This CT wedding film would never have happened if it wasn’t for a wonderful group of female filmmakers called POSH. Thanks to FL based filmmaker Celia Hilton of Momentous Films the next thing you know I’m on the phone with Sarah the bride. We first had to get caught up on her recent trek in Patagonia, as she had just viewed the Patagonia Films from my 2009 South American adventure. Then we revisited her adventure getting engaged in my back yard, the Summit of Mount Washington. After learning that her wedding was to be on the summit of a mountain in Connecticut, I knew right away this was a wedding I wanted to capture…. plus Sarah and John are amazingly wonderful people.

They met at Church in California in 2005 but never dated, then reconnected in late 2010. At a reunion in D.C two moms witness the courtship of their children, and their love quickly unfolds. The wedding ceremony was in the Castle on top of Sleeping Giant, a mountain Sarah and her family would climb often during her childhood. The reception at Lake Quassapaug Sailing Center in Middlebury, CT.

The Wedding Film by  Meg Simone Wedding Films
CT Wedding Photographer Desirea Rodgers – Penny Bird
Ceremony at Sleeping Giant State Park

Music Licensed with Permission through Song Freedom 
Dave Barnes – God Gave Me You
Tyrone & Elina – Together in Faith (Vocal and Instrumental)
Jess Penner – All Smiles (Vocal and Instrumental)

They met briefly at the University of New Hampshire in 1997, then lost touch. Nine years later they connected on My Space and five years later…. here we are! An unbelievably stunning fall day in the White Mountains for a wedding at the Historic Mountain View Grand Resort.  I highly encourage you to visit Photographer Melissa Mullen‘s blog to learn more about this incredible couple. Learn how thoughtful Anastasia is here,  their engagement photo story alone is worth clicking over, especially if you love dogs… and not to miss, their wedding photos! Oh boy, the mountains and the colors just pop off the screen! I think it’s so fun to peak at the photos from a wedding after seeing the video or vice versa. You feel like you really know the couple now! I just wish I lived closer to Anastasia because rumor on the street is that she teaches a mean spin class 2-3 days a week!  You could have seen this film live last week on facebook. To get updates faster, become a fan of Meg Simone Wedding Films.

Location: The Mountain View Grand
Wedding Film: Meg Simone Wedding Films
Photography: Melissa Mullen Photography
DJ: Get Down Tonight - Tommy Demers
Florist: Dutch Bloemen Winkel
Dress: Madeleine’s Daughter
Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse

Music Provided by Song Freedom
Running Around In My Dreams – Tyrone Wells
Paradise – Jess Penner
You’re My World Feat GiGi – The DNC
All This Time – One Republic

Always Remember – Instrumental provided by Stock20

Rich Flynn, Painter of the Moment, flew in from California to paint the New Years Eve wedding I just posted on the blog below. Oil paintings with, as the groom said, “A Picasso flair.” Having someone paint a moment in time, like a wedding, creates a true family heirloom.

In this instant gratification, digital age, it was refreshing to see Rich create, stroke by stroke, what will no doubt be a cherished wedding keepsake. Rich was positioned in the back of the ballroom working round the clock until the ball dropped. He did finish the Ballroom piece during the event. The ceremony was sketched and painted later.

Thank you to Rich and Suzanne for allowing me to film the process.To see it in real life, watch the wedding film. His progress is shown throughout.

Contact Rich Flynn, “Painter of the Moment” for your wedding celebration.

I was asked to participate in a local Blog Circle by Kristen Reimold Photography with a bunch of NH Photographers, and this months theme is “Earth Day!”  Very fitting for the continued direction my business is heading in. What is a blog circle? Well, when you are done reading my post you can visit Stephanie from Princeton House Photography in Concord, to read up on what “Earth Day” is to her…and so on and so on. The full list is below and each blogger will link to the next person on the list. Funny because I have only met and worked with two photographers on this list (Thea and Meg), so it’s been amazing to view the work from all these other talented Portrait and Lifestyle Photographers here in the Granite State!

