Inspiration in Motion

The Western Sun!

2011-02-23T10:25:00.013-05:00

Services Offered:
DSLR Coverage
One song edit {film was extended to a two song by the editing team}

The Wedding Party

2011-01-24T16:47:00.011-05:00

The 2011 Wedding Party out on by The Wedding Library and Martha Stewart Weddings, was once again a huge hit! I was absolutely honored to be able to produce this segment highlighting the big day. It was great working with some of the biggest names in the wedding world -- Darcy Miller (the wedding guru at Martha Stewart Weddings), Ron Ben Israel (legendary cake sculpture), Lela Rose (an influential American fashion designer), Sylvia Weinstock (iconic cake maker), as well as Dylan Lauren (founder of Dylan's Candy Bar) and Carolina Bermudez (from Elvis Duran and the Morning Show on Z100), and of course Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski of the Wedding Library.

There were many other remarkably talented wedding industry professionals there. Christine and I both went and soaked in all of the wedding inspiration. If you missed the show, feel free to contact us for more vivid details. Also, check out Blissfull Essence for some more photos of the best finds.

Weekend in Mexico!

2011-01-23T13:58:00.010-05:00

One week ago today, I arrived in Cancun Mexico and took a short ride south to a lovely spot that was to host an even more lovely wedding. Can't wait to put this film together! Ursula and Mike were the best.

After the wedding was over, I wasn't ready to put the camera down. These are some of the long-exposure night shots I took before turning it in for the night.

2011 Wedding Show

2011-01-23T13:52:00.003-05:00

2011 Wedding Library Wedding Show with Martha Stewart Weddings at the New York Palace Hotel!

It was the biggest year for the annual Wedding Show put on by The Wedding Library and Martha Stewart Weddings. It is the place to be in New York if you are either getting married or are in the wedding business. Well Spun Weddings was glad to be a part of the big day and honored to create a short film of the event packed with tons of talented experts and savvy brides-to-be.

Stay tuned for photos, details and the video!

- Jon

A Westcoast Dream

2011-01-14T12:33:00.014-05:00

The Wedding of Paul and Katie

Wedding Details:
Coverage Option: HD
Editing Option: One Song Edit with filters

Location: Oviatt Penthouse, LA
Photography: Erin: Frame36 Photography
Planner: Ray Proscia

Autunm Love

2010-12-15T13:04:00.009-05:00

Check out this film!
It is so beautiful! The bride and groom have such a unique approach to the traditions of the common wedding events that it just makes this film so much more exciting and personal.
Feel free to moment if you have any other unique ideas that you will be using for your wedding!

Beach Wedding

2010-10-14T10:26:00.015-04:00

Hey Everyone!
I just thought you would enjoy watching this wedding film that we completed just a few weeks ago. It was such a beautiful day. And the bride looked so beautiful and the groom looked so hansom. What a perfect match!

{ Film credit to Well Spun Wedding Films}

Complete Video/ Photo package!

2010-10-12T10:00:00.001-04:00

We are proud to announce that Well Spun Wedding Films has teamed up with Wolfgang Freithof Studio to give away a complete photo/video package to the bride who is planning the most modern wedding!

The wedding will be featured on the Brooklyn Bride blog to inspire other brides-to-be. This is something that you and your friends will not want to miss!

To give you a little background about the both us and Wolfgang. We are a boutique film production studio that specializes in making "vintage" wedding films. We have been known as a "Trendsetter” by Modern Bride and have won the "Brides Choice award” from Wedding Wire. Check out out our website to see some amazing film samples!
http://www.wellspunweddings.com

Wolfgang Freithof Studio has a background in fashion photography with models like Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and now is focused on producing stunning images of brides and has been chosen as a “Preferred choice” by Brides.com!
Check out his website and see some stunning images!
http://www.adayofbliss.com

It’s simple to register. Click on the contest link below and fill out the form to be instantly entered.

Our judges will announce a top 10 finalists list and the winner on November 1st 2010.

Surprise Coming!

2010-10-05T10:30:00.002-04:00

Attention all brides-to-be!

Stay tuned for a big surprise announcement coming on October 12th!!

Vintage Wedding Films

2010-09-30T15:06:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone!
I just thought that you would enjoy watching one of our very first films! I hope you enjoy watching the progression of film growth as much as I do. In the beginning we were going for the "true" 8mm feel to the films so we would put the crackle in the beginning of the film and the rustic feel of the 8mm lines throughout the film. I love how it has the crackles!

Black and white footage gives such a elegance and peacefulness to the film. Such love was at this wedding!

