Anytime we get to work with our friend, Rachael Grammer of Two Hearts Weddings & Events, we LOVE it!  There is no other planner that comes so prepared for ANYTHING to happen on a wedding day like Rachael.  I mean, she even has extra Snicker Bars for the vendors in case you get so hungry, you are hangry!  She takes care of everything, allowing you to do your job that you were hired for.    

Meet Calah.  She's gorgeous, both inside and out.  Her family is pretty awesome too. (Stay tuned for her sister's wedding film to be released in the new year.)  I just love the emotion on Matt's face when she was walking down the aisle.  It's such a beautiful thing. 

"It's perfect!!! Absolutely perfect. I couldn't even imagine anything more perfect! You guys are amazing, I love it so much!!! By the way, thanks for making me cry at work (it's a good cry though). Thank you so much for capturing my day so beautifully!" - Bride Calah

Wedding Videographer: Chris Carr, Main Street Productions | Wedding Photographer: Little Acorn Photography | Wedding Planner: Rachael Grammer, Two Hearts Weddings | Wedding Venue: Douglas Manor  | Catering: Rikard Catering | Florals: Calera Quality Florist | Wedding Cakes: Cakes by Kim | Entertainment: Eric Hollis | Hair and Makeup: Kristen Gibbons/Casey Troulias | Wedding Dress:  Bella Couture | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bella Bridal | Formal Wear: Mr. Burch Formal Wear | Transportation: Ambassador Limo Service | Music licensed by: The Music Bed

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.

Many studies have shown that December is the most popular month to get engaged!  It seems to be true around here with our Main Street couples.  And it seems to be true with the love story of Ashley and Keenon.  Ashley's mom contacted us needing coverage for when Keenon popped the question at a local restaurant, Seasons 52.  Her enthusiasm was contagious! You could tell how proud she was of her daughter and future son-in-law.

From the production side, lots of elements lined up so that we could make this possible.  The family had reserved the chef's table at the restaurant.  After calling the restaurant, we learned that the chef's table is actually surrounded by black curtains (easy for hiding in), all of the servers wore solid black (another easy way to blend in) and there were to be flower arrangements on the table (perfect for hiding microphones).  We certainly did not want to spoil the surprise!  It's not a movie set, so you really never know what is going to happen.  You have to just be ready for anything in a proposal video!

For the couple, you will see in the video how Ashley had no clue what was about to happen.  Keenon did a really great job of acting nonchalant all day!  Congratulations you guys!  Now let the planning begin!

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.

So today is the official day!  We start with Thanksgiving, then Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and then we all get to reflect back on our blessings and promote giving for #GivingTuesday.  If you have read the previous posts about this topic, you understand my frustration with a once a year trend on something that needs to be a daily occurrence - thinking of others.  But I'm still going to take advantage of people's kindness on this day.  'merica

I thought about doing a blog post about all of the difference corporations that are matching donations or if you tweet a selfie about whatever, then someone will do something amazing.  Great.  Perfect. Keep it coming.  Since this post is not covering all of those many items, please refer to our Twitter account as I'm trying to keep the ideas following over there (@mainstreetav). I just encourage you to do something. Anything.

This week's feature is Help Portrait. "Each December, photographers, hairstylists and makeup artists all around the world will find people in need, take their picture, print their picture and then deliver it—free of charge."  (taken from their website) The organization was started in 2008 and is has grown considerably, even including a Birmingham branch.  

This Saturday, December 5 starting at 9:30 a.m. Help Portrait project will start to benefit Birmingham's YWCA.  Butch and Joy Oglesby (Blue Moon Studios), Gretchen Birdwell (Gretchen B Photography), Amber Ford (Amber Ford Photography), Juan Rodriguez (Juan Rodriguez Photography), Keith Rogers (Keith Rogers Photographer) and Barry Altmark (Photographer turned Deep South Rabbi) will team up with makeup artists Laura Eason and Jackie Robinson (Rawwbeauty) to "gift" the perfect gift for those less fortunate.  They are using their time and talents to make a difference in someone's life.  

If you have a way that can benefit this great organization, contact Barry at DeepSouthRabbi@gmail.com.

You can even read an article that AL.com did of last year's event.  

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.

Any gal that LOVES a fountain Diet Coke as much as I do, MUST be an awesome person!  And after waiting 5 years, Amanda and Blake were ready to get married!  Ready to have lots of fun on their wedding day!  Working at Douglas Manor is always a highlight, just as much as working with our friend David Boyd!  Fantastic photographer!  

Wedding Videographer: John Deaver with Amanda Khormabadhi, Main Street Productions | Wedding Venue: Douglas Manor, Chelsea, AL | Wedding Photographer: David Boyd Photography |  Wedding Entertainment, Puttin' on the Ritz DJ Service | Wedding Transportation: Camelot Transportation | Catering: Happy Catering | Music Licensed by: The Music Bed

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016. 

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016. 

Imagine marrying the boy whole stole your 1st kiss.  Well that is just what our bride Rachel did on the 6th anniversary of their 1st date! Just to think it all started with a blind date. I just love a good story.  Watch their wedding film and fall in love with Rachel and David.

