Winter / 11-7-09

Cecilia and Sam heard about us from relatives whom we filmed a year ago, Lauren and Brad. They also met up with us at last years bridal fair and booked our newest package, the "Wedding Story". It is becoming more popular in our package selections with more personal editing after the fact including narration from the bride and groom about the day. We actually only met Cecilia in person a few days prior to the wedding as she lives out of town. We had a great time talking about the details of the day and what we all had in common. We hit it off right away and were excited for the weekend to arrive! I started at the salon in west Wichita, Mary Kate and Company, where all the bridesmaids had their hair done in up-dos and Cecilia stayed to have her make up done. Everyone had a great time. Everyone was relaxed and most importantly, the bride. Her hair was pulled all up in curls with an orange flower accent to the side and a blusher veil. When everyone was finished, we met up at the church, St. Joseph's in Andale. The bride wrote a letter to her groom before the ceremony and checked out the beautifully decorated hall adorned with fall colors again and a special favorite touch of mine, goldfish in bowls.

The couple chose not to see one another ahead of time. The bridesmaids were great coming down the aisle all in navy blue and different styled dresses that fit each ones figure and personality both. Of course, Cecilia was stunning a strapless Maggie Soterro lace overlay and short elegant train as her father escorted her into the church.

They celebrated a full mass with Fr. Eck officiating. This was especially important as Fr. Eck had baptized Cecilia as an infant in that very church. Her cousin Lauren sang during the ceremony, sounding like an absolute angel! After the mass, photographers Josh and Jenny from Kansas City let me ride along as we took the bridal party down an old country road for some fun photographs. We couldn't have ordered a more gorgeous day in November! After pictures, we headed back to the church's reception hall where the couple was announced by AMM, cut the massive cake, and enjoyed another great dinner by Corporate Caterers. The first dance, parents dances followed and soon everyone let their hair down and partied into the evening. It was a fabulous time. Thank you Cecilia and Sam for letting us tag along for the big day! We so enjoyed hanging out with you all day! Please keep in touch and we hope we can be friends for a long time to come in the future! God bless! Stay tuned for the couples wedding day prequel in just a few weeks!

McKinney / Peaster 10-24-09

We met Trish and Daniel at one of the area bridal fairs while they were deciding on a videographer. We were graciously referred to them by AMM. They had quite the day planned for their wedding! Jason was my assistant shooter that day with our crazy recent schedules! We started the day at the church, University Congregational in northeast Wichita, for a simple yet elegant fall ceremony. Trish arrived ready, as well as the men, and had the church adorned in beautiful fall decor. Colored pumpkins and gourds, fall colored leaves and flower arrangements really added to the charm of the church. The ceremony was quick as the couple was ready to share their time with the guests at the reception.

As soon as the couple were announced as husband and wife, they formed a receiving line at the back of the church prior to entering the limo for the ride to Tallgrass Country Club. This is what Trish and Daniel wanted to spend the most of their attention focused on for the day. The country club was beautifully adorned in fall motif. The entrance was draped in golds, rust and orange towers of fall leaves, and stacked pumpkins greeted you. The couple was announced into the room and enjoyed a wonderful dinner, toasts from members of the bridal party, and joined in their first dance together prior to the party. Everyone enjoyed themselves alot and Trish and Daniel thoroughly enjoyed their time spent with friends and family. Thanks to Trish and Daniel for letting us follow you on your day! We had a good time and wish you the very best as husband and wife! Check back soon for the Peaster Prequel!

Scobee-Cotter 10-16-09

We first met Camille when she was the Maid of Honor for another bride several years ago. when it was her turn to walk down the aisle she found us again online and at the bridal fair. We were more than happy to see even ore familiar faces again and help Camille during her big day! Camille and Ryan started their day at St. Anthony's church in downtown Wichita. The bridesmaids gathered in the newly remodeled bride's room to don their dresses and accessories. Beautiful plum. Their hair and make up were already done when they arrived and everyone was excited to get the day rolling. The men got ready at the church as well i the sacristy. The bride and groom chose to have a few moments together in private before the ceremony and then to take as many photos as they could ahead of time in order to enjoy the party afterwards. Gina and Lindsey from Gingeroot Photography did a great job of setting up the first meeting and we had lots of fun working with them all afternoon and evening! I then tagged along with the photographers as the entire bridal party were great troopers and headed downtown for some fun urban shots! We all arrived on time for the ceremony. And like clockwork, it was gorgeous. As soon as Camille and Ryan were introduced as Mr and Mrs., they exited the church to the cheers of their guests and whisked away in an antique limousine, a surprise courtesy of Camille's mom! Then it was on to one of the most interesting reception sites we have been to- The Museum of World Treasures. We took some time for a few more photographs before the couple had their grand entrance. Where else can you pose with a giant dinosaur in the background!?

