Diva Productions

Missy + Lorin on Style Me Pretty!!!

2012-01-21T09:57:00.002-06:00

One of the things we love about Style Me Pretty is that they are a huge supporter of wedding filmmakers! They are one of the few blogs which really recognizes the value of wedding films and they don't hesitate to feature great work for their couples. Today we're honored because they are featuring Missy and Lorin's wedding film sneak peek. We couldn't be more thrilled, because we ADORE Missy and Lorin, but also because we think it's a pretty great example of what's possible if couples value what we do and give us the access we need to tell their story.

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Event Designer/Coordinator: Jennifer Warwick-Lewis + Jennifer Fisher for It's a Shore Thing
Venue: Watercolor Inn
Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Officiant: Rabbi Richard Baroff
Band: Rubik's Groove
Make-up Artist: Yvette Nation
Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter
Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

God Gave Me You... Coming Soon: Nikki + Maury

2012-01-01T02:10:00.008-06:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

This wedding was beyond beautiful. There was an understated elegance to it and an attention to detail which really blew our socks off! We could have pulled together a seriously gorgeous sneak peek with just shots of the locations and details (it was a three day event). However, if you follow our work, you know that in our sneak peeks we'll sacrifice the eye candy for the story - every. single. time. And there's a story here - a love story which goes beyond Nikki and Maury, to the heart of all their relationships, especially the one they share with the Lord.

Nikki and Maury, thank you so much for trusting us to film your big day. We feel honored and blessed to have shared it with you.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Rae Leytham Photography
Event Designer and Planner: Lorna Huey
Make-up Artist: J. Edward Beauty
Venue: Sonny Hill Farm / Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa
Cake: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort
Bands: Diamond Rio / The Nashville Blue Tones
Photo Booth: FaceTime Photo Booths

Song: "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes, licensed through The Music Bed

{Want to see even more? Check out this blog post by the fabulous Rae Leytham Photography}

A Ringling Museum Wedding {Part Two}... Coming Soon: Ashley + Jaime

2011-12-01T16:37:00.011-06:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

Ashley and Jaime are an amazing couple. We enjoyed every moment we spent with them on their wedding day. They laugh all the time. They watch out for one another. We really think they've got this whole "happily ever after" thing figured out. Congratulations you two! We hope you enjoy this "sneak peek" of your wedding film!

{the backstory}

I grew up in south west Florida on a little island called Boca Grande. Even though we lived in a small island community, my mother felt exposure to the arts was a very important part of education and we would regularly make the hour long drive to Sarasota to visit the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, to attend the Aoslo Theater, or to head to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center (known locally as the "Purple Cow") for a concert. My favorite family field trip was always to Ca' D'Zan (House of John) on the Ringling grounds. As a child it was a magical place where I could get lost in the Banyan trees and in my imagination. The mansion was built in the 1920's by the circus magnate John Ringling (yes that Ringling) and is constructed to look like a Venetian mansion.

Fast forward 25 years to 2010, when we get a call from the ultra talented event designer Keren Lifrak of Keren Lifrak Weddings and Special Events asking us if we would be interested in traveling to Sarasota to film the wedding of one of her brides. When she told us the venue, and the plan for the day, I couldn't believe what I was hearing... wedding ceremony in front of Ca' D' Zan, cocktail hour on the back patio facing the bay, and reception in the Museum of Art courtyard. It was like someone had asked me "if you could film your 'ideal' wedding, what would it look like?" and Keren had just described to me exactly what it would be! Luckily we fell in love with Ashley + Jaime, they booked us, and I patiently waited nearly a year for their wedding date - November 12, 2011 - to roll around.

So, I knew this wedding was going to be beautiful, with a backdrop like the Ringling, how could it not be stunning? What I wasn't prepared for was how drop dead gorgeous all of the details made a place we already loved even more breathtaking. First, there were the florals and decor for the event Keren Lifrak designed. Peacock feathers, hydrangeas, unique arrangements, I could go on and on, but the images from the first post about this wedding show them better than I can describe. Then there was the cake (also designed by the amazing Keren - check out her blog post about it). It was created to showcase the architectural details of the Ca' D'Zan. Pastries by Design did an excellent job executing Keren's vision. Another bonus? It tasted as good as it looked.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Vue Photography
Event Designer and Planner: Keren Lifrak of Keren Lifrak Weddings and Special Events
Venue: John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Florals: Flourish Event and Floral Design
Cake: Pastries by Design
Band: Clint Wiley's None Other
Officiant: Danny Bilyeu
Photo Booth: Cat Pennenga Photography
Lighting: Bay Stage Lighting
Invitations/Program Design: Dragonfly Custom Design

A Ringling Museum Wedding {Part One}

2011-11-17T13:31:00.013-06:00

Last weekend Rob and I traveled down to Sarasota with the Vue chicks to film Ashley + Jaime's wedding at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. We're still logging the footage, but we just couldn't wait to share some of the images we captured with you! So, here you go... a little "sneak peek" of the wedding film trailer!!! The event was designed by the crazy talented Keren Lifrak of Keren Lifrak Weddings & Special Events. It's almost a week later and I still feel like I'm on "pretty" overload!

A Santa Rosa Beach Wedding... Coming Soon: Juliet + Philip

2011-11-03T16:23:00.007-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Kansas Pitts Photography
Venue: Weatherall Fine Art
Event Coordinator: Heather Weatherall
Florals: Destin Floral Designs
Cake: Kim's Cakes
DJ: Joey Bordeaux

{check out more of Juliet + Philip's first look on Kansas Pitts Photography's blog!}

A Watercolor Wedding... Coming Soon: Missy + Lorin

2011-10-12T13:46:00.005-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

It's kind of crazy, but you know when you get that feeling that you're just meant to "know" someone? That's the way it was when we first met Missy + Lorin. Rob and I just felt, these two people are meant to be a part of our life, so we were honored when they chose us to produce their wedding film. Rob and I are known for our solid shooting, we don't do a lot of hand held, but we're careful about framing, composition and aesthetics. Storytelling is the most important part of what we do. Missy and Lorin, got all that, but asked us to come out of our comfort zone some to record their big day with more handheld shots than we would usually do. It's tricky to achieve with the DSLR cameras we film with, but we really went for it and I think it came together well in this edit. It's a little different than our usual work and we hope you love it as much as we do!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Event Designer/Coordinator: Jennifer Warwick-Lewis + Jennifer Fisher for It's a Shore Thing
Venue: Watercolor Inn
Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Officiant: Rabbi Richard Baroff
Band: Rubik's Groove
Make-up Artist: Yvette Nation
Hair Stylist: Ashley Carter
Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

A Fausch family wedding... Coming Soon: Laura + David

2011-10-07T13:23:00.006-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

So this post is a little different. It's very personal because it's for my cousin Laura. We're not a big family, but we're close, so when my aunt and uncle let us know that their oldest daughter was going to be marrying the love of her life, David, we didn't hesitate to offer to film the wedding. I always get soppy at weddings. Father/daughter and mother/son dances inevitably make me cry. I get caught up in the joy of our couples, their family and friends. I'll even sniffle my way through the editing if there's something particularly heartfelt. What I wasn't prepared for while putting together this sneak peek is just how hard it would be to cut anything I thought sounded great or looked like a brilliant shot (and in my world a brilliant shot is filled with emotion, not just beautiful composition)! This trailer is nearly four minutes long, which in terms of a sneak peek is looooooong, but that's as short as I could make it without making myself crazy.

Laura + David's first dance was to the "The Book of Love" by the Magnetic Fields. I very nearly used it for their trailer because at several points during the speeches and interviews, family and friends talked about how Laura loves that David reads aloud to her. They also met while they both worked for a publishing company, so even though the song didn't make the cut for the trailer, it's going to feature heavily in their final film!

Our family has reels and reels of old film which we've converted to DVD. One of our favorite family pastimes was to watch old home movies on an ancient Bell and Howell projector my Grandmother would set up in the living room. On Laura + David's wedding day, I juggled a Canon 7D, several lenses and couple of Super 8mm cameras so that Laura could continue that family tradition of having her big day recorded on film.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Gallant Fox Photography
Event Designer/Coordinator: Erin McLean Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Andrew's Presbyterian
Officiant: Larry Duncan
Reception Venue: 1705 Prime
DJ: Jim Unger for Joe Bunn DJ Company
Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations
Florals: Tre Bella Flowers
Make-up Artist/Hair Stylist: Nicole Ball

My Uncle Jay thought my obsession with Laura's shoes was amusing, but seriously, can you blame me???

Coming Soon: Donabel + Shawn

2011-09-28T23:02:00.004-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

There are some couples we fall in love with... Donabel + Shawn are one of those couples. They pulled this wedding together VERY quickly, so quickly in fact, that I was a little skeptical when I first spoke to Shawn about their ability to bring everything together in time. But, by the time we met with them in person, I realized they had the drive and desire to pull it off. However, there was still some question of whether or not Donabel's parents would be able to make it over from the Philippines. So, when they walked into the church for the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding, I teared up because I got to witness their joy at being able to be a part of their daughter's big day. It's one of those moments I will hold in my heart forever.

So here's something that we've learned after doing two Filipino weddings this year... these folks LOVE to perform. Whether it's singing or dancing, they don't hesitate for a moment to grab a mic or to hit the dance floor. So joyful and so much fun to document!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Steve Wells Photography
Venue: Saint Rose of Lima Parish
Officiant: Monsignor Bosso
Hair Stylist: Brooke Miller, 10th Avenue Hair Design
Makeup Artist: John Dye, 10th Avenue Hair Design
Florals: Heavenly Creations
Caterers: Nancy’s Haute Affairs
Cake Designer: Publix
DJ: Joseph Sena, Aairius Audio
Linens: North Hill Chair Covers

A Watercolor Wedding Film... Bientôt sur vos écrans: Mona et Clay

2011-09-08T16:07:00.008-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

I love it when the perfect song for a wedding trailer and the perfect couple come together. Hearing this song "Because of You" by Elana Arian was one of those moments when I thought, "I HAVE to use that song for Mona + Clay's wedding film" because it just felt like a perfect fit.

Mona is Spanish + Clay is Cajun. Their daughters we're their bridesmaids, and it was a super intimate, lovely, wedding, so I really tried to reflect that intimacy within the sneak peek by using a lot of closeup shots.

Clay is a wine connoisseur and their wedding dinner was held in the Wine Room of Fish Out of Water at the Watercolor Inn. I don't think we've ever had to film somewhere quite as tight as the Wine Room. It's a minor miracle there aren't more shots with me, Rob, Paul + Mecheal in them!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Venue: Watercolor Inn
Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Florals: Fisher's Flowers
Cake Designer: Bake my Day

Kendall + Preston on Style Me Pretty!

2011-08-27T09:40:00.001-05:00

We love the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty, and whenever we have something exceptional, we like to submit it to them for publication on their blog. We're very happy to tell you that today Kendall + Preston's wedding film trailer is featured on their Little Black Black Book Blog. Kendall + Preston's beautiful June 4, 2011 Seaside Chapel wedding was followed by a cocktail party on the beach at the Watercolor Inn and Resort, followed by dinner and dancing under the stars on the beautiful green at Watercolor, followed by a SURPRISE fireworks display... followed by an indoor after party with a second band (we were all grateful for the air-conditioning at that point!) and a fab photobooth. Whew! I'm worn out all over again just typing that! Please check it out :)

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Event Planner: Keely Thorne Events
Ceremony Venue: Seaside Chapel
Ceremony Venue Coordinator: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside
Officiant: Jack Modesett, Jr.
Cellist: Dr. Boyan Bonev
Pianist: J. Michael Bryan
Reception Venue: Watercolor Inn
Reception Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Florals: Florals by the Sea
Cake Designer: Bake my Day
Photobooth: Smilebooth

An Emerald Grande Wedding Film.. Coming Soon: Yared + Steven

2011-08-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

Obviously, no one wants it to rain on their wedding day, but occasionally it does happen. Yared and Steven's July 17th destination wedding at the Emerald Grande in Destin, Florida wasn't a complete rain out, but there was enough precipitation to push us indoors for the ceremony. Luckily, their coordinator Jackie Gibson had a couple of back up plans in place and we moved into the Harborview Room for the ceremony.