{Credit to Ben and Amiee's Wedding}

Contemporary Modern

2010-08-30T16:16:00.004-04:00

Check out this beautiful wedding out in LA. The bride decided to have more of a contemporary modern theme to their photos and wedding. One place that they got photos taken out was the Disney music hall where it just happen to be their reception hall! They chose the sleek platinum color to match up with white, black and a pale green. Check out the film to see more ideas for your wedding!

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2010-08-11T16:11:00.003-04:00

Classic New York Wedding!

Complete with adorable ringbearer, gorgeous bride and lots of champagne, this is the quintessential New York wedding. Behold the ceremony which took place at the magnificent Saint Thomas Church built in 1913. With a nave vault rising 95 feet above the floor, this structure was created in the French High Gothic Style and is consistent in materials and acoustics to churches built in the Middle Ages.

Reception is in no other than Palace Hotel famed in countless films and lore. This romantic and iconic hotel serves as the perfect celebratory spot for an elegant reception ending with champagne and sparklers.

A warm, intimate Christmas

2010-07-07T14:21:00.014-04:00

Nothing says class like black and white! This December Christmas-themed wedding took place at the Blue Bell Country Club outside of Philadelphia. Enjoy!

Traditionally brides wore their hair flowing down the back to symbolize their virginity; now the white diaphanous veil is often said to represent this.

The lifting of the veil was often part of ancient ritual symbolizing the groom taking possession of his wife. However, among the Tuareg of West Africa, women do not traditionally wear the veil, while men do.

This male facial covering originates from the belief that such action wards off evil spirits, but most probably relates to protection against the harsh desert sands as well.

the cutest couple in the universe weds in Puerto Rico

2010-07-01T11:57:00.004-04:00

This couple wed at the historic El Morro Fortress in San Juan. This lovely HD film documents their intimate bilingual ceremony.

Originally the city of San Juan was called Puerto Rico (rich port) and the entire island was San Juan. The capital and the island's name were later accidentally switched.

The Fort San Flipe del Morrow (El Morrow) lies on the northwestern-most point of San Juan. Named in honor of King Philip II of Spain it was designed to guard the entrance to the San Juan Bay and defend the city of Old San Juan from seaborne enemies. Construction began in 1539 and numerous additions and expansions carried through the next 400 years. Today this magnificent structure, including the grounds cover over 70 acres.

DSLR - it's the new black!!

2010-06-30T15:21:00.000-04:00

Super 8 wedding film!

2010-06-23T15:55:00.001-04:00

Fabulous new Super 8 wedding film - shot in, where else, New York!

The New York City Subway system is one of the oldest and most extensive systems of public transportation in the world with 468 stations in operation translating into 842 miles of track.

Only Tokyo, Moscow, and Seoul carry more riders annually. It is a beautiful that this couple is moving among sucht masses on their first day as man and wife, joining the millions who have come before and the millions who will follow.

New stuff!

2010-06-21T14:06:00.001-04:00

Keep an eye out for some amazing new films! We're back at it!

New York Wedding Party!

2010-03-01T10:56:00.008-05:00

Claudia Hanlin & Jennifer Zabinski of The Wedding Library hosted another extraordinary and flawless Wedding Party!! Well Spun Wedding Films set up a table along with Ron Ben-Israel and Mark Ingram and many other cool people.

While there I had the opportunity to meet some highly influential people in the wedding industry, including Darcy Miller of Martha Stewart Weddings, Colin Cowie.

The highlight for me was the Vera Wang Spring 2010 show. I had the privilege of creating a film of the show. Here is a sneak peak at it:

Vera Wang - Spring 2010 from Well Spun Wedding Films on Vimeo.

Vera Wang - Spring 2010
Wedding Party NYC - New York Palace Hotel
Hosted by Wedding Library
Segment Produced by Well Spun Wedding Films

Timeless Memories

2010-02-19T11:28:00.003-05:00

A wedding day can come and go so quickly. Being the center of attention for the day can really make you miss out on a lot of the little moments. Sometimes, the little moments can be the most beautiful.

The most beautiful moments happen when you least expect it. The gold is really found in children though, they always pull off something so cute such as being shy to go down the aisle or waving around in a field with their puffy dress. Grandma and Grandpa can surprise you as well, but it's hard to catch them swing dancing their behinds off in a crowd. Your family pet is probably wandering around wondering what's going on-- in a very cute way!

