New Year!!!

Happy New Year!

We hope this wish finds you all well after a great Holiday Season celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with your friends and family. We have enjoyed working with each and every bride and groom this last year! We are so lucky to mesh with such wonderful people! Thank you to everyone who has allowed us to be a part of their big day!

The New Year brings many new opportunities this year and we'd like to share just a few things that have been going on here with you...

With the Holidays we are still working on catching up on a few prequels to post from November and December of '09, bear with us just a little bit and we'll get these posted ASAP!

The most recent news is the Bridal Fair coming up FAST on January 9th and 10th at Century II. We will be on the entry aisle along the wall, booth #5 so come and see us! We will be handing out our demo DVD for those who have not made the final decision to hire a videographer yet. For those that have, tell your friends! It's $7.50 for a one day pass or $11 for both days if you don't get all your shopping done in one day. A great value in the scheme of wedding planning!

We also wanted to let everyone know that we have been very happy over the years with our business growing from a "side"/part time job to a full time and professional income. But the last few years we have taken on new projects in life and we are now back to a part time, but professional venture! We are taking only a limited number of events in 2010. So if you have had friends who have showed an interest in having Fat Cat videotape their wedding day, pass the word on. We book only one wedding per day on a first come-first serve basis. We already have a handful of events planned for 2010 and with our newly limited availability, wedding slots are filling fast!

For those that are unable to book us for the wedding day itself, don't forget about those one of a kind videos shot ahead of time that are GREAT hits at the reception- We will still be available for LOVE STORIES, BRIDAL ELEGANCE VIDEOS or SAVE THE DATE VIDEOS, BRIDAL PARTY MUSIC VIDEOS, VIDEO SPOOFS (or anything you can dream up! We get awesome ideas from brides and grooms!) even if you cannot make the wedding day video work.

Or even after the wedding day, consider an eXtreme session or Trash The Dress Session. Baby Stories and Birth Announcements are also becoming popular.

If you have been hinting at that special someone to pop the question, or know someone who will be.... don't forget to ask us to VIDEO TAPE THE PROPOSAL. What an awesome addition to your upcoming wedding video! Tell the WHOLE story. We can concoct any good ole fashioned story up with the grooms, even hide a wireless mic to capture it ALL ! Call us! (Or just send him this link....)

We have been very blessed the last year with wonderful friends and brides, a new dog (Murphy), starting our nursing school careers and more, we hope this new year continues to bless you all with love, health and happiness. Steph

New Prequel Online!

Happy New Year! The Winter- Hanson Wedding Prequel is now online! You can view it by scrolling down to their blog entry or clicking here. Be sure to tell us what you think and leave your comments for the bride and groom!!! Enjoy!

Tucker/Kramer Wedding

One word describes our day with Gary and Jazmine yesterday- Wow! It was a great day. We met Gary and Jazmine this past summer while they planned their wedding party and reception. The two were already married and wanted to have a big celebration for all their friends and family. We were honored to be a part of it.

I met Jazmine at Don Michael Bannon Salon downtown where she and the ladies were given fabulous hair styles and make up for the day. Don gave them updos with a similar styling to look fabulous for the photos and video. Everyone was stunning. After a fun and relaxed morning, the ladies met back up with me at the Wichita Marriott to get dressed for the day. Jazmine chose a gorgeous blue for her color. She wore a classic white strapless gown with my favorite souffle skirt and a dark navy blue ribbon wrapping around her waist. The bridesmaids wore matching navy blue strapless gowns. The flowers were a wintery light blue and complimented the dresses quite beautifully. Jazmine isn't the biggest flower fan and saved her budget for other things of "something blue"! (Read further).

As the two were already married and the wedding being an evening event, they chose to see each other before the ceremony. Her photographer, Tim Davis, set up a great place in the hotel lobby for them to meet and share a special moment together then knock out the traditional photos prior to the ceremony. But this photo session was quite fun and not-so traditional!

In the meantime, Jubilations Events were putting the finishing touches on the ceremony and reception rooms, turning them into a white and blue winter wonderland. Scott Ward from AMM DJ Service added the last blast of color with 20 different sets of LED uplighting filling both rooms! The lighting itself really was a centerpiece. Absolutely stunning. Stunning + Gorgeous= Wow.

6 pm fast approached and Jazmine made her way down the aisle with her father to meet Gary. They reaffirmed their vows, shared a unity sand ceremony and a comical early kiss as husband and wife! The ceremony was short and to the point as the couple wanted to spend their time with friends and enjoy time at the reception.

