Steel Drum Band-Panjive

A couple months ago I shot a wedding in Long Beach and for the first time I had the pleasure of working with the steel drum band Panjive. I have shot a lot of bands over the years with very, very few worth mentioning in my opinion, but Panjive were all that and much more. All the guys in the band are super cool, friendly as can be and extremely talented. There is no doubt they set the tone for the event. Their music is fun and festive....and if you close your eyes while hearing them play you would swear Bob Marley was in the house.

On Panjive's website are some sample songs to check out, I don't think there is any singing in the samples but they definitely sing while playing and their vocals are on it!

Here is an excerpt from their website that gives a little insight on who Panjive is:

PANJIVE steel drum & Calypso Band is an intoxicating blend of Calypso, Reggae, and Contemporary music that always incorporates the unique island sounds of the "Steel Drum".

Caribbean steel drum rhythms native to Trinidad and Jamaica are fused by the band to create beautiful background steel drum music for your wedding or corporate event, or create an upbeat fun-filled show with their tropical music that never fails to excite an audience!

PANJIVE is comprised of young, professional musicians who are punctual, and friendly, offering a unique listening experience that is exciting, up-lifting, and memorable.

Regardless of the size of your event, PANJIVE can cater to your particular entertainment needs by offering everything from a "Solo" Steel Drummer to a full 5 - Piece band with vocals. So when it comes time to think "Island Music" or "Caribbean" theme, think PANJIVE!

...now go check em' out.

Reception at The InterContinental Hotel Century City, Jack + Angeline

This clip is an excerpt from a reception at The Intercontinental Hotel in Century City California.

Cool music, lots of dancing and this reception possesses an awesome display of lighting for ambiance. I cannot emphasize enough how "LED" up lighting, pin spots, gobos, intelligent lights, etc. make a difference for a party...in this case a wedding reception.

As a Los Angeles Wedding videographer, I can honestly say that this room would have looked like a square box with no atmosphere at all without the use of decorative reception lighting as seen in this clip. When you book a hotel banquet room or most any other reception site, they generally only provide the overhead lights built into the space, and IMO they just don't cut the mustard. This is why I made it a point to write about reception lighting.

Pin spots accent the beautiful centerpieces that took you countless time in designing, often time without the use of pin spots...those centerpieces get lost in the background.

So, for anyone considering up lights, gobos, pin spots, etc...if it fits into your budget, DO IT! You will not regret it.

The "best man" at the wedding got a lot of screen time during this reception clip, can you figure out who he is?

I think he should give Dancing With The Stars a shot in the future, he would tear it up;)

Brady at PropsFX was the DJ/Emcee and lighting vendor for this reception but I would also like to plug my friend Jack at The Music Man Productions who offers this style lighting packages for events and wedding receptions as well.

Reception at The InterContinental Hotel In Century City, Jack + Angeline from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding Video at Spanish Hills Country Club and Our Lady Of The Assumption, Zach + Jessica

Here is a sneak peek at Zach and Jessica's wedding day.

This wedding was shot entirely by one videographer...me, although I am usually shooting with at least one other videographer.

For couples who plan to see each other prior to their ceremony a.k.a. [first look], this video is a prime example of how intimate and sweet one can be.

The ceremony took place at Our Lady Of The Assumption in Ventura CA. and the reception was hosted at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo CA.

This was my first time working with the talented Sara K Chen photographer, she was extremely considerate of my candid shooting style which I truly appreciated. Photos from the day can be seen here. Kerrie Underhill from Platinum Weddings by Kerrie coordinated the event. Kerrie is one of the most detailed and dedicated wedding coordinators I have ever worked with...her clients are very fortunate to have her.

Zach + Jessica at Spanish Hills Country Club from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding in Los Angeles+The InterContinental Hotel+Jack and Angeline

Jack and Angeline...have been together forever so it seems, at least for the past 12 years or so. They were high school sweethearts that never faded away which makes their story even that much cooler. Here's a highlight short of what their day looked like.

