More Videos

Ok so I've gotten a little flack for not posting any videos on this blog for a while, so I'm gonna hit you all with a double whammy today. Here are preceremony clips from the weddings of Nicole & Matthew and Erin & Brian. Hope you enjoy!

Nicole and Matthew, Denton MD from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

Erin and Brian, Wilmington DE from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

Tips from the Video Girl for Your First Dance

Lately I've been pondering the newer trend of taking dance lessons and having a routine for your first dance. In fact, my husband (then fiance) and I wanted to do just that....until we both procrastinated and got so busy with everything else and we scrapped the idea. I always regretted that we didn't have a choreographed routine to go along with the song we had chosen, which was "What a Difference a Day Made" by Dinah Washington.

But as I shoot more and more weddings and get to experience the first dance over and over again through my lens, I've come to a different conclusion. More often than not, I notice that the couple is concentrating more on the dance moves than the moment. Usually the guy is stiff and unrelaxed and the bride is feverishly staring into his eyes while nodding her head as she counts to the beat. It's not all the time, but when I do see it (close up I might add) I feel there is something missing. Some kind of enjoyment and relaxation that should come with dancing to that first song with the one you love.

So my advice is this: Unless you have a lot of time to take lessons and practice a choreographed dance so that you and your groom are comfortable enough to relax and actually look into each other's eyes and forget the crowd, then I don't recommend it!
Pick a song you both LOVE that allows you to kick off the party relaxed, smiling and just enjoying this new journey you are both embarking on together. That is what really entertains your guests. And, it looks great on video!

PS If you're worried about the dance not being exciting enough, then just take a lesson or two of spinning, dipping and a few basic steps. This will allow you to be comfortable enough to improvise where needed in the moment. I've never been to a wedding where the groom had spun the bride in her beautiful dress and the crowd not react in cheers!

Cute First Dance

Here are Chris and Goga in their first dance together as husband and wife. They are such a nice couple and I remember shooting them dancing thinking "This is one for the blog!'

They chose a very beautiful song, "Stand by Me"...you can tell they both love this classic!


Cute First Dance from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

Adam & Amanda Highlight

Here's a quick video highlight of Adam and Amanda's wedding....I used a song from their ceremony.  I added it as a special chapter on their DVD as well. Hope you all like it!


Love Song 4 Adam & Amanda from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

Cutest Little Flower Girl Dresses

I came across these silk flower girl dresses from Janie and Jack, one of my favorite places to shop for Anna and all the little people in our lives. They come in many colors for your flower girl(s) and don't forget to check out the adorable suits for little ring bearers too! These colors make me excited for spring and Easter time!

Anna: To Vegas and Beyond!

OK I just have to show off a little and be a proud parent on this blog entry :)

My Anna is in a MAGAZINE! The lovely, talented and GENUIS of a photographer Laura Novak used a pic of her for an article in a magazine that is featured at the Wedding and Portrait Photographers INTERNATIONAL Convention in Las Vegas...that means that photographers from ALL OVER THE WORLD are getting copies of this magazine. If you don't know Laura's work, she is highly regarded and sought after by photographers who want to learn her techniques and business practices, so they will be VERY interested in the article!

I have to thank my very good friends Ron and Bless Soliman from Litrato for finding the article while they are out there and immediately sending me a pic. And of course, a BIG shout out to Laura who captures hundreds of perfect pics of beautiful children each year and narrowed it all down to MY kid!!! :)

And, oh yeah, thanks to Aunt Helen for the Purple Uggs!

Angie & Joel Love Recap

One of my FAVORITE people that I met last year was Angie. She is a photojounalist and actually works for a sister paper of the News Journal where I used to work. It's hard for me to put into words to describe this couple and their wedding.... I have never in my life met a couple like Angie and Joel. Their wedding ceremony and reception were both full of such touching details...not to mention the family and guests who were so warm and interesting to be around. I put together a little one song recap so they can use it for their websites, ipod, whatever. This is a great addition to any wedding package, especially for couples who have family out of the country, or anyone who has a myspace, facebook, blog, etc...enjoy!



Angie & Joel Love Recap from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

2 Tickets to the Fun Show

January 18th is the WJBR Bridal Expo...all you newly engaged Brides and Grooms should come on out to see all of the vendors in person and gather all the information you can! There are soooo many decisions involved in your planning and it really helps to at least get out there and meet some of the vendors. My business thrives on personal relationships. I've spoken to a lot of wedding professionals that say "Thank God, I've never had to attend one of those bridal shows! I get my business from [referrals, online advertising, print ads, etc....]" But I LOVE seeing brides in person and talking with them. Even if I don't book with all of them, just getting to know them helps me understand the market and what brides are facing today....believe me, even though it's only been 2 years, the wedding industry has changed a lot since I walked down the aisle!

I invite you to stop on by...it's free to get in and is worth it if only to get free stuff and enter raffles to win cool things. I'll be in a booth with Litrato Photo...See you there!

In Light of the Upcoming Inauguration.....

Here is a video my husband and I absolutely love from the Muppet Show. It's from 1979 (the year we were born!) and features Harry Belafonte, a truly inspirational artist...I've already emailed Barack to ask him to PLEASE have Harry Belafonte as a guest at the inauguration to sing this beautiful song. The message is simple: We all live here on earth and thrive on the same elements of sun (fire), water and earth. Included in these elements of living is knowing who each other is to "turn the world around." It is such a simple, yet powerful message to us all...He also performed it at Jim Henson's funeral and apparently brought the house down:

My Little Model

My little darling, Anna, is featured on Laura Novak's blog today! Last March, Laura took some wonderful shots of Anna...this is one in her purple Uggs. I LOVE Laura's Blog. It's always full of beautiful pics and awesome tips. I look forward to her updates, which are usually 3 a week.

