Megan & Mark's Highlights

You saw their trailer, now you get to watch their highlights montage (with a little Super 8 thrown in for effect.)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Megan & Mark Highlights from Vanessa McKellar Productions on Vimeo

It's Gold!!

I am pleased to announce that Brent and I won another video production award! This time it was a Gold (the highest awarded) in the Dallas Fort Worth Professional Videographers Association's annual competition, which is judged by fellow event videographers. We were one of only four studios to win a Gold so we're pretty honored.

The winning video? Erika and Phil's wedding in the woods trailer!

Erika & Phil Trailer from Vanessa McKellar Productions on Vimeo.

Tiffany & Robert Highlights

Tiffany and Robert were married five years ago in a small courthouse ceremony. Half a decade and three little girls later, they threw an extravagant bash at The Villa to celebrate their marriage. This black tie vow renewal had it all- a horse-drawn carriage for the processional, dove release, shiny red Continental convertible, two wedding dresses and two suits, fireworks, and a pair of really beautiful rings. And check out Tiffany's custom-designed heels with the pearls in the soles! You could tell Tiffany had been looking forward to the day for a long time, because she teared up several times while she was getting ready. And Robert, who is a wide receiver for the NFL, was super sweet and obviously cherished his family coming together to celebrate.

There's something really neat about filming a vow renewal, because you get to witness a couple who's "made it" and loves each other more than they did on their wedding day. Just look at the way they look at each other! Plus there are lots of adorable kids running around and enjoying every moment to its fullest, like the carriage ride and the fireworks. It was a true pleasure documenting their (second) big day.

Tiffany & Robert Highlights from Vanessa McKellar Productions on Vimeo.

Tiffany said, "Amazing, beautiful, breathtaking, rejuvenating, inspirational and emotional, those are just some of the words that come to mind when I watch the video. I love every piece of it. The way you were able to capture every moment and every detail with all the songs that I love. I am so glad you won the Gold Award. You and Brent truly deserve it. I just want to thank you for giving my husband and I something that we can cherish and look back on for the rest of our lives and show our children and some day our grandchildren. Words can not express my gratitude. This is our favorite movie now."

Coordinator: Weddings by Kim, (903)746-1923, boyd4kkj@att.net

Location: Villa di Felicita'

Photographer: David James

Florist: La Tee Da

DJ: CMB Music Productions

Our Wedding: The Accessories

My last "Our Wedding" post was about my dress, and now I get to talk about my accessories.

First off, the veil. When I went dress shopping I tried on a very pretty two-tier cathedral length veil that had swarovski crystals dangling from it. I told my seamstress about it, and what it cost, and she insisted that she could make one just as good for a fraction of the price. I thought it was a great idea and let do her thing. But when she showed me the finished piece...no so much. At first I didn't see how bad it was, but luckily I have an honest mom who gently told me that it didn't quite compare to the orginal. (Basically it was just a long rectangle of tulle with barely rounded corners sewn onto a comb. Really quite horrible.)

My mom broke the news to me like a week or something before the wedding, so we had to call the bridal shop (Brides and Beaux in Colleyville) and ask them if we could buy their floor sample. It was white and silver instead of off-white and gold, but I figured that was better than the alternative. We were able to purchase it, and I tea-dyed the veil in my kitchen sink to make it match my dress better. And it was perfect! (I did use the short veil my seamstress made for me for the reception. I was a bride only one day of my life and I wanted to wear a veil ALL DAY!)

My jewelry was a beautiful set that I purchased at Nordstrom. The bridesmaids wore gold and crystal necklaces that I purchased for them from Dasha Boutique. I wore two garters: one of them was made by my seamstress out of the fabric that the guys' ties were made of (and the tablecloths, guest book, etc.), and the other was a family heirloom that my aunt lent me. And my shoes were a cute pair of peep-toe flats from Aldo in the mall. I searched high and low for some flats with bling on them, but unless I wanted to spend $300 on a pair from Zappos, I had to settle for no bling.

Oh, and I guess I should talk about our rings! Our wedding rings are super special to us. My set was handed down to me from my great grandmother Mama Flo; it's circa the 1920's. I didn't know her, but of course it's special nonetheless to always being wearing a family treasure. And Brent's ring was his beloved grandfather's, who passed away about a year before we started dating. I'm sad I never got to meet him because I hear so many great things about him, especially from Granny. I think Granny loves it that Brent is wearing Pop's ring. And what's neat is that our rings match so well; they both have gold and white gold on them.

Up next, my hair and make-up!

Neili & Steven Highlights

Neili and Steven had a beautiful wedding out at the lush Elmwood Gardens. Neili has such a great sense of humor, and she was always making everyone around her laugh (usually on the wedding day it's the other way around!) The couple wrote and memorized their own vows (a portion of which you can hear in the highlights below), and the best man presented Steven with a blue ring-pop for the ring exchange. And despite the heat, they were great sports and literally ran around so I could get some fun shots.

Congrats you two!

Neili & Steven from Vanessa McKellar Productions on Vimeo.

Location: Elmwood Gardens
Photographer: Alex M Photography (he took the picture below)

Neili said, "Just wanted to let you know that we received the DVD and all I can say is "WOW!" It is absolutely wonderful!! We just got through watching it and it brought back all the memories that we remembered and all the ones we had forgotten. You did such an amazing job and we are SOOOOOOOO glad we decided to book you. Yes, I said "we". I think Steven enjoyed the video more than I did :P We laughed almost the whole time and I'm pretty sure Steven started tearing up in a couple of parts, lol!! Again, you are so talented and did an A+++ job. You really made our wedding unforgettable. *hugs*"

The Wedded Bliss Features

Three of our lovely couples had their announcements published in the latest issue of The Wedded Bliss magazine. Congrats to all of you again!

Here's Davi and Jonathan's announcement, with photos by Alex M.

And also by Alex M, here's Kim and Josh.

Here's April and Ben's spread, with photos by Donna Cummings:

For you East Texas brides, be sure to become a fan of The Wedded Bliss on Facebook!