One of the things we love most about Latin weddings is the dancing. Yared + Steven brought in DJ Carlos Morales from Cache Productions in Atlanta to keep everyone on the floor all night, and he did, the dance floor was packed! Once we get into their final edit we're going to post a another clip of just the dancing.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Pure 7 Studios
DJ: Carlos Morales, Cache Productions
Venue: Emerald Grande Resort, Destin
Coordinator: Jackie Gibson
Officiant: Devin Warner
Florals: Florals by the Sea
Cake: Yascha Becker from Sandestin Resort

Ashley + Mike on Style Me Pretty!

2011-08-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

We've talked before about how excited we are to be a featured cinematographer on the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty, and we're never quite sure what will catch their eye, but in July Ashley + Mike's wedding film trailer "That's Amore!" was chosen to feature on their Little Black Black Book Blog. We loved this wedding and the vendors we worked with on it. Please check it out :)

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Officiant: Edwin Caraballo
Catering: Townsend Catering
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Band: Meet the Press

A Carillon Wedding Film... Coming Soon: Rachel + Josiah

2011-07-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Kay Meyer Photography
Officiant: Dennis Rader
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Catering: Townsend Catering
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals: Nouveau Flowers

{want to see more? check out Kay Meyer Photography's fab photos!}
{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

Coming Soon... Kendall + Preston

2011-07-18T23:38:00.003-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Fireworks: Ashley Pyrotechnics
Event Planner: Keely Thorne Events
Ceremony Venue: Seaside Chapel
Ceremony Venue Coordinator: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside
Officiant: Jack Modesett, Jr.
Cellist: Dr. Boyan Bonev
Pianist: J. Michael Bryan
Reception Venue: Watercolor Inn
Reception Venue Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Florals: Florals by the Sea
Cake Designer: Bake my Day
Photobooth: Smilebooth

An Alys Beach Wedding Film - Coming Soon: Erika + Bernardo

2011-07-06T22:01:00.001-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographer: Candice K Photography
Event Coordinator: Stephanie Tate of Savoir Faire

Event Designer: Scott Wedgeworth

Ceremony Venue: St. Rita's Catholic Church

Officiant: Father Tom Collins

Reception Venue: Alys Beach

Caterer: Townsend Catering
Cake: Barb's Cakes

Band: 4 Barrel Funk

Steel Drums: Gulf Talent Services

{a few more detail shots from the film}

A Watercolor Resort Wedding Film... Coming Soon: Abbey + Jack

2011-07-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: HBB Photography
Venue: Watercolor Inn
Coordinator: Cheryl Walton for Watercolor
Officiant: Ronnie McBrayer
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Florals: Bella Flora
Cake: Bake my Day

{Check out a few of HBB Photography's fab photos}

Becca + Matt on Completely Unveiled {by Weddings Unveiled}

2011-06-25T09:42:00.001-05:00

We're always thrilled when a magazine or publication thinks a wedding we filmed was fabulous. Becca + Matt's April 30, 2011 really was a lovely event and we are so happy the editorial team at Weddings Unveiled thought so too!

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Song: The Civil Wars "Tip of my Tongue"
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Eden Gardens
Ceremony Venue: Seaside, Florida
Reception Venue: Alys Beach
Pastor: Dean DaMarra
Coordinator: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside and Christina Gillon for Fête Weddings & Events
Photography: Tec Petaja Wedding Photography
Photobooth: Facetime Photo Booth
Band: Mo Sol
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Caterer: Dine by Design
Makeup: Renee Armour and Robin Klag for Two Fishes Artistry
Hair: Deah Hollan of Ya Ya's Salon

The "Godfather" Wedding Dance... Coming Soon: Amy + Gary {a Carillon Wedding}

2011-06-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

I don't know what it is about our Carillon Weddings Brides, but they LOVE to dance! You may have seen Thomas + Ashley's homage to Dirty Dancing a few months ago, or Angie + Brad's choreographed first dance on the blog recently, but Amy + her Dad totally blew us away with their waltz from The Godfather. I knew as we were filming it that I would have to find a way to make it the underscore for Amy + Gary's wedding film trailer.

We get to work with Events by Nouveau a lot, so we get spoiled seeing gorgeous flowers displays, but Amy + Gary's were truly eye popping. Christina of Nouveau and Amy managed to mix just the right about of coastal vibe and chic.

Amy created their guest book by taking one of their fab engagement photos from the chicks at Vue Photography, and having it turned into a wooden puzzle. Carillon Weddings spread the puzzle out over a table with sharpies and instructions for the guests, and VIOLA! Coolest guest book we've seen this year.

And can I just mention their first kiss? Totally romantic! Took our breath away...

{the supporting characters}

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Vue Photography
Officiant: Dr. David Sokol
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Catering: Townsend Catering
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals: Nouveau Flowers

{Want to see more? Check out Vue Photography's beautiful blog post!}

A Watersound Wedding Film... Coming Soon: Tori + Adam

2011-06-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Pure 7 Studios
Venue: Watersound Beach Club
Coordinator: Gabrielle Garrison
Officiant: Samuel Blowes
DJ: B-Boy Productions
Cake: Cakes by Tanis
Florals: Monark Events

{Want to see more???}

Check out Pure 7 Studios slideshow of Tori + Adam's wedding!

What you need to know... Blogging for In[Focus] Event

2011-06-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

Soooooooooooooo, I'm pretty excited! A while back our friends who organize the In[Focus] asked me to consider blogging for them. I was really flattered and honored by the request, but I didn't say yes right away. You see, the prevailing philosophy of In[Focus] is to "pay it forward," and I wanted to be sure I could come up with a series of videologs and articles which would truly embody what Julian St. Pierre and the other In[Focus] founders had in mind. I noodled on it for a few weeks, then in the middle of the night (that's when I get most of my best ideas) I realized exactly what I needed to be sharing. I am an event filmmaker, but first and foremost, I still consider myself a journalist. A storyteller. What do journalists do well? They collect information and tell other peoples stories. So that's what I decided to offer. My intention for the "What you need to know" series is for it to be straight talk from industry insiders with expertise on various subjects for event filmmakers. I'll throw in our own two-cents as well, but I really want to get to the people with the answers for questions we all have on various event filmmaking topics.

My first topic "What you need to know... About shooting beach weddings," was one which we know inside out :) You can check it out on the In[Focus] Blog. I rashly offered to post a blooper for each comment on the blog, so if you'd like the opportunity to see me screwing up, watch the clip below :)

An Alys Beach Wedding Film - Coming Soon: Megan + Justin

2011-06-17T17:15:00.002-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Dede Edwards Photography
Venue: Alys Beach
Coordinator: Shelby Peaden Events
Bridal Makeup: Robin Klag
Officiant: Randy Forrest
DJ: Gulf Talent Services
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals & Caterer: Celestine's Special Occasions

{Want to see more???}

Check out Dede Edwards Photography's blog post!

A Seaside Wedding Film... Coming Soon: Rebecca + Phillip

2011-06-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

We did something a little different in this trailer... We usually edit these from the brides' perspective, but after spending some time talking to Phillip, we really felt we could tell their story best from his point of view. We love what he said at the end of the trailer "Love feels like you are participating in something much larger than yourself. It feels more eternal than anything else. We don't all get to experience that, so I feel very fortunate." He's so right and we really had the feeling these two would never take one another for granted.

There's a quick shot in this trailer of her grandmother's hankie which Rebecca carried for her something old, but she also had a six pence piece in her shoe which had been worn in the wedding shoes of her grandmother, her great aunt, her mother and a cousin. Such a wonderful tradition! She also carried her dad's baby bracelet from when he was born as her something blue.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Song: First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes
Photography: Goode Green PhotographyVenue: Seaside, Florida
Coordinator: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside
Officiant: Ted Mattis
Florals: Bella Flora
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Caterer: Dine by Design
Hair + Makeup: Rollins Studio

Band: Atlanta Rhythm and Groove

A Cabana Blue Wedding... Coming Soon: Sheena + John

2011-06-02T21:27:00.001-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

Sheena's family is from the Caribbean and John's is from Texas. This whole wedding was and exercise in merging two very diverse cultures, and both were represented and honored throughout the day. Among other things, there were bottles of Shiner Bock, for the Texans and steels drums for the islanders.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Kansas Pitts Photography
Officiant: Don Goodrum
Venue: Cabana Blue
Event Coordinator: Serene Occasions
Florals: Fisher's Flowers
Cake: Kim's Cakes
Steel Drum/DJ: Ephraim Adams of Rhythm Trail

Check out some of Kansas Pitts Photography's fab photos!
{click to enlarge}

Acing it. Coming Soon... Courtney + Adam {A Destin Wedding}

2011-05-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

An ace in volleyball is a serve which results immediately in a point because the opposing team cannot return the serve, much less come in contact with the ball. It's a beautiful thing to see when the point is achieved by your team. Courtney is an "ace" in every sense of the word. She did something we don't normally recommend for destination brides, she planned much of the wedding herself and attended to details which would leave left most of us screaming and tearing our hair out. Her signature style was everywhere on their wedding day and with the help of event coordinator Tammy D'Agostino of the Eventful Planner, their big day went of without a hitch. Courtney totally "aced" it!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: HBB Photography
Ceremony Venue: Palazzo in Destiny by the Sea, Destin
Reception Venue: Solaris of SunQuest Cruises
Event Coordinator: The Eventful Planner
Florals: Florals by the Sea
Steel Drum/DJ: Ephraim Adams of Rhythm Trail

{Check out a few of HBB Photography's fab photos}

Exit stage left... Coming Soon: Angie + Brad {a Carillon Wedding}

2011-05-24T16:31:00.000-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

This wedding was so completely awesome, we're going to have to break the sneak peeks into two parts! First of all, Angie and Brad surprised their guests with a choreographed first dance to Dave Matthews "You and Me." Then the bridesmaids surprised them with a specially written song after the speeches (that's going to be part two of this sneak peek). And finally Angie, who is an extremely talented performer, surprised Brad by serenading him with the song "At Last." Throw in a fab guitarist/ukelele player who also performed and we were definitely on entertainment overload with this crowd :)

{the supporting characters}
Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services

Catering: Townsend Catering
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Florals: Nouveau Flowers

{Want to see more???}

Check out Paul Johnson Photography's blog post of their wedding!

Wedding Season...

2011-05-23T17:24:00.000-05:00

... is in full swing in the Florida panhandle! We just wrapped up four weddings in nine days. Every spare moment has been spent backing up and transferring footage, recharging batteries (figuratively and literally), and getting our equipment ready for the next shoot. I even snuck in time to produce a slideshow for one of our couples this weekend, and a to visit the doctor. Apparently I was having a little allergic reaction to some yellow fly bites I got during Friday's wedding. Anyhoo, this is a long winded way of saying we're sorry that we're a little backed up on our sneak peeks. However I plan to remedy that this week, so get ready to be inundated with wedding trailers :)

In the meantime, while transferring footage this weekend, I did some screen grabs of our favorite shots to hold you over until the sneak peeks start hitting the blog. Click on the images to enlarge them.

Phillip + Rebecca {a Seaside Wedding}

Sheena + John {a Cabana Blue Wedding}

Megan + Justin {an Alys Beach Wedding}

Tori + Adam {a Watersound Wedding}

A Seaside Wedding Film - Coming Soon: Becca + Matt

2011-05-13T22:11:00.001-05:00

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the backstory}

Even though Rebecca and Matt were both from the same small town of Gasden, Alabama they met at the beach in Florida. They were both in high school at the time, but only dated briefly. According to Rebecca they didn't date long because he got her grounded 2 of the 3 times they went out, so she told him it wasn't going to work out and they should just be friends. Years later, when they started dating again, Matt would fly into Birmingham from Baltimore and they would drive straight down to the beach from the airport. Rebecca told us it gave them a chance to reconnect without "the pressure of everyone in town asking questions." It was their getaway from everything and it was where they fell in love.

