"Family."
That's the answer Despena and Constantinos gave me when I asked them if their wedding had a special theme. "Our families are very important to both of us, and we want to make sure you capture as much of our families as possible throughout our wedding film," Despena told me when I met with them several weeks before their wedding. And sure enough, I got to experience first-hand just how large a role this newly wed's friends and families played throughout their entire wedding day. But let's back-up a bit and do this story justice!
Neeta and I started our day at Despena's parents house. From the moment we entered their home, we were greeted with utmost respect and courtesy, almost as if we were part of their "family". I started with coverage of Despena's mother getting her hair and make-up done, while Neeta started with some detail shots inside and outside the house. When Despena made her way downstairs, we focused our attention to her putting on jewelry in front of a large mirror. Neeta happened to catch an amazingly precious moment of Despena's and Constantinos' fathers singing a beautiful song in Greek (truly touching moment... one of our favorites!!) in the kitchen. Umm..... talk about great timing!!
We then hurried over to
Saint John the Baptist Hellenic Orthodox Church and setup our cameras and microphones. We knew that two priests would be officiating the ceremony, so we setup both of them with a wireless lav microphone (hidden under their ceremonial robes). Seeing Constantinos' face light up with smiles upon seeing Despena walk down the aisle just warms our hearts. We love seeing Despena and Constantinos beam with happiness as they have their Greek ceremonial blessings bestowed upon them.
But unlike most weddings we've covered, this wedding had a special ceremonial piece AFTER the wedding ceremony had completed. You see, as soon as their wedding ceremony ended, they went straight to the baptism of their adorable son Demetrios. What a happy baby! We love how his relatives gave him a Canon lens cap to keep him distracted.... perhaps he'll be a wedding filmmaker someday!
And what a magnificent sunset at
Granite Links Golf Club later that day. Despena, Charlie, Demetrios and their friends and family danced the night away to the sounds of traditional Greek wedding music performed by
Orfeas Greek Band. In many ways, we felt like we got to be part of Despena and Constantinos' families that day, and it was truly a memorable experience.
Special thanks to
Areti Bratsis Photograper for sharing a few of her amazing still images with us. If you're looking for a really great wedding photographer, you must check her out. We loved working with Areti and hope our paths cross again soon.
So without further delay, we give you their wedding feature film. Congratulations to Despena, Constantinos, and Demetrios on their very special day.
CREDITS
Cinematography:
True Focus Films
Photography:
Areti Bratsis Photographer
Ceremony Venue:
Saint John the Baptist Hellenic Orthodox Church
Officiants: Father George Dragas and Father Nicholas Pelekoudis
Reception Venue:
Granite Links Golf Club
Band:
Orfeas Greek Band
Cake and Desserts:
Konditor Meister and Arlington Bakery
Soundtrack License:
The Music Bed
