Sylvie's 6th Birthday; NYC- Too Cute not to post!

Last week I had the pleasure of a new kind of shoot when NYC wedding planner-friend Kim Pilson's daughter, Sylvie, celebrated her 6th birthday! I caught up with mom and daughter and a bunch of 5 and 6 year old's at a fun spot in our UES neighborhood. They never stopped smiling the whole night as pizza, face-painting, the limbo, a pinata and dancing kept them busy!

Heidi & Brett; St John's Church and the Inn at Fox Hollow, December 19, Cold Springs Harbor, NY

I think even my mailman called in sick on Saturday with forecasts of two feet of snow or more, but when NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith commits to a wedding, it would take more than cold, white flakes to keep him away!

I also have know the bride Heidi since we worked together at the Olympics in Athens over 5 years ago so I was looking forward to seeing her on her wedding day! Heidi didn't disappoint when I caught my first glimpse of her waiting in the back of a car outside St. John's Church in quaint Cold Spings Harbor, NY. The snow was coming down but most of the guests had arrived and were seated in the cozy church to watch Heidi and Brett exchange vows.

It was then off to the Inn at Fox Hollow in Woodbury, which looked like a winter wonderland with the snow and all the festive lighting and music they had playing outside as guests arrived. I'm not sure if my camera is waterproof, but we braved the elements to get some shots of the falling snow and beauty of this exceptional place for a NYC wedding reception.

NYC wedding photographer Jared Charney from Downing Street Photography took formal photos of the couple and their family while Tim Alan Smith filmed cocktail hour and the set-up of the ballroom. The fantastic NYC wedding band - the 52nd Street Swing- was already practicing and had the crowd on their feet when Heidi and Brett were later introduced with the Black Eyed Pea's "Gotta Feeling".

The rest of the night was non-stop dancing, toasts, smiles and laughs as the guests enjoyed a rare wedding in the middle of the beauty that was a winter wonderland! Click here to see their wedding write-up in the New York Times and click below to see the video!

Tim Alan Smith Client Marcus Samuelsson chef for Obama's first State Dinner at the White House

Tim Alan Smith normally is a NYC wedding videographer, however we do have other requests on occasion. One such request was to film famed chef Marcus Samuelsson (Aquavit in NYC) cooking in the kitchen of his Manhattan home. We were pleased to find out yesterday that Marcus was selected to cook for President Obama's first ever state dinner last night at the White House! Congratulations Marcus! From what we sampled in his kitchen on multiple occasions, we're sure the president's first dinner will be a huge succes!

Need a Holiday Idea? How about a photomontage or family history video?

While Tim Alan Smith is mainly a company focused on being a NYC wedding videographer, we are often asked by clients to put together photos and video clips for a photomontage or family history video. Many times the client is doing this as a surprise anniversary (any special year such as 5th anniversary, 10th anniversary, 20th anniversary, 25th anniversary, 40th anniversary or 50th anniversary celebrations). We are also asked to do them for special birthday milestones as well as graduation or bat/bar mitzvah surprises. We also take VHS clips that you have collected over the years and combine them with photos and music to create that special heirloom video. Some people simple want us to take their photos and put or scan them to a DVD for safe keeping. We can do all of this. Most people realize that their family won't be around forever and want us to come film and interview everyone at a holiday or other special family gathering. Whatever your need, we are able to help you create that unique holiday gift and family . In fact, my family doesn't even know it yet, but I'm bringing all the video gear home for Thanksgiving and everyone is going to get interviewed soon after the turkey is eaten! To read more about what kind of NYC family history or photomontage project we can do for you, click on the link or give us a call today!

Marcy & Barry; November 14, The Metropolitan Pavilion: New York, NY

NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith spent Saturday night filming the wedding of Marcy and Barry at the Metropolitan Pavilion in downtown Manhattan. I have been to the Metropolitan Pavilion many times for the New York Magazine wedding showcase, an annual event for those having a wedding or in the wedding industry. However, this was the first time I have had the chance to film there. Kim Pilson of the Wedding Sitter (full service or day of NYC wedding planner) did an amazing job ensuring romantic ambiance of the space with their choice of decor. The couple saw each other before the ceremony as they took photos under the amazing Chuppah with NYC wedding photographer Alex Z before moving to another room to sign the Ketubah. After that, the couple had exchanged vows under the Chuppah in front of their closest family and friends before a happy exit (pictured above) and cocktail hour. The reception was fun starting with first dance and the Horah with the very entertaining Hank Lane musicians the Russell Bennett Band keeping the crowd on their feet until the very last song!