The event was coordinated and designed by the always awesome and fun to work with Carrie Goff of Exquisite Events and Design. It always a treat to work with Carrie and her crew.

The ceremony took place at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church and the reception festivities were hosted at The InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles.

Wedding at The Intercontinental Hotel+Jack and Angeline's Wedding from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Orange County Wedding Video+Jared and Stacey at The South Coast Westin in Costa Mesa, CA.

Here's a sneak peek at Jared and Stacey's wedding day...they both look so happy, love it!


Jared and Stacey's Wedding at The South Coast Westin from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Los Angeles Wedding Video+Haseeb and Maya + Wedding at The InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles

Here is a sneak peak at Maya and Haseeb's wedding at The InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles Century City, California.



Haseeb and Maya Wedding at The Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles California from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Santa Barbara Wedding Video+Chris and Sam at The Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center and Cabrillo Beach in Santa Barbara CA.

Beach weddings...I love em! Chris and Sam got married at Cabrillo Beach in Santa Barbara California and just behind the ceremony site is the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center where the reception was held. What can I say, very cool couple...awesome day with a lil' bit of sand in my shoes.

Here's what their day looked like.


Chris and Sam at The Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center in Santa Barbara CA. from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Athenaeum Wedding Video in Pasadena California + Adam and Aviva

Here's a short highlight of Adam and Aviva's wedding day celebrated at The Athenaeum at Cal Tech in Pasadena California. The day was filled with lot's of Jewish traditions. The song used for their highlights was recorded and performed by Adam's good friend Junar Ortega, the song is Everlong by the Foo Fighters. Two of my favorite photographers, Mike and Emi at Evoke Photography captured the days beautiful images which can been seen here.

I love shooting at The Athenaeum but if you are considering having your reception in one of their two ballrooms, I highly recommend purchasing a lighting package with up lights, gobos, etc. Without the use decorative-ambient reception lighting the space inside is very dark.

If you plan to shoot photos around the campus you will need a permit to do so. I think the permit is around $200.00.




Adam and Aviva at The Athenaeum in Pasadena California from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding Reception Lighting for Ambience

Your reception should be warm and welcoming, and lighting can affect the atmosphere dramatically. Lighting your reception venue might not be something you’ve given too much thought to, but it really does create atmosphere and mood to the space, so is well worth considering.

Having shot at hundreds of venues in California and abroad I have seen modest venues look gorgeous with lighting implemented, and I have seen the most expensive venues look dark and cold due to the overhead "in house" lights or lack of lighting all together.

So, where do you find a reputable and reliable lighting company? Having worked with Jack Hou at The Music Man Productions many times in the past, I can say that he is well worth considering to set the atmosphere for the biggest party you will ever host!

Orange County Wedding Videography+Mike and Thu at The Villa in Westminster CA.

Such a sweet couple! I had so much fun shooting this wedding. It doesn't hurt when I have a chance to work with such as awesome photographer for the first time a.k.a. Tuan Nguyen at Two1Studio Photography. I also had the opportunity to shoot at The Villa on Beach Blvd. in Westminster California for the first time. Not only is this a beautiful venue to shoot at but the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
This wedding was shot by me alone with no second shooters, here's some highlights from the day.


Untitled from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

David and Erika at Trump National Golf Club

Highlights of David and Erika's wedding at The Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes California.


David and Erika at Trump National Golf Club from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Robert and Jean- Huntington Beach Hyatt

Such a cool couple! I also shot two of their friend's weddings as well a while back. Robert and Jean had a beautiful wedding at the Huntington Beach Hyatt in Hunting Beach California. The ceremony was officiated by the always fun and lighthearted Reverend Don Johnson. One of my favorite wedding planners to work with Carrie Goff of Exquisite Event Planning and Designs did a flawless job. My friend and awesome DJ Eric at So Cal DJs was on board for entertainment. Last but not least, photographer Joel Eckman Maus captured the days beautiful images.

Here's a highlights of the day.


