Music I Love - Bleu

Ok, so most of what I listen to is in the "alternative" category, whatever that means. How can music be "alternative", anyway? But I digress ...

I am still a sucker for massive ballads, like the tune below from a guy named Bleu. Stylistically he's capable of anything, but this song from his upcoming new cd is a great, sweeping ballad that I really like. Really melodic and ... well ... melancholy.

The song is called "Go", and I hope you like.

Happy Birthday, Sally

Sally is my Shetland Sheepdog, and this week she turns 15. Unbelievable. I am so happy that she's still keeping me company in my office every single day. She's mostly deaf now, and is a bit slower to stand up most of the time, but otherwise she's in good health and manages to find me really interesting on a daily basis.

This clip is compiled from VHS footage of the day I brought Sally home in 1993.

Michele jokes (or maybe she's not) that someday when Sally is gone, they're going to have to bury me right along with her.

I really love my dog.



... and this is Sally at midnight, just as she turned 15.

Music I Love - "Je t'aime, au revoir"

It must be tough for a musician being a "one-hit wonder". Y'know, having that massively popular song and then being identified with it for the rest of your career. More often than not, that one song isn't representative of the rest of an artist's oeuvre, which is definitely the case with Thomas Dolby.

Yeah, everyone knows that dippy 80's hit "She Blinded Me With Science", but it's totally out of place with the rest of his catalog, as evidenced by the song below. "I Love You Goodbye" (below) is fantastic. The lyrics are about some (mis)adventures in New Orleans that are so unusual that it simply must be a true story. More intriguing is the instrumentation, and I particularly love the long opening which features Cajun fiddle, and if you listen closely, a bit of banjo. If nothing else, listen to the first minute or so.

The chorus is sad: "Some words are sad to say / some leave me tongue tied / but the hardest words I know / are I love you, goodbye".

Q & A with Brian Joyce

I've received many admirable guesses regarding the identity of the mysterious self-portrait, but the time has come to reveal the subject of this latest installment -- Brian Joyce from Flourish Productions.

Kudos to Tracy Marini for being the only person to guess correctly!

Typically, the only time I get to see a florist on the job is just before the reception begins -- the florists are finishing up the details of room decor just as I am arriving to gather the all important room shots. They're on the way out just as I'm arriving. However, even in this short time of frantic activity and fine-tuning, Brian and Richard always have a great attitude and never fail to give me a laugh or two before they reveal their amazing handiwork to the arriving guests. It's always cool to see them doing what they do so very well.

So, without further ado, heeeeere's Brian ... !

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Because I Have No Shame ...

In honor of my recent class reunion (which I didn't get to attend), ladies and gentlemen, my high school senior photo. Hairstyle courtesy of 1983.

All Work And No Play ...

The "Down The Aisle" experience in Denver was lots of work, sure, but we all managed to have great fun as well. In addition to my existing friendships, I'm especially grateful for my new friends Rolly, Awny, Angela, and the rest of the staff at the Ritz Carlton Denver!

Here's the whole gang, after hours and behind the scenes, making the most of our trip! Thanks to my pal Garrett Nudd for supplying some of the photos.

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Q & A with Susie Weiss

The first installment of "Q & A" was a great success, thanks in no small part to Stephanie Rounds of Nu Visions in Photography being such a good sport. Thanks to my many wedding friends who have expressed an interest in giving it a go!

Round Two goes to the always lovely, always elegant Susie Weiss of Wonderful Weddings. Susie is one of the most highly-respected wedding professionals around, having worked with the area's elite clientele for many years. It's always fun to share laughs with her on the job (Susie, remember the girl with viking shoes?), and together we've participated in some truly wonderful weddings!

Ladies and gentleman, the one and only Susie Weiss.

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Off To Denver!

Two years ago, the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes hosted the "Down The Aisle" wedding showcase, which was unlike any other wedding event I've attended. It was a real career highlight for me, working alongside the area's best wedding professionals.

The brainchild of Lisa Konecny of E-Events, the whole "Down The Aisle" shebang will be resurrected in Denver Colorado next week, and I couldn't be more excited to be on her team again. Also returning is Austin Scarlett from season 1 of Bravo's "Project Runway".