A happy bride writes in after receiving her video

Being a wedding videographer in NYC is a fun way to make a living, and letters like the one below make it even better! Many people who are unsure about whether or not to have a videographer for their NYC wedding, will see through the bride's eyes how it feels to watch it....


"Hi Tim,

We just watched the video and it is AMAZING!!! At first I didn't see the separate clip of super 8 footage and all those extras. I love it. you used most of the songs i asked for and I like all the others. funny thing is after i thought about it more I really wanted that version of somewhere over the rainbow, you you used it anyway, which is great! you read my mind. I have to be honest I reallly didn't know what you meant when you kept saying this if for the outtakes the day of the wedding, but we loved the outttakes...so much fun!! If my little sister wasn't in it I have to say everyone else would have lacked, but it all came together great!!!
We really loved everything and it captured the whole day! I dk if I told you but right after you left the dance floor went crazy and one of our friends is famous for breakdancing, and he got down...oh well, we have the memories....

Alex and I were wondering if it would be possible to get a separate disc just for us with the Super 8 clip and then the TAS Signature clip too so we can put them on YouTube and share them with everyone?
Thank you for everything. I can't wait to watch it all again and share it with everyone!
have a good weekend,

Lauren"

Super 8 Video....It never seems to get old!

Although Tim Alan Smith is a NYC wedding videographer and focus mostly on video, we often get asked if we can also shoot super 8 film. The answer is YES! If you don't know what Super 8 is, picture the opening sequence of "The Wonder Years" and it will come back to you quickly. That nostalgic grainy, choppy look of film cameras of the 50's and 60's brings many brides in the door hoping we can create that effect on their wedding video.

Super 8 cameras take actual film and many don't perform well unless it is really well lit, so typically we use for outdoor sequences or inside when the lighting is very good.

This particular wedding was at the Pius X church and Scarsdale with the wedding reception at beautiful Trump National Golf Course in Briarwood Cliff, NY, using both black and white and color film stock.

WEVA Expo: Orlando Florida Wedding Video Conference

I have spent this past week in sunny Orlando attending the WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographers Association) yearly expo at the week-old Orlando Hilton. The WEVA Expo is a yearly tradeshow/seminar for videographers from around the world who gather to share ideas and expertise, network and to learn the new and exciting trends in wedding and event video. Days are long with seminars starting at 8 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m. with a huge tradeshow floor filled with new technology and products/services on display in between. Being a wedding videographer in NYC is great but it's also good to get new perspectives and ideas from artists working around the world. In addition to some new equipment that I purchased (always fun) I have picked up a few ideas and techniques that I think will make my video productions even better moving forward. My only regret this week is that I have been so busy I haven't had time to enjoy a few minutes at the amazing pool!

Josh & Danit; Schlitz Audobon Nature Center: August 1, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Once in a while I get to attend weddings as a guest, so it was great fun for me to spend the weekend with friends Josh and Danit in Miwaukee a few weeks back at the Schlitz Audobon Nature Center. This is the first of 3 weddings I will be attending this year and even as a guest, I can't help myself from bringing a small camera along! Clients who are fun and want their wedding to embody that spirt of fun, are typically are our favorite weddings at Tim Alan Smith. For Josh & Danit, fun was the theme of the day!

Untitled from TimAlanSmith on Vimeo.

