Samantha Vallejo’s Quinceanera

 

Click the link below to see a highlight reel of Samantha’s big day with her family and friends filmed by www.reaganstudios.com at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

https://mediazilla.com/Sh8bJHfBrf

 The Reagan Studios Showcase™

Our Showcase™ package features four edited videos.
When you book Reagan Studios, you receive the finest wedding cinematography keepsake in the industry.

• The Showcase™ includes a sneak peek (typically delivered on Instagram within 24 hours of your wedding), like THIS:

• Two highlight reel music videos. 

• One romantic & sentimental like THIS:

• And one upbeat & fun like THIS:

• Full Ceremony video - edited and mixed. We start with your entrance music, and use live audio from several hidden microphones.

• A custom online Showcase™ to share all of your edited videos (privacy and password options available), like THIS:

PLUS, you get:

• A portable 1TB hard drive with all original uncut footage from the entire day.

• TWO cinematographers all day.  We arrive before you put on your dress and we leave when you leave - up to ten hours.

• Drone coverage - when allowable by the venue, the FAA, and the weather.

• We film with multiple Canon 8k movie cameras for the highest-quality cinematic production. 

• Two Consultations: one after booking to help with advance planning, and one 60 days before the wedding to review the schedule.

 COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG WEDDING

Caroline and Roy were married on July 3, 2021 in Williamsburg, VA. The ceremony was held at Williamsburg Community Chapel and their reception was held in the ballroom of St. Demetrios. Principal photography was shot in Colonial Williamsburg primarily behind the Governor's Palace and near the old courthouse.

Their first video by Reagan Studios was Caroline and Roy's Cinematic Highlight Reel. Though their actual first look was at the church before driving to the colonial area, Reagan Studios re-created the moment including a playful take on "guess who?" while a horse in the background followed their progress. The original first look is documented in the Music Video. No animals were harmed during the filming of these videos. In fact, the birds and horses were an entirely volunteer force. The lighting in the garden arch was magical with twinkles of sun shining through the leaves as they walked. No special effects were used. The carriage going by was a random coincidence, but it did require some quick movement by the couple to get into position. The large Compton Oak tree that the bridal party stands beneath is as old as America. 

The sunset portions of the Cinematic Highlight were filmed on the Jamestown side of the Colonial Parkway after the conclusion of the reception and the couple's bubble exit which is the final scene in the Music Video.

The couple's vows were captured through hidden microphones during the ceremony. The vows were edited and set to music by Reagan Studios and include some old photographs and additional reception footage placed at the end.

The song selected for the Music Video was the couple's first dance song, "Gifts From God" by Chris Tomlin. Reagan Studios used a montage of child snapshots of the bride for a part of the song where Mr. Lane sings, "When I was a kid..." The video ends with the bubble exit after the reception.

With some extra clips and typically unusable footage, Reagan Studios created a "behind-the-scenes" reel which includes cameos by the father of the bride, Bruce Utne, the photographer, John Malkowski, and the cinematographers, Collins Reagan and Keith Reagan. The sax solo uses footage from an SNL skit starring John Hamm. To add to the fun, the sax solo was filtered to look like a cartoon. Select clips of Roy and Caroline were filtered in a similar fashion to add consistency.

All videos linked above were filmed, edited, and produced by Reagan Studios.

www.reaganstudios.com 

All still photography is from John Malkowski.

To view the entire cinematography showcase of Caroline and Roy, click HERE.

.

BEST BABY ANNOUNCEMENT AND GENDER REVEAL EVER

SPOILER ALERT. Watch this video HERE to see it all before reading about it. SPOILER ALERT.

On April 20, 2020, Reagan Studios filmed the private elopement of Dan Hobby and Katie King. The ceremony, with just a few attendees from both families was held on a small beach at a friend's house in Grafton, Virginia. Click HERE to see the video from the elopement.

Dan and Katie set aside September 19, 2020 as a time to have a larger ceremony in hopes that the Coronavirus restrictions would be lifted. They booked a beachfront home in the Outer Banks and invited their guests.

