Gainesville Weddings (Life On Film)

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-05T17:57:00.000-05:00

A Princess Wedding - Baughman Center and Stunning Melrose Home Reception

2011-12-08T17:22:00.001-05:00

On October 15th Alyssa and Justin got married at Gainesville's beautiful Baughman Center then had a "Pink Princess Party" reception at Alyssa's parent's stunning property in Melrose. With incredible food from Blue Water Bay, a cake that matched Alyssa's dress, a DJ making the party a super fun crazy success with a stellar planner and sweet and talented photographers to boot...the wedding was a fairytale dream come true! (See vendor list at the bottom of the post).

Here is the Teaser AND the highlight video. A teaser is a 2 minute glimpse into what is to come and the 10-14 minute highlight video is parts of the full length video with the ceremony edited down and put to music. The full length is not here because it is over an hour long.

Step into the magical wedding day of Alyssa and Justin!

Here are some video stills. Scroll down below the stills for the teaser and the highlight videos!

Here are the teaser and highlight...

Cinematographer: Platinum Digital Video
Planner: Masterpiece Weddings
Photographer: Footstone Photography
DJ: G-nys Entertainment
Cake: Dream Day Cakes
Catering: Blue Water Bay

Amazing Couch Transformation

2011-12-06T22:56:00.001-05:00

We have been sitting on an old Ikea couch for the past few years (with a cover tossed over it) and recently it caved in every time someone sat on it. We propped it up with plastic tubs and stablizing-type whatever's we could find... while we saved up for a new couch.

We pretty much thought that we would get a new Ikea couch as soon as the opportunity presented itself. But two weeks ago when we realized we finally could get a couch, I looked online at Ikea and learned that the couches weren't really fitting the dimensions of our living room. They also seemed a bit expensive to me...after having to buy all the little extras that aren't listed in the base price. When I looked online at furniture stores all the couches looked much too big for our small living room. So I Googled, "small couch". After annoyingly clicking on a couple of kids couches I finally found HomeReserve.com This is an amazing company who makes sectionals and sofas that you build yourself (like Ikea). So I was able to find a sectional combination to fit our living room perfectly. I loved how you could order a strip of material to make it look like a full love seat in one part and not all different chairs stuck together.

I chose from 100 colors to find my perfect color and fabric. I couldn't believe it when I found the color because a while back I had been looking for that exact golf-course green in a rug. But after putting all that couch in my living room there wouldn't be room for a rug anymore so I decided to take a chance and go green with the whole couch. Now I am quite pleased with the bold pop of color in our plain living room. Do you think it is a bit wild?

It took my Hubby, my Dad and I about 4 hours to put it together.Here are a few photos of the building process.

2011-10-04T17:08:00.000-04:00

We here at Platinum Digital Video love to make little videos after attending events and bridal shows. Here are 2 videos I put together last week. The first is a fun one of the last bridal expo we did at the Philips Center.

SAVE THE DATE!! (video contest)

2011-09-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

My little company, Platinum Digital Video, was asked by Gio of Love Wedd and Footstone Ink, if we do "Save The Date" videos. I thought about this for a while and tapped into my ultra cool video sources and chose 4 templates (kind of like stationary really) for save the date videos. The plan is to do a super cute filming session and then arrange the footage into the video "stationary" of the couple's choice and voila! We have a Save the Date video that is fun and affordable and looks amazing.

So I needed a sample and thought about seeing if I could find a newlywed couple who would want a free video so they could be my sample. Then I got an idea. Why not make it a contest, I mean, who doesn't want a free "Save The Date" video?

I put the contest up on Facebook this Monday and so far have received 17 entries and today is just day 2 of the contest. I can't wait to pick a winner on Friday and I can't wait to make the video.

The good part about these "Save The Date" videos is that they are actually cheaper than buying and mailing cards...and a unique, hip and fun way to spread the word. I am going to try to keep the cost down at $200. Then I will also sell DVD's at a good price incase not all of the newlywed's family knows how to click on and open video link or if they don't have a Facebook page (Great Grandma).

I also thought this would be an extra good idea now that Facebook has made it super easy to post information for close friends and family only. So newlyweds could make a wedding guest group and post for guest's eyes only. The Save the Date video fits right into that new social media freedom.

It is also amazing because the link and embed code for the video could fit easily into a couple's personal wedding website....especially the Wix.com ones. LOVE IT!!!

I will post the sample on this blog when it is finished.

For now, here is a link to the contest.

Welcome To Civilization (Restaurant)

2011-09-13T12:35:00.000-04:00

Civilization is one of my new favorite Gainesville restaurants. It isn't all about local and organic, but sometimes they do specify "free range eggs" on their specials. What I love about it is how tasty and fresh their food is. They don't offer a huge menu, but what they do offer tastes GOOD, which I much prefer to a long list of stale, half pre-cooked, so/so food.

After looking at Civilization's website I learned that the restaurant is run as a co-op so all of the employees pretty much have a part ownership in the company. It seems like there is a high level of professionalism here that perhaps is because the employees have such a vested interest in the success of the restaurant.

My little one and I both had the potato and parmasean soup and it was amazing. When I took one sip I was completely wowed buy the flavors and freshness. My little one gobbled her's all up. She had a bowl and I had a cup of the soup with some avacado toast which was also extremely fresh and yummy.

One of the things that I was mesmirized by were the ceilings. The huge sheets of wood are shiny and glossy and arch majestically over the room (see the picture below). I believe that Civilization was at one time, a railroad station. But when I looked online to confirm this I couldn't find anything. Anyone know anything about this?

I love the atmoshphere and super-cute decor. The tables are mismatched but come together with pretty, glossy, turquoise table tops. They needed to replace some lighbulbs, but I doubt most people that go there gaze at the decor as much as I did!We will definitely be going back for lunch again soon. This is now one of my top 5 G-ville faves.

Here It Is!

2011-09-01T23:43:00.004-04:00

Here is an update on our last post about Corks & Colors studio. The commercial is finished and will be airing all this month on Cox Cable. We think that is turned out super cute and so do Corks & Colors! It has already had over 400 views and we hope it will bring them tons of business. It is such a cute studio and I can't wait to go and try it myself!

Check out the 30 second commercial. If you are interested in a commercial, please email me for packages and pricing.

How To Not Eat Tunafish, But Not Miss Out

2011-08-27T00:56:00.009-04:00

Tuna fish is so high in mercury that consumer reports recommends that pregnant women eat NO tunafish. Here is the article. Because of this, I don't feed it to anyone in my family, even though we all love the taste and need to eat fish.

So I have found a super cool way to completely substitute tuna fish with packaged Wild Alaskan Salmon. Wild Alaskan Salmon is on the super-low mercury list and is pretty much the safest/bestest fish you can eat and serve. On its own I think the packaged salmon tatses too fishy. But I played around with it and made it taste so much like tuna fish that even my son will eat it disguised as a "tuna" melt on a bagel, and he thinks he hates salmon.

STEPS
1. Put the contents of the Wild Alaskan Salmon packet in a colander and rinse it through to get rid of the fishyness, (You can find the salmon packet in the canned meat section of the grocery store).

2. Squeeze or dab the fish meat dryish with a paper towel.

3. Put it in a bowl that you can store in the fridge when you are done, and stir in mayo (your choice amount). For A.J. I use use Helmann's canola oil-based mayo, since she can't eat soy and regular mayo is soybean oil-based. The canola oil-based mayo is displayed right with the regular mayo so you don't have to search the grocery store. You can also get some canola oil-based Spectrum brand mayo in the Greenwise section of Publix.

But for myself, I use regular Helmann's Mayo. It just tastes better.

4. While mixing in the mayo, really squoosh the salmonfish with the spoon. This makes the texture more smooth like tunafish.

5. I don't add salt, (the fish is already salty enough) but I do add a little garlic powder because I am a garlic fiend and also it is very good for you.

6. Stir in a a couple of drops of organic lemon juice or if you are really organized, fresh lemon juice.

With lots of mayo, and spread on toast (GF or regular alike) , this Wild Alaskan Salmon tastes delicious. I no longer miss eating tunafish...my favorite food on the planet, because I have a great alternative. The important part it that you are eating healthy fish instead of mercury-filled fish. My personal favorite is a ~~Tunafish~~ Salmonfish Melt on a toasted garlic bagel. Yum.

Piggy Paint Love

2011-08-24T22:14:00.001-04:00

We love nail polish. But I don't like putting it on my girl's nails since nails are porous and nail polish has phthalates in it which are deemed carcinogens by the EPA. Here is a lovely article to scare your pants off.

But instead of worrying about the whole thing and instead of missing out on beautiful finger nails, we buy natural, chemical-free, Piggy Paint.

You can order it here. They are $9 each.

Corks and Colors Commercial - Super Cute Art Party Studio!!

2011-08-20T23:26:00.016-04:00

This evening we filmed a commercial for Corks and Colors - paint, sip, create! It is a super cute studio where you can have a birthday party, girls night out or a fun date night. Customers create a painting and/or candles and the teacher gives step-by step instructions on how to make each piece. You can do exactly what she says or deviate and follow your own creative path!

To sign up, simply go to their website and check the calendar for what piece is being offered on what day. Then choose the date and purchase the supply fee online. Then you are good to go! It is such a cute idea. I'm thinking A.J.'s next birthday party?
We had a great time filming. Here are a few stills we took from the video footage. We can't wait to put the commercial together. Look for it next month on Cox Cable!

Check out their Facebook page.

My 2 New Must-Haves For Easy Peasy Healthy Lunches For Back To School!

2011-08-18T16:25:00.002-04:00

Happy Tot Organic Superfood suddenly showed up in my neighborhood Publix yesterday. This is what caught my eye:
1. Organic
2. GFCFSF and sugar free.
3. BPA free packaging. that means that the inside is not lined with plastic that leaches estrogen-mimicking molecules into our kids food.
4. Fruit and veggies mixed together. Because of the antioxidants and because there is no "junk" in it, this is the perfect food for spectrum kids (and for "typical" kids too).

I am all about easy and this is such a time-saver for me...meaning I don't have to make my own "superfood" for the kids. I used to buy a similar item to these Happy Tot's, but it was not listed as BPA free and it was $1.50 per snack. That was too expensive for me. I can just swing this at $1.00 per snack.

You can find these little treasures in the baby aisle next to the baby food. And obviously they don't have to be for just "tots and tykes". I don't think the packaging looks too babyish so I don't think the kids will get teased for eating babyfood.

The lids are a bit much for most kids to deal with on their own at lunchtime, so I unscrew the lids to break the seal...then screw them back on again. After the seal is broken the screw-top lid will be easy for kids to un-tighten on their own.