Tim, the Jubilatoins staff, Scott, and Fat Cat all had a chance to take pictures of the reception hall prior to the guests entering during the cocktail hour (a rarity for us) and everyone was just in awe. The bride and groom got a first sneak peak as well. Then the guests entered and you could read their lips "Oh wow!"

The room was completely transformed with white draperies and table linens, white chair covers with light blue sashes, white table tops trees with irridescent crystals and votive candles hanging in them, drapereies framing the dance floor with uplighting and several other white and blue decor touches. The bridal party entered and the bride and groom got right to it and cut the cake, started the buffet line and moved right into their first dances.

The night was a fantasy come to life, we cannot wait to show you the pictures from Tim and the prequel in a few weeks.

Thank you Jazmine and Gary, we had a great time spending the day with you. It was a great day, and it is obvious you are loved by many! Good luck to you on your new life in California and enjoy the Vegas vacation!

New Prequel Online!

The Peaster Prequel is finally online! You can check it out at the following link or scroll down to the blog entry. Enjoy!

Hathaway Wedding

Back on December 5th we spent the day with Emily and Luke. It was a little bit different as the couple were already married just prior to Luke leaving for a deployment in the US Army. But they still wanted to have a big celebration with their family and friends and that is exactly what happened on the 5th! I started the day in Newton with Emily at the Hair Company Salon on Main Street. The bride had a very special stylist- her mother-in-law! She did a wonderful job and hooked Emily up with tons of curls and made sure there wasn't a single hair out of place! A few of the bridesmaids also had their hair done at the salon. They were quite impressive not allowing Emily to worry about a thing. They made sure all last minute phone calls to vendors were made for her, all decorations were in place at the reception site, made sure she stayed on schedule, ate, and also made her get a good nights sleep the night before! Then off to the church for make up and getting into their dresses. The wedding was held at First Presbyterian Church in Newton and I followed the ladies as usual as Barry hung out with the wild and crazy groomsmen in the basement. We shared the day with Brian from JDB Photography and had a really good time. Brian got as many photos as he could prior to the ceremony as Emily wanted to save the surprise of her in her dress for Luke as she came down the aisle!

Her dress was a stunning Maggie Soterro. It was a champagne color with layers of lace and angled ruffles. Topped off with a brown short fur coat it was incredibly unique and fit Emily like a glove.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and it was great that the couple reaffirmed their vows, but never taking off their wedding rings. One of the bridesmaids, Megan Small, sang a beautiful rendition of the Lord's Prayer. You can't beat an Opera singer at your wedding!

The couple then took photos after the wedding while we gathered equipment and headed to the Ville in Andover for the reception. The bridal party made their grand entrance down the staircase and everyone wasted little time getting dinner. Emily and Luke chose not to have alcohol at the reception but instead use those funds to cater in Marble Slab Creamery for desert complete with 5 different flavors of ice cream and 20 delicious toppings! Luke was first in line to get it moving!

Toasts followed and the couples first dance, then a surprise from Emily and her father during their first dance. They started out visiting quietly during a slow ballad and one wave to the DJ started the show in motion! It was a fabulous take off of some couples first dances breaking out into different styles of dancing but between the bride and her dad! It was so awesome. No words can describe it. The crowd was roaring. The party followed with everyone having a really great time. We for one, had a great time spending the day with Luke and Emily!

Luke and Emily, thank you so much for having us and thank you for dinner and ice cream! We appreciate that! We felt more like friends or family at your wedding than a working vendor- just the way we like it! :) You two are a gorgeous beautiful couple inside and out. We enjoyed capturing every minute for you! Click below to see the Hathaway's prequel!

New Prequel Online!

After a much anticipated long wait, the Friess/Ruth wedding day prequel is now online! You can view it by clicking here connecting you to the blog entry for the day! We do hope you enjoy it- be sure to leave us your comments! More prequels on the way, we have a few more to catch up on! Until next time.... SG

McCurry & Krol

Today we spent the day with Cori and Noah. Cori and her mother were referred to us by other brides the past few years and it was now Cori's turn to tie the knot! I started the day with Cori at Eric Fisher Salon in west Wichita to have her hair and make up done with her mother and bridesmaids. After some confusion with her original stylist, the folks at EFS jumped right in to help fill in missed gaps and Cori took it all in stride. "I'm not worried at all" she reassured the ladies. And she wasn't. It was a relaxed morning filled with chatting, catching up, giggling and mimosa's. Many of the ladies were even tag teamed with the time schedule with one stylist working on their hair as a friend of Cori's applied all the make up by Mary Kay. It looked like they were all high fashion models ready to hit the runway!

