Owen Video - Michigan Wedding Videography

Gone to sleep

2011-03-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

Hello World,

If anyone still comes to this site for Owen Video updates, I should probably just let you know that I no longer will be posting on this blog.

I LOVE sharing trailers and posts and such with you, but this blog is just not a good method for that, so if you want to keep getting updates from me, the best source is the Owen Video Facebook Fan Page. You can view it whether you're on FB or not, but if you're not on FB...why not? That's just weird. ;)

--Andy Owen
www.owenvideo.com

We were featured on Wedding Chicks!

2010-08-18T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit behind on my posts lately, but I wanted to share with you that Hannah & Brian's trailer was featured on the main page at WeddingChicks.com this morning! One of my absolute favorite bridal blogs, these girls really know how to find stylish affairs! So needless to say it was quite the honor for both my video and Emily Smith's pictures (which are AMAZING as always) to have such a prominent feature this morning. Thanks again to the chicks for sharing our work, and congrats to Hannah & Brian once more!

Essence Magazine & The Brides Cafe feature Rhona & Justin!

2010-07-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to see Rhona & Justin's beautiful story being shared on the FRONT PAGE (today only) of Essence.com! This is a big deal if you can't tell! :) I've gotten comments today directly from people who have found me from the article as well as been able to read the comments that accompany the wonderful article.

For those who miss it live on the site today, here is the direct link.

All of this is due to the wonderful vision of the generous Janie over at The Brides Cafe blog. Thanks so much for putting the spotlight on this wonderful couple, Janie!

The amazing photos that accompany this post are thanks to the talented Melissa Squires of A Girl In Love Photography.

Annalise + Alex | Wedding Trailer

2010-07-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

Annalise & Alex are something special. They've got a love that won't quit, and smiles that go right along with it. Smiles that you can tell they inherited from their parents who couldn't help but spread their joy to all those around them throughout the day. It was, after all, a great day!

This day included bridesmaids chasing down a postal carrier to get their jewelry (those are good bridesmaids!), a surprise gift from the brides parents of a gorgeous pearl necklace that she had wanted but instead purchased a replica of, two of the best reception speeches I've ever heard, Greek and Dutch cultures coming together over dessert (Baklava and Banket), Greek dancing, and an amazing time had by all!

Also worthy of noting is that Alex is a DJ himself and worked the awesome GRunveiled.com bridal show back in March which is how they arrived at choosing many of the vendors of the day. With the outstanding photography of Paul Carlson, the stunning boutonniere work of Pixel and Hank, a photobooth set up by photographer and friend Jill Devries, hair done at Salon Re: and wreaths & wine from Art of the Table, this day had GRunveiled reunion written all over it, and for good reason!

Thanks so much to Annalise and Alex for letting me be a part of your day!

____________________________
People who made this day happen:

Photography: Paul Carlson & Amanda Vanvels - paulcarlsonstudio.com
Video: Andy Owen & Amanda Bailey - owenvideo.com
Ceremony Flowers: Ludema's Floral & Garden
Reception Flowers: Horrock's Market
Boutonnieres: Pixel and Hank
Hair: Salon Re:
Maps: Todd Palmer
Invitations: Abby's Printing
Greek Pastries: Aggie Kontras & Annie Lloyd
Dutch Banket: Doug Biegel of Biegel's Cakery
Jordan Almonds: Athena Foods
Cupcakes: Ally Jester of Foxtrot Bakery
Wreaths & Wine: Art of the Table
Photobooth: Jill Devries (& Emma)
Ceremony Musicians: Brent Schaffer, Jeremy Veenema, Christina Vanden Bosch der Nederlanden, Lis Beal, Denise Finnegan & Allison Schepers.

Etsy Shops -
zuuzuu: bridesmaids dresses
LarquebyJason: bridesmaids jewelry
leighannklein: unity candle

Kahley + Colby | Wedding Trailer

2010-07-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

One thing you can't help but notice when you watch Kahley & Colby interacting together, is how much they make each other smile. While putting this one together, I found myself constantly smiling back at the screen. Read into each of their smiles, because there is a lot behind each one.

The details of the day were everywhere to be found, from the guys' socks, to the bouquet wrappings, earrings & much much more. Thankfully Kahley's father made sure that attention was even brought to the pinches of sand in every table's centerpiece which were from the very spot on the beach in Mexico where Colby proposed to Kahley.

One of my favorite parts about doing what I do is getting to know and growing to love the families I have the honor to work with, and I have to say, this was absolutely one of my favorites in that respect. Not just during the meetings and hilarious e-mails I got to have with Cinda, (Kahley's mom, who is a friend to my favorite professor from college, Dorie Shelby), but just the general sense of what strong families each of them comes from, and maybe they'll remember to call me when it's time to shoot their 50th anniversary celebration.