As a nifty bonus, the Denver Ritz Carlton is homebase to my good friend Kristy Chenell. In addition to participating in the show, Kristy has also contracted me to produce a video of their executive chef (maybe that will be in a future blog post...?). I anticipate a week of hard work as well as rewarding down-time with friends.

The video below was produced to kick-off the evening's events.

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Warren Dietel's 40th Birthday Party

Unquestionably, the hot ticket last week was Warren Dietel's 40th birthday bash at Church Street Station. While most of us know Warren as the owner of the peerless Puff n' Stuff Catering, many of us also know him as an all-around great guy, fun and friendly, and as you'll see in the video below, he can really rock a white fur coat.

Hosted by his always stunning wife Melissa, the party had an 80's theme and guests were encouraged to dress from the era (which explains my dubious choice of hairstyle for the evening). Vintage videogames, stage performances, and even a mock-up of Orlando's beloved and long-lost diner, Ronnie's, were there, as well as guests dressed as everything from Richard Simmons to Devo to the cast of "The Love Boat". My favorite was Warren's sister Heidi, who wore a classic (?) 80's style wedding dress, complete with puffy sleeves and baby's breath in her hair.

Thanks to Kristal & John of Unrue Photography for the images!

It was a totally good time. Like, totally.

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Q & A with Stephanie Rounds

It recently occurred to me that -- *duh* -- I'm in the video industry, and maybe I could create some content specifically for the blog. I wondered if I could call upon my wedding industry friends to help me out by agreeing to a lighthearted Q & A to learn more about them. Knowing I was shooting with Stephanie Rounds of Nu Visions this past weekend, I asked her to be my first subject. She was a very willing participant, and did a great job by getting into the spirit of it!

I've already compiled several of these and will be posting them periodically, so check back for new installments! And, wedding vendors, if you want to do one just let me know!

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Best Music Video EVER

I am humbled by the brilliance of acclaimed director Michel Gondry. I don't know that I'm even capable of comprehending what goes on in that crazy head of his, so suffice it to say that he is a slightly mad visionary. If you're interested in this stuff, I highly recommend this collection of his work. The more you watch, the more complex it is. Best of all, very little of his work is accomplished through CGI, but through good old fashioned clever camera work.

Here's the best example.

Upon first viewing, it may appear that you are watching 2 different video clips below -- one on the left half, one on the right. In reality, it's just one video -- played forward on the left side, and played in reverse on the right. Same video, shot all in one take. But, the brilliance of it comes from the idea that it is something like a video palindrome, because things happen at the same point in the video in both the forward and reverse versions.

See? It's so hard to explain and yet it's such a simple idea. Remember, it's just one video clip! In fact, it may be more interesting to cover up the right half of the screen the first time you watch it so you can see how it was actually shot, and then watch it again watching both versions.

Does this all make me a giant geek?

Just Marry! Wedding planning DVD

It's hard to believe that one of the first contacts I made in the wedding industry was Susan Southerland of Just Marry!. That was 1993, and we remain good friends to this day. I've experienced so many unforgettable weddings with Susan at the helm, and I respect her forward thinking in both the luxury and destination wedding markets.

In keeping with that, she has produced a wedding planning DVD that will surely be of assistance for any bride looking for invaluable tips from the area's top wedding professionals.

In a recent review, Jean Patteson, fashion editor of the Orlando Sentinel wrote: "One of the best DVDs I’ve viewed is JustMarry!: Wedding Planning Secrets by Orlando wedding planner Susan Southerland. She covers everything from selecting a gown, invitations and venue, to working with vendors — photographers, musicians, bakers, caterers and more. Packed with no-nonsense tips for saving time, money and stress, the DVD is aimed at both do-it-yourself brides and those working with professional planners."

Well done, Susan!

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"Down The Aisle" ... again!

One of my professional highlights from 2007 was the "Down The Aisle" wedding show at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes. Spearheaded by Lisa Konecny of E-Events, the show was a fantastic assemblage of fashion, music, floral design, as well as some of Orlando's best wedding artists. It was a great night.

When Lisa shared with me her idea of taking the showcase to the Denver Ritz Carlton in July and asked if I would be interested in re-joining her team, I couldn't say yes fast enough. Signed, sealed, delivered.

This year's show will bring together Project Runway's Austin Scarlett (returning from his appearance last year), photography by Garrett Nudd and Ryan Joseph, Botannica, and DJ Carl. I can't tell you how pleased I will be to see my old buddy Kristy Chenell at her new Ritz Carlton property in Denver.

