If you follow this blog, you know I am a HUGE advocate of getting your wedding filmed.  I have often run clips and quotes from Vanessa McKellar, but have never actually run a full on interview. Before we get to the interview though, let me talk real quick about wedding films in general.

Every now and then when I meet with a bride, they mention that they are not getting a videographer because they don’t think it’s all that important.  A quote I hear frequently is, “We are already getting photos, and we can always have someone set up camera a in the back.” 

Now, the reason many people don’t understand the value of a great wedding film is because all they have seen is footage from a friends wedding where it was just that: a camera set up in the back.  A good wedding videographer will take your day and turn it into a movie.  Beautiful images, great camera work, a soundtrack, and most important of all, your voices.  That’s right, you talking.  This is one of the areas where wedding photos just don’t do your day justice.  You will experience so many emotions and thoughts on your day and not having someone document you saying those feelings will be something you regret.  Anyway, Vanessa actually did a little blog post contrasting the differences between wedding photography and videography a few weeks back and used some photos from Your’s Truly.  (Take a look at it here.)

Before we get to the interview, here is a short little trailer she recently finished.  Take a look at it, then scroll down to read more about her.

How did you get started & how long have you been doing this?

I think my story really starts in the 90’s, when my love for weddings blossomed. I designed wedding dresses, subscribed to Martha Stewart Weddings magazine, all that stuff. I wanted to be a wedding coordinator when I grew up. Then when I went to film school at UT Austin, I decided that I should combine my two passions and become a wedding filmmaker.

I’ve been in the industry since 2001, when I started shooting and editing for wedding videographers while I was in school. When I graduated in ’03, I used my savings to buy a camera and computer, and I haven’t looked back since!

Also, in the summer of ’08 my husband quit his day job in sales to come work with me full time, and it’s been fabulous. He brings a different eye to the table and I’m so excited with how he’s contributing with his filming and editing.

What is your favorite part about your job?

There’s no way I could pick one. First off, I love arriving the day of the wedding and seeing what the bride’s dress looks like, what color the flowers are, all those things the make a wedding a wedding. Every event is different and beautiful in its own way and I enjoy the aesthetics of it all.

My other favorite part is when I’m editing and it just “clicks” and I make myself cry. Might sound a little silly, but when the imagery and music combine to create something timeless, emotional, and touching, I know I’ve got the best job in the world.

What sets you apart from other wedding filmmakers?

For one thing, I’m female, and there aren’t a lot of female filmmakers out there. I’m a recently married bride, so I can completely empathize with everything a bride goes through on her wedding day and in the planning process. Plus, Vanessa McKellar Productions is a husband and wife team, so while I’m with the girls, there’s also someone the groomsmen can feel comfortable with too. And lastly, I have a blog that’s full of my videos and also wedding planning tips and ideas; it’s a great resource for brides.

What’s your favorite thing to film at wedding?

I love the few minutes right after the ceremony when all the bride and groom’s family and friends gather around and congratulate them. I think it’s one of the purest and most uncontrived moments of the whole day; everyone’s so excited about what has just taken place. Hugs and smiles and jokes and kisses all around. Brent likes to film crazy awesome moves on the dance floor.

When not filming weddings what are you doing?

Editing weddings! Beyond that I like to make jewelry, watch movies, read wedding blogs , eat out with my hubby, clean and/or decorate our new house, and chat with my amigas. Brent just tries to find something to do to counteract all the fufu female estrogen vibes everywhere.

OK, now that you totally love Vanessa and know you want her at your wedding, let me just show you one of my favorite things that she does. These are called Love Stories and they are AMAZING. It’s a perfect way for your friends and family to hear how you met. These are perfect for showing at your rehearsal dinner or even during your wedding. (Instead of that slideshow that has embarrassing baby photos of you growing up.) And, think of how cool it will be for your kids and grandkids to hear from your own mouth how you fell in love.

