Supplier Spotlight - Shoot it Yourself.

Today I am absolutely thrilled to showcase the outrageously talented and lovely Andrea and Bec's from Shoot it Yourself.

Shoot it Yourself is a  fun, quirky new concept in wedding videos. You film it, and they edit it for a meaningful reminder of your big day!

I had a chat to Andrea about the blossoming Business.

What is it you do, and what services do you offer ?

"We’re the only company that hires out broadcast quality video cameras to the couple's family and friends, and then edits all of the footage onto a professional DVD with their own choice of music."

"We realised there was a gap in the market for fun wedding videos whilst planning our own weddings.
With a combined 20 years of experience working in television we were surprised that there was no alternative to the traditional montage, and we also knew from 1st hand experience, the intimacy that can be achieved by giving people the cameras to film themselves."

"We have found that by empowering those closest to the couple, the footage is more fun and more personal, besides the idea that you need a huge video camera and 10 years worth of experience to operate it seems a bit outdated.
Our skill comes in the editing which is not only time consuming, but is a highly skilled job."

"We offer two packages; one camera for £849 and two cameras for £949.
This includes: delivery and collection to ANYWHERE in the UK, insurance, 6 hours of tapes, online video tutorials on how to use the cameras and all of the editing.

The finished product is then burnt onto a professional DVDs and also uploaded onto our blog and Facebook Page."

"However if the idea of giving the cameras to your loved ones fills you with fear, check out our professional videography service; our Hire a Director Package."

When, and why did you start your business ?

"It wasn't until I had my daughter Mollie in March 2009 that I realised a career in television meant wasn’t going to fit in with my commitments as a mum."

"I set the business up because I wanted to always make sure that I had control over the hours that I worked and that I could always prioritize Mollie.
In reality this does mean having to spend all day working, collect Mollie from nursery and once she’s fed and in bed, carrying on working until late into the night.
I consider this a relatively small sacrifice for being my own boss."

"I also wanted to be able to contribute financially to the running of the house, and wanted to relieve the pressure on my husband to earn all of the money to support us.
I have always been financially independent and couldn't bear having to 'ask' if I could go shopping for clothes."

"I set the business up because it is something that I love and feel so strongly about that I wake up in the night dreaming about the possibilities.
I truly believe that it has the potential to provide an amazing future for me and my family, and Becs and her family too."

What inspires you ?

"I’m inspired by my friends and family. I love sitting down and brainstorming new ideas and putting them into practise.
I’m always surprised by what our couples film with our cameras.
Every once in a while we’ll see a new idea that hasn’t been done before and we’ll all gather round the computer to see how it unfolds!
The possibilities for being creative are endless and THAT’S what’s exciting."

What has been your favourite assignment, and why ?

"Dragons’ Den but we’re not allowed to talk about it until the show comes out!!" [sometime in September]

Whats your greatest achievement ?

Our greatest achievement could only be the above!

Whats the future for your Business ?

"We’d like to think that we’re the next generation of wedding videos!
Since we started a year and a half ago we have taken bookings for over 200 weddings and haven’t had an unhappy customer yet!"

 "What started off in my living room with a Mac Book, and a mobile phone has now become a national company.
Such is the demand for our AWESOME wedding videos that we've moved into lovely big offices in Clapham and now have a team of 7 full time staff!"

"It all  goes to show that with a bit of passion (and a good idea) dreams really can come true!"

Below is a Promotional Video fro the Brand that gives you a fast paced and compact idea of what they Andrea and Bec's do.



Or link http://vimeo.com/16964347

They also took some awesome footage of the Royal Wedding.



Or link http://vimeo.com/23266753

Shoot it yourself was also the company covering the 2011 Wedding Ideas Awards in London, an event I attended.

They were unobtrusive, courteous, really friendly and made a really great Video.

While I am still a fan of the traditional Wedding Video, I see Shoot it Yourself as a new breed of exciting alternative. Its fast paced, its personal, and its extremely fun.
Its a step away from anything thats come before and it has a whole new and  fresh outlook to showcasing your Big Day and I love it!

