GENERATIONS cinemastories

The Knot - featured wedding, page 78 - Emily and Sean

2012-01-25T12:16:00.001-05:00

Another of our favorite 2011 weddings!

Emily and Sean were married at the fun and fabulous Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge on June 18 - which coincidentally happens to be Jack and my anniversary. So we not- so -secretly enjoyed sharing the celebration with them in a very special way.

The couple chose to have their warm and personal ceremony in the public park next to the Marlowe, and added blue and yellow decorations to the wonderful natural colors already in the park.
Great fun as boats on the river behind the chuppah passed by with passengers waving and shouting out congratulations.

Emily and Sean were the sweetest, most caring couple, even making a trip to Florida to escort Emily's air-anxious grandparents back to Boston. The wedding was extra special with 4 grandmothers and 1 grandpa - all celebrating with the family.

It was, as always, great fun to be working alongside one of our favorite photographers, Jill Person of Person+Killian Photography.
Check the current issue of the Knot for the wonderful pics, and story.

Bride's Choice 2012

2012-01-23T12:51:00.000-05:00

{Watertown,MA} – January 23, 2012 – WeddingWire, the nation's leading wedding Marketplace, is excited to announce GENERATIONS cinemastories has been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2012 for Videography!

The esteemed annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, GENERATIONS cinemastories was selected based on its stellar reviews from past newlywed clients.

GENERATIONS cinemastories is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. “Since the launch of the Bride’s Choice Awards™ program four years ago, thousands of outstanding wedding professionals have been recognized by the bridal community for their supreme service and dedication to the wedding industry. It is with great pleasure that we congratulate GENERATIONS cinemastories for their continued professionalism and commitment to enriching the wedding planning experience for engaged couples.”

We are happy to announce that GENERATIONS cinemastories is one of the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Project Wedding, Brides.com, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for taking the time to review our business on WeddingWire. Thanks to their positive feedback we were able to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ for 2012.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/generations-cinemastories-watertown/7739e01d5ed1343b.html.

To learn more about the Bride's Choice Awards™, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire™, the nation's leading marketplace serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 reviewed wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers. WeddingWire also offers a comprehensive suite of online planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire is the only all-in-one marketing platform for businesses online and on-the-go. WeddingWire offers one simple solution to build a professional network, improve search visibility, manage social media and reach mobile consumers. Businesses that advertise with WeddingWire appear on WeddingWire.com, ProjectWedding.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), Brides.com and Weddingbee.com.

Last Thoughts on 2011...

2011-12-31T21:21:00.000-05:00

We just came from a beautiful, heart-stirring, tender wedding at The Fairmont Copley Plaza. The room was stunning with chairs on four sides of an open - sided sheer and crystal Chuppah. The couple was literally surrounded by love. They were sweet and beautiful (OK, handsome and beautiful) and their ceremony touched my heart. My most lasting image is of Austin holding and playing with Julianne's hands during much of the ceremony. I could see their entire relationship in those gestures. WOW.
Every wedding has its magic. We're hired to see it, hear it, and let it direct us in making a wedding film. What a blessing that is!
Happy New Year to all!

Gorgeous Dancing Men!

2011-12-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

When I first began making wedding films I began to wonder about the bride-centricity of weddings. Of course the fairy tale wedding is the stuff of little girl's more often than little boy's fantasies, but still, when I thought about my wedding, I thought about my groom.
I recall fantasizing about the look on his face when he first saw me in my wedding dress, how he would take me in his arms and kiss me when the ceremony ended. So, while I certainly won't ever neglect my fabulous brides, neither do I think of my grooms as accessories to the event.

When men openly express joy on the wedding day, in their smiles, their comments, their toasts and big hugs, I simply melt. On the occasion of Pamela and John's Greek Orthodox wedding, cousins came all the way from Greece to celebrate. And celebrate they did!

This clip is a mostly unedited version of a celebratory wedding dance involving the groom, John; his father, Ted, and several Greek cousins. Although traditionally danced by men alone, you can see John's mom and Ted's wife, Stella, gracefully weaving in and out of the dance. I just love this clip. Watching it makes me feel so happy.

Fashionably Late at The Liberty Hotel

2011-12-15T20:38:00.000-05:00

Shooting fashion is always fun and challenging. This was the second time we were hired to film a fashion show for Ku De Ta, a fashion forward store in South Boston. Every Thursday night at 10 PM
The Liberty Hotel on Beacon Hill turns into a perfect place for a fashion show with its young, hip bar crowd, its 2-tiered catwalks, mirrored escalators and many lobby desks on which to pose. Dynasty Models strutted the runway, showcasing the latest clothes. We had a blast shooting and editing this piece so we thought we'd share it here: http://vimeo.com/33685730
Seriously, stop into the store - and let them know you heard about them here, on our blog!

Wedding Table Decor 2

2011-12-12T17:44:00.000-05:00

A totally different look in wedding table decor was created on the same day for Southern New England Weddings by Ed Quinones of The Catered Affair at the stunning Opera House in Boston. Ed chose to create a table at once soft yet modern, in neutrals and shades of lilac and purple. It was a lovely counterpoint to the ornate decor of the venue, now available for weddings.

http://vimeo.com/33358227

Wedding Table Decor 1

2011-12-12T15:20:00.002-05:00

We are always delighted to be asked by our friends and colleagues to film special showcases and events.
Southern New England Weddings asked us to film a lovely wedding table setting that was designed by the talented team at SD Events with gorgeous florals provided by Teresa of Mimosa Fresh Flower Design.
The background setting was the on-the-water back of New England Aquarium.

SD Events Table Decor at NE Aquarium

Donate The Dress!

2011-12-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

Keep the Love Giving!

What to do with the gorgeous dress you've spent so much time dreaming about, looking for, so much money purchasing and altering, AFTER the wedding day? A few brides we've asked dream about their yet-unborn daughters some day wearing the dress at their own weddings. (Did you wear your mom's dress at yours?) Given the desire of most brides today to define their own style, at most, a piece of the dress might wind up wrapping the stem of the bouquet or sewn into the underside of the new gown.

Rather than stash the dress in a box or worse yet, cram it into your new husband's clothes closet (after all, there's not likely to be room in yours!) why not donate the gown to a worthy cause? Your once-worn dress, cleaned and re-sold can make several people very happy. One, some sweet about to be bride with a tight budget will be delighted to wear it to her wedding. Second, some worthwhile charity will pass the re-selling price on to some worthwhile project. Check the link above - and see what good you can do with your once-worn dress!

For a limited time, we're offering 3 special brides marrying before April 2012, the opportunity to have a "revive the dress" session - a film shoot with us that includes a love story with your new spouse, and a retrospective of your wedding. Send an e-mail to me at Naomi@generationscinemastories.com,
and tell me what's special about YOUR love story, and which charity you're going to be giving your dress to. We'll contact the winners, and after your wedding (you may already be married - this is good for up to a year after the wedding) and make arrangements for the filming.

Old World Romantic

2011-12-02T17:14:00.004-05:00

We recently we worked with a couple who wanted a more old- world romance than is our usual style.
Christina and Plamen were a wonderful couple, with great friends, and a wedding filled with loving family, live opera and classical music. The bride, Christina, is a classical pianist - with very musical friends. So it was no surprise to hear a trio of her girlfriends singing during the ceremony, and a chamber music recital with dinner.
We melted as the couple took to the dance floor to dance a Viennese Waltz as their first dance.
It was great fun getting to make a wedding film with a live romantic score played by talented musicians, and to work with light and shadow in a new way.

http://vimeo.com/32859520

Allison and Daniel's wedding at The Four Seasons

2011-12-02T13:26:00.001-05:00

Recently we were hired by a NYC bride's parents to film a stunning wedding at The Four Seasons Hotel in Boston. The parents knew the value of a good wedding film, and expected that in a few years so would the couple. However, when the bride saw us at the rehearsal, she took the time to let us know: "I hope you don't mind that I hate videographers. It's nothing personal". We nodded and smiled - I mean, what else could we do? So after being told NOT to film getting ready or the photo shoot in the Public Gardens we decided to film this wedding from as far away from the couple and the guests as possible.

It was a gorgeous wedding - planned, created and executed by SD Events, with floral design by Winston's photography by NYC photographer (and friend of the bride's) Heather Waraksa, lighting by Suzanne B. Lowell and live music by band, SOHO.

As always, we wanted to capture every moment, while remaining mindful of the bride's cautionary words.
It took some clever thinking, but we believe we took "stealth wedding filming" to a whole new level here.

Comments from Jeanette, mother of the bride:

"Naomi and Jack are true professionals and masters of their craft. The bride and groom requested that all videography be "Not obtrusive" and this request was honored throughout the wedding day, ceremony and reception. The wedding trailer that we received shortly after the event was so beautifully done that everyone who viewed it said that it brought tears to their eyes! We are all excited to view the completed video and be able to recapture so many moments of this wonderful wedding . I would recommend GENERATIONS cinemastories to any bride and groom as well as to anyone looking for a high-quality and totally professional videographer."

Heather Waraksa

From our 2 Happy Brides, Beth and Lisa

2011-11-28T13:18:00.001-05:00

We were so eager to get Beth and Lisa's feature film to them in time for Thanksgiving, that we drove it over and hand delivered the dvds. We are SO happy, that they are SO happy!

"Love you and loved the (feature) Movie! You are amazing! The new preview http://vimeo.com/32516346 is fantastic!
You are a doll and I could not be happier!"

Beth

Modern, Chic Brides - bhldn shopping

2011-11-28T11:54:00.000-05:00

We love this site. We love the dresses, accessories, even the videos!

The only thing better than the usual gorgeous stuff would be a sale - and here it is! http://www.bhldn.com/shop_sale_event-dresses

Best friends in Marriage

2011-11-28T11:32:00.003-05:00

It's always a joy to film couples who self-identify as best friends.
Liz and Adam are clearly one of these couples. Their wedding, at the always stunning Belle Mer in Newport, RI, was gorgeous and centered around two very loving and happy people.
Thanks to Stoneblossom for their beautiful floral arrangements. Thanks to Entertainment Specialists for the lovely uplighting and Mike Amado for keeping the dance floor packed all night. Thanks to husband/wife photographers, Kristin and Jared Spencer for being such great (and fun!) team players.

Here's our tribute trailer to the happy couple!

Liz and Adam, October 1, 2011

Engagement Season is Here! Save these dates!

2011-11-25T10:46:00.000-05:00

Many couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day - and if you're one of them, we'd like to invite you to 2 very special engagement events:

January 6, 2012 we'll be joining a select group of wedding professionals at The Boston Public Library for a special Wedding Gala . You'll enjoy a grand tour of The Library, a stunning fashion show and learn why The Boston Public Library is the hottest wedding venue in Boston. You'll also learn about The Catered Affair which has an exclusive partnership with The Library.

The second event, is the fabulous, Hampshire House 10th Annual Engagement Celebration on February 23, 2012. We've participated in the Hampshire House Engagement Gala for many years and can tell you that it's a perfect opportunity to eat, drink, meet and chat with a small group of exclusive wedding professionals.

