Showing posts with label photo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photo. Show all posts

Thursday, January 20, 2011

The Importance of a Professional Video

You probably heard it being called many a names…video, movie, cinematography, film, vignette, etc. But what it really should be called is a "time machine". Not only does it let you relive your Special Event as often as you like, anytime you like, but even more importantly, it preserves a momentous occasion you shared with your family and friends. After all, they have all come TOGETHER to celebrate FOR YOU. Whether it’s to witness the public expression of your love and commitment or your child’s rite of passage into adulthood, your LIFETIME will have only a few days like this. Isn’t that worth of preserving it?

And no, you will not watch it daily, monthly or even annually. But you will HAVE it FOREVER! Your children and your children’s children will be able to see it, to be transformed back in time and to see all those loved one they never got to meet.



Your Event is an event of a lifetime. And you know that planning this “event of a lifetime” is no small task. You only get one chance to get it right and you’ve spent months going over every tiny detail. You’ve struggled with the guest list; trying to find just the right venue; agonized over the invitations; selecting just the right kind of entertainment and centerpieces…and the list goes on. Just choosing a dress was a monumental task, but it was worth it because you’ve found a gown that surpasses all your dreams. No matter how overwhelming the stress, you don’t mind because you want this EVENT to be SPECIAL; to be perfect!

And guess what? It IS – and then it WAS! Sure, the guests will speak of the fabulous time they had for months and you will proudly post your beautiful photos on Facebook, but will you hear the laughter? Will you hear the tremble in your voices as you said your vows to each other? Will you hear the beautiful speech your Best Man prepared? Or experience the rush of emotion as your Dad escorts you to do your very special Father/Daughter dance and will you see the tear rolling down his cheek? As captivating and expressive as beautiful photojournalism is, it can never take the place of a video, a film, a movie! A picture IS worth a thousand words, but a video is worth a thousand pictures…and the words, too!

We often ask our clients what they regretted the most about Special Occasion and more than 8 out of 10 of those who didn’t get video, said “not getting a professional video”. Some had asked their relative to film the event and cried as they watched the sorely botched up rendition, which is usually missing many key moments - the ones you generally can’t wait to get to.

A picture IS worth a thousand words, and a video IS worth a thousand pictures and the words, too. But hiring an artistic cinematographer to film your Special Event is worth more than you can ever imagine!

by: Alla Krutyansky, Owner, Abella Studios

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Some of our favorite images from 2010

We recently took some time to pull together some of our favorite images from the past year and thought it would be fun to share them with all of our readers. We hope you enjoy them.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Kalli's & Chris' NJ Wedding Trailer from The Venetian, Garfield, NJ

This is a Wedding "Coming Soon" Trailer created for Kalli & Chris, whose Ceremony was held at St. Athanasios Orthodox Church, Paramus, NJ and Reception at The Venetian, Garfield, NJ. Kalli has been blogging for (201) Bride this past year, detailing all of her experiences as a Bride-To-Be. You can read her interesting story here...

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Tara's & Jose's NJ Wedding SDE - The Lakeside Manor, Hazlet by http://www.abellastudios.com - NJ Wedding Photography and Videography

This Same Day Edit (SDE) was created for Tara & Jose on their Wedding Day. Two Abella Studios' videographers captured the day's events from the preparations through the first dance and then this edit was created and presented to the couple and their guests during the Reception. Take a look...We'd love your feedback...Enjoy...Abella Studios - http://www.abellastudios.com - 973-575-6633. (NJ Wedding Photography & NJ Wedding Videography).

Friday, July 9, 2010

NJ Wedding Engagement Shoot for Paulina & Jason - Belmar, NJ by http://www.abellastudios.com

We had blast shooting the engagement pictures for Paulina & Jason yesterday. They were wonderful to work with and were troopers about getting completely wet! As always, we love shooting on the Jersey shore in Belmar. Take a look.


Monday, June 21, 2010

Katharine's & Michael's Same Day Edit - The Aldie Mansion, Doylestown, PA by http://www.abellastudios.com - NJ Wedding Photography Videography

This Same Day Edit (SDE) was created for Katharine & Michael on their Wedding Day. Two Abella Studios' videographers captured the day's events from the preparations through the first dance and then this edit was created and presented to the couple and their guests during the Reception. The reactions were amazing. The Bride cried, the guests cheered and as usual we loved all of their reactions. Take a look...We'd love your feedback...Enjoy...Abella Studios



Here is what the Bride had to say...

"I just can't say enough about how your work was truly the highlight of day. It made all my dreams come true....and enhanced our experience so much! It was fantastic....my guests were blown away. No one can stop talking about it. Michael and I can't stop watching it! I'm just so thrilled at your work. Thank you for putting all your best efforts into our day.