To Contact Shoot it Yourself

Website: http://www.shoot-it-yourself.co.uk/
Email: info@shoot-it-yourself.co.uk
Phone: 0207 274 8220
Blog: http://www.shoot-it-yourself.co.uk/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shoot-It-Yourself/492611190295
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ShootItYourself

A Special Day by the River - The Wedding of Katie and Mike - Images by Rupert Marlow

Today I am delighted to share the gorgeous Wedding of Katie and Mike shot by the talented Rupert Marlow.

Rupert is a freelance photographer based in Bristol who specialises in portrait photography, corporate photography and wedding photography.
He covers the UK, but also operates internationally and brings an original eye and a personal touch to any commission

Rupert shares a little about Katie and Mike, and their story.

"The couple met in a Pizza Restaurant in Devon (Totnes) through mutual friends (match-made, essentially!)"

"They both love  food, friends, festivals, nights out, weekends away, and the the Dumball rally (driving across Europe in rubbish cars with their mates for charity)."

"It was after last years Dumball that they got engaged in Sicily [September 2010.]"

"They got legally married in Bristol register office, three years to the day after they met at the pizza restaurant,
but then had a  humanist ceremony on the side of the river Dart, near Tuckenhay, after which they had a fantastic reception."

"They honeymooned in the Lot region of France."

Some gorgeous blooms supplied by Nursery Fresh, but arrangements and bouquets made by the Bride.

The beautiful Cake by Katie at Buns n Roses.

Katies stunning gown was a Justin Alexander from Ann Harding in Bristol

Officiating was Kevin Murphy.

The Groom resplendent in Morning Wear from Perfection in Plymouth.

The couples wonderful Reception was held in a Marquee supplied by Really Good Marquees and catering was provided by Hot Hogs.

A great party was had and the fabulous disco was provided by Your Perfect Night.

Thank you to Katie for being so helpful in sharing her fabulous suppliers, and to Rupert for sharing his wonderful images.

To Contact Rupert Marlow

Website: http://www.rupertmarlow-weddingphotographer.co.uk

Email: enquiries@rupertmarlow-weddingphotographer.co.uk

Phone: 01275 393557
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rupert-Marlow-Wedding-Photography/106478202728306

Twitter: http://twitter.com/rmjmphotography

NEW SPONSOR - Weddings at Loch Lomond

Today I am delighted to welcome on board a Brand new Sponsor, Weddings at Loch Lomond.
Yesterday I shared a spectacular Photoshoot from May that they did to promote the Brand.

Weddings at Loch Lomond is the ultimate planning tool for brides getting married in the Loch Lomond and surrounding areas. Brimming with fabulous suppliers, smart advice and creative ideas to ensure that your day here at Loch Lomond will be talked about for many years to come.

The Directory Who are you and what do you do ?

"Weddings at Loch Lomond is both a bespoke, informative website and 200 page printed Wedding Directory which consists of many Loch Lomond based wedding professionals who can help you plan the perfect wedding."

When, and why did you start your Business ?

"Nearly three years ago myself, Graham Wilson of Graham Wilson Photography and John Paul Lusk of Leven Films met up to discuss how we could form a co-op of local wedding businesses who's ethos would be to keep the business within Loch Lomond."

"We got in touch with a web designer Stephen Flynn of Easy Web Sites and together set about creating a bespoke website.
Then we got in touch with Alexa Scott of Scottish Event Management who had just ran the areas first successful wedding show, and it was she who suggested that we produce a brochure to run hand in hand with the website."

"Last years A4 glossy brochure was well received, however this year we have produced an amazing 200 page A5 full colour magazine with editorial, competitions and feature spreads. It's free for Brides to pick up within all of the companies listed."

"There are a couple of reasons as to why we created the directory.
First of all we recognised that on our door step we were blessed to have such talented people who worked within the wedding industry.
A huge part of their livelihoods depend on this industry here at Loch Lomond, so by keeping the business local, it also helps boost the local economy.
Every £ spent with a local company gets ploughed back and makes us stronger. Secondly, we live in a carbon footprint conscious world these days. If a Bride chooses from the range of local companies within the website or directory to help her plan her day, she helps reduce the overall carbon footprint."