Thanks to my second shooter Dave Buchanan for all of his AMAZING shots that I never even saw until I got home that night! Excellent work my friend!

Kahley & Colby, honestly, thank you for letting me be a part of your amazing day.

___________________________

People who made this day happen:
Video: Andy Owen & David Buchanan - owenvideo.com
Cake Artist: Cake Connection - cakeconnection.com
Florist: Designs By Judy - designsbyjudyflowers.com
Chair Covers: Weddings By Nicole - weddingsbynicole.net
Photographer: Denise Boyce - boycephotography.com
String Trio: Horizon Strings - rebeccaappert.com
DJ: Kip from Sound Productions - soundproductions.com
Photobooth: ShutterBooth - shutterbooth.com
Salon: Personal Images
Officiant: Rev. Edward Ross

Rhona + Justin | Wedding Trailer

2010-06-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

Rhona and Justin had an amazing Michigan wedding in mid-May! They were pronounced man and wife at Central United Methodist in beautiful downtown Detroit, right next to Comerica Park, and down the street from the fabulous Fox theater. The celebration then moved to Greektown Casino-Hotel where the fifth floor was teeming with the people who love and support them most!

This day was full of all of the elements that make up a great wedding, the most important of which was their deep love for each other. It's apparent in their actions, in every look they give, and in every word they speak. I was so excited to be a part of this wedding. When I first met with Rhona & Justin over coffee in Ann Arbor back in March, I knew I wanted to work with them. They're such a vibrant couple who compliment each other beautifully. When you find two people so meant to be, it will make you a better person by being even a small part of their lives.

I had the pleasure of working alongside no less than three outstanding vendors, and hope to have the same opportunity again soon! Erika Piquant from EcoPosh Events, Melissa Squires and her husband Sean from A Girl In Love Photography, and DJ iPod.

___________________________

People who made this day happen:

Officiate: Rev Fitch
Coordinator/Linens/Flowers: Erika Piquant - ecoposhevents.com
Rentals: Todd Hardiek - Colonial Events
Cupcakes & Cake: Just Baked
Groom's Cake: Monica Sisson - Cake It Is
Photographer: Melissa Squires - agirlinlove.com
DJ: DJ IPod - mrdjipod.com
Reception: Greektown Casino-Hotel (Emily Frederick)
Church: Central United Methodist Church (Bobbi)

Hannah + Brian | Wedding Trailer

2010-06-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day back in the mid 20th century when Hannah & Brian got married. Or was it the 21st century? Hard to tell since their beautiful day had an equal mixture of both vintage and modern elements and was held at The Henry Ford which always manages to cast an elegantly classic light on any formal gathering.

From the purple argyle socks that the guys wore, to the jewelry and flowers that were made by the bride herself, right up to the collection of vintage Super 8 cameras on display with their guestbook and pictures, everything about this wedding just screamed 'style!'

Thanks so much to Hannah & Brian for allowing me to capture their big day!

Also thanks to Emily Smith & Lindsay Goodrich from Smith Gallery Photography for being so much fun to shoot alongside! (We all went to the same college and were in the chapel band together, so it was a fun reunion for us as well!)

People who made this day happen:

Ceremony Venue: Ginger Meyer Garden - H.F. Museum
Reception Venue: Lovett Hall - H.F. Museum
Officiant: Jeff Cardimen
Flowers: Hannah, her Mother & both of her Grandmothers
Day Of Coordinator: Rachel Cytacki - atcbyrachel.com
Make-up: Mindy Powoski
Hair Stylist: Heather Atwood
Photographer: Emily Smith - smithgalleryphotography.com
Videographer: Andy Owen - owenvideo.com
Cake Artist: Sorella's - sorellashomemade.com
Band at Reception: Cancel Monday
Musicians at Ceremony: Caryn Schultz & Lance Baker
Stationery: Alaina Cherup - etsy.com/shop/cheerupcherup
Bridal Gown: La Sposa
Tuxedo: Express

A Nashville Wedding

2010-06-23T06:52:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year my buddy Eugene and I were talking on the phone about our upcoming weddings, and he asked if I'd ever be interested in swinging down to Nashville to shoot another one alongside them, this time in their hometown (I'd already shot once with them in Terre Haute, IN). Of course I said that would be awesome! He immediately came back at me with a date, "What are you doing on May 8th?"

The ceremony began right at sunset in the same garden where Josh proposed to Jenny. While Jenny's family is comprised of famous musicians, none of them were asked to be involved in the wedding in any capacity aside from being there as her loving, supportive family. I loved that. For such an amazing day, it was so low-key and dream-like that it really made the bride & groom shine that much brighter.

