Thursday, December 31, 2009

Signing off from what was...

an AWESOME YEAR for DMB Videography. We can't thank our clients this past year enough for all of the wonderful experiences you have given us. New places to work, many new faces to greet, and the opportunity to work with many new wedding professionals we call our colleagues and in many cases friends.

I usually say I am sad to see a year end - I am one of those sappy people that cry when the ball drops for some unforeseen reason - but for strangely, this year I am filled with hope and excitement for 2010. Many people are reflecting on the negative things that happened this year and in this decade (and yes, there has been plenty of negatives), but for me, I just think 2010 is going to be a great year!

Thank you again to our past clients and many many MANY thanks to our colleagues that work along side us and help us in many different aspects of our job. We look forward to the brides and grooms and other clients that we will have the opportunity to work with in 2010 and wish all of you a very happy and safe NEW YEAR!

Signing off to spend time with family and friends as we ring in 2010!!!!
(got any awesome resolutions you want to share with us!?? I'm trying to come up with something I'll actually stick to!)

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Grant and Bethany - October 17th, 2009

The wedding of Grant and Bethany was absolutely beautiful. These two were awesome to work with and if there was an award for being easy going, these two won it! Seriously, we don't have many "bridezillas", but when it comes to being relaxed on the big day - Grant and Bethany take the prize!

They were married at St. Sylvester's Church and the reception was at South Hills Country Club. We got to work with Dino Bovo, a long time friend and great photographer. Bethany was absolutely stunning, both beautiful inside and out!

Here is the Reception Highlight from their Highlight DVD. Congratulations to you both and thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Friday, November 13, 2009

David and Meghan - October 10th, 2009

David and Meghan were married at the gorgeous Heinz Chapel on a beautiful day in fall. The temperatures were a bit brisk, but its okay, its fall in Pittsburgh! I had the honor of working with Autumn from Skysight Photography... and what a great time I had!

After the ceremony and photo session, we headed over to the Circuit Center on the South Side, where I ran (yes, ran, traffic was nuts and I was running behind) in to say hello to a DJ friend, Eric Schiemer from Schiemer Entertainment. The evening went off without a hitch and the day was amazing. Congrats to my "Cinderella" bride and groom. (Every once in a while, I give my brides and grooms titles - and this one is so fitting... every hair was perfectly in place, her gown was stunning and after they bustled her dress, wow, she just looked like Cinderella straight out of the movie. By far my favorite bustle of the year)

Here is their pre ceremony montage:

Monday, November 2, 2009

Ryan and Brittany - October 3rd, 2009

The wedding of Brittany and Ryan was one that I was looking forward to for almost a year! They were referred to us by Brittany's cousin Kaitlin, who was married to Shawn in an absolutely beautiful wedding last June.

Ryan and Brittany were married at St. Peter Parish and the reception was held at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriot. We met Brittany at the hotel to film the girls preparing for the big day, and then off to the ceremony we went.

Things were going great and Katy and I were having an excellent day... until we arrived at the ceremony and realized that I had left the tripods in our other car almost an hour away. After a brief panic attack, I decided to have a chat with our photographer friends, Paul and Cyndy Meyer. Paul came to my rescue, allowing me to use their monopod, while Katy improvised using the front pew railing as a stabilizer. I started with the monopod, and when Cyndy looked over and saw my slight fatigue (LOL), she quickly offered up her tripod for the remainder of the ceremony. I can't thank them enough for their generosity and it make me smile to know that photographers and videographers can not only work happily together, but also have each others back when necessary.

Anyway, so off to the photo session and reception we went. Their day was absolutely amazing and I am so happy to be a part of it. Congratulations Ryan and Brittany and we wish you all the best!

The requested prequel:


Ryan and Brittany's ceremony highlights - isn't she just stunning!?


Their photo montage, played at the reception:

Sunday, October 18, 2009

WOW... talk about an aweome engagement...

I frequently visit the Bakerella.com blog for awesome ideas (not that I can seriously pull these ideas off... but I have made the Cake Pops successfully). Anyway, today after the Steeler Game, I decided to peak and see if there were any updates. Check this out folks... and stick with it till the end!

