Happy New year 2013

And here we are! 2013. And with this new year I wanted to share with you some new films. We have been hard at work during 2012 and life has been a whirlwind of events and emotion, and I have to say I let the blog on the side for a while. But 2013 is here and good resolutions are supposed to take place. So let's start it with a bang!
As I said earlier 2012 just flew by me like never any other year. In summary, I got married in June to my beautiful wife Regina in my home country France, then took a quick honeymoon to Italy to visit Rome and Florence for the first time.

I shot about 25 weddings, another 10 corporate events, which ranged from real estate videos to world wide conferences about agriculture and economics to grand reopening of hotels, which will be on the blog in the next few weeks. And I have been working on revamping cinematt, but this is to be revealed in a near future when we are completely ready.

But my biggest accomplishment of all, besides my wedding,  is that Regina and I became homeowner in San Francisco, and for the young 21 year old French student who came to learn English at University of South Florida, with a set goal of staying in the US, this is definitely my biggest achievement and a way to reinforce myself I made the right decision when I embarked January 4, 1995 for Tampa -18 years ago to the day!

So for 2013, my biggest wish is that we get to tell more amazing wedding stories of couples such as Ning and Tim, who will be our first posting of the year.
The first time I talked to them via Skype, I knew we were going to click perfectly. This fun and creative couple - Tim proposed on a mini golf course - found me on here comes the guide. They were down to earth and the kind of persons I want to work with. Tim described Ning as beautiful cute, and hard working, and Ning see Tim as Silly, thoughtful and a sports fanatic. And when I asked them what they were the most looking for on their wedding day, their response was "being married to my best friend and starting their journey together". So here is their teaser trailer and as usual do not hesitate to comment.
Merci et bonne année a toutes et tous.
Matthieu

Ning and Tim | Pacific Athletic Club | Highlight recap from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.



Ceremony: Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
Reception: Pacific Sports Resorts Redwood Shores
Coordinator: A Touch of Grace
Photographer: Wayne and Angela
Make up + Hair: Luxe Image
Cake: Satura Cakes
Dessert: Pacific Cookie Company
DJ: Big Fun

Josh and Cynthia - An Intimate Picnic wedding inspiration - San Francisco

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of shooting the most intimate picnic wedding inspiration shoot. The design team of sitting in a tree set up a beautiful ceremony that took place on the steps of a victorian house in San Francisco, followed by a rustic picnic in the park. The great tones of pastel yellow,  green and pink were the perfect tie to this fun shoot. Cynthia aka the bride, was wearing a vintage ruffled dress, and Josh, our dashing groom, was sporting a lemon beige suit with the greatest bow tie. But I think my favorite things was the French poodle, who sat next to Josh while Cynthia was "walking down the aisle". The picnic that followed, set up under a huge tree, was the perfect conclusion to a great day. Rona Basa of Luxe image did the make up, and Caroline from Tinywater shot alongside with me those gorgeous photographs.
And to top it of this wedding inspired style shoot was featured in Utterly Engaged latest E-publication. Make sure to browse through page 77 to 91 to see all the details there.
Please enjoy this quick highlight, and I hope you'll come back for more great films, in the next few weeks.
Thanks for stopping by, et bonne semaine a tous et toutes.
Matthieu



event coordination: sitting in a tree
Photography: Tinywater
Make up: Luxe Image
Cinematography: Cinematt

Kohl Mansion - Cindy and Dan - San Francisco, ca

I have shot in many locations all over the Bay Area, but Kohl Mansion has a particular significance to me. It was there that I shot my first wedding, after I started my company in 2003. I have been back several times since, and it's always a pleasure to shoot there. So much to work with and I love the feel of the Mansion. So when I met with Cindy and she told me that's where she was going to have her wedding, I definitely was looking forward to film there.
Cindy and Dan had an all star team vendors. Janece Shellooe of Every Elegant Detail transformed the Mansion into a lavish affair, while Thomas John Events was delecting their guests with top notch food. My friends at big Fun DJ were delivering the tunes of this classic wedding, while Augie Chang was just working his magic behind the camera to deliver some amazing photography.
It's always fun to work with such a talented crew, and it makes my job much easier.
A big thank you to Aaron Lee, who was helping me on the day to capture those precious moment, and a big thank you to you, who are stopping by to watch.
So without further do, here is Cindy and Dan's Highlight. I hope you will enjoy it.
Merci et a bientôt with many more new films coming your way.