The band was rocking, the guests were partying, and the photographers...well, they were partying too! The amazing Zach & Jody Gray of Gray Photography had their photos from this wedding featured in People Magazine in their recent Country Edition. See the photos on their blog here.

Thanks again to the always awesome Eugene & Heather Brown for including us in this amazing opportunity! Seriously you two, I really appreciate your friendship.

Check out the awesome trailer that Eugene put together after their gorgeous wedding!

Abby & Darren | Wedding Trailer

2010-06-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

In a weekend of temperamental weather, no one knew if the morning clouds would turn dark or scatter, and sure enough. the sky cleared, and the day warmed right up! What started out overcast turned out to be a gorgeous day in June for Abby & Darren's wedding!

Accented by some of the most beautiful floral arrangements I've seen in a long time (thanks to Gail Vander Laan) the ceremony was held at the Chapel at Hawk Hollow and followed by a reception across the street at the Eagle Eye Banquet Center.

A large bridal party of family and close friends beautifully filled the front of the chapel as Darren's face brightened when he saw his bride walk arm-in-arm with her father up the aisle.

Following the ceremony, we followed the photo shoot from Hawk Hollow down to the campus of Michigan State University where they posed near some great local icons and landmarks, and then swiftly made it back to the banquet center in time for a grand entrance and some truly moving toasts from the Best Man and Matron of Honor, (Darren's brother & Abby's sister).

Shooting alongside the talented Holli and her associate Joe from Holli Ann Studios was a pleasure! They did a great job working with this bridal party, and we can't wait to see the results! On top of that, we met one of my new favorite DJ's, the incredible Rodney Lamar Page who was a sight to see behind the booth! From skillfully mixing, to occasionally supplementing the music with his amazing violin skills, he kept the party going late into the evening!

Thanks again Abby & Darren for letting us be a part of your amazing day!

Video: Andy Owen & Amanda Bailey - owenvideo.com
Photographer: Holli Vander Veen - holliannstudios.com
Cake Artist: SweetCakeCompany.com
Florist: Gail VanderLaan - gvlfloral.com
Hair/Make-Up Stylist: Cathy & Mallorie McCune
DJ: Rodney Page
Officiant: Pastor Curt Petrak
Ceremony Musicians: Alison, Becky, Cara & Amber Keilen
Rental Company: WeddingsByNicole.com

Love

2010-05-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

I just had to post my thoughts today and this is pretty much my best forum for doing that.

Many of us have heard 1 Corinthians 1:1-13. In fact, I, like many of you had it read during my own wedding ceremony. Verses four through seven states:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

I love those verses. Dwell on the words in there for a minute. I know that other wedding vendors may roll their eyes even if just for a second at the repetition with which we hear them, but I think every Christian (and even non-Christian) couple should have it read to them as a reminder once a year. Life is brutal and real, and sometimes we need to remember how to love one another.

Not AS many people are familiar with the fruits of the Spirit verse: Galatians 5:22-23. I find this one to closely connect to the first and here's why. It discusses what the fruit of the Spirit is, meaning if you follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, the way people will be able to see that in your life is through the fruit it produces, and according to this verse:

"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. ..."

The first time I read that though, I mistakenly read a colon after "love." I hate to take the Bible out of context, and please excuse my doing so, but it was still a revelation to me to read it like this:

"...the fruit of the Spirit is love: joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ..."

See how it changes, even if only slightly, the way you read it? These are words that can just as easily be synonymous with love. I hope in your daily life you practice these with not just your spouse (or future spouse) but with everyone you come into contact with.

Not to be cheesy, but let's remember, love is actually not a noun, it's a verb. It's an action word, so don't fall into the fairy-tale mindset that you won't have to put a little work in every once in a while. That's normal and healthy.

Maribel & Dale | Wedding Teaser

2010-05-05T11:21:00.000-07:00

After a long winter off, we're back baby!
Maribel & Dale were married this past Saturday, May 1st, 2010, at the Chapel at Hawk Hollow with a reception across the street at Eagle Eye. A beautiful day and a gorgeous wedding made for easy work on our end! Thanks to the outstanding Kristen & Jamie from KHollyStudios.com for being so awesome to work alongside! And thanks again to my awesome second-shooter and sister-in-law extraordinaire Amanda Bailey for all of her help!

New Site Launched!

2010-03-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Luke, I still have an HTML page that I can edit, but now with multiple pages, HD video (rather than the old SD video hub I was using on the old site), a streamlined contact form, and more. And while some of the page is not finished (the About & Testimonial pages will be more visually appealing over time) I felt the page was definitely at a point where I could draw attention back to it again.

