DDM Photo and Video Blog

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!

5/03/08- 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:

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

 

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!!

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.