For Earth Day 2012, I am greening up my business practices even more! Solar Powered Wedding Films were introduced in December, as we installed a Grid Tie PV Solar array with ReVision Energy (watch film above, more on them in future posts). Now I am  finding a home for, or recycling old packaging material, DVD’s, cases, etc, and welcoming in a newer method of delivery that will save hours and hours of energy and post production materials for delivery of final wedding films. The end result is a lot less energy consumption to burn, on average 15 DVD’s per wedding (full sets range 3 DVDs x4 sets per couple, plus the DVDs of HD wedding files, and the initial proof DVD!) and a lot LESS material. One USB flash drive = 15 DVDs. The energy to put files on a USB flash drive is minutes vs hours.  I already do all my wedding correspondence, questionnaires, and contracts online, cutting paper and printing. Most couples will opt to skype rather then drive to a meeting (since 95% of my couples live 2+ hours from me), saving gas for all involved.  See what “Earth Day 2012″ means to other Granite State Business Owners… check out Stephanie from Princeton House Photography first, and she will tell you where to head from there. How will you green up your business, life, home, earth for 2012?

A brand new wedding film just released from the Mountain View Grand is on facebook! Become a fan of Meg Simone Wedding Films to see it first!

New Years Eve Celebration & Wedding at The Pierre Hotel. New York, New York.
Words can not describe what you are about to watch. It’s something that needs to be experienced to fully comprehend the magnitude of these incredible individuals. Telling you what happens will spoil the build up, but once you watch it, like your favorite weekly TV show, you will want more.

Wedding Film: Meg Simone Wedding Films
Ceremony and Reception additional camera: Amy Staub, NYC
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
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)

I am out romping around the Wild West of North America…. Adventure in Montana, the entire Powder Highway of British Columbia (and even into parts of Alberta), lots of skiing in the North Cascades, and now Alaska… As reports sail into my inbox of temps reaching an unseasonable 80F at home, I find no reason to turn the wheel of our Sportsmobile, east… At least not for a few more weeks. I will post photos when I have more time…. But fresh backcountry lines have my name on it, so I’m out the door for one more day of skiing with “camera 2.”

This compilation of anecdotes will leave you on the edge of your seat for the next 30 minutes. A non stop story to indulge, you definitely need to pay attention or the “clever quips” and breath of “whimsy” will brush over you like the fall breeze that lapped Lake Winnipesaukee. A wedding celebration to delight and inspire, you will fall in love with these two the second you hear them laugh. It’s absolutely contagious. I can’t get enough!

Wedding Film by: Meg Simone Wedding Films
Location, Private Residence, Lake Winnipesaukee, and Church Landing – Meredith, NH

Music Licensed through SongFreedom:
Light Me Up (Instrumental) – Kathryn Ostenberg
Love of My Life (Instrumental) – Garrett Neal
Good Life (Clean Edit) – One Republic

Music Licensed Through Stock20:
Always Remember

Music Licensed Through The Music Bed:
Now or Never (Instrumental) Stars Go Dim
New Day (Instrumental) Marie Hines

I almost fell out of my chair! After filming this REAL inspiration shoot for a real couple at their real wedding location, we were rejected by blogs clear across the country! With all the hype on inspiration shoots, I thought for sure someone would pick up on the “unique factor” in that this team actually worked with a real couple to present ideas and options for their real upcoming wedding, and their story was so fun! Finally someone actually “got it!”

I have to pat Kristina Hathaway on the back. She is the owner and publisher of NH Wedding Magazine. Not only did she give us a multi page spread that told the story of what we did, but she features the behind the scenes video on the front page of the website! I felt that the video really drove home the “why and how” of what we were doing while giving the couple a lasting memorty of the importance of the family farm. We were all completely elated, shocked, grateful, and THANKFUL that Kristina enjoyed Elizabeth and Davids real wedding inspiration shoot as much as we did. The happy ending to all of this (in my opinion) is that a few things were captured during the mock up shoot that were not able to be captured on the wedding day. There was more time for hair and makeup touch ups, exploring a few different looks. Elizabeth was able to choose her welcome party dress, finalize ideas for flowers, it was overall an amazing experience! You don’t have to take my word for it. Read up by clicking the cover image above! Thank you Kristina and Team!

