Posted: October 2, 2009
Laura Randall of Edit 1 Media

Laura Randall, one half of the award-winning husband-and-wife team of Edit 1 Media, explains the benefits of filming your wedding and reveals what every couple should know about hiring a videographer.

SEATTLE BRIDE: How did you first get involved with videography?

LAURA RANDALL: Nearly 11 years ago my son was battling cancer and I truly realized how precious life is. On a trip to Disney World, I made a video of him dancing and running around—just enjoying life the way a kid should. The experience of capturing his movement and laughter so perfectly gave me a passion for capturing those special moments for other people. Weddings are definitely one of those moments, and I take filming them as a huge responsibility. We launched Edit 1 Media 10 years ago in Browns Point with a video that helped raise $60,000 for a childhood cancer charity, and loved every minute of the medium.

What is a trademark service of Edit 1 Media?

My husband, Chris, and I have really been pioneers in the field. We were one of the first to do what we coined “Same Day Edit,” where in between the ceremony and the reception we make a quick video of the ceremony and the earlier happenings. Couples can show it at the reception as a fun way to celebrate and fill in the guests who didn’t attend the actual ceremony.

Why should couples hire a videographer?

Your wedding is one of the only days in your life where you have a unique group of family and friends celebrating all together. There are so many special emotions, moments and voices at a wedding that only an audio video
can truly capture. It’s always a nice surprise when the couple watches their video for the first time and discovers amazing moments they didn’t even know happened.

What should couples look for when hiring a good videographer?

I can’t stress this enough: experience, experience, experience! Your wedding video needs to be a priority for the videographer, so find someone who does videography full time. If video is how they support themselves, they are going to be more responsible. Also, make sure your personalities match. You want someone who will be fun to work with through the course of the entire day. You will have your wedding video for a lifetime. I always know I’ve done my job when the couple calls me and tells me they watched it 15 times in a row!

What should couples expect from a videographer on the wedding day?

The videographer should be a fly on the wall that sees and captures everything. Typically, good companies will send two, maybe three, videographers to shoot from different angles. Edit 1 Media has three full-time employees, two part-time shooters and another part-time editor who participate in creating the final videos. We normally arrive an hour and a half before the bride dresses in order to film the ladies getting ready and all the excitement that is transpiring. The couple is really the boss, though, and can decide what they want filmed.

What does a wedding video end up looking like?

Each video is tailored to the couple and their personalities, so pick a videographer who really understands who you are and what you’re looking for. The goal of a wedding video is to re-create the story behind the day of the wedding, so we spend a lot of time editing your film to make the story come to life, beginning with the bride getting ready. All of our videos use multiple high-definition cameras, wireless microphones and soft lighting as needed to enhance image and audio quality during filming. Typically, we either match the film to music, much like a music video, or create a mini-documentary. Make sure to talk with your videographer about which style you are looking for.

How far in advance should couples hire a videographer?

It depends on whom you hire and what time of year the wedding is. If the videographer is popular and your wedding is in July or August, you will definitely want to hire them as early as possible. Some couples have booked us as much as three years in advance, but generally six months to a year should be a good time frame for hiring a videographer. If the wedding is last minute, however, couples might get lucky and find someone who has had a cancellation.

What can couples expect to pay?

It really ranges, depending on the company, the length of your video and how involved you want the videographer to be. Videographers generally cost between $2,500 and $5,000 and provide you with three DVDs to keep, but many cost more. Steer clear of prices less than this, as it shows the videographer probably won’t spend much time editing your film. Editing the video is where the costs come in; a very detailed video with lots of camera angles will be much more expensive. It’s always fun to add things like a film trailer or a photo montage if you want more than just the basic video, but these will increase the price.

How long does it take for the couple to receive the wedding video?

We live in a society that needs instant gratification, but you have to remember that you are spending good money for an amazing video you’ll want to hold up for the rest of your lives. You don’t want the videographer to rush through the process. Generally, it depends on how extensive the editing is, but full-length videos can take six months to a year to create and finalize. A good videographer will really communicate with you during that time and keep you informed on the process.

To read more advice from local wedding-industry experts, visit SeattleBrideMag.com or pick up a copy of Seattle Bride Magazine, on newsstands now.

Posted: Sep 10, 2009
Simply the Best

From flowers to dresses, officiants to planners, hotels to photographers and more, we’re proud to present this year’s winners as selected by wedding vendors, readers and the editors of Seattle Bride.