When Camille and Ryan entered, the guests were treated to a violin duo for music, toasts, dinner by Corporate Caterers, and cutting of cake. The couple shared their first dance, tossed the bouquet and garter and then in lieu of a dance, chose to spend their time mingling with each and every guest to thank them for coming.

To Camille and Ryan, it was so nice to see you again and get to know you even better- please stay in touch! We had a wonderful time with you and thank you for letting us share the day with you- we feel as part of the family! Good luck to both of you!

Friess and Ruth 10-10-09

Desiree and Ryan found us via the bridal fair and online last year. Desiree had her heart set on an October outdoor wedding at Fort Hays State University. While we spoke on the phone, and again via email many times to go over the details as the date approached quickly, it was a good thing Desiree came up with a back up plan in case of weather. Barry and I headed to Hays the night before as the temperature started to drop quickly with a light mist on the road and the Kansas wind picking up steam. It was decided earlier that afternoon to move the wedding indoors to the Memorial Union. Even though the weather started to change the plans made months in advance, Desiree and Ryan did not let it dampen their spirits.

I started the day with the bride at a local salon (Salon 8) along with the bridesmaids and other family members documenting the events of the morning and preparations. As always, everyone looked great and we then made our way into the cold to meet the bridal party at the FHSU campus.

There, the men and the ladies got dressed and attended to the remaining details of the day. Desiree had a gorgeous classic white strapless gown that fit her to a T and the ladies looked stunning in red.

As guests entered the ceremony site, they signed the guest book and were asked to pour a bit of sand into a large vase at the door symbolizing the unity of friends and family. The couple then finished filling this during the ceremony in place of a unity candle.

The ceremony was personal with family and friends reading poems and singing songs as well as the parents being presented with flowers before the couple exited the ceremony as the new Mr. and Mrs. Ruth!

Guests were given balloons as they left for the reception site and formed a line outside, braving the cold for the couple :). As Ryan and Desiree left to get in the limo (as the horses were cancelled due to weather), the balloons floated away into the sky with cheers from the crowd! Then of course no one wasted anytime getting to the party!
The reception was held at the Schenk Building at Ellis County Fairgrounds. The couple had a great time greeting each of their guests, cutting cake and enjoying a catered meal. The couple shared their first dance and then in great Western Kansas Catholic Tradition, the Grand Wedding March started the festivities and I do not believe there was a single soul left in their seat! Needless to say, everyone had a great time that evening and we were happy to be a part of it! Desiree and Ryan, thank you so much for letting us share in your day with you, we were so very honored to have met and gotten to know you! Please stay tuned as the Friess/Ruth prequel will be up in a few days! Steph

Patton/Blair 9-27-09

Hillerie found us on the web while she made wedding plans for a Wichita wedding while living in Las Vegas, Nevada. We corresponded via the phone and email about all the details and what type of coverage she wanted for the day. She settled on the new "Wedding Story" complete with voice overs of the couple's thoughts about the day. I had a friend, Deanna take my place that day with some unforgiving scheduling. The day started at the Hotel Old Town for John and his groomsmen, relaxing and having lots of laughs. The ladies met up at the Courtyard Marriott to get ready. Hillerie chose a traditional white gown with ruffled sleeves and sweeping train. The highlight, my favorite, was the peacock feathers in her head piece that matched the reception decor! Very unique! I must admit Hillerie was almost out-done by the two flower girls being pulled in a wagon for the processional. Although Hillerie was a little late getting going, it didn't rattle her and the ceremony went off without a hitch with a room full of family and friends in attendance at the All-American Indian Center.

During the processional the groom's sister prepared a special interpretive dance prior to the bride's entrance. The groom had also prepared a personal song to the bride but was so stunned with how great she looked and how excited he was, that he could not finish it all....A close family friend acted as officiant and without delay vows were exchanged, the couple was announced as husband and wife and the party was officially started! Dinner was served and the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife shortly after. The guests were eager to get the party started and they kept the music up loud until it was time to leave the building!

