Blog Archives

Outtakes/Behind the Scenes: The best part of the wedding video?

26/08/2022 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: out-takes

We are often asked, “What doesn’t make it into the wedding film?” Well, that’s why we created “behind the scenes”…one of our favorite additional sequences for the funny, random, sometimes not so tame moments of your ‘big day”. I include this separate, edited sequence in all of the wedding films I craft, and I don’t charge for it. I never know if anything hilarious will happen, but in my last 25+ years of wedding videos, 99% of them have had an outtakes reel. It’s something that is always mentioned after the full film is received. “Freakin’ hilarious!” “The outtakes were my favorite part!” “What a great surprise at the end of that emotional roller coaster of a film…we didn’t know it was coming, and again, we were crying, but this time crying laughing!”

Editing the BTS/Outtakes is possibly my favorite part. As I am watching and listening to every word, I happen upon some gems. Usually I’m clued into them by hearing myself, or my second shooter, laugh in the unedited footage. It may be the expression of a flower girl, an uninvited party crashing javelina, or some great Dad dance moves that we needed to see a bit more of. Groomsmen tying their first bowties, way too many bridesmaids and Moms bustling the dress, and dogs in the wedding party all make for some obvious blooper fodder. But I think having filmmakers who are observant, unobtrusive, and let moments happen without directing them may be the key. We also tend to laugh pretty easily, so we may add a little fuel to the BTS fire. #sorrynotsorry You and yours can ‘be yourselves’ and let the good times roll.

Word to the wise: Watch your “BTS/Outtakes” before you share with the kids or Grandma. I have no fear of one good “F bomb” or many, but you may need to say “earmuffs” to the more sensitive folks in your fold. These moments will become part of family lore, and they are yours to revel in forever. You will be glad you invited a black sheep to capture alllllll of the moments. Your wedding goes by in a blur, it’s less than one day! Hire a great filmmaker so that you can have it, in all of its happy tears, epic dance moves, sweet glances, vows, toasts and a few bits of salty language and lots of laughter. All of that is the best part, and, it’s priceless.

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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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Jan 07 2016

Hacienda del Sol::a tale of two weddings, part 2

07/01/2016 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: filmworks | In: previews

As promised, another gorgeous wedding film taken at Hacienda del Sol, in balmy Tucson, AZ. Elena and Nate’s big day made us laugh, cry, dance and marvel at all of the romantic moments. Elena is a very talented interior designer, so the details in this wedding are rather jaw-dropping Her grandfather made her bracelet and both wedding bands. The guest book was a quilt made by her grandmother. The table centerpieces, old blue insulators, were collected by her grandfather and held candles, while the metal pieces that held the insulators were made by her cousin (Rudy Lucero). Not to mention lawn games during cocktail hour, and a Moscow Mule as the signature cocktail AND sparklers!!! Great night, so much love and history. BRAVO!!


Many thanks to the following wedding rockstars:
Venue: Hacienda del Sol
Officiant: Hugo Rodriguez
Event Planner: Jeri Fitzgerald
Photographer: Something Blue
Make-up/Hair Stylist: Artisan Salon
Florist: Villa Feliz
DJ: Fantastic 5 (Phil Montes)
Cake/Desserts: Lena’s Custom Desserts
Photo booth: Roland Bosma

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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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