Elizabeth & David’s Mock Wedding Shoot – June 20th, 2010 (Real Wedding Weekend July 8th-9th, 2010)
Meg Simone Wedding Films - www.megsimone.com
Anne Skidmore Weddings -www.asweddings.com
Carrie Scribner of Dutch Bloemen Winkel -www.Dutchbloemenwinkel.com
Debony of Debony Salon www.debonysalon.com (Hair for Inspiration shoot only, she was previously booked for her wedding date).
Invitation Suite: Gus & Ruby Letterpress - www.GusandRubyLetterpress.com

The Inspiration Shoot:

The Real Wedding:

A Winter Wedding in Stowe, VT at the Stowe Mountain Lodge. PASSWORD: 2012

The Bride and Groom fell in love with Stowe, Vermont and during the winter of ’09/’10 made the 6.5 hour drive (one way) from Long Island 18 straight weekends in a row!  They were not only engaged on the slopes (in Switzerland) last winter, they were married slope side outside the Stowe Mountain Lodge on 2/4/12, surrounded by 20 close family and friends. Afterwards a few hot toddies were served and then the Bride and Groom took their first snowboard run as husband and wife. The full reception was held on Long Island last weekend, and they played this wedding film in front of family and friends.  You can see the “Snowboarding Sweethearts” Mountain adventures over on Photographer Kathleen Landwehrle blog. She did an amazing job! I love on snow adventures! What do you think? Would you get married slope side? Leave a comment below or over on my Facebook page.

Wedding Coordinator – Calais Van Horn of the Stowe Mountain Lodge
Justice of the Peace – Mitzi McInnis
Cake – The Cakery

For the last two years I’ve been a blog contributor for IN[FOCUS] Video Event. This year the event took place in Charleston, South Carolina. I don’t need to sum it up in a blog post because Jose Ortiz Films and JJ Kim from Orange Wedding Films did it just perfectly. I can’t wait to find out where next years event will be! I’ve already signed up! Have you?

Jose’s Charleston Day 1 recap:

My favorite… JJ’s Three Year Recap! Austin, New Orleans, Charleston…. amazing JJ!

The last few weeks have been crazy busy! I came back from the 2012 IN[FOCUS] video event which was in Charleston, SC this year (more on that soon), and hit the slopes with Spring Smith Studios and Kat Hanafin Photography. Nothing short of laughs and beautiful views, the day went by way to fast. I have to say getting out to play with industry professionals is one of my favorite things because we get to know each other as people which then translates to tons of fun at your wedding!  We have a good rapport, can easily bounce ideas off each other and work with each other, not in our own little world. I’m so glad to finally spend “face to face” time with Kat, although I have to thank “facebook” (and Spring) for bringing us together. I also learned a ton about Spring that I didn’t know which has me even MORE excited because I have the privilege of filming her wedding this July! To me this is a huge honor and I can’t wait to capture her story! It’s so awesome! What would life be like if she didn’t get on that plane (or MySpace)….?  If you want to see her engagement photos, check out Justin & Mary Marantz engagement shoot of Spring and Silas in front of the lens. We must do this again soon!  Who will the next on snow adventure be with? You will have to wait and see!  (PS Shot on my point and shoot, nothing fancy, just fun!)

Founded in 2011, Tailored for Education strives to increase school enrollment in developing countries by providing children with school uniforms. For millions of children around the globe, education represents the only way out of a life of entrenched poverty. Co-founders Megan Kelly & Jessica Roy (Roy, who wed at the Mount Washington Resort in 2008), wore uniforms in school growing up.

“It will impart a sense of self-worth and importance, traits that will likely lead these children to value their education even more and strive to have these opportunities available for their own children. In addition, children who receive an education have a much higher chance of breaking the preexisting poverty cycle prevalent in many developing countries today.” – Tailored for Education

It’s so much fun to find out what past couples are up to. Although I have never met Megan Kelly, when I received an email around the holidays from Jess I was really moved at their new venture. My parents are both educators and have been teaching around the globe for the last 14 years, so this was something I could easily relate to having seen some schools like this first hand.

Congratulations to Jess and Megan, I hope the threads of peoples generosity continue to blanket each student with hopes of a brighter future.

What’s the secret with my wedding film soundtracks? Recently a lot of other creative wedding pros (and even couples) have asked “where did you get that song? It fits the film perfectly!” Well, here’s the story.

