“Love Story” Tribute Video

Leslie — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:27:29 +0000

Instead just showing a picture slideshow to guests, let me help you really shine at your wedding reception. I spend an afternoon with you and your fiance at the beach or your favorite locations, much like your photographer will do with your engagement photo session. I can even coordinate with your photographer to film your engagement photo session as a team. I like to bring fun and beautiful props like wine in gorgeous glasses, bubbles and roses! I also create a very laid back interview setting, allowing both of you to tell your story together, share funny memories, recall your first meeting and give insights into your relationship that most people might not have known. Your “Love Story” will be perfect for reception or rehearsal dinner entertainment. I can edit in old pictures and include old video footage. (It’s a great way to archive these priceless memories too.) Image watching your Love Story with a bottle of champagne on your anniversary every year. I would love to speak with you about adding this unique feature to your wedding video investment. Call Leslie Harris-Senac at Visions Unlimited Video Productions to discuss you Beautiful Video today: 941/315-3456

Priceless memories filmed during engagement photo session on Lido Beach

Questions to Ask Your Prospective Officiant

Leslie — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:22:37 +0000

• Are you available for our date and time?

• Is our ceremony venue within your travel area?

• Do you recommend a rehearsal to practice the wedding ceremony?

• May we personalize our wedding ceremony?

• How much experience do you have performing wedding ceremonies?

• Do you have any testimonials/recommendations from other brides and grooms?

• Can you refer us to other wedding vendors such as florists, videographers, photographers, cake bakers?

• Can you tell us how to get a marriage license in Florida?

• Do you have a demo tape/video featuring your services at an actual wedding?

• How much notice do we need to give you?

• What is your fee to perform as our Officiant?

• Does it include the Wedding Rehearsal?

• How much of a retainer do you require to hold the date(s)?

• When is the balance due?

• When can we sign the contract?

~Compliments of Nancy J. Taussig, Wedding Officiant, Barefoot Weddings

941/952-1440

with editing by videographer, Leslie Harris-Senac, Visions Unlimited Video Productions, Inc., of Sarasota 941/315-3456

An experienced clergy is key to your wedding ceremony success

Clean Florida Beaches are Open for Wedding Plans in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Leslie — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:03:45 +0000

Thank goodness we still have the most pristine white sandy beaches in the world. It looks like Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties will see little impact, if any, from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. If you’d like to plan a beautiful Florida beach wedding, book your date and make reservations in Sarasota to insure a clean beach wedding. We have beautiful clear water, white sand & amazing sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

Siesta Key has quartz crystal sand which makes Crescent Beach & Siesta Key Public Beach white powder-sand beaches. The Palm Bay Club is a great location for your beach wedding with condos only steps from the shore. If you want a tent for your beach reception I recommend Rental Depot of Sarasota. Ask them about chairs for your beach ceremony too. Mattison’s or Simply Gourmet Caterers can provide wedding guests with food and drink. (Paul Mattison catered my wedding when he was head chef at The Summerhouse Restaurant 15 years ago. Too bad it’s not open to the public any more. Thanks to our Wedding Video we’ll never forget our lovely Champagne Brunch Reception featuring crepe/omelet buffets & our Key Lime Cheese Cake, a triple layered wedding cake!) … enough about my wedding; let’s get busy planning yours! Simply Gourmet and Milan Catering are also excellent choices for your catering needs.

Longboat Key and Lido Key have several resorts to host your wedding and reception at the same location (Very convenient & you can avoid traveling between ceremony and reception sights.) Your guests can stay at the Longboat Key Club, Lido Beach Resort, Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club or Holiday Inn Lido. These beach resorts are right on the Gulf of Mexico, with the exception of the Holiday Inn which is across the street from the beach but provide excellent views of the Gulf and Bay. They provide Special Event dining & Banquet Facilities, specializing in beach weddings and wedding receptions. These large hotel / resorts can handle your parties of several hundred people. Ask for a free Bridal Suit when you book your wedding or reception. For an intimate wedding on Longboat Key, inquire about getting married on the water & make reservations at White Sands of Longboat Key. White Sands has beachfront condos on the Gulf of Mexico & bay-front villas on Sarasota Bay.

Anna Maria Island has a more casual feel and the weddings are generally smaller/less than 160 guests. The Sandbar and Beachhouse Restaurants on Anna Maria Island will allow your wedding party the thrill having their toes in the sand for the ceremony and reception. Queens Gate Resort is right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico on AMI. It’s a quaint hotel offering incentives for you to have your guests and bridal party stay there. They’ll host your reception in the courtyard and you can walk to your rooms afterwards. This is very handy after toasting and dancing at your wedding reception under the stars. Sun House Restaurant can host up to 60 guests for your dinner reception, right across the street from the beach. They have special accomodations for special occasions in the BridgeWalk Resort, where you can reserve up to 10 rooms.