Last October we filmed a "Save the Date" video for them almost entirely in Super 8mm. We tried to incorporate the things they like to do when they are vacationing at Seaside so their guests could get a feel for the resort. We loved having the opportunity to do this because it gave us the chance to really get to know them. We didn't use all the footage we shot that day, so we've worked some of it into this sneak peek to help tell their story.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Song: The Civil Wars "Tip of my Tongue"

Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Eden Gardens
Ceremony Venue: Seaside, Florida
Reception Venue: Alys Beach
Pastor: Dean DaMarra
Coordinator: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside & Christina Gillon for Fête Weddings & Events
Photography: Tec Petaja Wedding Photography
Photobooth: Facetime Photo Booth

Band: Mo Sol
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Caterer: Dine by Design
Makeup: Renee Armour and Robin Klag for Two Fishes Artistry
Hair: Deah Hollan of Ya Ya's Salon

An Alys Beach Wedding - Coming Soon: Patricia + Jason

2011-04-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

Bold. Bold. Bold. That's all I could think as I looked around at the beautiful set up for Patricia and Jason Will's wedding at Alys Beach on April 9, 2011. Shelby Peaden of Shelby Peaden Events, supported by the fabulous design team from Myrtie Blue made this wedding POP from the bold red accents to the glittering tables. Congratulations Patricia and Jason your wedding was so stunning were planning on producing a highlight for Shelby of all the details, but today is all about you two :) So sit back, relax, and get ready to smile all over again!

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

Venue: Alys Beach
Coordinator: Shelby Peaden Events
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Loving Legacy Photography
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Florals: Myrtie Blue
Cake: Confections on the Coast
Caterer: Dine by Design
Make-up Artist: Robin Klag

What you need to know... Why you should hire a wedding coordinator.

2011-03-30T10:23:00.000-05:00

Because I can’t completely let go of my journalism roots, I write a regular column for Gulf Coast Bride called "What you need to know...” The articles provide straight talk from industry insiders for engaged couples, and in the current issue I'm looking at why you should hire a wedding coordinator... I know, I know, we’ve all seen this article a 100 times, but this one has a twist! It’s from the perspective of your other wedding vendors, and it explains how having a coordinator can save you time and money on your wedding day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Hannah Bryant Brown, Gwyne Owens, Kim Stone, Sonja Revells, and Brian Buonassissi for sharing your stories and being so generous with your wonderfully candid advice for couples getting ready to tie the knot! And, thank you, thank you, thank you to the VUE Photography chicks and Paul & Mecheal Johnson of Paul Johnson Photography for sharing your images!

(click on the images to enlarge)

Gulf Coast Bride is now on the stands in 31 states, but if you're in Panama City Beach, please feel free to stop by the studio to pick one up!

{Cover image by Vue Photography}

Simply Chic and Completely Unique - Weddings Unveiled Magazine

2011-03-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

"Simply chic and completely unique" is what I thought the first time I saw the magazine Weddings Unveiled. It was their Summer 2010 issue and our March 2010 couple Mila and Joe were a featured wedding in the mag. Last week a box FULL of the new issue landed on our doorstep and I wanted to let our brides know we have them, so please feel free to stop by the studio and grab one!

"Dirty Dancing" Wedding Dance

2011-03-14T22:48:00.000-05:00

Want to see the full version of Thomas + Ashley's "Dirty Dancing" wedding dance? Here it is! Edited in real time - Too. Much. Fun.

Watch for the jump around 2 minutes in AND Ashley's reaction, because, seriously, her reaction is almost as good as the jump itself!

Take a bow...

2011-03-08T11:15:00.000-06:00

{That's take a bow, as in bending at the waist and acknowledging the applause and adoration your are receiving, as opposed to the ribbon variety.}

Rob and I have a 13 year old daughter who decided many years ago that the only sport she was going to be serious about was cheerleading. Last night I found myself sitting at another end of year banquet with a large group of middle school cheerleaders and their parents. Fourteen of the girls on Rhiannon's current squad are moving up to Arnold High School next year. They are an incredibly diverse group, talented, funny, and smart. Most of them have been cheering together in rec leagues and on competitive teams since they were big enough to shake a pom pom. They helped me choose the music for this these videos, took the time to do surprise interviews for their coach (which were wonderfully articulate and thoughtful for 14-year old girls), and many sought me out to say "thank you" last night when they saw the finished edits. I'm impressed by this group all over again, and much of their composure and thoughtfulness comes from great parenting, but I also know that some if it comes from their coach who we all call "McGruder." Terri McGruder expects her cheerleaders to be great students, athletes, and leaders in their school, but beyond that, she expects them to be good people. For me, that's the key, and I'm grateful my daughter has chosen a sport (and yes, it most definitely IS a sport) where the coach is willing to expect every bit as much out of her as a human being as she does as an athlete. Terri brought tears to my eyes last night as she talked about this team. She said "In 38 years of coaching, this is the most talented group of girls I've ever coached." She went on to say it broke her heart when they voted not field a competitive team this year and added that she hoped they decided to find the passion for competition again next year when they reached Arnold.

Diva Productions has been a proud sponsor of the Surfside Sharks all season and we've been pleased to document their antics at games, cheer camps, and exhibitions. We wish all the graduating eighth graders the absolute best and want you to know we can't wait to see what you do at Arnold High School and beyond.

{If you don't know our daughter Rhiannon, you can spot her in the walking cast on the bleachers. Did I mention cheerleading is a SPORT ;) We've had three broken bones over the years to prove it!}

{We also took a LOT of pictures this year, so this slideshow was part of the presentation last night.}

Coming Soon... Rikki + Zachary

2011-02-19T14:46:00.001-06:00

Good grief. Not only is it 2011, but we've already filmed our first wedding of the year! Since our area is a magnet for destination weddings and is blessed with such beautiful beaches, venues and weather, we don't get to work with a lot of local couples. For whatever reason, by the time they have decided they absolutely do want a wedding film, we've already been booked for their date (note to the newly engaged: if you want us in October or November this year, call us soon, the dates are going quickly). Rikki and Zachary are the exception to that rule, and we were thrilled to film their wedding a couple of weeks ago at Grace Presbyterian in Panama City and their reception at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach. Below is their wedding trailer, a sneak peek of their wedding video. Enjoy!

{if you are having any trouble with playback, click the "HD" button in the video play bar}

{the supporting characters}

Venue: Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City Beach
Coordinator: Kimberly Bartoli and Tami Valdez for Elegant Beginnings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Ruth Berry Photography
Officiant: Tully Hunter, Grace Presbyterian Church, Panama City
DJ: Jim Lawson
Florals: Kirby Holt for Blossoms of Chipley
Cake: Publix

Diva Productions recognized by WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for the 3rd year!

2011-02-08T10:18:00.000-06:00

Many companies believe that well placed testimonials from former clients on their website are the way to go to encourage new commissions. Rob and I have always had a different opinion on this. We believe that un-moderated reviews, independent of our website, say a lot more about who we are and what our couples think of us and our wedding films. Since 2008 we've encouraged our couples to leave feedback about Diva Productions on the site Wedding Wire (the largest wedding review site in the nation) and we're thrilled to say, we found out recently we've been recognized for the third year in a row by the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011!

Thank you (again) to all our former couples who have taken the time to let us and others know what you thought about the wedding films we've produced for you. If you're just checking us out for the first time, we encourage you to read these independent reviews of Diva Productions!

2010: A Year in Review

2011-01-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

It was your BIG day. Thank you for being a Diva!

Where did 2010 go? Honestly, I feel like I was just writing the blog post for our Diva Class of 2009!

At the end of 2009 we started setting some goals for 2010. One of them was to be included by powerhouse bridal publication The Knot in their 2010 Best of Weddings list. So in December of 2009, Rob and I did a little happy dance around the studio when we got the The Knot Florida winter 2010 issue, and there we were listed under videographers for Best of Weddings. Even better, we were the only videographers from the Florida panhandle to be recognized! I remember thinking, "well that's cool, I've already got one thing checked off the 2010 Diva to-do list."

In January we made the decision to go ahead and move into high definition filming and to start producing wedding trailers (sneak peeks) for all of our wedding films. We also decided to stay ahead of the curve in our area and film with a combination of Canon DSLR cameras and traditional HD video cams. We invested in new off-camera lighting, audio equipment, more powerful computers to handle the HD video, and what seems like an endless army of external hard drives to store the huge files HD video creates. Based on the 35 weddings we shot in 2009, and the number of weddings we had on the books for 2010, we were sure 2010 was going to be a breakout year for us....

Fast forward to April 20, 2010. The date of the BP oil spill. At the time we had no idea how drastically our lives and our business would be affected, but as we moved into May, we quickly began to realize that our late summer/early autumn weddings were going to be impacted by the threat of oil on our beautiful beaches. Thankfully, we never saw any oil, but the threat of it was enough to alter the course of our year. We have no idea how many weddings were relocated to other parts of the country, but by our own numbers we shot 35 weddings in 2009, and only 23 in 2010. We can't even begin to tell you how much we appreciate our 23 couples who decided to go ahead with their weddings here on the gulf coast.

Luckily it wasn't all doom and gloom because of the oil spill. Plenty of our couples from 2008 and 2009 began welcoming children into their families, we ran our first television commercial for Diva Productions on WE, we won another ADDY award for our corporate work, produced commercials and PSA's for some of our favorite corporate clients, we were recognized again by the Wedding Wire Bride's Choice Awards, and no less than five of our couples were featured in nationally circulated wedding magazines.

In September we checked a HUGE item off our 2010 to-do list when we were asked by the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty to join their Little Black Book. And in November we were featured not once, but TWICE on the blog. {I'm still giddy.}

On a more personal note, I've continued to write my "What You Need to Know" series for the regional bridal publication Gulf Coast Bride. I get a huge kick out of it when I share the magazine with one of our couples and they say "I read that! That was you?" And in August 2010, I was honored to be a guest blogger on POSH about the art of conducting interviews. In December, Event DV Magazine asked me to write a recap on the POSH experience, so all in all, 2010 allowed me to hang onto my love of journalism and the written word.

So what does 2011 hold? God only knows, but if 2010 taught us anything, it's to do all we can to be the best versions of ourselves and to leave the rest of it in his hands. Happy New Year!

Coming Soon... Avis + John

2011-01-06T11:51:00.000-06:00

{the backstory}

Occasionally we get the opportunity to film a wedding for someone we already consider a friend. On December 4, 2010 one of our favorite wedding planners, Avis Johnson of Carillon Weddings married her beau John Glenister.

We always try to attend rehearsals so that we can identify the key relationships of our bride and groom. This way we know who Great Aunt Sue is and that she flew over from England to attend the wedding. It also gives us a chance to meet the wedding party and, we hope, help them get comfortable with us. What I didn't expect at Avis and John's rehearsal was to get all teary eyed as her father walked her down the aisle. But there I was, ruining my mascara, as I watched this beautiful gal enjoy the chaos which is a wedding rehearsal. (BTW, she was late!)

You can see Avis and John's personalities reflected in many of the detail shots, but one of the funniest moments from the wedding was when one of John's colleagues from the Sheriff's department hand cuffed them and led them out of the reception as if they were under arrest. Kudos Avis, definitely the most creative exit we filmed in 2010!

{the supporting characters}

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Vue Photography
Makeup: Two Fishes Artistry
Catering: Townsend Catering
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
DJ: Paul Kirker

Because many of Avis friends are in the wedding industry several of us were there as vendors, and others were as guests. A few of us managed to pile into the "Shoot Shed" Rae Leytham Photography had set up to get this silly shot. We love the picture and all of the people in it! Thank you Avis and John for letting us share in the joy which was your wedding day!

Moving Day!

2010-12-29T18:29:00.000-06:00

You might have already heard our big news if you follow us on Facebook or Twitter, but we wanted to make sure everyone knows that we're moving our studio location to the West End of Panama City Beach. We've loved being near Pier Park the last three years, but it's time to relocate.

Moving day is tomorrow and we plan to be all settled in by January 4, 2011 in our new digs.

Happy New Year!

