Blog | Black Sheep Filmworks

98 Percent of Brides Regret this Choice after their Weddings

26/09/2013 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: wedding thoughts

Re-printed from Huffington Post Weddings by Ariane Fisher

Not getting a wedding planner was my biggest regret. Nope, second biggest.
Like most brides, I looked forward to my wedding for 4 reasons:

• I was marrying a man better than I ever could have dreamed for myself
• The Big Day was a creative outlet for my DIY dreams
• Friends and Family were coming together from all across the country
• Biggest. Party. Ever.

After the wedding, here is what I had to show for it:

• Gorgeous photos
• A preserved wedding gown
• Stories from friends and family about it being the best party, not just wedding, they had ever attended

Cue the regret. Like most brides, I budgeted for photos, but not wedding video. Like 98 percent of brides who make that decision, I regretted not getting a wedding video.

The photos bring back great memories, but let’s talk first dance. My fiancé surprised me with dance lessons soon after we were engaged. We spent months with a choreographer learning our first dance. We were in our own world on that dance floor. It was like the whole world melted away as we waltzed to Louis Armstrong.
In my mind, we were going to dance it again every year on our anniversary. We would never forget the steps. Our first anniversary, I was away on a business trip. Our second anniversary was the due date of our first baby. By the third anniversary, the steps were long forgotten.

Now let’s talk family and friends. Big family. Lots of friends. About 200 people flying in from all over the country. The award goes to Australia. It was the last family gathering for both of our grandmothers. The last one. No one wants to think about it, but it’s real.

It was also one of the last times we were to see one of my husband’s good friends. He died just a couple of years later in a snowmobile accident. We partied with him til 1am that night. Good times.

Lastly, the party. Oh the party. The live bar band. The Jack Daniels, for which I took so much crap in my last post. Yes, I drank at my wedding. Yes, I drank a lot. So did all the guests. Except the kids. They were running around with straws up their noses. It was a blast. We all had a great time.

And photos just aren’t enough to hold on to years later.

Follow Ariane Fisher on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@WeddingMix

A day to remember at the Ritz

26/07/2013 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: highlights, out-takes

I was recently asked to create a mission statement for black sheep filmworks. You know, a cool one like Warby Parker’s “Do Good” or an inspiring one like Nike’s “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.” After much thoughtful soul searching and a good glass of Pinot Noir, I pumped my fist in the air and loudly proclaimed “To create kick ass films and have a great time doing so.”

Profanity aside, I liked it. But then I stumbled upon the Ritz-Carlton mission statement, a part of which declares “The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.” WOW! That’s what I strive for, especially fulfilling the unexpressed wishes of my clients. So in creating this wedding film for Jeneca and Ryan, I really wanted to surpass their expectations, even if they didn’t know what to expect. Wedding films are mysterious like that. Even if you’ve watched loads of them, yours will be different. And probably, hopefully, yours will be SO MUCH BETTER. Because it’s yours, and because the black sheep knows how to surpass your expectations.

Speaking of kick ass wedding films…you’ve already seen Jeneca and Ryan’s preview. Please watch their “Behind the scenes” and see why we have a great time doing what we do. 😉

https://vimeo.com/71022042

Many thanks to the wedding superstars who lived up to the Ritz credo:

Venue: Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain
Coordinator: Lori Cajimat
Photography: Chris Richards photography
Filmmaker: Black Sheep Filmworks
Floral Design: LaFleur Plantscapes+Fresh Flora–Collen LaFleur
Entertainment/Lighting: Saytr Entertainment-Andy DePew

Tucson Bride & Groom celebrates 10 fabulous years!

01/03/2013 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: highlights

On a chilly winter’s eve this January, Tucson’s finest wedding professionals were invited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tucson Bride & Groom magazine. WOW! What an impressive display! Stillwell House and Gardens hosted this glamourous evening of fun, food, flowers, music, desserts, decor….oh, and many cocktails. A great time was had by all! I really loved being able to film my friends enjoying this fabulous night on the town. Bravo Tucson Bride & Groom. Thanks for a great 10 years. Here’s to many more years of spreading the love!