Miriam & Zeyad; The Hotel Pierre; July 11

Miriam & Zayed had a weekend of non-stop partying after exchanging their vows a few weeks ago in a private ceremony with family. It started on Friday night at the Hudson Terrace with Tim Alan Smith & friends and family whogathered to celebrate with the couple before their Saturday wedding at the Hotel Pierre on 5th Avenue. When NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith arrived, the couple was preparing to head to Central Park for some photos with Dante from Great Neck Photographers. The couple then returned to Hotel Pierre where they practiced their tango routine and helped family and friends get all the name cards set for their nearly 500 guests! All then gathered for family photos before guests arrived for cocktails. Miriam headed back to the bridal suite with her sisters to rest up for her grand entrance while Zeyad worked the room and excitedly exchanged calls with Miriam discussing their grand entrance. Dancers and music met Zeyad and his friends as they entered the ballroom to a standing/clapping crowd of family and friends and started what became a non-stop dance party all-night. Beautiful Miriam soon followed escorted by her father and met by Zayed where the festive dancing continued. Total Entertainment's Soul Connection/White Light relieved the Arabic musicians and the two alternated all night to provide a special and unique sound for the wedding night. Other highlights included toasts by Zeyad's two brothers and Miriam's brother, a tribute from Zeyad to his mother and the music and dancing. When Soul Connection announced that the party was ending in the ballroom, it really was just the beginning as guests moved to a new room designed like a NYC club where the party kept going until the wee hours of the night!

Big Apple Awards Video Recap, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers; June 30, NYC

On June 30, Tim Alan Smith's NYC corporate video company- Avenue 5 Films- filmed ISES New York Metro's annual gala, The Big Apple Awards at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Both Avenue 5 Films and Tim Alan Smith were up for award of best NYC event video 2008, with Avenue 5 Films winning. Other winners were NYC photographer Andre Maier , event planner Jess Gordon (Proper Fun), Barkley Kalpak, Total Entertainment and H.G. Lighting and Design to name a few. A few industry legends including Fern Mallis of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Candida Romanelli of the NY International Automobile Show and Josh McCall of Jack Morton Worldwide were inducted into the Hall of Legends.

Vanessa & Michael: The Yale Club; NYC

Vanessa & Michael got married at one of NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith's favorite NYC wedding locations- The Yale Club- on a beautiful Sunday in June. When I arrived in the bridal suite, Vanessa was getting her hair and make-up done and bridesmaids were arriving. NYC wedding photographer Lina Jang was already there to document the transformation. (her photo is above). Nervous groom-to-be, Michael, was waiting patiently in the ornate lobby of the NYC Yale Club for his beautiful bride. We made Michael wait at the bottom of the grand staircase with his back turn as Vanessa glided down in her beautiful gown. His eyes beamed when he saw his beautiful bride and then we all headed to Grand Central and then Bryant Park for some more photos and video before heading back to the Yale Club for photos on the rooftop balcony. The ceremony was held in the historic library of the Yale Club which proved to be a unique and beautiful spot for the couple to exchange vows. After that it was cocktail hour and then a night of revelry with entertainment provided by an excellent DJ team from Hal Prince. All and all, a night to remember for all those involved!

Lauren & Alex: St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale and Trump National Golf Course, June 27

When I arrived at Lauren’s sister’s home on the after of June 27, Lauren was still getting her hair done and none of the girls had put on their dresses yet. Over the next hour the women all transformed into a beautiful bride and her bridesmaids as NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith and NYC wedding photographer Jason Walz documented the transformation. (his photo above) Groom- Alex- was getting ready at a hotel and documented by another photgrapher as well as second Tim Alan Smith videographer. The couple then headed for St. Pius X Church in Scarsdale where vows were exchanged and all was great except for a little confusion as to where the statue of Mary was for the couple to say a prayer! After a celebratory toast in their limo, the couple headed to Trump National Golf Club in Briarwood Cliff where the reception was held. The amzing weather and backdrop of the course proved great for photographer Jason Walz and Tim Alan Smith as they documented the couple on the beautiful golf course. Cocktails were next and the amazing food and views from the back patio were the perfect setting to enjoy delicious food and mouth-watering cocktails on the most beautiful day of June. Wedding planner Elaine DeLuca of Exquisite Events New York made sure everything flowed seamlessly on the day including transitioning guests the beautiful reception room. After the introduction of the beaming couple they performed a well-choreographed dance and the Starlight Orchestra kept everyone dancing all night. Other highlights included Lauren's dad's very emotional toast, sister Victoria's amazing solo and the toast from the bride and groom thanking all of their guests. All in all a night that won't soon be forgotten!

The buzzword: Amazing. A few happy brides e-mail in after watching their final video.

I'm not going to lie, it's nice to get positive feedback. Here are a couple of quick e-mails from happy brides about recent Tim Alan Smith NYC wedding videos.