Asian Art Museum- Jen and Mike - San Francisco

The perks of being a wedding cinematographer is to shoot in some amazing locations, and Asian Art Museum in San Francisco was definitely it. Jen and Mike wanted a classy yet intimate event for their wedding and the museum was perfect for that. The ceremony was elegant and simple, with a very personal ceremony orchestrated by one of Mike and Jen's best friend and heartfelt vows. This couple who has been together for 11 years truly love each other dearly, and seeing them gazing at each other was priceless.
The reception was no small feast either, as Asiel Design did an amazing job setting up with beautiful centerpieces. As for the food Global Gourmet Catering  provided their guest with a scrumptious dinner.
It was great to work with my friends at Big Fun DJ, those guys definitely know what they are doing so if you are looking for a DJ don't hesitate to contact them. The event was beautifully captured by Erica Berger, who it is always a pleasure to work with.
Thanks to Jordan, Robb and my good friend James Burkart for helping me out capture their beautiful day, and thank you to you for stopping by. I hope you will enjoy their highlight.
Happy Sunday!



For better viewing experience press the play button, then pause it and let the film download completely before pressing play again!javascript:void(0)

The Bridges golf course -Ashley and An-Yen - San Ramon

Well it took me a bit longer than expected because moving always take longer than expected, but I'm ready to share my first film of the year.

When Ashley and An-Yen contacted me to film their wedding I was really ecstatic, because they are:
 a) a really cool couple
b) their wedding coordinator was Patty Lee of 8events. If you don't know Patty, then check her website, she is awesome.
c) their location, the Bridges in San Ramon , was literally a mile from where I used to live
d) I was also working with a great photographer Thai  Mai, and a wonderful make up artist Giao Nguyen, who are super talented, and who have since then  become really good friends of mine.
e) James Burkart of Burkart studios was my side kick on the day of and it means that I did not have to worry about a thing
So everything was united to make their wedding really special.
I don't know what was my favorite moment of the day, but I think that An-Yen walking with his eyes close to Ashley when they saw each other the first time, was pretty powerful. Both of their vows were very poignant and the speeches throughout the evening depicted a great couple who couldn't be more in love.
Watch their Trailer and see for yourself. I hope you will enjoy it, and as usual don't hesitate to press the like button.
Thanks for stopping by and watching.

Matthieu

Silver Creek Country Club - San Jose - Wendy and Jeffrey

Today I would like to introduce you to Jeffrey and Wendy. Their wedding took place at Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose. It was always one of the location I wanted to shoot at but never had an opportunity to do so. Unfortunately when they approached me with their wedding date I was already booked. So I told them I can have my crew shooting but I won't be the main shooter. They were fine with the idea, as they knew I would handle the editing. However, I wanted to make sure everything goes according to plan, so in the morning of the prep I showed up unannounced in San Leandro to shoot the bride prep, before heading off to the wedding I was supposed to shoot in Monterey. I think Wendy was really happy and surprised to see me there.

Their beautiful ceremony and reception were extra specials as Jeffrey's dad was the officiant, which made it even more personal.

The piece I'm presenting you with is their highlight. This is a fun way to share your wedding day with your friend, in a fast pace and entertaining fashion.

I hope you will enjoy it. If you do, don't hesitate to push your like button, or leave a comment.

Thank you for stopping by, and *a bientot j'espere.

Matthieu

* and I hope to see you soon

Garden Room Hotel - Oakland - Christina and Winfield

I always love cultural weddings. They are always rich in colors, tradition and fun. Christina and Winfield's was exactly that.

When they contacted me for their wedding I was ecstatic. I had shot Winfield sister's wedding the year before, so I knew it would be an occasion to meet their family again. It's always nice when family members refer me, and at the same time, it is a challenge because you want to make sure to deliver them with something unique and representing their personality well. And it wasn't to difficult to do in their instance.

