True Story . . . The True Value of Video

We had something like this happen to us a few years ago, when a family lost their daughter, sister, friend, grand daughter, today that wedding video is worth so much more.

This touched me so much, I got permission to reprint & share it. This was from a few weeks ago in its entirety. The company that shared this operates on the East Coast.

You never know who you will impact or when. Let me tell you a true story. Four years ago I sent an unsolicited email to a potential bride. I know I was wrong and I don't do that sort of thing now - but that was then. The bride calls me to ask me to remove her from my email list - I was super friendly and apologetic - we actually talked for over an hour we clicked so well. I talked her into coming in - she booked us to cover her wedding. At the time I was also toying with photography and she volunteered to be my guinea pig and photograph her wedding as well. She loved all we did for her that day. We grew closer, her and her husband and me and mine became close - dinner, dancing, movies, bowling - friend stuff.

Two years later we asked them to be a part of our bridal party when Rob and I renewed our wedding vows and we had a big ole wedding.

Last year they had their first child a baby girl.

Today I get a call from my friends husband telling me that his wife is dying. She has about a week to ten days he says. They didn't tell anybody (friends) because she didn't want her friends to feel sorry for her and to watch her wither away - it all started about 3 months ago. Today I am told she asked for us.

Her husband in tears says "we value your friendship so much. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But it's what you did for us on our wedding day being our videographers that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Because of you, my daughter will see and know her mother. Because of the video I thought I could not afford, Olivia will hear her mothers voice. Her memories will be forged with your video".

My God, I lost it. Sometimes we get caught up in the business of being in business. Climbing ladders that don't matter, or trying to be at the top. Today I realized that what we do with video cannot be be measured with a price tag or a plaque on the wall. It's value is in the legacy's we protect everyday - and we don't even realize it.

My heart is breaking. But I know that what I did four years ago for a woman who didn't even want me emailing her, is the priceless gift she gave to her child.

Events By The Bay Goes Tropical!

Believe us, Events By The Bay believes Northern Michigan is one of the most beautiful places on the planet for a white wedding...and many couples agree with us as long as the "white" means the color of the dress and not the foot of snow on the ground! While Winter Wonderland Weddings are a magical event, the fact remains that the wedding business in Northern Michigan drops off dramatically come late fall and into the following winter months. Therefore, Events By The Bay has GONE TROPICAL!

We are thrilled to introduce Events By The Bay - Florida! Please visit our web site - www.eventsbythebay.com - for details on our Sweet and Simple Ceremony Package offered on the sugar sand beaches of Anna Maria Island and at a variety of lakeside and tropical garden settings in the Orlando area.

AND....to kick things off in style, Events By The Bay presents an exclusive once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be married at exclusive Bella Collina near Orlando on 07/07/07 - the luckiest date of the century! Only 7 couples will be able to take advantage of this special engagement...and, while time is of the essence, there are still a couple spots remaining and still time to get a Florida Marriage License. With that said...don't delay! Visit www.eventsbythebay.com and click on the Bella Collina link for more details.

So, whether you choose Northern Michigan or one of two great locations in Florida, always choose Events By The Bay!

7-7-07 Big day for weddings?

July 7, 2007 must be one of the biggest days in history for a wedding. A lot of couples must of had the same idea in selecting a date of 7-7-07. There are 38,000 weddings scheduled in the US for that day. We can probably forcast the plans of a lot of people on that day, are you attending a wedding?

Memorial Weekend Peninsula Wedding

On May 26th Purcell Photography traveled to Mapleton on Old Mission Peninsula. Our couple, Kristy and Joe, planned a wedding that was rich in local history and landmarks. The ceremony was at St. Joseph's Mapleton Catholic Church.

After the ceremony the wedding party traveled to the Old Mission Lighthouse photos. This landmark, with its unique beach setting, is one of our favorite sites to visit when we have a wedding on the peninsula.

The couple chose another historical landmark for their reception, Bowers Harbor Inn. Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour on the front patio area that incorporated wonderful views of the bay and the beautiful grounds .

The Bride and Groom received their guests in the backyard of the Inn under a large , beautifully decorated tent. Beneath the tent, guests were protected from the rain that finally came that evening. Everyone gathered around the couple for the cutting of their very impressive cake. Later our Groom and his groomsmen serenaded our lovely bride to music provided by Aardvark Sound.
~~Cathy,Purcell Photography BlogMaster

Happy Anniversary Kyle & Emily!

One year ago today, TV 7&4 held their dream wedding promotion which selected Traverse City Weddings as the official vendors for the dream wedding. The wedding took place on the Tall Ship Manitou set asail on West Grand Traverse Bay. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Park Place Hotel in downtown Traverse City. The weather couldn't have been nicer, mid 70's and lots of sunshine.

Photos by Purcell Photography.

Below is a Highlight Trailer Produced by Bay Area Video.

Rain on your wedding day = good luck!!

On Saturday May 19th it was a hot, humid day and Purcell Photography traveled to Frog Pond Village in Interlochen, MI. for Kristy and Todd's wedding. They say that it is good luck to have rain on your wedding day and we did have a few sprinkles, however the weather improved as the day progressed.

We were able to take advantage of the beautiful woodland setting for photos of the Groom and his groomsmen, as well as the Bride and her attendants before the ceremony.

All was well until the guests started to find their seats and sprinkles began to appear. Not to worry, Karen Snyder of Frog Pond Village was there in a minute with large white umbrellas. By time the couple made their return trip down the aisle as husband and wife, the rain had stopped.

After the ceremony, the Bride and Groom along with their wedding party, took a horse drawn carriage from Abraham's Carriage Service down to Ellis Lake for more photographs. "Joy" looked very regal as she transported our couple.

After a toast by best man, the guests enjoyed a wonderful meal, the couple had their first dance and,of course, cut their wedding cake.
~~Cathy, Purcell Photography