Many thank to the following wedding superstars who made this night a great success:

A Fine Line Stationery & Gift Boutique :: Ambrosia Cakery :: Annette Hartman Catering :: Bedazzle My Bonbons :: Black Sheep Filmworks :: Celebrations by Silvia :: Common Grounds :: DJ Corbin Dooley :: Elaine Taylor Fine Flowers :: El Charro :: Frostings Event Design & Rentals :: LaFleur Plantscapes :: Lorraine DarConte Photography :: Nature’s Art Florist :: Posh Petals :: Stillwell House & Garden :: Sweet Creations :: Tucson Party Rentals :: Villa Feliz Flowers :: Village Bakehouse

Dec 27 2012

Falling for a Tubac wedding film

27/12/2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

Black sheep filmworks had the amazing fortune to film this seriously gorgeous fall wedding in Tubac. While Laura and Kurt hail from the great plains and back east respectively, they chose to tie the knot at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. Laura’s grandparents had retired to Tubac and Laura had many great memories of the sunny southwest. It just made sense to make more while celebrating with family and friends on a balmy October day. The chapel was candlelit, the vows left not a dry eye in the house and DJ Corbin Dooley kept the dance floor jumpin’! My favorite moments? Well, it’s hard to choose, but I would say the first look, the flower girls and ring bearer coming down the aisle and Kurt being lifted up on a chair “hora style” during “Shout”. Many great moments…please see Laura and Kurt’s wedding day preview to get a glimpse of a great wedding, a great party and a grand love.</p

Many thanks to the following wedding pros that made the day run smoothly, look lovely and well, just ROCK!
Ceremony Location: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa
Event Coordinator: Melissa Knight
Photographer: Kelly Rashka
Florist: Katie Treat/Posh Petals
Photo booth: O Booth by Omer

Words of thanks from the black sheep (filmworks ;)

21/11/2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: highlights

This fall has made me feel very grateful. I know it’s Thanksgiving and you are probably overly tired of hearing “What are you thankful for?” But wait…just one more, from your favorite black sheep filmmaker. I am grateful for the obvious things like my family, my health, my friends, my clients, my country, having a roof over my head, shoes on my feet and running water. All of the aforementioned bring so much to me, that I can’t quite comprehend my good luck.
I just returned from POSH, a retreat for female filmmakers in Scottsdale, Arizona. POSH was started three years ago by two friends of mine, Jennifer Moon of Northernlight Filmworks and Reagan Zuguelter of Studio Z films as a way to bring female filmmakers and photographers together for continuing education, networking and FUN. I have attended two POSH events, last year in Cancun and this year at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale. WOW! These uber talented ladies astounded me with their creativity, technical abilities and unabashed willingness to share all of the above. There were no “stupid” questions and the playing field was level. There were female filmmakers/photogs who were brand new to the video biz and those with 20 years of experience. We learned the “WHY” of lens choice, how to improve our branding and how to Glidecam like a ninja. We filmed with Amina and Joyce of Stillmotion, delved into corporate filmmaking AND learned to Glidecam with Cristina Valdivieso. Marketing and streamlining our work flow were deconstructed with skill and infectious energy by the amazing Meg Simone. Lens Pro to Go’s Meg Rodney brought tons of great lenses and other techie goodies for us to play with (she also sings a mean Bohemian Rhapsody karaoke style)….and that’s just a smattering of our “celebration of cinematography”;) We even did Yoga every morning! Each presentation was inspired and the round table discussions that followed left us with so many new ideas to bring our businesses and ourselves to the next level. We learned, hiked, shared and partied hard. It went by too fast. It made me realize what great female filmmaker friends I have and how lucky I am. The POSH experience made me grateful for all that I have and I that I can share. I have the best job and the best clients who become friends. I also have filmmaker and photog friends who inspire, challenge and LIKE me. After being in the wedding video/event filmmaking industry for 20+ years I still love what I do. Continuing educational retreats like POSH are a big part of that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the organizers, presenters and attendees.
Here’s a few pics from POSH 2012, and a link to their site for anyone who wants to join in the festivities for 2013. POSH
I’m also posting the video that I created (with the help of the amazing Yone Hauseman) for a contest to win a seat at POSH 2012. I won! Many thanks to all those that voted and supported me and beoucoup thanks to Don Pham of DP Slider, who sponsored the contest. Yes, every POSH needs a little black sheep…filmworks that is!
Happy Thanksgiving to all! Cheers!