From photo session at target to dancing on the bay in Emeryville, and including some funny vows, this film is a sure fire cracker, where both of Christina and Winfield fun personality shines.

Enjoy and merci for watching.
Matthieu

Sriteja's 3rd Birthday

When Naga called me to shoot his son 3rd birthday I was very excited. I had shot his wedding ceremony two years ago and he had contacted me to shoot his son second birthday. Unfortunately I couldn't as I had a wedding that day. But apparently Naga liked my work and decided to contact me for the third birthday.
So here is a highlight of Sriteja's fun party, which involved muppets animals, cup cake making, and a Diego theme

City Hall - San Francisco - Dawn and Sujith

Last year I had the immense pleasure of filming Sujith's and Dawn's wedding. It was my first City hall wedding on my own. I had shot there in the past when i was working for Royal Weddings, but never have I had a reception there in the past. So needless to say I was excited to shoot in this landmark.
What made it even more exciting is That Dawn is of Chinese Descent while Sujith is Indian from The Kervala region. Therefore mixing both cultures was a big part of the celebrations.
Congratulations to Dawn and Sujith and their family, and thank you for making me part of your special day.

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay - Half Moon Bay - Ida and Leo

Ida and Leo got married on December 6, 2009. Their tea ceremony and reception were held at the prestigious Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, and their ceremony was held in Sunnyvale. Ida's mom was really an intricate part of making the wedding a beautiful sophisticated event as she made pretty much every detail. It was a very emotional moment when Ida gave praise to her mom at the end of the evening.
Here is their highlight.

Vendor spotlight: Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park

Back in August of 2009, cinematt was honored to shoot the wedding of Jessica and Chris at Alied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. This is a very beautiful place with an old tuscan feel to it, and if you are having a wedding or any event for that matter, it is definitely a place to consider.
The staff is very friendly and the location is peaceful and private. There were so many elements that I love about the place, I decided to put a quick short. If you are interested in finding out more about Allied Arts Guild, please go to their website or call (650)322-2405
Merci et a bientot,

Matthieu



Here is also the highlight for Jessica and Chris wedding:

Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament - Sacramento - Andrea and Sam

It's always fun, yet challenging when two siblings hire you as their videographer. It's fun because you are going to know some of the people already and this definitely is an advantage when shooting. It's challenging because you want to give the couples, two very distinct pieces yet with your stamp. So when Andrea contacted me to shoot her wedding, I was both excited and nervous. I had shot her brother Aaron's wedding a year before so I wanted to make sure that both would get a very different product. On top of that I was delighted to work with my good friends at Tinywater Caroline and Dan. They are super talented and it made my life easy to get inspired in created this 5 minutes highlight. I hope you will enjoy it.

Bon weekend a tous*

Matthieu

This is why I do What I do.

In November I had the pleasure of shooting Jenny and Leo's wedding at San Francisco Intercontinental Hotel. It was an intimate affair with friends and family members. Both Jenny and Leo have a very strong faith and their union was a celebration of their faith and love.

I delivered the Film to them a couple days ago, and last night as I was coming back from dinner, I found this email, which put a wide smile on my face: here is the email along with the video. I hope you will enjoy it.

Dear Matthieu,

I've seen the video of highlights at least 10 times today because i love it so much. you captured the heart of the relationship that Leo and I have, and the spirit of the wedding day. i don't know how you did that so well, without even knowing us. one of my good friends who has been to MANY MANY weddings emailed me today after she saw the video and said it was the best she has ever seen. my parents also are very impressed by it.

much thanks to you for leaving us this huge gift of a wonderful video.

we can't wait to receive the unedited raw version as well

we are grateful that Patty at 8Events recommended you to us. we will definitely recommend you to others with future weddings.

-jenny and leo

Jenny & Leo, Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Margaret & Scott, Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, california

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See it in HD Here

For better viewing please allow film to completely download before playing it.