By Alexis Constantine

EDITORS’ PICKS

PRETTIEST HAIR ACCESSORIES
Finding bridal hair accessories that are more Carrie Bradshaw than Doris Day can be a challenge. So we applaud Columbia City gal and ARIA Salon & Spa hairstylist Tamara Hamry for creating Love Hair Candy this past January. Hamry’s glamorous, 1920s-inspired hair accessories (about $48) and cut, dyed and styled-to-match, clip-in natural hair extensions (about $250)—are positively regal. In addition to working with jewelry and fine fabrics, Hamry also crafts swank bridal updos.

ECO-FRIENDLY ILLUMINATIONS
We are obsessed with eco-friendly Washington-farmed soy candles from Haley & Company in Snohomish. Available in 50 all-natural fragrances, brides can order from the Rendezvous in Paris line ($11.50 to $18.95); the Bath Bakery line ($11.50 to $16.95); or go Private Label and pick your own glass, scent, design and custom label for wedding favors ($18.95).

MOST KISSABLE LIPS
When local makeup artist Suresh Seneviratne launched GlossLuxe, his namesake line of lip glosses, last year we were smitten. But with the introduction this past March of two new Suresh Beauty colors we are completely won over. “Anna,” an iridescent honey tone, and “Virginia,” a pink grapefruit shade, are sparkling, sheer and perfectly toned for weddings.

NEW BACHELORETTE PARTY SPOT
How do we count the ways we love Elaia, the new green spa at Hyatt at Olive 8 in downtown Seattle? For starters, the spa employs only eco-friendly practices and treatments, including the use of Pacific Northwest–sourced and made products. But the hook is the full spa day for anyone receiving a spa treatment. This means you and your gals can book a mani-pedi, work out in the state-of-the-art gym, hit the sauna and then lounge by the gorgeous pool all day, drinking daiquiris and eating snacks delivered from Urbane Restaurant downstairs.

ACTIVITIES FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
One of the coolest things about having a Northwest wedding is showing off our spectacular landscape to that most unfortunate of species: out-of-towners. So we love the posh journeys EverGreen Escapes puts together for groups at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Ranging from romantic adventure trips for two to active outings for large groups, day trips can be customized to include stops at wineries or organic farms, gourmet picnics, whale watching or plane rides above the city.

COOLEST NEW BRIDAL EVENT
Why are we so smitten with The Battle of the Betrothed, the bridal event launched by The Healthy Bride’s Christi Masi this past February? Because it’s fun to watch gung-ho teams of madly laughing newlyweds battle it out to win freebies such as a designer wedding dress, wedding cake, photography package and deluxe honeymoon. Kudos to Masi for organizing such a joyful event, and be sure to sign up online later this fall at The Healthy Bride.

FUNNIEST (AND MOST PROFESSIONAL) DJS
Humor-plus-weddings (too often) equals awful. But in hands of Troy McVicker and Scott Branston, partners in Event Source Northwest, the combination is pure gold. The seasoned pair simply get it, blending the right balance of comedy with music while making room for love and sentiment. These are seriously professional funnymen with a whole lot of heart.

To read all of the winners from Seattle Bride Magazine’s annual Best of Bride poll, visit SeattleBrideMag.com or pick up a copy of the Fall/Winter 2009 issue, on newsstands now.

Posted: Aug 12, 2009
The Pros of Hiring a Pro

Seattle Bride sent local writer and (semi) amateur photographer Cody Ellerd to shoot photos alongside a top wedding professional and set the record straight once and for all: Is it worth it to hire a friend or family member who’s “pretty good with a camera” for your wedding?

By Cody Ellerd

I consider myself a pretty good amateur photographer. I’ve taken a couple of classes, I have a nice Nikon D60 and, as a professional travel writer, I’ve even had a few of my shots make magazine covers and pages. If you didn’t budget for a professional photographer at your wedding, I’m the friend you might call to take pictures.


“This was such a cute moment, totally unscripted,” Ellerd remembers. “They bumped fists and it was clear it was a little habit of theirs, one that conveyed their friendship. Joey was right there to catch it while I was fumbling with my focus ring.”

