So, yes. . . this is a wedding cinema blog. . . and yes. . . you come here to check out fun clips of all the crazy stuff we make. . . but this post is more for the guys out there, I hope you can all empathize with me. . . .

When I was 16 years old, I was given the option of going away to college or having a new car . . . . I know, I know. . . rough life. . . but, hey, what can I say.

So, seeing that I wasn’t going to college for another year and a half (I was a junior), I decided on the car. That’s when me and my Mustang were first introduced to one another. May of ’99, bright red, shiny and new. . . wow was I in love, and my mustang was happy to have a new home.

Years of time, sweat, blood (definately cut up the fingers under the hood a few times), and MONEY, and then more MONEY, and then more MONEY went into my Mustang. I even took her to car shows, and she never dissapointed.

I’ll never forget the time my father and I decided we were going to install Short Tube Headers into the car in the driveway. Started on a “5 hour project” on Friday afternoon. Well, by Sunday morning, we were almost ready to have the Mustang towed because it was not drivable with the pieces we had taken out, but simply couldn’t figure out how to get back in. However, as all things in life, we worked it out, and the Mustang was that much greater of a car for it.

Just one month ago, my wife and I purchased a new car for her, which left us in a pickle, because now we have a 2 car garage, with 3 cars. . . hmmmm. Selling our SUV was not an option because we always use it for the mountains and lugging around our 4 legged child. So after much toiling and understanding the inevitable was coming. . . .I put my beloved Mustang up for sale.

Just hours after the Craigslist ad, several inquiries, and I almost wanted to tell them, “Just Kidding,” but I had to go through with it. The thought of my Mustang just sitting in a parking space in front of our house collecting dust was almost as pain staking as turning over the keys to someone else. . .

Well, today I sold my Mustang, to a guy who truly was ecstatic to have it, which made me feel good, but wow I feel like I gave away a piece of me. To see his eyes light up when he came to pick up the car was funny. It felt like someone else was now looking at the car the way I always have. I must say that was comforting, much better than trading it into a dealership or giving it to someone who wouldn’t appreciate it . . The car was truly my first love and although I’m sure anyone who is actually still reading this would say it was just a bunch of metal. . . it was much more to me.

So I write this post with a heavy heart and place in that heart that will always be reserved for a 16 year old’s shiny new toy. . . my Mustang.

So, this one was fun. . . really, really fun.

Erin and Greg are almost as excited as I am to debut their save the date video to all their coveted guests, and here it is!

When we first started brainstorming, it became clear that it was going to have to be a beach shoot. Then the argument was Dana Poing (Greg) vs. San Clemente (Erin). Seeing as the two grew up in the respective towns, they have their biases, but honestly, combining a shoot at both Salt Creek Beach and the pier in San Clemente proved to be not only a great idea, but a fantastic compliment to one another, just like the bride and groom to be 🙂

Erin and Greg are so easy to work with and willing to do any shot, which made for some killer footage. A couple very important points to note:

1.) I have no idea what a nerd-bomber is, but perhaps Erin can explain that in the next video

2.) Don’t ever trust me with sunglasses as all I can say is “AMEN FOR LOW TIDE!!!” As I went to grab a blanket for the two lovebirds, I knocked Greg’s shades right over the side of the pier, and if it weren’t for a very low tide, those glasses would still be swimming with the fishes.

Having established those two points, I truly hope you enjoy.

Erin and Greg are going to send out a copy of this on DVD to all of their guests as their Save-the-Date card. Truly a unique way to not only get the message out to your guests, but also to get them excited about your big day! Weddings by SML now offers Save the Date Videos for all of our Clients. Simply give us a call or shoot us an email to find out how we can get started on yours!

>This wedding truly stood out as one the most enjoyable to shoot this year. Beach Houses, Bay Cruises, Automobiles, and Atmosphere, this one had it all!

Jeremy and Megan were fun from the start and it showed throughout the day. They were married at a beautiful beach house in Laguna on a Sunny October day. Holding true to the Webb family’s love for automobiles, they made a quick getaway afterwards in an Auburn Speedster (for any classic car lovers!!!).

Before the grand entrance, the wedding party was treated to a quick cruise through the Dana Point Harbor, and then it was time to celebrate as the reception took place at the Dana Point Yacht Club.

If there is one thing that Jeremy and Megan truly love, it is their passion for Rasta. From their colors to the band, this couple bleeds red, green, and gold. Thus, in this quick highlight, we couldn’t help but follow suit with the song selection! Enjoy. . . 🙂

So. . . . this post is basically a shameless call to all of our previous clients out there! We have recently created an account at WeddingWire.com, which is a subsidiary of MarthStewart.com. The cool thing about this is visibility on the website is directly proportional to the number of reviews you receive!

Here’s the requirements:

1.) You have to be a legitimate prior client of Weddings by SML. . . . They do randomly check the reviews to ensure legitimacy and integrity, so Mom. . . you don’t get to participate in this one. . . .

2.) You have to be willing to part with 5 minutes of your life. I know, gut wrenching thought, but I’ve already parted with 3 minutes of mine just by writing this post. . .

Other than that, be honest, and hopefully we have made you happy, but I don’t want to influence anything. I prefer to let our clients speak for us. So if you have a few minutes, just click the link below in the white rectangular box and the rest is up to you! Thank you to everyone for a great 2008 season and we definately are looking forward to 2009. . . .

. . . And yes, we still have a few gems to release on the blog before the ball drops!

>If the length of one’s last name was directly proportional to the amount of love one had for his bride to be. . . Vee’s last name would almost be long enough. . . almost.

Truly a unique couple with a great sense of humor and a huge heart! They were married at Our Lady of Refuge Church. The party then proceeded onto Old Ranch Country Club, where we managed to grab some great shots with the help of Doug from Furious Photographers.

Special thanks to Courtnie James from A Perfect Day Events for all of her fantastic help in coordinating throughout the day. Mike Protasio from Perfect Memories Entertainment definitely threw his spin on both the reception and the turntables as well.