Ben and Shiva are a fun, yet focused couple. In the weeks prior to the shoot, we exchanged many conversations about what they should wear, what they should bring, where to go, etc. Yet, as planned as it all was, when we arrived at UCLA, we were still all able to let loose, have fun and enjoy the moments. When I asked Shiva what she liked about them as a couple the most, she told me that they could spend endless amounts of time just being in each others’ company. Hours would pass by and even though nothing in particular had really happened, they were both very truly happy. We hope these images convey that simple pleasure and without further ado, enjoy!
~ Sarah
As a side note, we also filmed some video that day as well, which will debut when we post up their actual wedding film (sometime after September 5th). Maaaaybe we’ll post up a “preview” clip if you ask nicely (;
Last Sunday, Bryant and I decided (at the last minute! and by last minute, I mean that we decided at 4:00PM and left by 6:00PM, then reached Vegas around 2:00AM for a 10:00AM workshop) to head to Las Vegas to attend a workshop hosted by one of our biggest cinematography inspirations, StillMotion. I took my little point and shoot along with us and took some quick pictures while Bryant carried around his new toy, the iPhone4. Here’s a few pictures from our trip with a recap at the bottom.
Yes, Bryant got carried away with the SmileBooth. We’re pretty sure that he was in at least half of the photos that StillMotion posted up on their CinemaCaravan blog, and was probably in 75% of all of the others that weren’t posted. All in good fun! All in all, the workshop was a blast. We were one of the few people there who came with a photographic background, so we had a nice refresher talk with Amina. Justin let us try out equipment and film two models playing card games, so we got to try out a few new lenses. Patrick let people demo the Merlin, Pilot and Flyer… Bryant and I reached for the Flyer, and subsequently we decided to return our Pilot to purchase the Flyer. Thanks, enablers!
On the second day, we were paired off into groups depending on which spot we picked beforehand: director, first shooter, second shooter and grip/lighting. Bryant was nominated for director in his group, and I ended up being the grip/lighting in my group. To see my awesome gel and cookie, check out this post: here. After filming, we broke down the set and wrapped up. We were invited to dinner with the SM crew and went to California Pizza Kitchen… in Nevada. (At least I found it pretty funny). Lots of fun, good food, and probably a few too many laughs (if that’s possible).
We ended up tagging along with them out to a sunrise shoot in Palm Springs… which turned into a noon shoot because their bus driver needed to sleep. It was great to be able to sleep… but that meant we were out in the blazing sun. All in good fun. Bryant and I shot some behind the scenes and also set up a time lapse; we’ll either link them or post them up after SM posts it up on their blog.
We arrived home late Wednesday, exhausted but still extremely excited.
In addition to lots of photography, there is a few other key consistencies of Bry noted in the photos above: Pizza and Donuts. Some things never change Looks like you guys had fun!
This wedding was also close to our hearts; Christina was one of our classmates at school. She recently graduated (congratulations!) and got engaged (double congrats) and now… got married (triple congrats!).
One thing about being in the world of capturing weddings, by the time the wedding comes around you are usually pretty good friends with the bride and groom. When you show up to the wedding, you are suddenly find yourself in a room filled with their closest friends and family… So, sometimes it feels like you’re amongst strangers, and there have definitely been some awkward moments in the past, though not to say we haven’t worked past them. Either way, with this wedding, all of this went out the window.
We arrived a day earlier in order to capture the rehearsal, and from the first few steps into the house, we were greeted very openly and warmly and were treated like family. We sat down to eat with Christina’s parents and aunt/uncle and had a full conversation. Many people came up to us to talk or inquire about our gear (whereas in prior weddings, only a handful have come up). Everyone, even to the event planner and the caterers, were very friendly. There was so much joy floating around in the air that it was completely contagious.
All of this good feeling makes it very easy for us to get wrapped up into moments and to feel what everyone else is feeling. I have to admit, I sniffled a few times during the day, the top times being when the mother was passing on the jewelry to the bride, at the beginning of the ceremony and during the father’s toast. I’m sure that as you watch the video, that you’ll understand what moments I am referring to.
The location, Fortino Winery, was great! Debbi the coordinator let us take over her office for so we could keep all of our equipment and our 27″ iMac for editing out of the way.
With that, hit play, sit back and enjoy!
—
Bryant + Sarah
PS.. There are two films. One from the rehearsal dinner before the wedding and one from the day of.
Our sincere hats off to you and your “SKILLS”! Bill & I truly appreciate your time, efforts and YES we do consider you FAMILY now so if you ever need a place to stay while passing through or doing a job around Gilroy, we have extra room for you! Let us know. We will absolutely refer you to EVERYONE we know, in fact a few people at Christina’s wedding already mentioned hiring you to do theirs!! <3 We sincerely appreciate and love everything you did for us. Let us know if we can EVER do anything for you!
Bill & Michelle Vance
Megan Hahn -July 5, 2010 - 5:09 pm
I loved this video so much! The wedding was amazing and you guys captured it! Thank you so much and I will definitely be keeping you guys in the back of my mind for when I get married some day<3
Justin Miller -July 5, 2010 - 9:34 pm
Wow guys, every time i see this i am completely amazed. I get chills and wanna cry it’s just so VERY epic good. You guys did amazing!
-Justin
Julia -July 6, 2010 - 12:52 pm
I was in awe when I saw this at the wedding and then when i watched it again I got goose bumps… just the teeny moments you captured hit me hard… words cannot describe how amazing this is
Heather Nicklas -July 7, 2010 - 9:15 pm
BRYANT & SARAH!!!! This looks AMAZING. You are so so talented. I might be calling you soon
I watched the whole video with NO SOUND and it was amazing.. i can only imagine how much more amazing it is with sound! You guys are a powerhouse together! Keep it up!
Craig Tsutakawa -July 8, 2010 - 1:21 pm
Amazing and touching video.. truly captures the sensations of this joyful and wonderful wedding.
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This party was INSANE! While we have photographed Persian weddings in the past, we have never been invited to shoot the full-on engagement party. Ben and Noushin warned us that it was going to be a little intense, and they were totally right. The two of them went all out with what seemed like over 400 guests. Their families were so kind and so happy to be together that it was an absolute joy to capture.
It was an awesome night filled with great people, awesome dancing and an emotional ceremony. We are so glad we were finally able to experience one of these parties first-hand and, in fact, be right in the middle of it the entire time — though we definitely had to fight to be in the middle of the action!
Congrats Ben and Noushin! Can’t wait for the wedding.
Highlight Video coming within the week! Keep your eyes peeled.
Looks like you guys had fun!
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