Wedding Cake Pops

My guess is... Mel is a frequent reader of this blog (and/or close friend)... what an awesome engagement story... I just hope she posts an update complete with pics!

Just thought I'd share... it made me smile!

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Ultimate Compliment

So... one of our past brides was celebrating their 2 year anniversary this past week, as her mother pointed out on FaceBook. Christy and Chris. This couple was absolutely... well FANTASTIC! We had a great time with them that day, and have seen them a few times since then at their friend's weddings. So, I wished them well on FaceBook early in the day, and came back in the evening to this comment:
Wow... this, folks, is why we do what we do. They took the time out on their actual anniversary, after a nice dinner complete with wine testing and flowers (good job Chris), to watch the DVD that we created to capture their memories on their wedding day! Thank again for everything Chris and Christy... wishing you MANY MANY more happy years... and I think your mom mentioned something about grandkids Christy! ;)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Ryan and Rachael - September 19, 2009

On this beautiful day in the fall, Ryan and Rachael were married at Duquesne University Chapel. We were actually hired by Rachael's sister, who's wedding we filmed back in April. Rochelle and Steve decided that after they saw their video, Rachel and Ryan HAD to have a video to remember their day (view their review and trailer here)!

We met up with them first at the Omni William Penn for their preparations, and then headed up to the chapel. The wedding ceremony was beautiful... this is one of my favorite churches for some reason (maybe its the fight we always have to have with the "guards" to park on campus... lol... the lady this day was a sucker). They were hitched... and for the first time ever, I left for the day! A life long friend of mine was getting married across town, so I left the rest of the day up to Katy!

They did a photo shoot around the church, and then headed to South Hills Country Club (again one of our favorite places) for the reception. Katy did an awesome job covering the details and events at the reception. When I started editing, I almost felt like I was there! Thanks Katy for all your hard work, and CONGRATULATIONS to Rachael and Ryan!!!

Ryan and Rachael... getting ready for their big day!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Steve & Debra - September 18, 2009

About 2 weeks prior to the wedding of Steve and Debra, we were contacted by Simone from 5 Senses Events. This couple did not initially plan or budget for a videographer, but Debra's father had fallen ill and wasn't going to be able to attend the wedding. Typically when we have a Saturday wedding booked, we hesitate to accept one on Friday, but this was an exception. My heart went out to this couple... what amazing people they are and it was wonderful to be there on their special day to witness the love and support from their friends and family. I continue to pray for Debra's father that he may, one day soon, be able to watch the video of their wedding and celebrate the coming together of these two beautiful people.

OK, I wiped the tears, and now I'll tell you a little about it. This wedding had some of Pittsburgh's FINEST! Simone, from 5 Senses Events, Jeremy, from Jeremy Ganss Productions, April, from Mocha Rose floral, and Mike Purvis, of Purvis Photography... wow, what a knock out crew! Both the ceremony and reception was at the Circuit Center on the South Side. What a great place for a wedding. I had a great time working with Debra and Steve and all of their vendors. The only thing not absolutely perfect for me, was that I had to leave so early! I wish you both the best in your marriage... many blessings to you!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Mike & Lauren - August 22nd

Mike and Lauren were married on my birthday weekend in August (YAY)! There ceremony was at Heinz Chapel with the reception to follow at Sheraton Station Square. There was a slight threat of rain on their wedding day, but instead, we got an absolutely perfect day. Thanks for everything and Best Wishes for many happy years!

And their awesome first dance - ranks right up there with Dancing with the Stars!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chuck & Jennifer - July 25th

Chuck and Jennifer were married in a beautiful ceremony at St. Peter's Parish on the North Side. We started at her house for her preparations and wow, everyone looked amazing. Jennifer's dress just sparkled with beauty.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, thanks to planner Jodi, from Accents Unlimited. After the ceremony we headed off to the North Shore for the photo session and off to the reception we went. The Four Points Sheraton in Cranberry is a beautiful reception site... we have been here before and each time its wonderful. Their reception was a ton of fun, and we finished the night in almost 2 hours of overtime! They had a Photo Booth from ShutterBooth.com - and I highly recommend this! They put together an awesome scrapbook for Chuck and Jennifer and let eveyone sign and leave messages beside their pictures. LOVED IT!