I did receive a lot of compliments on the simplicity of the old page, and I did like it just fine, but it was time for more, so hopefully you will like this new page just as well. :)

Thanks to everyone who has made my past year a successful one (from the great couples I've worked with, to the amazing vendors and supportive friends and family), I hope I can keep your expectations high as I move forward into this next phase of Owen Video.

Revamping everything...

2010-03-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed things changing around here...or if you're not a frequent visitor then you may simply have noticed the fact that not everything appears "complete." My friend Luke and I are doing a complete site overhaul and it's starting to feel like it's wrapping up a bit more. I'll make an obvious announcement when it's ready, but until then, please bear with us!

Do your homework and hire a pro!

2010-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

There are so many things to say about this clip from Judge Joe Brown. The Judge isn't 100% right, the plaintiff isn't, and the defendant REALLY isn't, but overall, one of the things I try to relate to brides OVER AND OVER again is that you MUST meet with your vendors before hand. Not just at a bridal show, but in person at their studio or in a coffee shop. Get to know them as a person AND a professional. They're going to spend an entire day with you...the most important day of your life. Don't get stuck with a jerk. There are too many excellent professional photographers out there to let it happen. Especially in Michigan, we're blessed with some amazing talent! Just ask, I'd be happy to recommend some!

Also please note, this HAPPENED in Michigan. The plaintiff is from Coleman, a town that my best friend grew up in. It's just around the corner from Midland. So don't think this can't happen to you.

10 Tips for Better Wedding Photos

2010-02-25T09:15:00.000-08:00

Well, 10 Tips for Better Wedding Photos...AND Video. ;)

As most of you know, Twitter has introduced me to some great wedding professionals, and one whose style I asbolutely LOVE is Jessica & Nate from Mod4! You have to see it to understand! So make sure when you're done reading, you head over to their site.

This morning, Jessica posted her 10 Tips for Better Wedding Photos, and with her permission I just had to share it with you here!

--Andy

After photographing nearly 300 weddings, I have seen it all. I have seen the most beautifully perfect wedding day and the most unplanned mixed up wedding day. After 7 some years watching some of you struggle and some of you strive, here are my top 10 ideas for better wedding images.

1~ Clean up your getting ready space
Before your photographer arrives to photograph the bride getting ready remove the half eaten sandwiches, empty soda cans and those horrible plastic bags from bridesmaids dressed laying all over the room. Having the bridesmaids dresses and shoes in the room is a great detail in the shots, but not the packaging, and certainly not old food.

2~ Make sure mom and bridesmaids are ready first
Your mom has been waiting for this forever. Really, since you were born probably. Even if she hasn't mentioned it, it is her dream to help you into your dress. Make sure she is ready before everyone else. She needs to be dressed and looking good to help you into your gown. So many times, the bride is ready to go and get dressed, but mom is missing. Make sure she stays near you and knows when to be ready.
Your bridesmaids also should be dressed before you. Well, anyone who will be helping you get into your gown at least. When you begin to get dressed, all others should either be helping or away in another room. Girls half naked in the background of your getting ready shots will render them useless.

3~ Stand correctly during your ceremony
During your ceremony you will most likely be facing away from everyone (cameras included) for most of the time. Its when you do your vows, rings, unity candle and KISS that we get to see you - so don't waste it~! Ask your officiant where they like to stand for those moments. Some officiants stand right in front of the bride and groom, blocking your faces and your ring exchange. If this is the case for your officiant, kindly ask him to reconsider. While we totally understand that your ceremony is just that, a ceremony, not a photo session, we know that you want those special images, and we want to provide them to you.
If your lighting a unity candle, please stand behind it, never in front of it. Then all we have is a photo of your back while you light a candle that we cant see:)

4~Tell immediate family + bridal party to STAY~!
When the ceremony has ended and it is time for the super boring family shots, nothing is worse than going 15 minutes over schedule because half of the family is missing. Parents are often the number one offender of this. They want to mingle. Mingling is fun for them and it really is their job that day, but this is not the time for mingling. If you're at a church, chances are you have a limited amount of time to get these posed shots done. We have been kicked out of churches BEFORE the posed shots were done due to missing people.
A lot of times an aunt is put in charge of driving grandparents to the reception. Most of those times, they whisk grandparents away right after the ceremony without even thinking of posed pictures. Whoever is in charge of the grandparents, make sure they know that you want photos with the grandparents and not to run off.

At the rehearsal, let the people (immediate family + bridal party) know that they will be needed immediately after the ceremony and tell them exactly where to be (if @ a church, the altar) and let them that this is serious. You could end up missing some important shots.