Five months after the elopement, in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, the Hobbys greeted their guests on a cloudy windy day. In fact, it was too windy to use the beachfront. Consequently, they set up a tent in the backyard by the pool.

When it was time for the ceremony, it started out like any other outdoor wedding: the mothers entered first, followed by Dan and his groomsmen, then the bridesmaids, and finally the bride accompanied by her father. But once Mr. King "gave away" his daughter again, the similarity to a traditional wedding ended.

Dan turned around and grabbed a poster from behind a barrel. When Katie and Dan unrolled it, a blown-up ultrasound poster revealed the photo of a baby! Even the best man was surprised and gave Dan a little pat on the rear to signal "atta-boy."

Just as suddenly as the ceremony began, it ended as Katie and Dan walked away saluting and high-fiving the crowd. 

But the surprises were not over. Minutes later, when everyone left the tent and gathered around the pool, a plane flew overhead with a sign announcing that it was a BOY. Not even Dan and Katie had known the gender as their nurse had called the pilot directly with the information.

The rest of the evening included dancing and cake-cutting. Dan's friends took it upon themselves to throw Dan in the pool. And two sisters (cousins of Katie's) had a cupcake fight.

Reagan Studios has never filmed anything like this and it was amazing. Click HERE to see it all.

Just when we thought we were done, we received a call from Katie's sister the next day asking if we were still in town. Shannon explained that a gentlemen named Patrick was going to ask her cousin, (and one the the bridesmaids) Andie, to marry him. We hustled down to the beach under the guise that we would be taking family photos since everyone was in town for the wedding. To see how the engagement unfolded, click HERE.

We were honored to be a part of such a special weekend. Congrats to Dan + Katie, and Patrick + Andie. And cheers to baby Liam's arrival next March 2021.

See the elopement video: https://mediazilla.com/1JDpq8MhWM

See the baby announcement and gender reveal: https://mediazilla.com/zmMpWD3vNz

To see a shorter baby announcement video: https://mediazilla.com/M49GUx9yYk

See the engagement: https://mediazilla.com/qJByskGsis

See Andie + Patrick's first sunset stroll: https://mediazilla.com/29WQldr48P

All videos produced by Reagan Studios.

 

Daddy's Girl (the blog)

 

DADDY'S GIRL

Click HERE to watch Kasey & Harrison’s reel

Kasey (pictured above in her Daddy's arms) was married on August 22, 2020 at Burlington Weddings & Events to her long-time sweetheart, Harrison Baker.

We spoke with Kasey on the phone the week before her wedding. Before any wedding, we have a consultation discussing our famous "Tips for Good Wedding Film" that we have compiled over 200+ weddings. During the conversation, we find out the couple's musical taste and ask what aspects of our videos they like best. Kasey was very excited about capturing her big day and had a few thoughts and questions regarding videography, but she was adamant that we use our creativity and do what we think is best.

Occasionally, a bride or groom has a specific idea in their head as to what their video should be like. While we try to deliver on their concept, we generally advise our clients to detach themselves from any result and focus on enjoying their day. 

We honor requests and use specific songs that couples request all of the time, but each wedding is unique and we never know how it's gonna look on film until it is done. Some songs may be long-time favorites of a couple, but just because a song is well-loved, that does not mean it will lend itself to being a good music video. Additionally, the song selected may not match the tone of the wedding.

We planned in advance to interview Kasey and Harrison separately for a few minutes, so they set aside the time for that in advance on their wedding day schedule. We had no idea what they would say. We had no clue Kasey would talk about her parents, Brian and Shanna Johnson. We did not know she would cry. We did not know what kind of reaction her father would have when he saw Kasey for the first time later that day. We had no idea how close their family was and how they would react. We had no idea how moving her father's speech would be (the planner, the DJ, the photographers and both of us from Reagan Studios all cried). And no one except the DJ knew about their special father-daughter dance.

