May 21, 2013

Riverhill Country Club | "Hook 'em and Sic 'em Forever" Bailey & JR, the full film

May 21, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

Bailey and JR are the kind of people who keep a room lit up with smiles and laughter. We were thrilled to travel from Austin, where we are based, to the Texas foothills north of San Antonio to create this wedding video for such a precious couple. Beyond their absolutely SWEET love for each other, they kept their family and friends entertained at their wedding with multiple surprises--their outdoor sunset ceremony ended with a gospel choir serenading the crowd and guiding them to the location of the dancing reception. Their first dance transitioned from serious to sassy in a heartbeat, and boy, can they dance! Later on that night, JR's family also surprised him in turn with a funny flashmob dance. Here is their entire wedding film, in full:

Ashley Garmon, the wedding photographer, chose a lovely location under the trees for the portraits before the wedding. The soft light coming through the leaves looked beautiful with the bridesmaids' pale green sundresses.

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Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 19 flower girl

The flowergirls were in similar dresses all in white. What angels!

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 38a wedding ring set

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 24 DIY wood sign

Their decor included a stag-head theme. Each reception table centerpiece was set with a silhouette of a deer head laser-cut into pine slices.

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 36a deer

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 25 deer dance floor

Talented event designer Tricia Hamil (Viridian Design) even had a deer silhouette pattern made for the lights that projected the antler silhouette onto the dancefloor. Surrounded by wine barrel tables, old-fashioned light bulb chandelieres, live oak canopies, rustic signs, white florals, and warm lighting, the guests were happy to dance the night away and feast on such greatness as the avocado buffet and even sneak inside to watch portions of the Baylor football game between songs.

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Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 10 steampunk bulb

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 33a cake

The Tip-Top band were excellent performers, inviting the bride and groom onto the stage and even letting some guests sing into the mic during some of the songs.

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 27 reception

Riverhill Country Club Viridian Wedding Pic 40 sparkler exit

Editor's note:

My favorite shot in the wedding video is the slow-motion shot where J.R. stops to kiss Bailey as they ran through the sparkler exit line. So pretty! -kourtney amelia

Riverhill Country Club

Address: 100 Riverhill Club Ln, Kerrville, TX 78028

Phone:(830) 896-1400

VENDORS

Wedding Coordination & Florals: Viridian Design with Tricia Hamil

Photography: Ashley Garmon Photographers

Hair: Erin Jantzen

Makeup: Donna Bruns

Linens: Marquee Rentals

Lighting: Ilios Lighting

Cakes: Sophie's Choice

May 01, 2013

San Antonio Country Club | "Deep In the Heart of Texas" Rebecca & Scott, the full film

May 01, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

"Rebecca is urban, and Scott's suburban. She's organized--he's....well, he's less so." Chuckles and laughter rippled through the crowd as the Rabbi happily described Rebecca & Scott's distinct personalities during their Jewish ceremony under a silken chuppah. When Rebecca had approached us about filming her wedding video, she had told us with great joy about coming back to her hometown of San Antonio and bringing all of her dear friends and Scott's family to experience it.

Rebecca also raved about how good the food would be at the San Antonio Country Club. As we chatted with the photographer, Catherine Hornberger of Peacock Photography on the wedding day, we found out that even her husband was jealous that she and her assistant were getting to eat the SACC food--and let me tell you--even the bread served with the appetizers could have stood alone as a treat.

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 21a grooms cake

What struck me as we were filming both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding was Rebecca's impeccable sense for design, the deep love she shares with Scott, and the extremely close knit love and affection shared by each side of their families.

The 'I DO' Barbecue

The weekend opened with a rehearsal dinner complete with cowboy hats, bread pudding dessert, live country music, and handkerchiefs. The Pearl Stable is a historic building that once housed horses for a brewery. Now, it has been repurposed as a ballroom, and it features plenty of gorgeous wrought-iron work throughout the entire ballroom, as well as rustic chandeliers built from multi-colored antique glass bottles. As Scott's groomsmen walked around in 10-gallon hats, they told Rebecca with a grin that they were "taking this Texas thing very seriously."