Th bottom right picture is a chocolate almond milk ~~juice~~ box. Chocolate almond milk is a big treat for the kids, and for me too. It is delicious. It is also a $1.00 so the kids don't get it in their lunch every day. But I like giving them chocolate milk sometimes because they feel like they are getting their sweet chocolate fix of the day. You can find this in the "Greenwise" section of Publix.

Almond milk is easily my most favorite alternative to cows milk. The kids love it too and we all have it with our cereal and drink it in a glass too. Almond milk is packed with calcium and nutrition and it tastes really, really good. These days I prefer it to cows milk and even have it in my hot tea. Rice milk is a bit thin and bland and I really don't like the taste of coconut milk (although coconut ice-cream is amazing).

Fast Lane's High-Energy Show at Bo Diddley Plaza

2011-08-16T14:25:00.002-04:00

Jeff and Matt (of Platinum Digital Video) filmed Fast Lane's fun and funk show at Gainesville's Downtown Bo Diddley Plaza. Their show was a part of the Friday Night Summer Showcase. Check out the 2 videos below which include's Skyntyte's "Ain't Nobody" and their high-energy closing number.

Andres & Evelyn's First Dance at Villa East, Gainesville

2011-08-15T14:46:00.000-04:00

Andres & Evelyn's first dance at Villa East, Gainesville. The dance was choreographed (and taught by) G-nys Entertainment.

Flower Girl Magic

2011-08-14T00:52:00.001-04:00

A little girl in a princess dress with wide eyes...dropping petals... begins the fairytale magic of a wedding day. So when the doors open revealing the true princess, we cry with happiness...remembering the little girl she was, and the woman she has become.

1. B&W Picture
2. Girl in field

My 3 Top Fave Restaurants in Gainesville

2011-08-11T19:32:00.007-04:00

Hubby and I have been watching Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" on Netflix. In every episode he drives home..."local, fresh, seasonal". This is what makes good, yummy food that people come back for.

There are 3 restaurants in Gainesville that I know about that follow this and they also happen to be my 3 faves. I would love to know if there are any others out there too.

Both Mildred's and Blue Gill are owned by Chef, Bert Gill. He gets his produce from local farmers and his animals/meat from the UF Animal Science Department.
His menu at Blue Gill is small and seasonal and delicious. The burgers are amazing. Chef Gill calls the drinks, "sauce" and the "sauce"comes in Mason jars with ice and a straw. The food is oozing with freshness. With this and super-friendly service, Blue Gill is pretty much Gordon Ramsay's dream restaurant come true. Here is their facebook page.

Chef Gill's, Mildred's is like this too but it is more of a fancy restaurant in the evening. It is very reasonable at lunch time though and has great seasonal specials with amazing soup to boot. At lunch time I like how you just order at the register and they bring the food to your table. There is also a sweet help-yourself ice tea and water table. My favorite dish is the bruschetta. The toast toppings change often (see pic below) and are always amazing. Mildred's facebook page.

The Jones Restaurant in East Gainesville is, fresh, local and sustainable. And...it has many organic food items on the menu too. The shiitake chicken dinner with spinach, goat cheese and garlic mashed potatoes is to die for and I constantly crave that dinner for days after eating it. Thanks to Maya Garner for giving G-ville such a delicious and healthy place to eat. Here is a link to their facebook page with more interesting info about the restaurant.

Top left: Chef, Gordon Ramsay
Top right: Chef, Bert Gill

1. The bar at Blue Gill
2. My fave dish at Mildred's, the bruschetta with soup du jour (often yummy butternut squash).
3. The specials board at The Jones, love this!
4. The snack plate at Blue Gill, which includes: Country Ham, Salami, Pimento Cheese, Deviled Eggs, Saltines, Cheddar, Cucumber and Tomato Salad
5. The amazing Chicken Shiitake from The Jones
6. A scrumptious Blue Gill Burger
7. One of Mildred's deserts
8. Breakfast at The Jones...my vegetarian sister's fave and goes every time she comes to town. I love how the eggs and fruit here are organic. I feel good about my kids eating here.
The photo's are from the restaurant's FB pages. Please see links above.

Here is a little video of Chef Gill preparing locally grown food. There is an ad first but it is short.

St. Augustine Wedding - Ken & Simona's Highlight

2011-08-11T10:05:00.006-04:00

HIGHLIGHT

RECEPTION (SHORT PIECE)

CEREMONY: St. Anastasia Catholic Church, St. Augustine
RECEPTION: River House, St. Augustine

Cool iPad Educational App

2011-08-09T22:36:00.001-04:00

Today we looked at constellations on the iPad app, Star Walk, and then created our own. What's your favorite constellation?

Lenette & Charles, Gainesville Wedding

2011-08-08T23:39:00.002-04:00

SUPER CUTE DANCE MOVES

ENDING MONTAGE

Sneaky/Dazzling Photo Shoot Theme

2011-08-07T22:07:00.003-04:00

I'm sure my sister who writes a popular fashion blog, appreciates the beauty of the clothes in these photos. What I enjoy is how the the photo shoot is staged to make it it look like someone in the room is sneaking top secret photos of the collection with their phone. The dazzling symmetry, light, color and texture is not lost in the pretense of amateur pics.

Valentino Fall Coture 2011

A Tall Glass of Iced Lemonade For This Blazing Hot Weekend

2011-08-05T23:38:00.010-04:00

Delicious Fresh Lemonade:
1. Wash 10 lemons
2. Roll the lemons on a hard surface with the palm of your hand to loosen up the juice.
3. Slice in half and squeeze them into a bowl using a manual juicer.
4. Remove any pits and if you don't like pulp, strain the pulp.
5. Boil a half-a-cup of water then stir in one-and-a-half-cup of sugar.
6. Stir sugar until it melts then remove from heat and add the lemon juice while the sugar water is still warm. Stir.
7. Add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a kick and a pinch of cinnamon if you choose.
8. Add 4 and a half cups of water to the lemon and sugar syrup. Ice it.
9. Pour and enjoy!

lemonade stand and jug
sign and pink lemonade

Sweat It Out With ADORE

2011-08-05T02:26:00.001-04:00

ADORE events teamed up with AXIS Training studio and together they are going to make some lucky brides look really, really good for their wedding pics. If anyone can make this fun, Amy of ADORE can. There is no better way to get to get to know your wedding planner than to go through a total body transformation with her there cheering you on! Check it out :)

Yummy Easy Frozen Summer Snack

2011-08-04T20:24:00.009-04:00

Sugar affects A.J.'s behavior seemingly 1000 times more than it does my other 2. And it just isn't fair to give her siblings lots of yummy ice cream while she stands by and watches. So instead we have frozen fruit and the kids LOVE it.

My favorite thing about this is just how easy this daily snack is and berries are full of antioxidants. This snack is made up of 2 bags of frozen, organic berries. There is no sugar on top, and I even manage to sprinkle in a few organic frozen peas "for color" and they eat it.

My kids do not like cooked peas. Frozen peas, however, are a different story. I have learned that they will eat pretty much anything that has "snow on it." We have to serve it right out of the freezer because A.J. tells me that she doesn't like the fruit when it is thawed because it is now "dead." Also, there is nothing messier than mushy half-thawed blueberries and raspberries...so don't pack them in a school lunch. This has been our after school/camp snack all summer long.

These small glass dishes in the photo are the glass containers available at Publix. They have BPA free plastic lids too and are great for refrigerating leftovers. I love that since they are thick glass, they are hard to break (OK dropped on hardwood...but not so OK on tile...done both). And I love that you can see very clearly, with a glance, what leftovers in there. I also enjoy how they look so neat and tidy all stacked up in the fridge.

You can buy organic frozen fruit at pretty much any grocery store. Here is a link to sign up for Cascadian Farm Coupons.

Satchel's Pizza

2011-08-03T22:28:00.005-04:00

What is the farthest place from Gainesville that you've seen a Satchel's bumper sticker?

Today we went to Gainesville's famous Satchel's Pizza for a late lunch. About once a month here, we officially "cheat" with the casein part of A.J.'s GFCF diet and she has the gluten free cheese pizza. All 3 kids love it and A.J. gets to be a normal pizza-eating-kid for an afternoon. For lunch I get a slice and a salad. The salads here are famous for the generous portions of almonds, sprinkled parmasean, apple and secret recipe salad-dressing.

My hubby's family has been close with Satchel's family since they were kids growing up together in Jacksonville. Hubby remembers riding around with his older brothers in the van that is now an extra pizza room (see pic below). We love how there is a "junk museum" in the back, a children's play area inside and 2 playgrounds outside. So it is very easy to take the whole family...and the pizza is amazing to boot. This definitely is a local fave.

Dreamy Dresses

2011-08-02T23:03:00.007-04:00

1. J Crew , need I say more? 2. You will have to go to London to get this heart-wrenchingly beautiful vintage dress, but it is only £150. I discovered it on this blog and if it hasn't been snatched up yet (it was first blogged in March 2011) fly across the Atlantic and buy it here. 3. This dreamy wedding dress can be found at the amazing, amazing online botique, Claire La Faye. 4. I happened upon this romantic classic when browsing Gainesville's J&S Photography online wedding portfolio. 5. This light and lovely dress can be found on the blog of Gainesville's Footstone Photography.

Home Summer School

2011-08-01T23:32:00.010-04:00

Up until last Friday, A.J. and my 6-year-old son had enjoyed 7 weeks of camp with swimming every day, sometimes twice a day. They played from 9am -5pm then came home filthy, happy and exhausted. After walking in the door and hanging up wet bathing suits and towels, we crammed in bath, dinner, books and bed. Books turned into video games and I was worried their brains had turned to mush.

With 3 weeks left of summer at home, I thought the only way I could compete with summer camp and inspire the kids to learn and get ready to go back to school was to make a kind of game out of it, "Home Summer School." When I announced this plan they were intrigued. Mom was going to be, "teacher". On Sunday I got out the huge notepad I almost sold at the garage sale but didn't, and wrote a schedule. I didn't know if it would work but my goal was to make it realistic. I was not going to get up at dawn since I stay up late editing. Then I researched educational apps for the iPad that I had only used for work up until now. I realized with excitement that the iPad was an amazing tool for teaching. It would enable me to teach Spanish without knowing a word of it. This was going to actually work.

We had a blast today. The iPad helped with Spanish, science and multiplication tables practice and the Madlibs app was perfect for teaching parts of speech. As "teacher" I finally got the kids to learn a couple of chords on the guitar and notes on the trumpet. The little one had fun painting too and played along happily. Here are a few photos from our day.

Mmmmm...Cocoa Butter

2011-07-29T17:37:00.012-04:00

Recently my friend wrote a Facebook post that stated she wouldn't put anything on her skin that she couldn't eat. She wrote this after posting info about the book: "No More Dirty Looks". It is an expose on dangerous beauty products and offers alternatives. They have a great website with amazing information about "clean" but modern and hip alternative cosmetic products.