My point is that we could not have planned THIS VIDEO in advance. Nonetheless, it happened. The family trusted we would deliver cinematography that would capture the feel of the day. But none of us knew the form it would take. Fortunately, they hired us way in advance, hired a brilliant wedding planner, and gave us room to be creative and let the day unfold in our editing software naturally.

Couples that hire Reagan Studios to film their weddings are typically pretty serious about wanting videography. Occasionally, a couple will even set their wedding date partially around when we are available. Eighteen months in advance, or soon as a couple is engaged, is typical for Reagan Studios. Kasey's mom first contacted Reagan Studios on November 12, 2015 via Facebook Messenger. She had seen some of our work on FB and wrote, "Your work is off the chart. I have told my husband and daughters you will be the FIRST call made, once they are engaged."

For many couples in the wedding planning process, videography is not a priority and we get calls from couples all the time a few months before their wedding saying they have re-thought it, and they want videography now. Unfortunately, we are typically sold out by that time.

Not every wedding day goes as planned. Sometimes it rains, sometimes relatives cannot attend, sometimes the unplanned happens. But my partner, Collins, and I have found that if a family trusts us to do what we do best, they will be pleased with the results.

Keith Collins Reagan, Sr.

P.S. You might not know it from this wedding highlight reel, but Kacey & Harrison's wedding had an EPIC reception. To view their party video, click HERE.

WATCH THE VIDEO, "DADDY'S GIRL" BY CLICKING HERE.

Microweddings, Minimonies, and Elopements

Minimony at The College of William & Mary on July 11, 2020.

The Knot recently published an educational article on the difference between MICROWEDDINGS, MINIMONIES, AND ELOPEMENTS.  Microweddings are 50 people or less and include a reception with catering. Minimonies are "mini" ceremonies for very small groups (typically immediate family) and do not include a reception. An Elopement is when the couple ties the knot with an officiant, a photographer/videographer, and maybe a few family members or friends as witnesses. Minimonies and Elopements are similar in that you save a bundle on catering. But Minimonies typically happen at traditional wedding locations like a professional venue or a church. Elopements happen in backyards, courthouses, and public spaces. Traditionally, Elopements imply secrecy, but that definition has evolved over the years according to The Knot.

The health crisis of 2020 has played havoc with the wedding industry. Venues, DJs, and caterers have been hit hard. With fewer people attending "COVID-era weddings," photography and videography are even more important. Historically, photography is a must at weddings, and videography has been considered a luxury by many. However, with key relatives and friends missing out on the weddings themselves, videography is now a "must."

Reagan Studios filmed our first Elopement of the pandemic on April 20, 2020...a private backyard waterfront ceremony on a secluded beach at a friend's house:

Private Beachfront Elopement

Katie and Dan moved their big wedding celebration to the fall, but decided to not delay their nuptials. Make sure to watch this video and see what happens as he carries her into the water! Click HERE to see their magical intimate wedding including their spoken vows. We filmed their "We Do Redo" in Sept. 2020 at the Outer Banks. As a surprise to their guests, their ceremony turned into the best surprise gender reveal we have ever seen. Click HERE to see this remarkable event.

____________________

Our first Microwedding of 2020 was June 13, 2020 at Amber Grove:

Amber Grove Venue Microwedding

Desteney and RJ's day started out like a typical wedding with prep time (hair and make-up) at their venue. The ceremony of just under 50 people was outdoors and the guests practiced safe pandemic protocol. The reception that followed was at the couple's home and was even more intimate. Their wedding highlight reel ended-up looking pretty much like a large wedding video - as all the elements of a standard wedding were present. Click HERE to see their highlight reel. Still photos by John Malkowski.

____________________

Founders Inn Microwedding

"I feel like if we can get through planning this crazy COVID wedding, then we can get through anything." -- Jamie Reyes, bride 2020. That quote sums up 2020 pretty well. Couples proceeding with their weddings are warriors! With the rules changing weekly, it takes courage and determination to proceed.