Hi Tim!!!

We absolutely LOVED the video! It was amazing.

Ashley and Mark
(The St. Regis Hotel/The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola)


Hello Tim,

We just got them on Saturday and they were amazing!!! Thank you so very much.


~Melander
(The Marriott, New Haven, CT)

Tim,

I'm not surprised that I love it! I am so happy to have found such a talented person to capture our wedding day on video, who is such a nice and fun person as well!

Alicia
The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola and The St. Regis Hotel, NYC


Hi Tim,

We loooooved the beginning and the outtakes, there were so many funny things you captured that I didn't even remember. I am so glad we have all these great memories on film!! I am glad you got such great footage.... Its
awesome, we have been laughing about it for days. The outtakes were hysterical! And we love having the raw footage too!

Erin and Brian
(The Church of Our Saviour NYC & The Union League Club)

Alicia & Rich: The Church of St Ignatius Loyola and The St. Regis Hotel, NYC; June 20

Alicia & Rich didn't allow a little rain to dampen their spirits on June 20. The couple had intermittent rain during the day but was still able to get some shots outside the St. Regis Hotel and The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola from NYC wedding photographer Christopher Duggan of Threshold Visions Photography. (His photo above). The couple both got ready at the St. Regis before taking limos separately to St. Ignatius, where a beautiful ceremony took place. Tim Alan Smith and Christopher Duggan were able to capture beautiful images of the couple as they exchanged vows and rings in front of their closest family and friends. After some photos inside and outside St. Ignatius Loyola, the couple and their wedding party headed the St. Regis Hotel for more photos and the amazing cocktail hour. One of Hank Lane's best- and one of my personal favorites- the Michael Hart Band, welcomed the couple into the reception and entertained the guests with their great covers of both classic and modern favorites.

Tim Alan Smith's "Avenue 5 Films" takes home best NYC event video 2008 at ISES Big Apple Awards at Chelsea Piers Lighthouse!

Last night, Tim Alan Smith's NYC corporate company- Avenue 5 Films- took home best NYC event video at the annual ISES Big Apple Awards Gala honoring the top NYC event vendors for our coverage of the Biz Bash Event Style Expo last October. ISES (International Special Events Society) is a international organization of special event talent with the NYC chapter hosting last night's event. This year the event was held at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, where Tim Alan Smith has filmed plenty of NYC weddings and other events over the years. Three videos were selected in advance as finalists for the top award, including Tim Alan Smith's very own wedding recap of Ralph and Priya at the Rainbow Room from April of 2008. A lot of great nominees and award winners were there including NYC wedding photographer Andre Maier, who took home top honors for best image. Below is the rest of the night's big winners. We are very thankful that one video from each of our companies made it to the top three of NYC and excited to take home the top honor!

BEST CORPORATE EVENT: BUDGET OVER $50,000
Total Entertainment for “S. L. Green’s Blind Tiger”

BEST CORPORATE MULTIPLE DAY EVENT
Barlkey Kalpak Associates (BKA) for “ITS World Congress”

BEST CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) INITIATIVE (TIE)
iStar Financial for “New York Office Holiday Party”
TBA Global for “Keep America Meeting”

DEMONSTRATION OF ROI FOR AN EVENT
Sophist Productions for “NFTE Dare 2 Dream Gala”

BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM CONCEPT
Barkley Kalpak Associates (BKA) for “Utopia at BizBash Event Style Expo”

BEST FOOD AND/OR BEVERAGE CREATION
Scoozi Events for “Amuse Inspired”

BEST FUNDRAISING ACHIEVEMENT (Amount raised in proportion to event budget)
Event Style, NY for “Super Saturday 11”

BEST USE OF A GIFT/PROMOTIONAL ITEM (TIE)
jes GORDON/proper FUN for “Lipsitz B’not Mitzvah”
iStar Financial Inc. for “Paintball Teambuilder”

BEST GREEN INITIATIVE
LeadDog Marketing Group for “Summer Streets”

BEST ISES NEW YORK METRO CHAPTER COLLABORATION
iStar Financial Inc. for “6th Annual iStar Charity Shootout”

BEST INVITATION DESIGN
CECI New York for “The Grand Opening of the Mandell School”

