This was our first wedding to ever film inside the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, also known as “Home of the Jacksonville Jaguars”. That was one the coolest experience for us as we are HUGE Jaguar fans!! We love that we were given full reign to be as creative as we could, with the trust of our Bride & Groom. This has to be a Photographers / Cinematographers dream wedding! From the flowers to the location to the couple… WOW, just beautiful. Ashlee & Barrett was such a great couple to work with. We really enjoyed every part of the wedding.
Ashlee just opened a boutique that allows brides access to prime vendors. From wedding gowns, to cakes, to flowers…everything on a bride-to-be’s list. Check it out here Luxe Wedding Lounge.
Photo by Mark-Brian Photography: Agnes Lopez, Aranya Uong, and Eric Torres getting a taste of the finest bakery in town Etiquette of Chocolate.
CALLING ALL BRIDES…& GROOMS, TOO!
We’ve found the perfect place for you to get everything you need for your wedding in just one location! So yesterday Eric and I attended the Grand Opening of Luxe Wedding Lounge, one of Jacksonville’s Finest Boutiques “One-Stop-Shop” for brides. Brides will find the most elite vendors in the Northeast Florida, from top-notch photographers & cinematographers to make-up artist & hairstylist to wedding cakes & wedding planners. What better way to choose the perfect vendors for you than the preferred vendors who are highly recognized for their professions!
As a bride, you want to get a feel of how your wedding cake will taste like or how your photos will turn out. Even how your videos may look. It saves time and energy having to search anywhere else but here. LWL is located in the Bartram Oaks Walk Plaza at the corner of Racetrack Rd. and S.R.16.
This slideshow was presented at the beginning of Lisa & Scott’s reception just a little after dinner was served. We wanted to share with you a special piece of what the bride and groom had shared with all of us -nostalgic memories from the beginning of their childhood to the present day. These song selections were specifically chosen by Eric himself with full creative reign. To his surprise, we come to find out that “I Made It” was the actual grand entrance song introducing the bridal party. That was a big sigh of relief knowing that the bride was pleased with his choice of song. Anyhow, I must say, I really had a great time working this wedding. It didn’t feel like work to me because I really got the chance to get to know the bride, the bridal party, the vendors, and some old familiar faces as well. Not to mention, THE FOOD & LOTS OF IT!!! Lisa & Scott, thank you so much for seriously taking care of us as your vendors. I had a blast and I wish you both strength, love, and happiness together.
I’d also like to give credit to Corinna Hoffman for some of the photos that were shown on our slideshow. Big ups to Carlton with McGee Entertainment for helping us with the audio for the slideshow presentation! It’s always a pleasure to work with you. It sure makes our job feel more like entertainment than work. And finally, we can’t forget about Mr. Sterling from Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant! He has shown great hospitality to all of us.
Team Collab (Eric & David) and I were excited to be filming one of our very own Florida Vendors, Bride Chelsey Boatwright (a Florida Wedding Photographer). Immediately upon arriving at the bride’s house, Eric was off flying with his steadicam (for exterior footages) and David to capture the final few hours of Ms. Boatwright before becoming “Mr. and Mrs.”
During the ceremony, it took my breath away when Janin saw his bride from across his pathway, standing at a distance, as she walked the aisle in the mist hot sun, sporting her long gorgeous white gown. In one breath, he says “WOW”.
I can’t forget the food! They were good ol’ Southern Soul food you can’t eat just one plate. I absolutely fell in love with the sweet potato fries! Call me a hermit, but I don’t think I’ve ever had fries like those before. I must’ve had at least 4-5 batches of sweet potato fries and 3 cups of delicious sweet tea. Yum! I can go on and on about food, but I’ll just leave it that.
We also had the pleasure in working alongside with renowned Photographer Jose Villa.
Splish! Splash!
This past Sunday, I was invited by Aranya and her family to spend the afternoon celebrating her nephew, Sovong’s 8th birthday party. I felt very welcomed and at home. I was greeted with smiles EVERYWHERE–by young and old. Some of these faces, I’d never seen before and some were quite familiar. Regardless, it just reminded me of how important it is to celebrate life and the beauty of birth.