Jamie and Justin rescheduled their May wedding to August. And then just before their wedding, the Governor changed the rules from 250 guests to a maximum of 50 in their area, Virginia Beach. They reduced their headcount and moved forward. As a surprise to the groom, the bride made a special video with clips from many family members and friends who could not attend. Click HERE to view.

_____________________

Reagan Studios filmed two Minimonies in the spring of 2020. Kira and Talon were married on the water at Yorktown Beach and elected to film their prep time at a nearby hotel as well. The small gathering was family-only and we enjoyed a brief photo & video shoot immediately afterward:

Yorktown Beach Minimony

Kira and Talon braved a precarious climb for some key shots, and she even went in the water at the end of the evening. Click HERE to see their main highlight reel. To see the still photos by Mason Murawski, click HERE.

_______________

Our second Minimony took place in the Wren Building at The College of William & Mary:

William & Mary Minimony

Morgan and Justin gathered at the Wren Building on the Campus of William & Mary just an hour before their 15-minute ceremony. Prep shots and their "first look" happened in the Great Hall. Even their ceremony took place in the Great Hall and not the chapel on the other side of the building. With only immediate family in attendance, we concluded the evening with a photo & video shoot on campus surrounded by ancient trees and historic brick sidewalks. Still photos by Lindsey Lyons.

To learn more about how Reagan Studios can help you remember your small gathering in a big way, drop us a line HERE. To learn about our wedding videography packages and to see more samples, click HERE. To view our YouTube channel, click HERE.

www.reaganstudios.com

2019 RETRO COLLECTION by Reagan Studios

Retro Collection Wedding Videos

2019 RETRO COLLECTION

by Reagan Studios

We filmed 34 weddings in 2019. Some couples selected packages including full ceremony films, video guestbooks and next-day Instagram sneak peeks, but all of our packages included music video highlight reels.

We did our fair share of wedding classics this past year like "A Thousand Years," "Speechless," "Perfect", "This Is It," "When You Say Nothing At All," "Blessed," and "Cake." We also used a bunch of country songs.  Check out our 2019 Country Collection HERE.

The newest song we used in 2019 was "Adore You" by Harry Styles, and the oldest was "La Vie en Rose" by Louis Armstrong.  Our most unusual music videos for 2019 were "Wow" by Post Malone and "The Git Up" by Blanco Brown. 

We had two weddings this past year where the participants sang along: "Head Over Boots" by Jon Pardi, and "123456" by Fitz and the Tantrums. We also used two songs from the movies: "Married Life" from Pixar's UP feature film composed by Michael Giacchino, and "Far Longer Than Forever" from THE SWAN PRINCESS composed Lex de Azevedo.

This year we seemed to use a lot more retro hits from the 80's, 90s, and early 00s: Tears for Fears, Sugar Ray and Fall Out Boy for example. So...

Here's the link for our 
2019 RETRO COLLECTION:

https://mediazilla.com/Kq3nb8hc6

In each wedding, the song selected was either a first dance song, a big hit during the reception, or a favorite artist of either the bride or the groom. And in once case, it was just a song playing during the hair & makeup time, and I noticed that both the bride and I were bouncing our heads and smiling (LFO).

This is not a collection of our favorite wedding highlight reels from 2019. We had some amazing weddings with videos getting record views that are not included in this collection. Our most-viewed videos from 2019 so far are "Look What God Gave Her." by Thomas Rhett, followed by "Big, Big Plans" by Chris Lane. 

This collection is simply some of the music video highlight reels we made in 2019 using songs that are considered "oldies."

Enjoy!

Collins and Keith Reagan

www.reaganstudios.com

Reagan Studios is a video production company specializing in commercial videography, wedding cinematography, and music videos for artists and bands of all genres.

Disney Princess

DISNEY PRINCESS

Bekah and Chris were married on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Flyway Lodge in Knotts Island, North Carolina. An historic waterfront property, it was originally a hunting lodge frequented in the last century by notables like President Dwight Eisenhower. The property is currently under renovation and is available for special events such as weddings and corporate gatherings.