The happily married couple... from Shutterbooth.com


By the time these pictures were taken, we were exhausted, but here are Lenny and I in the photo booth!


Coordinator - Accents Unlimited

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Out of the Office

Employees of DMB Videography will be out of the office beginning August 22nd, 2009 and will not return until August 31st, 2009. We may have limited access to email, so if you need to get in touch with us for any reason, please try that (dawn@dmbvideopgh.com). Any requests for information or to book your date, will be received once we are home and addressed in the order that they are received. We look forward to speaking with you when we return... and are anticipating an amazing fall wedding season!

Thanks,
Dawn Brennan
Owner/Videography/Editor

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

You ROCK!!!

Hi Dawn,
I just wanted to tell you how awesome the video was!!! We just watched it! I am so happy that we went with you. It was the best decision we made! Honestly, Dawn you are amazing! You have such a talent and I promise you, I will recommend you to all my friends who are thinking about getting a videographer.

Thank you for everything. I hope to work with you again sometime in the near future! Have a great rest of the year and keep me up to date if you think of anything that we might me interested in!!

You're the BEST!

Erin!


I just received this email today from Erin, from our July 3rd wedding. It made me smile, because, like I told her, it helps to make all of our hard work and effort worth while! Thanks Erin for sharing!

And in honor of the bridal show last weekend where people were "not sure" if they wanted a videographer, I am posting our "why hire a videographer" demo again!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Chad & Carianne - July 18, 2009

After Steve and Rochelle's Wedding back in April, we posted a Trailer online. We were immediately contacted by a wonderful woman, Carolanne, asking us to video her daughter's wedding as a SURPRISE! I was so incredibly excited to work with them. So, on July 18th, Chad and Carianne were married. The ceremony was amazing, and the reception was awesome as well. These are two wonderful people, beautiful inside and out. (I hereby nominate Chad as my "GQ Groom of the Year"!)

This wedding was very special to me because of the surprise, and also because we got to see our past couple, Steve and Rochelle, and because although we hadn't met anyone until the day of the wedding, they treated Katy and I like family! Thanks for everything and we wish you the best Chad and Carianne!

And because Carianne really had no idea what to expect from a wedding video, she asked her mom the night of the wedding if she'd have a cool trailer like Steve and Rochelle... HERE YOU GO! ENJOY!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Aric & Erin - July 11, 2009

Aric and Erin were married in Johnstown, PA. It was such a spectacular day. I love to get to know my couples before their wedding day... and with these two, we had the opportunity through their Love Story. Erin looked absolutely stunning and these two have some awesome chemistry.

They had a touching Catholic Orthodox ceremony at a church in downtown Johnstown, with a reception to follow at the newly renovated Holiday Inn. The hotel is much nicer than last time I was there... and the staff were extremely accommodating.

Its sad because, every now and then, I have a bride and groom that I am sad to end our communication... and this is definitely one of those. Erin, I will definitely miss those monthly phone calls! You both are amazing people! I had a great time with you both and thank you for everything! Best wishes!!!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Dave and Karen - July 4, 2009

On this beautiful day, with celebrations for our nation's independence, in 2009, Dave and Karen were married in a beautiful, quaint ceremony at Succop Conservancy, in Butler, PA. There ceremony itself took place along side a picturesque old fashioned barn, complete with string orchestra and some more personal musical accompaniment from friends and family, with Karen's father, presiding over their marriage vows.

The reception took place at the conservancy also in a beautifully decorated pavilion. These two put a ton of time into planning, which was probably especially difficult, being that they both live in Doha. We wish the two of you the best in life and thank you for everything! Congratulations!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Joe and Audrey - July 3, 2009

Joe and Audrey were married in Indiana, PA. We had the honor of working with Jenni Grace Photography and the day went great. Here is a little something extra we did for Joe and Audrey. Because we had such a great time with Jenni and her assistant, we tagged along for the photo session... enjoy!

