DDM Photo and Video Blog

4/19/08-Rebecca and Brian

      The sparkling departure to a waiting Sea Ray Sundowner (ok, we're big Sea Ray fans) made for an end of the day highlight, but the truth of the matter was the entire event was picture perfect. Karin started our video coverage with the lovely bride that morning, covering the last few hours of single life, and preparing for her dream wedding. I joined up with the men down at the Hilton Oceanfront right at their lunch break. Brian and crew were celebrating and ribbing each other. (In all honesty, all of them could start up a comedy group. Their good natured insults of one another were some of the most creative in entertaing that Ive ever heard!) After lunch, it was up to the room to get the tuxes on, and head for the church.

     The ceremony was held at the Kempsville Baptist Church, and provided a great background, and a charming ceremony. A traditional Christian ceremony, yet very elegant in nature providing everyone in attendance a touching afternoon. 

     The reception was held at the Cavalier Gold and Yacht Club, one of the best scenic and service locations in Hampton Roads in our opinion. Jessica and her staff up there did a fantastic job as always, providing first rate service that they are known for. The evening went flawlessly, and some great photos were caught by David Schwartz out on the lawn just before Sundown. After the remainder of the reception events, the forementioned departure took place, with a perfect sea-going departure ending the day. Rebecca and Brian were wonderful (and entertaining) to work with, and we wish them the best for the future!

Video Screen shots below

 

4/19/08-Sarah and Nathan

     There were smiles all around as Nate & Sarah tied the knot in the picturesque chapel at Haygood United Methodist Church. Surrounded by friends from around the globe, we were able to get some fun photos in the church and church courtyard following the ceremony. Afterwards, the lively guests made their way to the Officer's Club in Oceana, where Brit & Taylor (daughters) and Mr. Morgan (Sara's father) lit up the dance floor. Heartfelt speeches by Nate's brother and sister, and Sarah's father preceeded the cake cutting, and a bubble filled send-off brought a close to the evening. All the best to these wonderful newlyweds!!

4/12/08- Jacqualine and Noorhi

This wedding was really, really exciting to be a part of as it was a marraige of two cultures...Filipino and Korean. Even the rehearsal involved traditional dresses of the Korean culture, which was a treat to see and watch. Held entirely at the Filippino Cultural Center in Virginia Beach, family and friends from across the globe came to this beautiful wedding. In addition to the cultural aspects of this wedding, their clear devotion to god and their religion was also inspiring to see and hear firsthand.

     The followup to the ceremony was an incredible buffet that contained a lot of traditional Korean food, with vegetable and rice dishes, and of course some very hot Kim Chee. The rest of the night contained some great entertainment from family musicians, dancing, and of course the traditional wedding festivities. We wish both Noorhi and Jacqualine the best for a great future!

3/29/2008- Sylvia and Carlos

     This was one of the more unique venues we have ever shot it. Held at the Womens Club of Portsmouth, it provided a rustic yet romantic backdrop for this wonderful couple. Being very much about the beach and all things tropical, their coordinators arranged for a tropical setting in a nostalgic location, complete with an aisle to the alter made of sand, and surrounded by tropical plants and decor.

      Aside from the tropical decor, the wedding was a traditional Christian ceremony, and was well attended. After the ceremony, we headed out for the formals. One of the features to add here....bridal party shots which at full strength was 38 people! We got em' all in there though, and despites Jon's attempt to take a dive, he came out in clean form without damaging his camera.

    Once we completed the pics, we went back inside for a great dinner of chicken, pastas, potatoes, just a lot of great food. I cannot remember the name of the caterer (our bad), but they were fantastic. This was followed by all of the traditional reception elements, and of course a lot of great dancing. Good luck to Sylvia and Carlos, they have nothing but great things ahead of them!

3/22/2008- Indrani and Raj

     While half of our staff was over at Andrea's Quinceanara, we had the rest of our videographers over at the Sheraton Oceanfront for a double ceremony featuring Indrani and Raj. For anyone who has never attended a Hindu wedding, they are nothing short of amazing. To cap this one off....after the Hindu ceremony was over, they went back and did it again as a Christian Ceremony!

     This wedding was a beautiful event, with all of color and pageantry one would expect. The sheer site of the parade (The barat) on the boardwalk prior to the start of the festivities was a thrill to everyone who saw it. (those involved, and those lucky enough to be down on the boardwalk to see this). There was the traditional family greetings, and into the ceremony officiated by a Hindu priest. The pageantry, and significance of everything that transpires is amazing, an experience that does touch everyone involved.

    After the ceremonies concluded, and portraits completed it was on to a fantastic party and great time for all. While the reception is much like a typical wedding, there are some special elements to it, as well as some fantatasic culinary treats for those who like exotic foods. Beyond that, it was to dancing the night away, well past midnight.

    This couple was a beautiful and wonderful couple, as were their families. It was our honor to handle these services for them, and wish them the best as a new couple!

 

3/22/2008- Andrea's Quinceanara

      One of the best parts of being a part of this industry is that we get the unique opportunity to work with events that are out of the norm, or are unique in their nature. March 22nd of 2008 we had two beautiful events. This post though deals with something that we are seeing more of, a celebration of passing and growing up that has been a part of other cultures for many years, but is now showing up more and more in American culture...The Quinceanara.

    This event was one of the largest in scope we have ever put together. An amazing team led by Pearl Taylor of Uniquely Your by Pearl was assembled months in advance to ensure this even delivered a show that was nothing short of spectacular The main event was held in the Marriot Watersides 3rd floor ballroom. Isha Foss of Isha Foss Events did an amazing job as always with the decor and assisting Pearl with many elements. We combined our video efforts with Pike Media Resources to deliver an unsurpassed lighting and live video experience, with top notch photographer Don Monteaux handling the photography services for the client. Marilen from Art Inspired handled the choreography, which of course began rehearsal months in advance.

    The night was complete with choreographed ballroom dancing numbers, a live singing performance by Andrea, as well as video segments of Andrea growing up, and speaking to the large attentive crowd. After a incredible dinner, the floor was taken over by the DJ Shaggy of radio station Z104 to lead a full event of dancing and fun for everyone there. It was nothing short of amazing.

    Along with the shear amount of work and talent that was involved in this event, I must say that we were also very impressed with Andrea herself. Cleary a talented young lady, she is also polite, charming, and friendly and was a pleasure to work with. She is certain to have a lot of great things in front of her, and wish her the best in her future.

 

 

3/08/2008 Diane and Mike

    Kickigng off the 2008 wedding season was Diane and Mike. The ceremony was held at the Chapel at Ocean Naval Air Station, with the reception being held at the Ramada down on Atlantic. (RIght along with Mahi-Mahs's, a local favorite).

     There was a lot of unique elements to this wedding to help make it extra special. From the military aspect of it being on base at the chapel, to the lion dancers at the reception it was a fast moving, yet elegant event that was exciting for everyone involved. The tea ceremony with the parents was also a unique cultural touch, along with a sweets table that was second to none.

    It was our pleasure an honor to work with DIane and Mike on this wonderful day, and wish them many years of happiness and continued success!