Archive for July, 2008

Cocktail Hour - Feb, 2008

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

We just had our first ever vendor party and it was great! We had nine different companies represented including photographers from Studio Laguna, Danio Photography and Happenstance Photography. Cakes were represented by Generation Celebration. DJ Entertainment by Party Time Productions, Dress shop, tuxedo rental and accessories by Little Bridal Shop. Floral designer Alice-Lynn Olson of the Late Bloomer and Ribbon Gift Consultant Eva Trojanowski.

It was so nice to be able to meet with all these different vendors on a more personal basis. Some were able to show their work while others were able to talk about theirs as well as the wedding industry in general.

Jack and I came up with this idea because we think that networking with other vendors is the best way to not only promote our company, but also a better way to serve our clients. Photos and Video are always better when the vendors can work together to get amazing shots. The DJ or MC is also an intrical part of this because they give us a “heads-up” when important events are about to take place; thus getting us prepared.

We have had many couples meet with us and ask if we know of other vendors, so our wheels started turning and we had a party!

It was such a success that we’re thinking of doing this twice a year. Of course,

Interview with a WW2 Veteran

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008

Back in February, a woman called me about filming an interview with her father. He was a WW2 veteran and accomplished businessman. She was able to get most of her family together on a sunny Sunday afternoon for a picnic and interview. Family members would take turns asking him about his life. The filming process took about two hours.

He talked about his childhood, the war, his marriage and children, political thoughts and business dealings. It was a wonderful interview and very enlightening for both Jack and myself.

After the interview, we waited for his children to compile photographs to insert into the video. This enhanced what was being discussed. We also went to Monticello (where he had owned much of the land that now holds many businesses) and filmed around where their home had been, his companies, and much more. The rough draft was ready on Father’s Day, and was completed after our family vacation a couple of weeks later.

His daughter then called me to say that her dad had been diagnosed with cancer, and was not given much time. He was able to see the final DVD and was very proud of it. I have to say, this was one of my favorite projects and it turned out very well. Family and friends have had the chance to view it and they ordered quite a number of copies for their large family.

I just received an email letting me know that he passed away last night. Although it is heartbreaking, I am just glad that we were able to accomplish this before his passing. What a wonderful opportunity it was to meet with him and get his memories on tape. His family will always be able to view this when they are missing him. His personality and sense of humor show through on the video and it is priceless.

Jack and I now think that we will want to do that with our own parents and the only living grandparent from either of our sides.