Today I bought a 100% cocoa butter stick to rub on my face. I chose this "edible" option because a few years ago my sister told me that a girl at her work had the most amazing skin she had ever seen and this girl rubbed cocoa butter on her skin at her desk throughout the day. I have been shamefully neglecting my skin so I thought I would get this magic, organic, $2 stick and take better care of my skin. Now my face smells like chocolate all the time. Maybe it will cure my chocolate cravings too. Here is a great blog review of it.

3 Good Things

2011-07-28T17:28:00.013-04:00

There are some fun things happening right now with Platinum Digital Video and Life on Film / Gainesville Weddings.

1. We are making a promo film for Footstone Photography and came out to film them in action at Megan and John's wedding day photo shoot. We got some great shots of Kristen and Paul and I can't wait to finish and share that promo film. We were also hired to film Megan and John's beautiful Baughman Center wedding ceremony. We just got some new filming equipment and editing software plugins to FCP. So I couldn't wait to put together a montage for Megan as a thank you for letting us crash their photo-shoot at Sweetwater Inn Bed and Breakfast. Here is the link to view that video.

2. I put together a 30 second super fun, promo video for the upcoming Gainesville Wedding Expo. You can find the current version on the Gainesville Wedding Expo website and one with an updated voiceover soon to be on your (Gainesville-area) TV. So don't fast forward over the commercials!!

3. I was completely inspired by Melissa's (of Masterpiece Weddings) awesome Social Media Class at Love Wedd. Here is a link to her professional blog. I took her priceless advice on everything, including writing some posts ahead of time.

I want to credit Oh Happy Day for the cute template.

Why GFCFSF and Toxin Free?

2011-07-27T17:27:00.021-04:00

When A.J. was 3, her classmate's parents told me that the GFCF diet worked absolute wonders for their spectrum son. So we had to try it. Within 3 days we saw a difference, then in 2 weeks it cleared up much of the "fog". After this happy success I wanted to know what else was out there that was "not proven"...but parents seemed to know about. That was the beginning of my spectrum education.

The next and most important thing I learned was that our spectrum kids can't seem to shed toxins like kids who are not on the spectrum. This may contribute to causing the autism symptoms and is why some parents do chelation. But basically it is really important to keep toxins out of spectrum kid's little systems. After I started reading what is in our food and cosmetics, I decided to remove the toxins from my whole family's environment.

None of this stuff about removing toxins from our personal environment was ever "proven" to help or accepted as treatment by the mainstream medical community until finally last month this article came out about how it is now proven that autism is caused more by environmental factors than genetic factors. It states how autism is triggered in kids who are genetically predisposed, by toxins in the environment (pesticides, any chemical in food, lotion, shampoo or cleaning product, any anything pretty much that you wouldn't find 100 years ago.)

It is a lifestyle change to live like we do but we are so used to it, it isn't a big deal anymore. We work hard at keeping plastics out of the kitchen and trying to buy "safe" cookware and containers. It is always a work in process. Our grocery bills are high because, to start with, I buy the $5 strawberries and blueberries instead of the $2 ones. But this article explains how you shouldn't even feed your children berries that are not organic because you are basically also giving them a few doses of chemicals that are proven to cause damage, starting with ADD and ending with cancer.

It just really makes sense. We just try to buy food that doesn't have junk in or on it. Yes, we cheat. We cheat at restaurants and friends houses. I have no interest in being completely militant about it. We never cheat with the gluten or soy though...as they seem to be the toughest on A.J.'s system. And we only occasionally cheat with cheese on the gluten free pizza at Satchels Pizza...but that is another blog post in the making :)

Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free Lunch - Turkey Sandwich

2011-07-26T22:18:00.022-04:00

People usually think it must be really hard to go gluten free. Well try gluten free, casein (dairy) free and soy free. Actually, it sounds hard but it is really quite easy. I'll show you why. Here is a pretty typical packed lunch for A.J. (for summer camp). It looks simple...and it is. But it took a a few years to find foods that she could eat and that she loves. So I am happy to share our secrets in hopes that it will help other families.

This is A.J.'s lunch for tomorrow and yes, I pulled food out of the fridge and took pictures of it :)

BREAD - My Mom makes some really yummy bread for A.J. But between loafs, we get this GFCFSF white bread at our local grocery store, Publix. We found this yummy, soft sandwich bread fairly recently. We had tried millet and flax bread in the past which is technically gluten free and tastes just like regular bread. But she turned out to be allergic to millet and flax. I don't recommend millet and flax bread for spectrum kids.

Udi's white sandwich bread is made with brown rice flower. It is GFCFSF (gluten free, casein free and soy free). So it is perfect for A.J. It also tastes great and she loves it. A few years ago there was no bread option and so we rolled up pieces of lunch meat like how you see on a party platter. She would dip the lunch meat in different dressing and in pastes like hummus or guacamole.

CHIPS - The Publix blue corn chips are organic and she likes them.

CONDIMENT - We have not found any butter or margarine that has no soy in it, but Spectrum Organic Vegetable Shortening is butter flavor so it tastes just like margarine. A.J. does not like mayo, or I would use the canola-oil mayo on her sandwich. We buy this at our local health food store, Mother Earth.

APPLE SLICES - These apples we got at Publix. Usually we buy organic apples but when we are feeling lazy we get the ready sliced ones. This is quite rare though because I don't like that they are packaged in plastic with BPA's in it. How do I know this?...the recycle number 7 is printed on the plastic packaging.

LUNCH MEAT - We like the Applegate lunch meats (I included the coupon link btw). The meats are organic or natural. The organic kind is very expensive so sometimes we opt for the "natural" like in the picture below. I usually buy chicken though since turkey has an ingredient that makes one sleepy! So if A.J. is going through a lethargic phase we use the chicken lunch meat and not the turkey.

CARROTS - The carrots are a new discovery that came from using the Planet Box. Since it has that long container section at the top, I thought that I should get a long carrot and peel it and see if she eats it. She does!

I put a couple of Gummy Bear Rhino Vitamins in the little section in the middle. They are a delicious treat and a great source of calcium with vitamin D. She thinks they are candy, he he. My Mom makes amazing GFCFSF cupcakes for A.J. but more on that later!

Picnic Wedding

2011-07-26T12:36:00.004-04:00

My younger sister had a picnic wedding celebration here in Gainesville (after their earlier nuptials in Cyprus). So I have a special place in my heart for picnic weddings. I found these picnic wedding pics that inspired me. Would you feel comfy sitting on a blanket?

Photo credits...all clickable: dresses, book on blanket & random blankets on lawn, tiny picnic basket favor, couple on swing & lantern in tree, bridesmaids on blanket.

DVD Thank You Cards

2011-07-22T12:11:00.008-04:00

I just started to offer DVD Thank You Cards. We package them in an Earth-friendly natural case that opens and has a pocket on each side. One one side we put a silver or printed DVD and on the other side you can add your own personal note. On the front we stamp, "THANK YOU". Not only do your guests and loved ones get a sweet thank you note, they get a priceless and original keepsake of your wedding. The simplicity of the packaging allows you the freedom to embellish them with your wedding theme and color scheme (two ribbons the colors of your wedding or a natural twine bow would be very pretty). On the DVD we include your ending montage. If your wedding film package includes a teaser or highlight you have the options of substituting either of those for your Thank You DVD Film. The DVD menu will also say "Thank You" or whatever message you would like to include.

Planet Box Love

2011-07-20T21:24:00.005-04:00

I love these Planet Box lunch boxes. It was a splurge but totally worth it. They are made of stainless steel so I know that plastic is not leaching into the kid's food. These are very well made...super tough but not too heavy. I just rinse what is left over into the garbage disposal and put the whole thing into the dishwasher. The magnets are super cute and when the new school year comes around I will order some new magnets to change things up a bit.

Blog Revamp

2011-07-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

I'm working on changing my blog...check in for updates and changes over the next few hours/days/weeks.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition Project

2011-05-03T23:55:00.002-04:00

A couple of months ago, Amy from Adore events called me and asked if I wanted to help out with an Extreme Home Makeover build that would be happening shortly about a half hour outside of Gainesville. She explained that everything with EHME (Extreme Makeover Home Edition) is volunteer and she asked...would I like to volunteer to make the behind the scenes video documentary of the build? She explained that this would be the video that is shown at the viewing party before the episode airs, and also a copy would be given as a gift to the volunteers who helped out in the build.

It would be very exciting because I would be filming along side of the EHME camera crews and have almost full access. Even though I knew it would be a a huge commitment, I couldn't say no. I wanted to be a part of such an amazing project that would change a family's life.

Jeff and I drove to Middleburg every day for a week. The first day we filmed a the builders marching up to the house...then the consecutive days we filmed the demolition followed by an amazing collaborative effort to raise a mansion from the ground in 6 days.

April from Ark Remodeling and Construction told me that the viewing party is when the family will get to see the behind the scenes video and will see what really went into making their house. They were gone the whole time so they have no idea. But the behind the scenes video will show the enormity of the project.

Here is a sort of "teaser" that I put together after being there for the first 4 days.

Lake City Wedding - Tiffany & Kyle

2011-04-04T00:29:00.007-04:00

Flowers- CC's Florist-Lake City
Photography-Woodland Fields -Tallahassee
Band-Groove Merchants- Tallahassee
Catering-Joyce Dicks and Robert Chasteen - Lake City
Church - Epiphany Catholic Church Lake City
Reception- Columbia County Fair Grounds
Cinematographers - Platinum Digital Video

Our Social Media Video Workshop with Live Demonstrations

2011-03-26T17:44:00.007-04:00

This Workshop is for engaged couples and their friends and family who use Facebook, or/and have a wedding blog or website. Also, vendors are welcome of course.

Our next Love Wedd workshop will be Thursday, March 31st at 6:30pm. We are going to teach people how to upload and share videos on the web. It is basically a little specialized class in social media. It is really easy to upload and share a video but there are small things you need to know to make it look right. You can make the videos different sizes and different resolution...depending upon where you plan to post the video. There are also different websites and different ways to upload a video. This is what we will touch upon.

We are going to teach by example and plan to shoot a few short videos as examples. These videos will be "video messages" We will use our HD SLR camera and film with a very shallow depth of field so that the only the person giving the message will be in focus. It will be lit from the front and the back so that the person speaking with glow a little bit. This will look professional and beautiful. We will provide some sample scripts and also put some music behind the message. We think it will take about 5 minutes to film, add music and upload the video. Then we will work on teaching how to upload and share it online.

An example of a "message video" would be a bride speaking directly to her friends and family who have received invitations to her wedding. It would be a short message that could be either posted to her Facebook page, wedding website or wedding blog.

Another example: These days many people write a letter to their fiance to be read while they are getting ready to walk down the aisle. This message can be used as a sort of live version of the letter. But you can decide upon the content of the message you would like to record and upload. You can even choose the music.