Joanna, Rob & Rhiannon

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

2010-12-24T08:09:00.001-06:00

{Joanna & her mom Marnie, Christmas 1971}

It's Christmas Eve and for the moment, the house is blissfully quiet because everyone (but me!) is still asleep. I love this time of year and I find my mind wanders to the people I'm missing. Some of my favorite memories of my youth are from Christmas Eve, when everyone I loved would gather around the piano at my grandparents house and sing Christmas carols. I can still hear the tenor voices of my grandfather and my uncle Gene. Aunt Sue's soprano as she played the piano. The feel of my best friend Alexandra's hand as we stood there doing our best to remember the words to O Holy Night. I had a great Aunt Bea who always wore a petticoat with jingle bells sown into it, and nothing heralded Christmas day like the sound of her bustling through the front door with her bells wishing us all a Merry Christmas.

I'm very blessed to have many of these memories on old Super 8mm home movies (thanks to my grandmother), VHS (thanks to my Uncle Jay) and a variety of other formats from the Christmases we've recorded ourselves over the years. I love being able to see images of my mother, grandparents and other family members and friends. Our daughter gets a kick out of seeing me and her Aunt Alex as kids. If I look back through our own old home movies, I see friends and family we can't be with this year. My Aunt Joanie and her family in Wisconsin. Rob's Dad and his kids in Wales. My Uncle Jay and his girls in North Carolina. I can hear our friends Teri and Bill singing "Baby it's cold outside" around our piano from when we lived in Texas. My Dad reading the "Night Before Christmas" at his home in California. My little sister Rebecca pretending to be a kitty under the dining table, and Rob's mom Joyce lovingly patting her head.

So, I have a plea for you this Christmas Eve... Dig out whatever type of video camera you have and capture some of those images and sounds which are uniquely Christmas. Even if you don't do anything with them for years, you will have them. I can't tell you how much it means to me to hear my mother's voice and my grandfather's laugh even though they've both been gone a long time.

This clip is from 2004 when Rhiannon and her friends we're not quite seven years old :) The camera is shaky, the audio is average, but I still consider it priceless.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...

Joanna, Rob, & Rhiannon

That's Amore! Coming Soon... Ashley + Mike

2010-12-16T10:45:00.001-06:00

Ashley and Mike were married in the Meeting House at Carillon Beach, Florida on November 27, 2010. There were so many beautiful details at this wedding, I could have easily pulled together a sneak peek of just the little things which made this wedding gorgeous... But, it's not about the details, it's about the people, and Ashley, Mike, their families and friends were such a blast to film, that this wedding trailer took on a life of it's own as we cut it.

Ashley and Mike we had a wonderful time filming your big day. We hope the rest of your life is as happy and joyful as your wedding day!

{the backstory}

At the beginning of "That's Amore" one of Ashley's cousin's explained the significance of the song... They're a big Italian family and for years it's been a tradition for the bride to sit on the grooms lap while the couple is serenaded. Ashley's mom told us ahead of time that this was when the party would "really get started!"

It took me a minute to make the connection, but Mike went to LSU and the bridesmaids dresses were purple (head slap - duh) and their welcome bags for the guests were filled with items which represent their lives. "Tiger Water" from Mike's time at LSU, Ghiradelli chocolates from San Francisco where they live now, "Who Dat" hot sauces for their Louisiana roots and beautiful handmade purple flowers. Ashley drew the flower and she and her mom made the flowers attached to the welcome bags. You can also spot the flower on their beautiful wedding cake.

{the supporting characters}

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Officiant: Edwin Caraballo
Catering: Townsend Catering
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Band: Meet the Press

{want to see more? check out Paul Johnson Photography's gallery}

Coming Soon... Mandy + Kirk

2010-12-14T18:48:00.000-06:00

Amanda Phinizy and Kirk Beckham were married on November 13, 2010 at Rutherford's 465 in Destin, Florida.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Steve Wells Photography
Venue: Rutherford's 465, Regatta Bay Golf & Country Club
Officiant: Ronnie McBrayer
Cakes: Bake my Day
Florals: Emerald Coast Flowers
Wedding Coordinator: Christen Cowgill of B-Boy Productions

What you need to know... About booking wedding vendors.

2010-12-02T13:47:00.000-06:00

Many of you know that prior to starting Diva Productions I was a journalist. What you might not know, was that I dedicated a lot of my reporting skills to trying to make business journalism interesting... not the easiest of assignments! In 2009 when Gu lf Coast Bride enlisted me as a regular columnist for the magazine, we decided that it's readers would be well served with some straight talk from an industry insider. My articles are titled "What you need to know..." and for this issue I tackled the subject of hiring wedding vendors from a purely business aspect.

There's a lot of advice out there for what I like to refer to as the "big three" in wedding planning - product, price, and personality - but very little good information on how to ensure that your are dealing with a professional vendor. You wouldn't buy a stock without researching it's performance, so why wouldn't you perform a little due diligence on your wedding vendors? I think our couple from 2009 who were the inspiration for this subject would wholeheartedly agree!

Gulf Coast Bride will be hitting the stands in 31 states over the next two weeks. If you don't see it right away, be patient, the distributor probably just hasn't gotten to your local store yet... We also want to give a little shout out to our friend Sonja Revells of Sonja Revells Photography for snagging the cover!

Nobody puts Baby in a corner.

2010-12-01T09:03:00.000-06:00

As female event filmmakers sometimes it feels as if we take a back seat to the men in our industry. If you'll allow me a Dirty Dancing analogy, we've been put in the "corner" of the dinner table. Take a look at any major event built around event filmmaking and you'll see most of the speakers/presenters/moderators are men. There are a few notable exceptions, Laura Moses of Vantage Point Productions, Tricia Von Lanken of Von Wedding Films, and Kristen* Bliss of Bliss Productions, but on the whole, it's a lot of men talking about wedding filmmaking. In 2010, these three women, along with Jessica Roman of Ray Roman Films, Terry Taravella of Studio Vieux Carre, and Jennifer Moon of Northern Light Filmworks were the only females represented in our most prestigious industry award, the Event DV Top 25. That's six women in a field of 25.

I don't know about you, but this has always created a certain level of cognitive dissonance for me. Weddings are generally centered around women and planned by women. So why on earth aren't women dominating our industry? We get this stuff! We are wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, best friends, girl friends. We are our clients! We are smart, emotional, passionate, inspired, creative, organized, ambitious, strong, intuitive, talented women. We are artists, storytellers, directors, producers, visionaries, documentarians and entrepreneurs. We are filmmakers.

Because we are all of those things I mentioned and more, two female wedding filmmakers got together this spring and decided it was time to shake things up a bit in our industry. Jennifer Moon and Reagan Zugelter wanted to create an event for female filmmakers and photographers to come together to connect, educate and inspire one another. I think Jen and Reagan knew an important secret. That by bringing us together we would begin to find our voice, but more importantly, we would find the inner strength and the motivation to get ourselves out of the corner. We don't need a Patrick Swayze to tell our Dad's "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." We'll get up and dance all on our own.

Please take a look at the inspiration piece female filmmakers from around the world created while we were attending POSH 2010. If you'd like to read more about the POSH experience, check out my article for EventDV at http://www.eventdv.net/Articles/News/Feature/Inspiration-in-Full-Sail-POSH-2010-72073.htm.

A love story of their own... Coming Soon: Courteney + Drew

2010-11-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

Courteney Cox and Drew Schaarschmidt were married on November 6, 2010 in an elegant ceremony at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida.

{the backstory}

One of the first people we met when we moved to Panama City Beach, Florida was Drew's mom, Renee Schaarschmidt. Renee is a fabulously talented cake designer, and we LOVE cake, so we became regulars at her cafe´ Fatty Patty's and eventually we became good friends. When Drew decided to propose to Courteney in December of 2008, Renee and Courteney's dad Richard, arranged for us to be on hand to "film" the family's annual holiday party. So when Drew dropped on one knee in front of Courteney after Richard said grace our cameras were rolling.

On a chilly November day nearly two years later we found ourselves finally filming the wedding of this sweet couple. Drew and Courteney couldn't be more different, but they are truly the ying and yang of a happy relationship. We love you two!

Renee did table cakes for every table at the reception. I don't remember how many individual cakes there were in addition to the main bride and groom's cakes, but they made beautiful centerpieces for each table. There were a variety of flavors, so you could cruise around looking for your favorite (mine's the chocolate rum).

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Candice KausHagen of Candice K Photography
Wedding Planner: Stephanie Tate of Savoir Faire Weddings
Cakes: Fatty Patty's
Florals: Enlightened Events
Venue: Edgewater Beach Resort
Makeup Artist: Teryn Tucker Nicholson

Coming Soon... Maxine + Neal

2010-11-29T13:51:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Maxine + Neal!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Kristina Bell of Kristina Lee Photography
Wedding Planner: Pam Dalton
Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Florals: Robin Buckner
Catering: Paradise Cuisine
Cake: Cakes by Tanis

Living a life which is worthy of the blessings we receive...

2010-11-25T09:27:00.000-06:00

Today we are thankful for all of you! The fans, the friends, the colleagues, the clients. At Diva Productions/Diva Multimedia we've had an interesting, often challenging, but ultimately rewarding year, and you were all a big part of making it one of our best. We'd like to give thanks for the many blessings which we have received and will try to live a life which is worthy of them.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Joanna, Rob & Rhiannon

A Super 8 "Save the Date"... Rebecca + Matt

2010-11-22T11:42:00.000-06:00

{the backstory}

When I was a little girl, my grandmother would set up our old Bell & Howell projector in the living room and we would watch old home movies. Sitting in the dark room was like going back in time for me. We would watch things which ranged from my great-grandparents visiting the 1939 World's Fair in New York to me learning to ride a bike in the next door neighbor's driveway in 1974. My grandparents would talk about the people in the movies, funny stories and sad stories, but the one thing I remember is being mesmerized by the flickering images on the screen.

Those old movies have all been transferred to DVD now, but they still hold the same pull for me. Pop in one of those DVD's and suddenly, I'm a little girl sitting in a darkened room listening to the people I love talk about the past. When we produce wedding films, that's the type of impact I want to create for our couples. I want them to be transported back to a happy time in their lives, warmed by the feelings of love which they have for their family and friends who surrounded them on their wedding day.

We've had a Super 8 camera for several years and we've interspersed footage from it into our films, but I really feel like it's the most impactful when the medium stands on it's own. That's why this "Save the Date" is so important to us. I think it really shows how this old fashioned medium can still be relevant today. Many of our couples haven't been exposed to the older formats like Super 8, 8mm, and 16mm. It's film. It's retro. It's noisy when we're shooting. And we love it. We hope you do too!

This Super 8 "Save the Date" was shot with the following gear:

Canon 814 AZ
Sankyo EM60XL
Panasonic HMC150

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Hair/Makeup: Renee Armour for Two Fishes Artistry
Venue: Seaside, Florida

Jana + Brent on Style Me Pretty!

2010-11-18T12:36:00.000-06:00

At the beginning of the month we told you how excited we were to be a featured cinematographer on the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty as they spotlight wedding filmmakers throughout the month of November. Well, things just keep getting better because, Style Me Pretty has chosen another one of our wedding trailers to feature on their Little Black Black Book Blog. This time it's Jana + Brent Robinson's wedding trailer - "Here's to you Mrs. Robinson" We loved this wedding and the vendors we worked with on it. Please check it out on the Little Black Black Book Blog!

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Lauren Kinsey Photography
Wedding Planner: Shelby Peaden Events
Florals: Fiore
Catering: Dine by Design
Venue: Palazzo del Sol

Lori + Justin on Style Me Pretty!

2010-11-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

Back in September we told you how excited we were to be invited by the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty to join their Little Black Book. Well, things just keep getting better because in November, Style Me Pretty has decided to feature wedding filmmakers on their Little Black Black Book Blog and they've asked us for not one, but TWO of our 2010 wedding trailers. We're tickled pink, and feel it's wholly appropriate that our first featured clip is Lori + Justin Currie's wedding trailer - "Pretty in Pink." We love this wedding and the vendors we worked with on it. Please check it out on the Little Black Black Book Blog!

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul Johnson Photography
Officiant: Harry Houseman
Catering: Townsend Catering
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Band: Conch Republic

All dressed up in their Sunday best... Coming Soon: Alicia + Dan

2010-11-05T13:06:00.000-05:00

{the backstory}

When I asked Alicia what the expected attire would be for their wedding guests, she replied "Sunday best." It's a term we love and don't hear very often because we shoot so many outdoor weddings, but on October 16, 2010 we found ourselves dressed up in our Sunday best with Alicia and Dan's family and friends at St. Andrew's Church in Panama City, Florida.

