Wish Upon a Wedding: a fantastic experience

The amazing people behind the scene who were an integral part of this special occasion:

When my good friend Elisheva from a bride's best friend contacted me and asked if I would be willing to participate in Wish Upon A Wedding, I was interested immediately. This non-profit organization generously grants the wishes of brides and grooms who are affected with terminal illnesses. Having lost both of my parents to cancer, participating in this event was very meaningful.
I'm so honored I had the privilege to document Winnie and Joe's day. Winnie was glowing when Joe saw her the first time, and Joe kept murmuring love notes to his gorgeous bride during the photo session.
The experience? Inspired and beautiful, and a blessed event filled with great food, fancy footwork on the dance floor and fond memories.
To learn more about Joe and Winnie and to find out more about Wish Upon a Wedding, please follow the link: Wish Upon A wedding

The amazing people behind the scene who were an integral part of this special occasion:

Venue: Campbell Hall and Gardens, Sausalito, California

Wedding Planner: MB Wedding Design & Events

Photographer: Colson Griffith
Videography (love story): AK Films

Videography (Day of Event): Cinematt

DJ: Sound In Motion

Flowers: Michael Daigain Design

Linens: Napa Valley Linens

Cake: The Cakemaker

Hair and Makeup: Katie Nash Beauty

Today's Bride San Francisco | Cover shoot | Palace Hotel

I Can't believe it's been 3 weeks since my last blog. It seems 2013 is going fast and furious. For the Past two weeks I have been away filming in Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas. A full 14 days that gave me the opportunity to film a great cause, an amazing wedding and an outstanding conference. I will touch on those at a later time.
But today, I wanted to take a minute to share this great shoot: Today's Bride SF cover shoot. I was lucky to be part of it with my good friends Andrew Hsu from Studio MSV and Caroline from Tinywater, who contacted me to do the video for it.
Armando was in charge of Make up and Hair, and Jonathan from Asiel designs was in charge of set up and artistic directive.
Thank you so much for the opportunity and here is the film I put together.



Location: Palace Hotel
Photographers: tinywater photography, Studio MSV
Bridal Gown: Nouvelle Vogue
Make up and hair: get your do up
Cake: Jen's cake
Set designer: Asiel Design

You are engaged. Congratulations. Let's start the planning!

With Valentine's day looming around, many couple are getting engaged and are starting planning their wedding. But where do you start? Well usually the first thing you want to book is a venue. Enter Beyond Blu Bungalow.
Blu Bungalow is the event planning studio in San Francisco. Her owner and founder Hazel Antonio Bourget has assembled a collection of artists, including yours truly, to help couples plan for their event. Off course you could think I'm biased because I'm part of it, but Blu Bungalow is really a great idea. You get to walk in into a beautiful studio dedicated to weddings, and anchored by artists who truly love wedding. There is no pressure in booking any of us. We are here to help you and guide you through the process. I've said it before and I say it again, I don't think you can be good at what you do, even more so great at what you do, unless you really love what you do.

The idea behind beyond Blu Bungalow Tour was to provide engaged couples with the possibility to showcase firsthand some of the best venues the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. It is guided by a professional wedding planner and allows couples to learn more about the venues in a very relaxed, fun filled adventure.

The first tour took place this past Sunday in Sonoma Napa area and I was lucky enough to go along and put together a little promo which will allow you to better understand the process.

Take a few minutes to watch it and hopefully join us on the next two tours, which will be held in San Francisco this coming Sunday February 17th, and in the Peninsula on February the 24th. If you would like to register, you can do so right here

Particular shutout to Melanie Duerkopp who was there to capture some beautiful pictures of the Napa-Sonoma tour

If you would like to learn more about blu bungalow. Just click here
Thanks for watching and we hope to see you soon.
Matthieu

Grand Hyatt | Luxury redefined | promo film

A few months back I was contacted by Grand Hyatt to film the reopening of their lobby, a 70 millions dollars renovation.