So even though your eyes might not catch everything, luckily there's a wedding videographer who can kind of act as your second pair of eyes to catch these moments. Otherwise, how will you ever know what happened? We tell him to specifically focus on the timeless memories and emotions, which actually show through the most in nice closeups.

That's how we define our style of shooting, close shots defined by the right action. It's not about how much money you spent or the decorations even so much as the people you love and capturing them to hold onto forever.

The most important thing? Smile! Emotion is what we look out for. The tears behind the smiles, we try to catch those too. How many of these timeless memories can you catch in this film?

Timeless memories Wedding Film from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

The "Perfect Wedding" may not exist

2010-02-18T15:06:00.008-05:00

What is your relationship based on? Is it fun and games, or maybe more sentimental? What if the couple is more fun and laid back? Then they won't fit into the traditional wedding theme, right? Weddings are many times elegant, serious, and classy.

Sometimes while editing our wedding films, we come across some really unusual couples that OBVIOUSLY are far from traditional. So what if their idea of a beautiful wedding is the equivalent of a 13 year old boy's bar mitzvah party- complete with funny glasses, games, funny dancing, etc. This just represents their personalities; more power to them!

A wedding is a day you can proclaim your love and share your love with your families. Why try to mask that love with the old stereotypical ways if that's not who you are?

Sometimes brides focus on the perfection of the wedding day. They have to remember, their wedding day will never be perfect. In my opinion, they should focus more on bringing their personalities to the table than the idea of perfection. A wedding day is just another day in life, and life isn't perfect! Have fun and enjoy, rain or shine!

Untitled from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Asian Tea Ceremony During a Wedding

2010-02-05T11:58:00.009-05:00

One of the most mesmerizing moments to watch is an Asian tea ceremony. There are very particular customs the bride and groom do and it's completely surrounded by a family oriented philosophy-- something I really respect.

So what exactly is the meaning of a ceremony, what does it achieve? Generally, what happens is a low table is set up with prepared tea, and before the groom arrives, the bride serves her parents tea to thank them for raising her, as a sign of respect. In a way, the parents accepting the tea is a sign of them accepting the daughter's decision and that they are ready to embrace her new life.

Next, the groom enters and they both kneel on pillows, holding a cup of ready tea with particular seeds called Lotus seeds, which the ancients believed would help the bride and groom have children early in their marriage. It is a very sweet tasting tea, which portrays an embracing future and sweet relations between the families.

Next to them is someone called a Lucky woman, who knows the customs in and out and helps them serve the tea, and helps them if they forget their positioning or any of the steps. She is also there to wish them luck and happiness.

Typically, the bride is in front of her father in law and the groom is in front of his mother. They are addressed by their formal names. After the groom's parents, the ceremony proceeds in order of the oldest family members to the youngest. These typically can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.

At the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom are offered money and other valuables in red envelopes.

The vintage wedding film below is of a Korean tea ceremony, where the bride and groom wear outfits of the noble class. The groom's outfit represents fidelity and faithfulness to the bride, showing her parents that he will stay with her until the end. The bride's outfit is to ward off evil spirits.

Untitled from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Enter with a bang!

2010-01-28T12:59:00.007-05:00

One of the things that's always fun to see in the wedding videos we edit is a grand entrance. Some of the bridal parties simply walk in with a wave and kind of hang their head till they get to their seat. The BEST bridal parties are the ones that get a kick out of doing something goofy (probably after a drink or two). We've seen a lot of crazy entrances! The below are descriptions of the goofiest.

In one weddings in particular, the bridal party was masssive. If I remember correctly, like 10 couples or something like that. Well, the entrances in themselves seemed to take up most of the reception as they did this grand entrance on a stage with a spotlight following them as they leaped, threw stuff in the air, did funny dances, etc.

This couple came out, and at first attempted to trick everyone because they were walking like any standard entrance. Suddenly, the girl in front threw up what looked like pixie dust in the air. Then her guy came behind her and did the same thing.

Another couple came up behind them and the guy whipped out what looked like a magician's cloth and waved it around. Then the couple after that played leapfrog. It was a riot!

In a different wedding, the bride and groom made what was quite possibly the craziest, most unique entrance I think I've ever seen. They dressed up like Aladdin and the girl rode in on a magic carpet ON WHEELS that lit up neon colors. If that doesn't grab anyone's attention, what will?

In my opinion, the fun entrances are the best. They really pump up the guests and set the tone that everyone there should let loose and have a ball!

Take a look at the film below to witness all the goofy entrances for yourself!

