INSIDE SECRETS FROM
iheARTfilms
When did you start working in the wedding industry?
I (AnnMarie) have been in the industry for 12 years, and Steven has been in the industry for 2 ½ years. Late last year is when he and I started working together.
What made you decide to go into the wedding/event industry?
It was while I was planning my own wedding when I decided that videography was a passion of mine that I really wanted to explore.
For Steven it started as just another job to use his degree. After leaving LA, he was inspired to use his talents as a film maker to create cinematic wedding vows.
What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is starting iheART films and having my baby Anna. Steven’s proudest achievement is getting his bachelor’s degree in Film.
How many hours do you spend working with a client?
From the first initial contact, throughout the entire planning process, from wedding day to a completed video we work very closely with our brides and grooms. It totally varies from client to client but typically 50 hours. In order to capture their day we get to know them and their vision for their wedding video and combine with ours.
How long is your average wedding day from start to finish?
This can vary from client to client, depending on how much coverage the client needs. We prefer to do all day coverage to really capture the emotion of the entire wedding day. Steven likes to start early with his brides when they are getting makeup and hair done. This way he doesn’t miss a thing!
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| AnnMarie |
What can brides do to so that you can do a better job for them on their wedding day?
I think that it helps us out a lot if you hire a wedding planner to help coordinate the wedding. It gets difficult to shoot all day not knowing what’s going to happen when and where. Having a wedding planner helps gel all of that together for the client and the vendors. Steven likes it if you give us ten minutes alone with you on your wedding day for some creative time. It also helps out a lot when you take the time to meet with us so we can learn more about you and we can deliver a video that you LOVE.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Traveling! I love to travel and explore new destinations and it is a new goal of mine to book more destination weddings in the future. Steven loves shooting and also trying out new ways to capture details and emotions. Steven also loves getting to purchase new equipment.
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| Steven |
What is the most difficult part of your job?
I am not a fan of carrying all the heavy equipment around. Also shooting in extreme heat and extreme cold on the beach is not one of my favorite things to do. Steven finds it difficult not having enough time to capture the shots he needs in order to produce a great final product.
I get inspired by capturing a really good video, and of course my daughter Anna. Steven is inspired by other filmmakers who strive to make a respected video and sought after. The industry in general has made a huge advancement over the past 5 years and it is great the we are not making “traditional videos” anymore.
What is your favorite part of a wedding?
I love shooting the dancing and capturing all of the great moments. Steven’s favorite part is the first dance’s because they are so romantic and sweet.
What is the most unique or extraordinary thing that you have seen at a wedding?
We filmed a “last dance” once. It was so romantic. The guests all were escorted out of the ballroom to get ready for a sparkler exit. It was just us, the photographer and the DJ that stayed to capture and watch the last romantic dance of the night. It was very sweet. Steven has seen a Groom enter on a horse. As well as flame throwers, fire breathers, belly dancers, and exotic animals.
What are you glad you did/had at your wedding?
I (AnnMarie) am so glad I hired a videographer to capture all of the moments
What is your biggest wedding regret you have?
I regret not eating my dinner that night, and doing a receiving line that took over an hour to get through the church. It was a huge time killer.
If you were to do a destination wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to have it in PARIS. Steven would choose Venice, Italy.
What is your favorite...
Color
I would have to say my favorite color is black. Steven doesn't really have a favorite color. As an artist, he doesn't choose colors, they choose him. He always says it just depends on the day.
Song
I love all types of music and can't even begin to pick. Steven's favorite songs are any by Mumford and Son's, also City of Color by Ray Lamontagne
Food
My favorite foods are steak and any Italian dishes. Steven's favorite foods are chicken , any Mexican food, and pizza.
Wedding movie scene
My favorite scene is from the Wedding Planner when Jennifer Lopez is dancing with Matthew McConaughey. Steven's favorite is Stu's wedding scene from the Hangover.
Flower
My favorite flowers are water lilies. Steven's favorite flower is a sunflower.
The bonus to having so many clients from neat places is that we get to
taste some of their regional favorites that often get placed into
welcome bags or are take aways at the reception (favors). I have to
admit, Chicago and St Louis are 2 of our favorites. Why? Garrett Popcorn (Chicago) and Billy Goat Spicy Kickers (St. Louis). YUM.