So if you, or someone you know would like to learn the social media basics (and a little more) of video...this is a perfect class for you. It will also be fun to do the message videos (bring your makeup).

Check back to this blog post in a couple of days to see a sample "message video"

Map to get to Love Wedd (located inside the Footstone Studio)

Pretty Sunday Wedding At The Baughman Center, Gateway Grande - Phong & Rachel

2011-03-21T22:24:00.007-04:00

Ceremony: Baughman Center, Gainesville FL
Reception: Best Western Gateway Grande, Gainesville FL
Photographer: Family friend
Cinematographer: Platinum Digital Video
Cake: Flour Pot Bakery
DJ: Innovative Entertainment

Indian Wedding - Traditional Hindu Ceremony, Haritha & Peter

2011-03-11T22:35:00.012-05:00

Wedding Consultant & Planning Team: Masterpiece Weddings
Transportation: Candies Limo
Photography: Verve Studio
Mehndi & Eidurukola Ceremony Venue: UF Hilton
Wedding Venue: Hippodrome State Theatre
Mandap, Lighting & Reception Decor: Keith Watson Productions
Hair: Graceful Strands
Makeup: Cliff Weir at Your Wedding Makeup
Henna Artists: Naza Design
Catering: Amrit Palace
Cake Artist: Dream Day Cakes
Live Cocktail Music: Gosia & Ali
Reception DJ: Jarad of Gnys Entertainment
Reception Venue: Florida Museum of Natural History on UF Campus
Cinematographers: Platinum Digital Video

(click storyboard to enlarge)

The storyboard above is a few stills taken from the video we shot of Peter & Haritha's wedding.

If you haven't seen Melissa's blog post about Peter and Haritha's wedding, you will want to check it out too. Verve Studios took some amazing photos that you don't want to miss. While you are here though, check out the 50 second Platinum Digital Video wedding teaser and the 14- minute highlight video. They are shot in HD and look like film.

59-second Teaser Film:

We first filmed the morning prayer ceremony...arriving at the UF Hilton at 7am.

Following the prayer ceremony, we joined Haritha and her family and the bridal party in the Presidential Suite of the UF Hilton Hotel. Here we captured some of the beautiful getting ready scenes. Candies Limosines provided 2 enormous white busses to take wedding guests to the Hippodrome State Theater. The theater was transformed by Keith Watson Productions, into an alter covered with shimmering gold and red fabrics adorned with flowers. Here, Peter and Haritha had the final wedding ceremony of the 4 day wedding. There were lots of smiles around the audience of the theater as the newly married couple each poured large plates of rice and petals over the other's head for good luck.

Following the wedding, everyone headed over to Gainesville's Museum of Natural History. I know the museum well as every summer I take the kids to the "kids room" and we spend lots of time exploring the butterfly garden, the cave and the simulated thunderstorms over the boardwalk.

So when we walked in with the cameras to take some shots of the room, I was stunned at how the museum was now a glittering and glowing reception hall. Even the huge Prehistoric Mammoth skeleton that looks so, "museumy" during the day, was lit up with blue and pink lights. I half expected it to come and join the party...and it was quite a sight to see behind towering red flowers.

During cocktail hour Gosia and Ali provided the musical entertainment. I thought it was a CD until I walked back there to film and was quite surprised to see that it was live music...just flawless. I have seen Gosia playing classical flute with the Gainesville Orchestra and she is also my kid's music teacher. She is a gem of their school and is famous there for her wildly successful Christmas Concerts. I digress...As always, DJ Jarad of G-Nys Entertainment lead the party with a smooth confidence. The mood was joyful and even the vendors were all smiles all evening.

The wedding was smooth and went off without a hitch...cudos to wedding planner, Melissa, of Masterpiece weddings for that.

I hope you enjoy watching the videos as much as our team enjoyed putting them together...(thanks Jeff and Mark.)

Baughman Center Wedding Ceremony, Kelly & Daniel

2011-03-09T23:28:00.004-05:00

Ceremony: Baughman Center
Wedding Planner: Melissa of Masterpiece Weddings
cinematographer: Platinum Digital Video

(click to enlarge storyboard)

Sometimes we are hired to just film the wedding ceremony and this is Kelly and Daniel's beautiful ceremony at the Baughman Center on the UF Campus in Gainesville. We were there for 2 hours to capture some pre and post ceremony also. We filmed the wedding with HD SLR camera and a Panasonic HMC in HD. Here is a short video of a few shots of the morning ceremony. I took out the audio and put some film effects over it so that it looks like it was shot with an 8mm film camera. We set it to one of her favorite songs, "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.

Kelly gets the Full Length video on a DVD and we used wireless mics so that they can be sure to hear the vows. That is always sketchy at the Baughman Center. But the mics made the vows crisp and clear on the Full Length Video.

Sweetwater Wedding and Reception, Ana & Chris

2011-03-02T12:50:00.004-05:00

Here is a little blog post about Ana and Chris's wedding. We used stills from the video to tell the story. We also included the 2-minute video montage of the evening that closed Chris & Ana's full length video.

Saturday was one of those perfect Florida late-winter days.

The sky was as blue as can be and the sun shone gently over the trees of Sweetwater. The courtyard was filled with with friends and families. Lights were strung in the trees and fountains bubbled as everybody took their seats and the bridal party gathered to walk down the winding aisle.

Ana walked down the aisle with her father, looking stunning in her dress and Mantilla veil. Then Bernadette Golden sang for the couple...just beautiful.

There was a calm bliss in the air and Vince Amlin, Associate Pastor from The United Church of Gainesville delivered a remarkably eloquent sermon and I wondered that he must also be a writer as everything he touched upon came back around at the end to close like a perfect ending to the first chapter.

Following the ceremony the guests mingled in the beautiful courtyard during cocktail hour.

And while the guests snacked and drank cocktails, Footstone Photography lead the fun outdoor photo shoot. The children of the bridal party were ecstatic and couldn't get enough of the cameras!

Then Lauren of Genius Entertainment brought the party inside

where The Plant Shoppe had adorned the tables with red roses.

After introductions, dinner began and Sweetwater served up its famous salsa chicken. Ana and Chris's family gave toasts, well-wishes and thank you's

and then the party kicked into full gear. Lauren lead the bouquet and garter festivites with energy and excitment...and received much praise for her "classy style" from the Mother of the Bride.

Ana and Chris had such a beautiful wedding at Gainesville's Sweetwater Inn. We were honored to be chosen to film their wedding for them and enjoyed editing it too.

February News

2011-02-09T20:31:00.008-05:00

Awesome Party for Brides...at Love Wedd Bridal Boutique...DON'T MISS IT!!

2011-02-09T15:04:00.002-05:00

There are a few events in Gainesville that if you are getting married...you shouldn't miss. The bridal shows are so much fun and you get to meet many of Gainesville's wedding vendors. There are the cake tasting parties of our best of the best cake makers. But this Love Wedd party is something new. Let me explain. You know how when there is a new teacher fresh out of college and they completely go out of their way to make their class amazing? They work night and day to create new projects and get to know their student's and their families...they have that new teacher excitement about them. Well, that is kind of what Love Wedd is like right now. This party isn't just another shin dig for brides. This is going to knock people's socks off. Every new secret detail I hear makes me say, "Wow...really?!"

But this isn't going to be all fun and games and prizes and food and drink and cake. It is also going to be a chance to view the work of some of Gainesville's best vendors...and talk to them, and ask questions if you feel like taking a break from the dance floor and truffles.

So head on over to Haile Plantation's Town Center on the evening of Thursday, February 17th at 6:30 pm. But you will need to register first because the free tickets are limited to 250. Oh, and don't miss out on the super cute Platinum Digital Video lip balms in the swag bags...he he.

Katie and Grant's Ponte Vedra Wedding

2010-12-31T16:35:00.008-05:00

(click to enlarge storyboard)

Katie and Grant's ceremony and reception were held at the Marsh Landing Country Club in Ponte Vedra. Platinum Digital Video loves Ponte Vedra. That is where Jeff and I got married 9 years ago and I just really like being near the beach.

One of the first things that we noticed as we drove past the gate and along the road to the club, were all the trees. They were left to canopy over the road and it seemed quiet and serene. We got there early (we always get there early when the wedding is a couple of hours from home). So I was able to look around and scope out where we would set up. The reception area was set up with a pretty yellow theme. Then as the bridesmaids arrived they were dressed in flowing, light yellow dresses that seemed to match the theme just perfectly, yellow like the sun and breezy like the sea air. When Katie arrived everyone was excited and all worked together to get her dress steamed and perfect. Katie was helped into her dress by her bridal party and Mom. She was filled with smiles and laughter and was naturally happy with how gorgeous her long blond hair looked in waves and curls, and a veil.

The little flower girls were very sweet and funny. They were bursting with excitement and very happy to talk to the camera whenever possible (see the short wedding teaser video above). Then as the time came for me to go and set up with Jeff for the ceremony, Katie said a message to Grant. Then I hurried off to find Grant and he also gave the sweetest message to Katie, (these are in the full length video).

The wedding ceremony was held outside overlooking an incredible marsh (see the large picture in the storyboard). Katie and Grant said their own vows which pretty much melted the heart of anyone listening. These are included in the short film above. The ceremony was to the point and quickly it was time for the kiss, the announcement and the joyous exit. Pictures were taken over looking the marsh. The photographers were great to work with...super easy-going and professional, and kept the photo session relaxed and fun.

Introductions were flawless and then went right into the first dance, "Stay with You," by John Legend. The rest of the night was a fun party with great food and a DJ (Carlton) who understood the mood and kept the party going right to the end of the night. The toasts left not a dry eye in the house, the cake was a tower of adorable cupcakes and the last dance of the evenig was the Black Eyed Peas' cover of Dirty Dancing's "Time of My Life."

Here is a list of the vendors, provided to me by Katie (she added a couple of her own notes too):

Ceremony & Reception Venue (food, bar, setup of ceremony and reception decor/tables/chairs, coordination of ceremony and reception, etc)
Marsh Landing Country Club
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
http://www.marshlandingcc.com/

Chiavari Chair Rental
Kirby Rentals http://www.kirbytent.com/

Photographer
Julie Cate Photography
www.juliecateweddings.com

Videographer (That's us!!)
Platinum Digital Video
www.platinumdigitalvideo.com

Florist
A Fantasy in Flowers
Jacksonville, Florida
http://www.fantasynflowers.com

DJ
Carlton @ McGee Entertainment
www.mcgeeentertainment.com

Make-Up
Paulina Perez
www.paulinaperez.com

Hair
Klara @ Ten Salon (LOVE her - she did hair for me, 4 of the 5 bridesmaids, my mom and the officiant!)
www.tensalon.net

Cake
www.CamiCakes.com

Ceremony Musician
Richard Kuncicky
http://www.musicby.com/kuncicky/weddings.htm

The Dress
The Bridal Shop at The Avenues
http://www.bridalshoporangepark.com/

Officiant
Nicole C. Vinson, Esq. (personal friend - I was the officiant to marry her and her husband a few years ago)

Tiffani & Brian's Wedding, Gainesville FL

2010-12-27T23:14:00.010-05:00

(click to enlarge storyboard)

(see below for a list of vendors)

We started our shoot at the Residence Inn, Marriot where Tiffani and her bridesmaids were getting ready.

