Hyatt Lost Pines Resort Wedding | "How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?" Claire & Ben, the full film

Sometimes I only come to know clients through the moments that transpire in their wedding videos.  Like most of you reading this post, I have never met Claire or Ben.  While Kourtney and Chance were shooting their wedding, I was in San Antonio doing the same for Cara and Josh.

We handled all of the business details online and through the postal service, and I'm not even sure that we talked on the phone.    When I have out-of-town couples that I might not meet until the wedding date, I like to speculate about their story, their personalities, and how they look - and while I may miss the mark on many of those details, one thing I do know is this - events are going to unfold in the most beautiful manner, and we will begin to understand who this couple is through the people and the words that occur throughout the day.

There are so many moments in this wedding video that stick out to me, from the toast that Claire's father gives, to the intimate moments with grandparents, to Ben's confidence in who Claire is to him and how much he prizes being with her.  While I was not able to attend their wedding, like those that will view this wedding film 150 years from now, I feel like I know a little bit about what this couple is about: a loyalty to family and to friends that knows no limit.

Claire and Ben, thanks for choosing Mason Jar Films above all others to be your Austin wedding videographer for the day and thanks for showing us who you are.  We trust that this carefully crafted wedding video will bring you back to the people and the moments that represent what your life is all about.

jones

Event Design & Execution: CLINK: Aimee Capra, Gina Whittington, Courtney Nielson, and Thomas Sandlin
Venue: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort
Lighting: Ilios
Photography: Vanessa Escobedo Barba
Reception Entertainment: The Drywater Band
Florist: Mandarin Flower Company
Rentals and Linens: Marquee Rents
Cakes: Elegant Cakery

Maui Hawaii, The Grand Wailea Resort | "I Do & Si" Anna Kate & Charles

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/19982024[/vimeo]

This is the complete wedding video from the Maui wedding of Anna Kate and Charles.  Thanks to the couple for choosing us as your Austin Wedding Videographer!  Enjoy your super 8 wedding film!

Anna Kate & Charles were married in Maui on the beach at the Grand Wailea Resort.  Our first day there,  Jones and I trekked up a mountain to film what we were told would be a legendary sunrise above the clouds. I had read that people travel from all over the world just to do yoga while watching that sunrise, because at the top of Haleakala, you are above the cloud level, and it feels as though you are in heaven.  It does feel unearthly--but, just so you know, it also feels a little like altitude sickness, haha! It is high up there!

We threw our fear of heights (and nausea) to the wind, though, because we knew that a timelapse of the mountain top sunrise would be the perfect way to start out a film about adventure.  Anna Kate and Charles met through mutual friends, and despite living in different cities for many years, they had braved the obstacles of long-distance dating, and it was fitting that their marriage would begin in a location that was new, different, and a little bit of an adventure in itself.

On the wedding day, Anna Kate took some time to share the story of their love with us--from her "I do" and "Si" flip flops that celebrate Charles' family heritage, to the coconut that they named "Chuck Jr." (Chuck Jr even attended the wedding ceremony).  As you can tell, everyone had an amazing time!

Anna Kate wore family heirloom cameo earrings, lace from her mother's wedding dress (wrapped into her bouquet), and a Le Vian Chocolate Diamond necklace.  Her dress was a lovely dotted swiss cloth, which is a very bold vintage choice, and we loved it!

two weeks later they celebrated the special milestone of marriage with their friends and family in Austin, TX at the family ranch, which also happens to be a favorite event venue in Austin--The Wild Onion Ranch.

Their Texas reception at The Wild Onion captured much of the splendor and spirit of our adventure in Maui. Anna Kate chose very modern, sleek decor & paired it in accent areas with hawaiian touches.  The tables were covered in polka dot linens with hot pink and black accents, and tall glass votives and vases were filled with orchids. Mirrored chandeliers caught the breeze, casting shimmering light across the tables throughout the evening.

    

A Pistachio Cake with  Chocolate Cream and Honey Rum Fondant. Yum, right?  It was made by Blue Note Bakery in downtown Austin, TX. The fondant cake toppers were a cute touch!

 Lastly, their exit was out of this world.  The bride and groom left first through a clear tent filled with BUBBLES:

 

Then through a crowd of family and friends holding SPARKLERS:

 

 And lastly, through SNOW!   Okay, so there were snow machines involved, because, hey, this is Texas! But what a way to end an event!

Congratulations again, to Anna Kate and Charles. We wish you all the best on your lifetime of adventures together. Thanks for letting us share in this special one.

kourtney amelia (& jones)

Rehearsal Dinner: Spago at the Four Seasons Maui
Maui Ceremony and Reception: The Grand Wailea Resort
Photography: Heather Mabry, Eclectic Images
Austin Reception: The Wild Onion Ranch
Austin Reception Band: The Big Time Band
Austin Reception DJ: Barrington Miles, Texas Professional Disc Jockey’s
Event Planning: Swoop Events
Catering: 2Dine4
Floral Design: Westbank Flower Market
Bride’s Cake: Coco Paloma
Groom’s Cake: Blue Note Bakery
Photobooth: Booth 66
Bubbles and Snow Making: Party Machines

Austin Baby Film at the Wild Onion Ranch: The First B-day

Our time of documenting Ella's first year of life has come to a close.

Or, you could say, it has ended with a bang!

Ella had her Winter Wonderland birthday party at the Wild Onion Ranch, and the Wild Onion girls hand-created most of the decor themselves.  Not that that surprises us. :->  Style runs through the acquifer out there.  Yes, those snow-flaked trees are Wild Onion grown.

2Dine4 prepared an elaborate feast, and Ella, while hesitant at first, took no mercy on her birthday cake.

Then, everyone gathered around the tele to view the full length of Ella's one year documentary.  Laugh...cry...cheer:

As usual, Heather Banks was on hand to photograph the occasion (all of these snaps are courtesy of her: Eclectic Images).  You can see her photos from the event by clicking here, and check out her family session with Mandi, Shaun, and Ella by clicking here.

To the Harris and Edgerton clans, thank you so much for having us along for all the special moments of the past year.  As Ella has grown and learned about life, we have as well.