When it came to pulling together this sneak peek, I decided to utilize Alicia and Dan's love of the Rat Pack era and pulled a Deano classic for the underscore. With Dan's fondness for all things Western, I considered using something from Lonesome Dove, then reconsidered, because I thought it would be a little too obvious with Dan's marshall badge, boots, hat and spurs :)

Photographer Heather Walker has posted a few of Alicia & Dan's photos on her Facebook page, so check them out when you get a minute!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Heather Walker Photography
Wedding Planner: Tami Valdez for Elegant Beginnings
Florals: Blossoms of Chipley
Catering: The Boatyard
Venue: St. Andrew Baptist Church

The time of their lives! Coming Soon... Ashley + Thomas

2010-10-25T21:18:00.000-05:00

This is one of those love stories which we feel particularly honored to have shared in. Ashley and Thomas know how to have fun. Whether it was hamming it up on the beach for their post wedding photography session with the chicks from Vue Photography, or performing the best choreographed wedding dance we've ever seen, Ashley and Thomas we're having the time of their lives. I think this sneak peek of their wedding film illustrates what I'm talking about better than I could ever write it, so here it is!:

Congratulations Ashley + Thomas! We hope you feel the joy that you shared on your wedding day every day of your lives!

{the backstory}

We arrived at the bride's house just as Thomas' brother was delivering Ashley's gift from Thomas, a beautiful pair of diamond hoop earrings. Thomas' note suggested they would go better with Ashley's dress than the handbag she thought he was getting her as a wedding gift :)

Ashley and most of her bridesmaids went to high school and cheered together. At one point in the evening, Ashley and the bridesmaids all got down to "Ice Ice Baby." Dancing really was a key feature of this event. During the father/daughter dance, Ashley's brother cut in and they broke out into an impressive rendition of the "Tootsie Roll." In addition to the choreographed "Dirty Dancing" number, which is featured throughout the sneak peek, Thomas and Ashley also presented a lovely waltz while they were encircled by their friends and family.

Thomas is Danish, so there were some, well... "unusual" customs which followed during the reception. The most surprising was the cutting off of the grooms tie and the toes of his socks. Honestly, we never saw that coming!

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Vue Photography
Wedding Planner: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Catering: Townsend Catering
Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida

12/3/2010 Update:

Genya and Wesleyann from Vue Photography just blogged their photos from Thomas & Ashley's wedding. You HAVE to check it out! http://www.vuephotographyonline.net/?p=3706

Here's a quick image I've stolen from them :)

Here's to you Mrs. Robinson! Coming Soon... Jana + Brent

2010-10-15T20:13:00.001-05:00

From the moment I began reviewing footage for this sneak peek of Jana + Brent's October 2, 2010 wedding, I knew that we had to focus on their families, and the love these people closest to them are overwhelmed by on a daily basis. I don't think I've ever gotten quite so teary, so frequently, while editing a wedding trailer. And this really is a trailer, in the truest sense because the moments included are only the tip of the iceberg of the wonderful wedding story we captured a couple of weeks ago. Here's to you Mrs. Robinson ;) We hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

{the backstory}

The quick shot of the handkerchief and the gloves at the beginning were given by Jana's father, Jack, to her mom, Judy. Jack gave Judy the hanky back when they were in 5th grade, and she wore the gloves on their wedding day. Jana and Brent didn't meet quite as early as Jana's parents, but they have been dating since they were in 8th grade.

Brent's identical twin brother Ryan was his best man. Believe or not, Brent's not our first Groom with an identical twin. Back in June, Bryan Jones (check out Courtney + Bryan) had his identical twin Parker stand up for him as Best Man.

The glowing orb which Jana and Brent released at their reception is called a "Wish Lantern." We've never seen one before, but it was gorgeous! It's meant to symbolize the Bride and Groom releasing their worries and trouble from their past so they can start a new life together.

{the supporting characters}

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Lauren Kinsey Photography
Wedding Planner: Shelby Peaden Events
Florals: Fiore
Catering: Dine by Design
Venue: Palazzo del Sol

A Vue Photography {shot to the heart} for Southern Weddings

2010-10-08T11:30:00.001-05:00

When you hang out with Genya and Wesleyann, the chicks from Vue Photography, you can't help but have a good time. When they asked us to film a project they were working on for Southern Weddings Magazine we jumped at the chance to shoot them in action because these gals are fun! I literally smiled my way through this entire edit.

Genya & Wesleyann's enthusiasm for what they do is evident in every frame the take. They always work hard to bust out of the norm with their innovative concepts. AND, they value the important stuff, like family, friends, fun, and chocolate. Thank you chickies for letting us share in this adventure and in your joy for the important stuff.

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Vue Photography
Model: Keely Shannahan
Publication: Southern Weddings Magazine
Hair/Makeup: Robin Klag for Two Fishes Artistry
Syling: Shelby Peaden Events
Florals: Events by Nouveau
Bowties: Xoelle
Dress: Saja

P.S. - The newest issue of Southern Weddings hit newsstands yesterday! If you're in PCB and you want a copy of what we think is their best issue yet, stop by the studio!

L-O-V-E Coming Soon... Tiffany & Jermaine

2010-10-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

We love working with Victoria & Avis at Carillon Weddings, and Tiffany & Jermaine's beautiful event on September 18th was no exception! Tiffany really embraced the colors of fall with her palette of strawberry and mango. She also incorporated one of my very favorite design elements for a coastal wedding - driftwood! Check out the interior shots of the Meeting House to see it... just gorgeous!

Several times over the last few years, we've been lucky enough to film the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Sweetheart Song for our brides. It's always an extremely touching moment as the sisterhood encircles the bride and serenades her. You can feel the love and positive energy in the room these women share with one another. It's such a wonderful tradition and fantastic blessing for the couple.

Congratulations Tiffany & Jermaine! We wish you the very best for your future together :) Here's a sneak peek of your wedding film...

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Steve Wells Photography
Officiant: Clinton Bethea
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Cake: Fatty Patty's Cakes

A Watercolor Wedding... Coming Soon: Kelley + Matthew

2010-09-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

Kelley and Matthew were married on September 17, 2010 at the Watercolor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. We've filmed most of the venue's along 30-A, but Kelley managed to pick a spot at Watercolor we hadn't filmed before - Turtle Ridge. It's a beautiful circular park across the lake from the Boathouse where they held their reception. It was an idyllic park for an intimate outdoor wedding.

We've always loved Genesis 2:18,"it is not good that man should be alone," and on Kelley and Matt's wedding day, this reading really stood out to us because we felt like it encompassed their love story. We wish you two the very best in your future together. Enjoy this sneak peek at your wedding film and remember to always hold each other "close to your heart(s)!"

Venues: Watercolor Inn
Coordinators: Cheryl Walton for the Watercolor Inn
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Amanda Suanne
Officiants: Chaplain Jana Thomas & The Reverend W. Clark Fooshee
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Florals: Fisher's Flowers
Cake: Cakes by Tanis

Life is Good.

2010-09-21T12:56:00.000-05:00

WOW. What a week we had last week! After a very slow summer, we kicked off the fall wedding season with not one, but two incredible weddings. Friday we filmed Kelly & Matt's wedding at the beautiful Watercolor Resort. On Saturday, we were with our wonderful friends Avis and Victoria at Carillon filming Tiffany & Jeremiah's wedding. We'll get their wedding trailers up over the next two weeks, so check back!

However, that was just the beginning of the goodness! Last week two of our Spring couples received their finished films and we were overwhelmed by the heartfelt notes we received from them:

{click image to enlarge}

Both Cara & Aaron and Lori & Justin are featured on our website at the moment, so if you haven't already seen their wedding trailers, check them out! By the way, have you seen the new website??? We relaunched it about a month ago and are absolutely thrilled by the response we've received!

As if two weddings, and two wonderful e-mails from our former brides weren't enough, we received another e-mail which had me doing the "happy dance" around the studio! {Drum roll please!} We've been invited by the fabulous wedding resource Style Me Pretty to join their Little Black Book. Seriously, in our industry this is a big deal because the Little Black Book prides itself on featuring a "handpicked community of artistic experts." They've got quite an extensive vetting process, so we were delighted when they contacted us and are thrilled to be the only cinematographers based in the Florida Panhandle (and one of only six in all of Florida) who are featured!

Yep, all in all, it was a pretty awesome week ;)

What you need to know... About hiring a wedding filmmaker.

2010-09-03T14:00:00.000-05:00

I write a regular column for Gulf Coast Bride called “What you need to know...” “What you need to know…” gives you an insider’s look at the wedding industry and advice on how to get the most out of your wedding day. In this issue it got personal. It's all about wedding filmmaking and the various options which are available to couples when they're looking for a filmmaker to document their big day. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, the most important thing you can do before hiring any vendor you are considering for this service is to review a fully edited wedding film. Many editors can pull together a good three-minute highlight reel, but it takes a storyteller to sustain that energy through an entire wedding film. Check out my article below to see what else you need to know about wedding films before you book:

(click on the images to enlarge)

P.S. - When I sent the photo of me with the Super 8 camera to the magazine, it was meant to accompany the small blurb about me at the end of the article. You know, something little... a photo of the author... Jeez Louise! I never expected to get a whole page! I would have written more - there's still so much to talk about DSLR filming, Super 8, equipment, editing techniques, etc., etc., etc...

P.P.S - How HOT is our new ad???!!!

World Class Athletics - "Do you want to be World Class?"

2010-08-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

We love it when a new client provides us with an opportunity to help brand their business, through video over several media platforms! We've recently produced two :15-second television spots "Building for our Future" and "Do you want to be World Class?" for World Class Athletics. Additionally, we produced a longer edit to showcase the cheer/dance facility for their website and Facebook pages.

Our own daughter cheers, so we jumped at the chance to work with these folks. At 24,000 square feet, it's the largest cheer/dance facility in the Florida panhandle. There are two competition size sprung floors (great for a gym fielding multiple teams and training the little ones), a 30-foot tumble track, a 30-foot fiberglass rod floor, a carpet bonded foam floor, a trampoline, a pro-shop, a first aid room, and a parent viewing area. In all the years our daughter has been cheering, I've never seen a facility like this one! And the coaches? Well, they are AACCA Safety Certified Coaches. The other thing I loved while watching them train their athletes was their ability to actually perform the tumbling passes, stunts, and jumps themselves. Billy and Amanda don't just tell the kids what needs to change in their technique, they can show them. Beyond them being one of our clients, as a "cheer mom" I would definitely recommend you check out World Class Athletics if you've got kids interested in tumbling, cheer, or dance :)

CoolingMattress.com - "Find Your Comfort Zone"

2010-08-16T11:47:00.000-05:00

Our corporate clientele are fairly diverse, and I have to say, this is one of the coolest products (pun intended) for which we've produced a 30-second commercial spot. CoolingMattress.com sells bedding products which help to keep you from sleeping too hot or too cool by utilizing technology which was developed by NASA. Sleeping next to Rob is like sleeping next to a radiator, so we've tried one out ourselves, and I love it!!!

This ad will be playing nationally, so let us know if you see it in your area :)

Hot! Hot! Hot!

2010-08-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

We like to change up our print advertising every six months or so. From the moment we first saw this image from Kim & Chris Morgan's wedding at Carillon last year by Paul Johnson Photography, we knew we had to use it as a magazine ad! The intimacy, the film-like grain, the angle of the shot... It just screamed "DIVA" at us.

Look for Chris & Kim's hot shot in the next issue of Gulf Coast Bride and online on our Facebook fan page! Thanks Paul & Mecheal for sharing :)

Things that make you go "awwwww...."

2010-08-03T15:33:00.000-05:00

One of the things I really love about creating wedding films are the relationships we establish with our brides and grooms. Every now and then we'll get an e-mail or a letter with a photos like these enclosed... Thank you Amber and Dana for making our day! Baby Evan is precious!!!

{These beautiful photos were taken by CC James Photography in Atlanta. Check out her blog if you'd like to see more of little Evan!}

A life without love is like a year without summer...