Joanna's Wedding Film from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Traditional Jewish Wedding

2010-01-22T14:57:00.012-05:00

Below are two traditional Jewish wedding films that we filmed and edited. There are so many different traditions in a Jewish wedding that really make for an exciting film. For example, there's the:

Ketubah- A document the bride, groom, and their families sign which display the responsibilities of the groom to the bride. It is traditionally read out under the chupah (canopy the couple gets married under), but many times it is signed privately in a room away from the wedding madness. Many times, the document is decorated with a neat illustration that mean something to the bride or groom. For more traditional couples, however, it remains plain and in Hebrew.

Next there is something called the Bedeken, which happens after the Ketubah. The groom and his parents, as well as the rabbi approach the bride and veil her face. Many times during this ceremony, there is joyous singing. Music is taken very seriously in orthodox Jewish weddings. The musicians are not just there for a paid gig, they play spiritually and sway to the rhythm, really becoming part of the couple's emotions.

The chupah is a canopy held up by 4 poles. In traditional Jewish faith, it represents a roof where directly above is clear skies, depicting a soaring future for the couple. The entire ceremony takes place under this chupah, including exchanging of the rings and the breaking of the glass, which can represent many symbols. One of the symbols is that the couple's old world is broken and now they're entering a new world, where they are married and have new responsibilities.

And the best part of the Jewish wedding (in my opinion), the hora! This is a family dance where everyone holds hands and spin clockwise. This depicts the two families coming together and celebrating the marriage. It is custom to play musical instruments and drink during a Jewish reception.

Rebecca's Wedding video from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Alison's Wedding Film from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Southern Belle Wedding

2010-01-22T14:17:00.008-05:00

This Philadelphia wedding video we filmed/edited really struck a artistic chord with me. It really brought me back to the good old days of simplicity and life outdoors where everyone knew they're neighbor. This couple had a close-knit family, all the bridesmaids looked like southern bells, the guys wore suspenders and looked carefree, and there was even a cute dog there that I decided to name "Rover." I think the idea to have a "southern" or "old time-y" wedding theme is so humble. You can even refer to it as a vintage wedding. I can't imagine any guest who didn't feel like they can be themselves and relaxed with good family and friends. It really gets away from all the politics of weddings.

Robin's Wedding Film from Jon Gangwer on Vimeo.

Destination Weddings

2010-01-15T12:38:00.001-05:00

There's something about a destination wedding. Whenever we get one in, I know it's going to be particularly special from a film perspective, especially if it's in a tropical place like Mexico. I know that there will be some elements that a video camera in Philadelphia, PA for example, wouldn't be able to capture in the same way.

I think it has to do with the quality of the light first off. It's warmer, it humanizes a person more on film. It rims a person's face so perfectly if it's in just the right shots. The ability to use it to your advantage is there- you can make people silhouettes, or you can just admire the soft glow on a baby's face.

The other thing about tropical locations is you can find certain elements or art and value that are hard to find anywhere else. Like, certain works of antique art or sculpting on the wall that is tearing way. These things are hard to preserve, so it's admirable from a video perspective to get close ups of certain textures and things like that. Every once in a while, you'll scan the footage and find something you'd only see on the cover of a book.

It's just different. Different in a good way!

Wedding Transportation

2010-01-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

We just had a wedding in Central Park this past weekend and discovered a great idea. This maybe a standard thing to do, but it had never occurred to me. There was a trolley that shuttled guests on a set route along the park stopping at three different parking lots. I realized that this approach can be implemented in most any city wedding where parking spaces are a limited commodity.

I suppose when planning a wedding you can map out some approved parking lots and perhaps even work out something with them. And then communicate your route and trolley schedule to your guests with a spiffy little handout that matches your wedding design pallet. Depending on the wedding size, you can go with one, two or more trolleys to decrease the wait time for your guests.

This way, you can have custom transportation that easily gets your guests where they want to be, when they want to be there, in an often challenging environment!

Ron Ben Israel Cake!

2009-08-26T13:00:00.006-04:00

Ron Ben Israel is a truly legendary cake maker. His unique approach to edible art is undoubtedly at the forefront of the industry. It is nearly impossible to resist gawking at one unique creations at a wedding. If you have not seen the latest, be sure to check out his website.

Well Spun Wedding Films is very excited to announce the launch of our FREE cake give-away contest. If you (or someone you know) are planning at wedding, all you have to do is sign up to win on the Well Spun website!