Englewood Beach in Charlotte County has condos where you can rent rooms and host your beach wedding on the shore. I highly recommend the Boca Royale Golf and County Club for your reception. It’s about 10 minutes away, with exceptional service and cold a/c!

For more information on the health of our beaches in Florida you may visit:

www.healthybeaches.org and www.sarasotafl.org/oil-spill-news

~ Call Leslie Harris-Senac, Filmmaker/ Owner

VISIONS UNLIMITED

Video Productions, Inc. of Sarasota, FL

941/315-3456

Rental chairs with covers at Anna Maria Island beach wedding ceremony

Beach Wedding Secrets

Leslie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:32:28 +0000

Are you planning a Beach Wedding? Our pristine white sandy beaches in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties are a perfect place to plan your Beach Wedding. I want to share with you my inside beach wedding secrets on saving money, avoiding pitfalls, finding vendors, and dealing with bumps along the way.

Are you considering the Florida Gulf Coast for your beach wedding? Our area is the perfect place for your destination wedding.

Whether you are searching for beaches, caterers, wedding friendly resorts, vendors, cool wedding favors or just trying to find different beach wedding ideas, I will help guide you.

In addition to getting married on Siesta Key beach 15 years ago, my handsome husband Mark and I have shot hundreds of beach weddings. I am ready to share first hand experiences with you!

Call me time for free advise at: 941/315-3456

Rainy Beach Wedding Portrait

~ Leslie Harris-Senac, Film maker / Owner of Visions Unlimited Video Productions, Inc. in Sarasota, FL 34231

Wedding Toasts, Quotes & Jokes

Leslie — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:07:38 +0000

Quotes that are heartfelt will help convey your love for your partner on the wedding day. Whether you use one in your wedding vows or in a wedding toast at the rehearsal dinner or reception, it should reflect your personality. Enjoy this video of my favorite toast: Groomsman Toast at Beach House Restaurant on Anna Maria Island by Visions Unlimited Video Productions of Sarasota

You’re welcome to use one of these famous quotes for your wedding celebration:

I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever. ~ Amy Tan

If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you’ve made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.~ Anonymous

Just so you know, there’s a space that only you can fill. ~ Anonymous

You call it madness, but I call it love. ~Don Byas

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. ~ Judy Garland

You’re nothing short of my everything. ~Ralph Block

The most precious possession that evetr comes to a man in this world is a woman’s heart. – Josiah G. Holland

Love one another
But make not a bond of love.
Let it rather be a moving sea
Between the shores of your souls. ~Kahlil Gibran

Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Browning

I love you
Not for what you are
But for what I am when I am with you ~Roy Croft

I have spread my dreams under your feet
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. ~William Butler Yeats
“There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.”
- Homer, Odyssey

“Marriage, n: The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making in all, two.”
-Ambrose Bierce

“Love is the life spring of our existence. The more love you give, the happier you feel and the more love you will have within you to give.”
-Susan L. Taylor

“He is the half part of a blessed man
Left to be finished by such as she:
And she a fair divided excellence
Whose fullness of perfection lies in him.”
- William Shakespeare

“Heaven give you many, many merry days.”
- William Shakespeare

Love is friendship set on fire. ~ Anita Hodzic

Love is letting go of fear. – Gerald Jampolsky

Romance is about the little things. – Gregory J. Godeck

Jokes for the reception toast: (Use only for bridal parties with a good sense of humor)

By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll be happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher. – Socrates
My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met. – Rodney Dangerfield
I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. – Rita Rudner
There’s only one way to have a happy marriage and as soon as I learn what it is I’ll get married again. – Clint Eastwood
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. – Phyllis Diller
The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret. – Henny Youngman
Boca Grande Groomsman

~Written by Leslie Harris-Senac, film maker and owner of Visions Unlimited Video Productions of Sarasota, FL

~ Crosley Mansion Groom’s Toast by Mollie Grady Photography

Why Multiple Cameras make a Better Wedding Video

Leslie — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:20:24 +0000

A sophisticated polished & professional Wedding Video is typically shot with more than one camera. This allows your videographers to shoot from several different angles at any given time, then edit several tracks of video and audio for a more multi-dimensional looking and sounding Wedding Video. For example, when the bride is walking up the isle, I film her face and my husband Mark, who is usually at the back of the isle, films the groom’s reaction and the back of her wedding gown. I’m up front to film mom’s tears as dad gives the bride away. Mark is shooting a nice wide shot to give you a perspective of the whole thing. These are just a few examples of why a multi-camera shoot can capture the story of your wedding day.

