April & Ben's Highlights

April and Ben had a lavish affair in Longview and I was thrilled to be able to document the whole day for them. Their reception took place at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, and Barkley Creative outfitted the whole venue with custom lighting, chandeliers, wheat grass, toile fabric and tons of other pretty blue and green accents. April and Ben are totally in love with each other, and it's clear that their friends and family love them to death too. It was a joy to be around a group of such friendly fun folks.




April said, "Vanessa - I got the video in the mail this morning before work. It was so hard for me not to watch it. I had to wait until 7 tonight when we both got home!!! It was the longest day ever. We feel so lucky to have such an amazing video of our special day!! We can't wait to share it with our friends and family. The memories are priceless. Thank you for all your hard work... we LOVE it!!"


Church: First United Methodist church, Longview
Reception: Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Coordinator & Flowers: Jack Barkley, 903.758.9500
Photographer: Donnna Cummings
Band: Zuzu Peddals, Dallas

Bouquet Treat

I titled this post "Bouquet Treat" because not only are the images of these flowers a little treat for the eyes, I also could almost eat this bouquet. It's that yummy to me.

This is Janie's creation, posted on The Bride's Cafe, and photographed by Abby Jiu Photography.

Here's what Janie has to say about it:

"I love the bright colors of this bouquet...I used Ranunculus in shades of orange, yellow, burgundy and peach....hot pink Parrot Tulips....Jasmine Vine.....and Queens Anne Lace. I love using Queens Anne Lace in my bouquets...it truly gives it the "just picked from the garden" feel....and for the finishing touch, I tied it with a tiffany blue ribbon....I think the blue mixed with all the "sherbert colors" of the florals really made the bouquet "pop".......after making this bouquet, I really wished I had a bride that could have carried it down the aisle...such a pretty color palette for a spring wedding!"

Featured on The Bride's Cafe

I'm pleased to say that Erika and Phil's Super 8 Film is currently featured on The Bride's Cafe this weekend! I've said it before and I'll say it again: this blog is a must-add to your reading list if you're planning a wedding (or if you just love weddings in general). It's updated almost daily with beautiful real weddings and is chock-full of eye candy. It even won "Most Charming Blog" by the Wedding Blog Awards.

Erika & Phil: Their Feature Length Film

I absolutely couldn't resist posting Erika and Phil's entire video. Of course I understand that not everyone will watch the whole thing, but for those of you that are so inclined, pop yourself a bowl of popcorn and make yourself comfy. And bring the tissues.

A few things to keep in mind:

- This wedding was essentially a destination wedding for everyone, so I wanted to take some time to really convey a feel for the location and the drive up there.
- It's fun for me to start coverage really early and see what kind of interesting things take place before the rush of the day begins (yoga, anyone?)
- Erika and her mom have a code word for when they're about to cry too much: "Boing!"

- Erika's older brother was the officiant for the ceremony

- Erika provided just about all the music. I used a total of 20 songs in her entire DVD.

Erika said, "Vanessa, our video came yesterday. Somehow between teaching last night and working this morning, we have still managed to watch it three times already. I love getting to see all the moments that I missed, all the precious expressions on the faces of our families, and hearing us say our vows to each other again made my heart swell with joy. I also LOVED the dance scenes in Super 8, especially David. Doesn't he look like he's famous? And I loved how you captured the anticipation preceding the ceremony, the heart of the ceremony, and the pure joy following. You've got real talent. We are so grateful. I only wish there would have been another videographer there who could have gotten special *you* on film."

Erika & Phil: The Invitations

If you follow this blog, you know that I've been featuring videos and tidbits from my dear friend Erika's wedding to Phil. Today I made a simple little video showing you her gorgeous invitations! Have a look and be prepared to be inspired.



Here's a link to the poem she used: Oriah Mountain Dreamer's "Invitation"

Stefani & Rob Highlights

Laughter was the name of the game for this crowd, and what a fun and relaxed day it was. Stefani and Rob and their wedding party and family loved to be a little silly and let loose, and of course I always enjoy that. I made their highlights montage upbeat yet relaxed in order to really convey how it all felt. In it you'll see the antique hose that were worn by Stefani's grandmother decades ago, the beautiful chandelier crystals that were hung from the gazebo to catch the golden late afternoon light, and some other fun things like headbanging and little girls hamming it up for the camera.

Thanks Stefani and Rob for letting us capture it all!




Ceremony and Reception Location: Richardson Women's Club

Photography: Phase 3 Photography

DJ: Professional DJ's

The Votes are In: We're a 2010 Best of Weddings Pick!

Brent and I are proud to announce that Vanessa McKellar Productions has been rated by Texas-area brides and voted The Knot Best of Weddings 2010 Pick!

Thanks Knotties! You make us feel like we rock, therefore you rock!