The Pro Series: Jason P Smith

Insanely talented.  That's what I emailed back to Jason after he shared these last images with me from our wedding just a week ago (click on featured weddings and then Melissa and Brandon).  While I was looking at his site, I also looked back to watch the slideshow from our 1st wedding together (Holly & Bradd) and wow did the memories come flying back.  Jason is the epitome of a true wedding photojournalist...he doesn't make pictures happen at all, he waits for the moments to arrive and captures them instantly.  In other words, "enjoy your wedding day as you will, I'll document it for you."

What is your company name and profession?

Jason P. Smith Weddings; I'm a photographer

What’s your name?

Should I know anyone else from your company?

Jason. Nope, it's just me.

Where do you do weddings?

 I've shot in a lot of places: Florida, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, etc. I really enjoy traveling, so I'm always open to new locations and destinations. I'm available internationally.

Website:

www.JasonPSmithWeddings.com

How long have you been in business?

I've been in business seven years

Why weddings?

I love to tell stories with photos. My background is in photojournalism, and that is what photojournalism is all about; weddings are a natural extension of this in many ways. It's a story that is only told once, so it's always very rewarding when someone asks me tell their story--from the little things they spent months planning to the things they never expected would happen. Every wedding has a unique story and personality, and I work to make all of that come together in my images.

What your clients most often commend you on?

I would have to say the one thing that most people mention is that they really didn't notice me much during the course of the day, which is a big compliment. I do my best not to interfere with the course of the day as much as possible. My philosophy on wedding photography is that if you are working as a photojournalist and capturing the day as it unfolds, you will come away with a more compelling and story of the day.

Oh, and people enjoy the photos as well!

Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?

he best piece of advice I can give is to just plan a wedding that fits your style, and have a great time doing it.

What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?

It would have to be having a similar vision for how the day's story will unfold through photos. It is so important that couples not only look for someone who they would like to spend the day with, but also someone they can trust to tell their story in a way that will really help preserve the memories for their future.

Can I find you on Twitter?

JasonPSmithP

What is the craziest request you’ve ever received? Or

What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?

Groomsmen burning money with their cigars at the reception

What is something you hope to do in the near future?

Man, that could be a long list. I always enjoy shooting in new locations, and places I've never been, so I hope to keep meeting interesting people and seeing new things. Both are a great source of inspiration.

Special just for you!

I'm currently offering a discount on travel rates.

The Pro Series: AMC Video Productions

Nearly every single Wedding Budget planning discussion goes like this:

Me: Should we budget for video?

Bride: No, I'll never watch it.  Or I'll watch it once.

Groom: If we get HD video I have to get a PS3 so we can watch the Blu-ray disk.  Yeah, we want it.

Me: The most common "thank you for insisting Kelly" that I have received over the last 6 years is to get video. Have you seen a good wedding video; one produced in the last 2 years? Watch this and then let me know.

Bride: They're all cheesy and have country songs.

Me: Just watch.

Bride: Okay, we'll consider and let you know.

Groom: PS3.

I swear this is true, nearly 100% of the time, ask any of my brides who said yes to video:

after the ceremony...before they're even at the reception...
Groom: That was so fast, what did I say?
at the end of the night...
Bride and Mother of the Bride: When do we get the video? I can't wait to see it.
and when they see the directors cut online...
Bride & Groom: This is the best thing ever.  We just keep watching it over and over.
and when they get the video...
Bride & Groom: Thank you for insisting Kelly.
Me: Did you pick a country song?

 

What is your company name and profession?

AMC Video Productions.  We film weddings and events.  We specialize in high definition and luxury event videos.  We love what we do and are passionate about our work in the wedding industry.

What’s your name?

Should I know anyone else from your company?

My name is AnnMarie Epple.  My husband Rob is my partner.   You might even see Lee, Matias, Jaron and Steven, our videography team.  Behind the scenes are our editors Christa, Shannon and Laura.  We are expanding all the time as our business keeps growing.

Where do you do weddings?

We capture weddings everywhere!  Most of the time you can find us in Naples, Sanibel Island, Captivia and Marco Island.  

Blog Title 

AMC’s Weddings and Events (amcvideoblog.com)

How long have you been in business?

11 years 

Why weddings?

