St. Thomas Wedding Video and St. John Wedding Video, Behind the Scenes

We always love shooting our wedding films in St. Thomas and St. John so when we were fortunate to line two of our destination weddings up on the same weekend - only one ferry ride apart from each other - we were thrilled. It's too bad we could not stay longer because the US Virgin Islands are just such a magical place to shoot.

Thank you US Airways for not screwing up like you usually do. With last minute destination shoots like these, we don't have a lot of travel choices. Most of the time, flying PHL to STT and back is uneventful, but it's always risky to try to cut the time too close, ESPECIALLY with US Airways, but Jordan and I had the most enjoyable flight down AND back. No lines at ticketing, security, OR for the obligatory shot of rum that was handed to us at the airport when we arrived. Good for you, US Air - keep up the good work!

The Team this weekend included Jordan, Mike, and myself on a non-stop weekend, including waking up before the chickens on Saturday for the sunrise. Unfortunately, we miscalculated and got up too early. One hour of waiting in the dark was worth it, though.

Establishing Shots
One of our favorite things to do is to get some establishing shots. We are like moths to a flame with sunrises, sunsets, and unique cloud cover and lighting situations that will help our clients remember the day as it was. In St. John, we even caught some amazing rainbows right before the ceremony.

Most of our clients prefer to keep their films private but if we get the green light from our clients, we'll post a trailer or a highlight reel here on our blog, so stay tuned.

To book your own CinemaCake Destination Wedding Film, contact us online or call toll free, 866-989-0158. Destination wedding films start at $8900.

Behind the scenes shots by Jordan Oplinger.

Win a Dream Wedding!

DVideography is proud to announce we were selected to shoot and produce the wedding film for this Dream Wedding. We are proud to be among the great industry partners also selected.

So if you have not set your wedding date yet, consider making it 5/23/10! We'll be rooting for you!

Here's the story:

Events at ISM is excited to announce the launch of the "Love of a Lifetime" wedding giveaway. One lucky couple will be selected by Philly.com voters to win a lavish, free wedding package valued at more than $90,000. Voters will also make final selections for the bride and groom on many aspects of the day, from the menu, to the rings and flowers.

The wedding will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2010 at Events at ISM. The winning couple will be treated to all the necessities for a memorable and unique wedding, compliments of some of the region's top wedding and event specialists, including catering for 200, flowers, entertainment, photography and videography, and much more!

Visit the "Love of a Lifetime" wedding giveaway website to enter to win, and read all the official contest rules.

Events at ISM is located at the Independence Seaport Museum on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia and offers full-service catering and event planning services for the museum's multiple event spaces, all of which boast dramatic views of the Delaware River and city skyline.

Here's a full list of package services and vendors:

Venue by Events at ISM
Catering by Culinary Concepts
Fireworks Display by International Fireworks
Photography by Kevin York Photography
Event Equipment and Linens by Party Rental Ltd.
Flowers by Beautiful Blooms
Professional DJ by Cutting Edge DJs
Wedding Bands by Safian & Rudolph Jewelers
Custom-made Wedding Dress by Janice Martin Couture
Custom Wedding Song and CD's by Erik Balkey
Custom-made Tuxedo or Suit by Henry A. Davidsen
Wedding Band - Back2Life by Brandywine Valley Talent
Videography by DVideography
Valet Parking by Towne Park
Bachelor & Bachelorette Party at Lucky Strike Lanes Philadelphia
Groomsmen Golf Outing at one of Ron Jaworski's Golf Clubs
Wine by Mirassou Winery and Capital Wine & Spirits
Favors by The Painted Truffle
Invitations by Two Paper Dolls
Wedding Cake by Blackbird Bakery
Suite for the couple at the nearby Hyatt Regency Penn's Landing
Day of Wedding Planning by Eclatante Event Design
Wedding Welcome Baskets by A Basket Case
Hair and Makeup for the bride by Genevieve Forsyth
Dance Lessons for the couple by Society Hill Dance Company
Body Sculpting for the bride by Bailine Body Sculpting
Town Car Service for the Bride & Groom by Eagle Transportation


Culinary Concepts
sales@culinary-concepts.com
culinary-concepts.com | 215.755.7747


Events at ISM
lbrito@eventsatism.com
eventsatism.com | 215.413.8622

The Philadelphia Wedding Project

DVideography is thrilled to have been invited to participate in the Philadelphia Wedding Project!