The result is nothing short of astonishing with one of a kind lobby for the centrally located union square hotel.

Some of the features that really stood with me was the feel you get when you enter the lobby. It's very lounge-like and you feel more in a spa retreat than anything else. the fire place and the comfortable couches make for a great space for conversation and rendez-vous. The coffee station is a definite plus a to enjoy a great latte or other cappuccino. The front desk is very unique and the shape reminds you more of the control board of the Enterprise ( for you fans of Star Trek) than a front desk.

But the big ticket item for the hotel is definitely their new restaurant and bar called One Up. it's located on the Mezzanine and to access it you need to walk a 10,000 lbs stair case made of one piece, which required the removal of the front window in order to install it.

Once you reach the level you are greeted by the restaurant on the left, which offer California cuisine with a French twist. It's delicious. To connect the restaurant on the left and the bar on the right, you must walk through an amazing wine wall, where liquor and spirits are set up. A couple of LCD touch screen allows you to go through the collection and learn more about what you are drinking. It's modern, elegant, and most of all really inviting. The bar offers great cocktail from the past as well as some new ones that are sure to satisfy your palates.

A big thank you to Colson Griffith Photography for putting my name out there, and a big thank you to Lana Palmer for composing the music for the piece.

Nicole and Vince | Short film | San Francisco City Club

Nicole and Vince are one cool couple. Upon meeting with them, I felt this instant connection that makes you want to give your best effort on the day of. And the day did not disappoint. Their stunning wedding reception was held at beautiful San Francisco City Club.

St. Matthew Episcopal in San Mateo, the church they had chosen, was a bit of a challenge as upon arrival and to my surprise, I was told only one cinematographer with one camera was able to film there. But we made lemonade with Lemon, and Robb and Dennis were able inconspicuously get the recording, while I had to shoot from the front only. 

One really neat thing about this wedding is all the personal touches they had which made it so special for them, their family and friends. In the morning prep Nicole's mom was putting together an album pictures retracing her life, while the guys were getting ready enjoying some yummy cooking from Chef Vince. Did I mention that this former star football guard for St. Patrick High school is also an accomplished chef. Another special touch was their favor which were personalized bottle of Olive oil. And Lindsay's speech, Nicole maid of honor who was born 13 hours apart and have been friend ever since was very emotional.
Enjoy their short film.

Nicole and Vince | short film | San Francisco City Club from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Venue - San Francisco City Club - Lauren Schardt
Ceremony - St. Matthew Episcopal Church
Photography - Lynn Kai Chao
Dj: Elite Entertainment - Maurice
Flower: Kiwi DeVoy
Coordinator - MJ Serafica

Happy New year 2013

And here we are! 2013. And with this new year I wanted to share with you some new films. We have been hard at work during 2012 and life has been a whirlwind of events and emotion, and I have to say I let the blog on the side for a while. But 2013 is here and good resolutions are supposed to take place. So let's start it with a bang!
As I said earlier 2012 just flew by me like never any other year. In summary, I got married in June to my beautiful wife Regina in my home country France, then took a quick honeymoon to Italy to visit Rome and Florence for the first time.

I shot about 25 weddings, another 10 corporate events, which ranged from real estate videos to world wide conferences about agriculture and economics to grand reopening of hotels, which will be on the blog in the next few weeks. And I have been working on revamping cinematt, but this is to be revealed in a near future when we are completely ready.

But my biggest accomplishment of all, besides my wedding,  is that Regina and I became homeowner in San Francisco, and for the young 21 year old French student who came to learn English at University of South Florida, with a set goal of staying in the US, this is definitely my biggest achievement and a way to reinforce myself I made the right decision when I embarked January 4, 1995 for Tampa -18 years ago to the day!