As Tiffani had her makeup done, her bridesmaids pulled on their black gowns, painted toe nails hot pink and were brought stunning bouquets of roses adorned with crystals formed in the first letter of their names. They sparkled in their matching chokers and bracelets.

We found Brian and his groomsmen getting ready at University City Church of Christ. He joked with his friends and nervously awaited the moment he would walk out to wait for Tiffani to come down the aisle. He was so full of emotion when the big moment arrived and their ceremony was just perfect and beautiful.

It was a happy crowd after the ceremony was completed and after formals at the church, the bridal party headed over to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium to take some fun shots (see 40 second video)

Then they headed over to Gainesville Country Club as cocktail hour came to a close.

The introductions brought Tiffani and Brian's bridal party to the dance floor where they made a semi circle then cheered on Tiffani and Brian as they entered to a very loud applause. The first dance was to Steve Azar's, "Sunshine." The couple was lucky enough to have friends sing and play the guitar for them and it was flawless and so personal and special.

A major highlight of the evening was when Tiffani surprised Brian with a visit from none other than Albert and Alberta! The party was buzzing with excitement as guests had their pictures taken with the Gator mascots, then there was even a mascot dance with the bride and groom!

The bouquet toss was extra special as the bouquet was arranged to split apart into many bouquets as it was tossed. It was very sweet to see so many happy faces...especially the little girls who got a chance to catch some of the flowers. On the ribbons that tied the bouquets were little messages telling them their fortunes...."You will become engaged to the boy next door."

The bride and groom cut the stunning cakes done by Ms. Debbie's Cake art. Then the rest of the night was buzzing and bumping with dancing and colorful lights zooming around the floor. Then when it was time for the night to end, guests gathered outside lining the pathway to a beautiful old Rolls Royce from Candie's Limo's. Sparklers lit the way as Tiffani and Brian hurried to their car and Brian waved out of the window as they drove off to start their married lives together!

Church - University City Church of Christ http://www.universitycitychurchofchrist.org

Reception - Gainesville Country Club
Videographer - Platinum Digital Video (that's us!) www.PlatinumDigitalVideo.com

Flowers - Danielle Lippy Bodden (phone number coming soon)

DJ - Todd Forrester todd@toddforrester.com

Hair - Phyl Lippy & Noelle Talley (813) 643-1400

Makeup - Chelsee Lippy (phone number coming soon)

Cake - Ms Debbie's Sugar Art http://www.thechocolateseashell.com/

Musicians for first dance song - Ryan Alston (cousin) & Weston Johnson

Amy & Lucas's Steinhatchee Landing Resort Wedding

2010-12-17T13:41:00.010-05:00

I put this storyboard together with stills from the footage of Amy and Lucas's Platinum Digital Video wedding video.

Credits:
Resort: Steinhatchee Landing
Florist: Zeigler's Florist
Video (us) : Platinum Digital Video
Photog: Amanda Clark
DJ: Waynes World Entertainment
Grooms cake: Marty Lee (See the storyboard. I think the fish is amazing)
Wedding Cake: Linda Brannon (See the video)

Decorations (minus the flowers on the tables and the pew markers): Amy Bethea!!
Amy's father cut all the wood (he's a logger) and she and her friends and family stuffed the jars for the candy bar. One of her matron's of honor (Katie Fletcher) painted the menu. Amy painted the wedding signs and her father put them up.

The details began just as Platinum Digital Video drove up to theSteinhatchee Landing Resort and we were greeted by a rustic wooden sign penned in white paint, pointing us in the direction of the wedding.

As we got our equipment together we were greeted by a flower garden that was teaming with yellow butterflies.

The church was like something out of a fariytale...the little chapel with the large wooden doors, hung with two wreaths of bent sticks and tufts of cotton. Large tree stumps rested next to the doors serving as tables for candles.

We had arrived very early so I decided to explore a little. I walked down to the river and there was the huge white tent with bales of hay around it. There were arrangements of pumpkins, candles, cotton and bundled bouquets of wheat. The color theme was simply the deep rich colors of fall. The menu for that evening was written in white paint on a large wooden window pane, resting on a bale of hay.

I think my favorite touch was the hanging key holes and then the hanging key with the word, “heart” engraved on it.

As I walked around, the florists were arranging the wildflowers into a variety of vases for the tables. The "candy bar" was an array of glass jars decorated with straw ribbon, stuffed with gold, silver, red and copper wrapped chocolate pieces. There was a little petting farm a few feet away from the large tent and I went to say hello to the goats.

I headed back to get some shots of the photo shoot. Amy looked stunning and she and Lucas enjoyed a photo shoot in front of a super cool shiny yellow antique truck. I’m not a car person, I don’t know the year or make. But I know I wanted to take that truck home with me.

The bouquets all matched but were different flowers. No detail was overlooked. The mixing and matching of the Fall theme was so pretty.

After a beautiful ceremony on al alter of tree stumps completely covered in glowing candles, the happy couple went on to walk down to the tent by the river for their reception.

Here they ate some fried chicken and barbecue with cobbler for desert. Then the wedding party and guests danced the night away under the moon. The weather couldn't have been more perfect.

The night came to a close with Amy and Lucas, surrounded by their friends and family holding bright sparklers that lit up the dance floor. Here the newly married couple danced to Etta James's "At Last". Sheer perfection!

Jacksonville Bridal Blast

2010-11-11T20:26:00.002-05:00

Lines formed down the long hallways of the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Jacksonville last Sunday. What else could draw a crowd of girls as eager as these besides a….BRIDAL SHOW! Countless vendors ready to guide you in this overwhelming process we call wedding planning. The Jacksonville Bridal Blast took place last Sunday November 7th and Platinum Digital Video received the honor of filming all the action (click here for video).

As I answered questions to all the beautiful brides-to-be, Shena captured breathtaking shots of downtown Jacksonville, vendors, a fashion show featuring all the latest trends of the bridal world, and a grand prize giveaway. We much enjoyed introducing Platinum Digital Video to the Jacksonville wedding world and are excited for the opportunities that it may bring.

Nicole Leshin
Director of Public Relations

Platinum Digital Video

The Display by Unforgettable Events

Adventures at LOVE WEDD Bridal Boutique

2010-11-05T17:15:00.005-04:00

LOVE WEDD bridal boutique is like no other concept I’ve ever heard. And believe me I googled it. It brings to Gainesville an idea of a one-stop-shop for all the best of the best wedding needs a couple could have for their big day. Whether it’s a last minute desperate search for a sanity-saving wedding planner or a beginning bride in search of any direction…AT ALL. This place is like a TO-DO list with all boxes checked just waiting to happen…haaaaapinessssss. To be involved in the concept is a huge honor

I arrived at 6:30pm just in time for some last minute prep (nail guns going, drills screeching). They were just putting up the sign that says Platinum Digital Video…loooooked awesome! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the last minute adrenaline rush of getting a job done before a deadline. Literally, the boutique was transformed almost instantly into the most beautifully adorable bridal boutique my eyes had ever met. Shena and I were setting up her video and people started to fill the hallway with anticipation of the doors opening. I grabbed a mini cake from Dream Day Cakes, chatted with Melissa of Masterpiece Weddings, Matt from Verve Studios, and Kate from Sweetwater Branch Inn. All of them, equally wonderful and interesting people with such a refreshing perspective of the bridal world.

The doors opened and engaged couples flooded the room in search of well…anything! The possibilities are truly endless at LOVE WEDD and Platinum Digital Video looks forward to all new and exciting adventures that the boutique will bring.

Nicole Leshin

Director of Public Relations

CARD Event at Sweetwater Inn

2010-11-04T22:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight I forgot my video camera. I thought, well, since this is an event that I am invited to...I will just attend and enjoy it and relax...not work. But as the evening went on, I realized that this was the most important event I could have possibly brought my camera to and I was kicking myself for not documenting it. So I will do it now as best as I can with my words.

The event was the CARD (Center For Autism and Related Disabilities) reception at Sweetwater Inn Bed and Breakfast. It was an event to thank donors and people who are close with the organization. When I got there it was wonderful to see so many faces from over the past few years. Greg Valcante greeted me at the door. He is the director at CARD and one of the first people in Gainesville who helped me when my oldest daughter was diagnosed with Autism. I saw old friends, Caroline and Steve (Satchel) Raye of Satchel's Pizza who have donated generously to the organization. And Andrea Holbrook of Holbrook Travel, who has gone through this endeavor with me. She has also donated generously to CARD, along with her sister, Camilla Holbrook, who hosted the reception at her Bed and Breakfast.

The reception room was beautiful, decorated in warm, Fall colors. And the food for the event was incredible. There was a station for meat lovers...beef with steak sauce and scrumptious horseradish sauce. Then there were chicken enchilada's with fresh salsa on the side. There was warm artichoke spinach dip in a large heated silver serving dish along with fresh white and wheat sliced baguettes. At the veggie table were scrumptious crunchy spring rolls with sauce and roasted eggplant arranged so prettily that it was a shame to disturb the symmetry to taste it...but worth it.

I have to say that the highlight of the evening was when the mother of a child with autism got up and spoke about her journey with raising a son on the spectrum. As I heard her speak it was like she was telling my story and there was not a dry eye in the room when she was finished. She ended by saying that her son, like my daughter, is now not only speaking, but a chatterbox and he is doing really well in a "typical" kindergarten class...constantly overcoming difficulties and far surpassing expectations. Our children are brilliant little people, who happen to have autism in the way.

CARD thanked everyone who had helped over the years with the activities and events to raise money and awareness. CARD is anticipating a $42,000 cut in funding and so the focus on the evening was how to keep everything going even with the terrible budget cuts.

The answer for now is more volunteers and people who can give a little bit of time. Contact CARD to see what you can do to help. My follow up blog will include information on how to help...and volunteer information.

Shena Hays
Owner, Platinum Digital Video

Our Information Video that we Made for the Love Wedd Opening

2010-10-20T22:00:00.001-04:00

It is in HD so it may take a short minute to load.

What Is Love Wedd???

2010-10-15T00:37:00.004-04:00

This evening I had dinner with on of my very best friends and she asked me, "What is this Love Wedd thing I keep seeing on Facebook?"

