DDM Photo and Video Blog

5/24/08- Lauren and James

Location: Deep Creek Baptist Church and Vista Point Club @ Naval Station Norfolk

OMG....this wedding was so much fun. It was more like attending a friends wedding, but with having cameras in our hands. Both families were a delight to work with, we had great weather, and more fun than a photographer should be allowed to have. So what happened...

     The ceremony itself was held at the Deep Creek Baptist Church in Chesapeake. If you've never been there, its huge. Hella-huge for Eric Cartman (South Park) fans. You could throw a concert in there. The church itself is also located on one of the most scenic properties Ive ever seen in a church. Rolling lawns, large trees, and a beautiful pond in the back area full of fish and turtles swimming about. Not to mention a playground for the kiddies (and newly-weds). This entire area made a great backdrop for the couples pics.

      The reception was held at Vista Point at Naval Station Norfolk. There were a couple of other wedding gatherings there at the same time. (But of course Lauren and James was the best....they were certainly the hottest couple there, and had the wildest group of partiers in the building). After a great dinner, we retreated out to a perfect sunset for sundown pictures on the water, until the light was gone. After that, it was back in for some serious dancing and partying, all hosted by Johnny Flex from Astro DJ's. There was some seriously funny moments throughout the rest of the night, with members of the family and bridal party (ok...mostly the guys) tearing things up. (In a good way). What a great time.

     This couple has nothing but great things ahead for them, and we wish them the best of everything in the future!

 

5/18/08- Jenny and Rommel

Location: International Christian Church and The Sheraton Beachside Hotel

You have to love it when emotion overcomes the groom. Everyone expects tears of joy from the bride, but its even better when the groom gets emotional. (And you know what...it takes a real man to do so!). Jenny and Rommels ceremony was held at the International Christian Church off Holland Rd in Virginia Beach. A traditional Filippino ceremony was in store for us, with all of the trimmings.

    Jennys coordinator was helpful in getting everything together, and did a great job of directing everyone into place, from the bridal party members to all of the sponsors who helped make this wedding happen. Once everyone was in place, the ceremony proceeded, and of course we have to go right to talking about the vows. Or better yet....just watch the short video clip of the vows below, and see firsthand the sheer emotion of the moment. It was a truly touching, emotional, and yet humorous moment which no one at this wedding will forget.

    The reception was held at the Sheraton Beachfront Hotel (2nd time we're there this past month), and everything was fantastic. Great food, music, and of course lots of dancing. There was plenty of the traditional events to follow, with the party not winding down to the very end.

    We'd like to thank Jenny and Rommel for having us being a part of their wedding day, and wish them the best of luck in the future. Now about those vows...

5/17/08- Melanie and Matt

Location: Chrysler Museum of Art   

There are a number of elegant venues in Hampton Roads, and the Chrysler Museum is certainly one of the stand-out gems in this top shelf group. From the architecture itself, to the timeless (and priceless) art which adorns it walls, it brings you in and welcomes you to classic sophistication.

     This was the scene for Melanie and Matts wedding. The girls started out at the Gary Allen Salon in VIrginia Beach for hair and nails. The guys....they had the casual get together down at the Marriot Waterside, in the Jefferson Room. All came together late that afternoon at the Chrysler so we could begin taking some of their formal portraits in order to have ample time after the ceremony for the additional pictures as the fantastic staff at the Chrysler turned the room for the reception.

   The wedding itself was beautiful and classy. Everything went off without a hitch, with Pearl Taylor of Uniquely Yours by Pearl providing the professional coordination along with Mia of The Chrysler as the onsite coodinator. Local band Hotcakes provided the live entertainment, providing great music and entertainment for all. (These guys are a tight, fun band. You can't beat quality live music at a wedding!)

     We felt honored to handle Melanie and Matt's Photography and VIdeography services for them, and thoroughly enjoyed working with them and their families. We wish them the best for the future, and a happy and exciting marriage.

engagement pic shown below)

   

5/17/08- Paige and Reed

review coming soon!

5/04/08- Gail Harts "A Little Bit of Heaven"

Anyone who has attended one of Gail Harts Dance & Performing Arts Inc productions knows what type of program you'll see. Incredible talented young people who are dedicated to their art, performing at a level that is higher than what you would normally see for performers at this age. This show was based around Gospel Music, which was fitting for a Sunday evening, taking place at the Douglas Wilder Center on the campus of Norfolk State University. Mixed in with the Interpretive dance performances were vocal performances by Titus Jackson as well as the TLC Praise Team. All performers were all well received by a small, yet enthusiastic audience.  If you ever have the chance to view one of Gail Harts performances, be sure to take the opportunity to view some amazing dance, choreography, and execution of the arts.

(Video frame captures below)

5/03/08- Amy and Brad

     Ever had the opportunity to visit the Freemason Baptist Church in Norfolk? Its quite fantastic. Beautiful gothic architecture, stone work, stunning stained glass, and best of all great lighting. This was the backdrop for Amy and Brads ceremony.

     Another unique feature of this weeding was that for the second time over the past month, a  parent of the couple officiated the ceremony. In this case, it was the father of the groom marrying his son. Loved it! Michelle Kilgore of Weddings by Michelle provided her normal outstanding coordination for the entire event, making it stress-free for both the family and her vendors.

    The reception was held at the Norfolk Yacht Club, which is a great location for receptions with its great water views, gorgeous grounds, and top quality cuisine. DJ Rodney Charles did a great job with entertaining the crowd, and keeping the dance floor busy all night long. We'd like to wish the best of luck to the new couple, and wish them many years of happiness.

Video Screen Shots below:

5/03/08- Marina and Greg

     Marina and Greg's ceremony at the gorgeous Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Newport News was breathtaking.  It was a ceremony that was steeped in tradition and elegance.  Performed by three Officiants, Father George Chioros, Father Nick Despotides, and Father Steve Dalber, and with almost twenty in the bridal party, the altar was overflowing with the love and support of friends and family. 

     Following the service, the reception was conveniently held in the hall adjacent to the church.  With a mix of authentic Greek music and a live DJ, the guests were treated to a festive, fun reception that left few of the 350 guests in attendance sitting down for long.    The filet mignon meal was exquisite, and the bartender was busy!  Overall, a really fun, traditional Greek celebration of a wonderful couple.  A pleasure to film.  Thanks for having us!

Images coming soon!

4/27/08- Nick and Starley

    Full day of partying. Thats really the best way to describe Nick and Starleys wedding day. Bringing in family and friend from all over the country (and especially the Smith's from Chi-town), it was long yet fun day of celebration. We were covering every moment of this occasion, both photo and video services.

     The ceremony was held at the Freedom Fellowship Hall in Virginia Beach. A rather moving ceremony was officated by none other than the brides father...adding that extra something special to the occasion. After the formal photo session, the couple departed via horse and buggy provided by Chariots for Hire for a ride around the local area, despite the incoming bad weather.

    The reception took place down at the Sheraton Oceanfront. Their staff did a great job with everything, and the night went on without a hitch. Lots of great dancing, and great entertaing moments took place throughout the evening. (Including Nick Dad Kevin roaming the floor with one of our videocams!) Lots of fun...lots of fun!

     The couple will be following up in Chicago with another reception at the end of May, which will involve viewing the wedding video highlights so that others who could not make the event can view it as if they were there. We're quite sure that it will be another bash as well! Their photos will be up online soon, and to add to it their full wedding video will be available online for viewing as well for those family and friends who want to see it as well! Below is a small recap clip from their wedding ceremony highlights.

 

4/26/08-Kimberly and Paul

Review Coming Soon!

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