creative video blog

Central Presbyterian Church

2008-08-18T10:15:00.004-05:00

This is a project that we have been working on for some time - again, this work gives me the opportunity to get to know some fantastic people all over Kansas City. This is a promotional video introducing and sharing the work and worship of Central Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. I had the chance to spend some time down there at several events and really enjoyed the people and seeing the work they are doing. Thanks for inviting me into your family!

busy august

2008-08-13T10:01:00.002-05:00

This is a crazy month for me! We just got back from a week in Cool Colorado enjoying some wonderful hikes with the kids and horseback riding - just a wonderful relaxing week in the mountains! I am working hard on catching up on phone calls and photo montages and getting ready for all the big weddings this month. This is one of the busiest Augusts for weddings I have had in several years! Lily starts 2nd grade tomorrow, and I will miss my "summer sidekick". Many of you met her these past few weeks, and Cole has a couple weeks of hanging out with me before his preschool starts back up. So, needless to say, my editing schedule is a little harried. Cole is not quite as agreeable to sit at the little table here in my office and paint, or work on a "school book" as Miss Lily was. He is more of an on my lap, "lets play Noggin" kind of guy.

So please hang in there with me - I am working hard to keep things going! Believe me, I have sacrificed my poor house this summer for video editing - any of you who have come in to drop off or pick up can attest to that too! :-)

See you at a wedding soon!
Maura

SeniorCare Homes

2008-07-25T09:56:00.005-05:00

What a wonderful experience this project was for me! I feel very blessed to get to be part of such special and meaningful work with my job. Jerry (a groom of mine from a few years ago) called me a few weeks ago with a project for his business and passion, SeniorCare Homes. This is a beautiful home that cares for folks with Alzheimer's and people with memory impairment in a residential environment. By the time I was finished shooting, I was ready to move in!

Take a peek - it is a wonderful place.

Super 8 is here!

2008-06-26T20:52:00.003-05:00

well, here it is - I am so very excited!!! A big thanks to Kim and Andy for trusting me to do great work! I shot VERY little super 8 at their wedding, but am VERY excited about the product. I have more to share from the photo session before the reception that turned out beautifully as well. I just drool at the idea of shooting 4-5 rolls of the stuff!

Take a look - this will be offered to clients soon - more details to follow!

super 8 film

2008-06-26T15:09:00.002-05:00

super8 is coming!!!! I can hardly stand it, I am so excited!!!!! Hold on to your seats people, this is AMAZING STUFF!

Ashlei & Charles

2008-06-25T22:13:00.007-05:00

What a beautiful wedding. I am so lucky to get to be part of such an important day for so many wonderful couples. This wedding was at two of my favorite locations, a beautiful Cathedral and The Kemper Art Museum. I was an art teacher before I started this business and I always took my high school art students to the Kemper. I look forward to taking my own kids there when they get a little bigger. It was the perfect spot for Ashlei and Charles, and they added many details that made it even more unique. I thought it was fun that the museum kept the shop open for a little bit, they had some really cool stuff in there!

Thanks again Ashlei & Charles - I wish you the best!

Kind words from the Mom of the Bride:

we LOVE it!  It was so nice to actually sit down and
enjoy the wedding and reception.  You did a phenomenal job.  Your
presentation in the white box all tied up with pretty
ribbon was really unique.  Also, the extra recap videos
are nice remembrances for the attendants.

If you ever need a recommendation, please feel free
to contact us.

The details:
Ceremony: Redemptorist Catholic Church
Reception: The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Photographer: Paul Versluis
Wedding Coordinator: Patti Gehring

Katie and Jays video

2008-06-16T16:16:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the delay - I had a little bit of a learning curve with the widescreen compression.

Thanks again Katie and Jay!

Katie and Jay

2008-06-11T20:47:00.013-05:00

This was a special wedding for me - it was at the same location where Sam and I had our wedding reception! The Simpson House - Katie and Jay did it just how we wished we could have, the ceremony AND the reception there, but I couldn't talk my priest into marrying us outside :-). Thank you for letting us help preserve your wedding day, it was so beautiful! Sam and I celebrated our 13th anniversary this week - it is pretty special to get to do that while working on your edit at The Simpson House.

I did things a little differently on this edit, this is the format that I prefer and plan to offer on a regular basis next season. Any current couples who want their weddings edited this way, let me know, I would love to do it! Katie and Jay received two DVD's, one with the ceremony and reception, and this one with the entire wedding day edited to music and audio from their day into a short film. I think it is a better way to tell the story of their wedding day and very fun and special to watch again and again. They can also watch the whole ceremony and a longer edit of the reception as well on the other DVD. Thanks again Katie and Jay!

