New Blog Site!

We have migrated from being lazy bloggers to getting ourselves more involved in communicating with our clients, friends and family by creating our new blog site at www.blog.lifestagevideography.com. We will be abandoning this blogger site and will only be posting at this new address, so be sure to follow us closely and update your RSS feed or bookmarks! Thanks for taking an interest in us and what we do!

New Blog Website Coming Today!

UPDATE: As of Monday morning, we are still waiting to launch the new blog site. We are having someone update some of the code and train us on some "back-end" stuff before we go live with it! Its ready....just not 'ready"!

If any of you out there have been faithfully keeping up with us on our blog, you will get to take advantage of one of our New Year's resolutions! You see, I love to write, so I figured I would be a great blogger. But, even though its a great thing that we are REAL BUSY over here making videos for everyone, we, or I, haven't had the time to commit to keeping everyone updated on what is going on regularly. Well, today we launch a brand spanking new BLOG that will be 50 times better than our current blog at Blogger. I know the anticipation is killing you, but you will just have to wait....

African Wedding Dance Party!

Its always fun for us to get out of the ordinary. And this wedding of Natasha and Sylvester up at Camp Lejeune Marine base was an exciting event to film! Sly's family comes from Sierra Leone, a small country on the Western Coast of Africa. I had never seen so many beautiful colors in the dresses and head pieces. I learned a great deal about how this family celebrates, and again, it was a pleasure to film. This clip below is off their DVD, and it showcases the dancing. The song is by music artist, Emmerson, who I had never heard nor edited to before. He is a pop icon in Sierra Leone, and has been one of the most popular to come out of that country. I thought it would be fun to edit to a new song, especially since the families had such a great time dancing to it at the reception. Enjoy!
(The quality of the video has been compressed for the web. In no way does this represent our actual "film-like video quality of an actual DVD we create.)

Award Winning Videography by Matt & Melissa Davis
Life Stage Videography

Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh, Crystal Coast, Charleston, and Myrtle Beach Wedding Videos

Whitney & Reggie's Wedding Movie

October 13th, 2007
Charlotte, NC

This had to have been one of the best weddings Melissa and I had filmed to date. The reasons were the weather, and of course the people. Beautiful fall weather and gorgeous fall colors made this outdoor "Southern" wedding a classic. When you are running around all day, it is refreshing when the weather is on your side. But one of the main reasons I had a blast editing this video was the fact that Reggie, the groom, LOVED to dance! Whitney did enjoy dancing just as much, as you can see, but its very rare that a groom dances for the majority of the reception, and is actually good at it! Enjoy the highlights and let us know what you think. Photography at the wedding was by Blair Phillips.



Life Stage Videography
Award Winning Wedding Videos
Matt & Melissa Davis
Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, NC - Charleston, Myrtle Beach, SC

Elizabeth & Ryan's Wedding Movie

October 6th, 2007
Charlotte, NC

I don't really do many country music highlights songs, but when the couples chooses their preferences, and its apparent that that song would best represent them, you can't go wrong! Elizabeth and Ryan were a very exciting and jovial couple to film. Very simple. Both aren't the type of people to "ham it up" in front of the camera, but that's where we come in and do what we do best! We blended in and got some real candid shots the whole day. They really know how to throw a party and be classy at the same time. Congratulations to you both, and thanks for inviting us into your wedding celebration! Photography at the wedding was by Tommy McCart.



Life Stage Videography
Award Winning Wedding Videos
Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington NC - Charleston, Myrtle Beach, SC

CongoCast.org

It's always good to be aware of bigger things going on around you. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own worlds that we forget about the place we all live in. How big it is, how beautiful it is, and how evil it is.
Melissa and I moved our business to Wilmington, NC about a year ago. We got connected with Port City Community Church very quickly because of their HUGE video ministry. Long before we arrived, though, two young women from our church packed up a few belongings, (even sold their home!) to go into the heart of Africa. They felt led to minister to the women and children that are being victimized by war, rape and a viral evil that is spreading throughout the villages. This isn't a new thing, as the Congo has just recently come out of a 10 year civil war where the dust still hasn't settled. But we are largely unaware of it all...
Wendy and Robin took off in faith, but not without a camera. Port City Church (PC3), with Evan Vetter directing the cause, is bi-monthly putting out a very raw and very real documentary account of these women's experience, and the truth that is out there. This documentary is in the form of Podcast videos available to view on the website and on itunes. I am humbled and fortunate enough to be a part of the editing team, as its our mission to get this story out to everyone. I am blogging to bring awareness. Please, go to the CongoCast website and view these podcasts. If you feel like you would like to make a difference, please consider our Maombi Mission Here. You can learn all about both the situation in Congo and our Call to Action on these websites. If you would like more information on how to donate your time and money in order to share the love of Christ with these hurting people, please visit our "Get Involved" page. Thanks for your interest and your prayers.