So when Seattle Bride sent me to the late-winter wedding of Vicky Wu and Chris Nicoll to shoot alongside Joey Hong of John & Joseph Photography, a local award-winning team of two brothers who have been shooting commercial, fashion and wedding photography for more than eight years, I was curious to see how well I could keep up with a seasoned pro.

From the moment we started shooting in the bride and groom’s hotel room, I was floored. “Vicky, look down at your shoulders…put a gentle smile on your lips. Chris, look straight at my lens—no, smile. Relax your forehead.” Joey’s attention to such minute detail went way beyond “Say cheese” and brought out the couple’s absolute best. He knew how to manipulate the room’s light and reflective surfaces in ways I never would have dreamed of, transforming what I thought was an unremarkable setting into a photo studio with endless possibilities.


"This image is so painfully inferior," says our rouge photographer Cody Ellerd about her image. "My angle is bland while Joey's is creative. His is crisp and perfectly exposed, while mine is washed out and grainy. Joey knew exactly how to take advantage of the sense of motion created by this cool backdrop."

To read more of this story and see Cody's and Joey's side-by-side images, visit Seattlebridemag.com

Posted: July 22, 2009
Keeping Wedding-day Makeup Fresh

By Suresh Seneviratne, owner of Suresh Beauty



It’s the million dollar question. All of my clients want their makeup to stay on all day with minimal retouching. The secret is taking the time to prep the skin and apply the makeup correctly. It’s all about keeping it simple but effective. Here are my favorite five tips to help you achieve a fresh makeup look that will take you from morning to night on your big day.

1. Prep! Cleanse your skin properly and apply a light moisturizer. Making sure that your skin is supple and well conditioned will keep your foundation looking fresh. Avoid heavy or oily moisturizers unless your skin is extremely dry. Don’t forget a little eye cream! Keeping the eye area moist will help concealer glide on and stay flawless.

2. Prime! Using a foundation primer will make the difference between all-day-wear and wear-off-fast. It will create a smooth surface for your foundation, concealer, and powder to sit on. Also, a good primer will keep your skin from getting too cozy with your makeup. I also apply an eyelid primer before using any shadow. Look for ones that contain a bit of color, preferably skin tone. Dab a bit on lids from the lash line up to the brow bone.

3. Perfect! Use a lightweight foundation that’s suitable to your skin’s needs (i.e. if you have drier skin, look for a moisturizing formula; if you have combo/oily skin, look for an oil-free formula). I like to apply the product only to the areas that need it using a brush or a damp latex-free sponge. This is not the time to finger paint! Brush application will help prolong the product’s wear. Smooth a little under-eye concealer from the inner eye area to about the end of your iris and spot treat any blemishes or extra redness that the foundation missed. Take your time! Use smooth, fluid strokes and light dabs when it comes to concealing. Less is more with these products. Also, dab a little bit of cream blush on the apples of your cheeks and let it blend in with your foundation.

4. Press! Pressed powder is great for touchups, but loose powder is magic. It’ll ensure that your makeup stays put and lasts through kisses, hugs, and cheek pinches. Using a cotton makeup puff, gently roll translucent loose powder onto the skin covering all the highpoints of your face. Pay special attention to the T-zone area. The rolling/kneading motion keeps the foundation and concealer from being disturbed. Most importantly, the loose powder will create a seal. You’re not going to achieve this same effect by using a brush. The product should adhere to what’s underneath, not just sit on top of it.

5. Primp! Now that the canvas is primed and perfected, it’s time for a little color. Opt for soft browns, muted roses, and bits of dark chocolates and coppers. Doing a soft pearlescent champagne on the lids with a bit of cocoa liner against the lashes will serve as a great daytime look. For night, add a little espresso or charcoal into the crease and outer eye. Instant drama! I generally advise my brides to stay neutral on lips and cheeks. Look at the rosy hues on your fingertips…this should serve as a guide when picking a blush color. Adding a powder blush over the cream blush will give it superb wear. Choose lip colors that emulate the natural shade of your lips. Try a stain that will sink into your lips and then use a lip balm on top to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Adding some extra drama to the eyes will serve as a fast way to change your look without fussing too much with lips and cheeks.

If you just can’t figure it out yourself, call Suresh Seneviratne for a private makeup application! Suresh is a professional makeup artist and owner of Suresh Beauty.

To read more advice from local wedding-industry experts, visit SeattleBrideMag.com or pick up a copy of Seattle Bride Magazine, on newsstands now.