Why live your wedding day only once?
That’s Focal Point Digital Media’s tagline and such a true statement. Awww, the world of wedding video…if only every couple realized before their big day how very important hiring a professional videographer is to their overall wedding experience. As a seasoned coordinator I’ve had the unfortunate experience of hearing many couples tell me after their wedding that they truly regret not taking the time to even consider video or simply eliminating it from their budget. This always makes me incredibly sad since those memorable moments cannot be recaptured in any other way. This of course is not meant to discount photography in the least, and I have yet to meet a couple who hasn’t had photography at the top of their list of priorities, but video adds a completely different element of emotion. How else are the vows captured, and what about those wild and crazy toasts, or those very special father-daughter dances, the late night partying, and so much more. The truth is that a great video is not a replacement, but rather the perfect supplement to even the most amazing photographs. The two together fully capture a couple’s wedding day. There are a number of talented videographers in the Portland area but very few specialize exclusively in weddings, and one of them is Focal Point Digital Media. Ryan Chaney, who founded the business in 2004 and has been running it successfully ever since, is not only a talented and creative artist, but an equally professional and just all-around nice guy. Since opening his Salem-based business, Ryan and his team have filmed more than 170 weddings in and around Portland as well as other parts of Oregon, WA and CA, and already have several more on the books for 2010. They are a full-time professional studio located in West Salem where they welcome and encourage couples to come in and view their work, and chat about the details of their big day! Ryan is relaxed, friendly, easy-going and always open to fresh ideas and excited to create a masterpiece that is as unique as the couple themselves. He is one of those vendors who really listens to what couples want and makes it his goal to provide just that. Focal Point has an editing niche known as cinematic short-form wedding video whereby Ryan sifts through hours and hours of raw footage and creates a tightly-edited movie-like main feature complete with custom soundtrack, tasteful effects and polished storyline. 
There is a reason it takes a professional videographer several months for an outstanding video to be produced…literally hundreds of hours go into the editing process to ensure the final product is nothing short of perfect. Over the years the Blush team has worked on numerous weddings with Ryan and his team and we are always thrilled to recommend them to our clients knowing that they are in the best of hands and will love watching their wedding day unfold time and again. Here is a sample trailer from Kate & Mike’s wedding that we worked on with Focal Point in July of 2008…what a fun and memorable day it was! As coordinators, we always recommend that couples take the time to meet with two to three professional videographers and see what they have to offer, even if they are adamant that they do not want a video or simply cannot afford it. In reality, if a couple sees a video they love, they can usually find a way to squeeze it into the budget, even if it means paying for it over time, or postponing when it will be edited and complete. The most important part is capturing the day! Here is another sample from Kate & Mike’s big day as they made their get away from the Armory at Portland Center Stage to the Portland Art Museum. I often hear couples say that they will never watch their wedding video but more than likely this view is a result of a friend or family member’s poor quality video they were forced to watch. Unfortunately many times professional videographers fall into this category when in fact their level of quality is the opposite. As a bride myself in 2008, I hired Ryan and his associate, Gary, to film my big day, and it was one of the best decisions I made surrounding my wedding. My husband and I have watched our trailer, love story, and video numerous times and it always brings tears to our eyes…it’s nothing short of priceless. Here is a small sample of my own wedding day that will surely bring a smile to your face…just one more testament to why video is an absolute necessity at any wedding. Not surprisingly, Focal Point has won a number of awards over the years including the Creative Excellence Award from their industry trade group, WEVA, Oregon Bride Magazine’s Best Videographer for 2009, and most recently the 2010 Bride’s Choice Award Winner through Wedding Wire Network. For more information about the services Ryan and the Focal Point team can offer you, check out their website at www.focalpointvideo.biz
Ink & Peat…We could all use a little inspiration!
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Pam Zsori, owner and founder of Ink & Peat, a lifestyle boutique and floral shop located in the hip and fashionable section of Williams Avenue in North Portland. If you haven’t visited this sweet shop you need to add it to your list of must-sees. Not only is Pam gracious and welcoming, she is an equally talented designer, both of flowers, and home decor. Relaxed, intimate, modern, and fresh with vintage touches throughout is how I would describe this fabulous spot. As a former fashion designer, Pam has the eye to create beautiful and eclectic arrangements for any occasion. Ink & Peat is one of those places that gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling as soon as you step inside and the aroma awakens your senses. From the moment I arrived I was nothing but impressed and inspired! There were so many wonderful smells, both from the variety of fresh flowers as well as the many beautiful and fragrant soaps, lotions, and candles from around the world. 
I bought the best smelling little soap made by Tokyomilk and can’t seem to set it down…it’s almost edible! Many of the products available at Ink & Peat are either organic or from sources that support sustainable living practices. This is an important consideration when choosing your wedding flowers, especially in Portland where the number of green weddings continues to increase. Since Ink & Peat is a storefront with flowers always on hand, patrons are able to see firsthand how different varieties of flowers will look together, a benefit that Pam feels sets her shop apart from private florists. Additionally, the storefront also carries a variety of lifestyle items including vases, pillows, towels, letterpress cards, vintage decor and an eclectic mix of jewelry…and many other items that would make unique and memorable wedding favors or bridesmaid/parent gifts. Pam and her staff are very conscientious when it comes to mother nature and they take the extra step to do what is necessary to protect the earth. 
The style of floral at Ink & Peat is described as modern, fresh, eclectic, whimsical, and most definitely GORGEOUS, and the staff is capable of creating a feel that is unique to each couple’s personal style and vision. I could have easily spent an hour just walking around and looking at each item they carry and I definitely plan to return soon when I need a gift or just feel like pampering myself. This shop is a must-visit when you’re in N. Portland or anytime you have a need to feel inspired. I am excited to tell my clients and friends about Ink & Peat, and whether you’re getting married and are in need of floral for your wedding, an arrangement for a dinner party, anniversary, baby shower, or just a simple bouquet to brighten your home, Pam and her staff will design something unique and special just for you.
Anne Nunn Photography — follow-up contest!
You may recall our recent post about a contest where couples had the chance to submit their touching and inspirational love story and win $500 off any wedding photography package by the fabulous Anne of Anne Nunn Photographers. Good news! We’ve decided to run the contest one more time now that Valentine’s Day is behind us and the number of recent engagements has likely sky-rocketed! This time Anne has decided to offer even more by generously donating the following for the couple who submits the most inspirational story: 8 hours of coverage on your wedding day, an engagement session at location of choice, complementary travel (up to 200 miles from Eugene), custom wedding website (check out this sample: nicholeandjared.annenunnphotography.com), and an online gallery of all images. Please submit your story directly to Anne at anne@annenunnphotography.com or to us at blush@blushbridalevents.com by Sunday, February 28th at midnight (EST) and be sure to include your wedding date and a photo of the two of you together so she can put a face with the story! Couples must be getting married in 2010 to qualify for this contest. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity and have fun submitting those stories. We can’t wait to receive them and choose a deserving couple…send away!