Vanessa McKellar Productions
http://www.videobrideblog.com/
http://www.VanessaMcKellar.com/
903.894.6078

No rambling from me.  We are going straight to the image from Jamie & David’s wedding at The Villa di Felicita in Tyler, TX.

Brosang’s Flowers did all the arrangements for the day.

Her bouquet was great, but I was a huge huge fan of the centerpieces.
(They totally reminded me of the Kaminoans from Star Wars. Yes I’m a nerd.)


You may remember Jamie being my “Best Buy Bride“. Because of David’s great love for all things technology I thought it would be fun to work some of that into their ring shot.


Designs By D’Anne was there with their usual yummy and good looking cakes.



Jamie pretty much had a huge smile on the entire day. She was giddy.

I LOVE the look of anticipation on David’s face during their First Look.




Jamie loves the cold so we ran outside for a few shots.

These next two shots are part of a little trivia game.

Can anyone tell me where they were shot? Ladies, you may have toured the Villa Di Felicita, but I’m pretty sure Rhonda didn’t show you this room.

David basically smiled this wide overtime he saw Jamie.



After the ceremony it was reception time and CMB Music made sure everyone had a good time.

Come back tomorrow to see some image from The Mug Machine!

Thanks guys for trusting me with your day. – AlexM

Well, it’s that time of year again. Just like last year, you guys will get to vote on the best images of the year. The winners in each category will receive a large 16×20 print of their winning image! You can vote once a day so come back each day and make sure you tell your friends to come vote if you ant to win.

From December 28 – December 31 I’ll be posting my favorite 10 images in 4 categories. Engagements, Brides, Rings, & Weddings. I’ll be closing the voting on January 4th so keep everyone in your office/school/home coming back and voting till then. :) This is the last set of entries.

I LOVE capturing images of a bride and groom alone on their wedding day. Most of these came from their First Look. Take a look, vote, then have a Happy New Year!

Also, once you have voted, go ahead and become a Fan on Facebook to keep up with other contests throughout the year.

Jessica and Charlie were married on a cold rainy day. (That is one of the great things about a venue like the Villa Di Felicita, they have both outdoor AND indoor spots for your ceremony.)

The weather did not bother Jess one bit because pretty much the whole day long I would catch her squealing with delight as she saw her day unfolding.

Both Jessica & Charlie just passed their bar exam a few weeks ago. I overheard Jessica telling someone that the only way they made it through those study sessions was with the help of these little 5 hour energy drinks. She had one for him in the groom’s room so I thought it would be fun to work it into their ring shot.

A bit of shoe bling.

Cindy’s Creative Cakes out of Kilgore made Charlie’s cake both yummy and good looking.

Overheard 5 minutes before their First Look: “Someone make sure Charlie brushes his teeth” – Jessica




Jerry’s Flowers did all the arrangements for the day and Nathan from A Thousand Word Productions was there filming.

This little guy did not want ANYONE to see him on his way down the aisle.

Jessica is friends with two of my past brides, Juliana and her husband Jordan were there so they get a bit of blog love.

All you need to know about Charlie is with all the great tasting grown up food they had, he still wanted a plate full of chicken nuggets from the kid’s buffet.



Every wedding should end with fireworks.

Also if you love you some Jessica & Charlie you can view their Engagement Photography here and her Bridal Photography here.

Kristina & Nick had a crazy fun wedding at the Villa di Felicita in Tyler. Let us now relive the day through stellar photography. :)

It takes a lot to get me excited about jewelry, but Kristina’s necklace did the job.


Shoe Contest!

(I think Nick won.)

First Look fun.

La Tee Da showed up and basically exploded color all over the place.

This amazing cake was done by Shelly Franke (csfranke@yahoo.com)

I love when grooms tear up as the bride comes towards them.

After the ceremony everyone basically danced from 6:09-10:20. Crazy fun.
(I especially love the couple in the lower left. Close, but not too close.)

Kristina & Nick, I had been looking forward to your wedding for months and you did not disappoint.
Thanks so much for trusting me to share & capture your day.

Alex – Contact Me!