Congratulations and Best Wishes for many happy years!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Cody and Katie - June 27, 2009

These two celebrated a beautiful marriage on a georgeous day... starting at St. Sebatian's in the North Hills. Cody and Katie were an awesome couple to work with, as were their families and bridal party! After a beautiful ceremony in the amaizingly stunning church... we headed off for some photos and ended up in the Holiday Inn on McKnight Road. Here is just a little "teaser" of their day... DON'T BLINK!!! Its a quick one!

Congratulations Cody and Katie... hope you're having a spectacular time in Cancun!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Matt and Sherry - June 13, 2009

Matt and Sherry were married in a Catholic ceremony at Our Lady of Loretto church with a reception to follow at the Radison in Greentree. We had an awesome time with these two and with their photographer, Harmonie King. They had an amazing band at the reception that I feel needs special mention - No Bad JuJu! This band was, by far, the best band we have ever seen at a wedding. We enjoyed their entertainment and it made the night feel like a night out, verses an evening at "work".



Congratulations Matt and Sherry!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Trevor and Alice - June 6, 2009

The first weekend of June, Trevor and Alice joined hands in marriage in a beautiful ceremony. After a brief photo session on the West End Overlook, we headed to the Inn at Greentree for their reception. We had the honor of meeting and working with Mark May, their photographer. Alice and Trevor were great to work with... thanks on behalf of Katy and I, for everything! Congratulations and best wishes!

Alice arriving to the church

Ring Exchange

View from the West End - we shared it with 4 other wedding parties!
Cake cutting!
Congratulations again and best wishes from DMB Videography!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Ryan and Ashley - May 2, 2009

The wedding of Ryan and Ashley took place in May at St. Januarius Church, in Plum, PA, followed by a reception at the Magnolia Room in Creiton, PA. We had the pleasure of working with Dino Bovo again as well. Their wedding was beautiful and I had a great time working with them... talk about an easy going couple! Here is some of there ceremony... the vows, ring exchange and unity candle. I never show any of the "full lenght" sections on my blog, and have had several people ask what the difference is between that and the highlight.

Monday, May 18, 2009

DMB Videography Demo - 2009

Why hire a videographer for your special day!? Enjoy!

Why Hire a Videographer!?

Based on the video above... here are my thoughts on the subject!



Well, recently, with the effects of the economy there are more and more articles out there telling you how to save money or "cut costs" when it comes to planning a wedding. We love the ideas of "going green" as in not doing favors and making a donation in lieu of those, or doing reusable centerpieces, so to not have waste and save money. Trim your guest list, change the date to Friday or Sunday or have in the "off-season" months (November - March in PA), create DIY projects, consider dinner alternatives (buffet vs. sit-down)... all GREAT ways to save money in the ever-increasing wedding-budget world. BUT... and here is the BIG BUT...



Skimping on photo and video is NOT the right way about saving money in your wedding planning. I just read an article on the Knot.com that mentioned in a section called "Photo and Video" ... to not skimp on photos because you will have those forever... AGREED! But then it goes on to say that, although video is important too, maybe just taping the ceremony is a great idea to save on money!? REALLY... cause all that money we mentioned before is spent at your reception, for the most part... but that isn't important!? We even have different articles out there that mention having a friend or as we call it "Uncle Bob" film it instead... While that may work out just fine... does Uncle Bob have wireless microphones to capture the vows in the event that the PA system in the church doesn't work properly. Does Uncle Bob have back up equipment in case his camera crashes, as we all know happens with technology. Is it going to be a steady smooth video or a shaky/jumpy mess of movement because not everyone owns the proper equipment to stabalize a camera? What happens when Uncle Bob is busy talking to other friends and family and some thing important happens... memories lost!



