On the coat tails of my previous post about Pumpkin Pond Farm on Nantucket, another wedding venue you should put on your radar is Marianmade Farm in Wiscasset, Maine. It is less than 3/4 mile from the village on the Sheepscot River. They have incredible views and 13 acres of rolling hills and woods, not to mention flowers and lavender.  The timber frame lavender drying house on the farm overlooks the water. With a capacity for 150 it’s a perfect location to consider for any kind of celebration. Just like the Pumpkin Pond Farm inspiration below – you could implement that concept at a location like Marianmade Farm. Photos courtesy of Michelle from Marianmade Farm.

Custom tables included with rental.

Pumpkin Pond Farm – Nantucket Bridal Shower Luncheon Inspiration from meg simone on Vimeo.

Planning a destination wedding on Nantucket? Often times the wedding party will filter in a day or so in advance, a perfect opportunity to have a bridal luncheon with your girls. This inspiration is also ideal for a Bridal Shower. When you are having smaller soirees like this, in the above video, Jen Shepherd from Placesetters will point out that you don’t have to break the bank to make something look good. The costs are a lot different for 12 place settings then 120.  The bouquet here was created from the ribbons at the bridal shower and was a great jumping off point for the color palate. You can translate this concept at any local farm, garden, or green space in your area.  This feature can be found on the pages of the Fall/Winter WellWed for Cape Cod, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard. To order your copy just click here. Be sure to check out Hannah Blount’s Jewelry, inspired by nature, the girls were loving the selection she brought. Dawn, Jen, and team pulled together a really incredible design. I loved the natural infusions with fresh picked herbs from the farm and of course Brea’s photo shoot in the flower gardens with the natural light.

Filmed on Nantucket at Pumpkin Pond Farm 
Photography: Brea McDonald
Flowers: Soiree Floral 
Design: DKD – Dawn Kelly Designs
Rentals & Linens: Placesetters Inc. Jen Shepherd
Invitation & Paper: Smudge Ink
Jewelry: Hannah Blount 
Scones: Nantucket Gourmet
Gift Bags: Beauty by The Sea
Drinks: Nantucket blACKbook, Holly Finnegan
Dresses: The Lovely
Models: Mallory Epping, Hannah Blount, Alicia Graziadei, Amy Donnellan

I was grateful for this testimonial of my services by Maine based wedding photographer, Melissa Mullen Photography. This appeared on her blog and I wanted to showcase it below. Click on the image to read the full review, see additional films, and read my thoughts on working with Melissa too!

I LOVE how the video ends on this whole feeling of “and this is how it all begins” because honestly it does! So much more ahead.  I feel some brides think their wedding is just the pinnacle of it all or something. There’s so much more to look forward to! Although I would take having a wedding every year. I wish I could run with all my friends most days.   Meredith

Lindsey Oaker Photography  did an incredible job capturing the day (see her blog post, here). Ironically I documented Lindsey’s wedding back in 2008 – it was so fun to work with her in this capacity. Meredith and Erik’s ceremony was in town, followed by a reception at the Stowe Mountain Lodge with DJ Walter Perterson of Digilog Studios.

Music Licensed through SongFreedom:
Colbie Caillat – Brighter Than The Sun (vocal & instrumental)
Jess Penner – Sweeter (instrumental)
Jess Penner – All Smiles

Music Licensed through The Music Bed:
Katie Herzig – Best Day of Your Life

Castle Hill Rhode Island Wedding Film from meg simone on Vimeo.

It had to be the hottest day in April last year when I met these two on NYC’s High Line. I love meeting couples for the first time, but no matter how much information I gather before the big day, there are bound to be surprises that leave me trying to focus the camera while managing my own joyful laughter. Not only is the groom an impressive dancer but their story is hilariously delivered by the Maid of Honor. The weather was stunningly beautiful yet bone chilly. However they still braved the coastal breeze for some wonderful photos with Maine based photographer Melissa Mullen.  It’s always so fun to work with wedding professionals that I’ve worked with before (Melissa) and new ones that are instant team players (Stephanie). I hope we can do it again ladies!

Newport Wedding Film by Meg Simone Wedding Films
Photographer: Melissa Mullen Photography 
Wedding Planner: Couture Parties, Stephanie Frazier Grimm
Location: Castle Hill Inn – Newport, RI
Entertainment: Unity - Murray Hill Talent
Flowers: Stoneblossom Floral & Event Design
Hair and Makeup: Allison Barbera Beauty 

Music Licensed Through Song Freedom:
Kerry Muzzey – The Fix-Up
Tyrone & Elina – Anywhere With You (instrumental)
Kathryn Ostenberg – Light Me Up (instrumental)

Mount Washington Resort Wedding Film of Michelle and Steve from meg simone on Vimeo.

