Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Surprise Proposal - The Ivy Place :: Dixie + Matt

I really don't know much detail on this except that it was going to be a big surprise! Matt had been in contact with Julie of Old South Studios to capture the magic and she decided to throw a double surprise in the mix and have it filmed. I hid 2 of my cameras and hand held the other in the bushes at the gorgeous Ivy Place.

It was a magical night indeed. Matt had all of his parents and her parents already there waiting. How on earth can you top that! Way to go Matt!

Oh, and by the way... she said yes!

Thank you to Julie for trusting in Brian Bunn Films to capture this amazing surprise proposal.

Have a peak at the video.

The Ballantyne Hotel Wedding :: Jamie + AJ - 2.23.13

There is no other better way to kick off this years first wedding for Brian Bunn Films than to have a couple like Jamie and AJ!

I was even told to do anything I wanted, or try out some new equipment if I needed. What that pretty much means is that a couple is all for you getting some spiffy shots of them, even if it means trying out some new shooting techniques. Now how often do you ever get something like that said to you for a wedding?

Everything took place at the fabulous Ballantyne Hotel on February 23rd. I was cold and rainy outside but nice and cozy on the inside.

Enjoy a few freeze frames from their movie!


The lovely Ballantyne Hotel.

Jamie's father escorting her down the aisle. 

The kiss.

Promo videos :: Old South Studios :: Julie Staley :: Part 2

If any body knows Julie Staley at all, then you probably already know how much effort she puts into family photography sessions. I'm not kidding... she whipped out a book as thick as 2 sears catalogs put together with all kinds of cool things to check out.

I'm talking complete new wardrobes, colors, fibers, brand names... the list goes on forever. I'm sure the look on my face was hilarious but it really was a moment of... you seriously do all of this for families?!?

I was definitely blown away. Then it's artistically designed just for their wall.

For this portion of the video, we had some fun with acting to make sure the setting was just right for the video.

Once again Julie, I'm so proud that you trusted Brian Bunn Films for the portrait section of Old South Studios.

Take a look at this video.

Promo video :: Old South Studios :: Julie Staley :: Part 1

You know... I love meeting friendly people with goals and dreams! Getting to know those people on a more personal level is even better. There is just something about that dream driven person that really sends good vibes everywhere they go. 

With that being said, when Julie Staley first asked me to film a promo video for Old South Studios, I was without a doubt, all aboard!

We discussed a lot of things and got all of our ducks in a row so that when the time came to go out and shoot, that's exactly what we did. We didn't monkey around a bit! 

Instead of just showing up on site one day to shoot Julie in action, it was more of a journey. We shot at several locations over a 6 month period and during those shoots, we had the best of times.

Julie really wasn't interested in talking about how much she loved photography, but more of how she is invested into every single couple that comes across her path. To put it plain and simple, she wanted to speak from her heart about what and how she visions her couples.

For me it was an amazing journey as well. It was like going out, gathering firewood to stack up for winter. Once the final piece was filmed, it was time to gather all the footage and start to mold and shape together.

I am beyond proud that Julie trusted in Brian Bunn Films to capture the story of Old South Studios.

Check out her promo video!

Coddle Creek ARP Wedding :: Charles Mack Citizen Center Reception :: Amanda + Kris

Back in the years of 2004 - 2006, I use to rent an old farm house from a good friend in the Concord, NC Area. When I needed to go to Mooresville, I'd always drive down some back roads to get there. On those backs roads I always passed this very scenic looking church on a hill with huge trees out in front. I always thought it was such a beautiful church.
The scenic cozy Coddle Creek church

Nowadays, I live in Matthews and there is no reason to take those back roads when it's a straight shot down 77. While on my way to Kris and Amanda's wedding, I had no idea the wedding was at this church that I loved to see for all those times of driving down those back roads.

I lit up like a christmas tree when I pulled in!!! The inside of this church felt just as warm and cozy as it looked on the outside.

After the ceremony, the wedding guest loaded up and headed down the road to the Charles Mack Center  for the reception. From there, we rocked the house with Charlotte DJ and Events along with Chris Lane Band.

What a night!!! Kris and Amanda made me feel like I was part of their guest instead of one the vendors. I had so much fun that I actually didn't want it to end!

On the way home, the only thing I could do is reflect on what an amazing year it had been. Their wedding was the end to my 2012 year for Brian Bunn Films, and to rock it out at their wedding was the perfect way to sign off for the year.

To Amanda and Kris... I am so honored that you guys chose Brian Bunn Films to capture your special day!!!

Enjoy a few freeze frames from their wedding movie.



Is this a gorgeous couple or what...


The reception was absolutely stunning!

I'll never get tired of entrances like this!








Belk Chapel Wedding :: The Palmer Building Reception :: Emily + Scott

Hold on just a second here, I must take a deep breath before I begin this blog on Emily and Scott. Oh goodness, where do I begin...

The first email from Emily inquiring about their wedding date was around early spring of 2012. After I responded back and then a follow up a week or two later, I had heard nothing, nada, zip from Emily. I actually thought they had moved on and found someone else to film their wedding. I even deleted their email.

After saying "I do", everyone was in tears.
A few months later, I received another email. Which was mainly a follow up from my follow up. Another handfull of weeks passed and still nothing solid yet about being their videographer. Then, yet another email from Emily inquiring about an entirely different date.  Even though I had no idea on what was going on, I knew that if it was "meant to be", then everything would all work out.

