Oh, goodness! It's been 2 months since my last blog. Please forgive!
Well, I'm not one to whine and complain, but I do need to take a moment here and vent a bit about our technical difficulties. In the last 6 months or so, we lost a total of 6 computers and/or hard drives from our business. What a nightmare! I've never in my life.... Well, thankfully the only outright casualties were our own personal pictures and videos we hadn't done anything with yet. There is something to be said about the by-gone days of shoeboxes full of hardcopy prints sitting around, isn't there? At least they're in boxes, sitting around! As heart breaking as that was, the only way it effected our business is that we had to go back to square one raw DV tapes and lost all the work (and time) that was on those drives. We're most likely going tapeless soon, so we already know to backup and backup the backup!
So, I say all that to explain why I'm so grateful for our clients. Projects through the busy season (June through August) have been delayed a bit as we're still trying to catch up from these catastrophic events, and everyone has been so gracious and understanding. Thank you - you know who you are! Never before have we been in a position to ask couples and families to wait "just a bit more" when we know how anxious everyone is! We are very very blessed.
Some of you may also know that we have recently experienced some personal tragedy just the past week or so, and I want to thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I happened to be in the middle of editing - well, actually two projects - I'm searching for words here.... It has been very healing to be able to immerse myself in these two projects: Kassie & Nathan and also Ann & Luke as I have been recovering from personal loss. These couples are so in love...so genuine. Remembering their day made me smile...both brides actually light up MY life with their smiles, and I barely know them! It was great to laugh "with" them again while editing and see all the love and warmth in and around them. Can you believe what a sap I am??? It's such a blessing to be able to do what you love and find a way to appreciate the joys of life even in the middle of sorrow.
Hopefully more to come soon...
Angee
Monday, February 2, 2009
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Limiting Archway dates; buggy for JuneBug!
Because of Brian's new job (read other blogs dated today if you haven't already), the practical issue is that we have less man hours available for editing. For that reason, we will have to limit the dates we book for Archway due to the intensive editing hours the Archway product requires. That being said, I'll book a JuneBug wedding for every week if I could! The reason for the different name is to minimize confusion, since it is a very different product. There is probably a blog about it somewhere down the line here. Anyway, we can turn a JuneBug product around a lot quicker because, while it is still filmed with an artistic style, we don't do the high-level special effects and cinematic interpretation. JuneBug is closer to a documentary-style end product, but with a sound track underlayed to still give it a polished feel. All of our JuneBug clients so far have been floored at what they received, saying it's so much more than they expected. That's right...that's how I roll. :) Anyway, please keep JuneBug in mind as another option, but if Archway is what you want, don't hesitate in case the month you need is already closed!!
About the move
A little more about our move...
My last post was a quickie to let you all know we are still operating and basically what happened with us. BUT, I realize you're probably wondering why.
If you've read our bio information or know our history, Brian actually went to seminary and is an ordained minister. Of course, this plays into our passion for weddings and in creating the highest quality representation of a couple's wedding day that we can - we really believe it can be a tool for marriage enrichment (or even a life line!) down the road. Anyway, our life's journey since we got married has developed the unique skills that have lead to the conception and success of Archway. However, Brian has wanted to use his abilities in a church and ministerial setting for years now. He has checked on jobs now and then, but nothing seemed to be attractive enough to spend time pursuing it - plus the potential of moving me away from my mom and son! So, of course, we stick to the task at hand, pouring everything we had into Archway! Then, the perfect job popped up during one of his casual searches. Sooooo, our reason for moving is so that Brian could step into his dream job...yeah, seems worth it to me. :)
He is a new man! Yes, we are still operating Archway Media and also JuneBug, but now he has a steady full time job with benefits, and about 1000 pounds of stress has been lifted from him. He loved doing Archway full time, but the stress of running our own business and going through a DRY off-peak season every year was wearing on us - especially him. Now we're able to breathe a little bit during this off-peak season, continue editing, and not spend every waking moment fretting about how we're going to generate business during the off season and for the next year. Now that Archway doesn't have to provide full-time income for both of us and 100% of our family's support, we can focus on editing and enjoy the fruits of the word-of-mouth and reputation we've worked so hard to build. We have weddings booked here and there through October of next year and want to keep filling more dates! I love making wedding films...I love being involved in the wedding industry...I love our favorite vendors...I cannot let go. ;)
My last post was a quickie to let you all know we are still operating and basically what happened with us. BUT, I realize you're probably wondering why.