-Katie"

This is what it's all about! We love what we do!

http://www.abellastudios.com (NJ Wedding Photography & NJ Wedding Videography).

Monday, June 7, 2010

Melissa's & Paul's Wedding - The Primavera Regency, Stirling, NJ

We just had the pleasure of working with Stephen (Primavera, Stirling, NJ) and the crew last week at Melissa's & Paul's Wedding. The place is just amazing!!! Throughout the year, we are at hundreds of catering halls for various events and The Primavera is one of our top picks in NJ. From the grounds to the fooooood and the people who run the show really go out of their way to ensure that every whim is catered to. Keep up the great work Primavera!!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Claudia's & Andy's Same Day Edit (SDE) - Crystal Plaza, Livingston, NJ - NJ Wedding Photography Videography

This short film was shot and edited for Claudia & Andy on their Wedding Day. Two videographers captured the days' events from the preparations through the first dance and then this edit was created and presented to the couple for them to take to Taiwan, where their 2nd Wedding day would take place and the video would be shown. Take a look...We'd love your feedback...Enjoy...Abella Studios - abellastudios.com - 973-575-6633. (NJ Wedding Photography & NJ Wedding Videography)

Amy's & Mo's Engagement Photo Shoot, Holmdel Park, Holmdel, NJ

On Monday we went out to Holmdel Park with Amy and Mo for their engagement shoot. The weather was absolutely perfect for us to capture these images. Hope you like them...

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Jillian & Friends "When I Grow Up" - Bat-Mitzvah Music Video

Abella Studios just had the immense pleasure of both entertaining and capturing Jillian's Bat Mitzvah on March 13th, 2010 at the Battleground Country Club in Manalapan, New Jersey. Jillian wanted to do a music video to her favorite song, "When I Grow Up", by the Pussycat Dolls. What an amazing and memorable time she and her friends had filming this video. They were such troopers shooting in cocktail dresses in the middle of December in frigid weather, during the car scenes! And they were fabulous! So fun and upbeat, we couldn't have asked for better subjects! We shot at the mall, on the Merry-Go-Round, in front of the green screen and at the ice skating rink. The girls changed outfits numerous times and we all had an absolute blast! The music video was shown immediately before Jillian was introduced into the Reception and the crowd went wild!! It was so well received, all of the cheering and screaming was absolutely deafening! And when they finally called in the Star, you could hear the screams echoing all through the immense country club. Following the introductions, instead of the traditional hum drum photo montage, Jillian's family chose to showcase each special guest with a sentimental photo/video montage during the candle lighting. This was particularly touching for everyone, especially the honorees, and not a dry-eye was left in the room... After Jillian read her poem commemorating her special relationship with the honorees, their photos cascaded on the plasma screens as they came up to light their candle. And finally, during the entire reception, live footage was simulcast onto the plasma screens as well as a special surprise, the photos from Jillian's rehearsal and from the party. It was a phenomenal reception that left all the guests in total awe! We cannot wait to edit the video and create their flush mount album, both of which promise to be works of art. The family chose our exclusive short form edit that is our specialty! Its going to be an film extraordinaire! And with all the emotions flowing that day, the album is going to be out of this world, to boot.



Following are just some of the 2500+ images taken at this awesome event. These are the images from the rehearsal and portrait sessions. The rest will be added shortly. Enjoy.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Lina + Paul's Sky Diving Proposal - edited by Abella Studios

This was a very cool clip...Bride and groom provided us with their footage from the sky dive they did a while back, which happened to include some awesome footage of the actual "WILL YOU MARRY ME?"...This is a perfect example of why each and every couple should have their proposal on video...The guys who shot this did an excellent job. You couldn't pay me enough to jump out of a perfectly good airplane...LOL...

Lina + Paul's Sky Diving Proposal - edited by Abella Studios from Abella Studios on Vimeo.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

NJ SDE Wedding Video by Abella Studios - http://www.abellastudios.com - Preparations & Ceremony Same Day Edit

This is an amazing video created for a couple on their Wedding Day this past weekend. The videographers captured special moments at the Bridal Preparations and Ceremony. Then, the editor did his magic as the reception was taking place and voila, the gorgeous "same day edit" was created and later shown at the Reception, which was held at the newly renovated Imperia, Somerset, NJ. You don't understand how it makes us feel as visual artists to see the Bride get emotional while watching this video. The reactions from the Bride & Groom, family and friends made all of the hard work that went into this production truly worth it.

NJ Wedding Video by Abella Studios - http://www.abellastudios.com - Banacki Preparations & Ceremony from Abella Studios on Vimeo.


