Weddings that are FUN to watch!

When we met with Diana and Andy months ago before their wedding we knew we were in for a treat! You see they met many years ago while growing up in the same neighborhood. Today they find themselves united as man and wife. Diana and her brides maids prepared for the wedding at her home while Andy and his men prepped just a block or so away at his home. Diana was ushered to the church by horse and carriage accompanied by her father. The two were married at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Chantilly, VA with the reception held at the Fort Belvoir Officer's Club, Mount Vernon Room in Northern Virginia. We had an awesome time working side by side with Andy's cousin Jennifer DeAngelis of Jenny Dee Photography
Diana and Andy... from Martin, Victor and myself... Thank you for your support and passion for our art! We hope you enjoy your sneak peek as much as we did creating it!

 

Posted on Friday, December 2, 2011 at 09:24PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | CommentsPost a Comment

Lauren ~ Dennis . . . Veritas Vineyard and Winery

Lauren and Dennis' wedding was absolutely amazing!  It is a day that will never be forgotten by so many people.  Thank you guys for allowing all of us that were there to witness and experience the strong and vibrant love you have for one another.  We all are better people for being there!  We love you two and are so excited for you as you start this great adventure called marriage!
I have had the unique pleasure of not only being a producer of their wedding film but also having the joy and responsibility of being best man.  Right after Dennis asked me to be best man, he made it very clear to me that I am to have nothing to do with shooting his wedding.  He wanted to make sure I would be able to enjoy this experience with him.  So needless to say I was bummed that I wasn't gonna be able to try out the new GoPro bow tie cam...hehe...just kidding!
This all took place right around the time Scott and I were to collaborate on a project with Bill Gaff of humanstory.  The three of us were eager and excited with the prospect of working together.  Before the collaboration with Bill, Scott and I attended IN[FOCUS] down in New Orleans.  IN[FOCUS] is an amazing conference for event filmmakers to grow their skills and to grow their businesses.  While attending the conference,  we hung out with Matt Davis of Lifestage Films, who is an awesome event filmmaker and who is a filmmaker we have tried to collaborate with on projects in the past but could never coordinate schedules.  So, this is when and where the light bulb went off in my head.   A collaboration with Bill Gaff, Matt Davis, Scott Strimple and myself for my best friend's wedding.  What?  Are you kidding me?  I started thinking to myself.  There is no way three successful and talented wedding filmmaking companies will be able to come together and shoot the same wedding.  I approached Matt and explained the situation and he immediately jumped on board.  Awesome!  Then I approached Bill and he said yes.  Amazing!  And of course Scott was eager to head up a team of such talented and great filmmakers.  Incredible!  I was so thrilled to have coordinated an amazing film crew for Dennis and Lauren's wedding.  At this point my work was done.  I was able to experience one of the greatest days of my life and not worry about how the footage would turn out. Priceless!
Scott's point of view from the stand point of the shoot...
Collaboration between highly experienced event filmmakers should not be underestimated.  We got the most awesome storytelling and cinematic footage during this wedding!  Whats more is that we were able to all three do our very own thing throughout the day and come together when needed.  I could concentrate totally on my own work knowing that Bill and Matt would return solid footage.  Martin was able to cover the interviews of the bride and groom during the rehearsal while Bill rounded out the wedding day interviews.  On the morning of the wedding Martin called me to share that the father of the bride had a surprise planned.  No one except the filmmakers knew that there would be a small aircraft towing a banner at the very moment Dennis and Lauren were saying their vows.  We were able to coordinate Bill shooting the bride and groom with me shooting the father and Matt capturing the banner.  This is my favorite part of the sneak peek... an already emotionally charged event is taken to the next level.  Thanks to Event DV25 artists Bill Gaff and Matt Davis for your professionalism, talent and camaraderie during this most magical of days for Dennis and Lauren.  Martin ... what can I say... your awesome!  Great interviews and nothing short of brilliance with the edit.
Martin's point of view from the stand point of the edit...
To describe the editing process, I would have to use words such as amazing, awesome, incredible, you get my drift.  Scott, Matt and Bill delivered such wonderful footage that it made the editing process a complete thrill.  On top of the great footage, the process was a very personal experience to say the least.  At times it was hard for me to see the footage through my tears.  That was something I wasn't used to.  Normally, our sneak peeks are 3-5 mins long but there were so many great moments captured by the great team that I just kept going with it.  You may also notice, if you have seen some of our work, that Lauren and Dennis' sneak peek has a different feel then normal and that is a direct reflection of the collaboration.  When you add two new artistic points of view to your team then the end result can't help but take on a life of it's own, even if it means creating a feel that is different from what you are used to delivering.  This realization  truly excited me and allowed me to grow as an editor and for that I am truly thankful for all that were involved. 
Speaking of all that were involved, I have to talk about some of the other wedding professionals Lauren and Dennis had take part in their day.  First on that list is Jack Looney of Jack Looney Photography.  We have worked with Jack before and got along beautifully.  Not only is Jack an amazing photographer but he is an amazing team player.  He truly embraces the idea that we all have to work together to create the product that couples are hiring us for.  Jack you are the man and we can't wait to work with you again.
Claire Goodman of Sacred Ground Ceremonies has to be one of our favorite people to see when we are shooting a wedding.  When Claire is involved you know the ceremony is going to unfold beautifully and be a true reflection of the couple's personalities.  It is an honor and a pleasure to film Claire's ceremonies.  
Next to mention would have to be the staff at Veritas Vineyard and Winery.  These guys are top notch at what they do and their hospitality is a pleasure to take part in.  Thanks guys for not only making Dennis and Lauren's dream wedding come true but also for making all of the wedding professionals feel welcomed.
The reception wouldn't have been the same without Derek Tobler as the DJ.  Things always seem to sound a bit better whenever he is around.  Thanks for keeping all of our feet taping and for keeping us informed with all of the night's formalities.
To rap things up, I have to say that Lauren and Dennis' wedding weekend was truly full of love and excitement, which you will witness in their sneak peek.  I am honored to have been there as Dennis' best man and I am honored to have put their sneak peek together.  I love you guys!
~Martin

