Class Acts From Upstate Bridal Association Members

Hey-Lo.

The one thing that makes me happier than filming weddings is filming weddings where Tasteful Elegance is the wedding cake vendor. And yesterday, I could not have been happier to see Cheryl walk in the door with her cake supplies. Everyone was ga-ga over the cake. And the bride's mother even let me take some of the leftovers home...WOO HOO

When we arrived at the Hilton Garden Inn at Destination Pointe, we were greeted by Deborah Hood who was more than accommodating to us in regards to assisting us with our projector and screen. On another note, the food here was extraordinary. If you have your reception here, check out their Blazin Bill's Bar-B-Que Brisket. I know that does not sound "elegant" but the flavor was fantastic. Not to mention their Crystal Ball Room always looks like Royalty.

Yesterday we had the privilege of filming the wedding of Shanon and Charlie. We had a blast...almost literally. There was a gas leak at the Hilton Garden Inn and they were forced to evacuate the entire hotel. This happened about 10 minutes before 11:00...when the even was scheduled to end. I was amazed on how each and every person working with Deborah knew their evacuation procedures and were able to get everyone out without incident.

John Johnson from Lifetime Entertainment was the DJ for the evening and he was the one who made the announcement. According to his contract, he was obligated to play up until 11:00pm. There was only 10 minutes left for him to play when we had to clear the building. When this happened, pretty much 90% of the remaining guests left completely.

Well about 15 minutes after we had to leave, the fire department gave us the all clear.

When we got back upstairs, there was only about 10 guests left. John kept playing for them for more than a half hour when he did not have to. According to his contract, he could have packed up an gone home. Instead he made the choice to stay and end the night the way it should have...with a party.

John and Lifetime Entertainment are an example of what being a member of the Upstate Bridal Association is all about. It is acts of kindness such as this that makes me proud to be a member too.

Peace,

Mike

What is a Role Model?

Hey-lo.

I just wanted to take a minute to tell you about a role model of mine. His name is Michael Sweet. 20 some odd years ago, I started listening to a band name Stryper, and have not stopped yet. Back in those days, I was an expiring rocker and Stryper was the one band that I wanted to be in. I learned to play guitar as a direct result of Stryper's music. And the best part is that they are a Christian Metal band. As a kid I had Stryper posters all over my room. I even performed as them in a Lip Synch show in high school.

Fast forward several years and as the music scene changed from heavy metal to grunge to alternative to who knows what now...I continued to listen to Stryper on an almost daily basis. If you are a guitar player, whether you are into Christian music or not, I promise you would love what Michael Sweet and Oz Fox have done on every recording.

During the 90's Stryper was no longer a band and the members went their own ways and eventually there was a Michael Sweet solo album so the music continued to roll. Around this time VH1 was airing shows like "Where Are They Now?" which mainly showcased metal band members and what they do now. It was amazing how many talked about rehab, jail, drugs, etc... and how unhappy they really were, although during the 80's they lived like kings...so we thought anyway.

Then finally Stryper was showcased on the show. It was amazing how everyone was for the most part happy with their lives. Michael showed the cranberry bogs he worked at, and the family summer camp. No drug stories...no rehab. You could tell that he was honestly happy.

During this time I had the distinct honor of getting to hang out with him for a good part of the day. I got to ask him about the good old days, other rock stars, etc... Also on this day I got to know the person who I for a lack of a better word, idolized, as a kid. I also got to meet Kyle, his wife.

One common thread amongst people who are high profile ministers is that there is always a dark cloud of doubt looming over their heads. Many people do not trust tv preachers because of the scandals that many have fallen into, and or started on their own.

On this day, I had the chance to attend church with Michael and his family. I had the chance to see him in a crowd of people, probably none of them remembered Stryper, bought a CD, and most defiantly never stood in line for hours to see them in concert like I did.