A particular film

2009-07-15T14:59:00.004-04:00

Hey guys! Ariella here! This particular film we did recently is really special to us. You should see it on bluray! We all watched and marveled. It made me think about what makes certain films we do particularly special, even more-so than the other films. I realize its a huge variety of factors, and usually a certain element that just makes the film stick out. Usually the element is so subtle, it really impacts you without being in your face about it. It's just soft and natural, and you appreciate the film as art. I tried to examine this film, and not be a disengaged viewer, I realized what exactly made this film different, special. I realized it is the subtle, beauty lighting. Miami sun-- I tell ya, that's what it's all about! It's beautiful and frames the face so gently, gives this beyond-human glow that is neither red or orange or peach, just a combo of everything. It really made this film what it is- especially the shots where it sneaked into the shot. That's why DPs (director of photographers) spend SO much time approximating the lighting to be just perfect on a set. In our film, the light did it itself- we didn't have to adjust it at all. Sometimes letting natural light lead the course can be amazing, and that's why when you watch this, your eyes just widen. Enjoy! Also, when we first edited we all raised our brows and were like "Dixie Chicks song??" But actually, its a perfect fit! Its a surreal almost esoteric song that mimics nature, like wind and lullabys and things like that. I hope I don't sound like I'm all 4/20 when I write this, but I think that's why people like our style so much, because we DO pay attention to this stuff. We're not all conglomerated or things like that, we care about the work and can be selective and use these kinds of moments. This is what we mean when we say we're non-traditional, ya know? We're not business women/men here, we're artists!

Beautiful Location

2009-07-07T11:04:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone!!
I thought that I would start writing blog entries about some of the beautiful locations that we get to see in some of the wedding films! Here are some pictures of Graystone Hall in West Chester, PA.

I had to go and see the location for a wedding that we had done in June. I will try to post the link once the film has been completed... but I must say that this was one of the most beautiful locations that I have seen. It is really neat because the family that owns this house still lives here and they are so generous as to allow brides and grooms to get married there. Here I am taking the tour!

The house was built in 1907 for a man by the name of Philip M. Sharples. An inventor and manufacture of 'Sarples Tubular Cream Separator'. Ever since 1942 there has been a family with he last name of Jerrehian who has had the desire to share the home that they have preserved ever so diligently so that all can come and see.

Candy Buffet...beautiful for the eyes and the mouth!

2009-07-03T12:48:00.002-04:00

Candy Buffet! Need I say more! Well I guess a few more words wouldn't hurt....
We recently were editing a couples wedding film, when we came across something so awe inspiring...their candy buffet!!
It was filled with pink peeps, cadbury creme eggs, twizzlers, jelly beans, candy corn(spring colored), good & plenty, reese's peanut butter cups, m&m's, and chocolate eggs. Whew!

I am sure that the couples guests thoroughly enjoyed all of the goodies. It looked so good!!
It really is such a fun and creative idea to have a candy buffet. YUM!!!

Winter wedding in Philadelphia

2009-07-03T12:20:00.003-04:00

This past winter we had an absolutely beautiful wedding to film here in Philly. The couple had such perfect weather, and just an overall great day.

They location was this great venue in Philly. The decor was just so sweet and simple but very sophisticated.

The Bride has such great taste. From her simple bouquet, to her beautiful retro gown!! The beading is so elegant and fun. And the Groom's suit is very handsome and classic. This Bride & Groom are the epitome of simple elegance!
The Bridesmaids were all dressed in classic black dresses, and the Groomsmen in classic black suits.

The couples choice in songs, were so great also. They are just so creative and unique. The songs just highlighted the wonderful shots filmed on the wedding day.

They were so sweet and happy the entire day. So in love!
Watch how the bride gets choked up while they say their vows during their ceremony!!
Just so sweet :)

www.wellspunweddings.com

New York - Super 8

2008-08-23T21:02:00.001-04:00

One great way to spend some time in New York city is with an old Super8 camera in your hand at a beautiful wedding. Most often Well Spun Weddings covers does a wedding video with standard definition video or high definition video. And then edit it to look like a vintage 8mm film. But it is a treat when I get to work with the real thing!

This film really came to life with our client's choice in music. I have heard the old Beatles version of this song, but it wasn't until they passed this version our way that I first heard this rendition of "Bay it's You". This song, working in tandem with the footage, really takes you back to the 1970. I think with all of this vintage-centered stuff, I have a secret wish to live in the seventies. Well, it might be nice for a day or maybe a week. But when it comes down to it, I'm okay in the year 2008. Well, hypothetical scenarios aside, I guess we'll have to. But for any of you who want to go back 30 years or so for just a few minutes, you can just watch my film :)

wellspunweddings.com