The point here is not to rip on anyone out there with an Uncle named Bob, but instead to help you realize why video is just as important to your day as everything else. Without video, you lose the emotion that comes with motion and sound... and without that, your photos are just memories. WITH video, however, you can relive the sights, sounds and emotions of your special day for a lifetime to come and share all of that with the future generations years from now.



I am done rambling on the subject... but I just wanted to bring to light these articles out there and why you shouldn't necessarily consider these articles the Gospel... make your own decisions on what may or may not be important to you! :)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Join us!



We'll be walking in the Race for the Cure again this year and are welcoming anyone to join us! We made this an annual event when Lenny and I got married 5 years ago, and I have recently made raising money for Breast Cancer Awareness a part of my business as well. Shoot us an email and we'll walk together!


Here are the pictures from last year... we go as a family every year... we welcome you all into our family on this special day... MOTHER'S DAY!



I have never lost anyone to Breast Cancer and thankfully have not had anyone in my immediate family affected by it, but I have seen the suffering around me through my friends and last year had a close call with my Aunt Debbie... This even is spectacular and we hope to see you there!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Jason and Samantha Wedding Trailer

Enjoy and feel free to comment!!!


Monday, April 27, 2009

Jay and Samantha - April 25, 2009

This past Saturday was the wedding of Jay and Samantha. We met up with the extremely beautiful Samantha at Embassy Suites in Coraopolis for some of her bridal prep. The ceremony took place at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church... amazing. After a few quick pics, we headed back to the Embassy suites for the reception. They had an amazing day... how many times in April does it go above 85 degrees! Congrats Jay and Samantha... enjoy St. Lucia!

Getting ready... not even dressed, but she's still radiant!
Her gown was absolutely amazing... probably one of my favorites I have ever seen!!!
Take this ring...
You may kiss the bride.... aw! You two are great!
Really neat shot of them exiting immediately after the ceremony... again I loved her gown!
Cutting the cake... it looked delicious!
They had Guy Matone sing during dinner (background)... and this is their cake
Dancin the night away!
Anniversary dance
CONGRATULATIONS from DMB Videography!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Steven and Rochelle Wedding Trailer

Enjoy and feel free to comment!!!


Monday, April 20, 2009

Steve & Rochelle - April 18th, 2009

Saturday was the wedding of Rochelle and Steve. Wow what a day. We started at Izzazu Salon in Pittsburgh for Rochelle's Bridal Prep, then went to the Sheraton Station Square for everyone to dress. The Ceremony was at St. Mary of the Mount on Mount Washington, followed by the reception at South Hills Country Club. We had the pleasure of working with Chris Gooden and his partner Stacey, who are both extrememly talented photographers and it is always so much fun to work along side them. Here are some photos grabbed from the video... yes, we are already working on editing and hope to keep this pace all year!

Rochelle getting her makeup done... love the "Soon to be Mrs." hoodie!
The finishing touches... she looked amazing!
Her shoes were just stunning, perfectly complimenting the rest of her!
What a beautiful day in April!

Rochelle just was glowing with beauty the entire way down the aisle!
What an amazing moment, they have a touching ceremony.
Their first dance was choreographed (by themselves) and they had so much fun doing it!

The opening set of music had the dance floor packed the entire time!
What a great time for Rochelle, Steve and their guests!
Congratulations Steve and Rochelle on an amazing day! Hope you're enjoying your Aruba Honeymoon!!!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Headed into Wedding Season!

Well, the time has come... even though we kicked off 2009 back in January with Kati and Jordan... the true wedding season of 2009 starts this weekend. We are looking forward to doing new things this year and have lots of new ideas in mind. I won't bore you with the new products/devices (or toys, as I call them) we will be trying out, but it is so exciting for us!

We are only taking a handful more 2009 weddings, as our schedule is quickly filling up! A few months still have some availability, so if you are interested, contact us today! Those months are May (shocking!), August, September (also shocking), November and December.

Don't forget, its not too early to look into 2010, as we already have booked as far ahead as October 2010 with other floating in gradually!

So, if you have made it this far in this post and you are new to our site, I have great news for you! For the next 2 weeks (until April 30th), we are running a special on all of our packages, that are not visible through our main site! Contact us today and mention the phrase "April Showers" for more details!