We'll be at both of these intimate events - and if you see us, please mention that you read about the events here. We have a special promotion for our blog readers.

Thanksgiving, Shared.

2011-11-23T17:49:00.001-05:00

The turkey is waiting to be cooked in the refrigerator. The sweet potatoes, squash and potatoes are already cooked and awaiting someone's creative inspiration - hopefully by tomorrow morning. Two kinds of stuffing are on schedule to be prepared tonight - one for those who like plain, traditional; the other for those of us inclined toward fruit and nuts and citrus. Wild blueberry pie (thank you, Trader Joe's!) cookies, dark chocolate covered bananas will finish off the meal.
In addition to eating - far more than normal - we will enjoy the just out Beaujolais Nouveau, as well as a couple of bottles of Pinot Noir. Why all this eating and drinking?
I suppose there is the historic story of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans and how the latter offered yams and turkey and the former joined them in some kind of assumed treaty. Honestly, that has no bearing on Thanksgiving at our home. Instead, we convene, and sit around a table together in celebration of family: My sister, my husband, our daughter,her partner and our 7 month old grandson, and possibly a few random friends. We give thanks for our health, our good fortune to have food, work, and love.
It's a good time for us all to think about those not so lucky.
GENERATIONS cinemastories is part of New England NACE's initiative, Feeding Our Neighbors. Since the beginning of our work in the event industry, we have wondered what happens to all the uneaten (often untouched!) food at weddings and other lavish events.
Over the years we have asked caterers and venues about donating food to shelters, and have been told over and over that it can't be done, it's a liability issue. Well, the good news is, it's NOT. The Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, signed into federal law in 1996 under President Bill Clinton, protects all donors from any and all liability regarding donation to non-profits. That includes venues, caterers and clients.
This Thanksgiving, we invite brides, grooms, mitzvah clients, corporate and non-profit clients to ask their caterers and venues to make sure uneaten food is recycled to those who are hungry. With the number of hungry families growing in our city and country it's time for us all to join in the effort to make Feeding Our Neighbors a part of every celebration.

Two Brides, Take 2

2011-11-23T12:19:00.004-05:00

One of the things we love about Beth and Lisa (and the rest of the family, Phil and Jim and the 3 boys) is that in addition to having huge hearts, they are also the most honest and forthright people we've met in a long time.
So when the brides were slightly less than TOTALLY thrilled with their trailer, posted here some time ago, we decided to do a complete re-edit. You see, we're not happy unless our clients are thrilled.
We sent this off to Beth and Lisa (and hand- delivered their feature wedding film) yesterday. They were thrilled, we are happy.

Beth and Lisa, April 2, 2011

Thanks to Lauren Killian
whom you can see shooting pictures in one of the last shots;
Christina Chunias from The Liberty Hotel in Boston

Chris Cole and the Kahootz Band

Reverend Kim Crawford Harvie of The Arlington Street Church

Wedding Dresses

2011-11-09T11:27:00.002-05:00

As wedding season begins to temporarily slow down, I have the time to sneak a look (and share!) some of our web adventures in all things wedding.
Some time ago I stumbled upon bhld and fell in love with the dresses and accessories. Although I love the classic, strapless wedding gown seen on so many of our New England brides, every now and then I wish I could see more out-of-the-box bridal attire. Not only do I love so many of the sleeved, caped and sweatered dresses on this site, but I also just ADORE the video presentations!

If you love this site as much as I do, and decide to buy yourself one of these fabulous dresses, let us know. We'll offer a special Winter wedding film deal to any bride who can show us a receipt from this site's wedding collection.

Southern New England Destination Weddings

2011-09-27T17:10:00.000-04:00

We always love destination weddings. Much of the time they turn into 3 day events or at least fun weekends. Friends and family really have time to unwind, catch up, toast and roast the couple, and enjoy time away from the ordinary routines of their lives.

Destination weddings are even more fun (for us!) when we get to work with some of our favorite wedding professionals. The weekend then becomes a bit of a party for us as well, and time off, is time to catch up.

Lauren and Alex's wedding was just such an occasion. The wedding was held at the beautiful Wequassett Inn, Resort and Golf Club on the Cape in Chatham. Jill Person of Person+Killian Photography was on hand to shoot the event with her assistant, Sheryl.

Congratulations, Person + Killian for being featured in the debut issue of Southern New England Destination Weddings! Here is a link to the pictures from this sophisticated but very warm and fun wedding:

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=53714216834&story_fbid=167199016699024

Also, check out our Destinations shout-out on Chatty Brides! Awesome!

Lauren and Alex

2011-09-07T16:24:00.004-04:00

/What a story! What started out as two people with a common group of close friends, got closer and closer until there they were holding hands under the table and hoping that none of their friends would notice.
Of course, someone did, and the secret "casual dating" was no longer a secret and off to a fast- growing romance.

Our weekend in Chatham began with the rehearsal dinner where friends and family toasted (and roasted) the happy couple at The Wayside Inn in Chatham. We love filming rehearsal dinners. It gives us an opportunity to meet and get to know the couple and the wedding party. We also think it's great to capture all the intimate toasts that are often given at the rehearsal dinner. Filming the rehearsal dinner and including it as a prologue to the wedding film really works!

The following day the family and friends all gathered on the Wequassett lawn to celebrate the couple's marriage. The ceremony was very personal, with a friend officiating, and a reading from one of Bob Dylan's songs. We were overjoyed to learn of the couple's strong affection for Dylan as that gave us permission to use Dylan songs in their film and trailer.

Once again we enjoyed filming with Jill from Person+ Killian photography. It's always a treat for us to work with good friends. We can "dance" together in a way that's truly unobtrusive and very much fun!

Here's what Lauren and Alex had to say about their wedding film trailer:

"Oh my gosh! So amazing!!!!! I can't stop smiling - this is so great!! Thank you and can't wait to see the final product! :)" Lauren and Alex

Here are some of the gorgeous pictures of this super couple from Person and Killian:
http://www.personkillian.com/blog/cape-cod-wedding-photography-lauren-and-alex

Thanks also to Kelson Pang of the Wequassett http://www.wequassett.com/
and Francie Dorman of Tangorra Events http://www.linneatangorra.com/ who made sure the wedding weekend went off perfectly and so beautifully!

Style Me Pretty Feature

2011-09-03T10:35:00.002-04:00

It's always a treat to be featured on Style Me Pretty!
Today the blog featured one of our favorite 2010 weddings - filmed with our favorite wedding team, SD Events , Person + Killian Photography , Rentals Unlimited .
We created this Wedding Song as a special gift for Heather and Adrian who inspired such drama and romance in us!

It's Official!

2011-09-02T15:53:00.001-04:00

Brides Boston Fall-Winter 2011 issue just came out this week.
We are honored and delighted to have been given the Editor's Choice
Award for Wedding Videography!
http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2011/08/special-announcement-brides-boston-editors-choice-award-winners.html#entry-more

Congratulations to all the other winners, and thank you Brides editor,Juli Raimondi!

'Stina and Jon

2011-08-19T09:53:00.003-04:00

Loved this wedding! Jon and 'Stina met at a production of the Rocky Horror Picture show. The became great friends until one evening...
Fast forward to August 6 at the Museum of Science. Perfect day. Gorgeous bride, handsome groom. Gown to die for - blush peach, covered with gorgeous lace. Lots of interesting (and interestingly attired!) friends.
Great wedding ceremony with the bride romantically comparing Jon to what she loves second in the world...CHEESE! Jon was romantically eloquent with his spontaneous tribute to 'Stina.

We filmed this event with different types of cameras and effects, knowing that "quirky" was a definite positive with this couple. We couldn't wait to produce this trailer, setting an all time record for under 2 weeks from the wedding day!

Here's what 'Stina and Jon had to say about it:

"This is AWESOME!!!!

Thank you so much - we both got all teary eyed again watching it. The different cameras and blend of voice and music is wonderful - could not have imagined it more perfect than you put together. Love it!"

Best,
"Stina and Jon

And - here's the trailer!
'Stina & Jon's Wedding Trailer from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.
August 6. 2011 Museum of Science, Boston

We're very Proud and Grateful

2011-08-19T09:39:00.000-04:00
Just found out that we've been awarded the Editor's Choice Award for our category (cinematography/videography) by Brides Boston. WOW. What a wonderful way to start a beautiful day!
Thank you SO much!

2011-08-16T21:32:00.000-04:00
(after receiving their trailer...)
Naomi and Jack,

This is already beyond our wildest dreams. We can't thank you enough. We were in NY visiting my brother, our groomsman and Sean's parents, sister and grandma when we got your email this weekend and you brought us all so much joy and so many happy tears and hugs together remembering the special day.   I have to thank Lindsey again for having told me that working with you guys was the best decision she made about the wedding, she obviously knows what she's talking about!!! :)

Thank you so so much again, now that we've shared with parents and siblings we'll start the spread... !

all our best,
Emily and Sean

Emily and Sean - words of love!

2011-08-16T21:20:00.001-04:00

"Em (Emily) forwarded me the trailer - OMG! it is wonderful! You are amazing!
Thank you for your careful focus on who we all are in putting this together. It is so appreciated.
I have been meaning to get in touch with you ... to let you know -even before I saw the trailer! - how lovely it was to work with you.
I wish I had had more time - and the wherewithall to speak with you that day."

Melinda, mother of bride, Emily

Emily and Sean, June 18th 2011

2011-08-16T16:19:00.001-04:00
What could be more fun (and appropriate!) than filming a wonderful, loving wedding on Jack and my anniversary? We were married, years ago, in my parents’ garden in Brooklyn, NYC. We picked June 18th, (which happened also to be Fathers’ Day that year) to sign a ketubah, and wed under the dappled shadow of my childhood cherry tree.

It was a perfect day. Now many years later, almost every year, we celebrate our anniversary at someone’s else’s wedding. It gives us pause, an opportunity to renew our vows, even while we’re behind the camera and focused on a new couple.

By luck (or fate) we always have an extra-wonderful wedding on June 18. This year, we also had the delight of filming Emily and Sean’s wedding alongside two of our oldest industry friends: Person and Killian Photography. Can I say it was the best party?

The ceremony happened outside, under a chuppah, in the park adjacent to the Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge. The morning showers had cleared leaving a perfect, bright blue June day in which Emily and Sean would exchange vows. A modern, traditional, Jewish wedding ceremony was created by the couple and Rabbi Liza Stern.

Emily and Sean met at college. Anyone who saw them together would know that they were “beshert,” or “meant to be,” in Yiddish. Both value family, friends, and a celebration that would bring them all together. Emily and Sean are in the business of giving, whether at their work or at play - Emily is involved in non-profit work and Sean is a doctor.