5~ Choose photo locations with semi-easy parking
You get a limo or a bus or whatever. We have a car. Your limo drops you off right where you want to be. We have to find parking and then walk to where we want to be. We LOVE urban downtown locations, but they can be tricky with parking. What good does it do you to be standing at a killer location if we are blocks away, running to get to you? We know of many great urban downtown spots that also have parking for us. It's a shame to waste precious wedding day time on parking.

6~ Hire a lighting designer
No matter where your reception is, it can use the help of a professional lighting designer. Want to know what separates most weddings from the ones you see published in fancy magazines? Lighting. It can completely change the vibe, feel and look of ANY room. Here in Detroit, we have a few great companies that do some incredible things with lights. Don't rely on your DJ or band. Sure, they have a few lights but nothing that is going to make a HUGE impact like a lighting designer.

7~ Use a traditional head table or sweetheart table
There are a few different ways to set up your head table. Traditional long table with the bridal party spread across, a sweetheart table for just the 2 of you, or this weird square everybody faces everybody thing. When you sit at a traditional head table or sweetheart table, you face outwards towards the guests AND cameras. During toasts, we can actually see your faces and reactions. When you sit at the weird square table thing (I think they call it King James style??) we struggle to see your faces and you reactions to the toasts. This is a time for giant laughs and smiles and sometimes tears, and we want to document that for you, but first we need to be able to see your faces.

8~ Pick a semi-lengthy first dance song AND dance to all of it
The first dance is one the best times at a wedding for us to capture some seriously candid romantic shots of you. It's our very most favorite part of the day. So, when you dance to Etta James "At Last", a song lasting a whopping minute and a half, your cutting so short the amount of spectacular images we can give you. Your doing the same things by cutting any other song in half. I know that dancing might not be your thing and being out there for a whole 4 minutes is terrifying, but it is worth it!

9~ Pretty please do not do the dollar dance
Dollar dance. I think it's definition should be "reception killer". There is nothing worse at halting fun at your reception than the dollar dance. It clears the dance floor and puts a stop to any great times people were having. Also, it's a waste of photography. There may be a few cute moments during the dollar dance, but with the average dollar dance lasting at least 6 songs, there's not much to document. We could have been getting you some great shots of people having a dance off on the floor, you laughing with your college friends or you and your husband cutting loose together on the floor.

10~ Hire a wedding planner
So often yet SO crucial. You have never done this. You've probably never planned a giant party for 200 of your closest friends. Seriously, its hard. A wedding planner has done this hundreds of times and knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Instead of your wedding turning into a nightmare of stress, a planner will do the hard stressing for you so you can actually enjoy the process.
A planner on the day of the wedding is also super duper important. Do you want to be bothered all day and night by all the little things that go wrong or cause trouble? NO! Your planner will put out each and every "fire" that occurs without you ever having to know.
It also makes out job easier when their is a "point person" to go to. The last thing we want to do is become another person in line to ask you a question. When we are able to go directly to the planner, things get sorted out quicker allowing us to spend more time capturing your memories.

BONUS TIP~!
Be yourself. Forget about all the wedding rules, they are BORING~! Don't want to wear a white dress? Don't! Love funky hot pink heels? Wear them! Don't like real flowers? Make your own out of tissue! Love damask? Use damask print linens instead of boring white ones! Love color? Forget that overdone plain white cake and do something fun!
This is your one chance to throw a huge YOU themed party. Don't let it slip by while your busy following ancient wedding rules.

Jessica Canvasser
mod4 photographic
248 548 1077
www.mod4.com

(GO TO THEIR SITE NOW)

Little Black Book Event | Lansing

2010-02-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

For those of you who missed the Little Black Book Event in Lansing on February 6th, here's a little snippet of how it went.

And if I didn't get to meet you here, hopefully I'll see you at GRunveiled(.com) on March 11th at St. Cecilia's Music Society.

Jason Aten Photography

2010-02-16T05:49:00.000-08:00

My good friend Jason Aten asked me to produce a promotional video for his website a while back, and after coming up with a simple concept and shooting alongside him at the wedding of one of his favorite couples, Jeff + Anna, here is what I came up with. Enjoy!

WeddingWire Press Release

2010-02-02T08:45:00.001-08:00

Okemos, MI – 02/02/10 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Owen Video 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.

Owen Video 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 happy to announce that Owen Video is among the very best Videography 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.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at WeddingWire.com/owenvideo.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding vendors. WeddingWire enables engaged couples to search, compare and book over 100,000 reviewed wedding vendors nationwide, from wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding vendors, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. In addition, WeddingWire has partnered with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) to provide its network of local vendors and online wedding-planning tools in the Weddings section of www.MarthaStewartWeddings.com. For additional information, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Bridal Shows

2010-01-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well, this will be my first time attending a bridal show as a vendor and I think I've chosen two GREAT ones to start with!