I told her that it is a bridal boutique...meaning it is like a store, in Haile Village Center in the same building as Footstone Photography, Adore Weddings and Events, and Unique Designs. The boutique will have a receptionist at the desk when you walk in the front door. Then you can browse the room and see displays featuring the work of some of Gainesville's top vendors. Platinum Digital Video will have a display there so anyone can check out our work and ask questions during normal business hours (which we never work...so it will be nice to have that available to potential customers.) We are really honored to be a part of the Love Wedd team and are excited about the venture.

To kick it all off, we are having a VIP Preview event that you will need to RSVP to. See the information below. To RSVP just go to the Facebook Event Page and click on "attending" to let us know that yes, you are interested in tasting cakes from Dream Day Cakes, eating some yummy food from Olive You Catering and seeing the amazing designs by Keith Watson Productions and The Grande Event. Also The Plant Shoppe will have some stunning flower arrangements on display. Come and meet with the one and only, Melissa of Masterpiece Weddings. And of course, G-NYs Entertainment will be mixing it it up with REAL RECORDS. So come and see who the Love Wedd crew is.

Ms. Debbie's Cake Art, Cake Tasting Event, Say It Sweetly

2010-10-05T14:13:00.005-04:00

This was jaw dropping. when I walked in I couldn't believe how beautiful Villa East looked with it's dark tan walls lit with "mood lighting". The Event Diva's had created spectacular room decor. I won't even try to do it justice by explainig it with words. you will just have to see on the video posted below.

The vendor booths were set up around the room when you first walked in, then once you ventured a little further, past Melissa (of Masterpiece Weddings) manning the curtains, you walked into what was like a child's dream from a fairy tale...candy and cake world! The displays were colorful and like little works of art, as were the cakes. And you got to eat all of the cake you wanted, there were no limits, just your own judgment. You kind of had to be careful not to get cake-drunk. The meatballs provided by Celebrations were also and addiction for me that I had try not to let get out of control. So the food and sweets were the highlight of the evening, but there was something about that place that made people happy. The vendors had a good time talking and hanging out on their night away from the kids.

All in all it was a very successful evening. I made a little short video of it (you might even see me in there if you make it to the 3rd minute in). I enjoyed finding all of my favorite "sweet" songs to put in there. Check it out...enjoy!!

Bridal Show and Destination Wedding (Philly) all in One Weekend.

2010-08-26T22:02:00.005-04:00

So this weekend Jeff and I are being flown to Philly to film a wedding. This will be fun but we will be missing the Bridal Expo. Nicole is going to represent us and will mann our booth. She is going to be married soon herself so the Bridal Expo will be extra interesting for her! She is a Gainesville professional...and a Gator, and is great at sharing information about Platinum Digital Video. Please stop by the booth and introduce yourself to her.

This is the last Philly wedding we filmed:

Wow! Fun making a short film for our Bridal Show Booth...Check it Out!!

2010-08-26T13:11:00.002-04:00

We put together some HD footage and made a little film that hopefully with catch the eye of people wandering by our little booth. I had fun making this in the Motion program. Check it out...
(Use the little arrows pointing out in 4 directions...that are located between the HD and Vimeo text...to blow this up to be full-screen size. This way you will be able to get the full experience and be able to read the text.)

They Really Do, "Dash For The Dress"

2010-07-13T15:05:00.003-04:00

We were there to film the Dash For the Dress event for Solutions Bridal. Here is their blog post about it.

Footstone Photography took some super-cute photos and we did a short, super- fun video.

So check it out...

Tradewinds Resort, St. Pete Beach, Wedding Video Highlight

2010-07-11T20:56:00.012-04:00

Kelly found us online and snagged us up quickly for her destination, St. Pete Beach wedding at the stunning Tradewinds Resort. We were lucky to reserve a hotel room way ahead of time because while standing in line at check-in we heard a couple of people being turned away and they were complaining that there were no hotel rooms available on the whole beach!

Kelly's dress was perfect for the beach. It was delicate and flowing like the ocean breeze, and a light sand color with a beige sash and cream silk flower.

The couple chose sweet songs for the processional. The groom, Jeff, walked down the aisle to Tom Petty's, "Angel Dream." The bride walked down the aisle to, "Lucky" by Jason Mraz."
The scorching summer sun was headed off nicely by the off shore breeze that luckily didn't interfere with our wireless mic too much.
Instead of the candle ceremony (which would have been a disaster in the wind) the couple poured sand into a vase.

Michael, of Frank Lebano and Co. DJ's played the tunes as guests snacked during a beach side cocktail hour on the lawn while Robert Richards snapped the pics (not these, these are stills from the video).

The guests were treated to crab, lobster, shrimp along with fresh, crisp veggies and fruit with a variety of sauces. I noticed that the Tradewinds has a labyrinth of strings above guest sitting and eating areas, to keep the sea gulls from diving down steeling the sea food and exceptionally yummy fare out of the guest's hands and plates!

Jeff and Kelly did a sunset photo shoot then joined their guests over on the courtyard. At the courtyard, large round tables were decorated with sheer, light beige chiffon fabric draped over white cloths , then matching chiffon fabric wrapped wooden white chairs and tied around the back. The centerpieces were huge vases of candles and sand dollars nestled in sand.

After the first dance, (Joshua Radin's, "Today") Jeff gave a toast to his new bride that brought tears to everybody's eyes. Then the party began...Mike was one of those DJ's who mixed the beats together and creates new songs out of the ones he is switching between. It was a great atmosphere, really happy with great weather and a beautiful sky getting redder until darkness set in and the bright moon lit the sky.

The cake was topped with beach chairs on 2 layers, then the rest was made of stunning little cupcakes, matching the beach colors with super cute little shell shapes molded into the icing.

Check out the video to see much more of this wedding set to great music, sweet vows, and how fun the garter and bouquet toss was. The wedding was a huge success and the video was a blast to film and edit. I love destination weddings! Set me up at the beach anytime, Thanks Jeff and Kelly, I hope you love your video!!

p.s. if you like this highlight, you can check out the super fun and short teaser video I put together for them when I first started working on the video.

I thought this video (I found on Youtube) was funny...

2010-07-05T18:29:00.001-04:00

The 1-minute Teaser for the Wedding Video I am Working on Right Now

2010-06-27T22:53:00.000-04:00

OK so this isn't a Gainesville Wedding, but St. Pete isn't that far away. We shoot there fairly often as that was our stomping ground only 5 years ago.
So here is it... destination wedding teaser

You saw the Teaser, Now Here is the Film

2010-06-23T17:18:00.004-04:00

When I edit Platinum Digital highlight films I put film effects over the footage which saturates the color and give it that "old school" feel. That is what I did for this Kristy and Justin's highlight. Their wedding colors were lime green and deep bluish- purple. This theme was carried creatively through the wedding, even the drinks handed out as the guests arrived were tall glasses of iced Limeade garnished with blueberries on a stick. The bridesmaid bouquets were made of feathers, each a different color scheme that coordinated with incredible shoes. The bridesmaids also sported feathers in their hair. The shimmering green fabrics cascading from the huge white tent, blew gently in the lakeside breeze. The ceremony was beautiful, the photo shoot got exciting when Urban Meyer pulled up in his boat and posed for a photo with the bride and groom. The party was fired up by G-nys Entertainment..."Now that's what I'm talkin about." And the dance moves, well, I have never filmed a wedding where there were so many awesome dancers with incredible superstar moves.

Here is Kristy and Justin's highlight film. It was really fun to put together, I hope it is as fun to watch.

For more clips from the wedding, including some awesome dance-off's, go to my vimeo page.

Baughman Center, UF Hilton Wedding

2010-06-21T22:27:00.007-04:00

Allison got ready at the UF Hilton. The Photographers were Sweet Serendipity, and they set up this beautiful shot. This is a still frame from the (Platinum Digital) video in HD.

Allison and Alex were married at the Baughman Center on the UF Campus

It was a beautiful day, perfect weather. Allison's beautiful hair was electric red, complimented with a stunning hair peice:

The bridesmaid's bouquets were dainty, embellished fans...a perfect accessory to keep them (and the bride as you see here) comfortable in the summer heat. During the photo shot, Alex and Allisonc did a super cute pose of them on their phones...to match their equally cute, cake topper.

The reception was a blast thanks to Jay's Entertainment! Here is the short film to close the Full Length Video, it is set to the song that Allison walked down the aisle to:

Short Teaser Video (Film) For Amazing Melrose Wedding (Look For Urban Meyer)

2010-06-19T11:16:00.000-04:00

Check back in tomorrow for 7-minute Highlight video.

Planner: Masterpiece Weddings

Photog: Jimmy Ho Photography

Allison and David, 3/6/10 First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Haile Plantation Country Club

2010-03-22T23:57:00.010-04:00

This Gainesville wedding ceremony was filmed two weeks ago at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville, the reception was held at Haile Country Club. The photographer was Jimmy Ho.

Beautiful Lake City Country Club Wedding

2010-03-02T22:53:00.006-05:00

A couple of Saturday's ago we filmed out in Lake city for the first time since we moved here to Gainesville. George and Lindsey's wedding was held at Parkview Baptist Church, with the reception held at The Country Club at Lake City. We shared the floor with Jeff and Sabrina of J&S Photography, and Jay's Entertainment.

Here is a short highlight film set to George and Lindsey's first dance song, "Livin Our Love Song." If you find yourself hankerin for more, check out our vimeo page at:

www.vimeo.com/platinumdigital

This film runs about 3 mintues long. Check it out!

I didn't film this video but I love the idea and hope one of my clients will want to do this sometime!!

2010-02-24T13:54:00.004-05:00

The video is dated...it would be fun to do a new..amazing one.

Hot off the Press

2010-01-14T22:26:00.013-05:00

Tonight Jeff picked up The Knot Florida issue, spring/summer 2010 from Publix. The cashier asked him if he was getting married, then saw his ring and said, "Oh, you are married."
He said he felt kind of odd being a married guy buying The Knot magazine and so he explained that our Gainesville wedding video business was listed in there! So he brought it home and we were happy to see Megan and John's wedding as a full page feature in the "Real Wedding" section. Her wedding film highlight is featured on the home page of our website and on our Vimeo page if you would like to check it out. Megan was one of the brides who helped us get The Knot best of, (also listed in this magazine). Thanks to all of our couples who voted for us!

3D

2010-01-06T21:52:00.006-05:00

Hmm....3D weddings in the future? Never say never!!!