Robert and Jean- Huntintgton Beach Hyatt Wedding from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

L.A. Wedding Video+Amanda and Joe- St. Monica Catholic Church

This is a highlights clip edited in all black and white by request. Super cool couple and a very nice first dance. Angel Swanson from Events of Love and Splendor was the coordinator and Michael Norwood was shooting stills....it's always a good time working with these two wedding professionals. The ceremony took place in Santa Monica, CA. at St. Monica Catholic Church.



Amanda and Joe from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Greystone Mansion Wedding Video in Beverly Hills CA. + Johnny and Peggy

Here's a highlight of Johnny and Peggy's wedding at the beautiful Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, California. The lavish event was coordinated by Angel Swanson from Events of Love and Splendor. My friend and very talented photographer Mike Norwood was on board shooting stills. I think this was the hottest day in Southern California for 2008. Only Time by Enya was the couple's first dance song, I couldn't help to use it for their highlights.

The Greystone Mansion is a very cool venue with lots of character. The mansion has been the set to many to Hollywood movies, TV shows and commercials.


Johnny and Peggy- Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Phil and Nadine- Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.

Here's a highlight of Phil and Nadine's wedding at the Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes California. Two of my favorite photographers Mike and Emi at Evoke Photography were on board to capture the day. Reverend Clint Hufft officiated the ceremony. BTW, for anyone searching for an officiant...Rev. Clint Hufft is hands down the best I've ever filmed. DJ Pete Carroll at Generations Entertainment kept the party hopping. Nadine and Phil were so relaxed and chill on their wedding day, which is exactly the kind of folks I love working with.



Phil and Nadine at Trump National Golf Course from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Lee and Stacy- Ceremony at Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes CA.

Lee and Stacy got married at Wayfarers Chapel in beautiful Rancho Palos Verdes Ca. It was a pleasure working with the very talented photographer Caroline Tran on this shoot. Here's an edited version of Lee and Stacy's ceremony.


Lee and Stacy- Wayfarers Chapel in Rancho Palos Verdes from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Los Angeles Wedding Videography+Alan and Melissa- Calamigos Equestrian Center

Alan and Melissa's event was held at the Calamigos Equestrian Center in Los Angeles, CA. I truly enjoyed working with this couple...super cool folks who "get it". During the reception, Melissa's Dad busted out the ukulele and sang up a Hawaiian storm. Melissa also performed a special Hawaiian Dance for her man.

Here's a highlight clip of the event...Mahalo;)


Alan and Melissa from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding Ceremony at The Los angeles River Center and Gardens

Here's a low resolution ceremony only at the LA River Center in Los Angeles.


Ted and Cindy (ceremony only) from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Los Angeles Wedding Film/ LA River Center Wedding Video + Ted and Cindy

This is a highlight video from Ted and Cindy's wedding at the LA River Center. Cristine Marie was on board for photography. She is always a pleasure to work with.

I love shooting at The LA River Center. There is always more than enough space to maneuver around without getting in the way and the venue can accommodate very large guest counts. It's also a venue with a lot of character. It's hard to believe this little gem is surrounded by urban Los Angeles and a major freeway.






Ted and Cindy from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Neil and Nancy- The Harlyne J Norris Pavilion

This is a highlights clip of Neil and Nancy's wedding. The ceremony took place at the Peninsula Community Church and the reception was hosted at the J Norris Pavilion.


Neil and Nancy from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Hollywood Stuntman

This is a short demo video I edited for a Hollywood Stuntman friend of mine (some of the sequences I shot as well). We have worked on a lot of TV shows in the past. I also had the pleasure of shooting his wedding a few years ago. BTW, this video has nothing to do with weddings!


Hollywood Stuntman from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Los Angeles Wedding Videography+Erik and Erika- Castle Green, Pasadena, CA.

With names like Erik and Erika...this couple was meant to be together;) This was my first time working with Reverend Clint Hufft which was an absolute pleasure. He has a presence about him that I have yet to see in other officiants. This is a short highlight of the wedding at the beautiful location Castle Green in Pasadena California.