So for 2013, my biggest wish is that we get to tell more amazing wedding stories of couples such as Ning and Tim, who will be our first posting of the year.
The first time I talked to them via Skype, I knew we were going to click perfectly. This fun and creative couple - Tim proposed on a mini golf course - found me on here comes the guide. They were down to earth and the kind of persons I want to work with. Tim described Ning as beautiful cute, and hard working, and Ning see Tim as Silly, thoughtful and a sports fanatic. And when I asked them what they were the most looking for on their wedding day, their response was "being married to my best friend and starting their journey together". So here is their teaser trailer and as usual do not hesitate to comment.
Merci et bonne année a toutes et tous.
Matthieu

Ning and Tim | Pacific Athletic Club | Highlight recap from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.



Ceremony: Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
Reception: Pacific Sports Resorts Redwood Shores
Coordinator: A Touch of Grace
Photographer: Wayne and Angela
Make up + Hair: Luxe Image
Cake: Satura Cakes
Dessert: Pacific Cookie Company
DJ: Big Fun

Same Day Edit | Ashley & Noah | The Lodge at Sonoma. Sonoma, California

The challenge to create a same day edit is to find the initial spark to create the storyline and tell the story as it naturally unfolds throughout the day.
When Ashley and Noah told me they were reading their own vows, I knew immediately that they would be my anchor point throughout the film. For this couple from Hawaii, who enjoy good food and wine, the Lodge at Sonoma was the perfect setting for their destination wedding.  They got ready in charming cottages and held their outdoor ceremony on the lawn surrounded by exotic flowers. It was the perfect setting to gather their family and friends to proclaim their love.
Some of my favorite elements were the personalized hangers for Ashley's bridesmaids, as well as for both mothers. It was really eye-catching to film multiple custom made hangers rather than just one for the bride.

While the boys were dealing with their Handkerchiefs, the girls were busy toasting the soon-to-be-happy couple with their personalized  shot glasses.

The ink trees and the card placements were definitely another originality, that made the wedding unique and personal.

Their photo session at Train Town right across the Renaissance Hotel, was just plain fun and unexpected. We had great light, awesome rides, and beautiful eye candy. What else can you ask for more?

Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events, their coordinator made sure everything went smoothly. Kevin with Denon and Doyle  had the crowed going.  Mauricio from Chrisman Studio was really a pleasure to work with. The guy is so talented. You can just tell from his demeanor and behavior throughout the day that they will have amazing pictures. I can't wait to see them myself. I hope we will get to work alongside soon.

Thank you to my team for helping throughout the day. I hope you will enjoy their film.

Ashley and Noah | Same Day Edit | The Lodge at Sonoma from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Erin & Jared | teaser Trailer | San Francisco Ferry Building

Jared and Erin had a fun wedding at the San Francisco Ferry Building and before you watch the teaser trailer, here is a bit of their story. SF Ferry Building was not their first choice as their original plan was to have the wedding reception at Golden Gate Club, and the ceremony at Chapel of Presidio.

However, two weeks prior to the event, they found out the weekend they had picked to say their "I do" happened to be the same weekend the City of San Francisco decided to destroy Doyle Drive. So with the idea of Bulldozers, wrecking ball and others cranes ruining the setting, they had to find another venue for both ceremony and reception. In ten days they turn their misfortune into a grand affair.

Their rehearsal dinner was held at the San Francisco Yacht Club. I met some of the funniest and some of the cleverest groomsmen. Their beautiful bridesmaids were a lot of fun to hang on with and I really felt being part of the gang.

On top of that,  Napata and The Chocolate Kisses rock the evening with great soul and R&B music. Their family and friends were elated and danced until the end wanted more.

Some of my favorite elements on that day were:

The button pin they had created for themselves and their friends in family for the rehearsal dinner. They all were unique with different sentences that described each member of their bridal party.

The hilarious best men speeches at the same dinner.

Their adorable Bulldog. She was so friendly and a key element to the day for one of my favorite shot.

The first look at Hotel Vitale with The Sf Ferry Building in the background, provided great emotion for Jared to see his beautiful wife in her wedding dress for the first time.