From the bride:

Hi Maura,

I must say...WOW!  The video was amazing. I cried everytime
I watched it. Father Cullen's voice as I put on my dress
was my favorite part,aside from the vows.  You captured
the emotion and the day beautifully.  Thank you. 
You are amazing.
Katie

the details:
Ceremony & Reception: The Simpson House
Florist: Beco
Photographer: Paul Versluis
Coordinator: Event Studio, Jayme Dean

website

2008-06-11T08:00:00.002-05:00

all is well, just a little hiccup with the website, I should be back up by this afternoon. I will catch up with email then. Sorry for any inconvenience! I've got some great new video to post today!! Stay tuned.

The Big News!

2008-05-28T09:55:00.002-05:00

Ok, so the big news is I ACTUALLY HAVE A STUDIO! It has been a month now, I officially started using it at the beginning of May, but this May has been perhaps the most crazy month EVER! I have been so swamped, I couldn't even blog about the new space.

I am sharing a fabulous studio with a wonderful photographer, JJ Auldridge. She is great, we really clicked the moment we met - I think we will be great studio-mates! It is an amazing space in the Crossroads in KCMO - I am so very excited to be down there! When I was teaching Art, I spent more time down there gallery hopping, and I am so inspired to be back as an artist myself! There is an energy there that is like no other.

So, I will be meeting video clients there and proofing the portrait photography work that I have been doing. All of my editing and studio work will stay in my current location - mostly due to my children's schedules and the fact that I am just too spoiled to just walk up the stairs and work in my PJ's half the time!

So yay for JJ and all her hard work on this place and yay for me that I don't have to kick my poor kids and hubby out of the house every time I need to meet with a client! :-) Not to mention clean the "show room" of all our toys and stuff! I spotted one of my son's fake rubber bugs under a chair at my last consultation - I hope my couple didn't see it! Oops.

Rachel and Todd

2008-05-28T09:23:00.005-05:00

What fun guys! I have to say this was such a breath of fresh air for me - great music - beautiful couple - fun bridal party - and bowling!!!! I don't think it could get any better! Thanks for including me in your wedding day!!!

I am sharing the ultra fun postceremony here - March weddings are a little tricky with weather conditions between the ceremony and reception, so Tyler Wirken took the bridal party bowling! They played pool more than bowled, but we got some fabulous images and everyone had an complete BLAST!

Details:
Ceremony: Redemptorist Catholic Church
Reception: Starlight Theater
Bridal Coordinator: Kim Ho, You're Invited
Florist: Branches and Twigs
Photographer: Tyler Wirken

Amy and Demetri

2008-05-21T22:20:00.004-05:00

Well, I had culture envy again - what a beautiful wedding Amy and Demetri! It was a beautiful winter day - I was honored to be a part of it!

the details:
Ceremony: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Reception: Hallbrook Country Club
Florist: Matney Floral
Photographer: VanDeusen Photography

Great stuff for 08!

2008-04-29T22:17:00.002-05:00

Well, I hate to blog without a clip but I am just WAY too excited! I am working hard to continue to grow and improve and I really think 08 has some GREAT things in store! A couple things will have to be a surprise, you will just have to wait on those. Right now, I am excited to try some new things with my editing and the next wedding might very well be my best work! Hang on Amy and Demetri - it is going to be great! I want to get married again, just so I can have a video like yours!

melissa & jeremy

2008-04-24T11:08:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year! What a fun way to bring in the new year for 08! You will have such special memories of a very special day! Thank you for sharing your wedding day and New Year with me!

Note from the Mother of the Bride:

Hi Maura,

I wanted to let you know how awesome we think the wedding video is! Thank you so much for all your hard work! Please use us as a reference if you ever need to, we will give you excellent reviews!
Thanks again! Brenda

The Details:
Ceremony: Prairie Baptist Church
Reception: Club 1000
Florist: Russell Florist
Photographer: Paul Versluis
Coordinator: Patti Gehring

Kate & Joe

2008-04-10T14:55:00.007-05:00

What a beautiful day Kate and Joe! I had a great time shooting and editing your wedding - and got to see some old friends as well - it just doesn't get better. I wish you lots of love and happiness and be sure to call after those babies come! thanks for letting me be part of your day!