BEST NEW RENTAL
Pink Inc for “DIFFA Dining by Design”

BEST NEW VENUE
Brooklyn Children’s Museum

BEST NON-PROFIT EVENT
LeadDog Marketing Group for “The 31st MS Society Dinner of Champions Featuring the Inaugural Brain Games”

BEST OVERALL DESIGN/DÉCOR
Eventsful for “A Night Under the Stars”

BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE
Andre Maier Photography for “Oneto/Berger Wedding”

BEST PR/MARKETING INITIATIVE
Barkley Kalpak Associates (BKA) for “Free Creative”

BEST SOCIAL EVENT: BUDGET OVER $1,000 PER GUEST
LA Productions for “Graceful and Glorious”

BEST SOCIAL EVENT: BUDGET UNDER $1,000 PER GUEST
jes GORDON/proper FUN for “Lipsitz B’not Mitzvah”

BEST STAGE SET DESIGN
Global Events for “Toy of the Year Awards”

BEST TABLE TOP DESIGN
Fourth Wall Events for “Toronto Client Reception”

BEST TEAM BUILDING CONCEPT
iStar Financial Inc. for “Paintball Teambuilder”

BEST USE OF LIGHTING
Preeti Exclusive Creations, Inc. for “Bling It On”

BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR AN EVENT
TBA Global for “Keep America Meeting”

BEST VIDEO FOR AN EVENT
Avenue 5 Films for “Biz Bash Event Style Expo”

BEST VIRTUAL MEETING
e-biz Q for “Process Management and the Bottom Line Virtual Conference”

Marian & Chris; St. Patrick's Cathedral & The University Club: May 30, NYC

Marian & Chris had two great places to enjoy their wedding day in NYC, starting with world-famous St. Patrick's Cathedral on 5th Avenue and University Club right after. Tim Alan Smith videographer- Lu K- was there to capture the beaming Marian as she came down the VERY long aisle to meet an excited Chris. Onlookers that included strangers and passers-by watched the happy couple exchange vows and cheered for them as they exited the historical St. Patrick's Cathedral at the end of the ceremony. After greeting guests near 5th Avenue, the couple had photos taken by Matt Gillis in both Central Park and the University Club. After that, it was time for cocktails and an evening of revelry (with great music by the Alex Donner Band!) that won't soon be forgotten by anyone attending this amazing NYC wedding!

Mayor Bloomberg, Tim Alan Smith & hundreds of very excited 10 year olds.

While the subject of this post sounds a little bit like the answer to a riddle, it's actually referring to how I spent last Friday morning. I used to teach at an elementary school in the Bronx before I got into videography full time. As a teacher, I filmed the moving up/graduation ceremonies for the kids and continue to do so every June for PS 106 in the Bronx. This year I stopped by the 5th grade "prom" at Maestro's catering in the Bronx to get some footage of them dancing and having fun with teacher/DJ Mr. Chin at the mike with All Night Long Entertainment. Rumors started swirling that Mayor Bloomberg was in another room at Maestro's to deliver the keynote speech for Aflac insurance company. The combination of good timing and convincing teacher pleas resulted in the mayor of NYC coming in to say a few words to the stunned 5th graders. Tim Alan Smith was happy to have the chance to film the mayor and shook his hand and told him to "keep up the good work" as he left to tend to his mayoral duties. The video below is a quick highlight of the dancing kids followed by a few words from Mayor Bloomberg.

Melanie & Nick: The University Church at Fordham, May 30, 2009, New York City

Melanie & Nick had a glorious day for their ceremony at the University Church at Fordham University in the Bronx. Melanie wiped away a tear during her vows (see video) which was a touching moment but the couple was all smiles at they exited the church to the cheers of family and friends. Melanie and Nick had met as students at Fordham years back so photos and video on campus were a must. Rich Janiello from Ciro Photography in New Rochelle and Tim Alan Smith had a great time with the couple near the historic landmarks on campus. After photos it was off to The Fountainhead in New Rochelle where a night of dancing, toasts and overall fun was had by all!