I got to see that Michael is the person I thought him to be. I got to see that he had been 100% genuine all this time. Michael is the real deal. I kind of felt like I got to see how a magic trick was done. I can still hear in my head him singing "How Great Thou Art" with just him and an acoustic guitar. I will never forget this day as long as I live. In fact, the picture above was taken on this day. Note: The guitar that I am holding is one of the same guitars that Michael played live. I have seen that guitar a bazillion times in concert.

Well time moved on and like all the other bands that were reuniting again, Stryper made it's way back to the stage again. I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I found out they were coming within 4 hours of where I lived.

Move time forward again, Stryper released a new studio album called "Reborn" which was fantastic. But right after that Michael also released another solo album called "Him". This was not a rock album by any shape or form. This was an album of hymns. Michael released this record to promote God...not Michael Sweet. The Stryper train at this point is starting to take off and get momentum. Festivals in Europe want to book Stryper. There is a forum where fans post on daily. For me, life cannot get any better than this. In a day where rock is decent, my favorite band Stryper is back for good.

Now, this is the reason why I decided to write this. Over the last year or so, Michael's wife, Kyle, was diagnosed with cancer. She had to endure chemo therapy which has left her sick. Right before her chemo, Stryper was scheduled to go into the studio to record another album to get ready for another tour.

Michael did what any decent human being should do. He postponed the Stryper album to be with Kyle during what was going to be a very hard time for them, and their kids. Michael would sing songs to her while she was home. Or she would hear him in their studio downstairs. Michael recorded an album for her called "Touched" These are the songs that he was singing to make her feel better.

The fact that he put off his "Rock Stardom" to be with his wife is just another reason why he has been, and always will be my role model.

Every week, as I am filming your wedding and when I hear the words "...through sickness and in health...through good times, and bad...through plenty and in want..." I will always think of Michael and the example he is.

Peace,

Mike

Kalita and Myles

Hey-Lo,

Yesterday Tammy and I had the honor of filming the wedding of Kalita and Myles. I could not believe how beautiful the wedding was. The flowers, the colors of the dresses, the music...every little detail was flawless.

Their wedding director/coordinator Latasha Anderson had every detail of the wedding laid out in perfect detail.

The reception that followed was an art of perfection as well. I would definatly recomend Latasha for your wedding. 704-649-7282. Just tell her that Mike sent you.

Peace,
Mike

Vegas Trip

Hey-Lo Tammy and I just returned from Las Vegas and we had a blast. The entire trip was picture perfect.

The highest temperature was 80 and the coolest was 65.

It does not matter if you drive a rental car, ride the bus, take a cab, or even ride the monorail...the one thing you will do a lot of is walk. This was actually a good thing, I don't think I did that much cardio in one year as I did this week. Even Carrot Top made fun of this in his show. Speaking of shows... When you are in Vegas, be sure to see Carrot Top...OK I know that he is my friend and I am biased about him...but his show really is funny and you will not be disappointed. He is also the coolest celebrity that you will ever meet. If you know of another star that is as down to earth as Carrot Top...please let me know I would love to meet them too. I first met him in 1995 and he is as down to earth now as he was then...even after 20 years of success in the entertainment business it has not gone to his head. Congratulations bud.

Well...as luck would have it I got to meet another celebrity that was equally as cool...Criss Angel

On Tuesday we were walking out of the hotel and I saw a production crew setting up lights, cameras, monitors, and other misc production equipment. We were wondering what they were filming and then it was very apparent what was about to happen. Being that I am a huge fan of the show I recognized JD from Mindfreak talking on his cell phone and I knew that I was about to see a taping of Criss Angel Mindfreak. Criss has always been one of my favorite performers hands down. In fact my cousin, R.T. and his wife Jeanne was his lighting production team along time ago when Criss had a show in New York. More about them later... So needless to say I was very excited about this.

