Tomorrow is Wedding Festivals at the Anderson Civic Center.
Come out and say Hey-Lo.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
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.
A little about Kyle. She moved from the Boston area to Los Angeles to pursue a career in movie make up. She had worked on blockbusters like Terminator. She was on her way to the top. Along the way, she met Michael, fell in love and had 2 children. She could have very easilly continued with her career in make up and still be an excellant mother, but insisted on being the best mom she could be, and stayed home with the children instead.
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.
Sadly, on March 5th of this year, Kyle lost her fight with cancer and passed away with Michael by her side.
The reason I am sharing this with you, my wedding customers, is the road ahead of you will be full of unknown twists and turns. When I will be working with you, I will be seeing you on your happiest day ever. No matter how rich or poor, no matter how good of a career you have, you will have trials in your life that you will need to overcome.
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
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.
A little about Kyle. She moved from the Boston area to Los Angeles to pursue a career in movie make up. She had worked on blockbusters like Terminator. She was on her way to the top. Along the way, she met Michael, fell in love and had 2 children. She could have very easilly continued with her career in make up and still be an excellant mother, but insisted on being the best mom she could be, and stayed home with the children instead.
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.
Sadly, on March 5th of this year, Kyle lost her fight with cancer and passed away with Michael by her side.
The reason I am sharing this with you, my wedding customers, is the road ahead of you will be full of unknown twists and turns. When I will be working with you, I will be seeing you on your happiest day ever. No matter how rich or poor, no matter how good of a career you have, you will have trials in your life that you will need to overcome.
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
Bucket List
I am trying to stay on top of my Blogging this year....I promise.
I got to cross something off of my Bucket List this week.
I got to walk down the ramp for WWE Smackdown. Yes, I walked down the same path that Undertaker, Chris Jericho, John Cena all walk down to entire the ring.
Although I did not have the music, pyro, or the fans screaming...it was still a pretty cool experience none the less. I am just glad I did not get slammed or nothing. LOL
Wedding Festivals and Boston was a blast
Hey-Lo
I had the honor of filming a wedding at the State Room in Boston for Lisa and Michael. The State Room is one of the nicest venues I have ever had the chance to film in. The view is fantastic. I just wish it was not 13 degrees outside the entire time. I will post pictures after Wedding Festivals are done.
I stayed at the Nine Zero Hotel. I promise you, this hotel is probably the only 6 star hotel on the planet. Everything the Nine Zero does is amazing. From the moment I got out of my cab, I knew this was going to be a great stay. Michael H. at the front desk and Thomas B., the concierge both told me that this was going to be the best hotel visit ever. They were not just saying it.
I cannot wait until I have to go to Boston again and I will stay there again any time.
Tomorrow will be the third Wedding Festival in as many weeks. This time, we will be in Spartanburg at the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. If you are reading this, come by and say hey-lo to us.
Mike
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wedding Festivals Again
Can you believe that it is already time for Wedding Festivals? Next week will start a 5 week nonstop Wedding Festival Tour starting at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville.
Hope to see you there.
Hope to see you there.
2010 Wedding Season Kicked off today with Rebecca and Andrew.
Hey-Lo.
Today we filmed our first wedding for the year. Rebecca and Andrew were happily married at Grace Church in Greer. I know you are thinking Grace WHAT???? Just Grace. Very nice church inside and out.
Also got to work with my good friend Marshall Graham Photography, which is always a treat. His assistant was Gabrielle Grace, who owns Gabrielle Grace Photography.
Get this, she is only 15 years old and is already an accomplished sports/fitness photographer, portrait and familiy photographer. She has studied with Scott Holloway, who is one of my favorite wedding photographers here in the upstate.
I am looking forward to see more weddings from Gabrielle.
The reception was at Thorneblade Country Club, which is always a good thing if you are ever get hungry at a wedding, their food is always outstanding. But that is not their only outstanding feature. Their facility is not only beautiful, but extremely functional as well. There is plenty of parking, the restrooms are large enough to accomidate your guests and have elevators for those who cannot make it up the stairs.
Last but not least the cake was made by Kathy and Company. I had a piece of the chocholate and raspberry. Tammy had the cinnamon layer. All I can say was WOW!!! Her cakes are always amazing but the cake tonight was something I never tasted from her bakery before. I am sure that she has made this chocolate raspberry before, but this was the first for me. God willing, it will not be the last.
Have a great day, hope to see you all at Wedding Festivals next week at the Hyatt,
Today we filmed our first wedding for the year. Rebecca and Andrew were happily married at Grace Church in Greer. I know you are thinking Grace WHAT???? Just Grace. Very nice church inside and out.
Also got to work with my good friend Marshall Graham Photography, which is always a treat. His assistant was Gabrielle Grace, who owns Gabrielle Grace Photography.
Get this, she is only 15 years old and is already an accomplished sports/fitness photographer, portrait and familiy photographer. She has studied with Scott Holloway, who is one of my favorite wedding photographers here in the upstate.
I am looking forward to see more weddings from Gabrielle.
The reception was at Thorneblade Country Club, which is always a good thing if you are ever get hungry at a wedding, their food is always outstanding. But that is not their only outstanding feature. Their facility is not only beautiful, but extremely functional as well. There is plenty of parking, the restrooms are large enough to accomidate your guests and have elevators for those who cannot make it up the stairs.
Last but not least the cake was made by Kathy and Company. I had a piece of the chocholate and raspberry. Tammy had the cinnamon layer. All I can say was WOW!!! Her cakes are always amazing but the cake tonight was something I never tasted from her bakery before. I am sure that she has made this chocolate raspberry before, but this was the first for me. God willing, it will not be the last.
Have a great day, hope to see you all at Wedding Festivals next week at the Hyatt,
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