Rich & Pat Smith: 40 year Anniversary June 15, 2009

I'd like to wish my parents a happy 40th anniversary in this forum as today marks 40 years to the day that they exchanged their vows at the Manor in East Orange, NJ. (Where I actually filmed for the first time last June!) Every year I film plenty of weddings but felt my parents' 40th anniversary would be a unique event worth celebrating as well. For the last 3 or 4 months I have been planning a big surprise party at their house to mark the achievement. It was difficult keeping the 70 family and friends from spilling the beans but all did a good job because my parents were still clueless as we ate lunch at a local restaurant near their house yesterday afternoon. Meanwhile the neighbors decorated the house while the catering truck and bartender stocked the the place with food and drink. When we returned from lunch the front lawn was filled with cheering friends as well as a Tim Alan Smith videographer and photographer Rachel Miranda to capture their arrival. They were stunned and admitted that they had absolutely no idea. The weather was beautiful for the first time in over a week and everyone had a day of laughs, fun and good food/drinks. Here's to many, many more!

Tim Alan Smith nomiated for 2 "Big Apple Awards" for best NYC event video in 2008

Each June, The New York Metro Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) holds the much-anticipated gala, the Big Apple Awards. This year the Big Apple Awards will be held on June 30 at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers. The Big Apple Awards are effectively the "Oscars" of the NYC event industry with categories including best social event over $1000 per guest, best new venue, best invitation design, best entertainment program/concept, best table top design, best set design and best photographic image amongst others.

We submitted a 2008 wedding at the Rainbow Room between Ralph and Priya, Vera Wang's personal assistant as well as a corporate video from Tim Alan Smith NYC corporate videographer company, Avenue 5 Films. Both were nominated! Similar to the Oscars and other award events, there are only 3 or 4 nominated for each category, so we are very pleased to be 2 of those nominees!

We will post an update on this blog on July 1 after the awards are announced!

Tim Alan Smith films famed chef Marcus Samuelsson in his apartment

Tim Alan Smith loves filming weddings but every once in a while we get other projects that take us outside the realm of vows, rings and first dances. A few weeks ago was once such day when I spent the day with world-famous chef- Marcus Samuelsson- in his amazing uptown apartment. Marcus is a television presence with his cooking shows but is best known as chef at downtown hotspot Aquavit as well as other restaurants around the world. Photographer and friend- Jirel McClinton from A Raisin in the Sun Photography- was also there to capture Marcus in action. The goal of the shoot was to have Marcus teach owners of the amazing Blue Star Oven how to best maximize its potential. Along the way, Jirel, Keith from Blue Star, my assistant Gina and yours truly got to sample some of Macus's creations. We even took a lunch break at a local restaurant with Marcus where we ate even MORE food. In addition to joking with Marucs and picking up some tips throughout the day, a highlight had to be when Marcus gave one of my recipe suggestions a thumbs up!

Romita & Wilson: The Westbury Manor; May 15

Romita and Wilson had a beautiful day last Friday for what was the start of the best weekend of their lives. After getting married at the Westbury Manor in front of their closest family and friends, the couple also graduated from medical school two days later. Many of their classmates were at the Westbury Manor to support them including the best man. The beautiful gardens and rooms of the Westbury Manor were the perfect backdrop for photos by Kellie and Rupert from 4 Eyes Photography in Manhattan as well as NYC wedding videographer Tim Alan Smith. The highlight below is through the end of the ceremony.

Tim Alan Smith has moved office location

Tim Alan Smith has moved office space to 419 Lafayette Street as of May 1. After 3 years on West 21st, we decided to change locations when a great opportunity arose. The new office is one block from the Astor place stop on the 6 train (near the spinning black cube) and also just blocks from the B,D,F,V,R and W trains. Part of the reason for the move is that by being a NYC wedding videographer, Tim Alan Smith has wedding video clients from all over NYC. The new address will make it easy for Brooklyn brides as well as those from midtown or lower Manhattan to access. We are also available for meetings at the upper east side location on 95th and 3rd avenue for those who live on the upper east or upper west sides. We look forward to meeting you at either space and getting to hear more about about your wedding day!