Thanks to Hillerie and John for asking us to be there with them on their special day! We appreciate that very much! I do hope I can meet you soon! Steph
The Blair's prequel is posted below. Please enjoy.

New Prequel online now!

After much anticipation, the Crandall Prequel is now online, you can find it by scrolling below to the Sharshal/Crandall Wedding post or you can find it by clicking here . Please enjoy and let us know what you think. Stay tuned- still comig tonight is the Patton/Blair prequel!

In Memory of our Fallen Firefighters...

Several weeks ago I was asked if we could film the 8th Annual Kansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial on South Braodway at the Kansas Fire Museum. It came as a two-part request; Fire Photographer Craig Hacker and the Sedgwick County Fire Chief, whom Barry and I both know through our many years of EMS work. I was available for the shoot and asked our friend Deanna to help out yet again, which she happily agreed to and did a great job! The Memorial consists of a gorgeous slate wall engraved with the names of those killed in the line of duty across the state throughout the years amidst a park like setting. The statue "Final Call" overlooks the reflection area and fountains dance in the background during warmer summer months. It's a very fitting memorial situated immediately next to the Kansas Firefighters Museum. The ceremony started with a processional of bagpipers and honor guard from across the state, guest speakers, the placing of a memorial wreath at the wall, and the reading of the names of the fallen firefighters with the ringing of bells. As each name was read, an empty antique fire bucket was filled one by one with a red rose honoring the firefighter. Family was later encouraged to take a rose in rememberance of their loved one. The video below is the Highlight of the memorial service.

Catching up to do!!!!!!!!

As you can see the blog has pretty much been MIA the last few weeks and I do apologize to everyone for that! To bring you up to speed, our life has been filled with ups and downs recently and we've had to juggle multiple things.

As most folks know Barry is now attending nursing school full-time, and still working full time at EMS (now has 25 years on! YAY BARRY!) and amazingly finds time to help me turn discs in the business. Our awesome friends Jason and Deanna have helped us on more shoots than we can count during times Barry has had clinical work and we thank them SO much! Also, in thanks for them shooting for us, we try to shoot for them if they need help as well.

As for me, I've been finishing the last pre-reqs for nursing school which starts for me in January, I've gone back to work full time at the hospital and between homework, life, shooting weddings, and other events (school programs, montages, EMS videos, Speaker Jared Estes, and the firefighters memorial), have found it difficult to keep up with some of the edit queue lately! We have also had to find time to take care of our immeditate family members and other usual "life" happenings.

So, drumroll please....

Slated to be posted to the blog this week are the write ups for the missing weddings from October through this month! Wow, has it really been that long! Time really flies.

Later this morning, the memorial video for the Fallen Firefighters and tomorrow two prequels for the Sharshel/Crandall and Patton/Blair weddings. Sometime in the next two weeks we hope to build in the remaining prequels amidst the ususal edit queue for those waiting on updates to their delivered videos or those that are still patiently waiting in line for the finished product! We are told it's worth the wait, so we humbly thank you in advance! Bear with us a bit more.

Love and Peace to all as we enter the new Holiday season as Thanksgiving and Christmas SO quickly approach us! More to come- (Wow, do I have to work in Christmas shopping and housework into my to-do list now, ugh)....Ba Humbug.

White Love Story

A couple months ago we had the pleasure of meeting Katie and Scott. They were interested in shooting a Love Story after seeing a friends at one of our recent weddings. We first filmed Scotts interview at his church and then set a date and off to Tulsa we went to film Katie's interview and also some b roll to fill in the story. What a great time! Scott and Katie were married over the Holiday weekend and we'd like to share their story with you. Scott and Katie, thanks for letting us share your story! Congratulations to you and many best wishes for years to come!

Pete & Erin Crandall

Last weekend we were able to spend the day with Pete and Erin for their wedding here in Wichita. I started the day with Erin at Elements Salon with her bridesmaids, mother and mother in law. Everyones hair was pulled up and in curls and looked wonderful including bright orange fresh flowers in some of the hair arrangements. Erin was going for a sophisticated garden look and the stylists at Elements really nailed it. Erin's dog even joined in the festivities! After hair and make up, the ladies took a break for lunch and I met back up with them at Botanica where the ceremony was to be held. The bridesmaids all wore beautiful navy blue dresses, each a different style chosen by her friends and family. It was a gorgeous contrast with the bright orange floral arrangements and bronze accent colors of the day. Perfect for a fall wedding. Meanwhile the guys prepared at the Hyatt downtown, donning navy blue tuxes prior to heading off to Botanica for photographs. The photographer was the brides uncle, Jack Hartin, a professional photographer from California (hartinphoto.com) We had a great time working together and as soon as Jack has time, we will try to share some of his photos here from the day!