What I like about them each is that they're both brand new this year. They're both aiming at a more contemporary, even intimate setup. And they're both limiting the amount of vendors to each one. It's TRULY an honor to be surrounded with all of the other incredibly talented people you'll find at each show!

Coming up first (in less than two weeks actually) is the Little Black Book event in the capital city.

Saturday, February 6, 2010
The Country Club of Lansing
2200 Moores River Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48911
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
$10.00 entry fee payable at door
Call 517-333-6881 for more information
www.littleblackbooklansing.com

Just over a month later I'll be over at St. Cecilia's Music Society in Grand Rapids for...

Thursday, March 11, 2010
St. Cecilia's Music Society
24 Ransom Northeast
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
$5 per person in advance
$8 per couple in advance
$10 per person at the door (cash only)
www.GRunveiled.com
First 50 people to sign up online will receive a gift bag upon arrival on March 11th!

(I'll have a pretty significant discount card in that gift bag, so sign up now to make sure you receive one!)

If you're a bride, and you're thinking of going to a bridal show...these are DEFINITELY the ones to attend! Stop by and say hi when you're there!!

Jean & Nathan | Wedding Trailer

2010-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

Somehow in the chaos of life I managed to post Jean & Nathan's trailer on Vimeo, I tweeted a link, I posted it on the Facebook fan page, and I even wrote it up in Wedding Chicks' Real Weddings section...but I neglected to post it on my own blog. So without any further ado....Jean & Nathan's trailer!

Tia & Victor | Wedding Trailer

2009-11-24T14:25:00.001-08:00

I had a great time this weekend at Tia & Victor's wedding! They were such a fun couple, I was only bummed I didn't get to spend more time with them outside of their wedding! But they're the kind of people that you really don't need to be around for long to realize that they love to have fun, and this wedding was no exception!

Blu-Ray and Streaming Weddings

2009-11-20T11:52:00.001-08:00

So I got my new Blu-Ray burner this week. Excited to try it out on a wedding that is almost complete. My first ever Blu-Ray experience...seriously. I don't even own a hi-def TV, so testing this for a while is going to be taxing as I run over to a friends' house, but Christmas is coming, so you never know. :)

Also, my buddy Dave Buchanan from CoefficientMedia.com is going to be working alongside me at this weekends wedding for a streaming webcast so that the grooms grandparents (who are unable to make it up to Michigan from Florida) will be able to celebrate with their family via the web.

Two things to note for the streaming wedding videos:

The streamed video will be from a separate camera, solely dedicated to the web feed, while the cameras used for the rest of your video will be going directly to tape or memory, but not the web.
There must be adequate streaming cell or wi-fi service available at your venue. An easy way to find out about the cell service if you have an iPod or iPhone is to download the FREE "speedtest.net" app and e-mail us the results.

If you'd like to have either of these things included in your package, both are now available. Shoot me an e-mail and we'll get together for some coffee to talk about it in-depth.

Two trailers

2009-11-17T11:00:00.000-08:00

In my excitement to post the past couple of trailers to my Facebook fan page (which you can feel free to sign up on by the way...and leave comments!) I somehow overlooked posting them on here.

So for those of you following only the blog, my apologies! I'll be better. Here is Sarah & Steve's trailer (thanks to Matt Graetz for second shooting) from October 24th in Port Huron...

Two weeks later I was back in Lansing to shoot Danielle & Chris' wedding (with my new second shooter Amanda Bailey)...

Short notice weddings

2009-11-04T19:02:00.000-08:00

Every now and then the stars align and a last minute booking comes through at a time that just works out perfectly. I worry maybe it'll be added stress that I hadn't calculated on or maybe it'll just make things flow less smoothly in my work flow, and then I get to meet the couple, and have all my fears set at ease!

I got to have coffee with Dani & Chris on Monday, as well as Dani's mom Vickie, and the wedding is this Friday. That's right, short notice! But Chris is in the Air Force and they were waiting for the details of his orders to come through before making any plans. They were such a blast to hang out with! Just two people you know you could get along with no problem, which will make their day flow so well that I'm really getting excited for it! (Good thing I only have to wait two more days).

My sister-in-law will be my second shooter on this one. I'm excited to have Amanda alongside me for it, as she has a natural eye for these things and has been wanting to join me on a shoot for some time now. This will be a great one to get her feet wet on because these guys are just an incredible couple and I can only imagine their friends and family will make for a great day!