New York Magazine and Brides Magazine wedding events

In the last few weeks I have had the chance to attend a few great NYC wedding events. The New York Magazine Wedding Event on April 1 at the Metropolitan Pavilion NYC is a can't miss every year. Many of NYC's top wedding vendors either have a table on display or come to network with others in the NYC wedding industry. I did a little bit of both, setting up a TV to show a video that I shot last summer at the Meadow Clubs and Dunes Church in Southampton. It was at that wedding I met Kim Pilson of the Wedding Sitter-a day of coordinator for the Hamptons and NYC- who played my video at her table. I also caught up with plenty of people including NYC wedding photographers Karen Wise, Sofia Negron, Ian London, Brian Dorsey, Timothy Lee, Kristine Foley, Karen Cunningham and Shira Weinberger to name just a few. In addition to catching up with these photographers, I was able to meet up with many others involved with NYC Weddings as well as catch some of the newest trends for 2009 and beyond. A few days later I attended the Brides Magazine wedding event where I caught up with more people including planners Leslie and Eyal from In any Event, NYC Wedding photographer Erik Ekroth, and planners Danielle Bobish (Curtain Up Events) and Christine Coppinger to name just a few. The food was delicious, company entertaining and the space incredible. All and all a perfect close Tim Alan Smith's week of wedding events!

Danielle & David; March 7; Gary's Loft: NYC

Tim Alan Smith had never filmed at Gary’s Loft before the evening of Danielle and David’s Wedding on March 7. The space was intimate but beautifully laid out and decorated. The ceremony was held under the Chuppah in candle-lit room. Danielle glided down the grand staircase to the left of the Chuppah where her waiting parents escorted her to David. Ryan Kaplan officiated a beautiful ceremony with the wedding party and parents standing close by. More guests joined after the nuptials for an extended cocktail hour, with delicious food provided by Ben from Smart Catering. The cocktail party last all night with some toasts, a special song from Danielle’s cousins, a mini-cupcake cake cutting and lots and lots of dancing mixed in!

ISES (International Special Events Society) Northeast Regional Conference; Marriott Downtown; NYC: March 7-9

Tim Alan Smith corporate and event video company for NYC- Avenue 5 Films- captured a weekend of ISES learning and fun at the Marriott Downtown and Arena Nightclub on 41st street. ISES is a collection of event professionals that meet to network and learn monthly at their local chapters. The ISES New York Metro chapter hosted chapters from Virginia to New England for the yearly northeast regional conference, and Avenue 5 Films was one of the sponsors of the weekend. Avenue 5 Films videographer Adam Rodriguez captured most of the action of the three day event while I networked, learned and had a pretty good time. I also edited footage continually throughout the weekend in order to put together the video below to show at the closing keynote panel and lunch on March 9. The video even included a few early shots of that lunch, which was a surprise to many who watched it! Same-Day-Edits are available for both weddings and corporate events. Please inquire if interested in learning more.

Jamie's Bar Mitzvah; February 28; Temple Emanu El & Arena Nightclub; NYC

Tim Alan Smith had fun filming Jamie's NYC Bar Mitzvah a few weeks ago at Temple Emanu El followed by the party at Arena nightclub in midtown. The kids had lots of energy and kept the dance floor hopping the whole night with music from Total Entertainment. The dancing only stopped for breaks for food from Mary Giuliani catering, which was delicious and photos from NYC photographer, Gustavo Campos. Jamie wowed his guests with his guitar work while toasts by family and friends were a nice cap to the evening.

A Special Night: A wedding and 50th Anniversary all in one! The Hyatt, Jersey City.

Last month, Tim Alan Smith had the privilege of being involved with the wedding and rehearsal dinner of Beth and Danny. What made this wedding even more special than most is that February 21 also happened to be the 50th anniversary of Beth’s parents! Beth planned a surprise anniversary party/rehearsal dinner the night before at the Hyatt in Jersey City, where the wedding was also held. She set up a table that held her parents wedding day photo, champagne from their wedding and a cake with their original cake-topper! Tim Alan Smith put together a slideshow for the 50th anniversary with photos from throughout their lives as well as 50’s music from Connnie Francis and Frankie Valli! Ben, a photographer from Weddings By Two, was there to capture both nights as well. A big hit at the wedding in addition to the special anniversary dance for the parents, was a photobooth set up by Weddings By Two where guests could take their own candid photos and bring them home as a keepsake! (Me above with Ben and the DJ)

Central Park Boathouse; February 7: NYC

Tim Alan Smith arrived at the Central Park Boathouse on February 7 to film Roger & Allison's wedding. The couple and their guests were relaxing at the bar while getting photos from Alex Z, an amazing NYC photographer. After a quick rehearsal and Ketubah signing, guests were ushered in to watch the beautiful ceremony. The Chuppah was breathtaking and Rabbi Richard Davis was very entertaining and did a nice job running the ceremony. Cocktail hour followed with great views of the park and the lake. After introductions and a few toasts, the couple and their family and friends danced the crisp NYC night away.