After photographs, the bridal party headed down the aisle in the meadow near the main fountain outside. Nearly sunset gave us some beautiful shots of light rays streaming through the trees! Erin's father and step father walked her down the aisle to Pete and they had a perfect ceremony.

They included family and friends and everything went off without a hitch. Prior to being announced as husband and wife, the guests passed small baskets down each row full of orange and white rose petals. When Pete and Erin were officially announced as husband and wife and exited the meadow, they were showered with the petals by their guests!

Cocktail hour followed for the guests inside the reception hall while the wedding party took sunset photographs. Ron Brown from Another Dimension DJ announced the couple into their reception and they were able to have dinner, catered by Corporate Caterers, cut the beautiful multi-tiered cake made by the bride's aunt and shared in their first dance together. Pete shared a dance with his mother while Erin shared a dance with both her father and step father prior to the start of the party! After a night of dancing and mingling with guests, the newlyweds were wisked away by Jack in a Hummer to start their new life together and have spent the past week enjoying the gorgeous weather in Aruba!

Congratulations to you, Pete and Erin, it was a pleasure to work with you and capture your day! We hope you had just as fabulous of a time in Aruba! We wish you the best in your new life as husband and wife! There will be many happy years to come!

The prequel is posted below, please enjoy!

SUMMER SPECIAL ALMOST OVER!

If you are considering a wedding video and haven't jumped yet for different reasons, one being monetary, it always helps when you can find deals and specials! So a friendly reminder about our Summer Bridal Fair special that runs through the end of August for our wedding movie packages. Book now through August 31st and get the bridal show discount. If you wait to book until next month, during the month of September, the special decreases slightly. So grab a demo and contact us for our package pricing, we'd be happy to talk with you. Aside from the wedding movie specials, we do also offer wedding documentaries starting around $500-$1000. Give us a shout, it doesn't cost anything to ask! :) Steph

If you need more coaxing to get a video....

I recently sent a copy of a wedding we did in Kansas City last year to the DJ of the event, Ron Ruth of http://www.ronruthweddings.com/. After I posted the note from our bride and groom, Jace and Melissa, recently I thought I would post a note from a vendor once I received this kind note back from Ron. I am sharing it with his permission.

"I finally watched the Hackler video and I love your style. It's unlike anything I've ever seen. The party collage was awesome. The guests best wishes over dance video was very clever and keeps those from becoming boring. I was particulary impressed with the way you captured the parent dances. Made me cry."

So, if you are still on the fence about getting a wedding video, jump off the side with greener pastures, and not just the one with visual appeal, but audio appeal as well. Video is the best medium to capture all the moments of your day. A florist told me recently "you don't even get to see your own wedding day". It's SO true. How many of the brides are hidden away from the groom and guests before the moment the doors to the church are swung open? There is so much you miss. Then it's a big blur after that. More testimonials to come; in the meantime check out the videos in our online gallery and in this blog (Sort to the right). Hope to see you all down the aisle! SG

A story of "It's so expensive, I don't need a wedding video"

I received a note a couple days ago from a previous bride and groom from 2 years ago. It made me smile and blush at the same time. I asked the couple if I could share it on the blog and they graciously agreed. It is as follows:

"Hi Stephanie and Barry! Yesterday was mine and Melissa's 2nd wedding anniversary! Time flies, right? All is well with us. We're expecting a baby any day now. A boy, Dylan. In fact, Melissa was due last week so more like any minute now!Anyway, we watched our wedding video last night in celebration of our anniversary and we just wanted to let you two know how much we enjoyed watching and re-living that day. You both worked so hard on that video and it shows. It is so well done. We feel very fortunate to have had you guys shoot our wedding. That day is so beautifully preserved forever. Ourselves and our families will enjoy watching it for years to come!Just wanted to say thanks and that we hope all is well with you guys! Jace and Melissa Wilbert

After writing them to ask permission to post this note, they responded with the following:

"You can definitely use my words in your blog. And feel free to use us as references if need be. The video turned out to be by far one of the most important details of the wedding. Seriously, there were big things, seemingly major things that we would have done without rather than go without having the video. Tell people that no one remembers what they ate or what the bridesmaids' hair looked like, spring for the movie!"