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This family knows how to entertain each other, and we were treated to several poems, songs, and toasts that brought tears to our eyes. Scott is from a large family, and so with so many sisters, they joked that they didn't know he could even walk until the age of three because someone always wanted to carry him. One of the groomsmen spoke about why he had chosen Scott to be the godfather of his daughter. He said that he knew that if something ever happened to his wife or to him, that Scott would be the kind of man who would raise his daughter showing her the example of how a woman should be loved by the way that Scott loves Rebecca.

And yes, I may have been crying behind the camera as I was filming. And as I was editing the video. And as I was doing quality control viewings of the film.

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It wouldn't have been a real Texas "shin-dig" without the talented live band that Rebecca found for that night--and the Ben McPeak Band kept the spirit lively with the twang of country rhythm and plenty of toe-tapping as everyone jumped onto the dance floor. Their musical performance had everyone from children to grandparents two-stepping.

san antonio bbq rehearsal dinner wedding pic 19

The Wedding Day: San Antonio Country Club

Rebecca and Scott celebrated their wedding with a traditional Jewish ceremony, which includes the signing of a ketubah, a marriage document, and the ceremony under the chuppah. As the family and bridal party gathered in a private room for the signing of the ketubah, Rebecca and Scott stood among multiple generations of married couples in their families. As Rabbi Block honored their presence, it was hard to not get chills as he spoke of the day when Rebecca and Scott would be watching their own children sign ketubahs in the future.

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 10 ketubah ceremony

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 11 ketubah ceremony

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San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 04 flower girls

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 05a bridal gown

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 06 bridal gown

As Rebecca was being zipped into her gown, her flower girls (Scott's nieces) exclaimed "You look like a princess." Adorable!...and she did, indeed, look like a princess.

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 14 chuppah jewish

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 15a elegant reception floral

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 16 hava nagila

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 18a reception band

San Antonio Country Club Wedding Pic 20 hava nagila

Rebecca and Scott,

We were so pleased to film your wedding, and honored to be given the task to make you this artistic film. We hope that this video is a reminder for years to come of the joy that you shared as you made your vows to each other in front of the community you hold so dear.

-kourtney amelia

If you'd like to visit, you can locate the San Antonio Country Club here:

4100 N. New Braunfels Avenue

San Antonio, TX 78209

and the Pearl Stable here:

303 Pearl Pkwy

San Antonio, TX 78215

(210) 212-7260

Event Planner: Betty Parish

Photographer: Catherine Hornberger with Peacock Photography

Catering: San Antonio Country Club

Florist: Trinity Flowers with Danny Cuellar

Wedding Reception Entertainment: Matchmaker Band

Rehearsal Dinner Entertainment: Ben McPeak Band

Officiant: Rabbi Barry Block

Dress: Julian Gold

Cakes: Cathy Young

Invitations: Invitations, etc.

Tuxedos: Heights Tuxedo

Linens/Rentals: Illusions Rentals & Design

Hair: Veronica Hughes

Make up: Jena Massarello-Obregon

April 30, 2013

New Orleans Weddings

April 30, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

New Orleans is a hub of beautiful culture, and it is one of the world's most fascinating cities. Steeped in a history of influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and beyond, it is home to a truly unique melting pot of culture, food and music. When strolling through town, you'll find bowls filled to the rim with gumbo, late nights in dark jazz clubs, historic neighborhoods, and tantalizing festivals throughout the year.

Every time we visit for a wedding, Jones seems to find the best local spots for us to eat when we're not filming. For example, Cafe Du Monde, which is famous for its cafe au lait and delicious fluffy powdered donuts served in a Parisian open air cafe setting. Excuse us as we share an obligatory photo of our food, solely intended to make you jealous, but unintentionally causing ourselves to now be hungry in the office.

And we ALWAYS get excited to see the word "sucre" involved with any event we're filming! They are a sweet boutique, and they are often called upon to create the most delightful macaroon cookies and other delicious treats for weddings--both as desserts served and sent as "to go" gifts with guests.

As a Texan, the most obvious thing that sticks out about experiencing the city of New Orleans is both the grandiose architecture and the natural sounds--live musicians play jazz on every corner, from troupes of young teens using everything (including buckets) as drums all the way to classy, uniformed groups like the ones we see at our wedding events--like The Jaywalkers and The Storyville Stompers. French Quarter weddings (a downtown area of New Orleans) often see the bride and groom reach their reception venue by a horse drawn carriage or by leading a “second line” preceded by a jazz band.