One last thing, I'll try and include more pictures next time! I REALLY need to get an iPhone so I have a camera on me at all times. ;)

A wedding I'm honored and excited for...

2009-10-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

I should probably clarify the title of this post by adding that I'm ALWAYS honored and excited to be a part of any couple's big day. The reason I specify it this time is very different than all of the others though.

Backstory:

When I was laid off from my job as the Video Studio Director of a large school district (as our economy was tanking, Michigan schools had already BEEN tanking for some time), I didn't know what I was going to do. I applied for a lot of marketing positions and each time I wasn't quite right for the job (shocking, with zero marketing experience behind me). But at each interview, I would get asked the same thing, "We see you do video work...would you be interested in freelancing for us sometime?" Always answering with a slightly-less-than-confident, "Sure..." I had no cameras of my own, or editing software...or for that matter, a computer.

As I was leaving the district in the last few weeks, my co-worker (and friend) Mike, asked if I'd be interested in finishing two weddings that he'd previously committed to. He used to do wedding video pretty much full-time and was trying to get out of it since he now worked at the district and was very busy. I said that I'd love to, but explained how I had no equipment. He offered his computer (a Mac Pro with all software & licenses included) as reimbursement since he couldn't pay me to do these weddings. I was stunned, and psyched all at once. So I accepted, and even joined him in shooting the second of the two weddings.

When I finished he made mention that if I ever booked any video jobs, corporate or wedding, he'd be happy to lend me his two cameras as well so that I could shoot the project myself.

Let's stop there. Each camera was about $800 (small handy-cam style, but still professional 3CCD cameras). He was going to just let me borrow a minimum of $1600 in equipment after already GIVING me a computer that was originally valued upwards of $2500 (JUST for the computer)?!

Needless to say, Mike got me back on my feet.

Losing a job wreaks havoc on your self-confidence, even when it has nothing to do with you personally (the director of the technology department, and the superintendent of schools both wrote EXCELLENT recommendations for me). So for Mike to pretty much enable me to start a business like that....it's something I felt like I'd never be able to repay him for.

Until now.

His daughter is getting married. :)

So this Saturday, I CAN NOT WAIT, to shoot Sarah & Steve's wedding in Port Huron! Not only do I love weddings, but this is the one wedding that I've always said, "I'll do it for free." Mike has given me so much, I can't imagine NOT returning this favor. Without him, I'd have nothing going on professionally right now because I couldn't get into any more debt at the time, so I could never have bought the equipment that he essentially handed over to me for the past year.

So when I say I'm honored and excited for this wedding...maybe now you have some idea of why.

Facebook Fan Page

2009-10-13T11:51:00.001-07:00

So in an attempt to drive traffic over to the Facebook fan page, I'll let you know that I've got two pieces of news as of today, 10/13/09.

Nothing earth-shattering, but I think both are worth reading.

One update is simply the chance to view a new animated Owen Video graphic that will accompany trailers from now on that you can only view (for the time being) on the FB page.

The other update, is slightly more significant to you, the bride (unless you're a dude, then "the groom"...or just internet lurkers reading this in general) because it's a change to how the final products will be delivered to my clients from now on. I'll give you a hint: I've gone green.

Check the Facebook fan page for those updates! And while you there, why not become a fan?

Kaelyn & Ryan's Sneak Peek!

2009-09-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Keeping up with the Jones'

2009-09-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, today I finally stop searching and bought the tripod I've needed for a while. I almost ordered online, but realized there's still one camera store left in town, aptly named The Camera Shop, and thought for once I'd do right by my local economy and support them. Competitive prices and I didn't have to wait on the shipping! I got a Vanguard tripod with a PH-32 head. This will compliment my other toys nicely, particularly my glidetrack.

While I was at the store I realized something that online shopping is missing, true browsing. Yes I can click around in the store, but my monitor will never see as much as my eyes will in the store itself. And today I was glad I went in person.

As I was milling about waiting to speak with the proprietor, I found a bag of foam tripod leg covers. Basically they're supposed to make lugging your tripod around a more comfortable experience. However, when I read their measurements, I realized they were JUST what I was looking for with regards to my homemade steadycam. I made it from aluminum pipes and a barbell weight, and it was starting to get a bit rusty looking and dingy. These foamcore covers also came with black fitted sleeves that slid over them to cover up the foam. I'm thrilled...it feels like a brand new steadycam again!

So all of that to say, don't forget, small businesses do still exist, though there aren't as many as before...so swing by, you may find yourself wishing you'd gone sooner.

Booked until 2010

2009-09-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Well that settles it, I am officially booked each month until 2010. I am now working in September, October, November and December. I am not FULL however, please understand that I will accept up to two more fall/winter 2009 clients if the requests come in, but that will be all.

