Mason Jar Films

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:

Big 'O' Becomes Big '1'

This is my nephew Oliver.   I've been documenting his existence before he made his first appearance.   He just turned 1, and his party was the talk of the town (among 1 year olds) a few weeks back.

Bask in his goodness, bathe in his glow.

uncle jones

CeCe, 16mm Preview

I wanted to give CeCe's wedding film a variety of signature looks by choosing different film stocks to convey various moods, to deepen emotions, or to give a sense of place.

I also wanted to follow New Orleans tradition and throw in something for lagniappe since they allowed me to execute my vision to the highest degree.

The lagniappe in this case was a roll of 16mm film which I used to separate CeCe's first appearances in her dress from the dominant look of the overall film (super8). 

When a bride puts on her dress for the first time in front of her family and friends, it's a defining moment - it is one of the highest emotional peaks of the day, and you can see it in the faces of her bridesmaids.  I wanted to convey that heightened sense with a unique look, and the 16mm film worked magnificently to achieve that end.

For all of CeCe's and Trevor's friends, the password is the same as the last time. :->

jones

Event Design: Van Wyck & Van Wyck
Wedding Planners: Crescent City Consultants, Pat Denechaud
Ceremony: Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church
Bridesmaid's Luncheon: Galatoire's
Rehearsal Dinner: Arnaud's
Bridal: Vera Wang, provided by Mimi's
Photographer: Stephen Karlisch
Entertainment: Jimmy Church Band

All That Jazz

 

I'm in New Orleans for the next few days documenting a huge wedding event for a wonderfully friendly couple.

We kicked off the festivities with a Crawfish (boil) at the brother of the bride's house, then photographer Stephen Karlisch and I went to the French Quarter to get some shots to give a sense of place.

We ran across this wonderful jazz band, and I thought you might like to enjoy their talent as well.

Coincidentally, @ 47 seconds into the clip, the groom (blue shirt, hand on head), appeared out of nowhere and walks through the scene.  This random encounter led to many more adventures, and perhaps I'll have the time to share them with you someday.

jones

Event Design: Van Wyck & Van Wyck
Bridesmaid's Luncheon: Galatoire's
Rehearsal Dinner: Arnaud's
Photographer: Stephen Karlisch
Entertainment: Jimmy Church Band

Love Comes Home

It may surprise you to know that Austin, Texas is becoming quite the destination location for weddings.

Twice in the past year, I've had couples who met outside of Texas but chose to come to Austin for their wedding.

While I was in their respective cities on other business, I thought it neat to film them in the city in which their life together really began.  Subsequently, I would combine that with the story of the wedding day to round things out nicely.

Ashley and Vijai are my San Francisco couple, and while there story is too long to tell, it is  definitely worth hearing.  Perhaps I'll post it in their own words sometime.

jones

Ceremony and Reception: 4 Seasons, Austin
Event Planner: Denise Silverman, Soiree
Photographer: Diana M. Lott
Entertainment: Dysfunkshun Junkshun
Floral: Coby Neal, the Flower Studio

Brianna and Matt, closing

How much have I shown of Brianna and Matt's wedding on super8 film?  Not enough!

The final film is 30 minutes, and here's how it closes, with heartfelt toasts from throughout the rehearsal dinner and reception.

Brianna and Matt's are such a hip and kind couple.  I hope to show you more bits and pieces of their lovely super8 film in the weeks to come.

jones

Location: Villa Antonia
Photographer: Eclectic Images, Heather Mabry
Jazz Vocalist: Lynn Ross