Chris asked Bekah to marry her in Disney World during the fireworks display while "Happily Ever After" played throughout the park. That song was chosen by Bekah as her recessional and is played in the short film after the ceremony - timed just as the DJ played it.

Check out their wedding cinematography showcase: it features a music video wedding highlight reel using a sweet tune from Tears for Fears, PLUS a short film that features the full ceremony and two songs that were the bride's processional and recessional.

Wedding Videography is essential in remembering your best day ever. Why spend a year planning and a substantial sum of money on the wedding of your dreams - only to not film it? Check out Reagan Studios. Read their reviews on Wedding Wire.

Produced by www.reaganstudios.com, a film production company based on the east coast of the United States specializing in wedding cinematography, commercial videography, and music videos for artists and bands. Primarily focused from New York to Nashville, Reagan Studios is available to travel worldwide.

Still photo by John Malkowski.

PERFECT

Perfect

While Chris and Katie were dating, Chris secretly learned to play the piano. Then, while on vacation in Florida, they stopped by a piano bar after a long day at Universal Studios. When Chris requested the pianist play "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran, the pianist acted like he wasn't sure how. So Chris said he would show him. Katie knew that Chris could not play the piano and was flabbergasted at what she saw. Upon completion of the song, Chris proposed. The next year, they were married in Virginia, where Kate is a news anchorman and meteorologist and Chris is a corporate executive. The video you are about to see is a few clips from the engagement shoot and wedding cinematography by Reagan Studios. The story made the NEWS when they returned from their honeymoon. Click HERE to see the news clip.

Click HERE to see the whole video.

filmed on location at The Manor House at King's Charter.

source: https://mediazilla.com/CpxzhomP6 

SPEECHLESS

SPEECHLESS

Kacie and Jake got married on a beautiful sunny spring day, March 24 of 2019. They selected Cousiac Manor as their venue as it offers an inviting barn venue with a breathtaking riverfront view. Planning and coordination was the key to their success and they have Robin Schreiber Consulting and the Happy Bride to thank for that. Still photography was done by the talented John Malkowski who works closely with Reagan Studios which created the edited videos. Splash DJ provided the music and MC services. And the delicious catering was provided by Big Mama's Event Services.

The wedding was attended by Jake's parents, JoAnn and Billy Mewborn, and Christopher and Karren Witt. Kacie's parents, Denise and Mike Russell were also present and Mike gave Kacie away. Grandparents Ike and Deanna Newingham, and Alma and Dick Griffin were in attendance. In fact, the barn was bursting at the seams and everyone attending was family one way or another!

The entire bridal party - bridesmaids and groomsmen - wore cowboy boots, and the decor was classic country. HERE is a link to their photo spread, shot and edited by John Malkowski.

HERE is a link to their main highlight reel SPEECHLESS. To see more wedding videos that Reagan Studios have filmed at Cousiac Manor, click HERE.

Jake is a Firefighter/Medic with the city of Newport News and Kacie is a hairstylist/makeup artist at Victoria's Day Spa. She also manages Oh My Kac Cosmetics. They reside in Virginia and have two dogs.

For more wedding videography, see www.weddingcinematography.net
Should I hire a wedding videographer, if so whom? Reagan Studios provides wedding videos and full film footage for brides in Virginia and around the world.

OUR 2018 BRIDES

OUR 2018 BRIDES

32 brides filmed at 21 different venues throughout Virginia and North Carolina. See anyone you know? 

Check out www.weddingcinematography.net 

for more information.

WATCH:  https://youtu.be/za2_TmXMGxY

Wedding videography filmed at Fairview Farm, Science Museum of Virginia, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Red August Farm, The Dominion Club, Independence Golf Club, Alturia Farm, Hollyfield Manor, Seven Springs, Vista Creek, The Barn at Edgewood, Portsmouth Woman's Club, The Market at Grelen, White Dog Bistro, Country Club of Virginia (CCV), Marina Shores Marina, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery, Cousiac Manor, Ford's Colony, and two private estates.