In two weekends I'll be heading down to Indianapolis to shoot a wedding with my friends from 2Duce2.com. They're an incredible husband/wife videography team from Nashville whose work is absolutely stunning, and I feel blessed to be able to know and learn from them.

Then in October I'll be at a wedding in Port Huron that I'm looking forward to. As well as possibly shooting a promo video for a wedding photographer friend of mine at a wedding he's scheduled to shoot.

November will be the wedding of a friend of a friend back near home (Ann Arbor/Detroit area) so I'm looking forward to shooting that one.

December will bring a unique wedding for me that I'm really excited for. The ceremony will be Catholic, but at the reception the bride will be celebrating her heritage with a Korean wedding ceremony which I know will be bursting with color! I'm really looking forward to that. It may be the first time I have two cameras at the reception. :)

Right now I'm finishing up a non-profit video and working in the midst of a large scale corporate project, so back to work with me! Because after those, I have to finish up two more weddings!

Snow Leopard, Tripods & Firewire 800

2009-08-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

Well, today was a day of purchasing on the internet.

Was initially intending to buy a new 24" iMac, but decided better of it as my current computer works just fine (knock wood) and aside from being slower than is desirable, I have no reason to ditch it yet (aside from re-sale value, anyone buying?).

So instead, I purchased Snow Leopard, effectively upgrading my operating system (and my wife's, we got the family pack).

Then, I got better tripods. I've needed to upgrade those for a while, and got some reasonably priced Velbon's from Amazon.

And lastly, I got a 4pin to 9pin firewire cable so that I can have the ability to capture and edit on my wife's laptop when necessary.

Needless to say, I'm excited to check the mail in the next few days. :)

TooleArt.com

2009-08-25T04:27:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to throw out a link for Mike & Crystal Toole's photography site! A great married photography team from all over Michigan, but right now Holland, who I had the pleasure of working a wedding with at the beginning of this month. Here are their photos from the wedding we worked together: Sheila & Joe's Pictures

So busy!

2009-08-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hey readers,

If you're thinking of booking for next summer, let's talk soon! I'm quickly locking in many mid-summer dates, and while they're not all gone yet, we're getting close.

I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully working with you!

So much to do, so little time

2009-08-15T15:50:00.001-07:00

Usually this is the time of year that slows down for video, so for the first time in as long as I can remember, I'm getting BUSIER as we wind down the summer. And I couldn't be more grateful! Not only weddings, but a corporate client is asking for another video, and a non-profit I edited for last year is asking for a repeat success with their promotional materials. Can't wait to get it all done and share with you what I can!

Ad-no-sense

2009-08-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

So I started this blog a while back but never used it until now. Forever I had that Google Adsense stuff on the side. I understand the idea of making money by having people click on the ads...but do YOU ever click on them? I know I don't. And I'm not sure I want to be interfacing with people dumb enough to fall for that. (No offense if you answered 'yes' to the first question).

Anyway, so now my blog is AdSense free. Google was probably smart to create them...but I just can't anymore. I've seen sites weighed down with them, and it's just awful to try and figure out what you're SUPPOSED to be looking at with regards to their site content.

Owen Video is now HD (& more)

2009-08-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

So yesterday morning I ordered two HD Canon Vixia HV-40's! I'm pretty psyched about this as I'll be able to offer a higher quality end product. Unfortunately I still can't produce onto Blu-Ray but someday that will come too. So for now it'll just be higher quality standard videos, however online clips will now be in HD, so that's something at least! :)

For the past year my VERY kind friend Mike has lent me his equipment free of charge. In fact, when I first got laid off from the school district I worked at, I didn't consider freelancing really, but Mike was a wedding videographer with a full-time job as a computer tech and didn't really want to finish a couple of weddings he'd committed to. So he asked me if I'd like to finish them for him, but he couldn't pay. So instead he offered me his computer (a PowerMac G5 w/a PowerPC processor) and I jumped at the chance! So I edited his two weddings and it was mine. Then, I started shooting my own weddings and he agreed to let me use his cameras. Finally, I'd worked enough and saved enough, and here we are, I'm self-sufficient. It's an amazing feeling. But please know, I couldn't be more grateful to Mike for helping me get this business off the ground and getting me back on my feet!

Also, you may look at this camera and think how small it is, but know that I attach a Rode microphone on top, and a wide angle converter on the lens. Then that, plus my homemade steadycam (the next item to get upgraded when I have some cash) make it all look much larger than you'd think. Besides, it's not size that matters, it's quality! And this baby has an internal CMOS chip (the replacement for 3CCD chips).