Weddings are such a happy time!  We love to be a part of such an important event and watch the process unfold from the early planning stages to the wedding day. 

What your clients most often commend you on?

“WOW, your work is amazing”.  Many people think that video is what is was 10 years ago, long and boring.  (My own wedding video is like this!).  However video has come a long way and a good video company should be able to capture the day with creativity and tell a story that is different from any other.  Every day we hear from clients how they searched and searched for a video and how our work stands out above the rest.  That is what keeps us going.  The day we don’t hear those words, we know its time to find something else to do!

Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?

Take your time, and check out lots of vendors.  You will see a big difference in quality.  Shopping by price is not a good idea.  In the end, you will be disappointed if you do not find the right vendor for your big day! Ask to see a full length sample of a real wedding video.  From what we hear, this is a good way to see what you are actually getting, and you might be surprised at what you see.  Don’t settle for a one camera package, ask for 2 or 3 for multiple perspective, better creativity, and safety!  Is HD available?  We have been delivering HD for years now.  Everyone should be shooting HD.  The difference is amazing!  We are all ready taking steps to upgrade to the next big technological changes.

What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?

It is always great to meet with a bride or groom and actually here what their vision of what they would like captured.  This way, we know what they are looking for in a finished product.  No two videos are the same.  Every person has a vision, and we like to customize video to exactly what our brides and grooms want.

Can I find you on Twitter?

Yes you can.  Rob twitters at amcvideo

What is the craziest request you’ve ever received? Or

What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?

Requests that we get all the time ---“Can you please remove all footage of the girl in the red dress?  We do not want to see her in our video!”  We have our local brides come to our studio for a preview before we make the final cuts – so we are hearing this more often then you would think.  Long distance brides get mailed a preview DVD before the finals are cut.  This way they are able to work with Rob on the final product and have exactly what they want.

Crazy stuff – we have seen lots of it!!  Belly dancers, monkeys, giraffes, sword cake cutting and brides and grooms jumping in the pool to name a few!

What is something you hope to do in the near future?

We are planning on doing a lot more travel beyond south west Florida, servicing discriminating brides who want more then just a video with a lot of coverage.

Special just for you!

Anyone who reads this blog post is eligible for a FREE upgrade to High Definition with Blu-Ray DVDS as long as we are available for your date!!!

    

       

The Pro Series: Michael Schuhmann

What do you get when you mix photopgraphy and art? Micheal Schuhmann. After reading his interview, be sure to view some of the slideshows on his website!

What are your company and profession?
Photography by Michael
What’s your name and title?
Michael Schuhmann
Where do you do weddings?
Tampa, Boca Grande, Italy, Cabo, Charleston, Connecticut, New York, Miami, Florida Keys, Orlando, St. Augustine, Sarasota, Marco Island, Sanibel, Naples...
Website:
www.photographybymichael.com
How long have you been in business?
15 Years
Why weddings?
An endless opportunity to create art. The pleasure I get when I find someone who truly understands and appreciates what I do.
What your clients most often commend you on?
Breath taking images. Timely service. Personal attention to details.
Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
Spend as much as you can on photography, you wont regret it.
What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
Doing an engagement session helps them become more comfortable with me and the camera.
Can I find you on Twitter?
No, but I'm on Facebook.
What is the oddest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
Well, I was shooting this very chic outdoor wedding one day and the ceremony was just about to start and a guest came up to me and said" I have to tell you something" I said what, she said "your pants are split". Well the bride was about to walk down the isle so I had to keep shooting, then after the ceremony I had to photograph all of the family groups as well...later during the reception I located some duct tape and repaired my pants. Ahhhh what fun....
What is something you hope to do in the near future?
I'm going to Burning Man this month, after that I'm not sure.

Who won the iTunes card?

I didn't forget to pick a winner- I just forgot to announce the winner.
Thanks to everyone who commented on my Pro Series interview. Congrats to Heather Canada!
Need to catch up on the series? Here you go!

Clint Wiley (None Other Band)
Kelly McWilliams (Weddings by Socialites)
Sue Bain (Signature Florals).