They made sure we were introduced to all the “important people” so the wedding day film would include them all. Among these VIP’s were 3 grandmothers and 1 grandfather. One set of grandparents live in Florida, and hadn’t flown in 20 years. Understandably, they were anxious about making the trip to Boston, so the couple arranged to fly down and pick them up. Emily and Sean considered it an honor to escort their grandparents from Florida to Boston. That’s the kind of people they are.

Band: District 21 (Nightshift Entertainment)
Wedding Coordinator: Regina Cameli, Hotel Marlowe staff
Photography: Person +Killian

Heather and Adrian Reprise

2011-08-02T17:42:00.003-04:00
Heather and Adrian had such a fabulous wedding we can't stop blogging about it!

We posted their trailer in the fall after their stunning October wedding, and now that their full-length film is done we have another treat to share!

This short, highly romantic piece was featured as a stylized ending to their fun and flirty film. It captures all the love and passion of this fantastic couple, and was a perfect capstone to their full-length edit.

Keep an eye out for more Heather and Adrian, because this epilogue piece will be featured on Style Me Pretty's "Little Black Book Blog" in the fall! We can't wait!

Venue: Spring Valley Country Club, Sharon, MA
Planner: Tasha Bracken, SD Events
Photographer: Person + Killian
Linens & Decor: Stephanie Solomon (Heather's big sister!) of Rentals Unlimited
Hair: Rachael Berkowitz
Dress: Vera Wang
Cake: Montilio's
Lighting: ALPS
Flowers: Jon Mongeau
Entertainment: Legit Band

Ranjini and Maruthi and Taj Boston

2011-07-20T22:34:00.003-04:00
Ranjini and Maruthi met in Boston, lived in NYC, and returned to the place where they fell in love to be married. The Taj Boston was the perfect place for their traditional Iyengar Hindu Wedding. We streamed the ceremony live to India, where we were told family members unable to make the trip gathered to watch the ceremony. Ranjini's grandma called her from Inda during the ceremony to share the joy of watching her grand daughter getting married in Boston. We were told later that other friends and family who had logged on to watch the stream called excitedly during cocktails.

Ranjini wore many different gorgeous dresses during the wedding events and Maruthi looked handsome whether in a flower garland or a classic tuxedo.

We were honored to spend a few private minutes with the couple during the reception and they told us (on camera) about their courtship, their love and feelings for one another.
We chose to use their dialogue for the story in this trailer while the luxurious colors and textures of the day were a perfect backdrop.

http://vimeo.com/24786875

"Our entire family loved the trailer! It was so beautiful and we are really, really excited about seeing the feature film."
- from Ranjini, our bride.
"Awesome video! Beautiful ..."
-from Mythili, the bride's mom

New Blog Design

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-04:00
Warm weather tends to pull us away from our work stations and today we decided to restyle our blog.
We thought it was kind of dreamy, had a warm, wet, drift-y kind of Summer look. Let us know what you think!
BTW, we expect to have a new crop of trailers up by next week. Please stop by!

Haley Eagle

2011-07-05T09:58:00.000-04:00
Haley's Bat Mitzvah was everything a Bat Mitzvah should be: The service was heartfelt and moving (it was just for family and friends at Temple Avodah), and the reception was fun, creative and STUNNING! It helps that Haley's mom, Michelle, is also an event planner, who of course, went all out for her daughter's event. The theme was Twilight (from the movie), the reception was held at the Spring Valley Country Club, and the details were amazing. Saturated colors of magenta and red, wrought iron candelabra, faux movie posters with Haley's picture, double video screens flanking the band stand ... it was gorgeous!

Haley and mom, Michelle, had hired us for our montage+ event film package. We loved working with them, since they had so many creative ideas and were also such fun!

Here then, is Haley's Bat Mitzvah Trailer  as well as Haley's Montage.

Emily and Sean, June 18, 2011

2011-06-20T08:56:00.001-04:00
There's nothing better than waking up on Monday morning to an e-mail from our Saturday wedding couple. Emily and Sean got ready, were wed and celebrated their marriage at the stunning and intimate Marlowe Hotel in Cambridge, Ma. We loved the family from the start, and are so grateful they took the time en route to their honeymoon, to send us this e-mail:

"Naomi and Jack,

Just have to send you this from the gate on our way to belize- you guys are amazing and you made the day so incredible for us. Thank you for sharing it and for capturing the best day of our lives! We can't wait to see!

Love,
Emily and Sean"

Thanks, Emily and Sean for all your love and appreciation. You and your families were so warm and interactive, it made our "job" a true pleasure!
Thanks, also, to our dear, dear friend and colleague, Jill Person and her assistant, Sheryl from http://www.personkillian.com who are always fabulous fun to work with!
It was extra special for us to have such a great wedding to celebrate on the day that Jack and I were also celebrating our wedding anniversary. Is there a better way to celebrate a wedding anniversary than to film an amazing couple having a joyous wedding!

Ranjini and Maruthi at Taj Boston, April 24, 2011

2011-06-08T11:24:00.002-04:00
Ranjini and Maruthi were two very busy New Yorkers who planned their wedding from NY with the help of Ranjini's parents in Michigan. The wedding was a classic, stunning, Indian wedding held at Taj Boston with wonderful help from Kimberly Findley at the Taj. http://www.tajhotels.com/boston

The wedding was a first for us, as we were asked to stream the entire 2 hour ceremony LIVE to India, so that friends and relatives ( particularly Ranjini's grandma) could be part of the ceremony even if they were unable to make the trip. Filming an Indian wedding can be a bit of a challenge, with ceremony locations constantly moving around, and many events happening at the same time. With four cinematographers on our team, we were happily able to be everywhere at once. There was a most touching moment during the ceremony when Mythili, Ranjini's mom, passed the bride a cell phone with the bride's grandma on the other end in India, exclaiming how wonderful it was to feel like a guest at the wedding - eden though she couldn't make the trip.

It was a wonderful wedding followed by an all-out reception in the ballroom, with DJ Dash WWW.DJDASH.ME   acting as MC and keeping the party going well into the night.

Beautiful florals were provided by John LaRoche of Blue Guava, www.blueguava.com. and lighting, designed by Groove Entertainment, www.grooveentertainment.com, enhanced the ballroom decor.

Ir was a delight working with our talented, photographer colleague, Bryce Vickmark again. http://brycevickmark.com/

Here then, is the trailer we just sent out to the couple and family.

Ranjini & Maruthi Wedding Trailer from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.

From Mythili, Bride's mom: "Awesome video! Beautiful.. .. Enjoyed watching the trailer.. Can't wait to see the entire video...Great job!!

Boston Bridal Lounge

2011-06-01T20:31:00.000-04:00
We are honored to be Premiere Members of Boston Bridal Lounge at 125 Newbury Street in Boston. Check out this amazing wedding resource!

Royal Wedding

2011-04-27T09:43:00.002-04:00

"

When the last Royal Wedding was televised, in 1981, professional video for nuptials was only just beginning, still considered a luxury reserved mainly for celebrities, and lifestyles of the rich and famous. Today LIVE-streaming of weddings is what’s "new" to many.

But that may change dramatically on April 29, when the wedding of Britain’s Prince William and Catherine Middleton is LIVE-streamed to an estimated online viewership of up to 2 billion worldwide. " (from WEVA)

If important friends and family can't get to your wedding, let us know. We'll be happy to offer you the Royal Treatment and stream your wedding live to anywhere there's internet!

Live from Boston to India!

2011-04-26T22:04:00.001-04:00

We love Indian weddings - all the color, the rituals, the fragrances and incense and tuberose (!!)
We love the joy, laughter and full involvement of family and friends. Our experience has taught us that there are no spectators at a Hindu-Indian wedding - everyone is involved. Sunday morning we arrived at Taj Boston at 8AM to film the beautiful wedding of Ranjini and Maruthi. The date and time were carefully chosen based on astrologers analyzing the couple's personal charts and finding an auspicious date and time for the ceremony.

The bride and groom live in NYC; The bride's family lives in Michigan, and Boston was chosen for the wedding because of the city's importance to the couple's relationship. We spent time chatting with the couple, late in the evening reception at Taj about how the casual suggestion of a family friend slowly evolved into a very sweet relationship and a glorious wedding day.

Although family and friends traveled from all over the country - well, the world - to attend Ranjini and Maruthi's wedding, there were some - including one of Ranjini's grandmothers - who couldn't attend in person. We were thrilled to be able to invite everyone in India and elsewhere in the world to watch the ceremony LIVE as we streamed it from the Taj.

Ranjini & Maruthi - short clip from webcast from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.

At the reception we heard that e-mails had already come in from India- thanking the family for the live transmission. Ranjini spoke to her grandmother by phone during the ceremony - and heard how happy the grandmother was to be a guest at the wedding so many thousands of miles away.

We are delighted to now officially announce that we can stream any event - wedding, mitzvah, non-profit or corporate event - to ANYWHERE in the world where viewers have access to the web. We are very excited that we can now tell couples that guests who can't travel can now be a part of the wedding day - LIVE - as it happens!

We want to thank Blue Guava www.blueguava.co for the gorgeous florals - particularly the coral peonies that just make me fall in love,; and Groove Entertainment http://www.grooveentertainment.com/ for the beautiful rose/pink uplighting; DJ Dash http://www.djdash.me/ kept the dancefloor full all night with a mix of Indian and Western music, and (thank you!) kept us informed about what was about to happen.

We are grateful to another new, but delightful and talented photographer colleagues, Bryce Vickmark, who braves large weddings on his own and manages to get great shots while slipping cat like around the room. www.brycevickmark.com,

Perfect Moments: Spring is in the Air

2011-04-12T14:14:00.000-04:00

Last Saturday, the most gorgeous day we’ve had so far this ‘spring’ in Boston, I went for a walk to Boston Bridal Lounge (BBL) with my fellow intern Maggie. Even when we’re not at GENERATIONS cinemastories HQ weddings consume a significant amount of our time. Newbury Street was bathed in sunlight, and in the short walk from Emerson College we had to take our jackets off because of the heat.
We reached Boston Bridal Lounge and made our way to the second floor gallery of wedding perfection. Tables set with fine china and expensive cutlery were meticulously laid out on richly patterned tablecloths. Everything from dresses, to chandeliers, to candles had an elegant tag with company information attached. Maggie and I were enthralled by the demure sophistication and style Boston Bridal Lounge radiates.
After soaking in the richness of BBL, checking out GENERATIONS’ footage (running almost nonstop in the foyer), and taking a peek into the vendor binder wall, we said our goodbyes to our lovely hosts Amy and Eleni.

I asked Maggie if she wanted to head back and thank goodness she said no. It was too beautiful a day to be indoors. We walked over to the esplanade and looped back to the Public Gardens. I don’t know how well you know Boston, but there’s an angel statue in the Gardens on the corner nearest to the Arthur Fielder footbridge. It’s surrounded by trees and flowering plants this time of year. As we crossed the street we caught a glimpse of a couple standing right under the angel. They were in business attire, probably just getting off work. The woman had that look of pure happiness and was wiping her eyes as the man held a small, velvet, black box in front of her. “Ohmygoodness, Maggie!” I gasped. She looked at me with her ‘oh my gosh I this is too cute’ face and I knew she was thinking the same exact thought.