What Inspires you ?

"I am inspired by listening to a Bride go through the "menu" of suppliers who all live, work and breathe within a 10 minute drive of Loch Lomond and who are all part of Weddings at Loch Lomond.
We all know one another so I think this gives the Bride extra confidence as we can talk knowledgeably about each others business."

"And also the whole process of finding our girl in the red dress - Karen Porter (nee Dowdall).
We ran a search in the local newspaper, our website, and also The Scottish Wedding Directory to find a Bride to Be who would dare to wear a red dress for our new magazine."

"Karen was chosen as our girl by myself, Graham and the girls from The Wedding Planner, and in May this year we took her, and her then fiance Robbie on a whirlwind photo shoot of Loch Lomond which was amazing."

"Lots of the companies within the magazine participated and gave up their time to help us.
We sourced the famous Red Dress from The Wedding Planner.
It is from Ronald Joyce and is designed by Veni Infantino and is simply stunning."
Robbie was dressed by Totally Tartan, and we were able to use the magnificent grounds and Marquee of Boturich Castle for the main part of the shoot."

"We had a vintage car from John H Glen, a modern Jaguar from Double Six Limos, Flowers were by Helensburgh Flowers, Hair and Make up by Stardusts Hair and Beauty, Stationery by Cherish, Gifts by Loch Lomond Gift House, Piping on the day was by Colin Lawrie and three cakes on display were from Rainbow Cakes, Confetti Confection and Gems Balloon Box. Orla the Golden Eagle from The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre arrived mid way through the shoot to show us how stunning a bird of prey she really is."

"Lodge on Loch Lomond gave Robbie and Karen an overnight stay as part of their prize, and they managed to visit as many of the venues up and down Loch Lomond as we could muster.
They even set sail on board Beau Jangles, a luxury cruiser on the Loch. And of course everything was captured by Graham Wilson Photography and filmed by Leven Films too."

What is your Greatest achievement ?

"Ohhh, there are so many."

"Ripping the boxes open last year to look at the first brochure, and then the same excitement this year when they arrived (after I carried all 4500 copies into my shop!), working alongside my husband Richard who was the official magazine designer (a HUGE kiss to him) and seeing something amazing unfold on screen as the website developed."

"We worked alongside Jenners Loch Lomond at a Wedding Extravaganza Evening back in May and they have asked us back in October, this time for the weekend so thats great and I think seeing everything come together and knowing that all your hard work is shaping the future of the wedding industry within Loch Lomond."

"Last but not least watching the official video - words can't describe how I felt when I watched it for the first time. Big hankies at the ready!"

"John Paul stepped down at the beginning of the year and Alexa Scott joined Graham and I, and with this she has brought a wealth of knowledge.
We have so many plans for the rest of 2011 and onwards to 2012."

"We want to promote Loch Lomond to people who live outside of Loch Lomond, so that means tapping into the national marketplace to convince Brides and Grooms to consider our lovely surroundings as their perfect wedding destination. We want couples to use the magazine inside and out.
We want Weddings at Loch Lomond to be the first words on all Brides lips, and of course we will run the competition next year to find our new girl in the red dress too. But let's give Karen her moment of glory!"

I am very glad to welcome this incredible team of people on board as Sponsors.
Loch Lomond is one of the most beautiful and picturesque areas in Scotland and you are literally spoiled with the fantastic selection of Suppliers and Venues to bring together your perfect Wedding Day.

To Contact Weddings at Loch Lomnond

Website: http://www.weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk/

Email: info@weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk  
Phone: 01290 422541 or 07525 539 052.
Blog: http://www.weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weddingsatlochlomond?ref=search
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wedslochlomond

The Bonny Bonny Banks of Loch Lomond - The story of a Photoshoot!

I met the lovely Vicki of Weddings at Loch Lomond a few months ago at a Networking event in Glasgow.
Whilst chatting about our businesses, she told me about an incredible photoshoot they had planned to promote the Brand.

I have been excitedly waiting ever since to see the images, and hear all about it, and I am delighted to be able to share the wonderful results of their day on the Loch.

