A Cape Cod Wedding :: Part 1/4 {carrie & stasia}

November 18, 2011 Cinematography, Weddings

From a snowy mountain top, Stasia got down on one ski and in sign language, asked to Carrie to be her wife. A proposal that was the spark to the magic of what this Cape Cod wedding would be for all involved.

There is something to be said about the power of love. It does not always come neatly packaged with a bow. Love sometimes needs time to grow, time to reveal it’s true beauty, it’s strength. Carrie and Stasia have that simple story of two people meeting, falling in love and wanting to spend the rest of their days together but in addition to that they have more. It was an honor to document such a well deserved day–you two amazing women gave us that one simple yet powerful ingredient that we needed to create a beautiful collection of memories. Thank you for not giving up on your love, may all your days be filled with the happiness you both deserve.

Being asked to document a celebration at a location new to our eyes, ears and nose is a huge compliment to the art we create. When stepping into this new world with camera in hand we’re like a kid in a candy shop! This wedding was meant to be captured as seen through the eyes of many of Carrie and Stasia’s guests. We’ll be sharing the story of Carrie and Stasia in a four parts and they’ll each have their own story to share. Part one is for the love and union of friends and family gathering from near and far not simply asked to show up for one day but to enjoy the many delights of the Cape. For many, the weekend celebration started in Chicago which is also where your journey will begin. Enjoy part one… a collection of details unique to this new location for us.

Anthropologie Elves

November 7, 2011 Children, Cinematography, Engagements, Families, Newborns, Personal, Seniors, Weddings

As artists, we thrive on our own creativity but we’re also drawn to the energy of other creatives who equally appreciate the beauty of design, movement, light and the love to make beautiful things. About a week ago we came across a post on Anthropologie‘s Facebook page about a Holiday Display Workshop. Being an adorer of the color palette, textures and overall creativity of this brand it was a no-brainer that going was a must. The focus of the workshop was to be hands-on involved with the 2011 holiday window display they are currently creating and to have open chit chat with their artistic team. Like little holiday elves we got to work creating a collection of reflective orbs using simple yet beautiful materials: clean stir sticks, twisted wire, styrofoam balls and a little glue. It was like being back in art school studio with old friends.

Kari, mom and I were delightfully greeted by Kim and Tara who are the full-time creative team at Anthro’s Third Ward Milwaukee store. Once we were given instructions on this years creation we had the opportunity to discuss the brand a bit more in depth. Upon inquiring about the inspiration of each unique seasonal display, we learned that they create mainly from simple every-day materials, recycled textures and organics that reflect each coming season. The fall 2011 windows made use of funky gourds and a complimenting pallet of magenta, pink and orange fabrics that made you want to rethink your decorating ideas for autumn this year. Something so simple yet so stunning is what I find myself thinking each time I have the chance to visit their boutique.

Thank you and love to our mother for the talent she gave us and encourages us to discover the depths of each and every day. We have you to thank for entrusting us with your camera when we were 8 and 10 years old and for always encouraging us to follow our dreams. We love you and are so happy to share this journey with you.

Same Day Edit :: Michelle & Edwin

July 4, 2011 Cinematography, Weddings

I (Jason) am always amazed when I see other cinematographers creating incredible same day edits of the weddings they are capturing. This week I figured it was our turn to attempt one. With just the thought of doing it my heart started beating a bit faster. Could we pull it off and how many stars would need to align to have an edit done the same day we were shooting? I prepared all week leading up to Michelle and Edwin’s special day. Then their day came! For anyone who has ever captured a wedding via photography or cinematography it is a rush. You are on your feet for an entire day always mentally and physically engaged. On our drive to Salon Mode in Oshkosh I was mentally preparing and envisioning how the start of our day would go. We started to capture.

I booted up my laptop as the salon shots were nearly complete. The data started to transfer and I eagerly awaited seeing what clips I could use to fit into the story. I was intensely focused and at one point Michelle saw me and asked if I was OK. No I wasn’t, my mind was more zeroed in than it had ever been on a single task! She had no idea I was doing a same day edit for them as it was going to be a surprise IF we pulled it off. I was hoping to be able to edit each major event of the story as it happened but once we arrived at the Priebe Art Gallery on the UWO campus there were a lot of moving pieces: Michelle and Edwin getting dressed, setting up their first look and preparing for the ceremony. I was falling behind and I was going to have to wait to edit once the ceremony was done. “You may kiss…” and I was back to editing. I felt a little light headed as I transferred over 30 GB of data off our cards. Edwin walked into the room at that point and jokingly asked if I’d have their film done tonight. All I could do was let out a little chuckle. My second wind had arrived with this comment and I knew I had to get this done! I knew any minute I’d need to give up on editing to spend some time shooting Michelle and Edwin alone. I felt like Edward Scissorhands on the keyboard and mouse – Edwin’s preparations were set and in the timeline, details were in the timeline…the clock was ticking. Then it was time to head to the reception at the Oshkosh Convention Center. Less than an hour remaining before I needed to show this and 20 minutes of that would be time spent rendering the edit. I worked through dinner and also kept an eye out to capture the toasts. Luckily I finished up right before the toasts and began to render. I was sweating and about to burst with excitement – I was thinking this was really going to happen.

After Michelle & Edwin’s first dance we sat them alone on the dance floor and pushed play. The room fell silent in awe that they were seeing a film of things that had just happened less than an hour earlier. There it was their day for their eyes to see. Their day was complete. Michelle was in tears as their same day edit finished and the room roared with applause. I breathed. I can’t wait to do another one of these (ok that isn’t what I thought immediately but I am thinking that as I write this)!

Special thanks to our awesome team of Steve Wagner who helped film their day with me and of course to Kim and Kari for their endless help and support as I prepared.

Enjoy,
Jason

P.S. Michelle and Edwin (and friends) made that gigantic paper flower background for their ceremony! It was just an incredible backdrop for the ceremony that wove in their dedication and creativity towards one another.