This fall wedding at the Mount Washington Resort with Elizabeth Bradford Photography  and DJ Matt Spofford was awesome! The weather was incredibly dramatic and the energy and excitement from this crew literally lit up the dance floor. I still have images of Michelle waving a rainbow of glowing colors above her head as the guests partied into the night. Steve’s humor is evident from their proposal story and his smile remains contagious throughout the evening.

Michelle tagged you in a post: “Steve and I just sat back, sipped wine & relived our wedding day through the amazing video by Meghan Simone - There are no words to express how incredibly thankful we are to have had such a talented & wonderful person capture our day. OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SURE KNOW HOW TO PARTY!!! My face hurts from smiling for the past hour Meg THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU – IT WAS BETTER THAN WE COULD HAVE IMAGINED!!!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how much we love our video – it is perfection.”

Invitations: Gus & Ruby Letterpress – Portsmouth, NH
Wedding Gown/Bridesmaids Dresses: Andrea’s Bridal – Portland, ME
Alterations: Davina Dawn – Concord, NH
Favors: Incredibrew – Nashua, NH (Wine Making)
Bridesmaids Gifts: Sally Bags (purchased at Assets Jeans Co in North Conway, NH)

Music
Tyrone WellsSee You (Instrumental & Vocal) – SongFreedom
Train, Hey Soul Sister – SongFreedom
Kerry Muzzey, Howard Sees the Sky – SongFreedom
Kerry Muzzey, Accidental Fetch – SongFreedom

I was first introduced to El’s Cards by New England wedding photographer Melissa Mullen when a custom watercolor holiday card showed up in my mailbox. Melissa had recently relocated to a new studio in Portland, Maine and found El’s work a perfect compliment to usher in the New Year and news. After a lengthy web stalking session of El’s work, I fell in love. I’m a huge fan of local artists and custom work. You will see from some of Melissa’s images below, El can create many custom pieces for your wedding needs. A personal favorite from the “cards” section was what tipped me off to put together this blog post – the S’mores card. I’m a camp girl at heart (YMCA Camp Huckins) and S’mores bring back great memories.Ellen Greely Braley, owner and artist behind “El’s Cards” has been creating Custom Watercolor Invitations and Stationary since 1999. In the early days working out of Milton, MA, El sold greeting cards in the lobby of her favorite gym in South Boston.  Relocating to NH in 2004 didn’t slow down operations. She found the beauty in nature continues to inspire new designs in her Greenland, New Hampshire studio.  With 20+ years of calligraphy and watercolor experience, El’s ideas for new artwork never end.  Her maps are created in her own personal style in watercolor and calligraphy and are proving to be her most popular new item (I’m in love with them, see a few favorites below).   I think El’s custom work will bring many happy memories to you and those you love.  A huge hug to Melissa Mullen Photography for connecting me with El. I can’t say enough positive things about both of these wedding professionals.

Rhode Island Wedding Film from meg simone on Vimeo.

Friends gathered from all corners of the globe in Rhode Island for an extended weekend filled with love, laughter, and lots of surprises! They met in April 2009 at a charity 5K event hosted by mutual friends in the quaint town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, just north of San Diego. They had both been living in Santa Monica for about a year prior to meeting, and were incredibly excited to spend the next two years exploring Los Angeles together. He proposed in May 2011, which kicked off a whirlwind summer. She said yes to both Grant and business school at Wharton and the adventure across country began.

RI Wedding Film Preview by Meg Simone Wedding Films 
Photographer: Eric Laurits
Wendy Joblon Events
Sayles Livingston Flowers
Entertainment: Eye2Eye
Rehearsal Dinner: Warwick Country Club
Welcome Party: Ironworks Tavern
Decor & Rentals: Exquisite Events of Newport 
Newport Tents
We Love PhotoBooths

This was the first year I couldn’t attend the IN[FOCUS] Event in person. Last night I tuned in via a live stream from the Banff Centre in Banff Canada to watch the very first Lucent Awards Ceremony taking place in LA. I am humbled and honored to have my film of John and Allyson’s New Years Eve, New York City wedding take top honors in the “Best Picture” category. I have been overwhelmed by all your kind words and compliments on instagram,  my personal and business facebook page. It was awesome to be a finalist among such incredible talent from all over the globe.

“I told the happy couple I want a micro mini flat panel tv installed on my front tooth playing your masterpiece 24/7, then everytime I smile people can watch your creation.” - Best Man Danny after seeing the film the first time.