2010-07-16T23:49:00.000-05:00

As I find myself writing a blog post for the last of our Spring/Summer 2010 weddings the Swedish Proverb above comes to mind. It's bittersweet. Sweet, because Kathleen and Josh were such a nice couple. To us, their friends, and family, it looks like they will definitely have a life filled with love. It was a pleasure to film their wedding three weeks ago. Bitter, because normally we would have several weddings in July and August, but because of the oil spill, many couples decided not to celebrate their wedding on the coast of the Florida panhandle this summer. It kind of feels like this is a year without summer for our coast.

However, I can't think of a better way to end the season than working with two of our favorite venues. The wedding took place in Seaside's lovely little chapel and the reception was held on the green of the Watercolor Inn. Kathleen and Josh, we hope you enjoy this sneak peek of your wedding film and we want you to know we wish you both the very best for your future together!

Venues: Seaside Chapel and Watercolor Inn
Coordinators: Heather Archdeacon-Williams for Seaside & Cheryl Walton for the Watercolor Inn
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Amanda Suanne
Officiant: Benjamin Hames
Florals: Fisher's Flowers
Band: Beach Mice

Amanda just blogged the photo highlights from this wedding - check it out on her blog!!!

Toys for Kids Foundation Charity Golf Classic - July 31, 2010

2010-07-15T15:41:00.000-05:00

Toys for Kids Foundation Charity Golf Classic
Date: 07/31/2010

In Memory of Garry Hundley. Format is 4 man select shot. Complimentary Breakfast, Lunch and Beverages during the event.

Contact Number: (850) 814-7800
Location: Hombre Golf Club

{Have you read Have you read John Feinstein’s “Tales from Q school?” Well, then you might be interested to know that Hombre is one of the courses which professional golfers must conquer before they reach the PGA Tour!}

Coming Soon... Kim & Josh

2010-07-06T16:35:00.000-05:00

On June 19, 2010 we had the honor of filming Kim + Josh's intimate beach wedding in Destin, Florida. The couple live in Tennessee, but made the journey to our coast with their immediate families and closest friends. I really enjoyed Kim's two nephews, the older one kept "reporting live from the scene" in an excellent imitation of a television reporter covering breaking news. This breaking news happened to be his aunts' wedding, but being what I like to refer to as a "recovering journalist" I got a huge kick out of him, especially when the weather very nearly was a news worthy story! Seriously, Mother Nature, what the heck? 2010 has been insane!

Hope you enjoy the "sneak peek!"

Venue: Henderson Beach State Park
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Kansas Pitts Photography
Officiant: Devin Warner
Floral: It's a Perfect Day
Saxaphonist: Randy Sherwood
Cake: Tower of Flour

Lovin' Life - Coming Soon... Cara & Aaron

2010-07-01T17:41:00.001-05:00

Where to start with this post...

When we met Cara and her husband Aaron last year we knew this wedding was going to be fun. Cara is one of seven kids and her family is affectionately known as the "Parker Zoo." We never felt a "zoo" atmosphere, but we did feel the energy and the laughter this group constantly generates. Cara's the tomboy in the pack, but you'd have never known it seeing her on her wedding day. Well, maybe that's not completely true... She played college softball and before she walked down the aisle she smacked her wedding coordinator on the butt and said "good game!" Classic Cara.

We witnessed first hand, the love this family has for each other. Often when a bride is getting into her dress, we have to direct the bridesmaids to step into the shot or to help the bride with all the fiddly stuff, but not Cara's sisters. They were clustered around her, and as soon as Cara needed anything, one of them would jump up and dash off to take care of the errand. No one complained, everybody laughed, and a few of us cried happy tears. Isn't that what it's all about? Being surrounded by the people you love with them being happy and excited for you, as you take that next huge step in your life?

So Parker Zoo, here's the sneak peek of Cara & Aaron's wedding day. You are an amazing family and we feel blessed to know you. Thank you for letting us share in your joy!

Joanna & Rob

Venue: Highlands House Bed & Breakfast
Wedding Coordination: Robyn Bomar for Mix Mingle Glow, assisted by Kara Miller
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Tracy Snyder for Little Rascals Photography
Officiant: Trent Snyder
Florals: Celestines
Hair & Make-up: Two Fishes Artistry
Ceremony Violinist: Larry Tyson, A Wedding Violinist

Come Rain or Come Shine! Coming Soon... Courtney & Bryan

2010-06-15T18:09:00.000-05:00

Courtney and Bryan were married on June 5, 2010 in Destin, Florida. They planned a beautiful beach wedding followed by an marquee reception on the Grand Lawn at the Sandestin Resort. However, Mother Nature had other ideas. Around 4:30 p.m. the heavens opened and the Mix Mingle Glow team put "Plan B" into action. Thank goodness there was a "Plan B!"

The thing which really struck me about this wedding was the amount of laughter we heard. It didn't matter that it was raining, Courtney and Bryan were surrounded by friends and family who loved them and they were just happy to be able to share their wedding day with them. Byran's twin brother Parker, really summed up the emotion well during his speech saying, "I wouldn't have changed one thing at all. It was so special to see those two get up there and get married. And that's what it's all about. It doesn't matter about photographs, or suits, or dresses, or anything like that. It just matters that these two are a couple who are meant to be together."

Congratulations Courtney & Bryan!

Venue: Sandestin Resort
Event Designer: Robyn Bomar for Mix Mingle Glow
Wedding Coordination: Robyn Bomar for Mix Mingle Glow, assisted by Kara Miller
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Ashley Livingston and Sheena Ratliff for Livingston Photography
Officiant: Father Tom Guido
Florals: Celestine's Special Occasions
Make-up Artist: Yvette Nation
Hair Stylist: Deah Hollan
Ceremony Guitarist: Hunter Dawson

{of course we couldn't pass up the opportunity to sneak into the photo booth!}

Pretty in Pink! Coming Soon... Lori & Justin

2010-06-14T17:24:00.001-05:00

Lori loves pink. No I mean it, Lori really loves pink! When Lori married Justin on May 29, 2010 the color was everywhere, even down to their bright signature cocktail "Hop, skip and be married!" With Carillon as the back drop, the whole wedding design felt like it was Rachel Ashwell's "Shabby Chic" meets Victoria Valpone and Avis Johnson's "Coastal Chic." The result was absolutely gorgeous!

Congratulations you two, we're so happy for you and know you've got wonderful things in your future together!

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul & Mecheal Johnson
Officiant: Harry Houseman
Catering: Townsend Catering
Florals: Nouveau Flowers
Band: Conch Republic

Coming Soon... Zoe & Vincent

2010-06-07T15:24:00.000-05:00

It's wedding season and we're working flat out right now, but I wanted to take a minute and share the wedding trailer for this fun destination wedding we filmed on May 22, 2010. Loved Zoe & Vincent! It was one of those days when it didn't feel like we were working because their energy and laughter was contagious. Vince is British, so the whole wedding was like "old home" week for Rob and DJ Samuel Blowes, as so many of the bridal party and guests had traveled to the States from the UK to celebrate with Zoe and Vincent.

We wish you guys the best and every happiness for your future together! Enjoy the sneak peek :)

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Lynn McPherson, White Sands Weddings and Portraits
Coordinator: Susan Parker, Destin Wedding Company
Steel Drums: Chuck Lawson
DJ: Samuel Blowes

{Side note, now that we've worked with Sam, were pretty sure we've worked with every wedding professional from the area who attends Shoreline Church in Destin!}

Mila & Joe in Weddings Unveiled

2010-06-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

We're always thrilled to see our couples in print and Mila & Joe's recent spread in the bridal publication Weddings Unveiled simply took our breath away! You can check out more of Paul and Mecheal Johnson's fabulous photos on their blog.

The perfect first kiss. Coming Soon... Denise & Jonnie

2010-05-18T18:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, those of you who know me well, know that behind the business woman façade, I'm really a hopeless romantic. Last year, when we sat down for the first time with Denise, Jonnie, and Denise's parents Moacair and Elma, I was immediately struck by the example of a long and happy marriage Denise and Jonnie had in Denise's parents. You know how sometimes you can just look at another couple and think "I want to exemplify that in my own relationship?" That's what I saw in the Schnapp's. My next thought was, Denise and Jonnie are going to know how to love each other for the long haul.

In this wedding trailer, there is a point when Jonnie reaches for Denise for that first married kiss. It's not restrained or overly dramatic. It's honest, and passionate, and full of so much of the love we witnessed throughout their wedding day that I tear up just watching it. It's the perfect first kiss. Congratulations you two! We hope every kiss carries the memory of your wedding kiss.

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: GwyneMark Photography
Coordinator: Elegant Beginnings
Venue: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Officiant: Judge Richard Story
Florals: Nouveau Flowers

What you need to know... If I knew then, what I know now.

2010-05-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

I write a regular column for Gulf Coast Bride called “What you need to know...” “What you need to know…” gives you an insider’s look at the wedding industry and advice on how to get the most out of your wedding day. In this issue I asked newly married couples what advice they had for the nearly married’s. Basically, if they knew then, what they know now! I was completely overwhelmed by the response I got from some of our previous clients to this question. Check out my article below to see what the newlyweds had to say:

As always, thank you so much to the fabulous photographers we work with for sharing their images! Meg & Charles Baisden, Sonja Revells, Michelle Lee and Amanda Suanne, you all rock! And Jessica C. thank you so much for what you said about videography! The check's in the mail ;)

Gulf Coast Bride will be on the stands in 31 states the week of May 23rd, but if you're in Panama City Beach, please feel free to stop by the studio to pick one up!

Put on your dancing shoes!!! Coming Soon... Kim & Joe

2010-05-14T20:51:00.000-05:00

So we're about to share a wedding trailer with you which really exemplifies how we tailor our editing around the personalities of our couple. Recently, you've seen some very romantic, elegant "coming soon" sneak peeks from us. Today we bring you something a little different. Kim had SO much energy and spirit, this wedding trailer needed to reflect her enthusiasm for life and personal style. Every time I think of Kim, I think of Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, so we stole the soundtrack for this edit ;) We hope you have as much fun watching it as we did filming and editing it!

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographer: Angela Dowling, Bella Vita Photography
Venue: Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
DJ: Brian Buonassissi, B-Boy Productions
Coordinator: Blair Ritchie
Lighting Director: Rik Poloski
Florals: Nouveau Flowers

We do LOVE a 2nd Line!!! Coming Soon... Katie & Josh

2010-05-05T16:41:00.000-05:00

Mother Nature hasn't been very nice to us the last few weeks. We've had everything from tornado watches to flood warnings. On April 24, 2010 Katie and Josh woke up to overcast skies and howling winds. At 4:30 p.m. the rain had stopped and the wind became a dull roar. By 5:30 p.m., with a brief reprieve from Mother Nature's mood swings, we were able to film their ceremony on the beach at Rosemary as was originally planned. One of my favorite moments was when their dog Miles walked Katie's two nieces who were serving as flower girls, down the aisle. Kudos to Reverend Tim Meadows for the speedy sermon!

Rosemary Beach is one of our favorite venues to film, and the cobbled streets really lent themselves beautifully to the Second Line Katie and Josh led from the Eastern Green back to the Town Hall for the reception. I'm a sucker for a great first dance and we were totally "wowed" by the sexy rumba Katie and Josh performed. Overall, it was a fun, fun, fun wedding and Katie, Josh, their family and friends were a pleasure to film! Here's a little sneak peek at their big day.

If you would like to see some of photographer Jacqueline Ward's beautiful images from this wedding, check out her blog post!

Coordinator: Christina Gshwandtner of Fête Weddings & Events
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographer: Jacqueline Ward Images
Venue: Rosemary Beach
Reverend: Tim Meadows of the Point Washington United Methodist Church
Band: Cool Rayz
Flowers: Fishers Flowers

A beachy "First Look" - Coming Soon... Lori & Stan

2010-04-27T15:02:00.000-05:00

So you may have noticed, for our 2010 weddings we are producing "coming soon" wedding trailers within a couple of weeks of the wedding. At first I wasn't sure how we were going to manage this because the April/May/June wedding season is CRAZY (and I do mean CRAZY - all caps) for us. But, so far, so good and this week brings you Lori and Stan's intimate beach wedding on Seacrest Beach in 30A.