We just saw this couple at one of the most important points in their lives.

They hugged and huddled close together marveling at the ring that (I’m sure) cost a him a pretty penny.

Maggie and I continued our walk with a little more bounce in our steps and giddy smile on our faces. Who would have thought our trip to Boston Bridal Lounge would have ended with us witnessing a teary-eyed, perfect proposal.

-Cheryl
Twitter: @stingrayfuse

Mitzvahs!

2011-03-04T18:00:00.001-05:00
While we are most well-known for our wedding work, we have always created video projects for and of bar and bat mitzvahs. Jack and I understand that a bar or bat mitzvah is much more than an occasion for a party. For thousands of years it has been a rite of passage for our Jewish communities. The event welcomes the young man or woman into the responsibilities and honors that are part of adulthood.
The specific Torah portion that is chanted during the service is a story that the bar or bat mitzvah is given to reflect on. Reading that Torah portion, and the Haftorah (commentary) that follows is the first act of Jewish adulthood. As part of the ritual, the bar or bat mitzvah is usually asked to offer their own commentary on the Torah portion.

We have been doing montages to honor the bar or bat mitzvah for years. Recently we were asked to create an online "save the date" for one of our clients. Sierra's Save the Date

Our montages are known for the integration of video and stills, often with new video recorded for the project. Here is one of my current favorites: Haley's Bat Mitzvah Montage

When allowed, we film the actual service as well as the party. Of course we are on stationary cameras, out of the way and with respect and understanding of the sanctity of the service. When we're not allowed to film the service, we usually attend the rehearsal, and ask the bar or bat mitzvah to read their Torah portion, Haftorah portion, and speech. We also ask the parents and other important family members to chant the blessings that are part of the service. That way we can integrate the religious aspect of the day into the film production.
Maya and her family were amazing to work with.We filmed not only the rehearsal, but also conversations with Maya and her family. The superfun party was at the Wellesley Country Club.
Maya's Bat Mitzvah Trailer
To all our recent and new bar and bat mitzvah clients ... Mazel tov!

Matchmaking with SD Events

2011-02-14T16:09:00.001-05:00
We produced this little fun Valentine's Day clip with Tasha Bracken of SD Events.
We think it says it all about why couples should hire event planners for their weddings -
and why SD Events is so good at what they do!

Visit SD Events!

Heather and Kevin, December 4, 2010

2011-02-11T16:48:00.004-05:00
Talk about happy couples!
Like many couples we hear from, Heather and Kevin had not included a wedding film in their original budget. Luckily for them (and us!) a month or so before the wedding date, they reconsidered, and contacted us.
"In all honesty, we were not initially going to have videography as we were on a budget, and as all weddings go have gone over budget in most areas already. However, in speaking with close friends that have lost loved ones and family members... they have fond memories captured on their wedding videos. I am not focused about most of my guests and a lot of the details as we do have a wonderful photographer who will capture most of this. I want to have something to look back on as our parents and family members age, and see and hear their laughs and gestures on a very happy day and time for them."

"Oh, I love it!" Heather C. 2/11/11
And we love you, Heather and Kevin!
This was one FUN party (notice the napkins and streamers as headgear!) celebrating a love-filled day.

Stacy and Jason Highlights

2011-02-08T15:50:00.000-05:00
We just finished Stacy and Jason's Highlights. Big sister, Alexis got to see it first.

"AMAZING! What a fantastic piece of art. I am in love with it - almost as much as the Poem!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!"

Alexis Eliopoulos O'Mara

Stacy and Jason

2011-02-08T15:00:00.002-05:00
Stacy and Jason were one of those couples who hadn't planned on having their wedding filmed.
When good friend and master wedding planner, Alexis Eliopoulos O'Mara - the sister of the bride - told us that, we were stunned. We invited Alexis and Stacy to come to our studio to meet us and see some of our recent work. Once Stacy saw our Modern Love Poem, she was sold. The wedding at Ocean Cliff in Newport was stunning - with big sister Alexis planning and designing the event, Tony Ormonde providing the magical lighting, Stoneblossom creating the gorgeous florals, and Enna and Matt Grazier shooting the stills. Hurricane Earl was the only gloomy part of the day - but nothing was clearer and brighter than the love in Stacy and Jason's eyes during their ceremony.

After we produced a Modern Love Poem for the couple. Here's what Stacy had to say:

Naomi and Jack are absolutely the best at what they do. They did a Love Poem for us, which is AMAZING and I couldn't be more thrilled with it. I get teary eyed every time I watch it! They captured the true emotion of the day so beautifully, and you wouldn't even have known they were there! Naomi and Jack are far more than just videographers, but rather wonderful story tellers. Having them be a part of our day was the best decision we could have made. And to top it all off, they are two of the nicest, sweetest people you could ever meet. I am so thankful that they were able to share in our day with us. I can't recommend them enough!!!

Here then, is Stacy and Jason's Modern Love Poem.

GENERATIONS cinemastories wins Bride's Choice 3rd year in a row!

2011-01-30T15:11:00.001-05:00
Boston, Ma January 30, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce GENERATIONS cinemastories has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for wedding videography.

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.

GENERATIONS stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud {Enter Your Business Name} for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that GENERATIONS cinemastories is among the very best videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/generations-cinemastories-watertown/7739e01d5ed1343b.html.
For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Proposal

2011-01-16T19:10:00.000-05:00
http://rickbern.com/blog/?p=1388

My colleague Rick Bern shot this wonderful proposal. I love this.

We're Featured in Style Me Pretty!

2011-01-08T11:58:00.001-05:00
2011 started off with Big Fireworks for us. First, "A Closer Look" feature in Southern New England Magazine, now a feature in Style Me Pretty, and Monday, we're part of the exciting launch of Boston Bridal Lounge on Newbury Street! Check out our FB page for more freeze frames from our footage from this utterly charming, stylish, super fun and creative Dec 11 wedding! Thank you, Jana and Judd and your wonderful families and friends!! A big, big set of hugs to Ben and Tara from Hitched studios who are always such fun to work with and make such amazing pictures.

Lynne and John at the Boston Harbor Hotel, Gates of Heaven Cathedral

2011-01-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

Above: reposted trailer
Lynne and John were our first wedding of 2010 - and the last full-length film we completed in 2010. How that happened is a whole other story, but suffice it to say, it was with full consent of the couple.
Lynne is a multi-talented woman - an attorney by day who moonlights under an alter ego as a blogger on a fairly well known wedding site.
She planned and designed her wedding at the Boston Harbor Hotel with the same clarity and passion she evidenced in finding her mate,John, whom she found (as do so many of our couples!)on line.

Lynne is one of those fabulous brides who really "gets" our style. From the moment we met, through the entire booking, wedding and editing process we enjoyed flawless communication and endless mutual appreciation. We were delighted to be ushered to our own table for two during the post-toast part of the rehearsal dinner in the North End to enjoy a fabulous dinner and a wonderful bottle of wine!

Lynne dropped by right before Christmas to pick up her DVD's - and had me smiling ear to ear as she ooed and ahhed about our new ultra-cool packaging.

Today we finally received the following comments from Lynne about her full -length wedding film. A great way for all of us to start the new year!

"Hi Naomi,

I'm so sorry it took us so long to find time to watch our video. We took advantage of our lazy day today and watched the whole thing - it is, in a word, amazing. We were stunned at what a good idea it turned out to be to have you and Jack film the rehearsal dinner - the toasts and Stargate cake would have been lost had we not done that, and we were so happy to capture those moments (and nice work with the Stargate music too!). The wedding shots captured all the important highlights and made wonderful use of our guests' comments and toasts. And thank you so much for being careful to include the references to John's family - it really means a lot to have those things included. We decided we're going to watch it each year on our anniversary (perhaps on a DVD player in our room at BHH!) - it was such an incredible reminder of all the love we felt that day and what a beautiful occasion it turned out to be.

Thank you so much to you and Jack and your entire team for doing such an incredible job capturing this important event!"

A Real Blast from the Past

2010-12-25T17:30:00.000-05:00

Jack recently re-posted this highlights on our Vimeo page. It's one of the original "Generations" weddings that was ever shot - even though the studio wasn't even a pipe dream, Jack was filming this as a favor to our good friends, the couple Ilene and Geoffrey, and I was still a counselor. The film is shot in super 8.

The year was 1995, I remember going with Ilene to the designer Daniel Faucher in his South End loft, and watching as he draped and pinned Ilene into this gorgeous, retro 1950's pink, silk-organza, portrait necklined, tea-length dress. OMG! Ilene's first (and only) wedding, and Ilene being a woman of great personal style was going to be her fabulous self in retro, custom designed PINK.

The intimate wedding was held at the Lyman Estate and Ilene, accomplished designer (as well as attorney!) that she is - achieved deep satisfaction from planning the event. It was perfect, as was the radiant pink bride, with white gardenia tucked behind one ear. Geoffrey looked on adoringly.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-25T15:30:00.001-05:00

WOW. 2010 is almost over. Sitting here in a short lull on Christmas Day reflecting on the amazing year we've just had and feeling so grateful to all our couples, our colleagues, our clients, our friends. Today I feel like Jack and I are one of the luckiest couples in the world to be able to do such creative work with such wonderful, loving, people. I mean, how lucky can two people get? Every time we film a wedding (most weekends!) we get to vicariously renew our own vows. It's downright heart expanding to see and hear so many different variations on the theme of married love - from watching and listening to the newly wed couple, to hearing the stories of their parents' and grandparents' marriages.
I feel so honored to witness to these intimate stories; to capture them on film for all time and all future generations.

Between the weddings this year we filmed bar and bat mitzvahs as well. From the traditional and simple, to the grand and spiritually innovative, bar and bat mitzvahs took us back in time to the ancient Hebrew ritual, and forward in time to a child's launch into a new phase of life. Jack and I both share Jewish backgrounds, which give us a personal understanding of the meaning and importance of the bar/bat mitzvah experience.

This year we also documented the dedication of the brand new Mandel Center for the Humanities at Brandeis. The building, with every material, shape and design approved by the Mandel brothers themselves, is a stunning and inspired architectural work.
We had the honor of getting to meet one of the Mandels, and spent an afternoon and evening listening to and filming Mr. Mandel, the head of the Mandel foundation; one of the architects who conceived of the building's design; and the outgoing president of Brandeis, Jehuda Reinharz. It was truly Awe-some to be surrounded by so many eloquent world visionaries.

Woven in and thorough this year were assorted projects: Our ongoing filming for the New England Food Foundation; NACE and ISES meetings. Our highlights of the 6ONE7 Gala at the Mandarin Oriental for the Home for Little Wanderers; Person + Killian's 2010 Party; Boston Youth Moves Gala (planned by David Handy); The Family Service of Greater Boston Gala with ISES (planned by Jill Moran); Our regular web spotlights for Jim Solomon for the Fireplace Restaurant in Brookline; The Fireplace's annual Latin Festival; and the commissioned film, TIKKUN, about holocaust survivors and their children.

