Wrapping Up 2023 - a sampling of some of our favorites projects

As the end of year rolls around, we like to take time to look back at the year that is rapidly drawing to a close. The world got crazier and most days the news sounded very much like a dystopian novel. Despite all that, we humans continued to fall in love, celebrate, invent, educate, marry and do our part to make the world a better place. That’s one of the things we love most about our work: It gives us a window into some wonderful experiences in life. We’ve learned about automated libraries; couples and their love stories; families and friends gathering and celebrating special events; non-profit missions and heart-warming successes.

Our last wedding of the year was certainly one worth celebrating. We met Carolyn and Dominic on Zoom and almost immediately they felt like old friends. They were clearly two adults deeply in love, and getting married at The Historic Hampshire House on Beacon Hill with their eyes and hearts fully open.

The early morning rain had cleared the air and left big puddles throughout the cobblestone streets behind the Hampshire House where Chris Arson, their delightful photographer chose to do the couple’s first look. I loved watching (and filming) Carolyn striding along Beacon Street in her white sneakers, her simple lace and organza gown and train draped loosely over her arm, eager to meet up with Dominic

Dominic looked stunning and elegant in his black tie. HIs face lit up (as it often did that day) as he saw Carolyn approaching

There were 60 guests at the wedding and the vibe all day was sweet, fun, relaxed and loving. It was probably one of the most stress-free weddings we’ve ever been honored to film. Of course the food at the Hampshire House was superb ( as always) and we so appreciate the graciousness with which we (and all vendors) are always treated. The music kept The dance floor packed all night and aside from the father of the bride disappearing when it was his time to toast the new couple (he was found) there was not a glitch in the day. Carolyn and Dominic shared so much love with one another that it infused the entire event.

see their Wedding Film Trailer below

Brooke and Chris came to us referred by veteran planner Paula Marrero, for their wedding at the Deco-inspired Newbury Hotel. Their Catholic ceremony was at the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in the South End. Note: The central aisle used for the wedding processional is about 350 feet long. It’s quite dramatic from every angle. Both Brooke and Chris were happy and relaxed all day, wearing big radiant smiles The bride looked like she wore a wedding dress every day, she seemed so comfortable in it. And Chris, also looked like black tie was an everyday wardrobe choice. .The reception was intimate and set up in what I would call easy elegant - in shades of peach and white; and everyone danced the night away. The first dance and parent dances were exceedingly memorable.

On a side note, we LOVED the white dance floor which reflected light and made everything even prettier!

see their Wedding Film Trailer below

We often find ourselves working with the Jewish Community where, as members of the Tribe, we feel quite comfortable. This year we were privileged to work with Rabbi Lipsker, leader of North Shore Chabad; and Amy Gold, director of Epstein Hillel Jewish Day School; on a very exciting and progressive initiative to integrate Orthodox families, and their observances into “Klal Yisrael” the greater, diverse community that makes up Epstein Hillel Day School on The North Shore. Our grandson, soon to be Bar Mitzvah, is a student there.

see the EHS/Chabad video below

One of our dear friends and colleagues, Jodi Blankstein, she of the luminous voice had written a song to commemorate the death of a dear friend, who was murdered by her own husband. The song was offered to The Domestic Violence Services Network, an extraordinary organization that offers wrap around services to victims of domestic violence. It’s not a pretty subject, but one that impacts one out of 3 or 4 women in their lifetime. It’s all around us in our neat suburban towns our inner city, and almost everywhere we humans live.

Jodi’’s song, aptly named Stacy’s Song in memory of her murdered friend, was ultimately used in a montage of photos of victims of Domestic Violence who lost their lives in Mass. during the past year. We were moved and horrified to learn the realities of domestic violence. Our work with DVSN was disturbing, enlightening, inspiring as were the people who appeared in a branding video we produced for DVSN.

see the 2 DVSN videos below

MSPCC (Massachusetts Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Children) is one of our oldest clients. We’ve filmed and produced videos for annual Turning Points Galas at The Fairmont Copley; shorter videos for social media and marketing; and occasionally Jack will do a portrait shoot of program participants. Since its inception, MSPCC has done extraordinary work, shoring up supports to ensure safety and nurture of all children in the Commonwealth.. Between political activism to bring attention and funding to support our children to offering programs and mentoring to young parents who find themselves pregnant with no idea (and minimal familial modeling) how to take care of a baby or raise a child.

see the MSPCC 2023 video below