Vicki shares her recollections.

"On a bright breezy morning in May 2011, Weddings at Loch Lomond gathered at Boturich Castle to turn one special couple into their iconic cover image by bringing together some of the areas finest wedding suppliers to create a special photoshoot."

"Having rested well at Lodge on Loch Lomond the night before, Karen Dowdall and Robbie Porter were driven to Boturich Castle set high on the Eastern hills above Loch Lomond to begin their special day."

"Karen had her make up and hair styled expertly by Angela of Stardusts Hair and Make Up in Boturich Castles dayroom, whilst Robbie visited Totally Tartan in Alexandria where he was fitted with his kilt transforming him into a true Scotsman for the day."

"And then the moment arrived – Karen slipped on her wedding dress.
A stunning deep red taffeta Ronald Joyce design called Daneille, designed by Veni Infantino which was supplied by The Wedding Planner of Helensburgh."

"We held our breath as she walked down the stairs looking truly stunning!
They both received their flowers – a hand tie for Karen and a button hole for Robbie - a mixture of Grand Prix roses, jasmine and thistles, lovingly put together by Helensburgh Flowers."

"Karen and Robbie even had the pleasure of choosing some stunning wedding rings by designer Sheila Fleet who specially made a red stone and silver kilt pin for Robbies kilt too."

"Graham Wilson Photography set about photographing the day directing Karen and Robbie from picture to picture as all good wedding photographers do.
Leven Films, with camera in hand filmed each moment perfectly, to produce our fabulous video."

"The special couple then were treated to not one but two modes of transport – a vintage Rolls Royce from John H Glen and a white Jaguar from Double Six Limos.
After filming had ceased in the castle grounds with the cars, everyone moved into the large glass marquee which overlooks the cool clear waters of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond towering in the distance."

"A full table was laid with glass wear; cutlery and napkins kindly supplied by The Cruin, with place cards, table number and menus by Cherish Stationery.
A huge glass candelabra was placed in the centre of the table dripping with roses and thistles supplied by All Dressed Up and decorated by Helensburgh Flowers.
Twinkling diamonds were scattered, silver charger plates were placed and red satin sashes were tied to the chairs by All Dressed Up to bring the colour scheme alive."

"We were delighted to have three cakes to photograph on the day from Confetti Confection, Rainbow Cakes and a yummy sweet cake from Gems Balloon Box who provided large red colourful balloons too."

"We even had a table full of wedding gifts, picture frames and wedding cards supplied by The Loch Lomond Gift House too."

"Colin Lawrie Piping Services kept everyone entertained with fabulous Scottish tunes whilst Orla, the Golden Eagle arrived from the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre.
Her presence was truly majestic."

"We broke for lunch and headed to The Rowantree Tavern in Balloch.
Graham Wilson took Karen and Robbie up to Drymen, then over the other side of the Loch to The Cruin and Lodge on Loch Lomond where we managed to get some cracking shots."

"Whilst at The Cruin, Karen and Robbie (who is a Marine Engineer) were treated to a quick sail on the Loch aboard RA Charters boat Beau Jangles.
It was then back over the hill to Helensburgh to The Rosslea Hall Hotel, Rhu to take our final shots of the day."

"The red dress was taken off and carefully packed away along with all the lasting happy memories of the day. Karen and Robbie Porter, thank you so much for becoming the faces behind our brand and hope that you have a very happy life together now that you are married.
And thank you to all the wonderful suppliers who pulled together, to help create such a fantastic day. Everyone can be found right here on our website."

"As for the video – well you’ll have to watch it again and again to appreciate just how fabulous a place Loch Lomond is.
Link is HERE."

"One day when you come and visit you can say, I’ve been there before, and we will be standing by to help you plan your perfect wedding!"

To Contact Weddings at Loch Lomond

Website: http://www.weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk/

Email: info@weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk

Phone: 01290 422541 or 07525 539 052.

Blog: http://www.weddingsatlochlomond.co.uk/blog/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/weddingsatlochlomond?ref=search

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wedslochlomond