While I was there, I decided to do a little bit of filming (as if that’s a surprise!). I captured footages of kids sliding down the waterslide and adults playing a friendly game of Boule, which I had never heard of before until this day. I had to share a bit about this game, which I participate in as well. The aim of the game is to get large, heavy balls as close to the smallest ball, otherwise known as the ‘Jack’, as possible. There can be as many as 4-8 players in a game, I believe. It is very popular, especially in France; and in Italy as well, where it may often be seen played in any open space in villages and towns. It is also referred to as ‘Bowls’. This game can be fun for all ages, as long as you can aim.
When the game of Boule was over, I was surprised to see Aranya’s two brothers sliding down the waterslide. Bong Dade, a High School Teacher and College Professor, along with Bong Set, Doctor of Optometry, were very real and down-to-earth. I would’ve never thought they’d be as excited and involved with all the kids event as they were. I was glad to see two professional adults having a good time. I realized a very important lesson, and I need to remind myself this everyday: Life is way too short to take seriously, no matter who you are, there’s always room for fun and laughter–especially with the ones you love.
More than 100 golfers braved a damp, chilly day to participate in the 4th annual golf tournament held to honor John Rowan, Jr., who disappeared from his Ponte Vedra home in February 2001, and to raise funds for the Justice Coalition. Fortified by a delicious man-sized breakfast prepared by the staff of the Hidden Hills Country Club, the teams gathered for the opening ceremony before teeing off.
Sheriff John Rutherford greeted the early morning crowd that stood at attention and recited the pledge of allegiance while the JSO honor guard presented the American flag. Rutherford talked about the Justice Coalition and its work with families of murdered victims and missing loved ones, and how the organization has a longstanding association with local law enforcement.
Ann Dugger thanked everyone for coming and expressed her deep appreciation for the sponsors who made the event possible. John Manni told how last year he and his wife were participants in the game, but this year he and his company, J. M. Adjustment Services L.L.C., were delighted to be title sponsors, along with Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., & Affiliates.
Informing the golfers that signage along their route would remind them of many murdered and missing loved ones being remembered that day, Ann introduced Peg and John Rowan, thanking the family for their hard work and generous donation of time and resources. John Rowan, Jr.’s wife Caroline and his children, Robert and Alecia, were also acknowledged.
Peg Rowan, who spearheads the tournaments in memory of her son, spoke briefly to thank everyone for their support, then John Rowan, Sr., brought many to tears as he sang, in his truly beautiful baritone voice, a song he wrote, aptly entitled Son.
After golf pro Jimmy Taylor was auctioned for $2500 to John Manni and his team, the Hidden Hills golf pro, Ted Hopkins, announced rules of the game, Chaplain Caldwell from Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital asked God’s blessings on the players, and they rode off on their carts for a fun-filled day of golf.
In the early afternoon when hungry golfers returned from the links, they filled their plates with generous helpings of corned beef and cabbage, chicken Marsala and mashed potatoes and a tempting variety of desserts. The Hidden Hills chef and assistants outdid themselves with all the mouthwatering dishes they served, and the cordial staff provided every amenity we could have wished for.
WTLV-Ch.12 Sports Director Dan Hicken, assisted by lovely Charlene Shirk of the PGA Golf Tour, once again was outstanding as he auctioned such items as a Sanyo flat screen TV donated by Wal-Mart, Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Country Club golf certificates, golf bags, weekend stays at local resorts such as the luxurious Casa Marina Hotel and Amelia Island Plantation Resort, oil changes and a variety of other desirable gifts. Exciting raffle items and a silent auction rounded out the program.
Following lunch and auction, Waterford crystal trophies were awarded to the winning teams. The JM Adjustment Services team, comprised of Kathy Manni, Helen Kelble, Craig Monson benefited from golf pro Jimmy Taylor’s expertise and finished with the lowest score. Second place honors went to the J. B. Coxwell team with players Wayne Williford, Robert Aspinwall, Lockwood Holmes and Ronnie Williams. Third place team members were Ed Bach, Steve Champney, Jack Cole and John Manni.
\ During closing remarks Phillip Bowling, who spoke about his granddaughter Somer Thompson, was overcome with emotion when he mentioned her birthday was just days away. Everyone was touched by his grief, and the crowd departed with a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace (performed by City Councilman Jack Webb playing the bagpipes) ringing in their ears.
Our heartfelt thanks once again to all the Rowan family and to all our faithful friends and supporters for another wonderful fundraising event that grossed more than $60,000. We could never keep going without you and we look forward to meeting again next year.