I couldn't have said any words any better to convince brides and grooms how important wedding videography is. If I am able to get a file ready for the blog of the Wilberts wedding movie, I will post here for your enjoyment! Thank you Melissa and Jace for sharing your thoughts on the video with me and Barry- but also future and current brides. Good luck to you both- keep in touch and if we are able to do a baby announcement for you, we will post it proudly on the blog as well!

BRIDAL SHOW!

Hi all, the Bridal Show was lots of fun this past weekend! Thanks to all who came out to say hi and pick up the demo!! It was fun seeing past and future brides! Don't forget if you are checking out the website and the videos on this blog (sorted by category to your right), the Bridal Show special is in full swing! Call or email for more details!!! Thanks everyone! It was fun! SG

John Deere Green

Congratulations to the Estes family in Greensburg for achieving LEED Platinum status for the building of their new John Deere dealership! We have done both wedding and corporate work for the family and were excited to share in their excitement! You can check them out at http://www.btiequip.com/ ! More to come about our recent work with John Deere in the coming weeks! Be sure to check back! SG

BRIDAL FAIR 2009!

Don't forget the next Bridal and Prom Expo is coming up quick! July 25th and 26th we will see you at Century II! Come one day or both and browse a great assortment of wedding and prom/party vendors -and of course stop by to see yours truly! :)

We'll have our newest demo on hand, pick one up and SEE THE DIFFERENCE!

Talk to past brides about how they liked their Fat Cat Experience!

Check out the Bridal Fair special as well! Dates for 2010 are starting to fill in, so don't delay!

Check out new trends including destination weddings- don't forget to take along your videographer and photographer! Check if your date is available for 2010!

We would love to meet you, stop by for your chance at some wonderful prizes at the show including a free Lasik surgery!! Talk about getting some great video on the wedding day without the glasses or those pesky contacts! Come on down to the show for more info. See you there!

Nikki and Andrew!

Congratulations to Nikki and Andrew! We spent last weekend documenting their wedding day for them! It was a very relaxed time and we met some new photographers, Becca and Jewel of Wirken Photography at http://www.wirkenphoto.com/ . The couple booked our new Documentary package, unfortunately no prequel to post this time. Thank you Nikki and Andrew! It was a pleasure meeting you both! SG

White-Brocato Prequel Now Online!

After a long wait- the White-Brocato prequel is now online! Scroll down to find it! We do hope you enjoy Bridget and Ryan's Day, be sure to leave your comments! You also might be wondering where all the pictures on the blog went? We have requested photos of recent weddings from the photographers but they have become pretty overwhelmed with the season and not been able to follow up :( Boo. Hang in there, we'll get to them when we can! Stay tuned for more antics! SG

More gore and carnage!

Ok, ok, so the gore and carnage wasn't real- but it looked like it! Was it REALLY that time again? Yes, it was. We just completed a long, hot, muggy, sunburnt, bug bitten, muscle-aching, and dehydrated two day long shoot this week in Yoder, Kansas for Hutchinson Community College's Paramedic Training Program- Field Operations 2009! This is now the third year we have helped with capturing the event! It is always terribly hot and tiring, but super rewarding. Not your average wedding-fare! This year we gathered additional footage and b-roll to be edited into next year's documentary edition. We are very excited for next year when the number of students grow exponentially and the scenarios get increasingly wild and realisitc! I was grateful again to my friends at Life Team Aeromedical Transport for the wonderful ride along again!!! Thanks guys! Thank you to Deanna for being on stand-by on Tuesday. Maybe next year- it's gunna be a wild ride! Footage is now being captured for edit in several weeks-lots on our plate right this very moment! If we are able to post video, we will- hang in there. But that's what we've been up to lately after a brief vacation to Grand Lake in Oklahoma and now back to school as well for the summer session. It really never ends around here! More to come- stay tuned! SG

New Prequel Online!