“Not another Stock Music Site!” That’s exactly what I thought when my friend emailed me “Meg, have you heard of The Music Bed?” In the past I’ve been overwhelmed when surfing Production Music websites trying to find something unique for each couple. The minute I saw The Music Bed’s clean and simple site with easy navigation I was hooked. Their royalty free music artists are amazing! And popular! You can preview and scrub through entire songs! The site works for me and doesn’t waste my time. With one click I can view full lyrics and add songs to my ever growing wish-list! The categories are easy to navigate. I love the one click “instrumental only” button since I create a lot of documentary style films. I’ve never had such an easy time finding the right fit for my couples films. Their pricing and licensing is easy to understand, and quality and customer service is over the top.

The royalty free music selections resonate with modern projects but blend timeless and classic vibes to keep videos fresh long after the top 20 list is outdated. When I’m stuck on an edit, or if I don’t know the feel to take with a film, I just go to The Music Bed and 100% of the time I’ve literally had the film visually unfold for me as I listen to their extensive quality music library. Two clicks later I’m downloading my licensed song editing a project I know will be unique to each couple with a sound track that will knock their socks off. Couples comment, “Did they write this for us! it’s perfect!” Using songs from The Music Bed has elevated my wedding films to another level because they look and feel more unique and personal then ever, but not in a cheesy “production music” way.

It makes me proud to share my films knowing they are 100% royalty free!

The Marie Hines collection of instrumentals with her full original tracks are absolute favorites because the upbeat overtones on otherwise emotional pieces that are sure to give goose-bumps to any viewing audience. Matt Moberg’s Love on My Arm blends subtle acoustic riffs with modern sounds, and a catchy base rounds it out leaving you to want to know and hear more. I swear Michael Castro wrote “The First Time” just for wedding pros! This song can be applied to anything romantic. It’s upbeat nature is very hip, but this will be a song the grandkids will happily sing along to in 50 years. Now or Never (instrumental) by Stars Go Dim puts the punch and emphasis on quirky dialogue like nothing else. It’s perfect for funny toasts! The piano and strummy pauses are comically dramatic and the guitar picking crescendos just when you need it. I’m just itching for my next edit and an excuse to explore more of Brooke Annibale, poppy aggressive beats from Parachute Musical, folksy love songs from The Vespers, and any excuse to use the driving sort of 80′s english beat of “Haunted” from Leagues!

Enjoy this super fun film with a cohesive and loving soundtrack, 100% Marie Hines.

“Now or Never” – Stars Go Dim http://www.starsgodim.com/ “The First Time” by Michael Castro http://www.michaelcastromusic.com/ all from The Music Bed http://www.themusicbed.com

This crew didn’t just “Party on the Moon” they rode this entertainment train to another Galaxy!!!! You will either be dancing or laughing the entire time. The laid back nature, humor and toasts from the day is a recipe that will leave anyone in stitches. Find out how Jeb the “Cabana Boy” saves the wedding, and how Hadley makes a run for it right before the ceremony to track down her bouquet!

Wedding Film – Meg Simone Wedding Films http://www.megsimone.com
Entertainment – Party on the Moon (Atlanta, GA) http://www.partyonthemoon.com/
Wendy Joblon – Wedding Planner http://wendyjoblon.com/
Snap! – Photography http://snapri.com/
Sayles Livingston – Flowers http://www.sayleslivingstonflowers.com/
Newport Tents – Tent Company http://www.newporttent.com/
Russell Moran Catering – Food http://www.morinsfinecatering.com/
Exquisite Events http://www.exquisiteeventsofnewport.com/
Miss Pickles Press, Jen Mageau - Printing Design and Paper Goods http://www.misspicklespress.com/
Confectionary Designs – Cake http://www.confectionerydesigns.net

Hilary had been coming up to Bretton Woods and  The Mount Washington Resort since childhood. Although Josh missed his chance to propose during their first trip to the Hotel on Valentines Day, he still won the heart of her family. The celebration ensued  and this humor filled day kept the guests laughing all night long. The Officiant was Hilary’s cousin Joanne Cox and the sword that almost sliced the bride and groom before they cut their cake was Hilary’s fathers from Norwich University “Skull and Swords.”