The Bride and Groom sent us the following email...

"The slide show and video montage was wonderful and our guests were very impressed! And Mark was such a pleasure to work with. We can not say enough how amazed we were with the work you did!

Melissa Lees"
___________________

http://www.abellastudios.com - 973-575-6633

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Engagement Shoot & Love Story Combination by Abella Studios


This is a very cute Love Story Outing/Interview...Take a look...Shot on the beach of Avon, NJ. The video is mixed with images captured by one of our photographers during the Engagement Photo Session. This is a perfect example of a fusion between photography and videography to tell the story.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Mallard Island Yacht Club Wedding Photographed by Abella Studios

This past Saturday we had the pleasure of photographing an absolutely magical Wedding for Vicky & Matt. The location - Mallard Island Yacht Club in Mallard Island, NJ.

As visual artists we are always searching for beautiful settings for the shoot and sometimes find it a bit difficult at some venues. At Mallard Island, the difficulty was actually in deciding where to shoot, as it presented so many unique settings - one being nicer than the other.





This place was just AMAZING!!!








Mallard Island Yacht Club, surrounded by the beautiful Barnegat Bay, captivates guests with incredible surroundings and attention to detail.

From the spectacular views from the Wedding Penthouse Suite to the luxurious interiors, this is a place where hopes and dreams become reality.



This 18,000 square foot venue boasts magnificent interiors that rival some of the most famous coastal mansions in the country. Incredible attention to detail is found throughout the Yacht Club from the stately guest suites to the magnificent ballroom. The views are breathtaking from every corner and luxury is found throughout. Mallard Island Yacht Club has gone to great lengths to make Vicky's and Matt's special day truly unforgettable.

The Wedding Penthouse Suite was to die for. Such beauty and elegance are not easy to find in a venue.

As a matter of fact, the photographer was completely blown away by the setting.








The Wedding Penthouse Suite was unbelievably spacious, decorated with great taste and offered unlimited dramatic backgrounds for portraiture.











The Ceremony was held in the Boathouse Chapel. A more incredible location for a ceremony cannot be found. This charming chapel is an amazing setting.

This structure’s Old-World charm has been created with careful design and materials from the past. The pumpkin-pine flooring and wavy pane glass windows are from a farmhouse constructed in the 1600’s. The stacked stone fireplace creates a warmth and focal point for guests. A feeling of being on the water is achieved with three sides being completely surrounded by the bay.

Bridal party, family and Bride & Groom formals were taken on the green just outside the Boathouse Chapel. The day started out rainy and gray, but just as the photographer arrived at Mallard Island the sun came out and allowed him to capture images with perfect blue sky as the backdrop. Vicky & Matt were so relieved to see such gorgeous weather.
























The Reception was held in the grand center of the
Yacht Club - its elegant and lavish ballroom featuring a dramatic Tiffany blue ceiling bathed in romantic cove lighting. This room provided the perfect setting for an enchanted evening. Every detail of this room is modeled after the most grandiose ballrooms of the last century. This classic ballroom leads guests through stunning French doors onto the scenic Atrium. There, guests danced the night away under a sparkling array of romantic lighting and continued to enjoy the magnificent coastal vistas of Barnegat Bay. Access to a 2nd floor balcony lends itself to capturing a birds-eye-view shot like the one above...


















All we can say is "WOW!" and we cannot wait to have the opportunity to capture another couple's Big Day at Mallard Island Yacht Club...

If you would like further information about Mallard Island please visit their website or call Meghan or Ginny on 609-494-9100. You can also email them at mallardislandyachtclub@gmail.com

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Amanda & Daniel John Priore came into the studio a few days back and brought their baby boy Daniel along for a quick photo shoot.

They plan on using the images for baby announcements to share the wonderful news of Daniel's arrival with family and friends.





Daniel was brought into this world on May 23, 2009 and has been cooperating with his Mommy and Daddy. He actually allows them to sleep through the night but does enjoy the Midnight feeding...








We had shot photography & video for this couple a while back and were extremely happy that they thought of us to capture these special photos.















Daniel was not a happy little camper at first, but after almost 2 hours of attitude, he fell fast asleep and we were finally able to capture these images...













We wish Amanda & D.J. all the happiness in the world and hope that they enjoy their little addition.

An "Engagement Shoot" is great, but why not breathe a little more life into it.!

Here at Abella Studios, we have shot hundreds of engagement sessions and our clients love the imagery, but now, as we head into the High Definition Video age, more and more of our couples are requesting their Engagement Session to be captured on video as well. The options are endless. We can capture those special moments the couple shares during a photo session at a variety of wonderful places like parks, gardens, castles and beaches throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. We can also add a "Love Story" style interview during which the couple shares their fondest memories like their first impressions, that first kiss, the first "I Love You" and all of the details of their actual engagement. The final polished video can then be shown at the Reception for all the guests to enjoy...