If you've read our bio information or know our history, Brian actually went to seminary and is an ordained minister. Of course, this plays into our passion for weddings and in creating the highest quality representation of a couple's wedding day that we can - we really believe it can be a tool for marriage enrichment (or even a life line!) down the road. Anyway, our life's journey since we got married has developed the unique skills that have lead to the conception and success of Archway. However, Brian has wanted to use his abilities in a church and ministerial setting for years now. He has checked on jobs now and then, but nothing seemed to be attractive enough to spend time pursuing it - plus the potential of moving me away from my mom and son! So, of course, we stick to the task at hand, pouring everything we had into Archway! Then, the perfect job popped up during one of his casual searches. Sooooo, our reason for moving is so that Brian could step into his dream job...yeah, seems worth it to me. :)
He is a new man! Yes, we are still operating Archway Media and also JuneBug, but now he has a steady full time job with benefits, and about 1000 pounds of stress has been lifted from him. He loved doing Archway full time, but the stress of running our own business and going through a DRY off-peak season every year was wearing on us - especially him. Now we're able to breathe a little bit during this off-peak season, continue editing, and not spend every waking moment fretting about how we're going to generate business during the off season and for the next year. Now that Archway doesn't have to provide full-time income for both of us and 100% of our family's support, we can focus on editing and enjoy the fruits of the word-of-mouth and reputation we've worked so hard to build. We have weddings booked here and there through October of next year and want to keep filling more dates! I love making wedding films...I love being involved in the wedding industry...I love our favorite vendors...I cannot let go. ;)
We have not fallen off the Earth!
Do not fear! Yes, we have moved, technically, but we are not "going" anywhere! Stick with me. We are blessed to live in the age of technology...the entire world can fit in our pockets now! So, while we have moved to Evansville, IN, we really have just moved down the street. Next door, even. :) Really, the only thing that has changed is our address and phone number. The 345-4000 number was a land line we couldn't keep. But Archway Media Services is alive and well, and I'm confident that if you are technologically minded enough to appreciate the value of a professional wedding video and recognize the quality of our work, you can see that our working relationship - and certainly the quality of the product - will not suffer just because our residence is in Indiana now.
We are still HIGHLY invested in St. Louis - personally and professionally. Since we moved in October, there have only been two weekends we were not in town. Thank GOD gas prices went down! I am so close to my mom (who lives in the St. Louis area) that we both get physically ill if we go too long without seeing each other. My son is also there with his dad, along with so many friends and professional acquaintances that we must reconnect with from time to time! So, whether it's for a wedding gig or just to see my mom and son, I will be making the short trek back and forth quite often.
Anyway, Brian's having a technical issue with the server, but he is in the process of changing our contact information. Now, both Archway and JuneBug will use the same cell phone: 618-580-5052.
We are still HIGHLY invested in St. Louis - personally and professionally. Since we moved in October, there have only been two weekends we were not in town. Thank GOD gas prices went down! I am so close to my mom (who lives in the St. Louis area) that we both get physically ill if we go too long without seeing each other. My son is also there with his dad, along with so many friends and professional acquaintances that we must reconnect with from time to time! So, whether it's for a wedding gig or just to see my mom and son, I will be making the short trek back and forth quite often.
Anyway, Brian's having a technical issue with the server, but he is in the process of changing our contact information. Now, both Archway and JuneBug will use the same cell phone: 618-580-5052.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Katrina & Jesse 8/31/08
The chocolate queen has found her king! What a gorgeous - but HOT - outdoor wedding. I don't think they had to use any heat in the chocolate fountain. :)
Katrina owns Kamy Chocolate Fountains - always a hit at ANY event, and this was no exception. I didn't know this until the minister joked about it during the ceremony, but Katrina & Jesse met online through some kind of singles or personals site. That's how Brian and I met! Not that we needed anything to help us feel connected to Katrina and her groom...they are so fun and down to earth that I felt like I was with a bunch of my own girlfriends while filming her getting ready. I bet these two never meet a stranger. In fact, apparently Jesse has fashioned quite a nice friendship with a certain legendary Cardinal who was also in attendance!
The festivities took place on the grounds of the breathtakingly beautiful The Studio Inn in St. Albans, MO, just past Wildwood. We had never been there, and we were honestly struck speechless. First of all, it's sooooo nice when everything can happen in the same location! It's easier on everyone, and I'm sure it makes a huge difference in the photos, because usually the photographer has more time because there's no need to travel to and fro'. (Yes, "to and fro'.") But THIS PLACE...my goodness...an old mansion set amongst Missouri's rolling hills and a spectacular golf course. Does it get any better than that?