Wedding Film: Meg Simone Wedding Films http://www.megsimone.com
Photography: Birch Blaze Photography http://www.birchblaze.com
Flowers: Dutch Bloemen Winkel http://www.dutchbw.com
Entertainment: Big City Band http://www.bigcityweddingband.com/
Invitations: Gus and Ruby Letterpress http://www.gusandruby.com/
Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier from Madeleines Daughter http://www.madeleinesdaughter.com/
Bridesmaids Gowns: Jim Hjlem

“Joe said five words to me that would forever change my life. Which is, Jen Hampton starts on Monday.”

This incredible story is told from many perspectives, and will leave you wanting to know what happens next. The entire Squires, Hampton and Fidelity families celebrated love, life, and Labor Day Weekend 2011 in the White Mountains at the historic Mount Washington Resort.

Meg Simone Wedding Films http://www.megsimone.com
The Omni Mount Washington Hotel http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsMountWashington.aspx at Bretton Woods Mountain Resort http://www.brettonwoods.com
Live Band (Wedding Day) Nitghtshift Entertainment – District 21: http://www.nightshiftent.com
Acoustic Guitar (Welcome Party) Paul Wornick - http://www.notsocostley.com/
Photographer: Bill Christo http://www.billchristo.com
Flowers: Dutch Bloemen Winkel http://www.dutchbw.com

Dance Montage Preformed by District 21

Music Licensed Through Stock20
Front Porch
Canon in D Remix

Music Licensed Through The Music Bed
Now or Never (Instrumental) Stars Go Dim
Like I Mean It (Instrumental) Stars Go Dim
Bravery Songs (Instrumental) Matt Moberg

Nantucket Island has long been a special place to both families. Despite lifes events, one thing has always remained constant… the memories, love, and sacredness that surround this magical island on their wedding day, and always.

This wedding was special to me in many ways. As you will hear in the video, sometimes things have to fall apart so other things can fall into place. The messages throughout are powerful and applicable to whatever personal situation you may relate this film to. I smile when I think of Whitney putting on her mom’s earrings, she’s glowing! I laugh when I see the dance floor shenanigans.  I can’t imagine what my September would be like without witnessing this picture perfect day … plus I love any excuse to film around the island, and I got to work with my friends too!

Meg Simone Wedding Films - http://www.megsimone.com/
Brea McDonald Photography - http://www.breamcdonald.com/
Soiree Floral - http://www.soireefloral.com/
Unique Nantucket Events - http://www.uniquenantucket.com/
Placesetters - http://www.placesetters-inc.com/
Nantucket Golf Club - https://nantucketgolfclub.com/
Nantucket Tents - http://www.nantuckettents.com/
Darya Salon - http://daryasalon.com/
Yolanda Makeup - http://nantucketpretty.tumblr.com/

All Music except the opening montage and end credits licensed through The Music Bed http://www.themusicbed.com
Always Be (vocal and instrumental) – Holley Maher
She Is (vocal and instrumental) – Ben Rector
You and Me (instrumental) – Ben Rector
Moving Backwards (instrumental) – Ben Rector

Additional Songs:
Van Morrison – Days Like This (special to Whitney)
Ray Lamontage – You Are The Best Thing (wedding weekend song)

Do you want the real story? If I tell you that Ben and Katie just finished all 4,000 foot hikes in NH, you would think that she would be walking down the isle with hiking boots on not cute red shoes! The truth is, the black flies were fierce but it didn’t stop them from taking a moment for a first look, or enjoying an outdoor ceremony on the South Verandah. Learn three couples love stories, and find out what Katie and Ben have planed for their next big adventure! I also need to mention that as a Graphic Designer, Katie did her own invitation and paper goods!

Wedding Film: Meg Simone - http://www.megsimone.com
Photography: Birch Blaze Photography http://birchblazephotography.com-
Florist: Dutch Bloemen Winkel http://www.dutchbloemenwinkel.com/ -
DJ: Matt Spofford http://www.whitemountainproductions.com/ -
Venue: Omni Mount Washington Resort http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/BrettonWoodsMountWashington.aspx -

I’m back! This past week I was in Cancun, Mexico at POSH: a filmmakers retreat and workshop that is just for women. Their mission is to educate, inspire and connect women business owners to help take their business and visual art to the next level. POSH was held at the Beach Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. I learned so much my head is exploding! Presenters touched on everything ranging from techinical aspects of filmmaking, to the art of storytelling, marketing, business, and everything in-between. For more information and to get POSH on your radar for 2012 visit www.ThePOSHRetreat.com.