“Allyson and I always say the same thing after contemplating why you are so great, and why we love you so much, besides all the obvious reasons, you just get it. We had no idea you would have such a part in our lives and special day. We really do watch the video All THE TIME.” – Groom, John

“Wow Meg this is an amazing accomplishment! You deserve this recognition! We were just happy to be part of this magnificent piece of work you created. Your heart & soul was poured into this movie and highlighted our love story (and wedding) and the beginning of our lives together. We treasure it and our friendship with you.” – Bride, Allyson

Reflecting back on this monumental occasion, this is a wedding I don’t think anyone will ever forget. Over the past year friends, family, and even strangers have emailed to comment on how charismatic the groom is or how contagious their love is for each other and their family. Of course Best Man Danny may have a fan club of his own. He was such a huge help in making the film providing the iPhone footage sprinkled throughout. It is like a reality TV show, you will want more… I want more and I made the film! Ha ha! I love that even non-wedding filmmakers have enjoyed the life lessons to gain in this film…. “Only the spoon knows what’s going on at the bottom of the pot.”  This was a moment in time, and one that almost didn’t happen. I must give credit to photographer Bill Lee who was up in VT visiting friends on Labor Day 2011. It just so happened John and Allyson were invited to join. Bill mentioned my name and the rest is history. Thank you Bill!

Thank you to the judges of the Lucent Awards who sat through the hours of videos from filmmakers all over the globe! Your time and thoughtfulness was very much appreciated.

Wedding Film: Meg Simone Wedding Films
Ceremony and Reception additional camera: Amy Staub, NYC – thank you AMY
Special thanks to David Nicholas (Roberts assistant) for the Ballroom Timelapse.
Thanks to Best Man Danny for providing behind the scenes iPhone footage.

The Wedding: The Pierre (Mark Hunsch and Chris Edmonds)
Rehearsal Dinner: 21 Club
Photographer: Robert Evans
Floral & Design: Mark Rose Flowers & Events
Entertainment and After Party: Vali Entertainment
Painter of the Moment: Rich Flynn (CA)
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock
Wedding Dress: Reem Acra
Grooms Tux: Tom Ford

Music Licensed Through The Music Bed and Song Freedom
The Music Bed
Tim Halperin – Memories On The Ground
Ben Rector – When I Get There (vocal & instrumental)
Ben Rector – Song for the Suburb (instrumental)
Stars Go Dim - Seventeen (instrumental)
Stars Go Dim – Incredible (vocal & instrumental)

Song Freedom
Andrea Hamilton – Are You Feeling The Sunshine (instrumental)
One Republic – Good Life
Tyrone & Elina - Lucky (instrumental)

Mile after mile driving across the country and into British Columbia I think, “I should be blogging…” but the truth is, I sit behind a computer enough, and when I’m out of the office I like to really get OUT of the office. So, I’m on vacation for a long time. You can follow my travels on Instagram. I post when we get back into WiFi spots (in-between soaking in Hot Springs) or when I cozy up in a ski towns local coffee shop. We spend most of our time in the mountains in our Sportsmobile skiing. We do Nordic, both classic and skate. Backcountry Ski Tour – aka AT, and occasionally pay for a lift ticket, ie waist deep Powder at Revelstoke warrants a lift ticket purchase.

I have so many weddings from 2012 still to blog, but about 5 that I will not be able to blog due to privacy restrictions. One is from The Crane Estate, and two from The Mount Washington Resort, others are private homes. If any of you reading this are getting married at the above locations, please email me and I will let you know how you can see something from the venues if you are interested in seeing my work from those specific locations.

I will be updating the blog with new films in coming weeks – including Castle Hill in Newport RI, Mount Washington Resort, The Stowe Mountain Lodge in Stowe Vermont and more….

Reflecting back on 2012 there is much to be thankful for… wonderful couples, my health, the sunshine. The list could go on. I’m going to focus on my experience  speaking at POSH Retreat in Scottsdale, Arizona back in November. This took me on a pretty awesome personal journey. I was able to connect and work with Executive Life Coach Heather Robertson of Center Line. We met in Colorado but ironically she planned her wedding in my home town before I knew her. Long story short, she was instrumental in preparing me for the podium to present two different days. I also have to thank the Moultonboro Toastmasters group for their support too. There are many more photos and stories from POSH that I hope to post if I have time (if I’m not skiing). The other speakers were incredible in addition to our morning yoga sessions, belly dancing, hands on training, and group meals. It was an action packed four days to say the least. None of this would be possible without the extensive planning from POSH Founders Jen Moon of Northernlight Filmworks and Reagan Zugelter of Studio Z Films. 

