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  • Rikki and Colton

    Rikki and Colton

    Rikki and Colton tied the knot October 1, 2022 in a stunning DIY ceremony and reception at a family friend’s farm in Birdsboro, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The bridal party prepped at the family home that Rikki grew up in. The groomsmen got ready on site at the farm. The weather turned out to be a typical South East Pennsylvania fall- day rainy and cloudy. The farm featured an old rustic barn that had been partially renovated by the groom and friends. It was an amazing DIY ceremony venue and it worked perfectly for the size of wedding. The traditional Pennsylvania bank barn had a lower level and an upper level. The upper level was a large space with high ceilings and bare wood walls and floors. Light streamed in through a few windows. Guests sat on wooden benches for ceremony. The lower level looked out on a grass field with hightop tables and housed a make shift bar and spread for the cocktail hour. The ceremony was officiated by a pastor who had known the couple for years. Their friend played music while they tied a literal knot representing the trinity. The couple took photos around the farm including near the large pond that is common on farms in this area of Pennsylvania. After the cocktail hour the guests moved over to the big tent reception, the bridal party was introduced and dinner was served. One incredible addition was a fireworks show at night over the pond. The couple also had a last dance together. Despite the poor weather I was able to squeeze in a few drone shots during a lull in the bad weather which was fun. 

    A beautiful fireworks display over a lake at a wedding reception can be a magical and unforgettable moment for the couple and their guests. As the sun sets over the lake, the sky transforms into a canvas of deep oranges, pinks, and purples. The soft glow of the setting sun reflects off the calm waters, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

    As the reception begins, guests gather around the lake, sipping on drinks and chatting with friends and family. The mood is lively and festive, as everyone is excited to celebrate the happy couple.

    Suddenly, the sky lights up with a burst of color, as the first firework explodes overhead. The crowd gasps in amazement as the fireworks dance and sparkle in the sky, creating a spectacular display of light and sound. The colors are vibrant and varied, with reds, greens, blues, yellows, and purples, illuminating the night sky.

    As the fireworks continue, guests watch in awe, the display perfectly choreographed to the music, adding to the overall experience. The fireworks reflect off the lake, creating a dazzling display of color and light that illuminates the entire area.

    The grand finale of the show is particularly impressive, with a cascade of colorful explosions filling the sky, leaving the guests in awe. The fireworks end with a final burst of color, and the crowd erupts into cheers and applause.

    The beautiful fireworks display over the lake at a wedding reception creates an unforgettable and magical moment that will be remembered and cherished by the couple and their guests for years to come.

    A rustic barn in the Berks County, Pennsylvania countryside is a picturesque and charming structure, typically made of wood with a weathered appearance. The barn is often large and spacious, with high ceilings and big open spaces. The walls are made of rough-hewn wooden planks, and the roof is typically made of metal or wood shingles. The barn often has big sliding doors at the front, which can be opened to let in light and fresh air.

    The barn is often surrounded by lush green fields and pastures, with the rolling hills of the Pennsylvania countryside in the background. The barn is often a focal point of the farm, and a symbol of the hard work and dedication of the farmers who built and maintain it. It’s a perfect setting for a rustic and charming wedding venue or a country-style event.

    A barn wedding in Pennsylvania can be a charming and unique event, surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside. The ceremony often takes place outside in front of the barn, with the rolling hills and lush green fields as a picturesque backdrop. Guests are seated on wooden benches or chairs, often decorated with wildflowers or other rustic elements. The ceremony is often simple and intimate, with the couple exchanging vows under a wooden arbor or a gazebo, decorated with flowers and greenery.

    The Berks County countryside in Pennsylvania is characterized by its rolling hills, lush green fields, and picturesque farmlands. The area is known for its rich agricultural heritage, with a variety of crops grown, including corn, soybeans, wheat, and more. The farms in the area are diverse, with everything from small, family-owned operations to large, commercial farms. The landscape is dotted with fields of crops that stretch as far as the eye can see, tended to by farmers using modern equipment.

    The area also boasts of charming towns and villages, with historic buildings, local shops, and quaint cafes and restaurants. The area is rich in culture and history, with many museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. The countryside is also home to many wineries, breweries, and distilleries, making it a popular destination for food and drink enthusiasts.

    Overall, the Berks County countryside offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich agricultural heritage and culture, making it a great destination for those who want to experience the charm and tranquility of rural life.

    DIY weddings can be a great way to personalize your wedding and make it truly unique. You have the freedom to create the exact vision you have for your special day and can often save money by doing things yourself. Additionally, DIY weddings can be a fun and creative way to involve friends and family in the wedding planning process.