Six of our photographer friends, Jennifer Childress, Joy Moody, Pete Malone, Ryan Estes, Sofia Negron and Geoff Horowitz (Leapfrog Photo) have gotten together to provide one couple an amazing photography package for their wedding day. The Philadelphia Wedding Project will provide one couple, who is getting married in 2010 or early 2011, with a package including an Engagement Session, Boudoir Session (if desired), All Day Wedding Day Coverage, A Custom Designed Album, Two Parent Albums and an Online Proofing Gallery. The photographers are looking for a deserving couple who makes a difference in people's lives, has perhaps overcome great odds, gives selflessly to their community or has a unique love story that should be shared.

For more information on the Philadelphia Wedding Project and the photographers, check out their website. To submit your story email them at stories@philadelphiaweddingproject.com

Eye in the Sky - A New Perspective

Watch in Standard Definition - Watch in HD

For a new perspective, ask us about the Eye in the Sky camera. There's no better way to view your next outdoor, ballroom, or tented event. Pricing starts at $2500.

Jonathan and Vandrea's Same Day Edit at the Ballroom at the Ben

Vandrea and Jonathan hired us to produce their Same Day Edit. We shot, edited, displayed and delivered this production that evening.

Although we've been producing the Same Day Edit for years as an add-on to full-length productions, the Same Day Edit ONLY has become more popular because it is more affordable than a full-length production.

When a client orders the Same Day Edit only, they also receive all of the raw footage on DVDs shortly after the wedding. Clients also have the option of having the Same Day Edit DVDs duplicated the night of the reception and handed out as favors.

Same Day Edits start at $3500. For more information, contact us.

Same Day Edit by DVideography
Catering by Finley Catering
Photography by Bresner Studios
Entertainment by The Quake

Liz and Eric's Same Day Edit at Eagle Oaks Country Club

Just 90 minutes ago, Liz, Eric, and all of their friends and families were treated to one of our Same Day Edits. The wedding reception isn't even over yet! You gotta love technology!

Dave,

We just wanted to thank you and your team for such a wonderful day. Your on-site crew was so friendly and professional. They asked all the right questions and were in all the right places, we are certainly looking forward to see the final product.

The Same Day Edit was such a success for all of our guest, just about everyone at the wedding was blown away with the quality of the video and the beautiful love story.

We are leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow morning and will be back on 11/22.

All the best,
-Eric & LizReaction Photos by Jordan Oplinger
Catering by Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club
Wedding Photography by Contemporary Image
Entertainment by Elite Entertainment

A Bride's Blog: "The Magic of Video"

The Magic of Video
November 7, 2008 by tamarar82
When Carter and I first met Heather Fowler, we weren’t planning on hiring a videographer. We felt that professional photos would be all that we needed to preserve our wedding day memories. Plus, we wanted to budget our money towards really great photography, so we didn’t think we it was reasonable to spend more money on videography.

I think one of the most unique, most unforgettable, and most profound parts of our day was our same day edit . . . I had to try hard not to bawl during the showing of the Same Day Edit. Carter and I didn’t see it until the day of the wedding, so it was extremely emotional. (Photo by Heather Fowler)

Heather asked us if we were considering videography and explained to us that video could complement photography very nicely, and vice versa. She shared a few videographers’ web sites with us, and we delved into the web sites when we got home. Then, we met with a few of our favorites, and DVideography blew us away. Suddenly, videography wasn’t a frivolous extra, but a necessity. [read more]

Same Day Edit at the Ballroom at the Ben Philadelphia

Hi Dave,

Sorry we have not written yet, things have been very busy since the wedding. I think they are starting to get back to normal now.

The same day edit was unbelievable. People are still coming up to us and telling us how amazing it was. It was definitely my favorite part of the reception. We can't thank you and your editor enough. It really was perfect.

Also, besides the quality of the video, I wanted to let you know that you were a lot of fun the entire day. You really just went with the flow and made it easy and fun. A lot of people from the bridal party commented on that as well.

I hope all is well with you guys.

Thank you so much!!!
Becky

Becky and Mark enjoy their Same Day Edit last night at the Ballroom at the Ben in Philadelphia. Yes, that's yours truly, sitting in the middle of the dance floor, shooting their reaction. The crowd gave a standing ovation at the end of the seven minute presentation. Thanks to Jordan for another great edit.
Photo by Jordan Oplinger

Catering: Finley Catering
Entertainment: Midnight Hour

Denise and Chris' Same Day Edit at The Merion

Last night at The Merion, Denise and Chris enjoyed their Same Day Edit over the main course. As you'll see in this production, Denise and Chris opted for a love story that was pre-produced and used in the Same Day Edit. For your own Same Day Edit, contact DVideography toll free at 866-989-0158.

