Oh my heart. And these sweet voices! What a gift to be invited to welcome this sweet soul to this beautiful family. Even better, is having the experience of knowing this family from the VERY START! I filmed Mike and Crystal’s wedding years ago, then sweet Savannah’s first year, as well as John! To say I was THRILLED when Crystal contacted me to make a little film of welcoming Luke to his new family is an understatement. What I wouldn’t give to have something like this of my babies when they were little. With me in it!! There is just something about the movement, and the voices of both the little ones and Mom and Dad that is just priceless. Even the bit of chaos and busyness of the kids is beautiful. This family also got about 15 images from this short little shoot. Thank you Mike and Crystal for having me back!!!!
Haircuts for the Homeless – Kansas City – National Award Winning Film
At a time in our culture where things are difficult and our view of humanity feels uncomfortable I like to look for the good. I’m not saying we should ignore the difficult, but I hope to just remember that there are so many GOOD PEOPLE in our city here to help and give and care just makes me feel better.
This little film just won two Telly Video Awards. I am very proud of that, but more so I am proud that I live in a city where there are amazing people who are giving of themselves in so many ways and happy to get to see the gratitude on the faces of those receiving such gifts.
Take a minute to watch this sweet little film. It might make you feel better too.
Details:
Event organized and arranged by: Jenny Wheat Photography
Location: City Union Mission, KCMO
Catering: The Webster House
Stylists: So many talented and giving people of Kansas City
Haircuts for the Homeless – City Union Mission, Kansas City, Missouri
When I saw a post on Facebook from my super talented photographer friend Jenny Wheat about organizing a day of haircuts for a local homeless shelter I volunteered immediately to help tell this story with a little film. What an amazing turn out of volunteers (100), hairdressers and barbers, donations and thankful gentlemen we had on this wonderful Sunday in February. The Webster House donated a wonderful lunch for the men, Roasterie had hot coffee and Beauty Brands supplied product as well as individual donations made by volunteers of toiletries, sheets, towels, underwear and socks.
But I think the thing that impacted me the most was seeing the gratitude of the folks coming in for a little bit of care and great haircuts and beard trims. There was a joy to that room in City Union Mission that was easy to feel and so exciting to be a part of. I loved watching the stylists interacting with these men and bringing a little bit of comfort and care to them. I don’t think anyone who attended this event left without a smile on their face and a bit of joy in their hearts. In all, 165 lucky folks got to have their hair cut and a little bit of attention paid to them on this amazing day.
Thank you to all the volunteers and Jenny for making this happen!
Details:
Music: SongFreedom
Food: Webster House
Coffee: The Roasterie
Product: Beauty Brands
Photography and Event Planning: Jenny Wheat, Wheat Photo
City Union Mission
Do you want a wedding video?
As I mentally prepare for three weddings and a rehearsal dinner over Memorial Day weekend this year, it seems to be a perfect time to reflect on wedding video. A wedding videographer friend of mine in Boston inspired me to ask a few of my former couples what they valued about their wedding video. It was a very humbling experience to hear their kind words and really overwhelming to learn how the value of their wedding film has increased after the wedding day. The overarching thing that every couple said was that they would never consider skipping it or skimping on a quality film. We see this in wedding magazines and blogs, but to hear it from actual couples is pretty wonderful. There really is something about the combination of visual moments and the SOUNDS of the wedding day that make wedding video so powerful. It is one of the only things that lasts after the wedding is over and is the record of a new family being born.
Watch for yourself!
Big thank you to Becca and Jon, Emily and Ben, Melissa and Michael and Mallory and Casey! You guys are awesome!
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Survivor Stories
About once a year I get to create a special film for a cause that is meaningful to me – gratis. Sometimes I find the organization and sometimes they find me. It feels so good to be able to make some kind of contribution and give back somehow to organizations and people in my community. This time they found me. Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way, I lost my Dad to lung cancer six years ago and know quite a few who have fought Leukemia and Lymphoma. When Heather called me with this project, I knew I had to do it. We created these two films to share at the 25th Anniversary Ball to raise money for research for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So much is happening with new drugs and treatments and it is making a difference in so many lives. They raised over one MILLION dollars on Saturday night.
I am so proud to help share the voices of some of the survivors who are alive because of the research being done in Kansas City. Each of them has such an amazing story to tell and are such strong and beautiful individuals.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Children’s Video from creative films on Vimeo.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Mission Moment 2013 from creative films on Vimeo.