Videography? Yes! Yes! Yes!

I cannot tell you how many times I talk to a bride who is apprehensive of budgeting for a wedding video. I mean, is there really ever a reason NOT to capture this most important, intimate day on film?

Perhaps it's the cheesy wedding videography of yore that puts people off. Or, the idea of a camera and blazing light in peoples faces mid-ceremony or on the dance floor. Or, those (dare I say it) on-camera interviews when guests inevitably say something embarrassing about you after they've had one too many signature cocktails?

Well, I am one wedding planner who puts videography at the very top of the priority list. There are so many talented event cinemaphotographers (like Janice Robinson-Celeste of Celeste Studios & Film Productions, Michael Eller of Monachetti and Anna Davis of Open Eye Documentary) who take a beautiful, beyond-TV quality approach to ever-immortalizing your special day. Teensy weensy cameras can catch a close-up shot from a far corner of the room and HD technology can create an ethereal ambiance that the still image simply cannot. With cool features and creative editing--not to mention indie song pics (in lieu of the traditional Kenny Rogers "Through the Years" standard)-- this is NOT your mother's videography.

Allow me to share a sampling of my favorite wedding videos--these are just two of a handful that I've bookmarked for inspiration.

By Celeste Studios:

By Monachetti

Christine and David from Monachetti on Vimeo.

So, go ahead, commit to a wedding video. It really is "must-see TV".

Love on the Run: Eloping in New York City

Okay, it's not too far of a leap to say that I am a sucker for a good love story. So when my friend--and uber-talented photographer--Sarah Sloboda told me that she's been asked by tons of couples to shoot images of their elopements around town, I jumped at the opportunity to share these images with you. I've asked Sarah to share her thoughts--and favorite NYC locations for capturing a kiss on film-- below. 

Whether you're planning nuptials for 200 or 2, these City Hall fete's are just awe-inspiring. Truly love-in-motion...

**all images courtesy of  Sarah Sloboda Photography

In her own words:  

"The awesome thing about photographing two people eloping is the profound connection I get to make with my clients.  As sometimes the only witness to their nuptials, respecting the gravity of the moments of that day becomes solely my responsibility.  Capturing the archives of their history as a couple is always an honor I take very seriously - and at a small wedding with few distractions, the emotions of the day are often the most prominent feature....

....I am deeply enamored with New York City, so I love shooting everything from a busy street corner with taxis passing by, to funky downtown alleyways.  In terms of iconic locations, I recommend the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station, the Flatiron Building, Central Park, and more esoterically iconic but still NYC, Crosby Street in SoHo.  I also love the view from the Top of the Rock, and would love to shoot a couple at Ellis Island and/or with the Statue of Liberty.  How fun would it be to take a ferry ride after you elope?!....

....My photography philosophy is entwined with my life philosophy - each moment is fleeting, and perhaps its significance will only truly be known with reflection.  I obsessively try to be alert to the significance I am witnessing in the moment and do my best to record its essence for the split second it exists.  It's never perfect - and neither are our memories, so I hope my work keeps it real."

I mean, Sarah's right.  Thanks for keeping it real, Sarah. Really romantic.

PS: Sarah does full-on weddings and amazing photography of children, too. You can read the stories behind these lovely images and check out more of her photography at www.slobodaweddings.blogspot.com.

Weddings We Love: Lindsey + Jeff

At Chandelier, it's not just about the events we plan...it's about the events we love.

So, we're introducing two new features on our blog called "Weddings We Love" and "Events We Love" where we will showcase parties handpicked from our friends, partners, vendors (and YOU!) with some of the most stunning work, original ideas, and awe-inspiring stories.

This week, it's Lindsey & Jeff's spectacular fall wedding at Georgia's Serenbe photographed by Our Labor of Love. Uberstylish bride Lindsey Zuckerman, a sorority sister of mine and Atlanta-based author of popular foodie blog AdventurousTastes.com, and Jeff celebrated their nuptials on a crisp autumn evening at this striking event venue. They infused the evening with personalized style statements. For this deliberately casual affair, their accent color was rich, romantic red--and the results were drop dead gorgeous!

We can't wait to share these images from Our Blog of Love with you.

Want to be a "Wedding We Love"? Submit your photos and details to us!

xoxo,

Amy

Empire State of Marriage: Chandelier Hitches with The Knot for Valentine's Day

Love is in the air. Literally. 86 stories up. I'm thrilled to announce that Chandelier Events has been tasked with the event planning for The Knot & Empire State Building's Valentine's Day partnership, Wedding with a View. 14 couples were chosen to win a wedding in the clouds, high above Manhattan. On February 12th and 13th, we'll be setting the stage for romance. Tune in for all the romantic details, vendor partnerships and photos to come.

Happy engagements to all of you new brides & grooms! Did you know that 70% of proposals take place between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day?? Here's a toast to wedding planning in 2010.