A few E-mails from Happy Brides

It's always nice to get positive feedback after sending out the videos. Here are a few recent e-mails.



"Hi Tim-

I have been meaning to email you about the video!! It was amazing! You
did such a great job! We absolutely love it and I have watched it 5
times so far!!! I will be recommending you to any bride I know!!!

Thanks again!!!

Kaitlyn"


"Tim,

We just finished watching our video...

Words truly cannot express how appreciative we are for such a beautiful and vivid production.

Your natural intuition and creativity brought our day to life once more and we will forever be grateful for such a wonderful gift.

Loved the outtakes...and the black and white montage was gorgeous.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

XO,
Jill and Tom"


"Hi Tim
We got the videos and we LOVE it!!! We have watched it numerous times. We are looking forward to sharing it with our family. I'll see if I can film some video reactions for you. We especially loved the outtakes and the video highlights. You truly captured our day and who we are. Yes, We did have a REALLY good time. Please extend a big thanks to Brian, he was fantastic and so were you for having to edit such a wild wedding.
Cheers!
Kelly & Peter"



"Video is awesomeeee!!!!!!!!!!

Just got home from a long beginning of the week, just wanted to let you know we loved it before I go pass out...

~Tiffany"

Super 8 Wedding Shoot

Tim Alan Smith gets a lot of requests for Super 8 wedding video footage in and around NYC as that timeless, aged film look is very popular with today's bride. I had a hard time explaining this to my father recently, who has his own recollections of the silent Super 8 film that his family shot in the 50's and 60's. I think it's that rough, grainy, shaky look that he not so fondly remembers is exactly what seems to captivates some of today's brides. Many of the images with modern technology from the new cameras are SO clear and SO steady that having that nostalgic, different look is worth the extra effort and cost. Super 8 works especially outdoors but in this shoot I tried to film some in the hotel as well as the light was decent. Although it came out a little dark, there are still some pretty good images of Tiffany getting ready with her bridesmaids. Shooting with film requires constant awareness of exposure settings and light and unlike video, we can't tell what we have until AFTER it's processed in the lab. Regardless, the final product is usually worth the wait and takes us all back in a time capsule to days gone by.

Ashley & Mark; The St. Regis Hotel, NYC

Mark came all the way from Australia to meet the woman of his dreams so when Tim Alan Smith arrived at St. Ignatius Loyola Church on 84th and Park, he was all smiles as the moment drew near. When beautiful Ashley was escorted down the aisle by her glowing father, Mark and his mates along with the rest of the guests could not keep their eyes off her. The ceremony was was beautiful and the couple exited to cheers from their family and friends. They entered their waiting Rolls Royce for the short drive to the St. Regis Hotel on 5th Avenue. Ashley and Mark took a quick peek of the cocktail area and main room before having Kellie and Rupert from 4 Eyes Photography take photos of them with friends and family. After catching the second half of cocktail hour, the couple was introduced and had a pretty romantic first dance. Toasts by Ashley's father and the best man were great, but Mark's speech in which he both praised and ribbed his new bride really brought down the house. Other highlights included the wedding party getting photos dancing on 5th Avenue (and almost getting hit by speeding taxis), crazy dance moves by a handful of guests, the delicious filet mignon and beautiful cake as well as the overall beauty and fun of the evening. All and all, a night that few will forget!

A happy Mother of the bride writes in....

It's always nice to get letters and e-mails from couples who loved their wedding video, but once in a while their parents write in as well about the wedding video. Here is a note from the mother of the bride from a wedding August 2 at the New York Botanical Gardens.

"It has been a pleasure working with you and our family is very satisfied with the final product. Your approach to capturing the day relived the experience in a very personal way for us and for Jenna & Matt."