Lori and Stan live in Enterprise, Alabama and they both hail from Alabama so many of their friends and family members were able to make the trip to the Florida coast to celebrate their union with them. It was one of those weddings where family played a huge part in the wedding day. Lori's Aunt, Cara English provided the photography, Stan's uncle, Bobby Edmonston married them, Lori's son walked her down the aisle, and her two daughters served as bridesmaids.

Lori & Stan, we wish you and the kids the very best for the future. Thank you so much for allowing us to record your wedding day! Here's your sneak peek:

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographer: Cara English
Venue: Bonne Terre
Officiant: Bobby Edmonston
Cake: Fatty Patty's
Florals: KimberLee's

Studio 98 Photography - "An Individual"

2010-04-21T14:41:00.000-05:00

When our friends at Studio 98 Photography approached us about producing a 30-Second spot for them to air on our local television stations we were thrilled to take on the project. Leah Moseley and Sonja Revells at Studio 98 really wanted to tap into the teenage psyche, and in doing that, I think I we ended up writing one of our best commercial scripts!

Coming Soon... Kim & Chris

2010-04-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

First off, let me just mention, this isn't the same Kim and Chris from a few blog posts ago! This Kim and Chris we're married on April 10, 2010 at a lovely beach home called the Palazzo del Sol in Destin, Florida. They are a super nice couple who had an intimate wedding with family and friends on the beach, followed by a reception around the pool of the Palazzo.

Sometimes we have weddings where the younger attendants are, shall we say, reluctant...? That was so NOT the case with the littlest members of Chris & Kim's bridal party. Mackenzie and Caroline stole my heart from the moment I started filming them, then Colin and Hunter captured it with their enthusiasm. I managed to catch Colin signing the guest book in his little boy, all capitals scrawl, taking up the whole page with "COLIN." However, I think my absolute favorite moment of the day was filming Kim's mom while she was watching, from a distance, Chris and Kim's sunset photo session with Paul & Mecheal Johnson. Being a mother of a daughter, my heart just swells thinking about what it must be like sending your little girl off into a new chapter of her life. It's the end of an era, but the beginning of so much more...

Kim and Chris we wish you the absolute best on this adventure called marriage, and hope that every day you share together will be filled with as much love and happiness as your wedding day. Enjoy the trailer!

Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographers: Mecheal and Paul Johnson of Paul Johnson Photography
Venue: Palazzo del Sol
Florals: Katie's Flowers
Coordinator: Forever I Do
Reverend: Father Ken Murie
Harpist: Katie Ott
DJ: Paul Kirker for Gulf Talent Services
Cake: Sweet Creations by Sharon

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

2010-04-18T02:00:00.000-05:00

Booker T. Washington was a wise man. Here at Diva, we aren't always able to contribute as much as we would like financially to the charities in our community, but Booker T. reminds us that it's just as important to give of ourselves. So, with Mr. Washington's wise words in mind, every quarter Diva Productions produces a PSA (public service announcement) for one of our local non-profits.

This quarter we've turned our attention to the Healthy Families program administered by the Life Management Center of Northwest Florida. Healthy Families is a child abuse prevention program which benefits the children of Bay and Gulf Counties. Child safety and well-being... why wouldn't we do what we could to help?

The program is modeled after the Healthy Families America initiative and locally, the group is required to raise 25% of the program costs to demonstrate community support for the program. So, every year the Life Management Center hosts the Healthy Families Home Tour which showcases some of the beautiful homes in the Panama City/Panama City Beach area to raise funds for the program. This year's tour features several of the lovely Mediterranean style homes in the Finisterre community of Panama City Beach. There's plenty of design inspiration, with standard's like custom built chef's kitchens to the more unusual, theme rooms styled around the owner's favorite sports team.

Take a look at the PSA we produced, and if you can, please attend the Home Tour on May 1st. For more information visit www.HealthyFamiliesHomeTour.com or call (850) 522-4485 ext. 1107.

The Highlights - Kim & Chris

2010-03-24T19:40:00.000-05:00

There's something about watching a couple do the box step during their first dance which makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I think it's because, as a little girl my grandfather would let me stand on his feet to try to teach me that particular dance move. Kim and Chris did it beautifully, but then, Kim and Chris did everything beautifully. Even when their photographers Paul and Mecheal Johnson had them running in the sand during their beach photo session, they laughed and goofed off showing us how gorgeous they are inside and out. Loved putting this highlight sequence together for them! Enjoy :)

Venue: Carillon Beach, Florida
Coordinators: Victoria Volpone & Avis Johnson for Carillon Weddings
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photography: Paul & Mecheal Johnson
Catering: Townsend Catering
Band: Higher Ground, Nashville

The Little Team with the Big Heart

2010-03-22T12:46:00.000-05:00

Some of you know we have a 12-year old daughter who we lovingly call "the Monster." Well, over the last few years our little monster has decided that her sport of choice is cheerleading. She's not picky, she loves yelling for the boys at football games as much as she loves competitive cheerleading. Last summer she took it into her heart to try out for a squad which has fielded huge championship teams for several years. However, this year many of the cheerleaders moved on to school teams or other gyms for a variety of reasons, and the squad she joined only had 13 girls. We called them PCB's Lucky 13. They had a great season, really bonding and becoming a true "team" along the way.

On Saturday this great group of girls had their last competition of the season in Gainesville. They went in strong and made us incredibly proud with an almost perfect performance. They placed first in their division (Youth Level 2), but what REALLY knocked our socks off was the announcement that they were Grand Champions for the entire competition. For those of you not familiar with competitive cheerleading, this means, across the board they had the highest score of any competing team. We knew they were wonderful, but after a long, sometimes hard season, the fact they were finally getting the recognition they deserved from the judges, well, let's just say, there were some tears...

I guess it helps to have parents who do what we do for a living because we did our best to document the season for the girls and their families. Yesterday they had the end of year banquet for Elite and we showed this highlight video we put together. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed working on it. We know that this is an end of an era for many of these girls, 10 of the 13 will be trying out for the junior high squad this week. We wish you all luck and hope you get the chance to continue to be the strong, supportive team you became this year at Surfside!

Coming Soon... Mila & Joe

2010-03-12T18:14:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we kicked off wedding season with Mila & Joe's wedding at one of our favorite venues, Alys Beach on 30-A. It was a beautiful day with so many details and personal touches we were constantly finding something different to shoot. Congratulations Mila and Joe! We wish you every happiness and hope you enjoy this sneak peek at your wedding film!

Coordinator: Stephanie Tate of Savoir Faire
Cinematography: Diva Productions
Photographers: Mecheal and Paul Johnson of Paul Johnson Photography
Venue: Alys Beach
Reverend: Tim Callum
Choir: New Gulf Choir
Classical Guitar: Jim Armstrong
Soprano Sax: Randy Sherwood
Band: The Super T Band (super doesn't even BEGIN to describe this group!)
Caterer: Townsend Catering
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock

Gulf Coast Bride - What you need to know!

2010-02-22T10:32:00.000-06:00

One of the nice things about being a regular columnist for a magazine is that I often get a sneak peek at things like the cover :) When Will from Gulf Coast Bride sent this over it knocked my socks off because it just shouted "Spring" at me! The cover photo was taken by the talented Candice KausHagen of Candice K Photography. In this issue, my column "What you need to know..." is on why you should hire a wedding coordinator from the perspective of your other wedding vendors. Always love seeing my articles getting teased on the cover!

The magazine should hit stands next week in 31 states! It's a great resource for destination weddings, especially if you're getting married somewhere along the Emerald Coast. If you're one of our local brides and you are in Panama City Beach, please feel free to stop by the studio to pick one up :)

Diva wins an ADDY®

2010-02-18T16:22:00.000-06:00

Panama City Beach, Florida (February 18, 2010) Diva Productions is pleased to announce it has been recognized for a second year by the American Advertising Federation with a Silver ADDY® Award. The The American Advertising Federation – Panama City (AAF – Panama City) presented the 2010 ADDY® Awards for advertising creative excellence last Saturday night at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Diva Productions received the award for a three minute real estate marketing video featuring a property listed by Beachy Beach Realty of Panama City Beach.

Entries were judged based on creativity, originality and creative strategy. The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association conducts the ADDY® Awards through its 200 member advertising clubs and 15 districts. It is the only creative awards program administered by the advertising industry for the industry. With over 60,000 entries annually worldwide, the ADDY® Awards are the world's largest and arguably, toughest, advertising competition.

About Diva Productions:

Diva Productions specializes in the production of television commercials, programs for broadcast, corporate video, and film. For more information please visit www.Diva-Productions.com.

About Beachy Beach Realty:

Beachy Beach Realty is the premier Panama City Beach real estate authority for home buying and home selling for property listings in Carillon Beach, Wild Heron, Bay Point, The Glades and throughout Panama City Beach. Whether it's a house, an estate, beachfront mansion, luxurious gulf front condo, or any other type of property, Karen Smith can assist you with all your real estate needs in the Panama City Beach area. For more information please visit www.KarensBeach.com.

Taking it to the next level...

2010-02-16T14:09:00.000-06:00

In January I attended a gathering of professional wedding filmmakers in Austin, Texas. It was called In[Focus] and I went prepared to do nothing but enjoy the opportunity to connect with other creative types who loved what they do for a living. I got that, but I got so much more, that it has taken me nearly a month to really absorb everything I learned about our industry. First of all, our industry is changing, everything from the equipment we use to the way our product is delivered. Secondly, we can't be anyone but ourselves. We do what we do, and we can improve on our skills and our equipment, but our style is our own. Thirdly, we don't charge enough. However, I've also worked in corporate America enough to understand Fair Market Value, so we're adjusting accordingly.

After In[Focus] Rob and I created a plan. Thanks to Ron Dawson we've finally accepted that we really need to separate our corporate and bridal businesses. Diva MultiMedia will be launched later this year as the portal for our corporate clients. Diva Productions will be looking at it's third redesign in three years, and will continue to serve our bridal clients.

Thanks to Bill Gaff we realized we need to put more emphasis on selling our documentary wedding films. Sometimes I forget, because I get bogged down in the business side of running Diva, but with my journalism background, interviewing and storytelling through the interviews we conduct is one of our strongest skills. And I love it. Loyd Calomay's energy and enthusiasm for what he produces, really reminded me we need to do what we love to be fulfilled. When you're fulfilled your able to contribute, and David Perry reinforced how important corporate philanthropy is and I really respected the focus of his presentation. It made me think of the Winston Churchill quote "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Words to live by.

Nearly everyone who presented referenced some piece of equipment that went onto what I'm calling our "In[Focus] Wish List." Slowly over last month, we've been reworking the Diva finances so that we can afford most of the equipment on our list. The wish list has two colums - "Nice to Have" and "Need to Have." Some of the things in the "Need to Have" column like the Glidecam 2000 and the Canon 7D have already been bought. Other things like the Tiffen filter suite will have to come later.

It's funny, even though I worked on my first wedding video in 1992, in some ways I almost feel like I'm just starting out. In[Focus] gave me the chance to fall in love with our industry again. It reaffirmed what we are doing right, and helped steer us in a better direction for the future. I'm so excited and so grateful for all the talented, supportive filmmakers who make up our little community that I get teary eyed just thinking about them and the few days I spent in Austin. Those three short days have had an impact on our entire year, and the direction of our little production company.

Drum Roll Please...

2010-02-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

Today we are launching our new ad campaign! Each year we feature one of our brides in a print advertising campaign. So for the 2010 issues of Gulf Coast Bride Mrs. Chenoa Norman is our spokesdiva! Check out her HOT bridal photo by the incredibly talented Amanda Suanne in the ad below. You can also see highlights from Chenoa's wedding our our main website under the Wedding Films tab.

The Circuit - "Media Matters" January/February 2010

2010-02-05T18:10:00.000-06:00

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I had a little hiatus from my Media Matters article in The Circuit during wedding season, but I'm back and ready to talk about what you need to know about what you need to get the most out of your media dollars!

It’s the New Year and you’ve decided to go ahead and spend some of your hard earned marketing dollars on a local television spot… No other advertising medium is as likely to eat up your marketing budget as quickly as TV will, so here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of those dollars.