The Pro Series: Clint Wiley

There is nothing like a great band at a wedding. Music is one of those crucial decisions in your wedding planning quite frankly because it has the greatest impact on the celebration portion of your wedding day, and that is most likely half of the time your guests will be spending with you. This band you're about to read about is not your typical wedding band because they play the most current music on top of the standards;

"Oh you want to hear Rihanna & Maroon 5? Sure we can do that. Michael Jackson too? Got it. The Cure? Will do. Your mom wants to here Sweet Caroline? Consider it done."

With that said, let me introduce you to one band that has kept dance floors packed at my clients weddings for years now.

What are your company and profession?
Clint Wiley Entertainment. I am the owner as well as singer, guitarist, emcee and DJ.

What’s your name? Should I know anyone else from your company? Clint Wiley. My six piece band consists Lyli, Dom, Chris, Quinn, and Billy. I have other band members for horn sections, percussion, and dancers if desired.

Where do you do weddings?
I offer my services internationally, but a majority of my shows are in the state of Florida. I own a 15 passenger van and 20 foot trailer, so getting to most locations is easy.


Website Link
www.clintwiley.com

How long have you been in business?
The band was formed ten years ago when we were VERY young:) We did our first wedding in 2001. I have been averaging at least one wedding a week for about three years.

Why weddings?
I really like to be a part of 'big' things. I have pacticed my skills for decades, and the opportuinity to use my gifts to make someone's special day the best it can be is very fulfilling. I think weddings should always be about 'the best' of everything, and I find that challenge exciting.

What your clients most often commend you on?
The top comment heard from clients is that I went far above their expectations. Their guests usually say we are the best wedding band they have ever heard. I don't say that to sound cocky, but it is the most common and rewarding comment I hear.

Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
Do lots of research before picking a band. Make sure the band actually plays the styles you want. Make sure the band has sound/movie clips of what they can do. Some bands will say they can play a style just to land the job. For weddings, I believe the selection should be diverse. Bands that focus on one style or a couple decades can be fun for a while, but it can get tiring over an entire night. Playing music from all decades will involve everyone. 80's songs seems to go over really well with all ages, and adding some modern hits makes the younger crowd happy. Also make sure bands have a good sound system and lighting package. Once you find the band you like, give them a little direction, but let them do what they do best. I've seen some brides empty a dance floor by picking a song list that doesn't work well.

What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
Having the client know what they want at least a month before the wedding date. Last minute changes can be frustrating at times. Also, seating the older guests away from the band is ALWAYS a great idea. Otherwise, the older guests wants the music low, and the other guests cannot enjoy the dance music.

What is the craziest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
The craziest thing I saw happen were a group of grown men acting like chickens(sounds and all) in front of the stage because I would not play the Chicken Dance. The bride was very adamant about not hearing that song, or anything cheesy. Evidently the men were cousins who had harassed her since she was a kid, and her wedding day would, evidently, be no exception.

What is something you hope to do in the near future?
I constantly work to improve my show, and part that consists of new staging and lighting. I now own a full intelligent light show with a professional truss and lasers. I hope to be able to use them at a wedding in the near future.

Previous Pro Series Interviews: Kelly McWilliams (Weddings by Socialites), Sue Bain (Signature Florals).
Next up: Michael Schuhmann (Photography by Michael)
Want to be interviewed? Send an email to WeddingTidbits{at}gmail.com

The Pro Series: Sue Bain of Signature Florals

Here's the first in our Wedding Pro Series! I'm very excited about all the professionals who reached out to be included. I have some really great interviews to share with you, and some completely crazy answers! I was the first interview and next up (after this one) will be Clint Wiley of None Other.

Reminder: Tomorrow by noon is the last day to comment on the original post to win the iTunes card. Alright, let's get this party started:

What are your company and profession?
Signature Florals and Gifts - Specializing in Weddings and Events with a sideline in Education programs and custom decorating

What’s your name and title? And is there anyone else you work with?
Sue Bain and I have Gail Stangeland as a part time enthusiastic assistant, Jim Malone who is my computer guru, bookkeeper and logistics in building advisor. On any weekend there may be several others to help deliver and set up

Where do you do weddings?
I've done and will gladly do weddings all over the country but mostly Sarasota to Marco Island
Website:Signature-florals.com

Blog Title
Susan Bain AIFD

How long have you been in business?
I first started designing and building perennial gardens in 1985. Within a year or two I became a floral designer/manager with a passion. I was inducted into AIFD in 2003. I started Signature Florals about 3 years ago.