For more information on wedding videography, visit www.reaganstudios.com

Millionaire

"Millionaire" by Chris Stapleton wedding videography 

by Reagan Studios at Hollyfield Manor

The Christmas season 2018 started off right at Holyfield manor when Gretchen married Mitch on December 1. Their first dance was to the song, "Millionaire" by Chris Stapleton. Reagan Studios used that song to create an awesome highlight reel summarizing their amazing day. 

To learn more about wedding videography and a cinematography and photography package that might be right for you, check out www.weddingcinematography.net

and watch the sample videos. Wedding videos in Charlottesville and Richmond and Williamsburg are our specialty, but we travel worldwide for destination weddings.

TOP GUN WEDDING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4FeAOYjLGo&t=183s

TOP GUN WEDDING

Lt. Alex Graves, a naval aviator who attended the United States Navy's Top Gun Fighter Weapons School married his sweetheart, Tate Norvell in Virginia Beach on September 8, 2018. Twenty-two pilots were in attendance, seven of whom were Top Gun graduates. Both the bride and groom's fathers also served in the U.S. Navy as well.

Produced by www.reaganstudios.com
Music by Harold Faltermeyer available on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/…/top-gun-original-motio…/387193895
Neither Reagan Studios nor the bride & groom seek to profit from the distribution of this video. We do, however, hope that viewers will be encouraged to purchase the song on iTunes or through another licensed vendor.
#weddingvideo
#topgunwedding
#loveyoutothegraves

Hiring a Photographer for Your Wedding

Chapter Six: 

HIRING A PHOTOGRAPHER

Congratulations! You are engaged. It's an exciting period in your life and you'll spend the next bit of time informing people and perhaps sharing photos of the ring and maybe of the engagement.

Next you will pick a date. That's the biggest decision of all. Spring, fall? Summer?? Maybe even winter. A part of the date decision is the venue decision. Especially if your wedding is going to be winter or summer - being outside might not be practical. Even with a spring or fall wedding, your venue will need an indoor rain plan - and that could be a big tent. Do you want a country-style barn wedding, or a country club wedding. Funny how the word "country" is used in both of those terms and yet they mean something entirely different. Will you have your ceremony in a church or at the reception venue? 

So anyway. Let's say that decision is made. Your wedding dress usually comes second. But that's a different chapter. Next many brides start thinking of photographers. You do want pictures, right? How much do we really want to spend? Can't a friend do it? And what about film, or videography? Brides call it videography and the camera people frequently call it cinematography. There is a difference. But that's another chapter.

You've seen the photos from your friends' weddings and you know what you like. Even before you decided on the venue, you started looking at weddings pics on Instagram and Pinterest.

Hold the phone, stop the presses. I've got some important information for you: A BRIDE CANNOT SELECT A PHOTOGRAPHER BASED SOLELY ON THE PHOTOS THEY ADVERTISE. I don't mean to say that your photos will look different; they won't. If you like that washed-out look, that's what you will get. If you like the color and vibrancy of a photographer and you hire them, that's what you'll get. 

But consider this: You will carefully pick your bridesmaids. You are going to spend over a year planning and a BUNCH of somebody's money on this gala event. You don't want to spend the day with any friends that might bring you down. So why would you hire a photographer and spend all day with that person without knowing what that is like. Clearly engagement sessions help. But engagement sessions are just three people. No crowds and no time constraints. In an engagement session, your photographer has plenty of time to set the lighting and get the pose right. That is not the case on wedding day. Trust me, I have filmed over 200 weddings and wedding day goes fast. There is not time to stop the action and say, "Let's do that again." But guess what? I've seen photographers do that. And usually it's the high-end photographers who act like that! I've seen a photographer stop the bridal party reception entrance for almost two minutes while he got the light setting correct on his camera. He literally kept over 200 people waiting while he messed with his camera. And the whole time, he acted like it was a studio shoot and everyone attending the wedding was an extra at his disposal. 