In looking back,we're thrilled to have spent most of our time making a difference in others' lives and want to do even more in 2011.

Thanks so much to our third partner, Lauren, who films, edits, designs, and so muçh more. Lauren's been with us for four years now, and she's been a big part of our studio's growth.

A huge bushel of gratitude to our Emerson and BU film interns who come to our studio bearing gifts of creativity and inspiration and let us meet our own needs to teach storytelling and technique in film making.

If you, our readers, are or know of couples that are wedding in February or March 2011 - and have a heart-opening story and no cinematographer to tell it - let us know. We have a special deal for one lucky couple. Send us your stories and wedding dates and we'll announce the deal in mid January. Contest closes January 12.

Thank you!!!

2010-11-25T15:56:00.000-05:00
The turkey's in the oven, the organic sweet potatoes roasted and mashed with clementine juice and cinnamon. The stuffing's got a new addition of baby bella's this year added to the usual walnuts and whole cranberries and herbs. It's a small crowd this year - and a meal that may feed friends through the weekend -which is just the way I like it. The Beaujolais Nouveau turned out to be a nice surprise this year, so I've stocked up on it from TD's. Right now I'm inhaling roast turkey and thinking about all the friends, colleagues and clients I am thankful for. It's a long and wonderful list. If you're reading this, you're certainly on that list. It's been a great year for us in every way. We've had amazing clients, met new and grew old relationships, been blessed with angel/interns from BU and Emerson College, and have pushed the boundaries and scope of our creative range and market. As we say, it's all good. Very GOOD.
As we pause to give thanks today, we'd like to continue to inspire our clients to think outside the box - so we can give them the best of our creative selves. We'd also like our studio to offer our talents to making the most positive difference in the world we all live in.

Heather and Adrian (again)

2010-11-16T11:34:00.000-05:00
Thank you to Alison and Nicky (the wonderful and fun Wedding Yentas) for reposting Heather and Adrian's gorgeous wedding - I can't believe it's over a month ago! For all you Jewish couples looking for more wedding inspiration head over to The Wedding Yentas site. I promise it will be a fun experience!
*Naomi

Silent Wedding Memories

2010-11-14T15:40:00.001-05:00
Great dinner fun at Marina and Yi's (LifeFusion Photography) last night visiting in their gorgeous new home. Hanging out after dinner in their stunning downstairs studio, Marina played for me a heart-opening bit of dslr video she took of a beautiful bride serenading her guests on piano and in song. The bride was an amazing singer - and the thought that these moments might not have been captured was as startling to my photographer friends as it always is to me.
When I hear, as I do so often from prospective couples, that they hadn't budgeted for wedding cinematography ("videography" in their vernacular) but now decided they wanted to try to fit it in - I wonder what they could have been thinking. It's honestly curious to me how someone would want to remember such a voice and sound-filled day in silence. Yet, that's what giving up a wedding day soundtrack is. A bride will never again hear the sound of her dad's words of advice whispered in her ear before they walk down the aisle. A groom won't be able to listen to his mom telling him how much she loves him and how handsome he is as she pins on his boutoniere. And, obviously all the emotion wrapped around each word of the couple's vows will fade with time and memory.

I've seen brides sing to grooms and grooms play to brides and uncles sit in on drums with bands. I've heard plays written and performed at weddings, and toasts that deserve to be heard again and again. And, of course there are personalized ceremonies that are so eloquent and moving that they are love scenes from potential literary works. Our own wedding is recorded in audio only, from the moment my mom calls the gathering together in her garden in Brooklyn, until my father blesses us both - and is complemented with great photos taken by talented friends. After all these many years we have yet to put it together as a project.

I'd love to hear from couples who have regretted not having a wedding film, to ones who have valued theirs, to couples who still don't see the value. The answer that gives me the greatest new insight will win an anniversary love poem.
*post by Naomi

Loula and Massimo at State Room

2010-11-13T11:37:00.000-05:00
One Big Greek Family; One Big Italian Family. Two very happy people who very much knew what they wanted - and what do you have? One big, beautiful Greek/Italian wedding at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Boston (co-officiated by the groom's family Catholic priest) and a dance-til-you -drop party at State Room Boston.
Loula looked divine in one of my favorite gowns of the season, slender, form-fitting, lace backed and set off by a long veil sparkling with crystals. Her hair and makeup were perfectly (and looked and naturally!) glamorous thanks to Luiz and his amazing team, and our team had a fabulous time working once again with our dear friends, Jo and Dave from Allegro photography. http://www.allegro-photography.com

Here is a link to the wonderful pictures from the wedding that Jo and Dave posted.
http://allegrophotography.com/blog/2010/10/20/state-room-wedding-greek-orthodox-cathedral-boston-ma-loula-massimo/

Of course the groom looked wonderful as well, and I love the look of pure adoration in his eyes during the ceremony and particularly during the first dance.

Jack and I also had the privilege of spending the Thursday evening before the wedding at the rehearsal dinner with the family and close friends at Limoncello Ristorante in the North End. Throughout the evening we enjoyed (and filmed) live Italian love songs played and sung by a duo that we were told were the current Pope's favorite singers - and who often sang for the Pope. I also found myself crying and hugging Loula's mom after her so-sweet and sentimental toast to her daughter and soon to be husband.

Heaather and Adrian Wedding trailer

2010-11-04T22:59:00.000-04:00
Just finished! Heather and Adrian's wedding trailer.

October 9 with Heather and Adrian at Spring Valley CC

2010-11-03T22:03:00.009-04:00
Columbus Day weekend was a long-anticipated wedding as Lauren, Jack and I reunited with our long-time friends, Tasha Bracken (SD Events); Lauren Killian (Person + Killian Photography); Stephanie Penn Solomon (of Rentals Unlimited) as well as the whole Penn family for Heather Penn (Steph's younger sister's) wedding to adorable groom, Adrian. Hard to believe it was 3 years ago that we were all together filming Stephanie and Jason's wedding. But here was daughter Lindsey, confident and adorable as flower girl. Click on the link above to connect to Person + Killian's blog entry and amzazing pictues of the wedding.  As always, a giant thank you to P+K and Tasha, Stephanie (the mirrored candy table was AWESOME!) and everyone at SD Events for being such fun and so great to work with. I won't have to mention how amazing the place looked - thanks to SD Events ( with some major input from big sister, Steph) and Rentals Unlimited. There is NOTHING like having a group of wedding professionals that knows how to work together as a team. It's a perfect example of when the whole is equal to far more than the sum of of the parts!

October 2, 2010 - busy day!

2010-11-03T21:52:00.000-04:00

October is my favorite wedding month in New England. Willful, wild and unpredictable June weather is always iffy. October is Fall, colored with reds and plums and golds and warm, rich earthy colors. October 2 had Jack DJ'ing for Siman Entertainment in the Harvard Faculty Club for a fun and quirky, eclectic music lovers' wedding; and on Oct 2 Ben, Ben and I were at Glen Magna farms filming the wedding of a wonderful, sweet, fun NYC couple - the husband the editor of the film trailer for The Hurt Locker; and the bride a writer. We were filming their wedding so the groom could edit the footage himself. But Chris and I agreed to co-own the footage (it was SO beautiful!) so we could both do our own editing. This will be a first for us - can't wait to see the groom's edit!

And October 2 had Lauren over at the Harry Parker boathouse in Brighton filming a charming Jewish wedding with Connor. Check out the wedding clip here.

Fall Gala 2 - 6ONE7 fundraiser for the Home for Little Wanderers

2010-11-03T21:36:00.001-04:00
We spent a fun and heart-opening night at the Casino themed gala with our friends, Sal, Frankie, and Ace at 6ONE7 productions, Here is the highlights of the wonderful Fundraiser for the Home For Little Wanderers at The Mandarin Oriental .

Fall Gala 1

2010-11-03T21:30:00.002-04:00

Usually I notice when Summer turns into Fall but this year we've been so busy with filming projects to be shown at Galas that here we are with the temperature falling into frost, and daylight savings time about to disappear, and I've barely had time to haul out my sweaters and boots. To be fair, the amount of time we've spend traveling to events has provided us with the opportunity to watch the trees turn color this year, for which I am hugely grateful.
Our first gala involved our joining forces with other ISES New England members in a team headed up by event planner extraordinaire, Jill Moran, to create a fabulous 175th birthday celebration of Family Service of Greater Boston at the Cyclorama. It was fun (and challenging) to create a montage chronicling the waves of ethnic immigration that marked each decade of family history of Boston since 1835. I have to admit that the project taught me more about this city's history than I could have imagined!

Haley's Bat Mitzvah

2010-11-03T21:26:00.000-04:00
Last weekend we were back at the Spring Valley Country Club, this time with event planner Michelle Eagle planning a Twilight-themed bat mitzvah reception for her daughter, Haley. We can't wait to get the trailer up for you to see, but for now let me just say that the red and black decor on Halloween weekend was amazing. Elegant, sophisticated, dark, just a little bit scary... you get the picture. We'll have more to show shortly, but in the meantime, here's a rather long but fun tribute to Haley we put together. BTW, Haley was so fun to work with!

2010-11-03T21:08:00.002-04:00
Wonderful thought on videography..from WELLWED
(I read this recently on WELLWED and thought I'd share it -)

" Photography captures your wedding, one moment at a time. An experienced videographer will connect those moments with sound and motion. A tear on your father's cheek begins as a warm, knowing smile and a welling in his eyes; "I do" is a whisper, spoken carefully, with conviction and devotion; friends and family lift their glasses in loving respect. From beginning to end, your wedding day is preserved for eternity."

Oh, NO!

2010-11-03T21:06:00.003-04:00
OMG! Has it been THAT long since I've blogged?? A newbie intern today told me my blog was DEAD it was so long since I had posted! So horror driven and newly inspired, I'm back with news of (can it be?) the whole Summer of 2010. I probably should work backwards since our most recent events are most vivid in my mind.

Jana and Judd

2010-11-03T21:05:00.000-04:00
We had been talking with Jana about her December wedding at the Peabody Essex Museum when suddenly we got a call from her soon to be mother-in-law telling us that there was going to be a slight change in plans, and while the December Big wedding was still happening, there was now going to be a just-family wedding next weekend in a perennial garden in New Hampshire (!!) and was there any chance we could send an assistant to cover it?
We had connected with Jana almost from our first contact with her. She taught Art and was an artist, was just relocating to Boston after having met her fiance' in D.C. and immediately felt connected to our work. As we were working out the details for covering her December 11 wedding, this pre-wedding wedding showed up, and since we were free, Trevor and I drove up to NH to cover it. This wedding was a real down-home country wedding, put together in little over a week by the families, with about 20 guests - all siblings and children of siblings and best friends - officiated by a pastor who was a long-time family friend.
The reasons for the sudden first wedding became clear to us as we interviewed the couple during their reception (no, they were not pregnant) and their sweet and poignant story will be in their wedding film.
Now we're all excited about their Big wedding on Dec 11, when we'll be working again with Tara and Ben of Hitched studios, who can usually be seen on the dance floor some time during the night and are a blast to work with! We'll be showing a highlights from wedding one at the ceremony of wedding 2, (a first for us!) - as well as montages and covering the whole weekend as well. We're very excited to be such a big part of another wonderful wedding.

