Black Sheep Filmworks as featured on Style Me Pretty!

29/07/2016 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: highlights, previews, wedding thoughts

This Vera Wang Gown Will Take Your Breath Away

There are wedding gowns, and then there is this stunning work of art from Vera Wang – a gown sooo incredibly gorgeous, I.can’t.stop.staring. It’s the perfect complement to a breathtaking Bride who also happens to know a thing or two about throwing an amazing, love-filled wedding. Black Sheep Filmworks captured every moment beautifully and it’s sooo worth your time to PRESS PLAY.

From Black Sheep Filmworks… When I first met Jody, I knew she was a black sheep filmworks’ bride. Her style was modern, hip and effortless. Her wedding ideas, so full of Spanish flair, made me swoon. I was a filmmaker, on a mission. Literally, I was on a mission to San Xavier del Bac Catholic Mission, where Jody and Chuck were to say “I do.” I’ve been filming weddings for a while, and I have NEVER filmed at San Xavier. It’s stunning, historic, spiritual… people come from all over the world to stand within its thick adobe walls, surrounded by dazzling colors of the paintings, carvings, frescoes and statues. Its rich ornamentation displays a mixture of New Spain and Native American artistic motifs. To say I was excited for this day to come is, well, an understatement.

Jody and Chuck’s celebration started at the gorgeous Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, Arizona. Bridal preparations were in full swing, the sun was shining and the wedding party was energetically prepping for this beautiful September affair . Jody is a jewelry designer, with her work gracing glossy magazine covers, many an elite website “must haves”, and with a celebrity clientele. Each of the bridal party members wore one of her gorgeous custom pieces, from the bridesmaid’s cuff bracelets, to the groomsmen’s cuff links and bolo ties. A short drive up the road led to the Mission San Xavier del Bac, known as the “White Dove of the Desert”. A National Historic landmark, founded as a Catholic mission by Father Kino in 1692, it is an exceptional wedding location. Surrounded by family and friends, Father Steve joined them as husband and wife in a ceremony full of tradition and joy.

Guests then headed back to the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa to celebrate the beautiful couple. Mariachis, Dos Equis and Prima wine welcomed everyone to the perfect al fresco venue to gather and celebrate. The reception under the stars was elegantly set up with long, wooden tables topped with novena candles, lace table clothes and lovely bold floral arrangements. The floral design was an elegant, spicy “ode to Spain” with a mix of hydrangea, roses, and day lilies. The Blue Breeze band from LA had everyone dancing, an impromptu limbo contest was had, and Chuck serenaded Jody from the stage with his rendition of “You are the Best thing” by Ray LaMontagne.

They had a grand exit under a shower of sparklers… but they didn’t stop partying! They headed straight to the Stables bar, on the resort property, and mingled with family and friends until the wee hours. My mission to the mission, and then some, was complete.

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Engagement videos: Yes, you should say “I do”!

11/05/2016 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: engagement video, highlights, wedding thoughts

My ahhmazing wedding and event planner Rackel Gehlsen approached me with the most romantic engagement proposal…well, not FOR me, but for me to film. Ranjith wanted to propose to his beautiful girlfriend Grassia, and he wanted it to be epic! And a total surprise to her! Under the guise of a business dinner, Ranjith brought Grassia to Hacienda del Sol. She thought they were getting a tour of the newly renovated suites before dinner, but she had no idea how her life was about to change!

With fabulous photographer Chris Richards at my side, we went about hiding in a cactus patch outside of a stunning suite at Hacienda del Sol. I had mic’ed Ranjith prior to his “popping the question”, so that we could capture this moment, in sight and sound, in all its glory. With Dr. Costa playing their favorite song on the guitar, about a million rose petals, Perrier-Jouët champagne and candles blazing, Ranjith got down on one knee and sweetly asked Grassia to be his “one and only”. She said YES!!! Rackel then brought in two surprise guests, Grassia’s pups, and the night was off and running. I interviewed Grassia, and even though she was a bit shocked, she was SO happy, and grateful that we had captured this moment, and their thoughts right after the big moment. Ranjith had penned a poem entitled “Latindian Dharma” for Grassia, which was sweet, emotional and funny. Brie Dumais designs created beautiful paper products, and made the event that much prettier! Black sheep filmworks was honored to be a part of this surprise, and I’m sure there are many more to come. We will be filming Grassia and Ranjith’s wedding in March, 2017, with this same dream team of wedding pros. It’s going to be great…I’ll keep you posted!!!
So, if you are planning to “pop the question”, get in touch with Rackel Gehlsen, She will make the engagement of your dreams a reality! And black sheep filmworks will be there to make a magical video that you can post, share and pass on to future generations. Let’s do this!!!

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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

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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

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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!

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