Before the wedding, Denise and Chris 'leaked' this "Coming Soon" trailer to their guests:

Coming Soon: Same Day Edit from Dave Williams on Vimeo.

Dave,

DVideography was the very first vendor we booked, even before our church and our reception hall!! We wanted to make sure that we booked YOU before we had anything else!!! And we are so so thankful we did!!!

We watch our love story and same day edit DAILY. NO JOKE. We absolutely love it!! We get so many amazing compliments from the people that were at our wedding and requests to email the link out again so they can also watch it over and over again!

You and your team are FABULOUS! You are professional, kind, and nothing short of absolutely amazing! We literally can not wait the recommended time to get our full length video back! We are going to have a huge party at the house to show it and everyone can not even begin to imagine how you will even top what was shown at the wedding, but we know you will!!

Thank you so much for all your hard work and to Jordan and everyone else who I don't know by name! You captured so much in so little and we are so thankful for the memories that we will have for a lifetime!! YOU ARE THE BEST!

Love Denise and Chris West

Same Day Edit by DVideography
Catering by The Merion
Entertainment by Steve and Company
Photography by Marrero Photography

Same Day Edit at The Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia

Same Day Edits truly excite us as much as they excite our clients. Here's what the guests at the Crystal Tea Room watched during the main course on Friday night. Thanks to my editor, Jordan, for pulling through once again.

Hi Dave,

Well, I should be on my honeymoon right now, but it got cancelled…so I wanted to take this time to thank you.

I know that my father was beyond impressed and already called you regarding that.

I believe the blog of my same day edit has now probably been viewed by around 500 people at this point. You just really can’t imagine all the feedback we’ve received. Everyone has been so excited about the same day edit and I’m SO glad we decided to go with it. It surpassed all my expectations. I think I might’ve cried through the entire thing, but it’s all a blur so I’m not sure. I’ve watched it a million times and each and every time I’m more impressed.

Thanks again for everything. Your relaxing personality helped me keep my cool during the stressful times of the day! I just really can’t express my gratitude for everything. We really can’t wait to see the finished product…but until then- we will just continue to watch the same day edit over and over again!!!!

Kara Miles
(The Bride)

For your own Same Day Edit, call DVideography.

Behind the Scenes: Liz and Eric prepare for their 11-7-08 Same Day Edit

Today we shot the interviews and the b-roll for Liz and Eric's Same Day Edit, to be shown on November 7, 2008.

We have been producing Same Day Edits for over 5 years. A Same Day Edit includes highlights of the day presented at the reception. Same Day Edits allow us to offer some really exciting options to our clients, including a pre-produced, polished 'Love Story' that personalizes the Same Day Edit and truly allows our couples to tell the story of the beginning of their lives together.

Here's a 'Coming Soon' movie trailer for Liz and Eric's wedding this fall. Enjoy!

Just got the trailer for our wedding video 'same day edit'. OK, I was impressed with the pictures from the day of the shoot. This trailer blew us away. Dave sent the trailer to us at night when Liz was sleeping. I literally woke her up to watch the trailer. We watched it four or five times before being able to close our mouths in pure amazement. What a remarkable job. With this 2 minute video, he has managed to put a smile on not only our faces, but all of our family that have already seen it.

Thanks again, Dave. We're can't wait to see what comes next. Keep up the great work!

Liz and Eric

Wow! What a great day. Liz and I still can't stop talking about the excitement we are feeling for the big day and how this video is going to turn out. Dave and his crew were SO great and helpful in getting the job done. It sure helped that we were treated like royalty from the Jenkinson's Boardwalk staff.

It was truly a day that both Liz and I will remember forever and this was just a photo shoot!

We were told great things about Dave and DVideography, but actions always do speak louder than words and this experience was wonderful.

Thanks Dave and we can't wait to see you at the wedding and how this "Same Day Edit Love Story" turns out.

Liz and Eric

POST A COMMENT

Thanks to Jordan and Josh for their help on today's shoot. Production photos by Jordan Oplinger

Behind The Scenes of a Love Story In The Making

Dave and Jordan,

These look great! You guys did such an amazing job!

We are so excited to see the Love Story and Same Day Edit on the actual wedding day! We know it will be fabulous!

You both were so professional and you did everything that we wanted done for the Love Story and more and we really appreciate it! Jayda loved you too!! Thanks so much!