Way Back in June

2010-09-30T21:05:00.008-04:00
June 5 was a very busy day for us. While Jack, Trevor and I were in Harwichport at the Wychmere CC with Jill and Todd Lauren and Joe were in P'Town at the Red Inn shooting Gail and Paula's wedding with Bernadette Covey-Smith of 14 Stories. Both were wonderful weddings, wonderful couples. Here is the casual, beach - based wedding of Gail and Paula (and their adorable daughter!)

Maya's Bat Mitzvah Trailer

2010-08-27T14:26:00.005-04:00
Maya's mom, Daphna, was such a joy to work with. From the moment we met her we knew that every step of this Bat Mitzvah project would be so creative, so fun. Daphna (and her daughter, Bat Mitvah, Maya, knew what they wanted for the montage - and knew we were the right team to create a montage and mitzvah film that reflected Maya, the family and the day.

Maya wanted to narrate the story of her own life in her montage and did a fabulous job. She was so poised, so articulate, so full of love and playfulness. We weren't allowed to film the bat mitzvah service, so we offered to film the rehearsal, capturing Maya reading her Torah and Haftorah portions as well as her speech. Attending the rehearsal also provided us with the opportunity to chat (on camera) with her parents and brother, Gabe - who were all full of emotion as they described what it was like for each of them on the evening before this most important day in their family's life.

We sent the family a link to the trailer we just finished of the Bat Mitzvah video just yesterday. Here's what the family had to say about it:

"WOW! Well worth the wait! This is absolutely FABULOUS! Thank you so very much for the attention to detail, the incredible footage, the impecablele editing, the choice of music. In less than 3 minutes, this trailer allows us to relive the entire event. Every emotion we felt comes back to life. We can't wait to see the full video, now that you wet our appetite. :)
You are Masters of your craft and a joy to work with.Thanks again."
The Fields Family.

click on Maya's Bat Mitzvah Trailer in headline to see clip

About our Modern Love Poems...

2010-08-24T11:36:00.002-04:00

"Dear Naomi and Jack,

OMG! The new age of wedding videos. It's beautiful, it's so touching and it's something you would want all of your friends and family to see because it's not like sitting through a regular video. Congratulations on your brainchild! It's a genius!

Kudos as always,"
Rachel (and Israel)
formerly of the Mandarin Oriental, Boston)
who have just celebrated their first anniversary in France, where they now live.

We're Blushing!!

2010-08-18T21:03:00.007-04:00

Those of you who know us well - (and now for those who are just getting to know us!) know we like to do more than just a wedding film for our couples. When we start with a love story we can begin our wedding adventure with our couples by learning - and telling - the story of their relationship. Then we can meet their most important guests at the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner - capturing toasts and emotional moments, while becoming a comfortable part of the event. We like creating pieces for the wedding, and then covering the whole weekend, too.

After the wedding, our excitement is all about how we will "gift" our couples with fun little teasers of the wedding film to come. Sometimes we'll try out new ideas - sometimes we'll meet to watch hours of footage over cocktails. It all depends on the couple and what they inspire.

Jill and Todd were one of our most fun - and first - of our June couples. Their June 5 wedding at the Wychmere Country Club on the Cape in Harwich - the newest venue of Longwood Events - was warm and fuzzy and picture perfect.

We had the privilege of previously filming their love story at their South End condo in Boston; attending their rehearsal in Harwich and a fabulous rehearsal dinner at the Oyster Bar in Harwichport on The Cape. It was one of those weekends we had so much fun (and ate so well!) we sometimes forgot we were working.

We stayed at a B&B with most of the wedding party, so after seeing everyone at breakfast, we did a quick interview with Todd (the groom) before I headed off to Jill's parents' home to film the girls getting ready, and Jack went off to the church to set up.

Did I mention that everything and everyone was GORGEOUS?? Jill's dress was an original creation of lace and flowers, the flowers were amazing, everyone's hair and makeup looked natural but perfect, and both sets of parents were themselves very much in love.

After the weekend we couldn't wait to watch the footage, and ideas and inspirations were like blessings.

We have to admit we love what we produced. If you haven't seen their projects, we'll include some links below.
We do want to share with you what Jill and Todd said about working with us. When someone really "gets" us and our work, it's so hard to stop smiling!! Thank you !!

   "Todd and I have been thrilled with the creativity, professionalism and all around dynamic approach of the GENERATIONS cinemastories team. From the start, Jack and Naomi were entirely focused on extracting our
unique story and telling it in a way that reflected our sensibility and personalities. They seamlessly embedded themselves within our wedding festivities and made everyone they interacted with feel completely comfortable.

We elected to screen our "Love Story" at our rehearsal dinner because we loved it so much. We felt that it set the perfect tone for the ceremony the next day and allowed our distant relatives/friends to really get to know us as a couple. Since then, we have been blown away by our trailer and now...our Poetry in Motion piece. The Poetry in Motion was a little gift that I've kept open on my desktop while at work to remind me of the incredible day that we shared with those closest to us. "

Jill Maher

http://vimeo.com/12241018 Jill and Todd's Love Story

http://vimeo.com/13077023   Jill and Todd's Film Trailer

(and You'll have to wait a little longer for Poetry in Motion)

Hot Summer Wedding Ideas

2010-08-15T21:34:00.000-04:00
Nothing like the middle of a hot and sunny Summer to get creative minds dreaming...new ideas are bound to happen. Consider: a super Green wedding invite. A video link introducing yourself and inviting guests to your wedding. You can send people right over to your wedding website for more information and to get regular updates, post comments, check your registry, etc. Very cool. Ultimate Green.

Or how about an anniversary video for your friend or family member who regrets not having a wedding video? Maybe you create a romantic fantasy, or re-enact a proposal, or sing or recite poetry or vows to one another?Maybe mix in pics ( or amateur video) from your wedding. You can add the song from your first dance. Or cook dinner together on camera.

We're about to do a series of Modern Love Poems for several of our clients. We want to experiment with different styles and see how we match the poetic style to the couple. Jack has been spending time searching through his endless music library looking for unusual songs to use for wedding films. He's come up with quite a few fabulous and unexpected choices.

Come visit and we'll show you what we've been up to.

Poetry in Motion

2010-08-05T12:07:00.000-04:00
It's been a creatively HOT Summer for us here in the studio. In between weddings, we've been dreaming up some new ideas...custom, decor coordinated montage (Andy Warhol anyone?) for a fabulous, very modern wedding at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Lots of different kinds of Love Stories for lots of exciting couples. And now our newest concept (no, you can't see it just yet...) Poetry in Motion.
You may have noticed that bridal decor seems to go through historical periods. We've just come through a retro influence which included touches of 40's and 50's style. I've wondered for a while about the early 60's: Not the commonly- thought- about- 60's that brings to mind cliche'd images of bell bottoms and tie-dye; I'm thinking more of the very early 60's - of tight "capri" pants, skinny ties, ballet flats, sheath dresses and some very innocent, romantic music. The music usually rhymed. It was about a girl or a guy, and it was pretty simple, adoring, "I have this big crush on you" music.
One such song came out in 1961 by a singer named Johnny Tillotson (if anyone knows this song - please comment here and we'll enter you in our raffle to win one of our new concept pieces!) The song was called "Poetry in Motion" and started with the lines: "When I see my bay -yay-be, what do I see?" The song started running through my head and just wouldn't leave (you know how those things can happen!) and after a few days I started running around the studio driving everyone here crazy with ideas I wanted them to try until a few weeks later we had produced a few pieces expressing the idea of, you guessed it, "Poetry in Motion"!
Of course, since it was new, some around here thought the idea was -brilliant/crazy/terrible/ridiculous/inspired/disastrous/possible/way out of the box/too far out of the box, etc.
so at the first opportunity - and as soon as we summoned up our courage, we sent the piece off to 2 of our former couples. We held our collective breath. They called us. " Elegant. Moving. Tender. Perfect. So Lovely". THEY LOVED IT!!! We smiled. We blushed. We giggled. We jumped up and down. We poured champagne and toasted.
We promise we'll show it to you soon. Just as soon as it's really finished.

2010-08-01T21:33:00.000-04:00
Celebrity Weddings
We've filmed several "celebrity" weddings in the past 6 years. Of course, we'd love to show you some, but, like Chelsea Clinton's photo and video vendors, we are sworn to secrecy!

Celebrating New England Wedding Professionals
Starting this month, we'll be posting some work lovingly produced for our friends and colleagues in the wedding and special event business.

Lauren Killian's Birthday Montage
Lauren's husband, John, commissioned us to produce this surprise photo/video montage, celebrating Lauren's birthday, and the first birthday of their beautiful twin girls.
This is a short clip from a longer montage we created, which included music from Madonna and Lady Gaga. This is the mellow section, which doesn't include a lot of Lauren in her PJ's and bedroom hair! Note some of the amazing photos by fabulous photog mom, Lauren Killian McCarthy.

Jack

Person + Killian specializes in event photography. Located in the heart of Boston's Back Bay. Owned and operated by Jill Person + Lauren Killian.

Congratulations Ashley and Gaylord! Married

2010-07-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

Ashley & Gaylord's Love Story from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.
Ashley & Gaylord's Love Story

Creative Contest!!

2010-07-09T09:18:00.001-04:00
We're always looking for new ideas from our studio artists. We've invented new packages, custom packages, and no packages. Mini-films, full-length documentaries, online video invites, thank-you cards, and sexy video Cinemacards. We're about to debut (coming soon!) our latest idea for die-hard romantics, "Poetry in Motion" (ask us, if you can't wait!); and now we're about to open up to ideas from you - our potential clients, our former clients, our about-to-be-clients, and our readers. In fact, we'd like to run a little contest, starting now, and ending on Labor Day 2010, where we offer 25% off one of our services (wedding film, mitzvah, birthday, anniversary film; life time tribute film; montage for any occasion; Love story; full weekend event coverage, etc.) for a new creative idea submitted by YOU!
Our studio staff will ponder all submissions, post some of the best ideas - you can add your comments - and we'll post the winning idea and the winner here.

Just send your ideas to me at: Naomi@GENERATIONScinemastories.com by August 31, 2010.