Check out: "Panasonic blows it out with 3D Blu-ray deck, HDTVs, channels and $21k camcorder" - www.engadget.com http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/06/panasonic-blows-it-out-with-3d-blu-ray-deck-hdtvs-channels-and/?icid=engadget-iphone-url

Had enough of the CES barrage? Nah. Panasonic just cut loose a few new releases of its own, with the highlight of the bunch being the planet's first integrated Full HD 3D camcorder. Dubbed a "professional" device, the camcorder won't be available to order until April, and it's expected to make the filming of 3D content easier due to having the camcorder itself, the lenses, camera head and a twin memory card recorder smashed together in a single body. Users will also find stereoscopic adjustment controls on the twin-lens, solid state-based system, and we're told that it'll automatically recalibrate itself sans the need for any external equipment. 'Course, the $21,000 MSRP is apt to turn away most everyone not being financed by a movie house, but hey, at least we're fairly certain it'll be reduced to a few bills by 2012. In related news, Panny is also partnering with DirecTV to launch a trio of dedicated 3D channels starting in June, and the two are already in talked with AEG, CBS, Fox Sports, HDNet, MTV, NBC Universal and TBS to develop additional 3D programming that'll debut between 2010 to 2011.

Oh, and you'll obviously need a new setup to view said content, and that's where Panny comes in (again). The outfit unleashed a new range of 3D-capable (thanks, RealD!) Viera plasma HDTVs and Blu-ray 3D players, and all it takes to enjoy mind-melting 3D content in the comfort of your abode is "a stylish and lightweight pair of active-shutter glasses." Oh, joy. The complete line will be fleshed out later this Spring, with screen sizes ranging from 50- to 65-inches. In one of the most brilliant moves of the show, Panny's also including just a single set of 3D glasses with its multi-thousand dollar televisions, which is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouth of Sir Buyer who has to plop down an extra hundie or two to get specs for the whole family. At any rate, the DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray player will handle 1080p content in both the second and third dimension. The last bit is new partnerships with Netflix, Skype, Twitter and Pandora (among other outlets), all of which are being added to the Viera Cast library that's accessible on select Blu-ray players and HDTVs.

5 AWESOME Bridal Entrances

2009-12-01T16:00:00.008-05:00

As promised...favorite bridal entrances. Wedding (short) highlight videos by Platinum Digital Video.

1. Helicopter

Emily & Luke's Wedding / Helicopter Entrance from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

2. Jet Ski

LA Wave Runner Bride Weds Script Writer 80's-Rock Child from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

3. Horse and Carriage

Shelby & Brian, (one of my most favorite very short wedding videos) from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

4. Horse and Carriage II (after a trolley ride)

Iriny & Peter, destination wedding PA from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

5. Golf Cart

Jessica Wedding (Featured in The Knot Magazine) from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Amazing Black Friday Deal...One Day Only

2009-11-24T16:52:00.003-05:00

Platinum Digital Video's most exciting deal is this year is that anyone who secures their future wedding date with us by putting down their deposit on BLACK FRIDAY before midnight, will receive $100 off the Silver package and $300 off the Gold and Platinum Packages.

This is an opportunity to purchase an amazing wedding video as a unique Christmas Gift for those you love most. Platinum Digital Video will provide a beautiful gift certificate in a Silver DVD Case to wrap and place under the tree.

To take advantage of this deal just send email to (shena@platinumdigitalvideo.com) and indicate that you would like the BLACK FRIDAY deal along with your package choice.

Philly Here We Come (next year but in this biz u plan ahead!!)

2009-11-22T22:09:00.004-05:00

Yay!! We got our ticket information emailed to us this weekend. Philly, here we come!! Jeff and I are excited to do a destination wedding there and I love flying out of Gainesville Airport. It makes things so much easier.

So this is our second Philly wedding. Last year we filmed Iriny and Peter's wedding there. They booked us and flew us out there after watching their friend's Clearwater, FL wedding video.

So our new Philly couple are friends of Iriny and Peter. Here is Iriny and Peter's highlight video (that got us the gig).

Best of Knot, 2010

2009-11-20T13:11:00.006-05:00

Just got the phone call...the Knot wanted to congratulate us for being selected for Best of the Knot 2010. Thanks to the brides who voted for us and made it happen!!! When we get the rest of the information (they were calling to verify our contact information for it) we will be posting the badge, you better believe it ;)

Really Funny Groomsman Dancing

2009-11-20T10:50:00.003-05:00

We had so much fun filming Amanda and Matt's wedding. They are a beautiful couple and had hundreds of friends around them at their wedding. The ceremony was held at Creekside Community Church and the Reception was held at Emerson Alumni Hall. Here is is some really

funny groomsman dancing. The groom gets in there for a bit too. Thanks Amanda and Matt!

Funny Dancing, Amanda and Matt from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

If you thought that was funny, check out the Accapella Roast Song:

Acappella Roast Song from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

We love the new Villa East!

2009-11-12T14:37:00.003-05:00

This morning I went to check out the new Villa East, owned by Leah of Celebrations Catering. "Wow," was pretty much what everyone said when they walked in the door. With a fresh coat of paint and some very savvy decor ideas, the old Savanna Grande is now a new, totally, hip and ellegant place to throw a gorgeous reception.

Check This Out if you have 4 Minutes to Spare

2009-10-06T17:50:00.005-04:00

Here is a highlight video that I think is fun to watch if you have 4 minutes to spare...and our client likes her video a little bit:

We watched our video together last night and we LOVE IT!! It's ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! We laughed, cried, and just shared the memories together! It was really amazing! I cant believe how much I missed from that day and the video brought it all back!! You and your husband captured EVERY detail! Really, THANK YOU!! I find it amazing that you went through TWO video cameras of 10 hours of footage and put it together like that so perfectly. After I see how much work it was an how much time it must have taken you, I can't believe you only charge $3K! This video is absolutely priceless! :)

OK I copied and pasted that...no I didn't type all the caps in myself :)

For Dawn & Matt from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

The video is set to their first dance song:

Why Hire a Professional Wedding Videographer?

2009-09-30T23:51:00.020-04:00

I am a professional wedding videographer and let me start by saying that I made the same mistake that many brides make, I had friends and family film my wedding. I thought that since most of my friends are good with cameras and are very artsy and talented, that I would just leave the filming up to them, then create my masterpiece in post production myself. We had 4 people filming and although they all did a very nice job, they also all pretty much made the same mistakes

This is what happened 8 years ago. All of them filmed the "interesting bits" of my 15 minute ceremony. Which means the "non-interesting" bits that I would love to have documented...are not. We had an outdoor wedding and so the camera's did not pick up our vows over the wind, even though we spoke into a microphone. What we needed of course was a tiny wireless mic that goes to the camera. I thankfully have my dad's toast on camera, but not Jeff's because it was impromptu and no one wanted to miss any of it by fumbling for the video camera.

So I did edit it nicely but I have a mish-mosh of a wedding video and when I watch, I always wish for a little bit more.

This is what a professional videographer will do, that your friend's and/or family won't do:

1. A professional videographer will not cry as you walk down the aisle, he/she will focus, zoom, iris and pan...re-iris, perhaps re-white balance when you get to the end of the aisle if the other camera has a good shot and that videographer has his/her hands off the camera so that his footage is definitely usable during editing rather than the few seconds of re-white footage.

2. Leave the cameras running for the whole ceremony (not just the "interesting bits").

3. Switch between 2 cameras so that you get two different views of the ceremony and so that you don't have to watch the "moves" of each camera as the videographer readjusts the shot.

4. Use a good heavy tripod that keeps the camera from wiggling.

5. Hook you up quickly and discreetly with a tiny wireless mic so even if the church or outdoor sound system messes up (which it often does) you still have the vows recorded nicely on camera.

6. Film the stuff that you don't see while you are busy with your wedding...like the flower girl finding a ladybug in her flower basket or the bridesmaids rubbing their sore feet from wearing their super cute heels on the soft grass during long photo shoots, and the sun glinting on the veil....oh the list goes on.

7. The food (no one else will film the food but you will want to remember it!!).

8. Use a camera light during toasts and dancing so that you can see what is going on.

9. Be there to steadily film everyone dancing to "Low" and "Superman" and perhaps even doing the Gator chomp.

10. Be there to steadily film "shots all around."

11. Get the last dance, and/or the car peeling away from the curb to get to that honeymoon!!

9. Brighten up footage during post production

10. Edit out the "junk footage" and maybe a drunk toast here and there at the bride's request.

11. Put together a wedding video that was filmed like a fly on the wall, and views like you are in the middle of all the action.

As a wedding videographer, what I always hear when I tell people my profession is, "Oh, I wish I knew about you when I got married. The one thing I regret is not having a professional wedding video."

I myself did not want a wedding video because I did not want a weird dude who films weddings and porn, running around my beautiful ceremony, sticking his camera in everyone's face and asking them to talk. It doesn't have to be like that. Just make sure you meet your videographer ahead of time, or at least talk to them on the phone. Tell them what you are envisioning their roll to be in your wedding, and perhaps even ask what they wear, so that you don't have to worry about someone showing up in a white T-shirt.

OK so I may be biased, but now, after being married almost 8 years, watching my wedding video is my favorite way to reminisce. When I want to look back at my wedding, I do have my photos there which I look at every few months or so and they are amazing (and professional). But I have to say that the biggest treat is my mish-mosh of a wedding video. My biggest regret is that I didn't hire a professional to film it.

I will dig out my video and post it in a few days so you can see what I am talking about. But for now, here is a very short highlight that I threw together...an example of a video filmed and edited by, yes, a professional. Check it out: (look for the "little extras" that Uncle Joe would probably not film.)

Untitled from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

The Wedding Day Giveaway Package We Are A Part of & The Video We Made For Solutions

2009-09-22T23:00:00.009-04:00

So now that the Solutions Bridal Expo is over there are a couple of things I wanted to share. First, Platinum Digital Video is a part of a wedding day giveaway package giveaway along with some other fine Gainesville (and local) wedding vendors:

Solutions
Masterpiece Weddings
Solutions Entertainment
The Opera House
TJM Photography
The Event Divas 352-214-9214 (no website)
Posh Pastry
Crevasse’s Florist
Kitchen and Spice
The Hilton
Ocala Traditions
Macy’s
Candies limos
Sweetwater Branch Inn

Emily Pope and Minh Stewart are the winners of the package, check out how excited Emily was!!

Another little something we added to the Bridal expo is a video that we put together for Solutions to show at their booth. Check it out:

Solutions from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Social Media Soiree

2009-09-15T21:51:00.012-04:00

When I left the house tonight I said goodbye to my husband who was holding our screaming 6-month-old as he was trying to put some dinner together for our hungry 4-yr-old and 6-yr-old. I hurried off feeling a bit guilty...but excited to be free on a weekday evening (and not because I was going to the gym). I was off to my social media class. OK, so I think I do OK with the social media stuff, especially since my sister and her husband work for social media websites and her husband teaches social media at his University. Anyway, I enjoy this little blog and I use Facebook all the time. But I had some questions bout Twitter and such, and needed some blog advice, so I was excited to go and learn from one the best, Melissa of MasterPiece Weddings.

