favorite artist to come and create a "live painting" on site at their wedding reception, and managed to keep it a secret from him 'til the wedding day!) ...watch the story here

When this groom makes a promise to his father-in-law:

I'm telling you, there wasn't a dry eye in the house when Mark stood up at the rehearsal dinner to promise his father-in-law that he would take care of Liz for the rest of her life. We've filmed both Liz' wedding and her sister Sarah's wedding, and this family has truly shown us that love is filled with both a deep sense of honor and a generous sense of humor. ...watch this film.

When this couple is told they are a sign of hope.

The priest at this wedding is a wordsmith, seriously. ...watch the story here

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It's a beautiful thing when two people promise to care for one another unconditionally. Love has the power to shine a light into the world, to encourage and surprise us, to carry us through difficult circumstances, and to teach us to cherish the big and the small moments. The love that we witness at these weddings is a strong reminder of what is good in life, and we hope that as you have read these stories, you've been reminded of good things in your own life.

xoxo,

kourtney amelia

January 30, 2014

Tony's Restaurant - Houston || I Can Show You The World || Erin + Steven, the same-day edit

January 30, 2014/ Kourtney Amelia

Erin (one of our most recent brides) is known for her uncanny resemblance to Princess Jasmine when dressed up like the favored Disney Princess. The running joke of the wedding weekend was that she'd finally found her "Aladdin." Although they actually went to the same high school while growing up, it wasn't until they were adults that Erin and Steven met in a wine bar while with friends, and so it was only fitting that their wedding happen in a restaurant known for it's wine selection and delicious food: Tony's, in Houston. The restaurant happens to be owned by a family friend, and so the celebration took up the entire facility for the weekend.

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We love capturing the experience of a wedding day on film, and what makes it even more fun is when our couples allow us to be a part of that experience, too. Erin & Steven chose to have our team film AND edit their video right on-site at their wedding reception, and what followed was a big reveal at the middle of the evening where we screened this "instamatic" video for their guests. It shows everything that happened over the weekend, from rehearsal dinner all the way to the bride and groom's first dance!

This choice of having an "instamatic" film to display during the wedding reception was a wonderful one for Erin and Steven--they were having a very private Jewish ceremony, and sharing the ceremony in the Instamatic video allowed them to show the large group of guests at the reception the beautiful ceremony that had occurred in the wine cellar just hours before.

As you can imagine, it also was really fun for us to watch the guests' and the family's reactions to the video. It was a total surprise for all of the guests that we were editing the film together right there, and it was even more fun because we normally don't get the opportunity to watch their faces at the moments that make them tear up, cry, and laugh. So many people were wiping away sweet happy tears, so we know that the experience was fun for Erin and Steven to share with their guests. Erin's mother found us before we left to let us know how wonderful it was to be able to share the Instamatic film that very day, and she said it was her favorite thing from the wedding. That is a huge compliment that we don't take lightly--we are so honored to be allowed into each family's life for a day to document their most special occasions.

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An heirloom from the families of the bride and groom, this hand representing blessing, strength, power and protection hung in both the reception room at Tony's and another one was placed hanging among the candles under the couple's chuppah.

Chic, modern, and classic, the beautiful celebration weekend began with a rehearsal dinner at Brenner's on the Bayou, and the story-telling carried on into the night -- one of our favorite moments being when Erin's siblings joked that they were so glad to toast the happiest couple in the room ....Erin's mom and dad. Erin apparently had very high expectations while dating! And, of course, Steven came along and exceeded those expectations.

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Erin began her wedding day at her parent's home. We love when brides find special ways to honor their families in their wedding traditions. Erin and her mother had lace taken from her mother's wedding dress and applied to her very long, dramatic veil. It was absolutely stunning in person.

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Erin's dress also had intricate detailing, too: with beautiful folds specifically made in the translucent layers under a top layer of delicate lace, her dress had a modern silhouette, but up close, had the kind of stunning attention to structural detail that made art nouveau popular again.

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We spent the day working with the talented event design crew from Something To Celebrate. Not only are they immensely talented in designing beautiful spaces and organizing efficient schedules, but Resha Zazueta, the lead coordinator, is an absolute gem of a person and a delight to be around. We are thankful for her leadership behind the scenes at this wedding helping us to secure information on every last detail so that the screening of the instamatic film was able to happen without a hitch!

Wedding Details:

Ceremony/Reception Venue & Caterer: Tony's Restaurant, 3755 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77046, (713) 622-6778

Florist: Blooming Gallery

Live Band: Matchmaker Band

Event Designer: Something To Celebrate

Wedding Photographer: Akil Bennett

Soundtrack:

"Celeste" by Les Enfants

"Someone" by Future of Forestry

All musical tracks licensed through The Music Bed

December 27, 2013

Safari Texas Ranch || Pucker Up and Let's Get Married! || Kacy + Jason, the Full Film

December 27, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

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Did you know that you can have converse tennis shoes specially personalized by the company? Kacy took this awesome idea, and she had their wedding date embroidered on the back of a pair of converse sneakers for Jason, and even cooler, she was able to select the shoes in the colors of the wedding! It was a great idea for a modern gift from a bride to a groom. In our introduction to Kacy and Jason's story, we talked about their proposal, and here, we are sharing their full film.

Enjoy.

"Most importantly, I want to thank you for marrying me. You make me feel like the luckiest person on this earth, and I thank you for that."

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Although we only spend a day (or a few days) filming a wedding, these stories of love become deeply etched on our hearts. The many hours we spend as a team at Mason Jar Flms discussing what we've filmed and the time we spend editing and weaving together the story are almost like a meditation on the core values of marriage. Kacy and Jason's story is no exception:

Watching their wedding film is a reminder of that when you love someone, the sky's the limit for how far you'll go to let them know it (literally--Jason proposed in a hot air balloon). Their story is a reminder that heritage and tradition are most meaningful when shared by people who treasure their community (Kacy's garter was worn by every woman in her family over the past 50 years on their own wedding days). Their affection is a reminder that those who share love always delight in seeing each other blossom in their own personal pursuits and hobbies (Kacy is a NICU respiratory therapist, and Jason teaches both music and robotics). And lastly, no matter how surprisingly your story may begin, it does not compare to the surprises that await you in your future together.

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The exterior of First United Methodist Church, where the ceremony took place. The interior is a combination of modern architecture with key classical components, like ornate stained glass windows, and carved wooden pews.

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The reception site at Safari Texas hosts plenty of wild animals for guests to enjoy viewing during cocktail hour, and among its many dance halls and party rooms, Kacy and Jason chose this beautiful rustic lodge for their wedding reception, with string lights, branches, and rustic iron chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

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Wedding Vendor Details:

Ceremony: First United Methodist Missouri City

3900 Lexington Blvd Missouri City, TX 77459

Reception: Safari Texas Ranch

11627 FM 1464 Rd Richmond, TX 77407

Photographer: Daniel Colvin

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Florist: Floriography; Ines Negrin

DJ: Johnny Bravo

Wedding Bands: Tiffany

Wedding Gifts: Converse & Pandora

Soundtrack: "And Then Came A Sudden Validation" by Austin, TX band and national darling, The Quiet Company

Musical track licensed through The Music Bed

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