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A second line parade at a wedding signifies the beginning of the life between the bride and groom. The second line band leads the wedding party and guest from the church to their reception venue or it may take place at the reception venue itself. The second line stems from the African American jazz funerals and has evolved to become part of all New Orleans celebrations.

[vimeo]https://vimeo.com/58914163[/vimeo]

Roman Catholic weddings or very traditional religious ceremonies are also very popular and deeply ingrained into NOLA culture. Just stepping foot into any of the cathedrals in town helps you to see why--the architecture of the cathedrals is very European, and a good reminder of the sanctity and majesty of the wedding ceremony.

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Magnolias, jasmine and gardenias are popular choices for flower arrangements.

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Here are some of our favorite people, places and spaces that we've filmed during our New Orleans events. Whether you're planning an event in NOLA or simply visiting, be sure not to miss these historic landmarks!

The Roosevelt New Orleans

Particularly, visit this place during the holiday season, when all the trees and indoor plants are strung from ceiling to floor with christmas lights and trees, creating a magical winter wonderland within the marbled foyer.

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Academy of the Sacred Heart

4521 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115

Christ Church Cathedral

Located just near the French Quarter, this cathedral's pale pink granite exterior contrasts with its darkly wooden interior and gorgeous blue ceilinged front altar.

blog_new orleans christ church cathedral wedding pic 00a

This image from the wedding video reminds me a lot of of the beautiful colors in the images from PBS' popular TV show, Downton Abbey. They often keep their colors confined to a minimized hue spectrum.

blog_new orleans christ church cathedral first look pic 01

blog_new orleans christ church cathedral wedding pic 03a

Storyville Stompers

A faithfully Jazzy second line band.

ritz carlton new orleans wedding video pic 11

ritz carlton new orleans wedding video pic 07

The Ritz Carlton Hotel & Grand Ballroom

ritz carlton new orleans wedding video pic 10

The Elms Mansion & Gardens

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Maison Montegut House

blog_montegut house wedding new orleans pic 01 cake

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Want to know more?

You can watch our films of these NOLA brides and their southern weddings:

April 17, 2013

Escondido Golf & Lake Club | "My Loving Arms Are For You" - Lindsay & Steven, the preview

April 17, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

Lindsay is an avid athlete and award-winning UT Longhorn swimmer--and Steven, her aggie husband, brought many Canadians from his side of the wedding party down to Texas. The bride told us that they love to spend time on the lake, go bowling, and running together.

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Lindsay also described herself as traditional and told us that Steven is laid back. After attending their wedding, we can tell this is totally true about them. Everything from the location, decor, and the activities at their wedding reflected this dichotomy between them--including their sweet passion. You can see from the footage of their first dance that although Steven claims to be shy, he doesn't hold back the smiles when it comes to looking into the eyes of his bride.

Jones and I happily packed up our gear to head out to Lindsay & Steven's wedding at the gorgeous Escondido Golf and Lake Club. It's been almost a year since we filmed Sidni & Jay's wedding there, and just over six months since filming Laura and Marcus. (Both of those weddings still make me cry when I watch them!)

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We were so excited to be teaming up with the folks at DFW Events and Petal Pushers for this event--The ladies at DFW Events know how to keep a party alive and they're so organized and friendly. Also, Petal pushers always stuns us with their heady, romantic displays that should be considered more art than arrangement.

petal pushers wedding flower video pic yellow orange blue

The day started out bright and full of sunshine with 0% chance of rain. Zero. Although that changed as soon as the ceremony began, the ceremony continued under a light shower. As Lindsay's dad gave her away to her groom, Steven, he whispered, "she's spent all this time in the water, so why not now?" They laughed, and although the clouds hovered nearby, the rain couldn't keep the happy spirit of this family down. After the ceremony, cocktail hour was held on the back balcony of the Club house, and the Dallas String Quartet continued performing while the food was being laid out onto the buffet. A cute little guest entertained everyone around him while pretending to be the conductor of the quartet--even the violinists were cracking grins.

dallas string quartet horseshoe bay wedding video pic

Quail was a meat option....Quail! Yum!

