Posts by Walter Thames
Introducing....

Confessions of a Wedding Junkie!

Did you love our widely popular "Insider's Tips?"  Do you just crave everything "wedding?"  Is your Pinterest board covered with tons of wedding-related ideas?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, this is something for you!

In this new web series, we are taking a behind the scenes look at everything in the wedding industry.  From talking with actual brides about their wedding details to chatting with some of the industry's best professionals, we will be providing real conversations in a casual atmosphere (and maybe with a glass of wine).  Did I mention that we are streaming this event LIVE!!!

In session 1, we will visit with Sara Sanderson (one of our past brides) as she chats with her friend and newlywed, Erin Richardson. Rachel Whitaker (a bride to be) joins them for a different perspective on the planning process.  Listen to these ladies as they talk candidly about their wedding!  

We will chat with some of the great service providers in the wedding industry in session 2.  Jerrod Brown, Anita Kanellis and Geoff Carlisle are just a few wedding professionals that consistently go over and beyond for their customers.  Learn what they do to make them different.  

We are in the process of scheduling more sessions so let us know if you have ideas of things you want to hear about or even want to participate!  

The first session begins at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 24, with session 2 starting around 7:00 p.m.  Tune into Main Street's Live Streaming page to watch! 

In response to watching their video...

This emailed is being shared so that you will have an idea of why video is something that you MUST include with your wedding.  

"We justttttt finished it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I'm not sure if the perfect words will ever come to mind to describe what I just saw.  What came to mind besides perfect, wonderful, hysterical, amazing and beautiful was it is the perfect Romantic Comedy I have and ever will see in my entire life.  [I'm talking something just topped My Best Friend's Wedding, which has been my go to, most favorite movie since the 5th grade.]  It is something I want to watch everyday until I memorize every word and I wish there was no ending.  There were words (and dance moves) I will never forget.  There were things I never saw or heard that I'm so glad to have forever.  My perfect story has a great beginning and a happy ending and now it is in video form featuring Wilson and I.  
You captured every moment I hoped would be captured and more moments that I forgot or was not able to see.  
I truly don't know how to thank you and John.  What y'all do is stunning and a true talent given from God.  What a blessing it is and will be to Wilson and I.  Thank you for your hardwork, your diligence and your gift.  
And in closing:
"My name Alana, I'm six and I'm a BEAUTY QUEEN!!!!!!!!"  I gotta have money to do my pageantsssssss.  A DOLLA MAKE ME HOLLA HONEY BOO BOO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
PERFECT, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!! i LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't think we will have to rent or go to movies for quite sometime, poor Wilson!  
Seriously, I'm shaking it was so great. 
THANKK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

Now, if you want to see her wedding highlights, click here.  Although it is not included in the highlights, the actual video does have a side by side comparison of Grace's fav TV star, Honey Boo Boo.  She had the impression down to a science!  

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Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
   www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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Sara and Drew | Double Oak CC, The Club

We are pretty lucky that we have such great couples at Main Street.  They are great and their families are usually great too!  But it will take a lot to top this couple.  Miss Sara (who knows everyone in the city of Birmingham it seems) and her beau, Drew were married in a romantic ceremony at Double Oak Community Church.  With almost 500 guests, it is easy to see the number of people this couple impacted.  The Club was the reception location and was flawless as usual.

We were able to work with an outstanding photographer, Alyson with Eternal Reflections by Alyson. She was so much fun and the photos turned out amazing!   Check them out here.

We love wedding planners!  How could you not?? They keep the day running smoothly and efficiently, they look out for you throughout the day, and they generally make the day better.  As much as we love planners, we love planner extraordinaire, Beverly Andrews with Engaging Celebrations!  So our course with her in charge the day was almost easy. Almost. Ha! Geoff and Lamar with JAMM Entertainment were both in attendance as DJs for Sara and Drew's reception.  They had everyone dancing and having a great time, which makes the footage look so fun!

The only thing that went wrong the whole day was Sara's lipstick kept staining Drew's lips and cheeks!!! 

Other vendors involved:

The Something Blue Shoppe

Bridesmaid’s Inc.

Brides & Bow Ties

BBJ Linen

Vintage Auto Chauffer

Mr. Burch

Porcelain & Pink and Morgan Ashley Studio Salon

We are so excited to share the highlight film from Sara and Drew's wedding!

Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos

205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574

www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 

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Wedding Trends: Live Streaming

Everyone is always asking what are the new trends within the wedding videography industry.  And that is really such a hard question to answer.  They don't want to know about the amazing new cameras that have come out in the past year or a technique that makes it easier to create fabulous footage. They want something that not everyone is doing.  Something that will make their wedding different than all of the other's that they have gone to this year.  For instance a few years ago we saw the emergence of Same Day Edits.  Way cool - high impact.  And I guess I would say that it is a trend to watch as they still are moving and powerful, but yet, you don't see them every weekend.  

But I thought of another wedding trend to tell people about.  Live Streaming a wedding ceremony.  We have only done it a handful of times, but it is perfect if you have family or friends that are not going to be able to make it to your wedding.  We just send you a link to where the video will be broadcasted and determine a time that we will be "on air" and all you have to do is let your friends and family know about it.  Simple. Everyone's happy.  

Here is a wedding that we did the other weekend for live stream.  We only did a one camera setup for this one, but obviously for her entire wedding video, we will edit together all three camera angles.  I should say that all of the venue's restrictions on camera placement will still be followed.  Of course, when we are working with just one camea angle, you will see more movement then on a traditional edit.  And at the end of the day, this bride was able to include her friends and family in such a special day.  PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A LONG CLIP.  TO WATCH IT UNINTERRUPTED, PAUSE AND LET IT LOAD BEFORE YOU TRY TO WATCH IT.

DiPaolo live streaming from Main Street Productions on Vimeo.

Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
   www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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Grace & Wilson (and Honey Boo Boo Child) | Montgomery, AL

How could you not love this couple?  From Grace's sweet demeanor to Wilson's handsome grin, they are a wonderful couple.  AND Grace does an AMAZING impression of Honey Boo Boo!!!!  It says so much about her personality that she had so many wonderful bridesmaids that traveled far and wide to be in her wedding.  

A terrific team was in place for their wedding, despite the torrential downpour throughout the wedding day.  Jerrod Brown (and Frank Allen) of Jerrod Brown Studios were snapping up a storm, Beverly Andrews of Engaging Celebrations was trying to keep us all in line.  It really is a difficult job sometimes.  The rehearsal dinner, held at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club, was beautifully decorated by Carol Riley with Lillie's.  

Enjoy this highlight video from their wedding!

 

Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
   www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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Celena & Brian | Rosewood

Sure we do a lot of weddings around here at Main Street Productions.  Some are romantic, some are fun, some are just crazy!  That was Celena and Brian's wedding.  They were both so relaxed and they loved the camera. It almost made the day easy!  Super wonderful and sweet Allison (plus Anna) with Allison Lewis Photography made the day even better!  And of course we always love to be at Rosewood with Renee and her staff.

We came across the clip while editing the video and died laughing.  A little background to set up the clip.  The wedding ceremony site at Rosewood is beautiful and I love to capture unique views with unmanned cameras.  It is customary at Rosewood that as soon as the ceremony ends, the couple goes straight to cut the cake.  So of course we follow quickly, not concerned about stopping the unmanned cameras.  Well it sometimes take a little bit to be able to get back out to collect your gear.  Apparently during our absence the mischievous groomsmen hijacked our camera and this is what we found.  Hilarious!!!  I love the 'stach...

 

 

Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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The Knot Best of 2012

A while back I received an email saying that we were picked as one of The Knot's Best of Weddings. I immediately ignored it, thinking it was spam.  Or I would have to advertise with them to be able to stake this claim.  A few months go by and I receive a call telling me that we were awarded this Best of.  THEN I started to believe it and do a little research.  And it was actually legit.  How cool!  

So as I am standing at my imaginary podium speaking to the thousands of imaginary people that are in their imaginary seats in front of me, I just would like to say quickly (before the music cues the end of my time) that we appreciate all of the wonderful comments, reviews, etc. that our brides have given us.  We love that you all let us be a part of your wedding day. And just let us know when dinner will be served at Thanksgiving this year...

Here are a few more Best of's in Alabama!

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Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
   www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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Kim & Brendan | Beach Wedding Highlights

Imagine the most perfect a wedding weekend could be and you would have Kim and Brendan's wedding. Sure, being a destination wedding at the beach has its advantages, but these two families are what makes everything so special. The bride's family was from Birmingham, the groom's family from Connecticut, the couple met in LA and then moved to NYC. Needless to say, a destination wedding was the way to go! Guests were from all over to support this couple. They are fun, goofy and so down to earth! And you can see the love they have for each other!