Aug 06 2012

Reflections at the Buttes wedding preview-Brandy & Phil

06/08/2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

So…Brandy and I have a lot in common. We both know and love Amelia and Aron Schmidt, she’s a collegiate swim coach at LSU, I love to watch competitive swimming and eating spicy cajun food and we both LOVE the Good Egg restaurant. She loves it because it’s her family business and it’s amazing. I love it because it has a special connection with my son Aidan. 11 + years ago we were having lunch at the Good Egg where I gave my husband a card with a really cute mama and baby polar bear. Yes, I was telling him that we were pregnant for the second time. He should have guessed as I only ordered decaf coffee, which is normally not my style. Nine months later, I was having breakfast at the Good Egg with my mom, and I started having contractions. Cut to TMC and later that day we were blessed with Aidan James Keith. I had no idea that Brandy’s family owned the Good Egg, but when I suggested Starbucks as a meeting place, she suggested the Good Egg and I was very happy. After our meeting, during which I got to chat with her fiance Phil, her mom, dad and brother, she sent me home with pancakes and bacon for Aidan. All was right in the world.
Cut to April 27, 2011. This was a day unlike any other. From soccer to swimming, suspenders and bow ties, beer brewed by Brandy’s Dad, goggles and redcards (Phil is the soccer guru), to a surprise “Thriller” flash mob…ummm…WOW! Brandy was beautiful, Reflections at the Buttes looked grand, and Phil was simply the cutest groom ever. Family and friends were overjoyed by this union, and partied until the wee hours.
Many thanks to the Collins, Maben and Schmidt families. You treated us like family.
Thanks also to Neal Kreuser, and the staff at Reflections. We had a great time creating with you!
WARNING!!! VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED: Many cupcakes were harmed during the filming of the gorgeous love fest 😉
Music:Leslie and the Badgers
Old Timers (Edit) Licensed through Song Freedom

Jun 11 2012

Z mansion’s finest day

11/06/2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

Fun, happy and random. Great moments at the Z Mansion on a gorgeous March afternoon. Melaney and Richard didn’t stop smiling the entire day, except for a few tears of joy during the vows. This was a great party, with a beautiful and clever crowd.
Many thanks to the wedding experts who made this great day even better:
Venue: Z Mansion
Photographer: Amanda Rockafellow
Filmmaker: Black Sheep Filmworks

May 18 2012

Spring has sprung–more of my favorite wedding moments!

18/05/2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

This perfect spring day was one that I was really looking forward to. I had never met Heidi and Dave, but they were flying in from NYC to meet with little ol’ me and go over their wedding plans. The first thing that struck me about this pairing was, besides their obvious physical beauty, their CONNECTION. They were so in tune with each other about every little wedding detail, finishing each others sentences…you know…connected! I asked them what they were most looking forward to and Heidi got tears in her eyes as she said “Just to say ‘I do'”. Dave wiped her tears away and gently held her face in his hands. WOW! Now do you see why I was looking forward to it?

So my favorite moment was their “first look”. Normally, I don’t like the whole “first look” concept. I am a romantic, and one of the best moments from my wedding was hearing the string quartet, taking my dad’s arm, walking a few steps down the aisle and seeing my husband to be for the first time that day. His eyes welled up a bit, and then he smiled at me. I couldn’t wait to get to the end of that aisle! The drama of that moment still brings tears to my eyes. BUT, sometimes “first looks” are perfection. Heidi and Dave’s was the best one ever. It’s in the preview, so watch it. His reaction to her is priceless.

Lot’s of other favorite moments…shooting with the fantastic Jacob Chinn and his talented second shooter Holly Seeber. The floral design from Tanya Krantz of In Full Bloom Floral Studio was truly inspired. And of course, working with Cindy West at Tucson Country Club is a delight. And not just because they have a mesquite grove for lovely ceremonies, or just because you can have fireworks after your cake cut! No, it’s just such a warm and elegant venue. From witty groomsmen and charming bridesmaids, to a ceremony full of love and an enthusiastic hora, to heart-felt toasts and fireworks…I had lots of favorite moments. Heidi and Dave…thanks for choosing black sheep filmworks to film all of those fabulous moments!

Destination weddings-have sheep will travel…

10/12/2010 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: out-takes, previews

Andrea & James by Chris Richards

Andrea & James just sent this out, and I received it last week. I’m having major craft envy.