I’m not an overly “bloggy” person, as I would rather be shushing the slopes then spending more time behind the computer rambling about my life. If you want to know more about my experience at POSH we can talk on skype or buy me a Chai Late with Soy or Almond Milk and I’ll give you the full story It was AWESOME!

All images courtesy of Brea McDonald Photography

Newagen Seaside Inn from meg simone on Vimeo.

Looking for a wedding venue on the coast of Maine? I could ramble on about this quintessential resort just South of Boothbay Harbor, in Southport, Maine. The rocky coastline, the views, the “Pine Room,” even smores! You may want to see for yourself. Here is a quick site tour with Jessica Hans of the Newagen Seaside Inn. I was able to collaborate and use an incredible collection of wedding imagery by Maine Wedding Photographers Michele Stapleton  and Brea McDonald. Thanks for all your hard work team.

Want to learn how to make a boutonniere? Not only is this a perfect DIY for your wedding, but Becca from Petal Floral Design breaks this down so simple that you can even make custom Boutonnieres to dress up guests at an upcoming holiday party. Inspired by This asked Becca to provide a few “how to” films and last month they featured this one on their blog. Still to come… a must watch for all couples and the #1 most asked question before a ceremony, ”How do you pin a Boutonniere?”

How To Make A Boutonniere with Becca from Petal from meg simone on Vimeo.

This Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro NH Wedding Film of Chrissy and Matt is by far a one of a kind romance – one of the best “merger agreements” the market has ever endured. Humor infused from the minute they met and top it off with one of the most creative proposals you will ever see. This film not only captures the heart of the wedding celebration but you will journey back in time to witness the proposal itself! Gain insight as to why Lake Winnipesaukee is such an integral part of Chrissy and Matt’s life. Family, friends, and “mutual fun” – witty toasts, animated interviews, and perhaps a bottle rocket or two. If the laughs don’t get you, there are plenty of moments that definitely brought on the tissues. Enjoy!

With:
Proposal Coverage: Chrissy’s Brother in Law
Birch Blaze Photography
Amy Piper of Signature Events
Entertainment: One Step Ahead
Ceremony at a Private Home
Reception at Brewster Academy
The images below are just some scenic screen grabs from the video. I just love Lake Winnie!

What would have happened if Meredith never got on that plane? This lakeside Wedding Film from Church Landing will have you on the edge of your seat and culminate with one wild dance party! Entertainment by DJ Pat Tecce and Photography by Hinkley Photo. The Groom and male members of the wedding party are all outfitted in custom suits from the grooms company, Button Co. You have to admit they look amazing!

I was in Arizona this past week for the POSH Retreat, an educational retreat for women filmmakers and photographers. Oddly enough Meredith lives just over a mile from where our conference was talking place so we got to meet up for a drink while I was in town. It was so fun to connect  and talk about the wedding all over again. Thank you Meredith : )

A childhood dream comes to life on the big screen at Fenway Park. Family from all over the globe join at French’s Point for this “unplugged” wedding and loving celebration. You will need a tissue as “Summer Nights” is a song by Spring’s dad’s band. It couldn’t have been more fitting for such a breath catching coastal Maine Wedding.  Spring is a wedding photographer and the talent behind Spring Smith Studios. It was quite the honor for me to be chosen to document her day so intimately, since she is in the wedding business. To Spring and Family, watching your reactions during the film premiere party was beyond words. Thank you for opening up and allowing this moment in time to be preserved for generations to come.

French’s Point, Maine Wedding of Spring & Silas – “Summer Nights” from meg simone on Vimeo.

Venue: French’s Point 
Photography: Justin & Mary
Flowers: Dutch Bloemen Winkel
Invitation, Paper Goods, and film graphics: Chocolate Creative Design
DJ: Dionne Entertainment, Dave Dionne
Officiant: Captain Ken Barnes
Makeup: Jennie Fresa 
Hair: Lisa Nichols Salon 
Pies, Cookies, & Desserts: The White Mountain Cupcakery  with Ben & Jerrys  and Sherman Farm Maine 
“Summer Nights” by JD and the Do Rights
“Hometown” - Stock20 
Licensed through The Music Bed:
“She Sets Me Free” – Instrumental – Tim Halperin
“Wanna Be Loved” – Instrumental – Ben Rector

On the fence about a wedding film? This blog post from a non-filmmaker brings some incredible points to the table. Meet Lucinda Wesson the mastermind behind Chocolate Creative Design in CT.  Her story details dusting off the VHS tape and crying until there weren’t any more tissues in the house. Recognizing that people come and go and friends come and go. Watching the magic of the day unfold with her 9 year old son, and realizing this, her wedding film,  is priceless.  Her story is well worth reading and sharing; just click here to see the full version.