Napata and the kisses surprising the couple with an A cappella version of "Oh Happy Days" at the end of their ceremony

Congrats to the both of them, and enjoy their teaser trailer, a taste of what is to become their feautre film.

Erin and Jared | teaser | SF Ferry Building from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Reception Venue: San Francisco Ferry Building

Ceremony Venue: Calvary Presbyterian

Photographer: Lindsey Stafford

Makeup Artist: Sophia Coyne

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Laura Morales McDonald

Cake Baker: Susie Cakes

DJ: Colin Guthrie

Band: Napata and the Chocolate Kisses

Contact Information

Another wonderful letter

I love my work, LOVE it. It's so rewarding to be there when 2 people say I do. You witness the most important of moment in their life and their love for each other. It's a milestone that I feel privilege to witness, 20 to 30 times a year. Each one is unique. Each story is different and my goal as a cinematographer is to be able to bring the day back to them, as authentic and candidly as possible.
So when I received the following email from Elisa and Michael, I felt like a million box!

hi Matthieu!

You have no idea how much times we watched it over and over again last night (or maybe you do)!

We love it!  It was really like re-living one of the happiest moment of our lives!  Thank you for capturing and putting it into a very personal and touching story.  Elisa and I wanted to properly write you a thank you email, but we watch the video till mid-night, and I have to go back to the lab and finish my work.  We still need to properly write you about how we felt about the video.  But for now, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Enjoy their story as much as I enjoyed seeing it unfloding.

Bonne journée.

Matthieu

Thank you to Jeremiah and Robb for doing such a great job on the day of, and a special thanks to Emma and Alfred Salom for referring me to Elisa and Michael. I love working with you guys, and hope we can do it again soon.

Photographer:

Alfred and Emma Salom 

Ceremony Location:

Bancroft Hotel

Caterer:

Hong Kong East Ocean Restaurant

Florist:

Virginia Ho, S&V Collections

DJ or Band:

ceremony: Frank Diaz, SF style string

reception: eone production

• 
  

Sarah and Michael |Vintners Inn, Sonoma | Highlight Film

Making a wedding film, takes every fiber of your body and soul. It is a draining process. You concentrate on the couple on their story and within 10 minutes you try to tell the most compelling story you can. It's not an easy process, and sometimes it takes days, even weeks to get you started. I've always think that strong beginning and strong ending were the key to a great film, as the beginning is the one to hook you into it, and the ending is what allows the film to really flourish.
In the case of Sarah and Michael, I felt that the best way to go at it was to start with Michael's vow, and finish with Sarah's vows. I felt they would carry their story well, and will help the audience understand who they were as individuals and a couple. I hope you will enjoy it, and as usual any feedback or comments is welcome. So without further ado I present to you Sarah and Michael's wedding film. Enjoy


music licensed through songfreedom.com and themusicbed.com

Fizz and Frills 2011 at Blu Bungalow

In August of 2011 Utterly Engaged, the first online wedding magazine , and Lovely Jubilee held the first ever Fizz and Frills - a wedding market for brides - at Blu Bungalow. It was a huge success, and I was lucky to be part of this great event.
In September of 2012, Lucia, Henny and Wilmarose are doing it again this time in So Cal area. So if you are interested in participating or coming to see what it is all about, here is a short film I put together for them. The idea behind it was to explain why Fizz and Frills, and how it is different from a regular wedding fair. I hope you will enjoy it, and we look forward to seeing you either as an exhibitor or a bride to this marvelous event.
Bonne journee a tous et toutes



You can find a list of all the sponsors right here: all our sponsors 
 And if you would like to participate , just follow this link 

Gwen and Jason | San Francisco City Club | Short Film

Where to start with Gwen and Jason wedding. To make a long story short, Jason and I go way back, in fact 1999 when I first came to SF. I met him through the intermediary of friends, and he helped me to settle down in San Francisco, even though he didn't know me much but felt he had to do this to help me find my roots. That's the kind of guy Jason is. Always will ing to help you, even if he has is own problem to deal with. He is definitely one of the most generous guy I have known.

