Mason Jar Films

An Introduction to the Mason Jar

      
  Vintage Super 8 Films                          16mm Movies                           Digital Documentaries

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Somesha and Olivier, Film Preview

My French is a little bit rusty, but let me try.  "Je suis finis!"  Or is it "J'ai finis!"  Either way, C'est ne vrai, but it is almost time to ship Somesha and Olivier's film to France. 

In the meantime, enjoy the preview!

And to all of their friends in France, to answer the burning question in your mind, "yes, I will travel for you."

Salut!
jones

2nd Line: New Wave Brass Band
Photographer: Chris Williams, Zoeica Images
Ceremony: St. Louis Cathedral
Reception: Restaurant Galvez
Catering: Joel's
Reception Entertainment #1: Storyville Stompers
Reception Entertainment #2: Pierre Pichon Trio
Reception Entertainment #3: John Boutte and Leroy Jones
Reception Entertainment #4: Treme Brass Band

Katie and Jony, Intro

Kourt and I had a great time shooting for Katie and Jony on a laid back Sunday afternoon in June.  They held their ceremony inside the Gaylord Texan, which provides the best of both worlds - outdoor lighting coupled with indoor cooling - perfect for Texas summer weddings.

This was our first opportunity to work with the delightful couple of Kim and Steve Cooley from Carpe Vita Photography.  If these engagement shots of the couple are any indication, I can't wait to see what the created from the wedding event!

DJ Randal Stout kept the party hopping and the trains running on time (as usual)!.

Katie and Jony, thanks for having us along - Enjoy your preview, and know that your full documentary awaits before Georgia has their opener against Oklahoma State.

jones

Ceremony and Reception: Gaylord Texan
Photography: Carpe Vita
Master of Ceremonies: Randal Stout

Ellen and Clay, Intro

Ellen and Clay were married recently at St. Joseph's Downtown Church in San Antonio.  Kourtney reported to me that she "had never seen two families that love each other as much as these do."  Apparently, they go wayyyyyy back - there's a story there, and you'll see that fleshed out in later editions.

I always love a Texas A&M wedding - There was a big group of Aggies whooping it up at the reception, leading some yells and having some fun that you can only see in Texas.

Ellen and Clay (and Natalie), thanks for bringing us down to share in the unification of your wonderful families!

jones

Ceremony: St. Joseph's Downtown Church
Reception: Southwest School of Art and Craft
Photography: Greg Blomberg
Event Planner: Maria Morgan, Wedding Planners, Inc
Reception Band: Blind Date
Floral: Jennifer Wascher, Natural Journey Florist
Catering: The RK Group
Bridal Gown/Veil:  Warren Barron, Dallas
Linens: Cover That Up!
Reception Lighting: AVTech Support
Invitations: Invitations, Etc.

Carrie and David, Intro

Carrie and David were married this past Saturday at the Barr Mansion in Austin.  At first, the weather did not want to cooperate, but eventually, the sun could not resist smiling upon the happy couple and their guests.

But don't just take my word - watch the bright and shiny preview above!

Carrie and David, thanks for inviting us into your lives to document the best of times.

jones

Event Planner: Gina Whittington, Clink Events
Location: Barr Mansion
Photography: Heather Banks, Eclectic Images
Emcee: Josh Wilkinson, Penguin Entertainment
Lighting: Ilios
Floral: Prive Floral
Sugary Sweets: Michelles Patisserie
Rentals: Marquee Rents
Linens: BBJ
Hair and Makeup: Sasha Lemay
Photo Booth: Say Cheese

Mason Jar wins Top 25 All-Star Award

fast forward to 3:08

This morning, EventDV Editor-in-Chief continued to announce the EventDV25 All Star Team, the 25 Hottest and Most Influential Studios in the Industry.

I was honored to be recognized for the 2nd year in a row!!!

Special thanks to shooter/editors Kourtney Schopper and Chance Harris for making this business what it is today, and for all the readers out there who voted for the Mason Jar.

jones

No better words...

Adam has a way with words.  Isn't this how we should all feel about our significant other?  A fitting way to close their documentary and open their life together.

Sarah and Adam, it's been great getting to know you thru our brief rendezvous.  Thank you for having me along to document your beginnings.  All the best in life.

jones

Wedding Coordination: Kay Watson
Photographer: Gary Donihoo, f8 Studio
Rehearsal Dinner: Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Ceremony: St. Paul Episcopal
Reception: Waco Art Center
Reception Entertainment: Project Band
Project Band Lighting: Absolute Lighting
Catering: Bestyett Catering

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Gettin' it Done in Waco

The Waco crowd loves to party.