Another example is before the ceremony even starts. One of the most emotional times of the wedding day that we shoot, is the “Getting Ready” of the bride and her bridal party. While the bridesmaids are primping, the groomsmen are often playing golf or relaxing before the big moment. Having 2 cameras allows you to see what your future spouse is doing before the ceremony. Often, we’ll get comments of the bride and groom. It’s a great opportunity to capture the excitement and anticipation of sharing a life together. I love to ask grooms what they’re looking forward to, and they’ll often tell me of their dreams and goals. He can talk about why he first fell in love with his bride. Funny stories can add another layer of depth. When edited in to the wedding video, it can be quite profound. Adding meaningful comments like this to your wedding video makes it a priceless keepsake.

~ Photos & article by Leslie Harris-Senac of Visions Unlimited Video Productions, Inc., in Sarasota, Florida

Beach Wedding filmed by Leslie & Mark in Destin, FL

How to Hire a Good Caterer for Your Wedding

Leslie — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 04:31:31 +0000

The type of food served at your wedding and its presentation can add a touch of personal flair that guests will not soon forget. On the other hand, a bad catering experience can really dampen the party. Part of ensuring a good wedding day feast starts with selecting your caterer.

Word-of-mouth recommendations are always a great way to start looking for the right caterer. Talk to wedding professionals such as venue managers and cake makers to see if they have any strong endorsements for a certain company. Your videographer should have video footage of wedding receptions which includes the presentation of meals, servers/wait staff, buffet tables, table settings, bartending. If they’ve been in business for over 13 years, like me, they’ll have any caterer you’re considering in their archival video footage. (We get shots of appetizers & dinners being served, featuring food, services and creative displays. I wish we had “smell-a-vision Talk to friends and family who have planned catered events and see if they strongly prefer to work with someone in particular. If you are looking to have a certain type of food to be catered, say Indian cuisine or authentic Mexican, and don’t know anyone who could point you in the right direction, give your trusted local restaurants a try. Many of them offer catering. When you have made a list of potential caterers, set up an interview with each of them.

The Interview:

The funnest part of the interview is the taste-testing, especially if you are a “foody” like me. Try the chef’s special. Experiment with regional foods and seasonal produce. Have fun but don’t forget about other important information gathering. Does the food taste and look fresh? Your caterer wants to impress you so if she isn’t very impressive now, she probably won’t be later either. Do they include bar service or will your banquet hall do that? (Crosley Mansion on Sarasota Bay requires that you use their liquor license and bartenders.) Find out how long the catering business has been established. You don’t want to risk your big day to an amateur. Always hire wedding professionals with the experience, creativity & right equipment to do the job.

When you meet with the caterer, talk money too. There are some dishes that you’ll try that will taste great and make for a fabulous presentation but you’ll need to know if those dishes are affordable for 300 guests. If not, ask her for creative suggestions that will still make a great presentation. A true professional will have creative ideas and suggestions that fit within your theme and budget.

Contract:

Once you have decided on a particular caterer, start nailing down the specifics. Figure out exactly how many course you’ll have and how you want to be served (buffet or not). Once you have worked everything out, a verbal agreement will not be enough. Get a written contact that includes everything. It should state the date and time, all food items - course by course, agreed upon services that will be provided (linens, waiters, cake cutting, wine corking?) and the fees for each. A specific number of guests will not be included in this contract as you need to give your guests ample time to RSVP. A specific number should be given to the caterer a week or so before the wedding takes place. Ask her for a deadline to be sure. Remember to include meals for the band members or DJ, photographer and videographers. It’ll be a late night for your wedding vendors and they will do a better job for you with proper nutrition. Besides, no one wants photos of themselves eating, so it’s a good time for your photographer and videographer to take a break.

When your wedding day arrives, make sure you actually eat the food. No kidding – Some brides and grooms get so busy drinking, dancing & mingling that they never even get to try the feast. Trust me – I know from experience!

Ritz Carlton wedding reception table setting. Video/Photo by Leslie Harris Senac

~ article & freeze frame photo by Leslie Harris-Senac of Visions Unlimited Video Productions, Inc.; married 14 years and going strong!

Unique Engagement Announcements

Leslie — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 14:39:15 +0000

Husband and wife team, Leslie and Mark shot this gorgeous sunset footage on Siesta Key at Turtle Beach.

At Visions Unlimited, we produce more than Wedding Videos. We also produce Engagement Announcement Videos that you can Email to friends and family, post to your facebook page, and mail as “Save The Date” DVDs.