Andrea & James’ save the date

It’s a “Save the Date” for their wedding next September, with a “ticket” with all of their wedding info. SO CUTE! They are getting married on the Colorado river, on the border of Bullhead city, AZ and Laughlin, NV. They have a beach theme, and Andrea’s dad is planning a flotilla on the river to honor the bride and groom! I can’t wait! I got to know them at Andrea’s sister Brie’s wedding here in Tucson in June of 2009. Brie and Jon’s wedding was gorgeous, with one of the many highlights being the Same Day Edit we showed to family & friends during the reception. We laughed & cried, and ended the eve to applause and “Bravo!” AND WE GET TO DO IT AGAIN! Chris Richards, who took the AMAZING pics of Brie & Jon’s big day, is also traveling from Tucson to shoot Andrea & James nuptials. The “dream team” will be on the river! We are honored and super excited to be the filmmakers for Andrea & James…BRAVO!! Just for fun, here are the out-takes from Brie and Jon’s wedding. This should give you some idea why we are SO excited to grab this same crew, and take this show on the road!

http://www.vimeo.com/17682290

As I titled this “have sheep will travel”, we also had the privilege of flying to Jackson, WY to film Dana & Adam’s wedding in July. I had never been to the Grand Teton National Forest, and it’s so majestic, I kept asking myself “Am I doing this justice?” I think we all feel like that when trying to capture the scope of something so grand. We want the viewer to not only see what we see, but to feel what we feel. This is one of the reasons that weddings are my biggest joy, and my biggest challenge. I want to capture what is the most special to the client, but also all the details which make the story rich and real. The anticipation and wonder in the air at Dana & Adam’s wedding was almost palpable–and one of the things I love about destination weddings. Once you get there, you and your loved ones are on vacation. You can relax, go for a hike, get a massage, hang out with family…it’s a great way to get mentally and physically prepared for the “big day.” Like Dana/Adam and Andrea/James you have to be uber organized, and be able to let go of the little things. I was told having us along also helped ease the stress, relieving the “fear of the unknown.” Dana & Adam knew how we worked, and they didn’t have to “babysit” us. We knew where to be and when, and filmed all of those little moments that are so easy to forget. We even got to go on a float trip down the Snake river with our bride and groom and family. The bald eagles were fishing and even took a few rapids. How many couples get to have something like that professionally filmed? It also helps to hire professionals like Carrie Patterson of Carrie Patterson Photography. She photographed Dana & Adam’s wedding with so much style and calm creative energy. She made us feel at home and was a joy to work with. AND her photographs are STUNNING! The ceremony and reception were held at Couloir Restaurant at the top of the mountain. Amazing views as we took the Bridger gondola to the summit. The ceremony was breathtaking, with the Long family singers left not a dry eye in the house with their renditions of “Love me tender” and “Here, there and everywhere”. As is the case with Derickson weddings, it rained…no, it poured, but this time the rain held off until just after the ceremony. We even had a rainbow! The food was fabulous, the dancing-fierce, and S’mores instead of cake. It was incredible—so glad we got to capture it in all it’s glory! We also have the honor of filming sister Darcy’s marriage to Anthony in Feb. 2011…I hear it has a baseball theme…let’s just hope the rain holds off. And if not, we may get some more stunning “kissing in the rain” footage! Here is Dana and Adam’s preview-Enjoy!

http://www.vimeo.com/16665381

Yes, I shoot video with my Canon 7

Hacienda del Sol-Moira & Sean’s preview

06/10/2010 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

http://www.vimeo.com/15131103

First wedding vendor picked was…Stepheny Keith of Black Sheep filmworks! Okay, maybe Hacienda del Sol was picked first because they had a venue when Moira and her mom, Mary, contacted me, but I was honored to be a close second. Hacienda is one of my favorite Tucson venues, just the right blend of “Old West” elegance, there is no bad backdrop. We had a great time working with Courtney & Erin from www.erinheartscourt.com…truly creative and low-key photographers from L.A. The Creative Events team kicked this event into high-gear (do they have another gear?), and all went swimmingly. Moira and Sean are gorgeous, wicked smart and savvy, and I think their preview does all of these qualities justice. Thanks to Sean for picking such great music, and thanks to all for such a lovely and FUN day!

AND thank YOU for looking at the blog of the black sheep–stay tuned!

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