We met back up at the church parish hall to finish getting the ladies dressed, as well as the bride. The groomsmen arrived ready and headed straight to their picture session while the ladies finished. Cori wore a beautiful strapless white gown by Maggie Soterro. What else do you say about a Maggie Soterro? Just gorgeous. The ladies wasted no time getting into their dresses either and everyone was off and ready to finish pictures and get to the ceremony.

The ceremony was held at St. Joseph's in Andale, Kansas. It went by in a flash. Cori marched in with the biggest smile on her face with her father and I don't think it left her face until she left with a different man on her arm! :) Mr. and Mrs. Krol left the church under a barrage of flower petals thrown by guests outside leading to the awaiting trolley. The photographers took them to a few spots in town for a few photos and we met back up with them at the reception at the Airport Hilton in west Wichita where they threw quite the party!

The couple was announced as husband and wife into the room and started the traditions with the cutting of cake, an awesome dinner buffett and toasts from the maid of honor and best man. The newlyweds took time to visit with their guests and treated them to a "candy bar" and digital photo booth to capture some spontaneous fun moments! It was a complete hit- I don't think the booth was empty all night long! The couple shared their first dance together and honored their parents with their special dances and then cut the dance floor loose to family and guests. It was a fun but relaxing time for the bride and groom!

Thanks to Cori and Noah for having us at your wedding, it was great to see familiar faces as well! What a small world! We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your time on your honeymoon and we can't wait to hear about what a wonderful time you had! We enjoyed ourselves at the wedding and feel very honored you chose Fat Cat! Congratulations!!!

Hunter- Pippin Wedding

Yesterday we had a great wedding with Matt and Gabby! Matt contacted us earlier in the year to film the wedding after learning from his Dad that we do wedding videos. His Dad, Bob, had worked with us many years at EMS prior to retiring. Matt followed in his dad's footsteps and is a wildland firefighter from New Mexico. Gabby is originally from England and wanted a video of the wedding to be able to share the day with friends and family that were not able to attend "across the pond". The wedding was held in Andover, Kansas, so the couple had friends and family from all over attending.

I started the day with Gabby and the girls at Planet Hair downtown with photographer-extraordinaire Tim Davis. One thing that stuck out in my mind was that one of the bridesmaids was from Hawaii- she had beautiful dark hair with a few small swatches of hot pink in the back. While she got her hair done, she left the hot pink showing amidst the curls and hoped it was OK with the bride whose colors were black, white, midnight and pale aqua blue. With Gabby's relaxed demeanor, of course it was alright, she said it was a "splash of fun!". I have now coined a new phrase, stealing it from Gabby! All the ladies hair had some splash of fun to it, flowers, braids, etc. All were just stunning. Gabby stayed to have her make up done at the salon and we met back up at the church to document everyone finishing getting ready and heading down the aisle.

The wedding was at the United Methodist Church in Andover, Kansas. The ladies had classic black dresses with a "splash" of white. The guys were of course in black tuxes with their own splash of white- Converse Chucks shoes! Too fun. Everyone remained relaxed and comfortable. Tim got as many photos as possible before the wedding of the men and women separately, even a classic...perfect... "Charlie's Angels" impromptu pose that left everyone in tears laughing.

Soon guests were arriving and everyone was taking their place in the sanctuary. Gabby had a huge smile on her face as she came down the aisle with her father. Matt returned it likewise. The ceremony was really great. The pastor poking a little fun at the couple but still giving a great personal and meaningful sermon on love. The ceremony was short and sweet and the couple left through a tunnel of guests showered with rose petals. Matt's dad is the Asst. Fire Chief in Andover and arranged for an awesome getaway vehicle- the couple was whisked away red lights and sirens on Engine 1 from the Andover Fire Department! So cool. After a ride around the block, the couple returned for group shots at the church where more fun and hilarious times ensued. The firemen were gracious enough to stay and take the couple to the reception afterwards at The Ville.

The bridal party was announced into the reception hall down the grand staircase and cut the cake to start the festivities. They wasted no time enjoying dinner from B&C Creations BBQ in Wichita! Spending time with friends and family was important. They shared a photomontage on the big screen, the bridal party toasted the couple and shared their first dance and dances with parents to open the dance floor to guests. It was really a great time with "splashes of fun" throughout the entire day.

To Matt and Gabby, thank you SO much for letting us spend the day with you, we appreciate that very much and its so great to work with families as relaxed and is fun as yours, it makes the day so much more fun and like we aren't even working! (Ya, ask my feet that last night!) Have a fabulous time in Hawaii and bring home tons of photos- good luck in New Mexico, stay safe and we wish you a life filled with waves, not splashes, of fun!

Winter / Hanson 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!

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!

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! Check out their prequel below!

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