GENERATIONS cinemastories: Preview "Jill and Todd"

2010-07-04T13:45:00.001-04:00

Jill and Todd's Wedding Film Trailer from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.
Jill and Todd's Wedding June 5 2010
Ceremony at First Congregational Church Harwich, Cape Cod
Reception at Wychmere Country Club in Harwichport
(now part of Longwood Events)

ISES RI at Belle Mer

2010-07-01T17:13:00.000-04:00
What a treat! Last night Stephanie Rossi of SD Events and I ventured down to the gorgeous Belle Mer for an evening of mingling with our industry colleagues at ISES RI annual ball. Belle Mer was decked out in her Summer white sheers and with the perfect Summer sun setting in the background, turquoise cocktails circulating around, I couldn't think of a more perfect place to be last night.
Of particular interest was the stunning straight drop of a waterfall wall in the ballroom raining into a jet black bed of crystals. Dramatic and simply stunning.
Longwood Events has some of the most amazing venues in New England, and having now acquired Wychmere Harbor in Harwich on the Cape (we just filmed a wedding there June 5 ) we can hardly wait to see the transformation that's being talked about!

Mitzvahs!

2010-06-29T14:20:00.000-04:00
Most people know us for our wedding films. We do Bar and Bat Mitzvah films and montages as well - in fact, this year, we're happy to say, we've been doing LOTS of Mitzvah montages and films. Since I come from a strong Jewish background (Naomi, here), I want to focus attention on the meaning of the event as much as on the celebration. Sometimes that means filming the Bar or Bat Mitzvah and family weeks prior to the event, interviewing the key people about the event's importance to them; asking them to reflect and share a bit about the events leading up to the event. Often we will film the rehearsal (particularly if we are unable to film the actual service) so that we can have the blessings; part of the Torah and Haftorah readings;the temple or synagogue visuals and the child's reflective speech as part of the film we will later create.

Our montages also tend to be complex: We most often include video from the parents' selections; new video that we record; photo images that we have colorized and reframed; and often sophisticated art direction to coordinate with the reception. We see the montage as a coming-of-age keepsake that is often gifted to grandparents and other important family members.

Recently we worked with a wonderfully talented mom, Daphna, and her amazing daughter, Maya, to create the following montage. It was shown at the reception at the Wellesley Country Club.
Maya's Bat Mitzvah Photo/Video Montage from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.
Maya's Bat Mitzvah Photo/Video Montage
June 19, 2010

Produced by GENERATIONS cinemastories

Poetry in Motion

2010-06-28T17:44:00.002-04:00
Weddings are not only our work - they are our inspiration. We are excited by every wedding; every couple and their story. And, every now and then we meet a couple who inspires us to even greater creative heights. Such is the case with William and Jackie. Their original sense of style, their achingly tender looks and thoughts toward one another, have inspired a new form for us.
We can't show it to you...not just yet...but we promise you something very new and exciting ...coming soon!

Anniversaries

2010-06-18T16:06:00.000-04:00
It's the middle of June, it's a perfectly gorgeous day, and it's Jack and my anniversary. Our studio is humming busy, editing up a storm of wedding films. Our weekend is booked with a wonderful Bat Mitzvah at the Wellesley CC; an early Sunday wedding at a local Newton Temple; and we're squeezing in dinner for 2 in town early this evening. Usually we find ourselves working on our anniversary so tonight's kind of unusual - and special.
We wanted to make it even more special by sending out 2 anniversary cards to the couples we shared our anniversary weekend with last year. Happy anniversary to Jonathan and Michael June 20, 2009;

and Rachel and Tyson - married June 20, 2009.

Urban Bride with Class

2010-06-07T15:56:00.002-04:00
When Lynne first met us, she was clear that she wanted "Best of Boston" all around for her wedding. She started with John, her fiance', who clearly earned the title of BOB early in their relationship.
She wanted (and hired!) Best of Boston photographers, Brian and Maria Phillips; She chose the Boston Harbor Hotel for her stunning reception with fabulous Michael Boivin holding down the fort. And, Lynne got so into the process of planning and designing her own wedding down to the very last, tiny detail, that she created her own wedding planning blog to help other brides!
With all the responsibility that Lynne took on in planning her own wedding (in addition to her high-powered job as a lawyer) - she still managed to maintain her wonderful good spirits and fun-loving energy right up to the very last minute.
The couple's rehearsal dinner, at a wonderful N. End restaurant, was filled with family and close friends; and we were thrilled to be there to capture all the intimate stories and toasts.
Here, then, is just a glimpse of their intimate, glamorous wedding.
A perfect retro wedding planned to the perfect detail by bride, Lynne and Michael of the Boston Harbor.

Jackie and William

2010-06-07T14:19:00.005-04:00
Jackie and William are off somewhere on their honeymoon (starting in Paris!) after a most romantic wedding on May 1 at a private club in Boston's Back Bay. We had the good fortune to meet the adorable couple through our photographer friends, Jo and Dave, of Allegro Photography.

Jackie and William were incredibly "hands-on" about every detail of their wedding starting with the invitations themselves, which they designed and made themselves. We chronicled the story of their invitation creation as part of their love story film.

We are now offering combined Love Story/Engagement Photo shoots with some of our favorite photographer friends. Jo, Dave, Jack and I had a blast shooting this one together - and you can check out the photos from Allego here. http://allegrophotography.com/clients/2010/jackie_william_eng/index.html

You can also see some preview pictures of the couple's gorgeous wedding on Jo and Dave's blog. Stay tuned for our movie trailer, coming soon on our blog!

Princeton, NJ and Boston, MA

Produced by GENERATIONS cinemastories

Angela and Evans on Chatty Brides!

2010-04-27T11:22:00.000-04:00
Our fabulous couple just returned from Vegas to find their finished wedding film.
We can't wait to get the reviews!

http://beantownbride.com/2010/04/

2010-04-26T10:32:00.008-04:00
What happens when a group of wedding professionals decide to create a wedding together as a team?
They have a fabulous time, and creative ideas flow like honey!
Tasha Bracken and Stephanie Rossi of SD Events; the fabulous Siman Entertainment; Jill Person of Person+Killian Photography; Floral Designer Faxon Green; Wedding Tresses, Jacki Norrie and our own Jack Brotman and Lauren Schumacher (Lauren made the Ostrich feather and 45 record table cards!)

Wedding Professionals as team Players

2010-04-26T10:18:00.001-04:00

Viki and Niko - the film trailer

2010-04-23T11:15:00.002-04:00

Gorgeous Greek Wedding in Boston

2010-04-23T11:13:00.000-04:00
We were so lucky to film this amazingly stunning wedding! Viki and Niko were the happiest, most radiant (and relaxed!) couple; Viki's dress was stunning; the guests were all fantastic dancers (all to Greek music that played throughout the night).
One of my favorite parts of the evening at the State Room was the ever-so-romantic interlude of Viki dancing for Niko, and Niko dancing for Vikki. I loved watching her sitting in the "pouf" of her pink tulle dress on the dance floor watching Niko dance for her. One of the tenderest moments we captured was Niko reaching out to her as she rose to meet him.
Of course their baby was too adorable in his mini-tux, and seemed enthralled by the evening's events.

Fusion!!

2010-04-20T09:24:00.000-04:00
A few years ago there was talk about photographers starting to do videography and videographers adding on photography. The introduction of new cameras that did both well was certainly an incentive. While a few people did a bit of this at first, it didn't take long for everyone to realize that a great photographer sees the world differently from a top wedding cinematographer; and vice versa.
Collaboration is often what generates new and exciting ideas: We started exploring the mixed media idea when we filmed a Style Me Pretty "inspiration to realty" project with our good friend, Jill Person of Person+Killian Photography. We then mixed in Jill's photography to the edit we did with stunning results.

Next we planned a joint photo engagement shoot and love story filming with Jo and Dave of Allegro photography. The four of us met our May 1 couple in Princeton, NJ where they met at a Princeton Reunion and fell in love. We had a blast shooting the event together and will have a clip up for you to see shortly!

This week we're meeting and talking with other photographer friends to create packages that will offer our clients not only great photographers whom we love to work with, but the best of photography and videography for your wedding. Stay tuned!

Boston Wedding at the Veronique

2010-04-14T13:01:00.002-04:00
Sarah & Harold
April 13, 2010
www.beantownbride.com
Author: Andrea E. McHugh
Photography by: Grazier Photography

If anyone can tell you absence makes the heart grow fonder, it's Sarah Bookbinder, a 31-year-old attorney, and her 32-year-old professor husband Harold Park. "Harold and I were living across the country from one another throughout our entire engagement, with him in Colorado and me in Washington (D.C.)," says Sarah. The cross-country courtship culminated in an engagement in the nation's capital, where Sarah was working. Though planning the Beantown nuptials from afar was a challenge, Sarah says it made the celebration all the more fun, and credits wedding planner Bernadette Smith of It's About Time Events with ensuring a flawless fête.

As guests would descend on Boston from around the country, the couple sought a ceremony and reception locale that was convenient, beautiful, and with a wonderful reputation for food quality and service. On May 24th, 2009, Brookline's Veronique Ballroom became the hub of Sarah and Harold's wedding day bash. At 6:00 p.m., Sarah waltzed down the aisle in an unconventional tea-length dress with a satin v-neck top and French lace skirt by Stephanie James Couture. "I wanted a dress that would be good for dancing and not too formal," says Sarah. "This dress was so comfortable, but also such a fun and different style; it reminded me of the dresses onMad Men, which I love." Inspired by a funky palette of apricot , green and purple hues, the florals were bright and cheerful with lots of texture. "They incorporated all of our wedding colors and the centerpieces were in vintage vases of different sizes," Sarah says. As Sarah and Harold made their debut as man and wife, the two were surrounded by loved ones as they swayed to Otis Redding's sultry I've Been Loving You So Long. Gazing around, the two shared their favorite moment of the day: "having all of our friends and family, from all over the country, together in one room," says Sarah. And as for that dress? Gushes Sarah, "I danced the entire night!"

Wedding Day Details:
Invitations: DIY
Gown: Stephanie James Couture
Florist: Spruce
Venue: Veronique Ballroom
Videographer: Generations Cinemastories
Music: Beantown

*Want to see more? View Sarah & Harold's wedding video by Generations Cinemastories CLICK HERE.

Holocaust Documentary - Survivors and Their Children

2010-04-09T15:21:00.003-04:00
Tikkun Premiering Monday April 12 at Temple Emanuel,
Newton, MA

Some of you may know I've been working on this film about The Holocaust's impact of second and third generations survivors. If you're free Monday night and interested, please come!

Boston Hearts Weddings

2010-03-30T12:17:00.005-04:00
So excited to have Boston Hearts Weddings post one of our all-time favorite couple's films. We just love Rachel and Tyson, loved everything about their wedding! It was great to visit them just a few weeks ago in their adorable Charlestown condo.
Newport Wedding Film

RACHEL & TYSON HIGHLIGHTS from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.

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Brides Against Breast Cancer

2010-03-26T19:32:00.004-04:00
Last night a group of fabulous women put a new face on breast cancer while modeling a stunning array of bridal gowns from Kleinfeld in New York. Randy Himself, from Say Yes to The Dress! (every bride and so many of us long-ago brides' favorite show) - was the Man of The Hour charming every girl attending this fabulous event at Bloomie's registry at Chestnut Hill. Southern New England Wedding, The Registry, floral designer extraordinaire Dana Markos, Person+Killian Photography, JackFalvey Associates, DJ Raffi, the wonderful girls from Kleinfeld, all the volunteers from Brides Against Breast Cancer, pooled their wealth of resources to create a stunning event at the Mall that drew a sold out VIP crowd of brides and their friends.
We were honored to be part of the event, projecting video interviews of each model before she walked the runway.
Saturday 3/27 and Sunday 3/28 the Tour of Gowns continues.
Here's a little taste of the show.