So about 20 minutes later the production crew has everyone lined up to where they needed everyone and was giving last minute instructions such as no cameras, when you see Criss start yelling etc. So then the moment finally comes and Criss pulls up in a customized Rolls Royce. This car was fantastic. The shot that they filmed was for the new Season 4. Long story short, he brings out this luggage cart from the hotel...you know the ones that are brass and have a spot to hang your clothes on top and are carpeted on the bottom. Plus they are impossible to move the way you need them to. Anyway...he puts a sheet over the entire rack and it is now completely covered. He lifts the sheet again and still the cart is empty. He no sooner drops the sheet again...yells NOW...and yanks the sheet off to reveal a lady under the sheet. OK...I was about 5 feet from him and I cannot figure out how in the world he did this. It was very cool to see a magician of this level perform a trick of that skill level right in front of your eyes.

On Thursday I ran into Costa, Criss's brother walking through the hotel making our way to the production office for Mindfreak. This is the place to go if you want to catch a glimpse of Criss and the crew buzzing about making their TV show. Right across form the office is the Mindfreak Store, where you can get Mindfreak goods. While there, I saw Costa and his mom just hanging out so I decided to go hang out with him instead of the crowd over by the office. During my conversation with Costa I asked if he remembered my cousin R.T. Larson? R.T. is a play on words from his real name...Carl Arthur - Artie - finally R.T....get it? Anyway a long time ago my cousin R.T. owned and operated one of the best lighting companies in the USA called Lightcraft. Some of his clients were Whitney Houston, Guns N Roses, TF Hunter, and Criss Angel/Angel Dust.

Well I asked Costa if he remembered R.T.? As soon as I mentioned his name, Costa's eyes lit up almost like a child who just saw Santa Claus. For the next few minutes Costa took me down memory lane and the beginnings of Criss's professional career. Then it came time for him to get back to work into the production office...which has a huge glass front so you can see right in. I could see Costa inside talking to Criss and pointing my way. I knew that I was going to get my chance to meet him... Then shortly after the doors opened and Criss came out and everyone that was waiting outside rushed in like a lions on a fallen antelope. And there my chance to meet him faded away much like a balloon that lost it's air and is now flying around the room. I saw Costa and he said he was sorry about the crowd and he tried. I told him no problem and that I was honored that he even tried because that was above and beyond. So I watch Criss and his entourage walk briskly towards their shoot when suddenly Criss stopped the "parade" because he wanted to quickly say hello to me. He introduced himself asked how R.T. and Jeanne was and signed a deck of his playing cards. I was a little numb to be honest. I had never been singled out by a celebrity, that I did not know on a first name basis before, who remembered while have a bazillion other things on his mind that I wanted to meet him. There was so much that happened on this trip that was awesome too.

Tammy and I shot a wedding outside of the Venetian Hotel. Fantastic setting right in front of where the Gondolas board with the water and hotel as the back drop.

Overall we walked...no joke...over 10 miles a day walking from through each hotel, parking lots, etc... I cannot even feel the tops of my legs. On our first night there, we ate at the Top Of The World at the Stratosphere. This is the place to bring a date. The view was fantastic and the food was out of this world. There are so many places to eat while in Vegas I cannot wait to go back and just to visit them all. The other cool thing about Vegas is the hospitality. I have yet to see service in a restaurant here in South Carolina as we did in Vegas. Many places could learn from them out there. Enough said about that. Next time I will give you the places to avoid...until then,

Peace,
Mike

A whole new respect

Hey-Lo

Tonight as I am writing this blog...I am spent.

Last week, I decided to help Marc and Colleen with the Wedding Festivals that were coming up. I wanted to see for myself what really goes on with the planning and execution of these shows. Normally, we will show up for load in and then we will setup our booth. Then mingle with some of our friends that we have made since we started in the wedding business.

My journey started on that Monday. I sat in the office of Wedding Festivals and assisted with various menial tasks. While I was there I could not believe the inbound phone calls of brides wanting information on the show, potential vendors who wanted to know if there were any booths left, and vendors who already signed up for the show needing various things from them. The phone was ringing all day. If their phones ran on batteries, they would have gone dead.

