Jason and Jessica shot their e-session at a Christmas tree farm. They chose this location because of the sweet little trees, the country feel, and the lake in the middle where they rowed around in a vintage boat (some of their favorite shots). Alea Lovely a talented videographer, photographer, and recent bride herself, captured the whole thing beautifully. I especially love the moody atmosphere created by the overcast skies.
Phew, it’s hot here in the midwest. Stepping outside is like walking into a giant oven, so today’s Floral Friday post is fresh, light, and springy. With all different shades of pinks and greens, with a pop of yellow, these beautiful spring blooms are a breath of fresh air. Great work on this one Jenny!
Florals: Jenny Seitz
Photography: Catherine Rhodes Photography
With 4th of July weekend coming up it’s only appropriate that today’s wedding be red, white and blue. Rob and Kim met at college, and definitely didn’t follow the rules. They were together for 8 years and Kim was getting impatient. She decided that the 4th of July was her “cut off” date. They love holidays, but the 4th of July especially, so they always have a party. During the party, Kim heard a whistle, and Rob called her over in front of everyone. It was a surprise proposal and everyone started snapping pictures as he asked her to marry him. They decided to set the date for their wedding one year later on their favorite holiday.
Who, What, Where~~ Ceremony: University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Reception: Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. Photography: Kara Schultz. Florals: Kristen Janes, Kio Kreations.Kim wore her grandmothers costume jewelry, and also her best friend and matron of honors veil. She had all her bridesmaids sign her shoes.
Kim says that if they hadn’t had a 4th of July wedding she has no idea what colors she would have chosen. They decided to substitute a light blue in for a traditional royal or navy. She says that some people teased them about having a 4th of July themed wedding, but since the day was special to them as a couple they didn’t care! The bridesmaids wore adorable blue dresses from Melissa Sweet with sequin trim. So cute!
Rob and Kim gave all of the men (including their 2 year old nephew, and dads) in their wedding party black converse to wear the day of the wedding. They wanted to keep things fun and casual, and thought the shoes were a perfect way to do it.
Kim and Rob are true Chicagoans. They both grew up there, and so they had a tough time narrowing down where to take all their pictures. They decided to hit all the major landmarks, and ended at the Planetarium. This is one of their favorite spots because they spent many a weekend tailgating their before Bears games. Kim says they have different taste on lots of things, but one thing they both love is football.
Kim says they loved the beautiful old church where they got married, and that the organ music was amazing and made it all super memorable. For their send off they had guests throw white rose petals.
Their reception was on the 14th floor of the hotel so they had an amazing view of downtown Chicago. Kim labeled each table with DIY shadowboxes that each had the name of a place significant to the couple. In the frames she included pictures and little items that represented each spot. They also had some of their talented friends design escort cards that looked like Bears tickets, as well as their Save the Dates.
When I asked Kim what their favorite parts of the day were she had a few. One was right before the reception when her and Rob snuck upstairs to the hotel room and took pictures jumping on the bed. Another continued their football theme, and all of the wedding party put on Bears jersey’s before getting introduced at the party.
Rob and Kim choreographed their own first dance. They started out slow and ended it fast. She said that Rob isn’t the best dancer, but he did a great job, and their guests loved it!
A big thank you to Kim and Rob for sharing their day with us, and to Kara Schultz for her beautiful images. So happy to have a fun and free spirited holiday celebration like your guys on the blog!
I met Maura last year when I was helping put together an event for the Kansas City Wedding Hive. I was struck by not only her friendliness, and professionalism, but also by her willingness to collaborate and work with other local vendors. Her work was some of the first HD wedding shooting I had ever seen. I was amazed then, and am still always impressed with the beautiful work she creates for her couples, and she also edits them to create Super 8 films (my favorite). So lets find out more about Maura and her business, Creative Video.
Where to find her: Website, Blog, FacebookWhere are you originally from, and where are you located now?
I am from Kansas City and still HERE! I meet with my clients at my Waldo studio, but still do much of my editing at my home office.
When did you first become interested in video and photography? How did you learn your medium?
I have always been interested in photography. Before I started this business I was an art teacher. I think video and photography are so closely related in composition and telling a visual story, but somehow I think video can get a little bit deeper with the moving picture and sound. To hear those voices of the ones you love – there is really nothing like it! I suppose I learned video on my own, or with my students, but it is all based on the same principles of art and composition.
When did you decide to start your business, Creative Video?
I had just finished my Master’s Degree and my 10th year teaching when my brother and my husband’s brother were getting married. I was helping them pick out a videographer and had the crazy idea that I could do a better job of filming their wedding that what that I saw available. I took a loan out from the Bank of Dad, and bought my first camera. The business grew very quickly and I was able to quit teaching within a year. I think the reason things happened so fast was because I was (and still am) offering something a little bit different from the same old wedding video that people expect.
You shoot wedding video as well taking beautiful portraits of families and kids. Which came first, and what do you like about each?
Photography came first as an art medium, but the business of photography really began to bloom after I moved into my studio, three years ago. So many of my photo clients are former brides and grooms and I love that full circle. I am able to be with them and document the beginning of their family at their wedding, and it is so special to me to be able to continue to celebrate with the arrival of their children!
Nicole & Michael – Georgia Wedding Film – Super8 from creative video/creative films on Vimeo.
Your videos always seem to capture a seamless narrative of a couples wedding day. When you’re editing hours of footage how do you decide which elements to use, i.e. which shots, songs, etc.
I suppose much of this is intuitive. Films tell the story of the beginning of each couples lives together. During the wedding day I am capturing audio from the ceremony and toasts and try very hard to put that together to visually tell their story. Each is so different. I have recently begun to choose most of the music for my couples. This has helped tremendously with editing and carrying the story and film along.
What’s your favorite part about being a wedding videographer?
I think watching a family become a family is my favorite part of my job. The energy at a wedding is like no other, and getting to be part of that is so amazing. I love seeing the bride and groom start their own family and watch as their family and friends celebrate that with them. The cake is pretty good too.
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A big thank you to Maura for answering all my questions and sharing her beautiful work with us. Make sure to visit her website and blog to see more of her amazing videos and keep up with her business.
Today’s engagement is shoot from the adorable husband and wife team Aubrey and Josh, known as The Leekers. It’s also our very first shoot from the great state of Nebraska (come on huskers, let’s see some submissions). Sarah and P.J. look like such a sweet couple, and I love the vast shots of the open midwest sky. Shot in downtown Lincoln.