    Wedding guests blowing bubbles at the end of a barn wedding ceremony is a fun and festive way to celebrate the newlyweds as they exit the ceremony. Guests are typically given small bottles of bubble solution, and as the couple walks down the aisle, they blow bubbles in their direction. The bubbles create a whimsical and joyful atmosphere, as they float and drift in the air around the couple. This is a popular alternative to throwing rice or confetti.

    A table dash, also known as a “table run” or “table sprint,” is a playful and interactive way for guests to leave the wedding reception and get involved in the celebration. At a designated point in the reception, the wedding party and guests will dash from table to table, visiting and chatting with friends and family. The table dash is typically a lively and social event, with guests often sharing laughs and memories. This is an alternative to the traditional bouquet and garter toss.

  • Live Music Video

    Live Music Video

    I filmed a couple live sets for a band in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The All Weather Band is an Americana band, playing a wide range of music and genres.

    https://www.allweatherband.com

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    They played live at Stoner Grill featuring songs by the Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Wylan Jennings, BB King, Eric Clapton, Elvis, Dave Dudley, The Band, and more. They had a great energy and were very fun to shoot.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    The audience at the venue was great as well. They featured a guest harmonica that night on many of the songs. I shot the music video with five cameras, four were set on stationary tripods, the last camera was for tight shots.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    I held the tight camera on a gimbal for motion and stabilization. The audio was recorded on three audio recorders and the cameras each recorded sound from their position. One problem that came up with recording the sound was the ambient noise in the room which made a few of the audio recordings unusable.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    It’s hard to tell during a set because the sound coming out of the speakers would seem to be loud enough to overpower all sound in the room but when an audience is drinking and having a good time they can talk very loudly and make a surprising amount of noise. I found that placing audio recorders close to the band and speakers in the front works best for recording live music.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    To capture the live band the stationary cameras are set on wide shots mostly so that each musician could be covered and nothing was missed and to cover if one goes down or a person blocks a shot. This video, as well as previous videos covering events of all kinds has once again shown the secret to filming live events- having at least one extremely tall tripod.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    I use one heavy manfrotto that was able to almost reach the ceiling and it helps immensely in getting over all obstructions and getting a clear shot of the action.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    I also need to use a step ladder to reach it but it is worth the hassle of bringing that extra heavy gear around. I felt a little like the tapers who recorded the Grateful Dead which was kind of fun.

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA

    https://www.facebook.com/allweatherbandlancaster/

    https://pmastromusic.com/allweatherband

    https://www.allweatherband.com

    Live Music Video Lancaster PA
  • Mechanicsburg Wedding

    Mechanicsburg Wedding

    Amanda and Jake tied the knot on July 30th at the Strock Farm in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania. The farm is just south of the town of Mechanicsburg surrounded by fields. It features a special building where the couple and the bridal party got ready in separate spaces. The Ceremony was held in a rustic barn which featured air conditioning which is great for Pennsylvania summers. The couple had their first look in front of a vintage muscle car and in the flower gardens around the farm. Before the ceremony started I was able to make a few drone flights to record some aerial videography. The drone flights went over the fields and the farm lane entrance. The drone was able to capture some stunning video of the Appalachian mountains in the distance and rolling hills and farms around the area. Amanda and Jake were surrounded by their very supportive friends and family. The speeches by the bridal party during the reception were especially touching. The guests had a catered barbecue buffet in the barn and an open bar. The dancing really started a bit later with everyone getting involved. 

    Mechanicsburg Wedding Video
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    Mechanicsburg Wedding Video
  • Moon Dancer Winery Wedding

    Moon Dancer Winery Wedding

    Wrightsville Pennsylvania

    Alli Walker & Matt Salimbeni 5.14.22

    Matt & Alli were married on Saturday at the Moondancer Vineyard and Winery in Wrightsville Pennsylvania. The couple got ready in the winery and were planning on having the ceremony on the lawn near the vines facing the Susquehanna River but the cloudy weather started to turn into a heavy rain. The guests quickly moved the round archway and folding chairs under the big tent where the reception was going to be held later. It all worked out well and the couple had a beautiful wedding ceremony with sound of the rain landing on the tent in the background. One amazing highlight was the flower man doing a full on performance. The winery served wood fired pizzas for appetizers and a full buffet for dinner. The rain finally stopped around the time the reception dancing started. It turned out to be a beautiful wedding, the couple and family had a lot of laughs. Wedding photography was by Katie McDonald Photography.

    I love look of film grain so in every wedding video I use Super 35 film stock effects to give it a subtle texture that has a more real analogue feel to it. I thought this wedding video could use an extra edit to push it even further with a faster paced edit, film grain, and high energy vintage sounding music. I used 16mm film mattes and grain for this and some film burn transitions.