In addition to creating the opening video presentation, I was also honored to produce the piece of the entire show. It's in 3 parts: pre-show production (including interview with Austin Scarlett), room decor, and finally my favorite part, the fashion show. I love editing this stuff!

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Music I Love -- Pugwash

Oh how I love "power pop". It's a certain sub-genre of music typified by stick-in-your-head melodies and inventive arrangements. As an example, you need look no further than the Beatles because they are the reference point for just about all great power pop. It's not a genre that gets much airplay or garners many sales, but my iPod is stuffed with it.

Here's an excellent example, "Take Me Away" by an Irish band called Pugwash.

A Tale Of Two Sisters

Last weekend I had the honor to cover the second of two spectacular weddings for Orlando's Dello Russo family. What a great bunch they are, and man, can they throw a wedding!

Thanks to John Unrue for the photo of me and mother-of-the-bride(s), Diane Dello Russo.

In 2004, oldest daughter Tracy was married to Jeff at the Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, with a wedding team consisting of Wonderful Weddings, John Unrue Photography, Raining Roses, Beautiful Music, About Face, Weddings Only DJ Entertainment, and yours truly. When a wedding comes off as beautifully as Tracy's did, there didn't seem to be a need to re-invent the wheel when youngest daughter Kelly announced her engagement last year!

It was deja-vu all over again -- in the best possible way -- when we reconvened last weekend for Kelly and Steve's breathtaking wedding. It was so nice to get caught up with the family, and to meet Tracy and Jeff's young daughter Ava! I tell ya, that's one good lookin' kid (and another is on the way!).

My only regret is that we are now officially out of unmarried Dello Russo daughters -- they have the best weddings!

This quick-edit, "coming attraction" clip was online for them the day after their wedding.

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Classic Rock; Classic Wedding!

Below you can experience the highlights from the wedding of Joan and Tom, who hosted an unforgettable wedding at Isleworth Country Club. All of the stops were pulled out for this one! An outdoor evening reception, full fireworks display, and entertainment provided by 60's rock legends Jefferson Airplane. Yep, that Jefferson Airplane. The evening ended with the band changing the lyrics to their hit "Jane" to "Joan", and the bride dancing in the fountain.

Our wedding team consisted of Weddings Unique, John Unrue Photography, Lee James Floral, and Beautiful Music.

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Demo-liscious (part 1)

It's been a 2 month gestation period but my 2008 demo compilation is here! Actually I have another one in the works too which will have an entirely different feel (for that one I'm using music from an Icelandic band called Sigur Ros -- the most otherworldly and indescribably beautiful music you'll ever hear). I'm sure I'll blogblogblog about it when it's done so keep checking back if you'd like to take a look.

Crank up your speakers!

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Music I Love -- Amy Winehouse

I think it's really unfortunate that Amy Winehouse is known more for her tabloid exploits than for her really terrific music. I always try to consider the art separate from the artist. Yeah, she seems to be quite a mess, but take a listen to this excellent track from her current CD "Back To Black". This is music that is alive and vibrant, current while still undeniably having one foot in the soul music of the 60's.

This song is "Tears Dry On Their Own".

Music I Love -- Carbon / Silicon

My frequent concert mate Curt Littlecott texted last week to inform me that musical legend Mick Jones (formerly of the Clash) was performing with his new band Carbon/Silicon at the Social in downtown Orlando, which happens to be my favorite concert venue. It was a great night, and we were both a bit awestruck seeing one of our heroes up close.

Dig one of their newer songs, "The News". Are the lyrics optimistic or cynical? Maybe neither. Probably both. Either way I bet you're tapping your toes within 20 seconds.

"Impress - Indulge - Inspire" at the Ritz Carlton Wedding Show

The Ritz Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes hosted a characteristically flawless wedding show recently and I was honored (and humbled and flattered and privileged and grateful) to produce this promotional piece for them. Jennifer Sharpe had the idea to interview past clients about their wedding experience, and I ended up with easily an hour's worth of incredible testimonials. Cutting it down to this 8 minute piece was painstaking!

The video also features photographs by John Unrue and Damon Tucci. Thanks dudes, couldn't have done it without your help!

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