Tuesday....We had lunch and met Fraser from The Party Machine for lunch at Fuddruckers. During that meeting Marc and Colleen nailed down the details for the fashion show. I was amazed with all the talent it takes to put that show on. Everyone from Marc and Colleen to The Party Machine Emcee'ing it, Visio Photography taking photos for it as well as some other designing duties, and Brian and Russell from AVF Creations producing some videos for the show. I have not even mentioned the coordinating with the various dress and formal wear stores getting sizes to them, etc...

Wednesday...this day we finished up on some other things around the office and soon enough ended up at the Carolina First Center ready to do all the physical labor setting up the show's elements, i.e. pipe and drape, staging, showlights, etc...

While some of the crew was measuring for the pipe and drapes, others were setting up the registration tables, and the rest were setting up the stage for the fashion show. Before I knew it day turned into night and we did not get done until welll after 10:00pm. However, Marc and Colleen were no where near being done. They still had things to finish at the office for the show on Thursday. Chris from Cinematic Impressions stopped by to play some XBox on the megatron big screen. Before that happened we were working on stuffing the Wedding Festivals bags with the items that the vendors had paid for to be in there. I could not believe how many vendors did this. This was by far the hardest task of the night because of the teadious nature of walking in a circle and stuffing bags. I thought it was cool of Chris to join in. But, he is that kind of a guy.

Thursday...Tammy and I arrive at the venue around 10:00am and set up our booth. At this point I meet with Colleen and get some last minute printing done at Kinkos. We get back to the venue at around 2pm and are getting ourselves pumped up for the show that day.

The show starts and it is a solid 5 hours of talking to brides. We were amazed with the amount of brides that we talked to on a Thursday night. As fast as it started, the show was over and it was now time for tear down.

While Tammy was working on tearing down our booth, I was helping tear down the stage and packing the stage lights and such. We did not get done into well after 11:00 and at the end of the night, I was spent. I could barely walk from being so sore.

At last my nightmare work out was over right...wrong. On Saturday I had to film a video on a ranch that was well over 1000 acres. Of course I had to walk from one end to the other...several times. NOW...I am done and I can finally rest right....NOPE.

I also volunteered to help with the Asheville Wedding Festival on that following Thursday.

This Thursday started at 7:30 in the morning with a drive to Asheville. We got the show setup in time for a noon vendor load in, and then we all worked our tails off right up until 4pm when the doors opened for the brides to come in. You would think that once 4pm came around everyone would be able to rest during the show right?....you thought wrong. Once the show starts, the same people who setup the show work the front door, sell tickets, run the Wedding Festival booths, walk around and assist the vendors as needed. It is a non stop day throughout the entire show. Then when 9pm comes around it is tear down time once again and once again we are putting the show away. However this time we all have an hour drive or more to get back to our homes in the Greenville area.

I walked in my front door at 2:15am. I do not know about everyone else but I am sure that they were out late too.

The people that set up these shows are just about the same ones who do it every time. One is in school to become a nurse. One is a school teacher. Another a musician who is in school full time and drove all the way up to Asheville just to help with the tear down.

The one thing that everyone has in common is that they all seem to love working these shows. It is hard work...very hard work.

Without people like Garyn, Logan, Sarah, Elliott, Deangelo, Marshall, Coleman, and I know that I am forgetting a few names here, please forgive me, and I will add them to this once I remember them...anyway, without people like these, Marc and Colleen, there would not be a venue where brides could come to and get quality ideas for their weddings...there would not be a way to meet with as many vendors in one setting, and most of all, the wedding industry here in the Upstate would definatly not be as successful as it is without Wedding Festivals and the dedicated people who put in all those hours in order to accompish a common goal...to be there for all the brides to be.

Peace,
Mike

Adam and Erica's Book

Hello. I know that some of you were looking for Adam and Erica's picture book from there wedding.

You can find it here.

Adam and Erica

Our Wedding 9-1-2007

By Mike Heisler

Book Preview

Wedding Festival

Hey-Low

This past Thursday we exhibited at the Wedding Festival and we are certainly thankful that we did. For a Thursday night, there was a constant stream of brides, as well as their grooms, moms, friends, and maid/matrons of honor.