Note from the bride:

Hi Maura,

The videos look fabulous! I'll definitely be referring
people to you as our friends get married and start families.
And hopefully we'll see you once we have a little
bundle of our own!

You did a truly magnificent job capturing our wedding day!
I thought the day was absolute perfection, and the video
displays it beautifully.  You did such an amazing job of
staying "behind the scenes" and capturing some really
special moments. I've cried each time I've watched it! 
I am so thrilled to have such a meaningful keepsake from
one of the best days of our life together. 
Thank you so very, very much! 

My maternal grandmother passed away suddenly on November
1st, a day after we returned from our honeymoon.  I can't
tell you how wonderful it is to have our wedding video
in which she is so prominently displayed.  I watched the
video with my mom on Tuesday night and we both just cried
watching her. Then, at the end of the ceremony, when
she's leaving, we just laughed-- she was waving and hamming
it up.  Such a spunky little old lady!  So thank you for
the lasting memory of her being so joyful, proud and fun. 
It means the world to my family,especially my mom and me.

Thanks again for everything --
you really did an amazing job!
Kate

The details:
Ceremony: Our Lady of Sorrows
Reception: Mission Hills Country Club
Photographer: Paul Versluis
Musicians: The Exceptions
Wedding Planner: Kelley Ruf

Elizabeth & Jason

2008-04-05T22:04:00.003-05:00

I really feel like I know this family - I shot Elizabeth's sister's and cousin's weddings in the past few years. It is such a treat for me to get to know a family like this - weddings are such intimate moments, and by the time I finish editing the wedding, I really feel like I know the couple and family. It is even more special when I get to see the same family again and again. Thank you for letting me be part of your wedding day and the beginning of your lives together. I hope you call me when you have little ones - I would love, love, love to photograph them! Ashley too! :-)

Here is a peek at their preceremony - beautiful!

Kind words from the bride:

Hi Maura!

The video is fabulous!  Thank you so much!  We have watched it many times
in the last few days and I just love it.  It is so wonderful for us to have
those precious moments captured, to treasure for years to come.  Thank you
so much for being a part of our big day, and for doing such a wonderful
job.  We'll have to find another cousin to get married so that we can see
you again soon!  You are so special to our family!

Thank you!!
Elizabeth!!

Details:
Ceremony: Country Club Christian Church
Reception: Plaza Marriott
Photographer: Geoff Vontz - Six Columns
Florist: Clara's Flowers
Band: Private Stock

Cory & Alissa

2008-03-25T21:38:00.004-05:00

What a great couple and family! I enjoyed this wedding weekend so much. It is always fun to get to record the rehearsal dinner, as so many special family and friends stand up and say such nice things to the couple. It is wonderful to record this kind of family history. Plus, I get to know the families so much better - I wish you guys the best - please keep in touch!

Hey Maura!

I can't tell you how much we absolutely LOVED the video! You managed to capture so much and I get chills watching it. It was so wonderful having you be a part of our special day and I will be HIGHLY recommended you to anyone I know getting married in KC. Thank you so much for everything and take care!

Alissa (and Cory)
The details:
Rehearsal Dinner: Brio
Ceremony & Reception: Westin Crown Center
Florist: Studio Dan Meiner
Photographer: Flashes
Wedding Planner: Angela Grojean

McGinnis Wedding

2008-03-10T09:32:00.005-05:00

This is a wedding from September 07, but I just have to put it up here - somehow it sticks with me and was just so special. Hope you get a kick out of seeing your highlights on this blog Jenny and Mike!

A note from Jenny:
Maura,
WOW! Not only did we LOVE having you around us on our wedding day because of your calm and happy energy - but your work and finished video is amazing! We love it! You truly captured the HAPPINESS of the day! I cried, I laughed... :-). You are SO talented! I will miss working with you.
Love, Jenny and Mike

The Details:
Ceremony: St. Agnes Catholic Church
Reception: Indian Hills Country Club
Photographer: Adrienne Maples

Melissa and Andrew Brancato

2008-03-08T23:20:00.016-06:00

What a beautiful wedding and reception! I had been looking so forward to shooting at Starlight Theater for YEARS! What a beautiful, beautiful space - it was truly breathtaking! Melissa and Andrew were stunning - it was a lovely day. Thank you for letting me help you preserve your memory.