*Discount is not available for current clients or for those clients. Certain restrictions apply. Contract and deposit must be postmarked by April 30th to qualify.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Tony & Emily

Okay guys (and gals), I have one last wedding to post from 2009, and I apologize for the delay! This is the wedding of Tony and Emily. They were married on an absolutely beautiful day (I mean it... 70ish degrees... at the Immaculate Conception church in Washington, PA. We were here once before for the wedding of Bill & Jill, who sent these two to us! Go check out their video because the toasts from Jill and Bill's wedding were done by our brand new "husband and wife" couple, Tony and Emily!!!

What a beautiful church! We started this one on a rough note, with a flat tire when I arrived at the church, but thanks to my rescuer, my hubby, I got a different vehicle and the day was great! After a beautiful ceremony, working along side Dino Bovo, the photographer, we headed to the reception.

Their reception was held at Oglebay Resort. BEAUTIFUL. Everything was decorated still from the Holidays, and eventhough the weather wasn't "holiday-ish", there was an extra little sparkle on their entire day. The room for the reception was really cool. I had never worked here before and really enjoyed it. We had a blast with these two and their wedding party. Jill and Bill... great seeing you two again too!!! They danced way into the night and as always, we with you the best Emily and Tony!!! Congratulations!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Don & Jamie

On a beautiful snowy day in December, Don and Jamie were married at Holy Spirit Church. The day was absolutely wonderful and I had the honor of working with Dino Bovo, one of my favorite photographers. We started at the church, and enjoyed getting to know the happy couple during the pre ceremony shoot.

The ceremony went great and we headed off to the reception at South Hills Country Club. Dino and the wedding party stayed at the church for photos, but I headed out to set up the projector for a special parent dance slideshow. Jamie's mom had contacted me secretly through the planning process and asked me to create a slideshow of pictures to be projected during the Father Daughter and Mother Daughter dances. It was a wonderful idea... and although the cat was let out of the bag, it still turned out great and the guests enjoyed the added touch.

This group was dancing well into the night, I'm sure. They were spectacular to work with and I thank you, Don and Jamie, for allowing me to be a part of your special day! It was special to me, because Jamie was instrumental in answering some "home building" questions for me, as we started the process, because they had just been through it! Thanks again for everything.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Cory & Jennifer

Cory and Jennifer were married in December on a beautiful, snowy day at the Resurrection Church in Brookline. It was snowing pretty hard for the start of their ceremony, but it left behind a beautiful blanket of snow for the rest of the day. We did a little pre-ceremony video with both Cory and Jennifer and then the ceremony began. We had the honor and privilege of working with Joanna Fassinger for this wedding and are thankful we decided to tag a long for the photo session afterward.

We did some family and wedding party shots at the church and then headed to PPG Plaza for some photos at the ice rink! It was amazing and as cold as it was, you would have never seen it from these two love-birds!

Then off to the reception at the Youghiogheny Country Club. I love this place. It is beautiful, and welcomed us with a fire roaring in the entryway fireplace! We thawed out from the photo session and the wedding party entered and the night was a blast from there! We had yet another reunion with Christy and Chris, who were married in October 2007, and enjoyed the company of all the friends and family of Cory and Jennifer. Congratulations on a beautiful winter wedding and blessings for a happy marriage!

Here we go Steeleres!





Thursday, January 29, 2009

ITS HERE!!!!

Check it out... DMB Videography has gotten a make-over! www.DMBVideoPgh.com

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

David & Beth

David and Beth were married in November at St. Alphonsus Catholiic Church in Wexford, PA. What a cool church this was. One side was the "old" church and the other was completely renovated to be more modern, but they shared the same alter. So, sitting in the pews, you can see through to the other side, and they had this beautiful crown hanging over the alter.