My friend and fellow videographer, Nancy Fleming said, “It’s really true that the years are what adds value to video. More Years = More value!” Filmmaker Nan Grenier  of Classic Filmworks commented, “I was just thinking the other day, what if you found an old trunk in the attic and it contained not photos but a wedding FILM of your great grandparents complete with sound, how amazing would that be?!”

You will see more of Lucinda’s work come to life in Spring Smith Studios very own wedding film…. stay tuned, it’s coming to the blog in one week!

“Choosing to have a wedding videographer was one of the biggest plunges we made during our wedding process. But choosing Meghan as that videographer was by far our easiest decision. We only had to watch her videos and speak with her in person to know she was the only one that could capture our day. If you haven’t had the pleasure of working with Meg I can tell you it is just that, a true pleasure. She brings a joy and passion to her work that make her incredibly fun and effortless to work with. No one could have been as excited about our big day as us, but Meg came close. Having her as part of our wedding, and our lives to come, felt incredibly natural. The result is a video that captures the essence of our wedding perfectly and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Our wedding flew by, so to have a video this unique and special is a tremendous gift. We will treasure it forever. Thanks Meg!!”

Coordinator  Sabrina Brown of Woodstock Productions was phenonemal to work with and you don’t have to take my word for it, you can see her along with Daria and Andy from Daria Bishop Photographers throughout the film. These incredible “vendors” become friends and a large part of the couples day. It’s just a testament to how open and loving Katherine and Ryan were towards all of us.

Wedding: The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, VT
Welcome Party/Groom Prep: The Blue Horse Inn 
Florist: Ellen Snyder Design 
Celebrant: Kay Camp
Band: DC Project 
Hair: Hair Trendz, Quechee
Makeup: Julie Cook, Lotions & Potions Concord NH
Linens: Occasions 
Rentals:  Rain or Shine 
Rehearsal Catering: Delicata 
Rehearsal Dinner: Simon Pearce, Quechee, VT
Music Licensed Through: Song Freedom - Love, Love, Love by Jess Penner (Vocal & Instrumental). The Music Bed – Like I Mean It (Instrumental) by Stars Go Dim and Love Stung (Instrumental) by Marie Hines.

I had a blast working along side Photographer Michele Stapleton. You should see the images she captured from both the Rehearsal Dinner and the Wedding! I love her approach to documenting the day, but also find inspiration in the way she captures the landscape too.  Sperry Tents kept the reception dry despite a downpour that occurred right at the end of cocktail hour. Floral designs by Stephanie Pilk – Pilk Events & Design. Coordination and Catering by Churchill Events, and a non-stop dance party, with Eturnity Band  (featured in the film). Fridays welcome, groom prep and guest accommodations took place at  The Black Point Inn and the rehearsal dinner at Prouts Neck Yacht Club.

Music Licensed Through:
Triple Scoop – Empty Seat On A Plane (Instrumental) by Jesse Terry and Best Friends (Instrumental) by Jason Livesay
Song Freedom  – In The Stars (Instrumental) by Jess Penner

It really can’t get more romantic then this… In 1760 The Wentworth-Gardner mansion was built as a wedding gift from a wealthy Portsmouth family to their son.

251 years later Geneve Hoffman Photography and Kate Martin of Beautiful Days, masterminded this inspiration shoot, complete with back story.  You have to watch the film for all the details!

Do not miss this issue! It’s loaded with incredible seacoast inspiration and vendors. To see the full online version click here, but I recommend picking up a hard copy on newsstands now!

Additional vendors: Wendy Freedman (assistant to Beautiful Days)
Win Rutledge, Be Our Guest – Linens/chairs/rentals
Laura Pope, Stacey Fraser deHaan, Margot Doering – Wentworth Board & Staff
Bear Kirkpatrick & Emily Grondine – Models
Jacki Norrie, Wedding Tresses – Hair design
Nicole Masterson, Glow Bodywork & Just Bee – Make Up (Kristin assisted)
Mariah Roberts, Beach Pea Bakery - Cake Design
Assiah Russell, Puttin on the Glitz – Jewelry
Erin Flett - Stationary
Elizabeth Dirom, Madeleine’s Daughter – Dresses, Shoes, Veil
Charlie Cicero, Anneke Jans – Food
Scallops (shop in Portsmouth) – All seashells