I highly recommend her studio for ANY of your life event photography whether it's a wedding, baby or senior portraits! Here is the link:

http://lauranovak.net/index.cfm?postID=224

Fun in NYC

While I was in New York visiting a few weeks ago, my awesome sister in law got tickets to a private concert with Secondhand Serenade. Now I know some of you may have to google or itunes that one, but trust me, you know his song! We actually got to go "upstairs" after the show and meet John, the lead singer and guitarist. I have to say, he was truly a nice guy and was so accommodating with pics and autographs. A big shout out to DR. APRIL who was gracious enough to get the tickets (and score and extra one for me since I was in from out of town!)

It was a fun night to get out with the girls and get in to the city!

Cool Songs for Your Wedding

Here are some suggestions for songs that are not normally heard at a wedding or even used in a wedding video but are beautiful, soulful and unique. I have come across some of them from the eclectic music tastes of some of my favorite clients (ah, who am I kidding, you're all my favorites in your own special way! LOL)

Fly, Sara Groves (thank you, Angie!)
All My Days, Alexi Murdoch (can't remember who told me this one but thank you!)
Make You Feel My Love, ADELE
Come By Me, Harry Connick, Jr (thanks Hannah and Oron)
Blue Skies, Ella Fitzgerald

And my recent favorites:

I'm Yours, Jason Mraz
Lucky, Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

The last two are a little more common since they are heard on the radio more...I've had fun incorporating all of these into videos. Let me know if you have any favorites too, I'd love to hear them :)

Angela's Bridal Preparations

I put together a little video of Angela getting ready at her house the day of her wedding. It was a beautiful fall day and this was only the beginning of a lot of fun....Enjoy!


Angela's Bridal Preparations from Melissa Costantino on Vimeo.

Have you seen this?

I like this web blog...the only thing I can complain about is that there is no DELAWARE page....I am going to contact the owner of this blog and see if we can get our little state represented! Here's a link to the blog: http://www.stylemepretty.com/

Rock the Vote!

Only ONE week left till Election Day! I know some people are tired of all the ads and news stories and rallies, but, hey I think it's great that so many people are into it this year!

So don't forget to take the time to practice your right to vote....so many brave people have fought hard over the past 200+ years to get us here!

On the road again....

This week, I am in Long Island visiting my mother in law who is recovering from surgery. I apologize to any one I haven't gotten back to yet...It's hard to squeeze in business stuff while I'm up here this week! I will try to keep updating the blog as much as possible though!

By the way, today is a perfect fall day to me: windy, rainy, grey sky, beautiful fall foliage. I hope you are enjoying the day as much as I am...there's just something a little magical with days like this!

One of my FAVORITE photogs

Ok I have to admit, I have been really lax about updating my blog this season. It's just been so busy this summer and fall...I know, I know, it's no excuse and I plan on putting a lot of my experiences and thoughts from over the wedding season on here in the weeks to come.

So one of the people that stands out to me from the summer is Anne Ruthmann (That's TWO N's at the end of her name!) I work with a lot of photogs, djs, caterers, facilities, etc and love meeting all these new people and seeing their style and creativity, especially in the photographs and FOOD! :)

One person I continue follow (via blogging, twitter) to see what she's up to is Anne. She is a WONDERFUL photographer...creative, hardworking, and just plain ol' great to be around. Anne travels all over the place and is nationally recognized as a great photographer. If you can't book Anne, I recommend that you just check out her work if only to admire it. She is one really talented chick. Here is here website. Be sure to check out her blog as well. TTFN

Great DJ

Ok so this weekend I shot a wedding at the beautiful Union League on Broad Street in Philadelphia. Rosa and John had a beautiful wedding and a video highlight is coming soon!

The DJ, Ryan and his wife Amanda were amazing! They were so organized and kept everyone on track with what was happening next. Amanda even printed out the reception itinerary for me and the photographer as well.

The best part, however, was that Ryan has a great sense of the perfect music to play at any time in the night. And he doesn't play all the typical dinner music either. He kept it relaxed, but upbeat and contemporary with some classic songs in there as well. I know not everyone is looking for the type of music that Rosa and John preferred at their wedding, but I just felt that Ryan and Amanda did an excellent job throughout the entire night with professionalism and AWESOME music selections. I highly recommend them. Here is a link.

Delaware Bride Bridal Show

Thanks to everyone that came out to the DE Bride Bridal Show...as always it is great to get out and meet so many of you in person. I think the best way to decide on your wedding vendors is to meet them in person and know that they personally are the ones who will be at the wedding. Knowing the person (especially for video and photography) I think gives you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about! My favorite part of being a wedding videographer is getting to know my bride and groom and their family. Each wedding is truly unique to me because each individual is unique. So, even if I am booked for the year, I still like to get out and meet more brides and especially other vendors. That way, I can recommend other services to my brides since I've met other service providers in person and have seen their work...I'm all about personal service. So if you need any help in recommendations for other wedding companies, just let me know and I'll be happy to give you some! :)

Super Doooper Tuesday!

The one awesome thing about being a stay at home mom is the fact that I get to hang with my baby girl all day long and wherever I go, she goes (anyone having flashbacks of the "My Buddy and Me Doll" theme song?)

So, that means that when mommy needs to Rock the Vote on Super Tuesday, then Miss Anna has to come along!...and then we went on the swings for the first time. It was a big day :)