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Steven and Lindsay danced their first dance to a song by a Texas band--Green River Ordinance--called "Dancing Shoes." There's a lyric in the song that says:

Forget about all the things that

We can't make right

Put on a little Emmyloo

And we'll dance into the night

Singing, hold my loving arms

My loving arms are for you

All we need is time, honey

all we need is time

And they did dance into the night. The band Suede from Austin entertained the crowd of Canadians and Americans late into the night, ending with a powerful rendition of "God Bless Texas" and "Don't Stop Believin"

The officiant (Father Ruben Patino) began the ceremony with a description of why marriage is sacred, and how Lindsay and Steven's marriage is supposed to be a reflection of love that guides those who witness it toward having more love in their own lives. Lindsay and Steven, thank you for the reminder that no matter how plans go "all you need is time." Time with friends, with family, and forever with each other.

-kourtney amelia

Reception:

Escondido Golf And Lake Club

Chargers:

POSH Couture Rentals

Officiant: Father Ruben Patino

Musicians:

Dallas String Quartet

Soloist: Addison Myrick (who also happens to be a local ATX photographer)

Photographer:

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

Videographer: Mason Jar Films

Band:

Florist:

Lighting:

Cakes:

Hair and Make-up:

Cigar Roller:

Whiskey Tasting:

Rebecca Creek Whiskey

Music by Humming House

Licensed through The Music Bed

April 15, 2013

Country Club of Jackson | Nascar & Casablanca - Callie & Reid, Part 1 of 3

April 15, 2013/ Kourtney Amelia

This past weekend, we packed up our team and headed out to Jones' hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. We were filming the wedding of Callie and Reid, who met in college (hotty toddy!) on the same fraternity house steps where Callie's parents had first laid eyes on each other. Pretty sweet, huh? Their rehearsal dinner was impeccably designed by Wendy Putt, and Callie was radiant in a grecian-style dress that was an homage to the art deco period (Or we could say very Great Gatsby, for the Baz Luhrmann fans out there).

While Texas is filled with southern politeness, while in Mississippi, we really got to experience true southern hospitality in the capable hands of Callie and Reid's mothers. They welcomed our small team into their homes and shared their stories with us--I can't wait to finish this edit so that you can hear a refreshingly historical and interesting story behind wallpaper (you'll really be surprised), see Callie's grandfather's elephant collection, hear the stories from the amazing rehearsal dinner, and see the gorgeous dog that never left Callie's side during preps. There was also some seriously kind sibling affection--Reid's sister was sweetly tearful throughout both the rehearsal and the wedding as was Reid when he returned words about her. Callie was also kindly affectionate towards her siblings, and boy, is their extended family fun! When I say fun, I mean, the kind of family that puts on skits and musicals for each other at Christmas kind of fun.

See, I told you--there's going to be a lot of story to tell in this film.

Did I also mention that alligators inhabit the pond behind Callie's house? Yikes! The lake-top was serene on the wedding day, though, and although the Father of the Bride (who is often mistaken for Dennis Quaid) pointed out some alligators in the far off grasses, I was unable to find them with my long range lens.

The reception was held at the Country Club of Jackson, and Callie had two whole rooms devoted to their hobbies--classic films and Nascar/Memphis food. Reid's "tire stack" cake sat atop an actual tire signed by Jeff Gordon, and the movie room screened great films like Casablanca, Sound of Music, and more. Guests were greeted at the door with a Parisian buffet of artisan candies, and candles hung overhead from invisible wire, giving the feeling of floating firelight everywhere.

Did I mention the bacon bar at the reception?

The Atlanta based band "Party on the Moon" put on a rockin show --and they were hilarious, too. When Reid's groomsmen just let the garter fall to the ground at garter toss, they had him re-toss it--claiming a rule that "it has to be caught." I've never heard that rule before, but it had everyone laughing.

This is one of Callie's favorite rings perched atop a Tiffany's box for her earrings. She said that even though it's a casual ring, it meant a lot to her, so it was a "must have" for her wedding day ensemble. Her belt, if you've been wondering, was designed by the team at Vera Wang.

Thanks to Callie and Reid for spoiling us with delicious food to eat, smiling people to film, and great story-telling material to work with. I'm excited to head into the editing bay!

-kourtney amelia

P.S. Although we did not see alligators (whew!), we still got an interesting shot of some wildlife-- Elizabeth managed to snag some footage of a hopping squirrel. Yes, hopping. You'll have to tune back later when we post the full film to check it out.