My guess is that there was at least 400 brides in attendance, plus their guests. We even booked ade at the show.

I also loved the way they revamped the fashion show with a brand new design and new music to go with it.

Our booth was right next to Bagetelle Caterers and Cox Photography. Towards the end of the evening I got a chance to speak with Patrick from Cox Photography for a a few minutes. He was very cool to talk to and I am looking forward to the wedding that we are shooting together.

Well...that is all for now. We also had a very busy shooting weekend. I shot some corporate video in GA, and today we shot pictures and video for an upcoming fitness video. NO...I am NOT in the video.

Peace,
Mike

Wedding Festival Day

Hello....

Today is the Wedding Festival and we are psyched for this one. We are going to be right next to Bagatelle catering and Cox Photography. Being into photography I have heard that they are fantastic to work with so I am looking forward to meeting them.

Also, I saw that our good friends Kismet Photography will also be there. Curtis and Emily are incredible to work with. They really have their game plan down pat. I cannot wait to see their booth. Curtis is very crafty with building booths and I am always looking forward to what he will be doing next. It is always something practical and highly artistic.

Last night at setup Chris from Cinematic Impressions brought his XBox and we hooked it up to the MEGATRON screen where he proceeded to whip me in a game of James Bond. Oh yeah, just for the record...I got the last hit on him...which is very hard to do. I don't really believe in psychics but I feel strongly that he has a little psychic abilities when he plays against you in a game like that.

Also last night I saw Rachel Thompson Moore who is another photographer that is very easy to work with and does fantastic work too.

We will also be right next to The Wedding Festival Boutique who by the look of things had some really cool favors for sale.

So if you are reading this before you go be sure to stop by and say hello to us.

Peace,
Mike

Ortiz-Valentin Wedding

Saturday, we had the honor of filming the wedding of Erica and Adam. These two were awesome to work with from the first day we all met. Erica even gives our dogs, Coyote and Barron, treats when we visit with them.

A few weeks ago, we filmed their love story in Falls Park and displayed it during their reception to an ecstatic crowd. The couple also gave a copy of the DVD to their guests along with a CD of Erica and Adam's favorite love songs.

Not only where the bride and groom excellent to work with, but their families as well. We met their family who traveled from Chicago, Las Vegas, and Florida.

The bride's mother and father, Lillian and Ed are for a lack of a better word...a hoot. Lillian was beyond stressed during the planning of wedding trying to make a picture perfect day for their daughter's wedding. In fact, when the Valentin family moved from Chicago, Erica and Adam were already engaged. Lillian and Ed purchased their home because of the long stairwell they had that would make their daughter look beautiful as she walked down it in her wedding gown. You know...they were right on the money.

One other thing happened that re-enforced our decision to dedicate ourselves to the wedding business. On several occasions, Lillian and Ed both told us that we are family to them. Being that I hold family relations on the highest level possible, to say the least, I was very moved by this offer. Lillian and Ed...we are honored.

Mike

Yesterday, Tammy and I went to River Falls Park with our dogs, Coyote and Barron. I brought along our new Nikon camera to break it in a little but while we enjoyed the park.

River Falls is where many of our brides want to film their Bridal Elegance Videos and/or their Love Story. And since we did not have a shoot scheduled for yesterday, we took the dogs with us. There is even a little cafe there where dogs are allowed.

I will post more pictures when I have the time to do so, however, until then I will post this one up. This is my favorite one of Tammy and the dogs just having fun on the grass.

Mike

Welcome To Unforgettable Wedding Video

Tammy and I are excited about our new company name and website...Unforgettable Wedding Video.

We started Guardian Multimedia in 2004 and have not stopped since. However, something was telling us that Guardian Multimedia was not the best possible name for a wedding video business.

After much thought and prayer, we came up with Unforgettable Wedding Video. The name says it all.

We will still run Guardian Multimedia for our corporate and music video end of the business.

We are going to have some exciting news coming up real soon so stay tuned

Mike