elitevp blog

Before Christmas, StyleMePretty asked for a happening new video from 2009 that we’d like featured. We submitted Rick & Jennifer’s Highlights at Barr Mansion and they loved it! Click the image below to be directed to the actual posting!

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Screenshot fro StyleMePretty

Barr Mansion is one of those venues with a TON of character that we just can’t get enough of! Not only is it the nation’s first certified organic events facility, but the history behind it is equally awesome! W.B. Barr, a prosperous businessman, built this elegant Victorian house for his family in 1898, not far from his store, which supported area farmers. Rick & Jennifer tied the knot here on November 1. We were definitely honored to be a part of it and put our cool new gliding rails system to work! Enjoy!

Rick & Jennifer – Barr Mansion from elitevp.com on Vimeo.

In today’s tough economic climate, budgeting and managing your wedding finances can be very difficult. After you’ve spent countless hours researching and meeting with your “must-have” vendors (and relinquished non-refundable deposits) you definitely want to keep these vendors!

Since Elite Video Productions entered the wedding scene in 2004, we have seen 4 cancellations, 3 of which occurred in 2009. We were so sad to lose those brides, listening to stories of lay-offs or other financial distress.

All is not lost! With careful planning and discipline, you can make it work and avoid disappointment in the end. There are various options you might consider, including:

1. Creating and sticking with a monthly payment plan for each vendor.

2. Creating a savings account and paying into it regularly.

3. As a last resort, and if you ask nicely enough, you might hit up close family members (ahem, parents) for a low-interest, short-term loan.

These and other conscious decisions you make early in your planning can save you a lot of heartache. These can also mean the difference between having your “must-have” vendor, having to go back and select your “fall-back” vendors, or having to omit that particular wedding service altogether.

We hope you’ve found these tips useful.

Until next time! Happy planning!

Yesterday evening, Elite Video Productions had the pleasure of attending a vendors & brides social at Vista West Ranch, a rustic wedding venue sitting on 11 acres of breathtaking Texas hillcountry. It is set in Dripping Springs, Texas, which is located about 23 miles west of Austin. We met Cindy Pearson, owner, who was very friendly. We also had the chance to spend quality time with Stacey Hogge of Petal Pushers (event decor). Stacy gave us the history of Vista West Ranch and the story of how this family ranch came to be what it is today. We are excited about our first Vista West event in October, when we’ll be covering the wedding of kick awesome Austin Wedding Planner/Instructor/Extraordinaire . . . Wendee Robbins! Going back to Vista West . . . this venue has an outdoor ceremony site just outside the reception building, which offers a scenic Texas hillcountry view. If that wasn’t enough, a tree-shaded garden, accessed by a stone walkway from the main reception building, offers a mini-bar and a sitting area surrounding a fire pit. This definitely adds to the charm of Vista West. If you haven’t reserved a venue, this one’s definitely worth checking out!

We also ran into Austin Photographer Andy Peterson from Studio 563. We played the “Who’s Wedding Did We Work Together On” game for awhile. Hilarious!

Photo by Austin photographer Hooked on Photography.

Elite Video Productions was chosen as a top wedding professional in The Knot Best of Weddings 2009!

The Knot Magazine says “What sets this honor apart from others is that it’s not just your colleagues (or even The Knot) bestowing this award on your business—the recognition comes from real brides who were thrilled with the level of service you brought to their wedding day!”

Thanks again! Let’s do it again in 2010!

All our packages now include free uploading of your Wedding Highlights video to your Facebook or Myspace site!  An extra goodie for our couples!

We recently learned that we were selected by the Knot for their national 2008 Best of Weddings issue. A 3rd party survey company conducted the poll of area brides. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!

Because we strive to put all of our creative effort into each wedding, we have decided to limit the number of bookings we accept each year. This is our plan for this and coming years:

• 2008: 20 events total
• 2009 and beyond: 12 events total

Drop us a line if you’d like reservation info or have general questions! Now taking 2009 events! Thanks for the love everyone!!! 

Alright, time to renew our ad in San Antonio Weddings Magazine. We’re going with a banner-type ad this year.

Here’s our initial concept. Our “Cover Girl” is Courtney!

So who’s taking your “still” photos? Well, brides, if you haven’t decided on a photographer yet, you MUST visit the Wedding Photojournalist Association (WPJA). Here, you’ll find top photographers all over the country. You can even search by location. It might surprise you to know that some of the top photographers in the nation are in your own back yard!

This is a great resource!