Vendors - Bentley's by the Bay, Norton's Florist, Arden Photography

Kim and Brendan | The Highlights from Main Street Productions on Vimeo.

 

Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
   www.mainstreetav.com

"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime
there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 
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Christina & Phillip | Same Day Edit

There is a certain amount of an emotional high that you get from doing same day edits (SDE).  It is like sprinting for 12 hours straight and hopefully if all goes as expected, you get the prize - your bride crying because she liked it so much.  

SDEs are not something we really advertise that we can do, but when our bride Christina called after watching one at a recent wedding in Ohio, we just had to do it for her.  She wanted to be able to give this awesome gift to her groom and their family and friends.  And she wanted it to be a surprise.  

SDEs are generally a short clip of the entire wedding day.  Sure, not everything can be included because of time restraints.  But for our bride and groom, we filmed some getting ready (everyone made lovely by the talented team at Joyce's with Melissa Moore Bogardus as the lead), the amazing photo shoot with the couple, the ceremony and a little of the reception (with beautiful flowers by KG Designs).  Of course during all of this, the editing had already started.  Once the 1st dance was over, that was our cue to start pulling it all together so that when the band took a break and Lamar from Jamm Entertaiment gave us the nod, we would show the wedding guests what we had been up to that day.  One of the greatest parts is being able to allow the guests to be a part of the entire day. 

It took a lot of planning on every vendor's part.  We couldn't have done it without the help of many people.  Firstly, Anita Kanellis of AK Brides was Christina's planner.  I called her immediately when Christina called me about doing a SDE for her.  The day had to be meticulously orchestrated and Anita did a fantastic job.  

Christina and Phillip had a very elaborate setup for their reception to say the least.  You can see the cake (made by Jan O'Donnell) suspended in a swing in the video below! During the early part of the setup, John had checked with the Ross Bridge tech dept about the projector and screens to make sure the guests would be able to see the video.  (Lauren with the hotel was equally wonderful throughout the whole process.) As the night progressed, Andy Tolar with Design Productions saw that a problem was arising between his setup and ours and we got a late night phone call.  How wonderful was he to notice a potential problem, call us and then proceed to fix it (all while delaying getting his work completed).  Kudos!

A little pre-planning meeting with Frank Carnaggio and Nicole Muras with Carnaggio Photography was necessary for everyone to be able to work toward a common goal.  Thanks to them for being so great to work with!  And to James Meredith with Birmingham Bridal Carriages for letting us speed past you in order to "get the shot!"

And finally to our team.  Chris Carr with Carr Video Productions and Dylan Lard.  We could not have accomplised the work of 10 without the help of you both.  Thank you for giving up your Saturday to come have some high-stress fun with us.  I, Angela, watched my wonderful husband keep calm and focused all day.  He knew that shots that he wanted, he knew where they were going to go before they even happened. He created this beautiful masterpiece with 9 minutes to spare AND he made it look easy!  I'm the luckiest girl around.

Christina & Phillip Same Day Edit from Main Street Productions on Vimeo.

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Angela S. Deaver | Main Street Productions | Birmingham Wedding Videos
   205-669-1421 | 205-612-9574
"It’s a beginning and an ending, it’s glorious and sad, and it’s intimate and public.  In your lifetime there will be few milestones that will change the course of your future more than your wedding day. Main Street Productions understands and believes in the emotions of life. We bring these emotions to our art and look forward to presenting you a glimpse into your own past." - John Deaver, Main Street Productions 

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Betsy & Jonathan | The Sonnet House

It was a beautiful Fall day at The Sonnet House.  Our bride was relaxed and beautiful (Brittany Benton Massey on makeup).  The photographer (Amanda Pair) was wonderful and very good at her job.  The flowers (Lillie's) were breathtaking. Ceremony music was provided by Act of Congress and the reception band (Nationwide Coverage) didn't disappoint.  B & A Warehouse catered the reception and Barb's Cakes made a delicious and beautiful wedding cake. It could not have been a better day!

Here is a link to the photographer's pictures from the wedding.  Enjoy! They are gorgeous! 

 

Jonathan and Betsy | Sonnet House from Main Street Productions on Vimeo.