Beantown Bride @

2010-03-19T08:59:00.000-04:00
Today's the second day this week we're being featured on Beantown Bride! One of our favorite weddings (Lindsay and Nate) and a short interview on what we like to call our Couture Cinematography approach to service and style. Check it out and thanks, Brittany!

We're on Beantown Bride Today!

2010-03-17T08:48:00.002-04:00
Jack Brotman, partner, husband, and videographer and editor extrordinaire, is the talent behind the stunning fashion video featured this morning on Beantown Bride. Brittany Blando, publisher, decided to showcase Ku De Ta, to direct brides and their maids to a source for some of the hippest retail therapy in town. We'll be back at The Liberty in May for another fashion shoot with Ku De Ta. What fun!

Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns - Boston, MA - Bridal Show in Chestnut Hill, MA, Massachusetts

2010-03-15T22:35:00.000-04:00
Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns - Boston, MA - Bridal Show in Chestnut Hill, MA, Massachusetts

We're So Excited!

2010-03-14T18:16:00.000-04:00
Not sure why, but wedding season always seems to start for me right after daylight savings kicks in. Not that wedding season ever ends for us- in fact, all during the cold and dark Winter months we're busy as beavers editing away - creating our fabulous wedding films from all the hundreds (thousands?) of hours of footage we captured between last April and November. Of course we're still editing away, and meeting with new couples ... but yesterday we met with an amazing new couple sent to us by good friends and neighbors, Jo and Dave from Allegro Photography, and we're so excited to be collaborating with them on documenting not only their special wedding on May 1 of this year, but also on so many of the behind-the scenes events leading up to the Big Day. Today we visited them at home to film and chat with them about the hand-made, original invitations they were designing and making for their guests. Every aspect of this wedding is going to be so very personal, and we are beyond thrilled that Jackie and William have entrusted us to document all the unfolding details.
We'll keep you up to date in the next to months as the details unfold, but we're already planning a trip back to their college campus with them where they met and fell in love at the annual reunion!
Naomi

Viki and Niko (click here to play trailer)

2010-02-15T23:38:00.006-05:00
We were in a real hurry to get a trailer done from this wedding. Everything about it was magical. The bride, Viki, was simply radiant.

The groom, Niko was filled with joy. Friends and family surrounded and embraced the couple with love and exuberance.

We LOVED Viki's Pink Champagne Vera Wang dress; her angelic flower girls and junior bridesmaid in their red and peach tulle ballet dresses. The night at the State Room was filled with stars and Greek music as guests took their turns entertaining the couple with spirited Greek dancing. A of the high point of the night was when Niko danced just for Viki and Viki looked up at Niko with the most adoring look on her face.

Viki and Niko from GENERATIONS cinemastories on Vimeo.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T08:38:00.000-05:00
Aren't we the luckiest couple in town?
It's Valentine's Day, and after Jack brought me flowers yesterday,(my favorites - day lilies - today he brought me coffee in bed, and now we're about to head off to a sweet, intimate wedding in the chapel at Temple Emanuel in Newton Centre. Just closest family and friends in a beautiful little chapel with modern stained glass, a domed skylight ( gorgeous natural light - particularly on a bright and sunny day like today!) and curved seating for guests. The couple chose the temple as much for its stand on Equal Marriage as for its natural beauty and for one of its Rabbi's Michelle Robinson who will be officiating this morning - bringing all her joy and love and spirit to this couple's new marriage.

We thought we'd share a bit of ourselves this Valentine's Day with you. So here's a little of a romantic Naomi and Jack - not working!

Valentine's Day CinemaCard

2010-02-08T18:07:00.006-05:00
We're jumping up and down excited about our latest concept. The amazingly creative Tasha Bracken of SD Events was the inspiration behind this particular idea which we debuted at the Love and Learning Soiree' the other night at her intimate site in Newton. http://www.thesimpledetails.com/

We think it's HOT. And, very FUN. Why send a plain, old, tree-killing card when you can send a greener, better, more outrageous, more original, CinemaCard? Thanks to Stephanie Rossi of SD Events for being our first CinemaCard subject!
(And Jonathan, we assume you're not reading this, but we can't wait to hear about your reaction on Valentine's Day when you see this!)

Click here to watch.

BTW, think of all the possibilities for CinemaCards...How about an original little love story with a "Save The Date" for your wedding invite? Maybe enclosed in an elegant or fun custom-designed envelope? Or, as a CinemaCard for a special anniversary? Or a "Thank - You" card for your wedding presents? We'll help you get creative and produce one just for you and any occasion or reason!

Catching Up !

2010-02-05T20:41:00.003-05:00
It's amazing how many wonderful, gorgeous weddings we get invited to every year. One week ago we were sitting in Lucca's in Boston's North End getting to know John and Lynne's wonderful friends and family. The couple chose to invite about 30 of their friends to their fun and intimate dinner party - and we were lucky enough to be part of it. Lynne's dad, Bob, was the photographer for the night. Far from being a mere amateur, Bob started his professional life as a photographer- studying at NESOP and loving life behind the lens before he leapfrogged into a career in sales and marketing. From what we saw, it appeared that his first love was still very dear to his heart!

We think rehearsal dinners are the perfect place for cinematography - and we've added rehearsal dinner coverage to most of our new packages. It's the best time to capture personal, often funny toasts and stories; and close friends and family are at their most relaxed and talkative before the formalities of the wedding day. At Lynne and John's rehearsal dinner we had guests approaching us with stories they wanted to tell about the couple, and the couple had the time to sit down with us to tell us the story of their meeting and falling in love. We also want to say a public THANK YOU to Lynne and John for providing us with a romantic table for 2 and a lovely bottle of wine which we enjoyed while the family ate dinner.

Lynne and her sister Lauren ( with a little help from Michael Boven at the Boston Harbor Hotel) planned the wedding together. The decor was all white and silver with 2 long tables topped with stunning, tall, rose, lily and stephanotis floral centerpieces created by the talented Dana Markos. I was delighted to discover that the roses actually smelled like real roses! (Dana - where did these come from? So many roses today look wonderful but disappoint the nose!)

The bride wore a stunning and unusual retro themed dress of lace with lace bolero jacket and sweetheart neckline. I have to say that Lynne was the most relaxed bride I have seen in a very long time - and for good reason: When we asked the couple what they saw in their future together, John smiled and said that he planned on spending the rest of his life making Lynne happy. With a new husband like that beside her, a smart bride ought to relax!

Thanks to Brian and Maria Phillips who, as always, were a joy to work with. We can hardly wait to see the pictures from the wedding!

Bride's Choice 2010 Winners!!

2010-02-03T16:30:00.003-05:00
Boston, Massachusetts, February 1, 2010 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced GENERATIONS cinemastories has been selected to receive the WeddingWire 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding Videography.

The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

GENERATIONS cinemastories is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

We are happy to announce that GENERATIONS cinemastories is among the very best Wedding Videographers/Cinematographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire and Martha Stewart Weddings. We would like to thank our past newlyweds for nominating us for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards.

We're Moved!!!

2010-01-29T16:21:00.002-05:00
Some of you knew us back in our Newbury Street days - was that only a few years ago? Many of you learned of us when we relocated our studio to Brookline Village and attempted to co-exist with our studio, our interns and staff in a very small one floor apartment that grew smaller and smaller as we expanded. Now, we've finally moved into bigger, better, brighter space in the West Edge (more about that to come) with a whole second floor devoted to 3 big studios for GENERATIONS cinemastories.
Right now we're still sitting among boxes on our way out to Lynne Zagami's wedding rehearsal and dinner ( yay! Lynne!) and tomorrow we'll be avoiding the mess entirely, having the delightful distraction of Lynne and John's wedding at Gates of Heaven Parish and then their winter wonderland reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel. We're totally excited about the wedding ( and the move, too!) and in a few weeks we'll be ready to invite everyone over for some champagne!
BTW, our new neighbors (thank you Jo and Dave for your support) are none other than the fabulous Jo and Dave of Allegro Photography. We're very lucky that they introduced us to our new place, and luckier still that they will be our next door neighbors.

A Moving Experience...Person+Killian Party 2010

2010-01-15T20:01:00.004-05:00
It's getting close to moving day - which we've targeted as 1/28/10. Exciting, daunting, terrifying. The new house in the West Edge
is amazing; the task of sifting through our pack-rat accumulations of 8 years and choosing what to save, what to toss is daunting. And the idea of watching all my day to day stuff disappear into beige boxes is terrifying. SO - if there's a bit of silence on this blog for a few weeks, you'll know where we've disappeared to.

BUT - there's nothing like a good party to take your mind off things you'd rather not think about. Jill and Lauren (Person + Killian Photography) threw their almost-annual Thank-You party for all their industry friends and colleagues. We've been lucky to be both - and had a blast helping out. Jack was in heaven dj'ing and Trevor had a great time doing video projection.
Here's what it looked like to us http://www.vimeo.com/8771428 and for more details on the rest of the team go to:http://www.personkillianblog.com/

Lucky's Love Story

2010-01-08T22:50:00.003-05:00
Here's where it all started: We wanted to create a little anticipation - kind of introduce the wedding to the SMP readers so they would begin to wonder "who is this Scarlett and Daniel couple? and where the hell is Lucky's? and what is this video all about?"
Taking off on the retro theme of the Inspiration Board on Style Me Pretty, we - Jack, Scarlett, Daniel and I met Tasha at Lucky's and while I interviewed the couple ( and coached them) - Jack filmed - and we had ourselves a "welcome to our wedding" little video.
We wanted to show couples how fun something like this could be and how they might use it for themselves and we also thought it would create a playful introduction to the SMP Inspiration Theatre.

Let us know what you think!

GENERATIONS cinemastories: Style Me Pretty

2010-01-08T22:48:00.000-05:00
GENERATIONS cinemastories: Style Me Pretty

Style Me Pretty

2010-01-08T22:47:00.003-05:00
And here we come to Scarlett and Daniel's wedding day. We meet Scarlett picking up her parent's friend's antique roadster to drive to the wedding. Modern girl, indeed! Scarlett wears my fake Blackgamma mink coat with such panache. Over at The Loft on A Street, there are last minute adjustments to the decor; experiments in lighting; the band setting up; the maid of honor having her makeup done.

A classic photoshoot in a great venue. There's something about a man in a black tuxedo leaning over a pool table. A white silk dress against a brick wall. There were amazing textures in the decor for this shoot. It is impossible not to be blown away by the singers in the band. Fabulous style. Fabulous music. Enjoy and thanks to everyone involved - it's a huge pleasure and honor to work with you!