 

Posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 02:01AM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | CommentsPost a Comment

They're Mr. & Mrs. . . . Holly ~ Dustin . . . Ashland / Jefferson Hotel

Holly ~ Dustin are a fun couple to hangout with, especially on their wedding day.  Gorgeous day, awesome families, cute dogs and a stunning bride....what more could you ask for?  Oh yeah, sorry Dustin, the groom's a pretty handsome guy as well.  The UW Film crew were welcomed graciously by both families and also by all of Holly and Dustin's wedding professionals.  

Thanks to Jennifer McBride and Dee Kirchmier of McBride Events, we were able to stay on track with the day's events, even with the few minutes of fun killer shots in front of The Jefferson Hotel before the couple made their entrance into the Rotunda.  Thanks ladies!  Jessica, and her team, of Jessica Robertson Photography were a blast to work with.  Jessica and I were non stop tag teaming awesome shots with the couple and their wedding party.  Thanks Jessica and team for helping the day be so much fun.  The reception was off the hook largely credited to the sounds of the KOS Band.   Great tunes guys!

Holly and Dustin, we hope you had a wonderful time in Hawaii and are enjoying your new journey as husband and wife.  Hope you enjoy the Sneak Peek as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

~ Martin

Posted on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 03:32PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments2 Comments

See You At The Altar . . . Erin ~ Addam . . . Fredericksburg, VA

Erin ~ Addam . . . an amazing heartfelt couple from LA, CA.  Their day was nothing less than meaningful.  Both families embraced every single person that was in attendance including the wedding professionals.  If you were there then you were family in theirs eyes.  Thank you to all for your amazing hospitality!

Addam approached us with amazing excitement towards our work.  He and Erin loved the storytelling aspect of our films by using music, images, cinematic shooting techniques and sounds of the day.  Addam asked me if we could add some interviews to the film.  I said certainly we can interview the two of you before the wedding. He said great except we want you to interview our families and our wedding party and not us.  Surprised was my reaction but almost instantly I became excited.  I could clearly see their day was beyond the two of them and I was honored to embrace their film from a different perspective.  Thanks guys for the challenge!

Before I end this entry, I have to give a big shout out to Eric Herod of Eric Herod Entertainment.  Thanks for the recommendation and for all of your help during the reception.  We all look forward to working with you in the future my friend.

Best Wishes to Erin, Addam and all of their families!