We did some pre ceremony "stuff" with them and then came the ceremony. We went out for some photos on Mt. Washington and then the fun began. On the way to the Double Tree Hotel, near the airport, this wedding party was hilarious! They kept stopping and doing Chinese Fire Drills (explain: when you stop, everyone gets out and runs around the vehicle and gets back in). On the last one, the drive of the limo actually stopped and got out with them! We were cracking up and I actually drove with my camera in hand... so yep, I got it!

The reception was great, food was delicious (ugh, those crabcakes... loved them!) and people were dancing well into the night. We had a blast. Katy and I want to thank you for everything and say one last time... CONGRATULATIONS!

Monday, January 26, 2009

It's coming...

And its almost here! We are welcoming change this year at DMB Videography... and soon!

Friday, January 23, 2009

An inspirational video to enjoy

With the hardships that many are facing around us with the ever declining economy, job loss and more, I found this video particularly inspiring. It was created by Don Pham, of Take 1 Productions, an amazing videographer/filmmaker from Michigan. He recently posted this clip on an videography forum that we both participate. I watched it several times without sound, as my speakers hadn't been hooked up on this computer after the move. I was totally taken in, without sound, and when I just re-watched it with sound... wow. Here is a link where you can learn more about the video and Don's inspiration for posting.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Bride Show 2009 Booth

Well, we had a very long weekend last week, Friday set-up, Saturday and Sunday Bride Show and I must say I am exhausted! We met many, many people and have so far had a great response. I set up a fun DVD sample that showcased several different pieces of our work and showed it both on projector and tv and gave away some Love Stories and other prizes (see prior post).

I am posting this just to show you our booth, if you weren't able to make it. Our photographer friend next to us, Joanna Fassinger, and I had a GREAT time! It really made time go a lot faster to have a friend next door! Thanks again to those of you who made it out and braved the weather (both days) and stopped on your way to the Steeler game on Sunday! Here we are... the faces of DMB Video!
Tada, our booth!
(The wedding sample playing here is Christy & Eric)
The Projection side with out neighbors, The University Club on the Right
The Drawing Box setup
Our new Booth Sign! LOVING IT!
(Weddings pictured in the sign are Jill & Bill, Meghan & Glenn, and Lori & Chris)
Joanna Fassinger and Dawn Brennan (sporting our Steeler Gear - just hours before we stomped on the Ravens!)

Dawn and Lenny - representing DMB Videography!!!
(Love Story playing in the background is from Ben & Christy)

Go Steelers (AND DMB Video!)

The close up of the new sign, this picture really doesn't do it justice though!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Bride Show - Drawing Results!

Well, due to the overwhelming response in our drawing box, we have decided to not only give away 1 Love Story, but we are giving away 5 Love Stories!!!

But it doesn't stop there. There were 2nd and 3rd prizes that we didn't mention! 2nd prize is a coupon for 15% off of any package and 3rd prize is a coupon for 10% off of any package.

We had a great time and met several wonderful people. We enjoyed getting to know those of you who we were able to chat with. Congratulations to the winners and we can't wait to see you later this year! We will be contacting you later today by email (if you gave it to us - otherwise by phone) with instructions as to how to proceed. Thanks!

First prize (Free Love Story):
Jen S - July 25, 2009
Tara C - September 26, 2009
Christina L - October 31, 2009
Jonathan S - December 31, 2009
Sarah K - Unknown

Second Prize (15% off any package):
Ria T - March 28, 2009
Jill L - March 21, 2009
Krista V - Winter 09-10
Erika W - August 28, 2009
Lesa K - Spring 2010

Third Prize (10% off any package):
Audrey W - July 3, 2009
Kristin S - November 7, 2009
Missy G - August 8, 2009
Marcy L - Unknown
Meghan W - April 9, 2010

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Eric & Christy

Eric and Christy were married on October 18th, 2008. Their wedding, color-wise was my favorite all year! They had blue everywhere you could imagine... even little blue tissue packets for the ceremony! I had met with Christy and Eric a few months before for their Love Story. These two were great people and very fun to work with.

