Destination Wedding Videos

Shirley+Mayhew // Landmark Vineyards

8/20/2024

Kenwood California, the destination for this week's wedding. I feel so privileged to partner with so many amazing vendors. When Orchard Avenue Events reached out to ask if I wanted to be apart of this wedding, I jumped at the opportunity. I arrived bright and early, about an hour before my scheduled start time. Whenever I film at a new venue, I like to arrive early enough to tour the entire property. The lovely Landmark Vineyard staff were kind enough to show me the various event spaces. Our bride and groom were to start getting ready at a house located a short drive away on the other end of the vineyard. While our groom, Mayhew, would eventually get dressed in a cottage connected to the tasting room, both were currently located at the house. I made my way over to the cottage and found Mayhew outside practicing his mother-son dance with his mother Catherine. Unfortunately, I hadn't yet unpacked my cameras, so I missed capturing this moment. After a brief introduction, I jokingly informed Mayhew he wasn't allowed to have any other camera-worthy moments without me being there. He showed me inside where I found our bride, Shirley, in the midst of her hair and makeup process. After an introduction, she had a bridesmaid show me where I could find her flat lay details and wedding dress. After capturing these details, I told Shirley Id be back shortly to capture her getting into the dress moment, but since we had some time left in the hair and makeup process, Id head over to capture Mayhew getting dressed. Back at the cottage, I grabbed some shots of Mayhew's suit, which featured some custom embroidery on the neck and cuffs of his dress shirt and some additional embroidery on his jacket. I love these small personalized details. With the help of his dad, also Mayhew, our groom got ready for the day ahead. As I wrapped up the final shots, I looked out across the vineyard and saw what I thought was a bride in her dress on the front porch of the house. After a short drive-over, my suspicion was confirmed. Shirley had gotten anxious and decided to get dressed. Anne-Clair, the photographer, had also arrived at that time and, like me, was briefly panicked when seeing Shirley already in her wedding dress. We both shared a laugh and asked Shirley if she wouldn't mind recreating the moment for our cameras. Mayhew soon arrived, and the two shared their first look and took some portraits. We headed back over to the main property to grab some additional family and wedding party photos. Being so close to the reception area, I also used the opportunity to capture Orchard Avenue Event's staff setting up the reception tables and ceremony site. I always love to grab this content. It offers the bride and groom some behind-the-scenes perspectives, and it also serves as great content to start the film with. Hidden away, the first bus of guests arrived. They made their way to the courtyard, signing into the guest book before making their way to the ceremony site. The couple opted to have a 3-piece band for their procession and cocktail hour. As the band played, the bridal party made their way down the aisle, followed by Shirley and her parents, Anne and Sam. The ceremony was officiated by their mutual friend, Scott, who was also responsible for their meeting. Scott crushed the ceremony, offering some unique words tying in the couple's professional careers as video game developers with some marriage advice. I highly recommend having an officiant that knows both the bride and groom personally. Following the ceremony, the marriage license was signed, and the couple made their way to grab some sunset photos. The sunset was truly magical, and we took full advantage of every second of it. After being introduced, the couple shared their first dance and gave a thank-you speech to their guests before sitting down for dinner. As the sun set, a few speeches were given. One of which was by the best man who created a custom crossword puzzle with clues and answers about the bride and groom. The couple cut their cake and made their way inside to start the party. After grabbing some shots of the dance floor, including an amazing dance off to Van Halen's Jump by Mayhew and one of the other guests, my night came to an end. Until next time, California!