We've always joked that when he get married, I would be his cinematogapher. But life took different turns and we lost sight for a while so when he contacted me to shoot his wedding I was a)stunned, b)happy. "I told you you would shoot my wedding. I'm a man of my words." he told me. And he is. So it's with great pleasure, and a bit of delay that I would like to introduce to you Gwen and Jason short film.

I hope you will enjoy it, and don't hesitate to leave a comment.. If you like what you see you can definitely post it on your Facebook page, and like us at www.facebook.com/likecinematt.

Merci et Happy Valentine's day!

Music licensed through themusicbed.com and songfreedom.com

Reception Venue: san francisco city club

Photographer: andy lo

Rentals: classic party rental

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Lauren Geissler - Downey Street

Flowers & Decor: Jamie Reyes Floral

DJ: Ernesto Evangelista

Taylor and Joseph – Short film – Los meganos, Brentwood, CA

Where to start about Taylor and Joseph’s wedding? Well for starter it was a repeat, since I had shot Taylor’s brother’s wedding last year. Therefore, a lot of familiar faces for me in this wedding. It’s always nice to come and people recognize you and praise you on the last film you did for them. It’s also added pressure as you know the expectations are going to be high and there is no way you want to let them down.

But with a great setting at beautiful  Los Meganos Club in Brentwood, and a great team, very touching vows, and great speeches from friends and family, this wedding had all the elements you want to create a memorable wedding film. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy putting it together. Thank you for watching and happy holidays to all of you.

Matthieu


Reception Venue: Club Los Meganos
Wedding Coordinator: Dante Thomas
Photographer: Ashley Cain, Cain Photography
Caterer: Cafe Soleil
Florist: Diane O'Brien, Ribbons and Roses

• 
  

Reva and Mark - Carneros Inn - Napa

When Reva and Mark contacted me last year for their wedding, I was really excited. First they were getting married at Carneros Inn, it was a really intimate wedding, they were working with a great coordinator, and for them it was a destination wedding since they live in Chicago.
As soon as I met them, I knew it was a match made in heaven. Reva was bubbly and definitely excited about having a beautiful film. Mark was very candid and had sparkles in his eyes when he was telling me about their engagement story. Just taking to them I was giddy with excitement filming their special day.
And the day came. The sun took a while to decide to show up but it made their wedding even more special and even better than what i had anticipated. Great friends, great stories with some of the most touching speeches I have yet to hear at weddings, and some good dancing with an amazing DJ
This is their full feature and I hope I will be able to keep you entertained for 20 minutes.
Off course, and as usual your comments are welcome so don't hesitate.
Merci et bonne journee a tous et toutes.

coordinator: Kelly McLeskey-Dolata
Photographer: Alicia Todd
Location: Carneros Inn
Entertainment: Dj Sam Isaac
officiant: Rev. Bill Hutchinson
florist: Julie Stevens Design
cake artist: Inticing Creations 

Barbara and Wayne - Legion of honor - San Francisco

With the year winding down, so do videos.
Wayne and Barbara contacted me through their wedding coordinator Patty Lee of 8 events. I have worked several time with Patty and it's always a pleasure to have a true event planner professional working with the vendors and the couple to make sure everything goes without a problem. If you are on the verge of hiring one, please definitely consider it as it makes everyone's life easy.
On that note Barbara and Wayne both live on the other side of the Globe in Shanghai to be precise, so meeting was not an option. But through constant communication, I was able to have a good picture of this great couple and their elaborate wedding at Legion of Honor. So when I met them on the day of, I felt like I already knew them. I knew they had put a lot of thoughts in every little detail and I wanted to make sure that their film encompass all of these to really let their personality shine.
On top of that their officiant was their close friend so it made the ceremony even ore special.
I hope you enjoy their recap.




I would like to give a special shutout to Henry Kim with Big Fun DJ, as well as F.C Wong who was their photographer and capture the day beautifully.