I cannot tell you the number of times I have had clients walk through my door and tell me they don’t need a wedding video.  That’s totally fine if that is really your preference, but statistically speaking a whopping 75% of brides regret the fact that they did not get professional video footage of their wedding day.

To take it a step further, the wedding video industry is undergoing a big change.  Gone are the days when you have the option of only a regular wedding video.  Now – there is cinematography.  Yep – that’s right – you, too, can have a motion-picture quality to your video that had not been available in the past.  Not only does (what I refer to it as) the “color” look different on the picture (more film-esque vs. wedding video) but the way the videos are edited are different.  The editing makes the films seem more magical but still captures the real emotion experienced on the wedding day.

I always tell brides that I LOVE the fact that my parents had a wedding video.  Not only can I see my parents in pictures, but through the magic of video, I can see my parents in motion.  What they said.  How they moved.  I can see and hear their guests.  See funny dance moves.  Most importantly, I can really see and feel the emotions of that day and it is so special.

Cinematographers are creating some amazing pieces these days!

Trailers:  Trailers are a great way to post a short overview of the day for your family and friends to see.  You can even post them online on Facebook and other places you would like!  See this trailer here of my amazing clients, Lauren and Brandon!

Mini-Feature or Short Films:  Check out this video of the same amazing couple and see the difference in the trailer and short film.

Same-Day Edits: Want guests to re-live what they saw earlier in the day?  Are you curious and can’t wait until you get your wedding video to see your ceremony?  Here is a video of a same day edit!

Montages: These beautiful videos can be filmed prior to the wedding day and even shown at the reception if you’d like.  You can click here to see an example of a beautiful montage.

Honeymoon Films: Love the vintage look and want to capture special footage of your honeymoon?  What better way than to create a Super 8 film.  This video looks awesome!

No worries – either – these companies offer a few packages you can choose from.  You will also get your complete wedding footage edited.

Happy Planning!

Do you know Citygirl Weddings & Events now offers proposal planning?  We can help your significant other come up with the perfect way to ask you to spend the rest of your life with them.

Whether the proposal consists of an intimate dinner or it’s an over-the-top extravaganza, Citygirl is here to plan the proposal she or he will remember forever.  Want a unique proposal?  Good-bye days where proposing in stadiums or arenas on the mega-tron are standard.  Hello to the world of customized, thought-out proposals!

Who best to help than the ultimate Citygirl herself, Shar?  Contact Citygirl for more details!

Email: info@citygirlweddings.com

Call: 312.725.8321

Schedule a visit:

Citygirl Weddings & Events – Lincoln Park Studio

639 West Diversey Parkway, Suite 220 Chicago, Illinois 60614

I read this article on the Huffington Post Weddings website this morning and I found myself agreeing with all of the points listed.  Often times, it is way too easy to snap quick shots of the bride and groom and their precious moments.

Do you think it’s ok to post pictures of the bride and groom’s special moments?  Have you posted pictures of someone’s wedding on Facebook or Twitter without asking?  Weigh in with your comments…

Need a place to get the latest updates on the latest beauty trends, tips, and ideas? Check out this blog: Behind the Beauty by Vanessa Valliant – makeup and hair artist extraordinaire.  I have known Vanessa for years and FINALLY, there’s a great place for her to give you the good, the bad, and the scandalous when it comes to the world of beauty!  You’re welcome.

The talented photographer: Kirstin Miccoli

I always find it interesting what the bridal market in New York and L.A. are doing because they always seem to have an upper hand on the newest trends and fashions.  According to the NY Daily News, vintage is what is hot in wedding fashion this Spring!

What do you think about this?  Will you be going vintage for your wedding dress and even your bridal party attire?

Planning a surprise anniversary party, attending one or just need a great anniversary gift? Here are some ideas to get you started!

Planning a surprise:

-Host it at their favorite restaurant or venue they were married at if possible

-Get a cover band to play songs from their wedding/ year they were married

-Make a slide show of old pictures of the couple and have it playing on a projector or TV at the party

-Have everyone send in a funny story of the couple with their RSVP and compile it into a book to give them

Gifts:

-Have their wedding photo transferred on canvas (Check out this great blog with instructions on how to make it yourself! : http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/10/make-your-own-canvas-portrait.html)

-Compile a CD of songs played at their wedding/from the year they were married

-Frame a newspaper from the year/date they were married

(try http://www.nytstore.com/Page-Reprints_c_465.html)

Popular weddings sites such as theknot.com, and Giftregistry360.com can be very helpful, and they are free, so why not take advantage of them? The Knot allows couples to “pick their registry style” in order to find items they may want to add to the list. This allows you to find great items you are interested in but may not think to request!  Giftregistry360 allows you to create your own custom registry list to stay organized. It allows you to flip through their online catalog of popular items and even has the option for you to sync your existing registry list!

Do you and your significant other love trying out new restaurants?  How about registering on Foodie Registry?  You can create your registry, customize the registry by uploading a picture and a personalized welcome message, pick your restaurants, and then spread the word about your registry.

Still love the idea of grabbing your fiancé, a scanner, and a drink to experience the true art of registering?  Check out Crate and Barrel’s wedding party link.  Their experts will be on hand to answer any questions about what you should register for.

A few other helpful hints to remember when registering for gifts:

Be sure to start early!  When people hear about the wedding they immediately start planning an amazing gift to get you. Take the guess work out of the equation and make sure it is something you can actually use.

Keep your guests in mind.  Not everyone can afford the Tiffany & Co. tea pot you’ve been eyeing! Be sure your items can meet everyone’s price points, and make it easy by selecting items that can also be bought online.

Vera Wang isn’t the first to tap into this trend.  Style icon Sarah Jessica Parker chose black on the big day. Other celebs have followed in her footsteps choosing colored dresses:

Black:

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick

Blush:

Reese Witherspoon                           Portia DeRossi

Blue:

Dita Von Teese

Red:

Lisa Ling

Think Valentine’s Day is only for couples?  Think again.  Here are some great and unique options going on this weekend for you single and taken folks out there:

Nerds at Heart’s Love Fest - Tomorrow at 3:30pm – Always wanted to meet someone while playing your favorite board game?  Then this event is for you.

12 Perfect Pairs – Tonight from 5:30pm – 9:00pm – Sip boutique wines from Vinejoy and beers from local brewer Half Acre paired with artisan truffles from Katherine Anne Confections and savory cheese bites from Fig Catering.

Valentine’s Comedy Show – Tonight at 9pm - See sets by local comedians Alex Ortiz, Manny Maldonado and Chastity Washington, plus the winner of the ROFLMAO Comedy Contest. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Latin Dance Night – Tomorrow from 5:30pm- 6:45pm / February 14th 6:30pm – 7:45pm - Learn the basics of salsa and rumba with your partner, then watch a professional Latin dance demonstration. Includes complimentary champagne and appetizers.

RedHot Midnight Kiss - February 14th from 7pm – 11pm - Don red carpet attire and head to this fundraiser which features live music, Effen vodka cocktails, light appetizers and a kissing contest where the winning couple wins a weekend trip with airfare to the Ritz Carlton in Miami.

Chicago Odyssey Valentine Dinner Cruise – Tonight from 7:30pm – 10:30pm (board at 6:30pm) / Tomorrow from 7pm – 10pm (board at 6pm) / February 14th from 7pm – 10pm (board at 6pm) - Includes dinner service, live entertainment, a champagne toast and a single red rose per couple. A premium bar package is available for an additional $35.

For more information check out the Valentine’s Day section on Metromix by clicking here.

Have a great weekend!

-Citygirl