Speaking of pictures, the day was photographically documented by the superb Alisha Clark. We thought we'd go ahead and take care of the video. :) Anyway, always a pleasure to work with Alisha. We work and play well together, and I think our fun energy as we work with each other is infectious and helps everyone relax, which of course works out pretty well for what we're trying to accomplish in the photos and video! I always encourage couples to meet personally with the photographer and videographer and even to see if the vendors know each other. We've actually had joint meetings before with photographers we know - what savvy shoppers! They got to see the dynamic of our little group before the wedding day. Why not!? Well, I can't wait to see the photos from the day - especially the ones of Alisha and I making a bride samich on the dance floor! :) Good times.
The ceremony was so relaxed and fun - the officiant did such a fantastic job! I complimented him on even orchestrating little details here and there when necessary, like directing the bridesmaids to make way for Kat and Jess to get behind them for the sand ceremony (by the way, Katrina - how much sand did you spill!? Too cute!), and reminded the Matron of Honor to hand Kat the bouquet before the presentation. Very smooth. I think too many times, officiants try to be so stoic and serious, and they don't think they should point things like that out. Yes, a wedding ceremony is a serious matter that certainly deserves respect, but there's no reason we can't all enjoy it and relax a little bit!
The reception was completely pink'd out by Erin at Exclusive Events - how cool! She's got a couple pics on her site. The lanters, oh, the lanterns!! THEN, the reception was ROCKED by Jimmy Hussey, A Rockin' DJ ferSHER! Man, he keeps the party hoppin'. I was a little worried that no one would want to dance because we were all just deflated by the hot day, but he got everyone going! I have to find out what the song was that Jesse and his mom danced to. I probably don't want to listen to it, though. I'm so used to "What a Wonderful World," but this was like a love letter from a mom to her son. I sobbed. Yes, sobbed. Tried to pull myself together to go get the mic from Jesse after, but he noticed my face and asked if I was okay...that did it. I lost it again. He and his mom and some other people around loved on me a little while I took the mic from him. Good Lord, how rediculous am I!? It wasn't just the song...their dance was so sweet and tender. I hope I get to share moments like that with my son.
From my point of view behind the camera, it was such a perfect day (well, could have been cooler, but I'm reaching), and I would imagine it met and surpassed all of Katrina & Jesse's dreams. We hope to do the same with their movie, and I can't wait to get to it!
Blessings,
Angee
Katrina owns Kamy Chocolate Fountains - always a hit at ANY event, and this was no exception. I didn't know this until the minister joked about it during the ceremony, but Katrina & Jesse met online through some kind of singles or personals site. That's how Brian and I met! Not that we needed anything to help us feel connected to Katrina and her groom...they are so fun and down to earth that I felt like I was with a bunch of my own girlfriends while filming her getting ready. I bet these two never meet a stranger. In fact, apparently Jesse has fashioned quite a nice friendship with a certain legendary Cardinal who was also in attendance!
The festivities took place on the grounds of the breathtakingly beautiful The Studio Inn in St. Albans, MO, just past Wildwood. We had never been there, and we were honestly struck speechless. First of all, it's sooooo nice when everything can happen in the same location! It's easier on everyone, and I'm sure it makes a huge difference in the photos, because usually the photographer has more time because there's no need to travel to and fro'. (Yes, "to and fro'.") But THIS PLACE...my goodness...an old mansion set amongst Missouri's rolling hills and a spectacular golf course. Does it get any better than that?
Speaking of pictures, the day was photographically documented by the superb Alisha Clark. We thought we'd go ahead and take care of the video. :) Anyway, always a pleasure to work with Alisha. We work and play well together, and I think our fun energy as we work with each other is infectious and helps everyone relax, which of course works out pretty well for what we're trying to accomplish in the photos and video! I always encourage couples to meet personally with the photographer and videographer and even to see if the vendors know each other. We've actually had joint meetings before with photographers we know - what savvy shoppers! They got to see the dynamic of our little group before the wedding day. Why not!? Well, I can't wait to see the photos from the day - especially the ones of Alisha and I making a bride samich on the dance floor! :) Good times.
The ceremony was so relaxed and fun - the officiant did such a fantastic job! I complimented him on even orchestrating little details here and there when necessary, like directing the bridesmaids to make way for Kat and Jess to get behind them for the sand ceremony (by the way, Katrina - how much sand did you spill!? Too cute!), and reminded the Matron of Honor to hand Kat the bouquet before the presentation. Very smooth. I think too many times, officiants try to be so stoic and serious, and they don't think they should point things like that out. Yes, a wedding ceremony is a serious matter that certainly deserves respect, but there's no reason we can't all enjoy it and relax a little bit!
