Happy Anniversary, Bride & Groom!

Working in special events is always special, so it’s hard to argue that any event can preempt that experience and be ‘more special’.  That said, it’s always nice to attend a work related special event where we’re not actually working with camera in hand!  A couple of weeks ago I attended Washingtonian’s one year anniversary party for their oh-so-fabulous new magazine, Washingtonian Bride & Groom.  

Should I Cut Video From My Budget?

In tougher times it can feel wrong to splurge on a wedding.  Brides and grooms look over the long list of expenses and wonder how much is enough?  The truth of the matter is that people get married regardless of whether it’s the Roaring Twenties or The Great Depression.  The economy of love never intersects with Wall Street.  As such, today’s couples are still getting married, but today’s brides may be feeling guilty for wanting to spend money on a dream wedding.   One of the areas in which they may consider cutting back that budget is on the filming of the event.  A memory lasts a lifetime, after all.  But cutting video can be a decision you may live to regret, and here’s why.

Social Double Header (photos included)

Last night I donned my pencil skirt and heels and hit the town to attend not one, but TWO industry parties!  First I attended the ISES 2009-2010 Launch Party at The W Hotel on 15^th St. in DC.  Afterwards, I jetted over to The Knot Wedding Network’s Industry Networking Event at The Historical Society of Washington DC, a few blocks away near Mount Vernon Square.  Other than feeling very “Sex & the City” in my social prowess, I also had a great time connecting with the people who share in the experience of working special events.

Rainy Day Weddings: Why Your Video Won’t Be Ruined (includes a video)

I’m looking out my window on a gloomy Wednesday morning in September and the high summer days of a few weeks ago seem to have ended as abruptly as my glorious beach vacation.  Cue a somber grey world and another workday.  Happily, events are in full swing.   This upcoming weekend is our busiest of 2009 and I spent yesterday phoning all our brides, emailing with coordinators and prepping the shoot teams.   I also spent quite a lot of time yesterday telling brides that rain won’t ruin a wedding day.

Videographer or Filmmaker: Which Are We?

The words we use to define ourselves reveal our perception of our own selves to the world.  Ultimately, the word choices define how the world perceives us.  In the field of event videography, some of us choose the word “videographer” and some of us choose the word “filmmaker” to tell other people who we are.  Why is that?  What is the difference?

photo by Charlie Bethmann

Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me I Looked Like That?!

How to Avoid Cringing When You See Yourself on Film…

Anyone who knows me or has met me in person knows that I have slightly crooked teeth.  This was the bane of my existence as a child, but I was raised by Eastern European parents who think it’s vain and self indulgent to spend loads of dough on making your perfectly fine teeth look like a row of Chiclets.  Thanks, mom and dad.

Toe in the Water…

Dolce Video launches a blog – how exciting for us!  The goal of the blog is to have me, Haynal Papp, owner extraordinaire, answer questions, provide useful information about event filmmaking and to entertain.