This type of Love Story Tribute Video can be shown at your Rehearsal Dinner Party, during cocktail hour on a loop so that it will play over an over again, or on a large Projection Screen during your reception between salad and the main course. We can incorporate engagement photos taken by your photographer too.

The possibilities are endless. Please reply with some ideas of your own. Some of my best creative ideas come from people like YOU!

~by Leslie Harris Senac, Filmmaker/Owner of Visions Unlimited Video Productions in Sarasota, FL

Leslie Harris-Senac with Camera on Siesta Key BeachLongboat Key coupleBride and Groom

Anna Maria Island Wedding Vendors Info

Leslie — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:15:13 +0000

The 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Wedding Festival was a fantastic opportunity for brides and grooms to meet the folks who help make wedding day visions a reality. It was also a chance for me to chat with some amazing business owners, and learn more about the services they provide bridal parties. Here are a few of the Wedding Festival Vendors who asked to be listed in my blog:

- Amy Welch owns Acqua Aveda Salon Spa and Store, Winners of the People’s Choice Awards year after year for Best Day Spa and Best Hair Salon. Located in historic downtown Holmes Beach Florida, the 2,600-sq-ft salon and spa is the perfect place to experience island renewal. From wedding day to work day and everyday in between let the experienced team at Acqua create services to bring you and the world back into balance. Undeniably the best in hair, nails, skin, makeup and massage. Full service 7 days a week. 5311 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach, Fl 34217 / 941.778.5400

- Silvia’s Flower Corner: specializing in Unique Island Weddings with Fresh and Unusual Flowers. 9801 Gulf Dr., Anna Maria Island, FL 34216 / 941.720.0424

- Nancy Stephens owns Paper Panache: The perfect invitation to fit every budget. 3633 Cortez Rd. W. B-8, Bradenton,Fl 34207 / 941.755.9100

- Michael Taylor owns Storm Warning DJ Services: Professional DJ’s using all Bose sound equipment and Digital music. 3412 Clark Rd., Sarasota, FL /941.544.7331

- Chi Photography is owned by Photographer Paul Nguyen. 727/481.5737

- Patsy & Rodney St. John own Jewels by Park Lane / 941.727.4093

~Article by Leslie Harris-Senac of Visions Unlimited Video Productions, Inc., with info provided by wedding vendors

Anna Maria Island sunset for bride and groom at Beach House Restaurant

Wedding Videography – 7 Tips for Bridal party

Leslie — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:01:52 +0000

Brides and Bridesmaids – Use nice purses and carry bags. You’ll be dressed up & only a beautiful hand bag will do. Plastic grocery bags do not look good in videography or photography; neither do plastic bottles of soda and water. It’s you big day! Splurge on some nice glasses or plastic champagne cups if you can. Wear waterproof makeup. Sweating and crying can cause makeup to run, and raccoon eyes are not a good look! Carry an adorable clutch to refresh throughout the night. (Some of my favorite video shots are brides applying make up in the mirror; a very sexy shot!)
Ask everyone – bridesmaids, groomsmen, bride, groom and everyone who may be on camera, to not chew gum. Gum chewing looks awful on video and your photographer will have a terrible time getting a decent expression on unposed photographs.
The groom will understandably be nervous, but ask him to remember, when it comes time to say his vows, to look his bride in the eye and say those words, to her, like he means them. (Some nervous grooms try to rattle the lines as fast as they can, while looking at the minister!)
Grooms – During your first dance, try not to turn you back to the videographer. You don’t need to look at the camera, but we do want to see your front side. (Trust me – it’s your best side.) This goes for all bridal party members. It’s just for one day. If you can play it up for the camera a bit, it’s all in good fun. If you’ve naturally got 2 left feet, practice a few dance moves before the wedding day, you’ll be in good form to “bust a move” at least once or twice during the reception party!

Dancing Bride & Groom in Tent

at Boca Bay Pass Club
If your videographer is using 1-Lux video cameras, like she should be, then it is alright to have the lights turned down low during dancing at your reception, but even 1-Lux cameras have limits, so be sure to go over this with your videographer. Generally speaking, if you can read in the light, it will be fine, but if it’s too dark to read, your video won’t have good colors. It’s a good idea to alert your banquet manager to this fact. Chandeliers look best when they are turned on!
Most photographers dress and conduct themselves professionally, but surprisingly about a third of them do not. To protect your wedding video, ask your photographer to not dress in bright colors or cut-off jeans, and not to get in front of the video cameras. You don’t want a loudly-dressed photographer distracting you everytime you watch your wedding video.
Relax and be yourself. You’re beautiful and a professional videographer will capture your true personalities with style in a flattering manner. ~ article written by Leslie Harris-Senac