Style Me Pretty

Giveaway by Four Seasons Films

Today is a big day on Style Me Pretty. Huge, actually!

I am so excited to announce today's giveaway, I can hardly stand it. One of our very favorite Little Black Book cinematographers, Four Seasons Films, is celebrating this year's wedding season by offering an exclusive contest to Style Me Pretty readers. The prize is a Four Seasons Films destination wedding film vignette...worth over $10,000!

Paul and Holley of Four Season Films are two of the country's leading cinematographers, filming each wedding with a unique and oh-so-personal approach. They seem to capture each couple in a way that will bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face, all at the same time. Here is a little taste of the beautiful work that they are producing...

Pretty incredible, isn't it? Okay, so here is the deal...to enter the Four Season Films wedding contest, you need to head over to this page and answer a few easy questions about your big day and about the weddings featured on the Four Seasons Films website. The contest will be closing at midnight on May 31st, with the winner being announced on June 9th.

The winner will be responsible for travel and accommodations (3 nights) for Paul and Holley from Asheville, North Carolina. As an added bonus, however, Style Me Pretty would like to offer a $500 American Express gift certificate to help with the costs. Although this  may still be outside of some budgets, for those that can swing it...this is a once and a lifetime opportunity!

*Tip...before you fill out the questionnaire, spend some time perusing the gallery of video clips.One of the questions is in regards to your favorite featured clip.

Wedding Film By Worker Bee

I realized, as I was going through this past week's posts, that I completely forgot to upload a clip from one of my alltime favorite cinematographers,Worker Bee Designs. So, I thought that I would share it with you now, so that you had something fun to watch over the weekend!

This is just so incredibly beautiful! I love the black and white element...it adds a touch of romantic, vintage charm!!

Wedding Cinematography

And finally, I wanted to share these last two clips from Elysium Productions (the amazing production company that shot Laurie and George's wedding on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Orange County...for all of you Bravo junkies out there). The first is a demo clip which I just thought was so much fun, I had to share. Plus, it won Best In Show at the Artistic Achievement Awards put on by the 4Ever Group...

The second clip is a sample of Elysium's trademarked "Arthouse Edits." This Arthouse film is actually very special because it was the wedding of Gary Fong and Melissa Carl. Gary Fong is a very famous photographer turned inventor, and he creates products for photographers. Ask any photographer and they'll know who he is! There were only about 40 guests at his wedding, most of which were very well known photographers. Bottom line...if someone like Gary Fong chooses this company, you KNOW they are good!

Here is the clip...

Absolutely Gorgeous! All of these clips today have been so lovely...I hope they've convinced you to really consider hiring a cinematographer to capture your wedding day. It is a memento that you will treasure for the rest of your life. Your kids and grandkids will be able to share in the joy of your day...which is priceless.

Wedding Cinematography

This next film, shot by Weddings on Film, is absolutely beautiful...

Click image to view the film!

The choice of music paired with the stunning images from the wedding...so romantic. This bride is a reporter for NBC. She is insanely gorgeous and it seems that her beauty just leaked into every element of the wedding! But, what I really love about this clip is the approachability of it. The dogs with their cute pearl collars, the best friends helping the bride and groom to get ready...it's real and honest, with a touch of humor.

Weddings on Film shoots in High Definition and Super 8. They are an extremely talented pair and produce films that you will literally pull out for years to come!

Wedding Cinematography

This particular clip, from Tangerine Media is a 2 minute trailer for a wedding that took place in Riviera Maya Mexico...

It's just so lovely! Makes me want to drop everything I am doing and book a trip to Mexico. It really captures the feeling behind the wedding, the gorgeous colors that are so vibrant and alive, the absolute beauty of the day. And the happiness. The bride, the guests, everyone is so happy....you just know that this wedding was special.

Wedding Cinematography

Wedding Cinematography is one of those things that may or may not make it on to your wedding checklist. I debated whether to hire a videographer for months, as the added expense seemed to tip the scale just a bit too far. In the end, we did hire someone to film the wedding and to this day....I think that it was the best decision we made throughout the planning process.

I've probably watched my wedding video twenty or thirty times since I got married. Every time, I see something different, something that the photos didn't catch...a small expression from my dad, or an insanely awkward dance move from my aunt. The video reminds me of my day in a way that photos simply can't.

Today, I wanted to share with you a few more clips from some of my favorite cinematographers, just to give you an idea of how creative and completely beautiful wedding films have become. The first is by  the incredibly talented artists at Portal Films...

This wedding was in the "back yard" of the family's private estate in Kentucky, using Super 8mm film to capture the pure beauty of the day. Isn't it one of the most beautiful things you've ever seen...I teared up about ten seconds in.

I have a few more clips to show you throughout the day. Make sure to wear your headphones so your boss doesn't get mad!

Cinematography by Watson Videography

I absolutely LOVE this video clip that Chris Watson, of Watson Videography just sent me...a high def clip, from one of his favorite weddings...

Chris shoots his films using high definition, edited for wide screen...that means that your wedding day is essentially shot using the finest techniques, comparable to the high def movies that seem so incredibly real, you can reach out and touch the characters.

Watson Videography was also named one of the top 25 Videographers in the World by Event DV Magazine, for the second year running. In a nutshell, this is the highest award that a video professional can receive in their career, as the votes are placed by peers, rather than clients.

For more delicious clips of Chris's work, check out his blog...TONS of wedding inspiration!

Cinematography by Mason Jar Films

So, if Super 8 film is used to create that fantastic vintage feeling, 16 mm film is used when you want to acheive that same nostalgic feel...with a bit more clarity, color and richness...

Mason Jar Films also specializes in 16mm films and it's pretty obvious...they are incredibly talented cinematographers. What I really love about this format, is that it seems to be the best of both worlds...one part old vintage, one part beauty. I love that you can really see the modern beauty of the day, while looking at it through an oh-so-romatic lens.

Thank you so much to Mason Jar Films for providing these gorgeous clips. And, congrats again to both Mason Jar and Watson Videography on their huge Top 25 in the World accomplishment!

Cinematography by Mason Jar Films

We are so thrilled to announce that TWO of our Little Black Book members, Watson Videography and Mason Jar Films, have both been named in the top 25 in their field worldwide, sponsored by eventdv magazine and voted on by over 21,000 video professionals. This is a HUGE honor for these talented vendors and Style Me Pretty is completely over the moon.

Mason Jar Films specializes in those oh-so-cool retro Super 8 wedding films, something that very few cinematographers around the world can do...

I was first introduced to this style of film a few years back and ever since, I have been hooked. What an amazing way to capture your wedding just as it should be...a keepsake on the most romantic day of your life. There is just something so nostalgic and dreamy about these super 8 films. As if you are watching a brilliant old movie, one that will always be your favorite love story, your favorite late night flick.

Congratulations to both Watson Videography and Mason Jar Films...what an incredible feat! Stay tuned for more on these two brilliant cinematographers. In the meantime, check out the Mason Jar Blog...filled with great tips, ideas and gorgeous cinematography!