Margaret and Scott are such a great couple, and shooting at Villa Montalvo and at the Saratoga Country Club was just a blast. Both of Scott and Margaret families contributed to a fun and loving wedding, and that is why I wanted to use many of the great toasts they had to build their story and give them something personal and beautiful, that will capture the essence of the wedding.
I hope you will enjoy it, and as usual your comments are always welcome.
Bonne Journee,

Matthieu

The gear:
5D mark II: lens used: 16-35mm f/2.8, 50mm f/1.4, 24-105mm f/4
Canon Xh-A1

Stephanie & Calvin Pacific Athletic Club, Redwood Shores California

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I need to apologize for taking such a long time to post new materials but I have been busy to give a much needed face lift to MvideoM Productions. So for those of you who come regularly (and am not talking about my sister, brother, and nieces and nephews) to check the blog, I need to let you know that December 1st, 2009 will be an important day in the era of MvideoM Productions.
In the meantime I wanted to share with you this Highlight I created for Stephanie and Calvin. Their wedding was an amazing event, and Todd Rafalovich was the amazing photographer who captured all the important moments of the day. My friend Nicole Ha of Nicloe Ha Designs was responsible for all the decoration and what an amazing job she did. Thank you to Molly at the Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood shores for opening her doors and being so helpful.
I hope you will enjoy it.
A tres bientot.

Matthieu

Mimi & Allen, Hotel Fairmont San Francisco, California

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There is no sweeter couple than Mimi & Allen. From the day I met with them I knew that their wedding will be special. And boy was I right. From a very traditional tea ceremony in the morning, to a beautiful afternoon at astonishing San francisco Fairmont Hotel, every detail were miticulously put together, thanks to my friend Jessica Goldblatt from dreams on a dime

Their ceremony was very emotional as one of Allen's close friend officiated and invited the couple to say thier vows to each other. This highlight is mostly centered on the audio of the ceremony and capture their joyful day despite the dreadful weather.

Please do not hesitate to leave a comment whether you like it or not, your opinion matters as it allows me to get better in my craft

Mandy & Jon, Trentadue Winery Geyserville California

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Napa is by far one of my favorite destination to shoot in the Bay Area. Beautiful landscapes, amazing vineyards, breathtaking views, everything is is set up to create an amazing movie. So i was a bit bummed out not to shoot Mandy & Jon's wedding. But thanks to the talent of Dennis and Jordan, I didn't worry about a thing, and boy I was right not to. Here is just a taste, or trailer if you prefer of some of the amzing footage that I got to work with.

Enjoy...

Kerri Ann & Kenneth, Santa Maria Orinda, California

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This is a very exciting movie for me as it launches my new package: Highlights only. Many of you have been asking if it's possible to get a shorter version of your wedding as in a highlight only which would capture accurately the day. Well I listened and here it is. Please call for pricing information as well as for details on the content.

Now onto Kerri Ann and Kenneth; when I met them I instantly knew that they were going to be a lot of fun with a really laid back attitude. And despite a down pouring rain on the day of the wedding, everything went exactly according to plan with a great ceremony at Santa Maria, and a fabulous reception at Postino in Lafayette.

It was great to work with Caroline and Dan from Tinywater. Their work is simply amazing.

Thanks so much to James from Burkart Video and Chuck from Savadelis films for their help shooting this one.

Ok! Enough with the chit-chat. As usual feel free to comment on it.

Chanden & Valery. Corinthian Room San Jose, California

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See it in HD here

When Chanden contacted me about her Indian wedding at Gurdwara Temple, I was really excited. I love Indian wedding with all the amazing colors and spreads, and let's be honest but Indian food rocks. But when I found out that Valery, her fiance, was French, then it became really intriguing and kind of cool, being French myself. The wedding was a couple day affair and in this piece is just a quick highlight to sum up this wonderful wedding. Thank you Chanden & Valery to give me the opportunity to work with you, and happy new year to you guys.

Hui Hui and Wing Highlight video

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What I really like about wedding is all the traditions that gravitates around, and make that moment so special. Hui HUi & Wing had first their tea ceremony to honor their parents and their chinese heritage before exchanging their personal vows. This video capture and encapsulate these moments and more. I hope you will enjoy it, and don't hesitate to leave a comment. Thank you, Matthieu