Yearly Archives: 2009

While I was in Mexico covering a wedding with photographer Angela Talley, Monica Richard of Detail + Design called us to ask if we could provide video and photos of Jennifer & Mike’s spectacular 11/1/08 wedding to submit for a PACE (Professional Achievement in Creative Events) award. The entries are judged by fellow ISES (International Special Event Society) members around the country. Little did I know that that phone call would result in IndyVisual winning our first-ever PACE Award!

The award was for Best Team Effort (Budget over $100,000), and was handed out recently at the 2009 PACE Award Ceremony & Celebration at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Our friends at Thomas Catering and Detail + Design asked if I could bring a camera to the event to capture some of their food and decor, and I was more than happy to oblige. Here’s the video – I even managed to squeeze in a few fun people shots!

No, these aren’t the DJs – it’s Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE!

As a “thank you” for helping him produce his “Perfect Host” DVD series, my good friend Jim Cerone generously invited me to be his guest at the Mobile Beat Las Vegas 2009 convention last week, where he was slated to speak all three days and launch the DVD. Clearly, I couldn’t pass up a free trip to Vegas, which I had never visited before.

The seminars were interesting – Jim’s as well as the ones touching on topics relevant to my business. Otis Day (“Shout”), the Archies (“Sugar Sugar”) and Vanilla Ice (“Ice Ice Baby”) were there to entertain the very people who keep their hits ringing in my ears every weekend. And the food – Buca di Beppo, Maggiano’s, plus my first Brazilian steakhouse experience – wow!

It was amusing to witness firsthand what a “rock star” Jim was. Packed seminars, autographs – we couldn’t walk ten feet without another admirer stopping him to chat. He’s obviously inspired a lot of people around the country. I also got a kick out of meeting the best of the best in the DJ industry and hanging with Indy DJs like Jon Bruce, Jesse Carruthers and Wes Adkins.

Vegas itself was a lot to take in, but a couple of walks up and down the Strip with the guys gave me a good primer for future visits. Without a doubt, the highlight of my trip was seeing LOVE, Cirque du Soleil’s mind-blowing interpretation of a story set to remixed Beatles music. It was just the creative jolt I needed to dig into our Mexico wedding edit this week!

Jim Cerone: Superstar! (Photo by Alan Trisler)

Our record 50th and final wedding of 2008 also marked our 11th visit to the Omni Severin Hotel last year (thanks for all the referrals, ladies!), where Sara & Jeff tied the knot on a beautifully mild day following a particularly cold week. Following the intimate ceremony, we crammed into a car with Janie of Alanna Photography to take advantage of the 60-degree weather and capture some fun moments on Monument Circle.

The dark decor provided by Steve’s Flowers & Gifts contrasted nicely with the Severin Lobby to create a festive seasonal ambiance during dinner, and the band First Impression kept the guests jazzed up for the remainder of the evening. As an added bonus, I got to say an extra goodbye to Sara & Jeff the next morning while enjoying Sunday brunch at the Omni before the Colts game.

Photo by Peter Thurin Photography

It’s been a crazy few weeks devoted to travelling for the holidays, getting ready for the January bridal shows, and now preparing for another destination wedding in Playa Del Carmen near Cancun in Mexico! Jennifer and Kevin were referred to me by photographer Angela Talley, and we’re all planning on lots of great location shots and good times at the Royal Haciendas Resort. Obviously I’ll keep this blog updated when I return with highlights from this and a few other weddings yet to be edited. Until then, adios!