After meeting up, having a coffee and learning the "low down" on everything, I knew this wedding was going to take a piece of me with it. In a very good way of course. I was indeed, over the top excited and extremely honored to be a part of their love story.

Emily holding to prince charming.
Emily and Scott could seriously write a book about what they've been through. During the times of meeting up and gathering pieces of the puzzle, I became very close to Emily's parents and learned a ton of things that would completely blow your mind.

Emily and Scott originally planned their wedding a few years ago, until a tragic accident happened that nearly cost Scott his precious life.

At their rehearsal dinner, almost everyone was in tears on what an inspiration Scott and Emily had been to everyone. Including myself! There was just no way you could listen to everything being said, and it not grab ahold of your heart strings!


Scotts contagious smile.
If you look at them now, you'd never guess anything ever happened. If you ever have the chance to meet them in person, you'll instantly fall in love.

When I said this journey would take a piece of me... well it did. It took a big piece of my heart. My moto for every couple and for every wedding film is to have an impact on their lives, so that it's remembered forever. For this time around, it was Scott and Emily who had the impact on me.


On December 8th 2012, after a very long road, Emily and Scott tied the knot to their beautiful love story.  I am beyond words of thankfullness for allowing Brian Bunn Films to capture your beautiful wedding.


Take a few minutes and watch their highlights video. This couple will grab your heart for sure!

St Mark Catholic Church, Mass :: The Peninsula Club, Reception :: Joanna + Rob

You know those couples that you meet that have contagious personalities... that would be Rob and Joanna!!! I'm serious... ten minutes with these guys and you feel like you've known them forever.

Joanna and her awesome bridesmaids!
Very fun and laugh a lot kinda couple!!! From the moment I arrived at their home for the hair and make up coverage on their wedding day, till the minute I left to head out to the church, Joanna was full of huge smiles!  And her bridesmaids... I'll just say they were absolutely hilarious! I got all kinds of practice on my silent giggles that morning. (Last thing I want to hear on their video is my goofy sounding voice... so I have to laugh silently)!

Rob and Joanna were all about letting us get the right shots. My dear friends and mad talented Critsey and Thomas from Critsey Rowe Photography were directing every step and every pose. And talk about a backdrop... we were given an amazing gift of a BEAUTIFUL sunset on the lake.
Is that a stunning sunset or what!

It was like a playground for myself, Critsey and Thomas! It was hard to stop! But we had to head back to the reception and get ready to party. Split Second Sound was all set up and kept things movin' and groovin' all night. We jammed the night away! During the sparkler exit... Rob dipped, then carried... yes, carried Joanna to the limo!

I must say thank you times a million to everyone involved in their wedding. The details were breathtaking! I'm beyond thankful you guys chose Brian Bunn Films to capture your gorgeous wedding day!

Check out Rob and Joanna's highlight trailer. See if you can catch the wink ;)

The Arbors Events :: Christine + Ed

The way Ed holds Christine is chilling to the bones.
Have you ever watched how couples look at each other? Or how they hold each other? How about the chemistry between the two? Ever pay any attention to things like that? I surely do. In fact, I love watching how couples look at each other.

Since I met with Christine first, I knew right from the "get go" that she was going to be a super "laid back" kind of girl. When I met Ed, he was a just the same. Completely "laid back", but with a touch of edge.

When you smash all of that together, it's like Christine and Ed were so easy going they were like butter in a hot microwave. It was a very tender kind of love that they showed towards each other.

The way Christine smiles at Ed..
I remember it like it was yesterday... when Christine and Ed did their first look, Christine just nudged Ed's shoulder. When Ed turned around, it wasn't like his eyes popped out or his jaws dropped with animation. It was more like a sneaky grin, like he knew just how beautiful Christine would be. Then ever so gently pulled her close to him for a kiss!

Wait there's more... the way they dance together, the way they kissed, the way Christine smiles when Ed looks at her.  It was very clear to me that although they may not show much animation, their love for each other is all good and mushy!

Now that to me... is a very tender kind of love. Christine and Ed celebrated their wedding day at the beautiful Arbors Events.

I'm so thankful they chose Brian Bunn Films to film their special day.

Check out their wedding highlights video!


Soiree - A Swanky Little Bridal Event

Ever heard of the word "swanky"? It seems as if that word keeps coming back to me often these days... and every time I hear it, it gets even swankier!

This time around, "swanky" got hitched up with a Bridal/Fashion show that my bussom buddy ole pal Cassandra Bradley of BlueSky Studios put together... and Brian Bunn Films was invited to film every ounce of swankiness. Of course, I proudly accepted!!!

So here's the deal; when you get folks together that have a vision for something... be on the lookout. I assure you that whatever it is will only get bigger and better in time.

The first event was held at the gorgeous VanLandingham Estate along with several vendors representing their services and talents. Oh and just to let you know how amazing the ladies are that put this event together; it rained like crazy just around an hour before the fashion show. We grabbed our stuff and moved everything inside as if it was already planned to work out that way. Ladies... you did an outstanding job!

Be sure and head over to the Soiree facebook page and give it a "like" to stay updated on all the swankiness.

Here is the video to the very first, Soiree - A Swanky Little Bridal Event.