Lisa Brown of Bella Rose Photography

We were immediately impressed with the talent and professionalism of Lisa Brown, owner and photographer of Bella Rose Photography. As videographers, one of the first things we notice during the chaos of a wedding day is how well we work with the photographer. Its our goal to always coordinate with the photographer BEFORE the wedding day, so both the pictures and video come our beautifully, and the bride is happy too! But during this hot June day, we were grateful we were able to team up with Lisa. It made for a refreshing experience, and we want you to have the same! Go to her website and check out her style, but in the meantime, watch the video below to see what a bride and groom had to say first hand.



Life Stage Videography - Award Winning Wedding Videos for North Carolina & SC (Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, Myrtle Beach)

Bon Appetit- Wilmington's Finest Wedding Caterer

We had the pleasure of working with Gene Costa, owner and executive chef of Bon Appetit, this past summer. Not only are we (and everyone else here in Wilmington!) impressed with their artistry and unique flavor, but we have become friends. If you are still looking for the perfect caterer for your high class wedding reception, call Bon Appetit. We created a small testimonial video for them from the wedding we both did together. Check it out below.

Article on Wedding Videography

One of the best publications for brides and groom's alike in the Southeast is The Bride's Book. They asked us to write an article on the importance of wedding videography and what couples should know about wedding videos, most specifically here in the Southeast and North Carolina. You can pick up the current Fall/Winter Bride's Book publication at most major bookstores and grocery stores in the magazine section. Below is a link to the article. We hope you find it useful! And be sure to leave comments for others to add to it.

Life Stage Videography Article


Life Stage Videography - Award Winning Wedding Videos

Thanksgiving in California

Melissa and I are not only fortunate to have best friends, but we are also fortunate that our best friends live in sunny San Diego! We took a week off of videography to relax, catch up on old times, and eat some amazing food. Melissa also gave me a special birthday gift. We knew that if we went to San Diego, we must go to Sea World, but I was able to have an afternoon with the dolphins in the water! They are the coolest animals. They feel like wet rubber, and they have a very hilarious personality. Below is a video of myself "walking" a dolphin along with a few other pictures from our trip. Now we gotta get back into the swing of things and pump out the rest of our 2007 wedding videos for families to enjoy on Christmas morning...

9th Annual Battleship Half-Marathon

Every year, in honor of Veteran's day and the fine men and women who served aboard the USS North Carolina during WWII, the city of Wilmington hosts a 5K and Half-marathon to raise money and support for the Battleship and for numerous organizations both in the community and regionally. I have always enjoyed running as a form of exercise, but I had never ran farther than 6 miles at a time....UNTIL this past weekend! After training for a few months, I ran my first Half Marathon (13 miles) with the goal of eventually running a full (26 miles). We ran a beautiful route across all three river bridges, through downtown and to Greenfield Lake and back. When I was breathing to heavily, I actually enjoyed the scenery very much. Melissa was of course present to support me as I couldn't convince her to run with me. I finished at 2 hours. Of course I wasn't anywhere near the front of the pack, but I am just glad I finished with a respectable time. (Pictures to follow)

Your Wedding Videography Questions Answered

We know that the majority of people that come to our website (www.lifestagevideography.com) looking for a wedding video, have never had to "shop" for a wedding videographer before. We know that you might not know where to begin with your questions. Heck, you might not even know what wedding videography can be. You were just told by someone that you "must get a wedding video to preserve your memories." The video posted below is our solution to help you understand more about us and more about how captivating wedding videography can be. We have tried to address all the issues that you may be wondering about, and if we didn't please give us a call and Melissa or I would love to help make the planning a lot easier!



Matt Davis
Life Stage Videography
Wedding Videos for Wilmington NC, Charlotte, NC Raleigh, NC, Myrtle Beach, SC and Charleston, SC

Wedding Video Gift Registry

We hope to make it easier for everyone to be able to re-live their wedding day through the window of our unique videography. The form to the right will quickly allow friends and family to have a lasting contribution on a bride and groom's marriage by purchasing a portion of their Wedding Video. We use Paypal, a trusted and secure online checkout system, which you can easily use even if you don't have a PayPal account. Thank you so much for providing such a unique gift to your loved one getting married. It will last alot longer than anything you would have purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond!

Just Simply...

1. Enter Bride or Groom's Full Name
2. Enter Their Wedding Date.
3. Click on the "Buy Now" Button. You will be redirected to our checkout system and once processed you will receive a confirmation receipt. The bride and groom will also be notified that you have contributed to their video.