So while the style of photography that you are seeking in a wedding photographer is important, you need to do some research in what it is like to spend a whole day with them. Check weddingwire.com and read the worst reviews they have. Ask the venue what it's like to work with her or him. Ask the caterer. Ask the cake designer - you would be surprised how much they notice on wedding day. Most importantly, ask your planner. Yes, you need a planner. And there is a difference between wedding planning, wedding design, and wedding coordination. But that's a different chapter.

Some photographers show up with a second shooter. That's a good idea. And you wanna be sure that the second shooter isn't an amateur spouse, or friend. You want that person to be a trained and skilled photographer who simply didn't book their own wedding that day. But (and here's the first INSIDER TIP) some photographers show up with ASSISTANTS, not second shooters. I have seen photographers show up with contest winners who's prize was to shoot a wedding with this "celebrity photographer." Guess what? Your photographer is going to spend a bunch of his or her day showing the intern/contest winner how he programmed the lighting on his camera menu. Do you want that happening on your wedding day?

Here's INSIDER TIP number two: what kind of equipment is your photographer bringing? Some photographers are dependent on lighting equipment. They have not mastered shooting with natural light. Seriously, using three-point light creates fantastic portraits and that will work for your bridal or engagement session. But do you really want two-to-three people holding umbrella lights all around you all day long on your wedding day. I've seen it. The pictures are sweet, but your wedding day is a disaster.

INSIDER TIP number three: Is your photographer a trained ninja? The best photographers are invisible. Let's say, on your wedding night, you will be about to toss your bouquet and you'll stop and say, "Wait, where's my photographer?" And she coyly waves to you three feet away. She was right there all the time and you never even noticed. The best photographers will let you enjoy your day with your bridesmaids early on and your husband through the evening. You DO NOT want a photographer trying to choreograph your every move all day. And you don't need someone trying to be your best friend. Ever been to a restaurant where the waiter wants to be your buddy? I'm always like, "Dude. I'm here with my wife. We have a babysitter. Just keep my tea glass full and check-in occasionally. Thanks, bro." Some photographers want to be your best friend on wedding day. Maybe that's what you are looking for. But if not, it can be a pain in the ass. And speaking of ass. What if you hire a photographer who is one? Seriously! Let's say you hire a certain photographer because you love his images. But what if he is a world-class jerk? How much fun is your wedding day gonna be with this guy hanging around? And what if it's a triple whammy? I mean, he's an ass, he has a bunch of equipment in everyone's way, and he's always telling you what to do?

For years, I have told people, the second-most likely factor that could ruin your wedding is your photographer. Number one is your parents. But that is another chapter.

written by Keith C. Reagan, Sr.

www.reaganstudios.com

QUESTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Do you work alone?

Do you bring a second shooter?

Is your second an actual professional photographer, or a trainee/intern?

Will your second/third be taking photos, or holding equipment?

What sort of lighting equipment do you use? Do you use stands and umbrellas that will be in my guests' way?

Are you subtle or invasive? Do you constantly direct the action or do you let me have my day and film it. Can you offer pointers and easy direction without creating delays?

Can you let me do our FIRST LOOK and CAKE CUTTING without talking to us?

Will you stop the action during the reception to check your light settings or can you adjust to changes quickly?

Four weddings. One Family.

click HERE to see the video

FOUR WEDDINGS. ONE FAMILY.

I filmed the wedding of Brittany and Nick Penatzer on May 25, 2013. I had no idea was I was getting into at that time. It turned out to be the beginning of my longest-running wedding family - I have filmed these people FOUR times!

Brittany and Nick's ceremony and reception were held at Virginia Crossings in Glen Allen, Va. and this was one week before I filmed what would become my most famous highlight reel at the Schreiber/Evans wedding. Right away, I knew something was different; I could not tell who was family and who was a friend and I did not get a better handle on that until four years later.