Denise, Chris, and Jayda

Same Day Edit - Part 2 - DVDs Delivered Instantly

In a world where 20 seconds left on the microwave timer can seem like an eternity, it would seem obvious that there are some of us who just don't want to wait weeks or even months to see their wedding films. Sure, everyone wants high quality - but some just want it NOW!
One of the benefits of the modern Same Day Edit is that guests may take copies of the movie home with them the same night. Newlyweds can watch their iPod version on the flight to their honeymoon. Guests or family who couldn't make it to the wedding could be watching it over the internet before the cake is even served.

Innovations in technology such as faster computers, tapeless cameras, and DVD printers and duplicators have made it possible to deliver polished, artistic wedding video productions to the big screen, DVDs, portable players, and the internet in a very short period of time.

Day-of delivery also means that Same Day Edit DVDs don't require the same amount of post-production a fully edited production would require. Therefore, a Same Day Edit alone is going to cost less to produce and give us a way to deliver the same great style to more people.

Of course some people want (and have the budget for) both. That's fine, because a Same Day Edit still offers the flexibility to buy a longer edit later on.

At DVideography, our all-inclusive Same Day Edits (day of coverage, 3-5 minute high-impact production, projection screen, sound, and DVDs delivered that night) start as low as $3500. Please call toll free 866-989-0158 for more information.

Mail Bag: Philadelphia Bar Mitzvah Same Day Edit

Credit goes to Jordan for a great Same Day Edit.

Same Day Edit - Part 1 - What's all the Fuss?

Back in late 2004, I was interviewed for an EventDV article on "The Art of the Wedding-Day Edit". We had a lot of experience already producing Wedding Day Edits (also known as Same Day Edits) and I knew it would take off. Here we are, three years later with new technology, more creative video producers, a real appreciation for this art form, and the Same Day Edit is all the rage.

Now entire lectures are held on the topic each year at conferences hosted by the largest videographer association in the world - the Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA) - and a younger organization, The 4Ever Group. With all of this new interest, I figured I would break it all down for our readers and demystify today's Same Day Edit with several episodes over the coming weeks. Of course, we should start with what a Same Day Edit (SDE) is.

An SDE can be something as simple as a montage of the moments of the day displayed at the cocktail hour or as complex as a mind-blowing short film including pre-produced segments shot and edited days, weeks, or even months before the event. The possibilities are limited only by imagination and the budget. But one thing is certain; a good Same Day Edit can bring real energy to the party. Guests will laugh, cry, and be amazed.

Most videographers have always offered some sort of large screen projection at events. But until the Same Day Edit became popular, what went on those screens was mostly limited to pre-produced segments or a live feed from on-site cameras. But videographers have gotten more creative as technology allows them to work more efficiently.

Editing systems are faster, smaller, and lighter, and the gear is easy to set up and tear down. Cameras are now equipped with hard drives or solid state media (like the memory card in your point and shoot still camera), doing away with the time-consuming task of capturing taped footage into the computer in real time. This all means that the bottlenecks that used to get in the way of actual editing time are virtually gone, allowing talented editors to create an emotional, high quality production in the time it takes to get from the ceremony to your first course at the reception.

For our first example in this series, let's take a look at Maria and Ron's Same Day Edit:
Maria and Ron
As a dancer her entire life, Maria convinced Ron to take dance lessons with her to prepare for their wedding. In our first meeting, Maria explained that she not only wanted her first dance to be perfect, she wanted her friends and family to see how their lives (and the dance) all came together. We came up with the plan to show their love story to the guests while Maria and Ron ducked out of the room to change into their dance attire. Maria and Ron's Same Day Edit was a customized hybrid of pre-production and day-of coverage that gave the perfect introduction to their first dance. As the video faded to black, the lights on the dance floor brightened just enough to reveal Ron and Maria live. It was magical.

Next time we'll take a look behind the scenes of Same Day Edits. Stay tuned.

For more information on Same Day Edits, visit SameDayEdit.com or call toll free 866-989-0158.

Reactions on Hidden Camera

Nicole and Brian were so excited to hear we were shipping their DVDs that they asked if they could drive over to pick them up. They wanted to see some of the video right away. Knowing how fun they were, I decided to turn my little consumer palmcorder on them from the corner of the room. Here's their reaction.

Thanks for being such good sports and allowing me to share this Nicole!

Production Notes: Nicole and Brian ordered our 8 hour coverage, a Same Day Edit, and 16mm Wedding Film Vignettes.