~Martin

Posted on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 05:25PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments1 Comment

What's In The Bottle? . . . Ome ~ Rajesh . . . Cultural Center of India

Ome and Rajesh are such fun people to be around!
We started filming on Thursday afternoon and basically went nonstop until four o'clock Saturday afternoon. We were having such a blast riding the wave of everyone's energy that we never got tired until Saturday's ride home.
Ome and Rajesh, thank you so much for having the UW film crew there to capture your amazing wedding. It was three days that will be hard to forget!!!
~Martin 

Posted on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 09:27AM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments1 Comment

Our Two Crazy Families Together . . . Shelby ~ Rick

Rick and Shelby booked us shortly after his brother Harrison's wedding, which we filmed back in December. Rick told me that they were not considering video until he saw the Sneak Peek we made for his brother. We all took this as a huge compliment and were very touched and excited to be producing their film.
We all had a blast on their wedding weekend. Jen, Jason and myself embarked on a fun filled day starting at Shelby's mother's house and ended at the Springfield Hilton Hotel for their reception. Their ceremony took place at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Woodbridge, VA.
A special shout out goes to Andrew of Andrew Tawes Photography. It's always a pleasure and a blast working with Andrew.
Thanks you two for your gracious hospitality and also for entrusting us to produce your wedding film!
~Martin 

Posted on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 02:35PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments1 Comment

Meghan ~ Jon . . . Westfields Marriott

Many of you know that when I'm not wearing my filmmaker hat, I am wearing a Captain's hat as a pilot for commercial airline.  Jon and I hit it off right away when he mentioned to me that he was a pilot for a major airline!  We have had so much fun with Jon and Meghan right from the very first moment we met.  Their wedding day started at the stylish Westfields Marriott conference center in Northern Virginia.  How fitting that the approach for Dulles Airport was right over the top of this facility.  Their nuptials were exchanged at Holy Trinity Catholic church in Gainesville Virginia only after Jon and his groomsmen feasted on ... a pizza!  Jon, Meghan and their guests danced the night away in the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott.  Thanks so much Jon and Meghan for entrusting all of us at United Wedding Films with your most magical of days!

 

Posted on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 02:34PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments1 Comment

"Heres to landing on your feet" ... Susan and Travis Sneak Peek at Wyndham Virginia Crossings Resort

I have known Susan for a number of years and have had the good fortune to be in the front row watching her relationship with Travis mature into what has culminated in two wonderful families coming together. As it is stated in the best man's toast... they have "landed on their feet"! As the publisher of Premier Bride magazine for 8 years, Susan was not new to our wedding industry. She could have asked any number of studios to produce her wedding film and we are greatly humbled and honored that she chose us at United Wedding. Working along side of some of Richmond's finest wedding service professionals is always a treat! Dale and Roshan Quarterman from Quarterman Photography, DJ Mike Bean from Choice Entertainment (your awesome bra), a wonderful cake by Richmond's very own Graham Haddock of Cakes by Graham and Terry Lynn - Wyndham Virginia Crossings Resort ... you rocked this one out! Special thanks to Martin and Jason for handling this day so that Stephanie and I could join so many other fine wedding professionals as guests! What a treat to share a table with Graham and Debbie,(Cakes by Graham) Travis and Meghan Ely,(OFD and RBA) Bill and Jennifer Gilliam,(Choice Entertainment) Dale and Roshan (Quarterman Photography)!



Posted on Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 01:49PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments3 Comments

Oreo and Milk Love Affair . . . Colleen ~ Sean . . . SDE

Oreos, Milk and a couple that is as stunning on the inside as they are on the outside. Our experience with Colleen and Sean could not have been any greater. From day one, I have felt very connected to the both of them. They are both very loving to everyone they come in contact with and after meeting their families this weekend I can see why.
Colleen and Sean shared their beautiful engagement story with us. They painted a sweet picture of the two of them sitting on their front porch, getting engaged and sharing oreos and milk. Immediately, I thought that we needed to somehow incorporate oreos and milk on their wedding day. So later that evening, I called Sean and I asked him if he wanted to, on his wedding day, go buy oreos and milk, wrap them, keep it a secret from Colleen, give them to her at their reception and have me film the whole thing? He got so excited and was on board with the idea. Plot twist. The next day I called Colleen and asked her the same question, while stressing to keep this a secret from Sean. She too jumped at the idea. Awesome, I thought! Then, I started to get really nervous when thinking how are we gonna make it all come together on their wedding day and then edit it all in their Same Day Edit? Am I crazy? Well, like I said, our experience with Colleen and Sean could not have been any greater. Hopefully, you will enjoy their Same Day Edit and go buy some Oreos and milk!
Special thanks goes out to the awesome United Wedding film crew which consisted of the amazing Jennifer Montgomery, the very talented Jason Faulkner and the legendary Scott Strimple. Also, we would like to thank Meghan and Ryan of Meghan McSweeney Photography. It is always a complete joy to work with you guys. Thanks to Michelle for coordinating everyone at St. Patrick Catholic Church (aren't you glad it didn't snow 13 inches this time?). Also, thanks to the folks out at the James River Cellars and Winery. A good time was held by all!
Congratulations Colleen and Sean and thank you for having us capture your amazing day! 