The clip below was shot for a Sasha and Oleg, whose Wedding took place at the gorgeous Riu Hotel in Jamaica (Wedding Highlights & Trash The Dress Session Videos Coming Soon!). This video was shown at the Reception. The reactions were spectacular! We loved seeing everyone enjoy our work...

NJ Wedding Video - Love Story - Beach in Belmar, NJ from Abella Studios on Vimeo.



Please be sure to let us know, should you be interested in adding an Engagement Shoot, Love Story Outing and/or Interview to your Wedding Day...

Abella Studios
973-575-6633
732-254-8000

Monday, June 1, 2009

Abella Studios' Photography Featured in Real Weddings Article from Manhattan Bride Magazine - Spring 2009

We were delighted to provide the images captured at Jeremy's and Sandi's Big Day for this article. Their reception was held at The Park Savoy, Florham Park, NJ...It is one of our favorite spots to shoot...Absolutely beautiful grounds and facility...

________________________________________________________

Jeremy and I met in Maryland in early 2006, where we both worked in television advertising sales. Shortly after meeting, we began dating. Just before our two year anniversary, I test drove a new car and went home to pick up Jeremy so he could go back to the dealership with me. When I showed up, he was at the house playing with our dog in the family room. He was acting strangely and kept asking me to hold the dog, and then finally asked me to look at our dog’s collar. Attached to it was a blue pouch containing my ring. I immediately started crying and accepted his proposal.

We wanted to get married in the beginning of October, our favorite time of the year. There was no doubt that we found the perfect place after we visited The Park Savoy. We loved that the mansion is incredibly charming, with cozy fireplaces, a baby grand piano in the cocktail area, and an incredible back deck that overlooks a waterfall, a reflecting pool, and an unbelievably manicured multi-level garden. Their outdoor area was breathtaking for our ceremony. The Park Savoy also has an expansive bridal suite with a concave fireplace, a lovely antique armoire, and a chaise lounge. Alan Weinstein, the owner, made our entire out-of-state planning process effortless and stress-free. The space also has a newly constructed annex connected to the dining area that would serve as our back-up in case the weather didn’t cooperate for the ceremony.

On the day of our wedding, I was fortunate enough to have my two very good friends help with my hair and makeup, and they did a wonderful job.

We could not have been more pleased by the menu we chose. At the cocktail hour, we enjoyed a variety of 15 passed hors d’oeuvres, including lobster bonbons and hickory-grilled pizza. We also had a meat carving station, a fresh mozzarella station, and an outdoor Mexican station with fajitas and frozen margaritas.

Dinner was a combination of grilled chicken, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, and artichokes wrapped in a crispy phyllo purse, and an arugula salad tossed with Julienne apples in an aged white wine vinaigrette, topped with caramelized walnuts and shaved Manchego cheese. The entrees were a choice of roasted salmon with sesame, soy, and ginger glaze; filet mignon with cabernet sauce; or medallions of chicken with eggplant, tomato, and mozzarella. The Park Savoy also accommodated our guests who kept Kosher.

When our meal was over, the cocktail area transformed into a dessert wonderland, complete with a waffle and ice cream station, a gelato station, a chocolate dipping station, cookies, pastries, and cakes. As if that wasn’t enough, The Park Savoy also surprised everyone with a tray of Kahlua shots with warm cookies. Included in our wedding package were a full premium bar, a custom-designed four-tiered wedding cake, and an ice sculpture with our initials.

Beyond the ambience and the outstanding food, The Park Savoy also has the most friendly and unforgettable staff. I had two wonderful bridal attendants helping me. They were there all day to make sure we had something to eat and drink.

To me, one of the most important people at our wedding was my father. A year before our wedding, my mother passed away. My parents were married for 46 years and I knew this day would be difficult for him. The staff at The Park Savoy treated him like a king, and for that I will be forever grateful. Now that we are married, we both agree that our wedding was perfect.

Sandi Solomon & Jeremy Ricci

____________________________________________________

Ceremony & Reception: The Park Savoy
Gown: Sophia Tolli
Bridesmaids: Alfred Angelo
Hair: Melissa Kottler
Makeup: Joelle Seaton
Tux: Ralph Lauren
Florist: A & K Florist
Ring: Golda Jewelry
Cake: The Park Savoy
Photography: Abella Studios, 973.575.6633
Band: Leonard Bornstein Entertainment
Honeymoon: Maui and Kauai