2009 was an amazing year, a year that was full of changes (with John FINALLY being able to retire in May). We set out in 2008 to grow our business into one of the best in Birmingham. I don't mean to be boastful, but I love what we have created and will continue to strive to help Main Street Productions deliver an amazing product to our customers. We learned a lot in 2009 and will use that knowledge to further our success in 2010.
After working like crazy for months to get as many weddings as we could out to brides/grooms for the holidays, we were able to take 1 whole week off from work!!! This has never been done in our 7 years and it was WONDERFUL!!!!!
During this time, we filmed a family tradition that I would like to share with you. On New Year's Day, we decorate a Christmas tree with firecrackers and blow it up! The result is hilarious!! My in-laws (who shall remain nameless) live in a very rural area, so it is fairly safe. And of course, we got video...
This is one of my favorite family traditions in the Deaver family. Once, as a contest between two teams (with a trophy and everything), has evolved into just one tree lit with firecrackers, etc. If the tree is dry enough, flames are a sure thing! Don't worry, John's dad had the water hose handy (especially after the 16 ft high flames from a few years ago).
Enjoy!
Oh, and before the rumors get started, no alcohol was involved.
So I was told that in Beverly Andrews' (Engaging Celebrations) 15 year history of planning weddings, that she never had had a wedding rained out. But it really did look like rain for Saturday, so a tent was ordered, set up and decorated. When we arrived at the Sonnet House to start getting ready coverage for the beautiful Taylor, the weather was perfect! And it stayed that way until they were leaving when a little mist started. You couldn't have asked for better weather or for a more beautiful wedding! Every detail was handled perfectly by Beverly and her staff. I always say this, but when you have a professional wedding planner caring for your wedding, it runs so much smoother. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNER!
A few years ago, we worked with Angela Karen Photography for the 1st time. We were so happy to be able to do so again this weekend! And it was so much fun! I know that we were able to get some amazing footage so I know they did too!
Olexa's crafted the most beautiful wedding cake, and of course, it was delicious! For guest favors, Pastry Arts put 2 baby bites into a take home box! Soooo cute! Vince with FlowerStems arranged amazing flowers, with beautiful Fall colors. And finally, all of the guests had a wonderful time dancing to Nationwide Coverage!
Morgan and Jeremy had a beautiful ceremony at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Vestavia. And let me tell you, Morgan looked beautiful! I absolutely loved her dress!!!! Their reception was held downtown at B & A Warehouse, where their many guests all had a wonderful time mingling and listening to the band. Joe Breckenridge and his band was not our "typical" band that we have seen recently - he was a little more bluegrass, but he had a nice mix of blues and traditional music. It kept everyone dancing! Here is a link to some of the fun footage that we captured during one of the songs. This groomsmen was quite a dancer!!!
Other Great Vendors
Photographer: David Shirk, Unplugged
Dress: Carriage House
Band: Joe Breckenridge, Perfect Events
When I arrived at Trinity United Methodist Church, I first saw Ashley in her beautiful Carriage House Wedding Gown. She was absolutely glowing! She was so excited that her wedding day was here and was savoring every detail of the church, flowers, music, everything. Vince with Flower Stems did an amazing job on her flowers! I loved the boutonnieres!!
After Ashley and Brandon's gorgeous ceremony, The Club hosted their fun reception. With Super T as your band, you can't go wrong. That guy is an entertainer. I saw him at one point, bumping hips with a grandmother! He got everyone on the dance floor when the bride and her bridesmaids were pulled up on stage for introductions. Funny, funny stuff.
There was a point where Super T tried to get me up on stage - I know I have lots of people in my life that would have paid good money to see that, but it didn't happen. Let's just say I didn't want the "slightly" intoxicated wedding guest hold my camera while I was up on stage - it was not because I was chicken!!!!! As we always do with Super T, we can back with sooooo much great footage! It was a fun evening for all involved and I can't wait to get started editing!
After what seemed like endless days of rain, we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather for Sandy and Jeff's wedding at the American Village. Together with Jessica Messer, we were able to get some amazing shots of the bride and groom when they 1st saw each other on their wedding day. I can't wait to share that footage!! The couple had a very intimate and romantic ceremony in the chapel. And thankfully, the new ballroom was finished weeks before! It really is beautiful!
We knew we were in for a fun evening when all of the ladies arrived for the wedding wearing shoes made for dancing! You see, Sandy & Jeff met while taking dance lessons at a local school. Can I tell you how amazing their first dance looked!!!! WOW! The bride looked like Cinderella with her prince! Sandy also dances with Alene Gamel, who not only was the planner for the evening, but was also a wedding guest!
With most of the wedding guests being dancers, we had to upload a clip that represented just that!
October marked the month that we finally were able to launch our brand new website! We have been working on it for several months and it is so rewarding to finally see it "go live!" We still have a little work to do, but we are receiving tremendous feedback already!!!
We hope to always find the time to update the videos so that everyone can see what we have been up to lately. I know that we have several weddings that I haven't blogged about yet as well as a few fun clips that I want to upload. I hope to get to it soon!
Some new features of the website are recent quotes from customers (Our Raving Fans), more information regarding everyone here at Main Street Productions (The Team), and my favorite, a detailed list of the other wedding vendors that we have worked with in recent years (Other Wedding Professionals). We hope the latter will help brides have the information they need at their fingertips to plan an amazing wedding.
Last, but not least, we are officially launching our new Video Box!!! Imagine a old-time photo booth, add video and a little flair, and you get the Main Street Video Box! We really feel that this will fast become a must have for brides looking for a unique guest activity at their reception!
Shelley and Jim were married on the beautiful grounds at the Sonnet House. On this particular Saturday, it was touch and go with rain, so we didn't know if the Plan B was going to be put in action. Fortunately they were able to be married outside, like they wanted.
Beverly Andrews with Engaging Celebrations was brought it for her expertise on directing a wedding. I know Shelley was probably so relieved to have someone like Beverly to trust to make your dreams a reality.
This sneak peak clip was taken from some of the wedding reception dance footage that we shot. Just a quick clip to show how much fun everyone was having!
We had the wonderful pleasure of being the videographers for Brittany and John's wedding. What an amazing couple! Truly! We first got to know the couple while doing their "Love Story." Theirs was not a traditional love story, but a fun-filled day at Oak Mountain. Brittany and John decided to bring their mountain bikes and canoe to the Park so that we could add that footage into the piece for the rehearsal dinner. That evolved into a spoof of American Gladiators! They were such good sports with everything. It was so much fun to film. Here is the video from that day, which then was shown at the rehearsal dinner and reception both!
Now onto the wedding day! After Brittany and John saw each other for the 1st time, we were able to go outside (thankfully the rain stopped) to capture some really great moments with both of them. John's dad is the pastor at North Shelby Baptist - it really is a beautiful church. And what a gem...the courtyard! Special thanks to Blue Moon Photography for putting up with us all day! Take a look at this sneak peak of the courtyard footage!
After a standing-room only ceremony, the couple drove off in a 2010 Camero to The Club, where all 400 (+) guests were there to welcome the bride and groom. Now this was a traditional Baptist reception with no alcohol. That statement is important because I (after 100s of weddings) have never seen a crowd have THAT much fun dancing without having something to drink. Kudos to Carlos with Total Entertainment for getting people out on the dance floor. We got great footage!
Those that have worked with us before probably have met or heard about our wonderful friend/Senior Producer, Chris Carr. Unfortunately this morning, Chris lost his dad to cancer.
Please keep Chris and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this very difficult time.