The class was held at Cafe C. First I munched on the delicious finger sandwiches, olives and some yummy brownies with an m&m on top which instead of having the m&m letters on it, was garnished with the Celebrations Catering logo...pretty cute! Melissa was a wealth of knowledge, answered all of my questions with ease and gave a very thorough presentation. I actually took her class because I have always been impressed with her social network prowess and her interesting blog. I saw some familiar faces in the class there: Stewart of Powers Photography, Kristin of Footstone Photography (both of whom I had just seen on Sunday at the Solutions Bridal Expo.) They were just the folks I recognized. I hope to get to know more and discover the blogs, many of which were started tonight.

So I am going to try and keep this blog updated more and tweet a little more :) So watch out social media world...here I come!

Photos: Leah (Celebrations Catering and Cafe C owner) and I taking pictures of each other, and a candid shot of Melissa giving Kristin some one-on-one blog tutoring.

A few photos from the Florida Bridal Expo today at the UF Hilton

2009-09-13T21:27:00.009-04:00

Platinum Digital Video, Solutions Bridal Gainesville Wedding Expo, Unique Designs

Solutions Bridal Gainesville Wedding Expo

2009-09-03T22:13:00.004-04:00

So I am getting ready for the Solutions Bridal Gainesville Wedding expo. I have my sign ready but trying to decide how to display it. Anyway, here is the hip poster advertising the Bridal Show. See you then!! ;)

Dream and David's Ending Montage

2009-08-28T21:54:00.007-04:00

Here is the 3-and-a-half-minute ending montage that I promised. Dream loved her wedding video which was great to hear because it was our first Stimulus Package that we had done. She put it on her Facebook page. BTW, we are now changing the name of the Stimulus Package to Silver Package.

Dream & David Ending Video Montage from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Wine Down Wednesday

2009-08-28T21:49:00.003-04:00

So we had fun at "Wine Down Wednesday." Here is a blog post about it by Leah of Celebration's Catering that I would like to share with you. She took lots of great pictures and her writing talents mirror that of her food and photography talents!

Video Stills of Solutions Bridal, Gainesville, FL

2009-08-23T03:09:00.007-04:00

Today I had a blast filming at Solutions Bridal. Here are a few stills. Check out the final video at the Solutions Bridal Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 13th.

New Stimulus Package Offered

2009-08-15T23:19:00.003-04:00

I have never offered a package under $1495, but recently, Jeff and I decided to offer a new package (The stimulus Package) for under $1000. We started offering it about 3 weeks ago and filmed our first one for Dream and David, last weekend at Creekside Community Church, then Steve's Cafe American, with Jimmy Ho as the photographer.

With this package, couples can still have a beautiful wedding video while sticking to their budget. We film the entire ceremony with two camera coverage, and the key parts of the reception.

Dream and David's ending montage is finished and will be posted soon.

2009-07-07T22:43:00.008-04:00

This evening I received an email from our bride, Megan who was married last December. She told me that her incredible Winter Wonderland Wedding will be featured in the spring issue of The Knot magazine and that she gave them a link to her highlight video to view. Her wedding was simply amazing and she was a stunning bride. She wrote that she just finished filling out a huge form for the magazine on which she recommended spending the money to get a videographer and that she specifically recommended Platinum Digital Video.

Here is that highlight video. I had a blast filming and editing it.

Something else special about this evening, my little girl lost her first tooth tonight! I got to play tooth fairy...what fun :)

Beautiful Hair Ideas for your Wedding

2009-06-24T00:33:00.009-04:00

Here are just some amazing updo's, taken from our videos:

This last photograph is of Katie Wassink. Her beautiful "do" was created by Laura from Gainesville's, Charisma For Hair. Click here to check them out.

Super Duper Vendor Mixer

2009-06-18T22:40:00.006-04:00

We attended the TJM Studios vendor mixer party tonight. It was very hip and swank (NY theme with b&w cocktail attire) and very well planned (kudos to A'vie Weddings and Events for organizing it.) We enjoyed scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, yummy mixed drinks and chocolate moose to die for. I spoke to some very sweet wedding vendors, some of whom we will be seeing again soon at weddings. We very much enjoyed meeting everyone and seeing friends from past weddings. What an awesome Thursday night!

-Shena.

Excited About Featuring Some Major Talent On This Blog

2009-06-15T00:57:00.005-04:00

I was so excited to have Mosey as our first guest blogger and not surprisingly, very impressed with what she brought to the blog. So feeling optimistic, and on a roll, I decided to contact my favorite artist, Jill Bliss of San Francisco and see if she could somehow contribute. She wrote back and told me that she is currently designing some wedding invitation packages and will let me know when they are ready. I have no doubt that they will be unlike any wedding invitation you have ever seen before. So that is coming soon which is very exciting. I am working on that wedding hair blog I previously mentioned, so check in for that one over the next couple of days. May I also mention that I have been putting some of my favorite wedding videos on our Facebook fanpage so if you are interested, check it out.

-Shena.

The Dress in this Video was purchased at Gainesville's Solutions Bridal (wedding dresses)

2009-06-14T00:26:00.006-04:00

Short Wedding Film from Platinum Digital Video on Vimeo.

Finding a Unique and Affordable Wedding Dress

2009-06-12T13:49:00.008-04:00

I was lucky enough to nab fantastic, fashion blogger, mosey to do a guest spot here today. Her blog covers everything from the latest trends in style to home decor. She's here today to tell us how she found her own wedding dress and give some advice to other brides, who are less traditional, on how to find something affordable and unique.

Mosey:
When I started looking for my wedding dress, I felt a little intimidated by the typical wedding dress shop scene. I went to a few shops near where I live and couldn't really get over feeling silly or put off, even. I knew I wanted something short, not long for my small, summer, outdoor wedding and I also knew I wanted something a little nontraditional and quirky. So I decided to ditch the wedding dress shops and begin an online search. I spent months scouring the net for the "perfect wedding dress" and accumulated quite a hefty list of online shopping bookmarks. Sure you have to filter your search to "white dresses" and it can take some precious time, but I felt like it was all worth it.

I ended up buying my dress on BCBG Maxazria's website, but there are plenty of other dresses I almost ended up choosing from other websites. I'd like to share those shopping links with you today in hopes that they could help you find something really unique and beautiful! If you're looking for something a little less traditional and a little less formal than the average wedding dress, then these places should be fun for you to try.

My top 10 favorite non-wedding sites to find a wedding dress.

1) Net-A-Porter: A fantastic shopping site filled with only high end designers.

2) ChicDowntown: This site has great, quirky yet high end, memorable dresses.

3) eLuxery: Beautiful and affordable designer dresses.

4) MyTheresa: Slightly more expensive but very unique dresses

5) Nordstrom Dress Shop: You may have a Nordstrom store locally, but you're not guaranteed to get the same sort of selection there as you would in their online dress shop. If you're looking for something long and elegant, this is a fantastic place to find that. Just narrow your search to the desired dress style. They sell beautiful, inexpensive wedding dresses also.

6) Farfetch: This shop is quite expensive. But if you're ready to shell out $2000 for white dress anyway, why not make it a special one?

7) ShopStyle: This place holds an overwhelming amount of dresses because it aggregates its content from thousands of different shopping sites. They have a great filtering system though which allows you to sort by color (very important), price, size, etc.

8) Elizabeth-Charles: This shop has a beautiful selection of dresses with great sales.

9) Bloomingdales: There are quite a few beautiful and affordable dresses here.

10) BCBG:Their designs are always maintain a high standard of quality and are very inexpensive। They are less formal than most wedding dresses, so this shop isn't for everyone. It was, however, the perfect spot for me as this is where I purchased my dress.

TIP 1 - Remember to filter your search in these sites to, for example, "evening dresses" or "cocktail dresses," or whatever style or length you prefer. A lot of these sites even enable you to filter your search to "white" "dresses" only.

TIP 2 - If you see a dress you love but it's not the right color or style, take note of its designer then look up the designer online. You'll find all their collections online and have an entirely new avenue to wonder down towards finding THE dress.

You can spend thousands of dollars on a dress for the sole reason being that it was bought in a specialized wedding dress shop. There are so many beautiful white dresses out there... if you have the time to look, the expectancy of getting a dress fitted anyway, and you're goal is to look your absolute best, why limit yourself to the norm? Take it online!

Exciting Stuff Coming Soon...

2009-06-11T22:11:00.007-04:00

In the next few days check back in to see a guest blog by amazing fashionista, Mosey of www.moseyblog.wordpress.com

We are very excited that she is creating for us a unique blog about wedding dresses.

Also coming soon, I am putting together pictures of my stylish bride's hair updo's. Some are quite amazingly beautiful so you will definitely want to check this one out.

Why We like Sweetwater Branch Inn, Gainesville, FL

2009-06-07T23:08:00.025-04:00

Here is a video we filmed at Sweetwater:

We love how the bride and groom can both get ready here in separate houses that are right next to each other. The outdoor area and the rooms are beautiful and so everywhere the bride and groom go makes for a lovely backdrop and a pretty shot for the video camera. There are guest houses here too and other B&B's nearby, so the guests and the couple have places to go right after the party without a long drive, or any drive being involved.

The Inn is also takes us back to Old Florida and is a part of Gainesville that is not directly linked to the University. It is the Southern Bell part of Florida with the historical painted houses, cats wandering about the lawn and ponds adorned with tropical flowers and greenery.

We like the reception area because it is filled with windows to let in the natural light, making the wedding decor seem to almost glow and glimmer. There is plenty of space for tables and a dance floor, and the dance floor is in a place that makes sense spatially. This makes it comfortable for the guests to either sit at their table and watch, or hit the dance floor. It also makes introductions easy to film.

The staff are polite and professional. We very much enjoy filming here. Here are some photo stills taken from Katie and Paul's wedding video (Thanks Katie and Paul for giving the "go ahead" to show it off!)

Why We like Emerson Alumni Hall, Gainesville, FL

2009-06-07T20:01:00.006-04:00

Some Gainesville couples like to do a wedding photo shoot at the Stadium. Emerson Alumni Hall is directly across the street from Ben Hill Griffith Stadium. This makes the stadium a convenient stop when driving from the church to Emerson Alumni Hall. There is plenty of parking at the Alumni Hall along the back streets of the upscale student neighborhood nestled behind it. This is something it has over venues in the downtown area as parking can be difficult there. The Alumni Hall is new and modern-looking. The actual reception hall can be expanded to be a very large space, which is perfect for large weddings. The last wedding we filmed here was filled with great energy. The staff were polite and professional and the wedding went off without a hitch.

5 Amazing Wedding Reception Halls in Gainesville FL

2009-06-07T12:34:00.005-04:00

OK, this is not in order, is subject to change, and will grow. But here are 5 venues we are especially partial to:

1. Sweetwater Inn (click here for details)

2. Emerson Alumni Hall

3. Gainesville UF Hilton

4. Steve's Cafe (and events)

5. Thomas Center