The Mercader Prequel is now online! Scroll down to the Mercader Wedding Post to view it! Be sure to leave your comments! Stay tuned for the White-Brocato prequel soon! SG

Kind Words-

As we gear up for our two newest prequels to be posted shortly, I ran across an older email while cleaning out my Inbox today. I'd like to share it with you. Chelsey Shackelford, married this past March, writes:
OH MY GOSH I LOVE THE PREQUEL! I have cried every time I watch it, because of how beautiful it is! I absolutely can't wait to see the whole video. All of my friends at work are so impressed. Two of my girlfriends even cried a little bit - You guys are just amazing! I am so impressed with everything. I am so thankful to have found you as my videographers! It's just so cool to watch the clip because I didn't get to see any of it! I know I'm rambling, but words can not describe how excited I am about this! You and Barry are the absolute BEST IN THE WORLD! Thank you SO much for everything again! I can't express my gratitude for how special you made my day! Chelsey and Ryan

I must admit I was blushing! It was such a wonderful day, we couldn't get anything but great footage! I'm always very humbled to hear these comments from our brides, but also very excited to share that excitement with others. If you are on the fence about getting a wedding video, jump off! What Chelsey said really hit the nail on the head- you miss so much, it's a wonderful keepsake of the day. Don't forget the summer special this month!
Thank you Chelsey for letting me share your note! Thanks for your patience in getting to see the rest of the video! We'll make it great!

White-Brocato

We first heard from the bride, Bridget, after the January Bridal Fair and viewing our demo. She lives in Kansas City and first contacted us via phone and email asking about what we had to offer for her day. She was going to be getting married in her hometown of Salina. We talked quite a bit and finalized everything by phone, or online or in the mail. We had hoped to meet her a few weeks prior to the wedding, as we really enjoy meeting our brides and grooms prior to the day; it just helps everyone be more relaxed on the wedding day. Well, Bridget and I could never get our schedules to synch up and we officially got to meet the moment she strolled through the door at the salon on the wedding day! No worries though, Bridget is the type of person who you just feel like you've known for a long time. She was so realxed on her day even though the excitement was building. She and her bridesmaids met at Hair Affair in Salina for hair and make up. Bridget had chosen to put her hair all up in curls and in the back placed a unique hair clip adorned with gold and jewels that was simply gorgeous. She found it at a KC bridal shop. She waited until it was time for photos to put on her veil.

The groom had started getting ready at the Ramada with his groomsmen, both his brothers, prior to seeing his bride for the first time. Barry grabbed a few shots there prior to the big moment!

The bride snuck into her suite at the hotel as well to get dressed herself, adorning a gorgeous gown she also found in KC. Light weight material blew in the breeze and covered with a layer of champagne colored lace and a very elegant sweeping train. A strand of pearls from her new in-laws-to-be completed her look!

The photogaphers, Gary and Amanda McCool (also from Wichita), set up the first meeting near a fountain in the commons area of the hotel. One of the couples nephews, a candlelighter covered Ryan's eyes until it was time to see his bride for the first time. From my vantage point, Bridget sure had a huge grin across her face! They exchanged cards for one another and posed for a few photos before grabbing a quick bite to eat and off to the park for more photos.

Then the bridal party headed to the church, Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Salina. It was a very uniquely designed church. Concrete walls were engraved with the stations of the cross and huge stained glass windown towered to the ceilings. The ceremony started at about 2:30 pm and the newlyweds took part in the full Catholic Mass sharing communion together. After they were announced as husband and wife, they were congratulated by their guests who were outside lining the steps blowing bubbles as they headed to the limo to take them to the reception. Artisitc limousine came from Wichita to help the newlyweds celebrate in style!

The reception was back at the Ramada hotel so it was convenient for guests who had come from Kansas City and other parts of the country. Bridget had the entire hall decorated beautifully in brown, black, white and pink. DJ Rick Raynes introduced them to the room where they had a receiving line to personally say thank you to all the guests!

After dinner, the couple cut the cake, had their first toast and guests dove into dessert- wedding cake and the biggest assortment of cookies I had ever seen in my life. It spanned two 8-foot banquet tables and a large round banquet table. As I snuck a few to indulge in, I asked one of the guests if they knew anything about the cookies, were they homemeade or storebought? I was surprised to hear that a few people in the family made every last one. She stated it took about 35 pounds of flour to get the feat accomplished! All varieties except for two I believe were all Italian in tradition, from the groom's side of the family! They even had pink take home bags for you to fill up with goodies and enjoy for later!

Once everyone got plenty to eat for dinner and dessert, the couple shared their first dance and the party had begun! The DJ had plenty of fun planned for the evening and kept everyone on the dance floor and entertained, even a great dance contest!