note from the Mother of the Groom:
Maura,
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You captured the magic of that amazing day! What I didn't cry that day, I've made up for each time I watch the video.
You have a gift for capturing the sentimental expressions and moments. I would enthusiastically recommend your services.
Laura Brancato

note from the Groom:
Maura,
We absolutely love the video. It has been such an amazing thing for us to watch over and over again. We could not speak more highly of your services to everyone we know, and we will be recommending you! Thank you for all of your hard work!
Andrew

The Details:
Ceremony - Nativity Catholic Church
Reception - Starlight Theatre
Caterer - Brancato's
Photographer - Walt Whitaker
Florist - A Floral Affair
Musicians - The Exceptions & DJ Danny Collins

Prairie Variety Show

2008-03-03T22:56:00.001-06:00

This was fun! The Prairie Elementary Variety Show video is going to be delivered tomorrow! Yes kids it's ready! There is some very impressive talent at Prairie. For real.

DVD's are still available if you didn't get your order in, send me an email and we can set you up

Jessica and Cem

2008-02-28T22:14:00.008-06:00

I was so excited to edit this one - for several reasons...
1. I had been waiting a little bit for their music and photos, it takes a little longer when you live in Cyprus.
2. It was a beautiful wedding day - and I was excited when I heard their music choices - great stuff!
3. I suppose I am a sucker for culture - The groom's family and friends came from across the world and the mix of culture was just beautiful!

Thank you guys for letting me be a part of your wedding day! I so hope that you are able to watch these clips in Cyprus!!

PRECEREMONY

POSTCEREMONY

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY

the details:
Ceremony: Country Club Congregational Church
Reception: The Carriage Club
Photographer: Paul @ Van Deusen Photography
Florist: Needham Floral

Kind words from the bride!!

Maura,
We just viewed the blog. Our internet connection is a bit slower than the U.S., so it required a little patience! It was definitely worth the wait though. It is so beautiful! I can't wait for everyone to see it, especially those who couldn't make it to the wedding. The average wedding in Cyprus and Turkey has around 500 people in attendance, so you can imagine all the people who feel like they missed out on attending ours. I am sure you hear this all the time, but I was sitting at work crying while I was watching it! I loved the clips of the reception and the dancing. It really represents what his culture is all about!
Again, thanks for all your hard work!
Jessica

Dominique and Tony Mike

2008-02-25T21:20:00.004-06:00

I love fall weddings - AND I love Italian ones too! This was the best of both!

I think one of the coolest things about the editing for me is to see what music each couple chooses for their video. It is so personal to each couple and I have so much fun interpreting how the footage will go with the music. This was a fun one Dominique and Tony! Thanks for letting me be part of your day!

Here is a quote from the bride:

Hey Maura it turned out GREAT!!! I cried through the whole thing. Tony
and my whole family loved it. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! The outtakes were
hilarious.

Thanks again,
Dominique

The details:
Church: Our Lady of Sorrows
Reception: Town Pavillion
Photography: Teri from Flashes

Katy and Bryan

2008-02-24T22:14:00.008-06:00

What a beautiful wedding! This was an amazing weekend - starting with a fabulous rehearsal dinner at the Carriage Club, to a beautiful wedding at Country Club Christian and reception at the Kansas City Country Club. Katy and Bryan were radiant and I enjoyed them and their families so much! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding day!

The details:
Country Club Christian Church, KCMO
Kansas City Country Club
Wedding Planner: Kindra Browne w/Simple Elegance
Photography: VanDeusen Photography
Flowers: Craig Sole Designs
Cake: Rama Sola
Band: Atlantic Express

A word on photography

2008-02-12T14:30:00.000-06:00

This has been a busy couple weeks - I have been working hard on my normal video production schedule, but also this week I launched a new side to my business. Children and Family Photography! I am excited to be going back to one of my first loves, photography. It is what inspired me to start this business in the first place. I will NOT be shooting photography for weddings - however, I have LOTS of wonderful friends who can help you do that - let me know if you need any referrals! Do check out my photo website tho mauraphotography.com
I do not plan to slow down on videography one bit - I love what I do - just change it up a little bit!

Morgan & Jason

2008-02-12T14:02:00.000-06:00

What a beautiful wedding! Sam and Steve did a great job shooting this one and I had a wonderful time editing! Occasionally I take on two weddings on the same day, but very rarely. Really only for special couples that I feel a connection with. This was one of them - thanks for letting me be part of your day!

Here's the nitty-gritty:
Ceremony: Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral
Reception: Madrid Theatre
Photographer: DiMartino Photography
Referred by: PWP The List