    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
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    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
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    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Dancing in the tent
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Wedding Rainbow is the upside of rain your wedding day
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Wedding at a Vineyard
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    A real rainbow in this wedding
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
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    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
    Lancaster Wedding Videographer

    This is the first wedding to include footage from a drone. I used the DJI Mini 2, a pretty small aerial camera to get the shots. I was initially frustrated by the weather and the low clouds but after the wedding reception was underway the weather cleared up a bit. I used the DJI quick shot helix which worked out great, the couple stood on the lawn and the drone spirals upwards and is able to get theme and the hills going down to the Susquehanna River. I was also able to get some shots of the winery before sunset. I was super excited to be able to use the drone in this wedding video after passing the FAA Part 107 test.

    One thing I really enjoyed using in this wedding video was the Panasonic Nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 lens. I use two primary Panasonic Lumix cameras to shoot most of the video and this was the perfect lens to use for a wedding. The wedding reception, and ceremony were held in a tent and the wide aperture setting really helped to get footage in an otherwise difficult spot. The lighting would have been too dark for the camera sensors otherwise. The Panasonic Nocticron also has image stabilization which is perfect for filming weddings because it is easier and more natural to use the camera handheld.

    Lancaster Wedding Videographer

    I found that for this wedding I didn’t use the DJI Ronin SC as much as with all outdoor wedding videos. I liked the tighter lens handheld because it was easier to get the close in shots. I used my usual sound recording methods which mostly worked well despite the rain beating on the side of the tent.

    Lancaster Wedding Videographer
  • Waynesboro Country Club Wedding

    This wedding was held at the Waynesboro Country Club. The weather did not cooperate, but the wedding party still had a lovely time. The ceremony was indoors with large panoramic windows overlooking the dramatic weather on the golf course and the bridge over the creek. The reception was held in the banquet hall of the country club.

  • Hershey Wedding

    A beautiful fall wedding in Hershey Pennsylvania at Purcell Friendship Hall on the grounds of the Milton Hershey School. The groom and friends prepped in the farmhouse, the bridal party got ready at a salon in Hummelstown before taking a limo to the hall to finish up. The ceremony was held outside in the pavilion. The reception was held in the large renovated barn. Pictures were taken by the massive haystacks and in the nearby fields.

  • King’s Gap Wedding

    This ceremony was beautiful, and the reception was incredible and very fun. Alex and Nicole held their ceremony at the 1908 Cameron-Masland Mansion in Kings Gaps State Park. Guests were seated on the patio facing an expansive view of the Cumberland Valley. The bridal party and groomsmen got ready inside the mansion’s bedrooms and dining areas. The weather was a perfect September day and the air was cool on top of the mountain. The reception was held in the couple’s backyard, and was absolutely incredible considering the couple had created the entire venue themselves. They had a large tent with a dance floor and seating for the guests, a building with a bar and stage for the band. Dinner was provided by a mobile wood fired pizza oven. There was just so much detail and personal touches to their homemade venue, it really was amazing and their guests certainly enjoyed it.

  • Gettysburg Wedding

    A beautiful wedding at the Lodges at Gettysburg on a hill overlooking the valley. They included so many great Mexican touches and traditions. The weather did not cooperate but they were able to hold the ceremony in the reception hall. It didn’t dampen the mood at all. They included Las Arras Matrimoniales and a Lasso.

  • Lancaster City Wedding

    7.31.2021

    Ceremony St. Mary’s Church Lancaster, PA

    Drumore Estate Reception

    A beautiful wedding held in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. The groom and family got ready at Bent Creek Country Club. The bridal party prepped at the Drumore Estates where the reception was to be held that evening. The couple and family used a trolley to get them into historic downtown Lancaster for the ceremony. The ceremony was held at St Marys Church on Prince and Vine. Music was provided by a real pipe organ and cantor. The incredible detail, which was later revealed by the father of the bride was that the brides parents were married in the same church, AND the brides grandparents were also married in the same church! The couple took some quick photos in Penn Square in downtown Lancaster and rode the trolley with their party back to Drumore Estates for pictures. The guests had cocktails on the front patio off the bar next to the garden. Dinner was served on the back patio. Dancing was in the Orangery. The couple also included a cigar lounge off the Orangery

  • Maryland Summer Wedding

    6.6.2021 Pond View Farm

    Gorgeous wedding at Pond View Farm in Whitehall Maryland. The bridal party and families got ready in the stone farmhouse. The couple had their first look by the pond and took pictures and enjoyed their time as their guests arrived. The ceremony was held facing the pond and the reception dinner and dancing was held in the rustic wood framed barn.