The reception was completely pink'd out by Erin at Exclusive Events - how cool! She's got a couple pics on her site. The lanters, oh, the lanterns!! THEN, the reception was ROCKED by Jimmy Hussey, A Rockin' DJ ferSHER! Man, he keeps the party hoppin'. I was a little worried that no one would want to dance because we were all just deflated by the hot day, but he got everyone going! I have to find out what the song was that Jesse and his mom danced to. I probably don't want to listen to it, though. I'm so used to "What a Wonderful World," but this was like a love letter from a mom to her son. I sobbed. Yes, sobbed. Tried to pull myself together to go get the mic from Jesse after, but he noticed my face and asked if I was okay...that did it. I lost it again. He and his mom and some other people around loved on me a little while I took the mic from him. Good Lord, how rediculous am I!? It wasn't just the song...their dance was so sweet and tender. I hope I get to share moments like that with my son.
From my point of view behind the camera, it was such a perfect day (well, could have been cooler, but I'm reaching), and I would imagine it met and surpassed all of Katrina & Jesse's dreams. We hope to do the same with their movie, and I can't wait to get to it!
Blessings,
Angee
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Ellie photo shoot!
OH...my...goodness, did we have fun with Stephanie, Zettl Photography, taking some pictures of Ellie at the Muny the other day! I think she captured every cute little "here today, gone tomorrow" expression Ellie makes these days that I just want to lock away in my heart forever. I haven't seen the shots yet, but she was clicking away at all the right moments, and she's so great with the itty-bitties! Ellie got a little fussy, but Steph and I were tag-teaming her with all our best material, and Ellie gave it up for the camera. That's my girl! :)
I'll upload some shots as soon as possible!
I'll upload some shots as soon as possible!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Dena & Quinn - 8/16/08 - VIDEO
WHY were we so excited about this wedding? WHY!!?? In a word, Shelli. That's Shelli Alred, Alred Wedding Consultants. Yes, Dena and her mom, Betty, joined the elite club of smartest brides and moms for hiring a professional planner, and I think they get some kind of extra credit for hiring Shelli. :)
Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Clayton. 'Nuf said. Well, that was where the girls got their glamour on (MAC girls - gorgeous!) and then everyone got their party on later. :)
Goodness...so many thoughts. Trying to keep up with everything I want to oush and goush about.
Can I just take some time here to verbally and internetally (ha - you like that one?) love on Jon Koch and Joanna Kleine, photographers ultimus? That's the scientific name for what they do. Ha! There are a handful of photographic artists that, when I learn I get to work with them, make me giddy and tingly and just a ball of girly excitement. These guys are in that group. I know that when I work with them, I'm in for a day of fantastic filmtistic opportunities because these guys shoot so unobtrusively! Yes, I'm making up words right and left. Let's move on. I know that, as I'm in the middle of a sexy pan up bride's body, they're not going to be shouting directions of "move a centimeter" this way or that, which ends up ruining my shot because then bride either looks up in confusion or her face is for some reason moving robotically...it's just not good. Jon and Joanna are so great about going with the flow, and they're so thoughtful about our job and even receptive to ideas I might have. It's a dance of give and take and, lemme tell ya', the dance got a little hot and steamy between Quinn, Dena, Jon, Joanna, and myself during the shoot between ceremony and reception! Part of me thought Dena might just steal Quinn away for a while and show up and hour late to the reception! The weather was great, but we were all sizzlin' by the time we headed out to the Ritz. Gettin' a little warm remembering. Can't wait to see if all that steam shows up in Jon's shots!
So, what else to report? Well, the photos and the filming were unbelievable. What else matters?
I'm kinda' working backwards here, but I can't forget the ceremony! This was our first Greek Orthodox experience at Assumption Greek Orthodox church. What a special service, full of so much symbolism and tradition. The church was so unique - the walls and ceiling were completely full of ornate murals. I'm so excited I was able to experience a new culture. We are so blessed to have so many opportunities like this just because of what we do - new people, cultures, traditions; we're all part of this beautiful earth and bound with the common bond of humanity.
Alright. That's it for now. I'm gonna' go watch Oprah. :)
Congratulations to the gorgeous couple and THANK YOU, Dena and Betty, for choosing us to capture the memories!
Ang
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