~Martin

Posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 11:12AM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | CommentsPost a Comment

Norcelene ~ Chris . . . University of Virginia . . . Charlottesville 

We had such an awesome time with Norcelene and Chris!  The day started off at the Hilton Garden Inn and progressed to a wonderful ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church near the University of Virginia campus followed by a short imaging session at UVA.  The reception was held at the stylish Glenmore Country Club just outside of Charlottesville Viriginia.  Thanks so much to Jennifer and Dee of McBride Events for all of their help throughout the day...Your AWESOME!  Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography was absolutely wonderful to work with!  DJ Rick Haggard was essential and did a wonderful job directing the reception.  Thanks Rick for the feed!  Chris and Norcelene... your wonderful!  Thanks for all of your energy and smiles!  Produced by United Wedding Films.

Posted on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 12:23AM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | CommentsPost a Comment

Melanie ~ Alex . . . 4th of July Veritas Vineyard and Winery Wedding

Melanie and Alex had the wedding of their dreams at Veritas Vineyard and Winery.  It was very obvious the couple, along with Melanie's mom and staff at Veritas put a lot of planning and effort into bringing Melanie and Alex's vision to light.

Our day began by filming all over the vineyards.  It is very hard to be uninspired when you are at Veritas.  Whether I am there filming or there tasting their fabulous selection of wine I am inspired in some way.  The wonderful views, amazing "spirits" and great energy of Veritas makes it a very easy choice for a coupe to set their wedding and reception there.  Great choice Melanie and Alex!  The outdoor ceremony was perfect.  The sun started to go behind the mountain tops and the air began to cool a bit as Melanie came down the aisle.  No threat of ran...just a wonderful moment in time for the two to become one.  After the ceremony, we had just enough time to have the couple walk into an amazing sunset.  Thanks Melanie and Alex for letting me capture some breath taking moments.  The reception began with great tunes from Derek of Derek J. Tobler Professional DJ Services.  It's always a pleasure to work with you buddy.  The night came to an end with an amazing sparkler finale...after all it was the 4th of July.  Of course the couple travelled in the classic 1948 Fleetwood Cadillac limousine provided by the great folks at Albemarle Vintage Limousine.

Melanie and Alex, thank you so much for entrusting the United Wedding team to produce your wedding film!  It was a wedding and a 4th of July celebration that we will never forget.

Posted on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 09:07AM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | Comments2 Comments

Randi ~ Ryan at the Country Club of Virginia

Ryan and Randi stepped up to home plate on June 19, 2010 and knocked the ball out of the park (Ryan, thought you might appreciate the baseball reference).
Everybody came together with such love and great energy to make a day that will be hard to ever forget.  Randi, Ryan and their parents thought of everything to ensure a smooth and fun filled day. Their thoughts included hiring some great people to help the couple's wedding dreams come true.  Their first great decision was to have their reception at the Country Club of Virginia, James River Clubhouse along with their bridal attendant Susan Birkhead.  Thanks Susan for setting me straight with how the Hokie Bird entered the party.  The couple also wanted to make sure their guests had a great time by booking the always entertaining Gentlemen and Their Lady.  Great tunes guys!  Randi and the girls got some special treatment the morning of the wedding by getting their hair and make up done at Haley Too Salon ~ Day Spa in Carytown.  The couple exchanged their vows in the ever so beautiful All Saints Episcopal Church on River Road.  From the beginning, I thought Ryan and Randi were a very smart and with it couple and when they told me who their photographer was then my thoughts were confirmed.  They entrusted the always fun to work with Don Mears of Don Mears Photography to capture all of their magical moments.  Along side Don was the very talented Meghan McSweeney.  Thanks guys for working so well with us.  We will always look forward to working with you guys!
Randi and Ryan, thank you so much for having the United Wedding team produce your wedding film and we wish you a life time of love and happiness!

 

Posted on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 12:15PM by Registered CommenterStephanie Strimple | CommentsPost a Comment
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