The newlyweds are excited to head to SanFrancisco for their honeymoon this week and we wish them well in their future lives together.

Bridget and Ryan, thank you again for your hospitality throughout the day, we appreciate it very much- you had a wonderful day and we enjoyed ourselves! You are a wonderful couple with great families, please keep in touch! Good luck to you- have a blast in California!

Stay tuned for the wedding day prequel in the coming weeks! SG

Mercader Wedding

This past weekend, we were able to spend the day with Trinh and Jun Mercader. We were pretty excited as we got to learn more about other cultures. Trinh is Vietnamese and Jun is Phillipino. What a great couple! We knew we liked them and the day would be a lot of fun when we first met. It was a bit surprising when they were ready to sign the contract when Trinh mentioned, "I should probably tell you we are already married"! The day was an official celebration of their past 5 years together! They were making it official with a big celebration with both their families.

On Saturday I was able to film Trinh's Tea Ceremony at her parents home. This was a great learning experience for me. Trinh was great making me feel comfortable and making me aware of what was to happen next as everything was in Vietnamese.

On Sunday, we started the day at Wichita Country Club for preparations with the bride, groom, and bridal party. Trinh chose a beautiful strapless dress made of the lightest material that blew beautifully in the wind for photos, lightly adorned with beads on the bodice. Spring colors in the bouquets were gorgeous with the bridesmaids spring green strapless dresses. Hair and make up artists help make all the ladies look stunning! Not that they needed much help!!!

Trinh chose to see Jun prior to the ceremony to get as many photos out of the way as possible. We had a fabulous day working with some new friends, Ryan and Paul of Versluis Photography out of Kansas City. We set up the first meeting outside under a large shade tree near the golf course. It was great to see ear to ear smiles from the couple! Photos followed and then it was time to set up for the ceremony that started shortly after 3 o'clock. An area judge acted as the officiant. He gave some words of advice for many more additional years of marriage and congratulations for the previous five as they renewed their vows in front of approximately 100 family and friends who traveled from far away as California, Hawaii and the Phillipines.

We were able to steal away the couple with the photographers for a few minutes on the way to the reception to get photos at Bradley Fair.

The reception was held at the Olive Tree Banquet Hall. It was very nicely decorated with bright spring greens and white and festive balloons. A cocktail hour allowed the couple to visit with each of their guests as they arrived prior to starting the festivities. Dinner was a fabulous family style 5 course meal consisting of a variety of great food, steak, salmon, chicken and more. Dessert of course was the fabulous wedding cake and lime sherbet. The maid of honor and best man toasted the bride and groom early on and later during the meal the bridal party accompanied the couple to each table thanking them for attending and in tradition, guests toasted the couple and presented them with gifts and cards.

Later the spotlight was again on the couple during their first dance before they cut loose to dance party music provided by the DJ. It took a bit to get the dance floor warmed up, but the guests had a great time once they were out!

Thank you to Trinh and Jun for letting us share in your special day. Congratulations on five wonderful years together, we wish you many, many more! Enjoy your trip later this year, what an incredible experience! Take tons of pictures! Check back in the coming weeks for the Mercader Wedding Day prequel!

This weddings vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Venues: Wichita Country Club and Olive Tree Bistro

Photography: Paul Versluis Photography, Kansas City

Catering: Olive Tree Bistro

Cake: Eleanor Belen

Floral: The Flower Factory

DJ: DJ Miko

RIFFEL-BEECH PREQUEL NOW ONLINE!

After a long anticipated wait, the Beech prequel is finally online! Please scroll down to the "Lifes A Beech!" entry to find it! A perfect song chosen by the bride we think you'll enjoy it. We think it really shows this couple fun loving relaxed personalities! Be sure to leave your comments and let us know what you think! Enjoy! SG

SIZZLING SUMMER DEAL!

Let's face it, the economy isn't what it used to be today as it was last year. More and more brides and grooms are being forced to cut wanted and needed items out of their budgets when planning a wedding. Fat Cat strongly believes that preserving your memories on video, no matter how much you spend on the wedding, or not, shouldn't be one of the items to be ousted immediately from the budget. It's still an immensely important day that should be well preserved for the future. That said Fat Cat knows brides need a wedding video and we'd like to help.

So if you or someone you know is looking to book Fat Cat as their wedding videographer, please contact us for our new special running now through the end of June! Take a gander at our samples in the gallery and pick up the phone and give us a call. We'd be happy to help!
SG