Nick's cute little sister was all grown up and getting married by 2017. I was honored that they asked if I was available. Savannah and Foster tied the knot on a rainy day at Independence Golf and Country Club. This was my second time with this group, so I sorta knew what to expect. If you lived in California and were having a party that had to be a success because the Hollywood Reporter was going to be there, you could hire this group of people to attend, and the journalist would report the next day that you had the best party ever.

Fast forward one more year and we've got two more weddings scheduled for this group: Sarah & Dillon in June and Melanie & Kevin in July. Sarah married Dillon on a hot day at Alturia Farm. Melanie and Kevin chose a mountainside wedding at The Market at Grelen.

While all four weddings were different, they had one important element in common: the receptions rocked! This crowd knows how to party. Three out of four receptions used DJ Diesel. He has a spectacular light show and I appreciate how it makes our videos look.

There are a few more single members connected with this group so we hope to film them again. In the meantime, here is a mashup of reception footage from the four weddings put to a song by Family Force Five that helps illustrate the energy of this crowd.

Not everyone was able to attend all four weddings, but their faces will become more familiar as you watch THIS VIDEO.

You will notice this couple a lot: 

That's Jen and Josh Adams. He was a groomsman in Nick's wedding. Josh and Dillon Adams are brothers. And Dillon was one of Kevin's groomsmen. Both Josh and Dillon were groomsmen for Foster. And Foster married Nick's sister, Savannah. Got it? 

Nick's and Savannah's mom, Lisa, and the Adams boys' mom, Robin, were best friends until Robin's untimely death in 2015. She's in the middle of the photo below (dark hair, white dress):

When Dillon got married he placed a photo of his mother in the seat where she would have been:

See Brittany and Nick's videos HERE and HERE and HERE.
See Savannah and Foster's videos HERE and HERE.
See Sarah and Dillon's videos HERE, HERE and HERE.
See Melanie and Kevin's videos HERE and HERE.

Van Halen Wedding Video

Van Halen Wedding Video

Question: Can a Van Halen song work as a wedding highlight reel?
Answer: I am willing to try.

On July 14, 2018, Collins and I filmed a wedding at The Market at Grelen in Somerset, Virginia. We knew this wedding would be fun as we have filmed this family (or friends of this family) three other times: Brittany, Savanah, and Sarah. Too bad Jen & Josh Adams were married before I knew them as you will see them in all four of these videos.

Anyway, I had several songs in mind for this wedding (and I am using a country song for a different version of their wedding highlights) but when Melanie & Kevin entered the reception, I knew what I had to do - and I accepted the challenge. They came in the big tent to the sound of their friends and family cheering and to the music of "Dance the Night Away" by Van Halen.

It is remarkable to think that this song (which was recorded before most of the attendees were born) is still this popular. Like "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey, or "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang, some party song don't fade away.

It also turns out that Melanie is quite the dancer. And dancing had something to do with them getting together to begin with - or so I heard.

Now check out their video and see what you think: CLICK HERE. I hope you enjoy it as much as the wedding couple does. CONGRATULATIONS, Melanie and Kevin! It was an honor filming your wedding.

"DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY" WEDDING MUSIC VIDEO link: https://mediazilla.com/Mpc14s3t2

See BOTH of their highlight reels HERE: https://mediazilla.com/tpc8fibV1

Wedding videography by www.reaganstudios.com

Alturia Farm Wedding in Virginia

WATCH THIS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEruzHhLiRY
What a great country wedding at Alturia Farm in Virginia! Sarah and her friends had a wonderful loft, bedroom and game room to get ready. And the guys played corn hole and had a few beverages. The sun came out just in time for sunset. We are so lucky to have such wonderful country venues in Virginia. Family and friends can remember this wedding forever with this highlight reel as well as a Preview, Special Feature, Video Guestbook and raw footage on a portable hard drive. Filmed on location at www.alturiafarm.com 
Wedding videography by www.reaganstudios.com