Same Day Edit at Ballroom at the Ben, Philadelphia

What's a same day edit? Click here to learn more.

Here's a wonderful voicemail we received from the mother of the bride after this past Saturday's 10-Minute Same Day Edit at the Ballroom at the Ben in Philadelphia.

LISTEN TO THE VOICEMAIL

Kudos to Gary for editing the same day footage, to Kris for most of the pre-production, and to everyone on the crew for helping to make this a very special production for this family.

VIEW THE 30 SECOND TRAILER

POST A COMMENT

Videography: DVideography
Photography: Gerard Tomko Photography
Catering: Finley Catering/Ballroom at the Ben
Entertainment: The Heartbeats

OK, What the heck is a Same Day Edit?

After my last blog about our Same Day Edit at the Crystal Tea Room, several folks wanted to know what a Same Day Edit is. Last year, EventDV magazine published a story about videographers who produce SDEs. Although some technological change have been made in the last year, this behind the scenes look at SDEs is still pretty accurate.

The Art of the Wedding-Day Edit
By Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen - Posted Mar 9, 2005

Same-day edit productions make for unexpected treats at wedding receptions and can add to your bottom line. Here, three SDE pioneers talk about how it's done.

There's a common complaint among writers, journalists especially, that once we publish something, we rarely get feedback. It's not that we're so egotistical or insecure that we need a pat on the back for every word we write (though that certainly comes into play); it's that most of the time we have no tangible proof that anyone's even read the words we worked so hard to craft into a story. Even negative feedback is feedback; at least we know someone's taken a look.

Videographers at least know that somebody's going to see the fruits of their labors, even if the client is the only sure bet. But sometimes you have to wonder if even the subjects of the video witness what you've captured. Did the bride's father see how beautifully you captured that kiss as he gave his daughter away? Does the best man know that his attempts at breakdancing during the photo shoot have been captured for posterity? Does the groom know that his fiancee's eyes welled up when he surprised her with that song during the ceremony?

You certainly hope so, and the odds are on your side. But let's face it, videographers and writers share a common bond: we create what we create because we want to share it with people and hope they get out of it at least a little of what we put into it. Nonetheless, we're rarely around to see it when they do.

Enter the same-day edit. Chances are, even if you haven't attempted one, you've been tempted by the tantalizing possibility of taking what you've shot, giving it a quick, clean edit, and displaying it to a crowd still caught up in the thrill of the moment, whether at a wedding or another event. You'll get a round of applause at the end of the night, and—more importantly—your clients will get to relive a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the very people they shared it with in the first place.

Of course, the benefits of the same-day edit go beyond the emotional. Adding the service to your repertoire is another way to set yourself apart from the crowd and—lest we wax too idealistic—bring in additional revenue and clients. It's also a good way to silence the NLE naysayers who say wedding videography was better in the pre-editing days when you popped out the tape at the end of the day and handed it over, however rough and raw the footage. With an SDE, you get the instant gratification, but with the editing touches we've come to expect—and a chance to do a more lavish edit later on.

"I've never gotten as many ‘How did you do thats?' and ‘Could I have your cards?' as when I do a same-day edit," says Dave Williams of DVideography in Philadelphia. Here's a look at the opportunities and challenges presented by the same-day edit, as well as some practical advice from experienced videographers on how to get the job done. Read More. . .

Same Day Edit at the Crystal Tea Room

Dave...
Damian and I enjoyed the video very much. Thank you so much for the little details that were addressed during the video. i.e. the prayer for Damian's dad. I also would like to thank you for all the little bits of footage of my niece, even though she was just there in the beginning of the day. i.e the limo ride, the lighting of the candle and the spins at the hotel. Seeing the video each time makes me remember what a extremely special day November 25 was. Thank you so much to you and your crew for all of your hard work. People are still talking about our same day edit and how wonderful it was. This video is something that Damian and I will watch for many years to come. It has been a pleasure working with you.
Thank you again!
Sincerely
Krista and Damian
Married 11/25/05

Videography: DVideography
Photography: Timothy D. Joyce Professional Imaging
Entertainment: Cutting Edge Orchestras: Heat
Venue/Catering: Crystal Tea Room/Finley Catering

CN8’s Ultimate WeddingIt's Your Call with Lynn Doyle

November 17,2005
Philadelphia, PA – Prior to VIP Magazine and CN8 Ultimate Wedding in November, Dave Williams of DVideography was invited onto the show to give contestants tips for creating their contest entry video.

Watch the broadcast