Sarah and Adam brought in the Project Band from Dallas, and they never disappoint!  Funk, R&B, pop, you name it, they play it.  Hire them if you get a chance and they'll give your guests an experience like no other.

Any jitters in the camera movement are due to my boogeying during work.

Enjoy!  Just don't let your boss catcha.

jones

Wedding Coordination: Kay Watson
Photographer: Gary Donihoo, f8 Studio
Rehearsal Dinner: Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Ceremony: St. Paul Episcopal
Reception: Waco Art Center
Reception Entertainment: Project Band
Project Band Lighting: Absolute Lighting
Catering: Bestyett Catering

Something Happened on the Way to the Alamo...

I ventured on down to San Antonio this weekend to attend Joan Hedley's 10th annual "Remember the Alamo" party.  It's a veritable who's who of Alamo enthusiasts, from re-enactors to politicians to a historians.  Even ole Fess Parker is known to drop in on Joan's backyard soiree when he's feeling well, with or without the coonskin cap.

When Sandra and Cid arrived and asked if I had seen Phil Collins milling about I was like, "ummm, whatever?"

But come to find out, the former drummer of Genesis has been a student of the Genesis of Texas for most of his life.

Since being involved in John Lee Hancock's movie The Alamo, I have been directing a documentary project on the stories of the lesser known defenders - those not named "Crockett," "Bowie," and "Travis" - interviewing their descendants and the extras that portrayed them in the movie.

Along with my team of researcher Ted Ground and producer Cid Galindo, we've put together quite a story.  On hiatus for the last year and a half, we're ready to dive back into it now that Cid is working his smooth magic to get Mr. Collins as our narrator:

 

Even though it appears that Phil is telling us to take a hike, not even Governor Perry could say no to Cid.  Phil is really just giving us all the reasons why this is a great idea.  "Reason #1..."

In the meantime, enjoy a ROUGH old trailer to the documentary:

Father of the Bride

Sarah and Adam's rehearsal dinner at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame was rife with heartfelt speeches.  I had so many from which to choose in creating their documentary.  Adam's father, Sarah's sister, Sarah's father, and many many more brought cheers and tears.

I get so touched every time I watch this clip and clips like it.  While fathers are protectors of their daughters, they can also become softies when giving them away. 

I don't know if I'll ever have a daughter to give away, but I believe in trying to communicate my emotion in the moment, I would be just like Dr. Lundeen :->.

jones

Wedding Coordination: Kay Watson
Photographer: Gary Donihoo, f8 Studio
Rehearsal Dinner: Texas Sports Hall of Fame
Ceremony: St. Paul Episcopal
Reception: Waco Art Center
Reception Entertainment: Project Band
Project Band Lighting: Absolute Lighting
Catering: Bestyett Catering

On the Line

I was in New Orleans this past weekend to document the uniting of Somesha and Olivier.  Somesha and Olivier live in Paris, France, but Somesha is originally from New Orleans, so she came home for her wedding.

The guests were a mixture of local family, family and friends from across the country, and an international contingent from France.  There is no language barrier, though, when it comes to New Orleans cooking and jazz music. When the 2nd line band started to blow their horns, leading guests to the reception, the music gave everyone the spirit!

Travel tip - While in New Orleans, stay at the Melrose Mansion between now and Jazzfest  and get a great deal!  Ask for a special price on the Miss Kitty room and you can have it for as little as $75/night.  You're two blocks from Bourbon Street and within walking distance of many fabulous restaurants.  I recommend Port of Call, right across the street. 

Special thanks to local producer Chad Dyle for coming out to shoot video for me while I handled the film.  I couldn't have done it without ya!

Thank you Somesha and Olivier for bringing me in.  I had a blast.  Can't wait to show you the film once it gets back from the lab.

jones

2nd Line: New Wave Brass Band
Photographer: Chris Williams, Zoeica Images
Ceremony: St. Louis Cathedral
Reception: Restaurant Galvez
Catering: Joel's
Reception Entertainment #1: Storyville Stompers
Reception Entertainment #2: Pierre Pichon Trio
Reception Entertainment #3: John Boutte and Leroy Jones
Reception Entertainment #4: Treme Brass Band