I arrived at the Crown Plaza for the Bridal Prep. They welcomed me in, almost as family, and we went from there. Christy was a stunning bride in her georgous gown accented in blue crystals! After she was all ready to head to the ceremony, I got some quick shots of the guys and off we went to Duquesne Chapel for their wedding. This place is beautiful, for those who have not seen it. They had an amazing priest who was a pleasure to meet and work with, and he had one of the coolest accents (I want to guess maybe Irish).

After the ceremony, the fun really began. We did some quick pictures at Duquesne and headed to a golf course near the hotel. On the way, several Cherry Bombs were enjoyed by most of the bridal party and many, many beers and tons of champagne. Let me just tell you... this made for one of the most frustrating... yet FUN photo sessions of the year!

In to the reception they came! We played the Love Story during dinner, and as usual, it was a hit! Afterward, the dancing began, and they were dancing long into the night. Christy and Eric, thank you to you and your families for welcoming us into your big day, and I look forward to maybe seeing you in the future! Take care and CONGRATS!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Footprints...

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”


The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”


It is not very often that I would use something like this to describe an on-the-job experience, but I have to share with you this past weekend's events. As anyone north of Pittsburgh knows, we had one heck of a snow storm Friday night and Saturday. Well, someone forgot to give Mother Nature the memo that Kati and Jordan were getting married in Butler!

Nervous as can be, and actually not feeling well at all, I headed out the door 2 hours early, just in case. As me and my husband discussed, the main roads would be fine, right? WRONG! I had less than 20 miles to go, and they were the worst 20 miles I have ever driven. Going uphill sucked cause I lost traction and burnt up my tires, going downhill sucked cause I kept sliding sideways and even going on flat spots proved to be a disaster. I got no more than 20 yards out of my private road and found myself in a ditch... but I had to keep going. So I did, I kept going. The further north I got, the worse the roads were. I really never saw a "road", just paths in the snow that I assumed I was to follow.

Fast forward to Butler (over 1.5 hours later)... about 1.5 miles from the church. 1.5 miles straight up a hill that is. I made it up most of the way, burning tire the whole way up. I'd take breaks every now and again, maybe back down a little to try to get a "run" on it. Made it up till I could see that it flattened out ahead. YAY! Just a little further... It was then that I lost all traction, was spinning everywhere. After I got a whiff of the rubber burning I gave up, 20 minutes into my hill climb. There was no way my little Chevy Malibu was making it any further... I mean, it really shouldn't have made it this far.

I made the call... yes the dreaded call to the bride. I explained to Kati that I was not far away and I was close enough that I would make it, but asked if she had someone with 4 wheel drive to come get me and I'd leave my car there. Now, most people aren't going to understand the embarrassment, and the disgust I felt in making this call, but for those who have been there and work in a field that people rely on you, especially on such an important day in their lives... and there is no "second take", I know you understand the feelings I had making this call.

Just as we were having this conversation, a SUV pulled up beside me. This beautiful woman asked "are you going to the wedding?". I WAS SAVED! It was Kati's Aunt Jodi and her husband (Rodger, I think). They had a car full of people, but she promised they'd come back. Completely skeptical, I turned around and headed back down the hill. I had to take the chance, cause I wasn't getting there on my own. I waited for a while... in tears the whole time... and there he was! He came back to get me and saved my day! He wound down his window and said, "are you ready to go!?" HECK YEAH I WAS!

The reason for this post is to first of all thank Aunt Jodi and her husband for helping out. But the even more important reason is to just mention to anyone out there that doing something so little as stopping to see if I needed help has touched me in a way I'll never forget. Most people wouldn't have even stopped... for that matter, they would have probably laughed as they passed me stranded in the snow. But not only did they stop, but to come back and get me... that was just.... heartwarming, amazing, as if God sent them to be the wings I needed to make it through the day. So as my set of "footprints in the snow" disappeared, they were then taken over by God and Kati's Aunt and Uncle, as they carried me up the hill.

Minus falling flat on my face at the reception (I still have the massive bruises to prove it), the day went great from there. I'm sure I'll post some sort of clip from this wedding, but for now... Thanks again to Kati's aunt and uncle, and Congratulations to Kati and Jordan!!!!