Wedding Videographer: Chris Carr, Main Street Productions | Wedding Photographer: David Boyd Photography | Day of Wedding Planner: Something Blue by M. Elizabeth Weddings & Events | Linens: Decor to Adore | Floral Design: Lillie Jane Flowers | Photobooth: Bama Snaps | Bride's Cake: Olexa's | Groom's Cake: Pastry Arts Bake Shoppe | Wedding Transportation: Coats Classic Cars | Ceremony Venue: Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church | Reception Venue: Iron City, Birmingham, AL | Wedding Entertainment: Cahaba River Strings (ceremony music) and Bonus Round (reception band) | Hair and Makeup: Emily Summerville | Music Licensed by: The Music Bed

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016. 

I was so excited to start this blog series highlighting Birmingham wedding professionals that I have found with these amazing, giving hearts. I want to surround myself with them.  I’ve loved researching and talking about their passions.  Each #GivingTuesday, I can’t wait to be able to post what I have found.  You guys all know, that I want everyday to be a “giving day” - why does it just have to be once a year.  You can read my previous post for that rant.  But for now….

Meet Allison Lewis. I want to be her BFF.  She is the kind of person that everyone wants to be around.  She makes you feel good about yourself.  And she is changing the world for the better.  Since 2012, every wedding client that has hired Allison Lewis Photography has actually had a portion of their fee donated to Compassion International on their behalf, specifically, the women and children of Sadamo Genet, Ethiopia. You should read her blog post about the two trips she and her husband, Josh, took during the adoption of their son, Micah.  Extraordinary.  But get this. To date, over $15,000 has been donated.   Wowzeers!!!!!  $15,000!!!! She tells me, "I love that my clients help serve in such an incredible and tangible way!!!!"

This week, Allison and her family will be welcoming a new addition to the Lewis clan.  Boy or girl, they don’t know. They don't know any details.  They just love the child and can’t wait for the birth mom to go into labor. As you would expect, there is a sweet story associated with this adoption, so be on the lookout for it in the coming weeks.  I’m sure it will be accompanied with a TON of pictures!  #SpreadKindness people. We are all capable, sometimes we (me too) just need to be reminded.  I love this family, especially their hearts. 

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Every so often we are hired by someone else than the bride/groom.  Most of the "other" times are from the parents or another member of the family.  I'm not sure we have ever been hired by the bride's best friend.  But that is what happened the day that Angela (great name, don't you think!!) called about her BFF's wedding.  She told me of a long, true friendship.  It was beautiful.  I was instantly drawn into their story.  Even though Angela wasn't a true "planner", she knew the questions to ask and the answers to give.  It was like she was the hired planner for the wedding day. And it is a good thing.  You see, Joni is quite the busy bee.  She is the head coach for the lady dawgs at The University of Georgia.  I don't know much about basketball, but she is a pretty big deal.  And from what the news (Twitter) is saying, she is doing a great job on her first season! And don't worry, her hubby is pretty talented too.  He was the assistant coach at the University of South Carolina before they got married. 

Held at the historic Riley Center at Mississippi State University, the wedding was beautiful.  We actually had to live stream certain parts of the reception to the various rooms at the Riley Center. I guess you could say, Joni and Darius are loved by MANY!  Enough chit chat, watch the wedding film for yourself!  Well done John, Sam and Amanda!  

Wedding Venue: The Riley Center, Mississippi State University | Wedding Videography: John Deaver, Main Street Productions | Music licensed through: The Music Bed

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016. 

What do you get when you have a bride that throws her head back during bouts of laughter, a surprise visit from Big Al (The University of Alabama Mascot), and hours of dancing by all of the wedding guests?  You get a wedding film that is fun, happy and upbeat - just what the bride wanted!  Enjoy!

Wedding Videography: Chris Carr, Main Street Productions | Ceremony Venue: Holy Spirit, Montgomery | Reception Venue: Wynlakes Country Club | Wedding Photographer: Little Acorn Photography (love them!) | Wedding Band: Ocean Street | Music licensed by: The Music Bed

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.

I'm so excited to start this new blog series.  Not only does it shine light into several wonderful organizations, but it also brings kindness to a time when we all need to be reminded of caring people in this world. 

Jennifer with J. Woodbery Photography is celebrating her 4th anniversary donating new, unwrapped toys to Toys for Tots. She offers a $25 mini session for all of her past (and current) brides and grooms in exchange for a donated toy.  They get a gallery of 10+ images, fully edited plus two digital files with print release. 

Each year the mini sessions are held the weekend after Thanksgiving, so contact her today if you want a spot on the calendar!  Her cell is 205-370-8107.

"I mainly started doing it as a way to do something nice for my couples but also to give to children in need for the holidays. Growing up, Christmas was always a big deal at our house, and I wish the same for these kids receiving the toys. It's such a gratifying experience and everyone involved loves it." - Jennifer

I think this is an awesome way of using your talent to bless others!  Plus I love that she was able to get her kids involved too! 

Happy Planning! Angela S. Deaver Main Street Productions Bride Enthusiast e. angela@mainstreetav.com w. mainstreetav.com m. 205.612.9574

Main Street Productions will become Cinepear in January 2016.