Erik and Erika from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Orange County Wedding Video+Mike and Monika- Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point, CA.

Mike and Monika were married at Salt Creek Beach in south Orange County-Dana Point, CA. If you are looking to get married on the sand in Southern California this is a location worth checking out.


Mike and Monika from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Sherwin and Mabel's video bio & slideshow

On November 1st I had the pleasure of attending Sherwin and Mabel's wedding at the luxurious Wynn Casino in Las Vegas as a "guest" and not as video crew.
The video below is a bio of how they met followed by a photo montage which was displayed during the reception.



Sherwin and Mabel's video bio & slideshow from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Jo and Aileen- at Villa Del Sol D'oro

Here's a highlights clip of Jo and Aileen's wedding. As always, a pleasure to work with Gina and Mike from Pix of Life. Ceremony music provided by Fiddle Stix. Aileen and Jo did not let the threatening dark sky cloud their day...minutes after the ceremony conclusion it began to rain so the reception was moved inside at the beautiful Villa Del Sol D'oro. BTW, this venue is the host of many Hollywood shoots and played a big role in the music video November Rain by Guns and Roses. This shoot was one of my "single" camera operated productions. Although we often shoot multi-cam for our clients, this goes to show that it can be done with one and look really sweet. Jo and Aileen are definitely one of my favorite clients to date.


Jo and Aileen from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Orange County Wedding Video at The Hilton Huntington Beach {Roy + Christine}

Here's a low res highlights clip of Christine and Roy's wedding. Super cool couple who are very much in love, they had a lot of support from family and friends. Ceremony took place at St. Nicholas Church in Laguna Woods, CA. and the reception took place at the Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach, CA. This was the first time I had a chance to work with Jimmy Cheng (Photographer) and his wife Sen. Both were incredibly nice people with a shooting style that worked perfectly with my own (extremely candid).


Christine and Roy from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Lena and Marvin's Highlights

Lena and Marvin's day started out with a Tea ceremony in the morning followed by an American ceremony and reception later on in the day at the Hilton.
The Tea Ceremony had lot's of emotional moments and tears of joy. DJ Jack from The Music Man Productions provided the music.



Marvin and Lena from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Wedding Video at The Marina Del Rey Ritz Carlton and The FantaSea One Yacht {Dariooush + Linda}

Here's a highlights edit of Linda and Darioush's wedding. The ceremony took place at The Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey and the reception followed on the FantaSea One Cruise Ship. There was no lack of energy at this wedding and just about everyone spent the night on the dance floor getting their groove on in celebration of the bride and groom. If you find yourself reading this blog and are considering hosting an event or reception on one of the many Cruise Line Yachts in Southern California, Newport Beach, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach or San Diego, you may want to ask what the ships policy is regarding how loud the DJ or live band can play music. While I was shooting the reception, I overheard the cruise ship's event coordinator asking the dj to lower the volume several times and it wasn't even that loud! Low music volume can be a real drag when a crowd is trying to get their groove on;)


Linda and Darioush from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Rob and Erika- Cafe Pinot, Los Angeles, CA.

This is a wedding highlights from last summer in Downtown Los Angeles (Cafe Pinot). The cool thing about this venue is that there are huge skyscrapers all around the location...a little hidden gem in the middle of the city. The event was coordinated by my good friend Mary Sushinski of Occasions bridal consulting and design. Nate and Jen from B&G Photography were on board shooting stills.




Rob and Erika from Today's The Day Weddings on Vimeo.

Autry National Center of the American West Wedding Video + Po and Sharon

Highlights of Sharon and Po's wedding from a while back at Autry National Center of the American West. Jenny Stafford from RedLoft Studios was on board for the still photography.

Sharon is a famous "knottie"...you girls that frequent The Knot Wedding Website will know what I am talking about. Sharon is one of my all time favorite clients. She was so much fun to work with. Her wedding was full of chic-modern style and lots of bright colors.