Why weddings?
I love the emotional aspect; the highs and lows during the planning stages. I also love the complexity of the entire event, the interaction with other wedding vendors. Working with Wedding Couples allows me an opportunity to develop a personal relationship. It is always more enjoyable to do flower arranging when I can express myself and represent the couple's wishes.


What do your clients most often commend you on?
That I am easy to work with, have a calming nature and exceed expectations in design.


Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
Trust the good feeling you get when you meet the right vendors to hire, then trust their professional expertise. Make your wedding as personal, as much about you as possible.

What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
Recommendations from other vendors helps to solidify the first impression. I try to disarm the price shoppers and get them to look at the whole picture.


Can I find you on Twitter?
signaturefloral

What is the oddest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
Odd request:
I could write a book on the funny and strange things that have happened but who would read it? One thing that comes to mind was the armed security that surrounded the church for a ceremony where the groom was certain that his ex-wife would arrive and do something rash.

Anything you'd like to share?:
I'd love to give away a $25.00 gift card to one lucky person who reads this! By commenting on my Blog page, you are automatically registered to win.

What is something you hope to do in the near future?
I definitely want to re-build my website to include some of the beautiful weddings we've done recently, but in a broader picture, I plan to do more floral art pieces for exhibition.

Wedding Tidbits Presents:The Pro Series

Over the next several weeks I'll be posting interviews with both local and national wedding professionals. To start the party off, I did my own interview (below). If you're a pro who'd like to be interviewed, send an email to our blog email: weddingtidbits{at}gmail.com

Here's mine!:

Photo by Sam Brockinton at the Summer 09 We Wed Brunch Photo Booth.

What are your company and profession?
Weddings by Socialites, Wedding Planning & Design
I am also a confessed weddingaholic.
What’s your name and title?
Kelly McWilliams, owner and “The Planner”
Should I know anyone else from your company?
Yes, always by my side and equally addicted to weddings are Michelle, Jackie, Kandice, and Whitney.
Where do you do weddings?
From Sarasota down to Key West. Favorites are Boca Grande, Captiva Island, Sanibel Island, Bonita Springs, Naples, Islamorada and Key West
Website:
Weddings by Socialites
Blog Title:
Wedding Tidbits, Kelly McWilliams’ Blog
How long have you been in business?
Officially I think we’re at 7 years. Unofficially, a long time.
Why weddings?
For me, the wedding process and wedding days are amazing. I love seeing all the pieces come together slowly. I love the anticipation, the excitement and the emotion involved. I love how one day involves so many people from the professional’s standpoint and the incredible reactions from the wedding guests. Yep, I adore it.
What your clients most often commend you on?
Three things: How smooth the day went, and how much better it was than any wedding they’ve ever been to, and how much they appreciated all the honest advice I gave them along the way.
Best piece of advice for brides & grooms?
Let your professionals do their jobs. Tell them where you want to go (or not go) and let them tell you how to get there.
Also, do get products/services that will help you enjoy your wedding day more. Such as hire someone else do your hair and makeup. One less thing for you to do and stress about.
What is one thing that makes working with new clients easier?
The more specific and upfront they are with me, the easier it is to plan and develop for them.
When it comes to the creative side, it’s easiest for me to have some images to start with. Then let my imagination roll.
Can I find you on Twitter?
WeddingTidbits
What is the oddest request you’ve ever received? Or
What is the craziest thing you saw happen at a wedding?
Odd request:

“Can you build a wall at the reception to keep my dad from seeing my mom?”

Crazy happening:
I don’t think most would believe the craziness I’ve seen. Nearly every wedding something completely insane happens with guests. Typically it’s inspired by a few too many drinks. But the top on my list:

I once had to drop an entire wedding cake into mulch.

Anything you'd like to share?:
As my special thanks for coming back each week to read all the Pro Series, I’m giving away a $25 itunes gift card to download some of your favorite songs to listen to while getting ready for your wedding day.
Just leave a comment with your twitter name or email address and you’re in the drawing. This is open to all readers, brides & pros alike.
What is something you hope to do in the near future?
A tradtional Indian wedding! I just love what I’ve learned about the culture, ceremonies, and décor and I very much hope that I’ll have the opportunity to plan one soon.