This was a wedding of many firsts for FortyOneTwenty! I’m sure there were more but these were the ones that stood out (in my mind, at least):

First time shooting in Texas.
First time shooting an island-themed Sangeet.
First time running through pyro-technics at a reception.

We flew into Houston late on a Thursday night, hopped in a rental car and drove down to the Texas coast…just in time to grab dinner before the last restaurant closed on Galveston Island. The next day we had a little time to kill before the Sangeet in the evening so we decided to explore the island a bit. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves watching Battle LA in a small, local theater….no surprise there if you know us well

Fast forward to the Sangeet that evening. As mentioned above, this was our first island-themed Sangeet. In fact, I think it was our first themed-Sangeet in general. Guests were welcomed in the entry way by giant Tiki-head statues and greeters with lays for everyone. The island decor continued throughout the ballroom courtesy of Decor One.

The next morning we arrived at Pooja’s hotel room bright and early to begin hair and makeup. As you can see in the trailer, the details on her outfit and jewelry were absolutely beautiful. Before we knew it, we were running downstairs to meet Chirag and getting setup for the barat. The DJs leading the barat (Desi Junction) were particularly awesome and we’d definitely recommend them to anybody. After the barat, we all headed up to the Promenade Lawn which featured a beautifully decorated mandat set against a scenic ocean backdrop. Once the ceremony concluded, we took advantage of the afternoon break to head back to the hotel room and recharge a bit before the reception.

At this point, we might as well cut straight to the grand-entrance because it was ridiculously awesome. With the help of Texas Lite & Pyro, Chirag and Pooja entered the grand ballroom onto a dance floor secretly ringed with huge spark fountains. As soon as they stepped on the dance floor, the whole thing exploded with 10-15 foot fountains of sparks on every side. Needless to say, it was spectacular. Even though I knew it was coming, it still freaked me out since I was so focused on following them with the Steadicam. One minute I’m focused on the bride and groom, the next I’m dodging towering infernos of sparks! After the fountains died down, they began their first dance. Then, just when you thought there were no surprises left, Chirag dips Pooja and showers of confetti explode overhead. Yeah, it was a reception to remember!

Chirag & Pooja – Congratulation and thanks so much for inviting us out to Texas to be a part of your wedding!

Vendor:

Cinematography: Weddings by FortyOneTwenty
Photography: Montage Photographers
Coordinator: Rathi Menon (Rathi Menon Events)
DJ: Desi Junction DJs
Band: Divisi Strings
Dancers: Rhythm India
Venue/Caterer: San Luis Resort, Galveston Island, TX
Special Effects: Texas Lite & Pyro
Cake: Who Made The Cake
Groom Cake: Cake Balls
Ceremony Decor: Decor One
Sangeet & Reception Decor: Darryl & Co.
Hair/Make-Up: Your Beautiful Face

Lions, tigers and bears! Oh…wait. No, it was more like zebras, llamas and tigers at this wedding’s awesome venue, Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, CA. That comes later though. Let’s back up to the start of the day at the bride’s parent’s house in Irvine. It was there that we met Legolas and Edward, or rather their life-size cutouts (post-bachelorette party?). The bride, Elizabeth, and all her girls were brimming with energy and laughter which always makes for a good time filming. Meanwhile, out at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, the groom, Chris, and his guys were busy getting cleaned up for the first look.

Elizabeth and the girls were the first to get to Rancho Las Lomas, stylishly arriving in a white limousine. They quickly moved off to a private room where Elizabeth finished getting her dress on and all the other final touches. Once the girls were safely tucked away, Chris and the guys pulled up in their white party bus and made their way over to their own private staging room. When both sides were ready, we brought Chris and Elizabeth together on a sweet little bridge to see each other for the first time that day. Definitely a beautiful moment!

Not long after, Elizabeth was heading down the aisle with her dad and exchanging I Do’s with Chris in a perfectly classic ceremony. Next was the cocktail segue into an equally perfect reception. From the first dance to the heartfelt toasts, this was a reception to remember! In fact, to make it even more memorable, Chris and some of his guys brought together their old band for a surprise performance (with Chris rocking the drums).

Congratulation Chris & Liz! Thanks so much for allowing us to be part of such an amazing day!

Vendors:

Cinematographers: Weddings by FortyOneTwenty
Coordinator: Natalie Vishny (Swellegant)
Photographer: Marc Weisberg (Marc Weisberg Photography & Design)
Floral: Christine Saunders (The Spiraled Stem Floral Design)
Band: Jordan Music Entertainment
Venue: Rancho Las Lomas
Catering: 24 carrots
Cake: Beverly’s Best Bakery
Photo Booth: Capital Photo Booths
Limo: Lake Forest Limos

Well, the 2011 wedding season has officially started for FortyOneTwenty! I can’t think of better way to kick off the season than Allison & Michael’s classic wedding in LA. From stylish argyle socks on the groomsmen to a late night In-N-Out truck, this couple made sure their wedding was one their friends and family would remember.

While Allison and her girls prepped at her parent’s house, Michael and his guys were hard at work getting ready at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel. Once both parties were ready, they met for a beautiful first look moment in front of Allison’s grandparent’s house. The ceremony was held down the street at St. Brendan Catholic Church, which provided a stunning backdrop for this elegant wedding. The weather couldn’t have been more flawless as we pulled up to the reception site, Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica. The reception decor was no different. Some great speeches and an especially awesome groom cake made for an exceptional evening. However, the crown jewel of the night might have been the In-N-Out truck that Allison surprised Michael with as a late-night snack for everyone! Overall, this was an amazing wedding and it was such a privilege for us to be there.

Congrats Allison & Michael!!

Vendors:

Cinematographers: Weddings by FortyOneTwenty
Coordinator: Christina Pappas
Photographer: Amy & Stuart (Amy & Stuart Photography)
Hair Stylist: Jaimi (Fiore Beauty)
Band: Haute Chile Productions
Florist: Eddie Zaratsian (Tic-Tock Couture Florals)
Cakes: Nancy Kay (NancyKay’s Confections) & Rosebud Cakes
Lighting: Lighting by Images
Linens: Michelle Green (BBJ Linen)
Caterer: Toby Lent (Shutters on the Beach)