DDM Photo and Video Blog

5/04/08- Gail Harts "A Little Bit of Heaven"

Anyone who has attended one of Gail Harts Dance & Performing Arts Inc productions knows what they type of program you'll see. Incredible talented young people who are dedicated to their art performing at a level that is really at a higher level than what you would normally see for performers at this age. This show was based around Gospel Music, which was fitting for a Sunday evening at the Douglas Wilder Center on the campus of Norfolk State University. Mixed in with the Interpretive dance performances were vocal performances by Titus Jackson as well as the TLC Praise Team to add to the show, which were all well received by a small, yet enthusiastic audience.  If you ever have the chance to view one of Gail Harts performances, be sure to take the opportunity to view some amazing dance, choreography, and execution of the arts.

(Video frame captures below)

5/03/08- Amy and Brad

Review and Images coming soon!

5/03/08- Marina and Greg

Review and Images coming soon!

4/27/08- Nick and Starley

     Full day of partying. Thats really the best way to describe Nick and Starleys wedding day. Bringing in family and friend from all over the country (and especially the Smith's from Chi-town), it was long yet fun day of celebration. We were covering every moment of this occasion, both photo and video services.

     The ceremony was held at the Freedom Fellowship Hall in Virginia Beach. A rather moving ceremony was officated by none other than the brides father...adding that extra something special to the occasion. After the formal photo session, the couple departed via horse and buggy provided by Chariots for Hire for a ride around the local area, despite the incoming bad weather.

    The reception took place down at the Sheraton Oceanfront. Their staff did a great job with everything, and the night went on without a hitch. Lots of great dancing, and great entertaing moments took place throughout the evening. (Including Nick Dad Kevin roaming the floor with one of our videocams!) Lots of fun...lots of fun!

     The couple will be following up in Chicago with another reception at the end of May, which will involve viewing the wedding video highlights so that others who could not make the event can view it as if they were there. We're quite sure that it will be another bash as well! Their photos will be up online soon, and to add to it their full wedding video will be available online for viewing as well for those family and friends who want to see it as well! 

4/26/08-Kimberly and Paul

Review Coming Soon!

(Bridal Portrait Image shown below)

4/19/08-Rebecca and Brian

      The sparkling departure to a waiting Sea Ray Sundowner (ok, we're big Sea Ray fans) made for an end of the day highlight, but the truth of the matter was the entire event was picture perfect. Karin started our video coverage with the lovely bride that morning, covering the last few hours of single life, and preparing for her dream wedding. I joined up with the men down at the Hilton Oceanfront right at their lunch break. Brian and crew were celebrating and ribbing each other. (In all honesty, all of them could start up a comedy group. Their good natured insults of one another were some of the most creative in entertaing that Ive ever heard!) After lunch, it was up to the room to get the tuxes on, and head for the church.

     The ceremony was held at the Kempsville Baptist Church, and provided a great background, and a charming ceremony. A traditional Christian ceremony, yet very elegant in nature providing everyone in attendance a touching afternoon. 

     The reception was held at the Cavalier Gold and Yacht Club, one of the best scenic and service locations in Hampton Roads in our opinion. Jessica and her staff up there did a fantastic job as always, providing first rate service that they are known for. The evening went flawlessly, and some great photos were caught by David Schwartz out on the lawn just before Sundown. After the remainder of the reception events, the forementioned departure took place, with a perfect sea-going departure ending the day. Rebecca and Brian were wonderful (and entertaining) to work with, and we wish them the best for the future!

(Images coming soon!)

4/19/08-Sarah and Nathan

     There were smiles all around as Nate & Sara tied the knot in the picturesque chapel at Haygood United Methodist Church. Surrounded by friends from around the globe, we were able to get some fun photos in the church and church courtyard following the ceremony. Afterwards, the lively guests made their way to the Officer's Club in Oceana, where Brit & Taylor (daughters) and Mr. Morgan (Sara's father) lit up the dance floor. Heartfelt speeches by Nate's brother and sister, and Sara's father preceeded the cake cutting, and a bubble filled send-off brought a close to the evening. All the best to these wonderful newlyweds!!

4/12/08- Jacqualine and Noorhi

This wedding was really, really exciting to be a part of as it was a marraige of two cultures...Filipino and Korean. Even the rehearsal involved traditional dresses of the Korean culture, which was a treat to see and watch. Held entirely at the Filippino Cultural Center in Virginia Beach, family and friends from across the globe came to this beautiful wedding. In addition to the cultural aspects of this wedding, their clear devotion to god and their religion was also inspiring to see and hear firsthand.

     The followup to the ceremony was an incredible buffet that contained a lot of traditional Korean food, with vegetable and rice dishes, and of course some very hot Kim Chee. The rest of the night contained some great entertainment from family musicians, dancing, and of course the traditional wedding festivities. We wish both Noorhi and Jacqualine the best for a great future!

3/29/2008- Sylvia and Carlos

     This was one of the more unique venues we have ever shot it. Held at the Womens Club of Portsmouth, it provided a rustic yet romantic backdrop for this wonderful couple. Being very much about the beach and all things tropical, their coordinators arranged for a tropical setting in a nostalgic location, complete with an aisle to the alter made of sand, and surrounded by tropical plants and decor.

      Aside from the tropical decor, the wedding was a traditional Christian ceremony, and was well attended. After the ceremony, we headed out for the formals. One of the features to add here....bridal party shots which at full strength was 38 people! We got em' all in there though, and despites Jon's attempt to take a dive, he came out in clean form without damaging his camera.

    Once we completed the pics, we went back inside for a great dinner of chicken, pastas, potatoes, just a lot of great food. I cannot remember the name of the caterer (our bad), but they were fantastic. This was followed by all of the traditional reception elements, and of course a lot of great dancing. Good luck to Sylvia and Carlos, they have nothing but great things ahead of them!

3/22/2008- Indrani and Raj

     While half of our staff was over at Andrea's Quinceanara, we had the rest of our videographers over at the Sheraton Oceanfront for a double ceremony featuring Indrani and Raj. For anyone who has never attended a Hindu wedding, they are nothing short of amazing. To cap this one off....after the Hindu ceremony was over, they went back and did it again as a Christian Ceremony!

     This wedding was a beautiful event, with all of color and pageantry one would expect. The sheer site of the parade (The barat) on the boardwalk prior to the start of the festivities was a thrill to everyone who saw it. (those involved, and those lucky enough to be down on the boardwalk to see this). There was the traditional family greetings, and into the ceremony officiated by a Hindu priest. The pageantry, and significance of everything that transpires is amazing, an experience that does touch everyone involved.

    After the ceremonies concluded, and portraits completed it was on to a fantastic party and great time for all. While the reception is much like a typical wedding, there are some special elements to it, as well as some fantatasic culinary treats for those who like exotic foods. Beyond that, it was to dancing the night away, well past midnight.

    This couple was a beautiful and wonderful couple, as were their families. It was our honor to handle these services for them, and wish them the best as a new couple!