You’ve only got 30-seconds. With this amount of time it’s essential to choose the most critical sales points for your business. The message must me clear and precise. Typically 30-second spots are for getting one thought or idea out and then having the viewer come to a website or call for the rest of the story.

Make sure the script includes the NAME of your business. This is copywriting 101, but here’s why I feel the need to reinforce this… I’m a big Good Morning America fan. Although I don’t have my eyes glued to the screen, you can bet between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. the show is the background noise to mornings in the Banks-Morgan household. And this is the key here - it’s background noise. I may a lift my eyes to check out a local weather pattern, but like many busy moms who are the key demographic for this show, I’m only listening in, not actively watching. So, when a local commercial comes on mentally I’m tuned in. Almost daily there is an ad running for a local financial planner who sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. Unfortunately, at no point during the 30-second spot does he SAY the name of his business. The spiel sounds good, but I have no idea who he is.

Get an exclusivity contract signed by the talent hired for your commercial. We’re not a big DMA, so there isn’t an abundance of local talent. However, if you’re spending those hard earned dollars on television, you want to ensure the voice /on-screen talent you hire isn’t going to be selling air conditioning services for you one day, and fronting a local restaurant the next. It undermines the credibility of your company, and as I’ve already explained, often viewers are only listening to your commercial. Chances are they’ll recognize the voice of the talent. It’s the responsibility of a good production company to scout and recruit new talent, and if they know where to look, finding a fresh voice/face shouldn’t be an issue.

Finally, talk to other chamber members about their experiences with broadcast advertising. While salespeople from TV stations and cable providers can be very helpful, they are, after all, trying to sell you something.

I must be on a roll I don't think I've ever blogged three times in three days...

Chenoa & Josh in Mississippi Magazine

2010-02-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

We don't usually post full articles when one of our brides turns up in a magazine, but Chenoa & Josh's spread in the annual bridal issue of Mississippi Magazine was just so gorgeous we couldn't resist! This was one of those weddings which was like a perfect storm - beautiful venue, flowers and couple, innovative details (seriously - how stinkin' cute are the cakes by Fatty Patty's?) and of course a wonderful photographer, Amanda Suanne. And they were fun. Chenoa kept me giggling most of the day. My favorite moment was when she walked up the stairs with a mason jar filled with champagne and said "Yes, I am from Mississippi!" You can check out their wedding trailer on our main website under the section titled Wedding Films.

2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™

2010-01-31T10:36:00.000-06:00

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Diva Productions has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for videography!

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Diva Productions is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are thrilled that for the second year in a row, Diva Productions has been voted among the very best wedding film producers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards!

In the News!

2010-01-25T11:51:00.000-06:00

We're absolutely slammed with editing at the moment, but I wanted to take just a minute to let you know we're in the news this week with "The Circuit." They picked up on my (not so little) hyperventilating session when we found out about our "Best of Weddings" award from The Knot and featured us in the "Biz Spotlights" section of the January/February issue.

The photo of Rob we sent them to include with the article was taken by the super talented Amanda Suanne.

Diva Class of 2009

2010-01-15T16:03:00.000-06:00

Because I spent most of Friday moving electronic media around external hard drives (I sound like such a techy nerd) I found myself with some down time. I got to thinking about all the incredible people we met last year. Each and every one of them had a story worth telling. We are so pleased that in some small way, we had a chance to do that through their wedding films.

We started the year with tornado warnings for Brenda & Derrick's wedding at Inlet Beach in March and wrapped up 2009 on December 27th (my birthday) with Jodie & Gabriel's wedding in Santa Rosa Beach. They were quite possibly the most thoughtful Bride and Groom ever because, as a cake designer, Gabriel actually made me a birthday cake!!! Seriously, who does something that thoughtful when they've got a wedding to attend?

We filmed at some of the most beautiful places in Florida - Rosemary Beach, Eden Gardens, Seaside - and worked with some of the greatest photographers in the area, from talented up-and-comers like Cassie Olimb to seasoned professionals like Paul and Mecheal Johnson. We were fed by extraordinary caters like Townsend Catering and Blue Mounta in Catering. And the cakes? Well, just put it this way, Rob and I have never met a wedding cake we didn't like! But none of this matters without the people who pull everything together - the wedding planners. Thank the Lord our couples chose some of the best like Stephanie Tate of Savoir Faire, Robyn Bomar of Mix Mingle Glow, and Victoria Volpone of Carillon Weddings.

We had some truly meaningful moments in 2009... We had one couple that was married by the bride's father, one by the groom's father, another by a bride's uncle, and yet another married by the bride's grandfather. There were several family friends who stepped up as officiants for our couples. We watched our couples cry, we listened to them laugh, and we recorded their stories. Some were high school sweethearts; others were lost loves reunited years later. All were thoroughly in love on their wedding day.

Thank you to the Diva class of 2009 for entrusting us with the responsibility of documenting your wedding day. We enjoyed getting to know you, your families, and friends. We had a lot of fun and we ate a LOT of cake ;)

And yes, I did have a little cry while I put this together. It was an incredible year, but not without it's challenges both professionally and personally. However, looking back at 2009 like this reminds me just how blessed we are to make a living doing something we love. Onward.

Get Married Magazine

2010-01-07T19:17:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let our 2010/2011 brides know that we just got in the most recent issue of Get Married Magazine. If you'd like a copy, please feel free to stop by the studio.

This is only the second issue of this new national wedding publication, but so far we LOVE it! The whole magazine looks like one big bridal inspiration board and it doesn't matter what your bridal style is, there's something for everyone. On top of that, there is a companion television show which runs on WETV at 9:30e/8:30c a.m. on Saturday mornings. So, between the magazine, the show, and the website, they've got pretty much all the advice you're looking for covered.

If you didn't get the chance to see the premier issue you can check it out on-line at http://www.getmarried.com/magazine/view.

Happy Holidays from Henley & his family!

2009-12-13T17:48:00.000-06:00

About a week ago we ran a little competition over on our Facebook page to attract more "fans." We were thrilled that author Judith Kristen was our winner because it meant we got to produce a holiday greeting from our favorite Old English Sheepdog Henley Harrison West. Henley has spent many of his 12 years as an canine ambassador raising awareness about pet adoption among children (and their parents!). Check out the Henley holiday greeting below! The adorable illustrations are by the very talented Sue Daly.

(Photo courtesy of the Courier Post)

Doing the "happy" dance!

2009-12-10T12:03:00.000-06:00

So, I was getting ready to write a quick blog post for our brides to let them know that the Spring/Summer 2010 issue of The Knot - Florida has just arrived at the studio, and to give me a shout if they wanted one. Well... this issue is also the issue where they list "The Best of Weddings 2010." Rob and I were perusing the list to see which of our local vendor peeps where being recognized... yea! Vue Photgraphy! Fatty Patty's Cakes, Leslie Roark Photography! Nouveau Flowers! Townsend Catering! Then we get to videographers and... "Holy crap, that's us!" Then I screamed I was so excited. Then I really did very nearly hyperventilate.

In my little list of goals I wanted to accomplish in 2010 this was one of them. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to our wonderful couples who took the time to vote and to let the Knot know you loved our work. We are overwhelmed, grateful, and truly blessed to have worked with you. 2010 is going to be incredible!

Joanna & Rob

PS - Rob's not really as scary as he looks in that photo!!!

What you need to know... To get the most out of your wedding photos and film.

2009-11-30T12:17:00.000-06:00

Back in August, I let you know that I'd be writing a regular column for Gulf Coast Bride called What you need to know... The articles are straight talk from industry insiders, and for my first column I tackled the business side of hiring vendors. In this issue, I'm looking at what couples need to know to get the most from their wedding photographs and video.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Amanda Suanne, Anglea Dowling, D ede Edwards, Kim Stone, Mari Darr-Welch, Rae Leytham, Ryan Manthey, and Sarah Powers for being so generous with your wonderfully candid advice for couples and for sharing your images. I wish I could have included every bit of wisdom you shared, but we would have filled the entire issue, so some of it will be incorporated into upcoming columns :)

Gulf Coast Bride hits the stands this week!

Lollipops!

2009-10-03T13:30:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a little awesomeness from one of our September weddings at the Emerald Grande! I think every vendor working this wedding fell in love with Nikki, Jeremy and their families! We laughed, we cried (really, we did), and we felt honored to be a part of this very special occasion...

Fab photo by Cassie Olimb of Olimb Photography - check out her blog to see more! (How cute are those lollipops?)

Looking for a second home?

2009-09-25T16:04:00.000-05:00

Want to be near the world's most beautiful beaches? Check out this real estate video we just produced for Beachy Beach Real Estate here in Panama City Beach! It's a MAGNIFICENT home in the beautiful Wild Heron subdivision at the west end of PCB. The whole time we were shooting, Rob and I kept saying "I want to live here!" Too bad we don't have the spare $2 million! Of course, it was the home theater which really hooked us - we could just imagine all our Diva wedding films playing out on the big screen TV... Oh well, maybe next year ;)

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston Churchill

2009-09-23T11:22:00.000-05:00

I love that quote by Winston Churchill. It immediately came to mind as I started to write this post about our most recent PSA (public service announcement). Because we firmly believe, that it's not what you say, but what you do to make a difference, every quarter we produce one PSA for a local charity free of charge. During the third quarter we were approached by Erica Spivey of the Miracle League of the Emerald Coast to produce a spot for them to encourage registration for the new league.

The Miracle League first drew my attention when we were still living in Austin. The idea that individuals and organizations were out there, raising money to build specially designed ball fields for kids with physical and mental challenges just floored me with the "rightness" of the endeavor, and I couldn't wait to get involved. It really was a privilege to produce this PSA for our local Miracle League. If you get a chance, go by Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach to check out the field. The field is projected to benefit over 5,000 young people in Bay County between the ages of three and nineteen. The fact it was even built, is something we can all be proud of as a community.

We are so blessed...

2009-09-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

Like anything you do day in and day out, no matter how much you love it, somedays what you do for a living feels like a "job." Thankfully, those days are few and far between for us because we are so blessed to have the opportunity to share one of the most important days of a person's life with them. It's hard not to get caught up in the emotion of family and friends as they watch our couples take that giant step into marriage. Rob and I spend so many hours shooting and then editing the footage from weddings that we begin to feel like we really know our couples. Not just the superficial "Hi, we're your personal paparazzi for the day," but the "We recognize any emotion you are experiencing right now is heightened beyond recognition, and we're here to make sure you don't forget a moment of what happens." We constantly strive to find that balance between creativity and documentation, while attempting to stay as unobtrusive as possible.

When I read what the mother of one of our brides wrote about us today on Wedding Wire, I cried. Her words tell me, we are getting it right! Thank you to the Rodgers family, and to ALL our couples and their families who let us share one of the most important moments of your lives...

A big sigh...

2009-08-18T12:56:00.000-05:00

Having your own company is kind of like having a another child. Sometimes it makes you crazy, and sometimes it makes you so proud you could cry. During our two years in Florida, we've filmed some exceptional weddings, and with the subtle redesign of our website by BlueiDesigns, now we get to share more of these special moments with you! I feel like a parent showing off a "brag book" of my kids accomplishments right now! Check it out at www.diva-productions.com and let us know what you think!!!

Trying not to hyperventilate...

2009-08-03T11:35:00.000-05:00

Back in June we blogged about Caitlin and Slates' beautiful wedding on The Lawn in 30-A. We've been very excited knowing the wedding was going to be featured in the Fall issue of Gulf Coast Bride. What we didn't know until this morning (this may go down as the best Monday morning EVER in Diva history!) was that one of Sonja Revell's beautiful photos of Caitlin was picked for the COVER!!!! Congratulations Sonja!!! Caitlin you look fabulous!!!

We absolutely adore that shot Heather took of Caitlin & Slate with their daughter! We're no longer offering photography as a service, but if you'd like to contact either Sonja or Heather about photography for your wedding, please let us know and we'll forward you their contact details.

From the Diary of a Diva

2009-07-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

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What goes around comes around...

2009-07-19T21:40:00.000-05:00

We follow a lot of blogs for inspiration and trends, and I just loved this one by Elle Magazine about "Hollywood Hair." Doesn't old Hollywood rock?!!? (and they look a little like our Diva, eh?)