98% of Newlyweds Recommend Brides Get Their Wedding Filmed

If there's one thing newly married women today agree on, it's that future brides should have their weddings videotaped. This is according to a new, one-of-a-kind nationwide survey, commissioned by WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association) and conducted in December 2005, which asked women married in 2005 to weigh in on the value of wedding videos. The results of the survey show:

*98 percent of newlyweds recommend brides have their wedding videotaped.
*Brides don't appreciate the value of video until after the wedding: before the wedding, 52 percent of brides consider video a "Top 10" service; after the wedding, 75 percent of brides consider video a "Top 10" service.
*38 percent of brides did not have their wedding videotaped by anyone.
*68 percent now either somewhat or strongly recommend that future brides hire a professional videographer.
*98 percent of brides surveyed used the services of a professional photographer.
*29 percent of brides surveyed used the services of a professional videographer.
Those who used both agreed that video does a better job of
1) capturing the emotions of the day
2) recording the history of the day
3) creating a visual memory that future children will enjoy more.
When asked, "If you had a choice between looking at your grandparent's wedding photos or their wedding video, which would you choose?" 61 percent of brides said they would rather see the video.

* Excerpt from Article on www.WeddingDetails.com

Life Stage Videography Receives Regional Award!

Life Stage is honored and humbled to have received 2007 Reader's Choice Award from the Bride's Book, a highly respected and award winning bridal magazine for the Southeast. Over 1000 brides voted on which vendor was the best in the field and we were chosen as top videographers! Thank you so much to all our past and present couples and families who saw something different about us. We wouldn't have received this without you and your beautiful weddings!

You can visit the Bride's Book at www.thebridesbook.com for other wedding tips and vendors for your wedding. You can also visit our website at www.lifestagevideography.com

Life Stage Videography on the News

Life Stage Videography was featured on Wilmington's WECT NBC affiliate regarding our unique approach to wedding videography. It focused on the ease and importance of having a "highlights" video to be able to share and enjoy with friends and family. Take a look at the clip below.

Stewart Wedding - Southport, NC June 2nd, 2007

It has been a busy summer and we apologize for any that have been looking for updates from us over here in Wilmington! We have been able to witness some beautiful weddings here on the Cape Fear Coast. We are also including a brand new feature to allow ANYONE to see the weddings we have been a part of. The featured wedding DVD below is of April and Blaize Stewart. Be sure to check out the "Highlights" chapter as we were able to make a bad situation (rain), into a beautiful movie before them to enjoy for years. Thanks for checking it out.

Click Here to View Their Entire Wedding DVD

10 Things Your Wedding Planner Won't Tell You

I ran across an interesting article on Yahoo! today and I thought it might benefit local brides.
Click the link below to check it out.

10 Things Your Wedding Planner Won't Tell You

Matt Davis
Life Stage Videographer

Wedding Videos Aren't What They Used to Be

We know what you are thinking. The general consensus regarding wedding videos and their importance brings us way back to the nightmare of long, boring and un-interesting video footage. We have been brought up thinking, "Oh, I hope they don't make us sit down and watch the whole thing."

Being in the wedding video industry, I NOW personally take offense to that...
Why do we automatically assume that a wedding video will be just like watching your 5th grade piano recital Uncle Milton taped?? Why doesn't the term "wedding videography" cause us to think of glamorous film and Hollywood movies that grip us?? Well, I decided to do my best to change that.

Wedding videos don't have to be like that. Your memories and your best days don't deserve that negative connotation. The video industry is constantly changing. Any videographer that has even remained filming in the style of late 1990's or even early 2000's is too late. WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY ISN'T WHAT IS USED TO BE. And I have made it my mission to constantly evolve my style in filming and editing to evoke emotion, and engage everyone into the lives of those celebrating their wedding day. After all, isn't that the reason behind investing into a video? It's no mystery that wedding videography (good, creative videography) isn't cheap, as it shouldn't be. It's important, and it takes a lot of work to create a glimpse into that day of your life that doesn't just sit on the shelf. It is meant to be shared....it is meant to be enjoyed. Why is it that we all enjoy snuggling up on a couch and watching the latest movie? It's because we want to escape into that world...to relate to those characters in a way that touches our soul. Why should a wedding video be any different? That is our drive in creating videos for our couples...you should be able to feel the emotion, taste the champagne, hear the love, and smell the excitement as you view your video, and others witness it. If you haven't truly considered the value of a video, consider how you'd feel having it later. And if you make the decision to have one, be sure it tells the story of your wedding, and your life...in a real and genuine way. You don't have to settle for boring wedding videography any longer...

Wedding Photography Vs. Wedding Videography

We all love great photography and there is no doubt a skilled wedding photographer will produce some memorable and attractive images of your day. However we believe the art of wedding videography goes much further than this, because it can provide you with a living record that embodies all the spirit, fun and events which make up your day. Unlike wedding photographers, we do not generally set up shots, but rather quietly capture the more relaxed and spontaneous aspects of the occasion. Our behind-the-scenes role enables us to respond to events as they unfold, without the inhibiting attention of the camera lens. Consequently a wedding video gives you the chance to relive events, see things you may have missed and so provide a fresh and enjoyable perspective. Finally, the creative combination of moving images and sound has the potential to lift you way beyond the still image, moving you with its meaning, beauty and insight. Of course, photography has great power too, but we do not feel you can easily exchange these two great media.