Wish Upon a Wedding: a fantastic experience

The amazing people behind the scene who were an integral part of this special occasion:

When my good friend Elisheva from a bride's best friend contacted me and asked if I would be willing to participate in Wish Upon A Wedding, I was interested immediately. This non-profit organization generously grants the wishes of brides and grooms who are affected with terminal illnesses. Having lost both of my parents to cancer, participating in this event was very meaningful.
I'm so honored I had the privilege to document Winnie and Joe's day. Winnie was glowing when Joe saw her the first time, and Joe kept murmuring love notes to his gorgeous bride during the photo session.
The experience? Inspired and beautiful, and a blessed event filled with great food, fancy footwork on the dance floor and fond memories.
To learn more about Joe and Winnie and to find out more about Wish Upon a Wedding, please follow the link: Wish Upon A wedding

The amazing people behind the scene who were an integral part of this special occasion:

Venue: Campbell Hall and Gardens, Sausalito, California

Wedding Planner: MB Wedding Design & Events

Photographer: Colson Griffith
Videography (love story): AK Films

Videography (Day of Event): Cinematt

DJ: Sound In Motion

Flowers: Michael Daigain Design

Linens: Napa Valley Linens

Cake: The Cakemaker

Hair and Makeup: Katie Nash Beauty

Grand Hyatt | Luxury redefined | promo film

A few months back I was contacted by Grand Hyatt to film the reopening of their lobby, a 70 millions dollars renovation.

The result is nothing short of astonishing with one of a kind lobby for the centrally located union square hotel.

Some of the features that really stood with me was the feel you get when you enter the lobby. It's very lounge-like and you feel more in a spa retreat than anything else. the fire place and the comfortable couches make for a great space for conversation and rendez-vous. The coffee station is a definite plus a to enjoy a great latte or other cappuccino. The front desk is very unique and the shape reminds you more of the control board of the Enterprise ( for you fans of Star Trek) than a front desk.

But the big ticket item for the hotel is definitely their new restaurant and bar called One Up. it's located on the Mezzanine and to access it you need to walk a 10,000 lbs stair case made of one piece, which required the removal of the front window in order to install it.

Once you reach the level you are greeted by the restaurant on the left, which offer California cuisine with a French twist. It's delicious. To connect the restaurant on the left and the bar on the right, you must walk through an amazing wine wall, where liquor and spirits are set up. A couple of LCD touch screen allows you to go through the collection and learn more about what you are drinking. It's modern, elegant, and most of all really inviting. The bar offers great cocktail from the past as well as some new ones that are sure to satisfy your palates.

A big thank you to Colson Griffith Photography for putting my name out there, and a big thank you to Lana Palmer for composing the music for the piece.

Nicole and Vince | Short film | San Francisco City Club

Nicole and Vince are one cool couple. Upon meeting with them, I felt this instant connection that makes you want to give your best effort on the day of. And the day did not disappoint. Their stunning wedding reception was held at beautiful San Francisco City Club.

St. Matthew Episcopal in San Mateo, the church they had chosen, was a bit of a challenge as upon arrival and to my surprise, I was told only one cinematographer with one camera was able to film there. But we made lemonade with Lemon, and Robb and Dennis were able inconspicuously get the recording, while I had to shoot from the front only. 

One really neat thing about this wedding is all the personal touches they had which made it so special for them, their family and friends. In the morning prep Nicole's mom was putting together an album pictures retracing her life, while the guys were getting ready enjoying some yummy cooking from Chef Vince. Did I mention that this former star football guard for St. Patrick High school is also an accomplished chef. Another special touch was their favor which were personalized bottle of Olive oil. And Lindsay's speech, Nicole maid of honor who was born 13 hours apart and have been friend ever since was very emotional.
Enjoy their short film.

Nicole and Vince | short film | San Francisco City Club from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Venue - San Francisco City Club - Lauren Schardt
Ceremony - St. Matthew Episcopal Church
Photography - Lynn Kai Chao
Dj: Elite Entertainment - Maurice
Flower: Kiwi DeVoy
Coordinator - MJ Serafica

Same Day Edit | Ashley & Noah | The Lodge at Sonoma. Sonoma, California

The challenge to create a same day edit is to find the initial spark to create the storyline and tell the story as it naturally unfolds throughout the day.
When Ashley and Noah told me they were reading their own vows, I knew immediately that they would be my anchor point throughout the film. For this couple from Hawaii, who enjoy good food and wine, the Lodge at Sonoma was the perfect setting for their destination wedding.  They got ready in charming cottages and held their outdoor ceremony on the lawn surrounded by exotic flowers. It was the perfect setting to gather their family and friends to proclaim their love.
Some of my favorite elements were the personalized hangers for Ashley's bridesmaids, as well as for both mothers. It was really eye-catching to film multiple custom made hangers rather than just one for the bride.

While the boys were dealing with their Handkerchiefs, the girls were busy toasting the soon-to-be-happy couple with their personalized  shot glasses.

The ink trees and the card placements were definitely another originality, that made the wedding unique and personal.

Their photo session at Train Town right across the Renaissance Hotel, was just plain fun and unexpected. We had great light, awesome rides, and beautiful eye candy. What else can you ask for more?

Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events, their coordinator made sure everything went smoothly. Kevin with Denon and Doyle  had the crowed going.  Mauricio from Chrisman Studio was really a pleasure to work with. The guy is so talented. You can just tell from his demeanor and behavior throughout the day that they will have amazing pictures. I can't wait to see them myself. I hope we will get to work alongside soon.

Thank you to my team for helping throughout the day. I hope you will enjoy their film.

Ashley and Noah | Same Day Edit | The Lodge at Sonoma from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Erin & Jared | teaser Trailer | San Francisco Ferry Building

Jared and Erin had a fun wedding at the San Francisco Ferry Building and before you watch the teaser trailer, here is a bit of their story. SF Ferry Building was not their first choice as their original plan was to have the wedding reception at Golden Gate Club, and the ceremony at Chapel of Presidio.

However, two weeks prior to the event, they found out the weekend they had picked to say their "I do" happened to be the same weekend the City of San Francisco decided to destroy Doyle Drive. So with the idea of Bulldozers, wrecking ball and others cranes ruining the setting, they had to find another venue for both ceremony and reception. In ten days they turn their misfortune into a grand affair.

Their rehearsal dinner was held at the San Francisco Yacht Club. I met some of the funniest and some of the cleverest groomsmen. Their beautiful bridesmaids were a lot of fun to hang on with and I really felt being part of the gang.

On top of that,  Napata and The Chocolate Kisses rock the evening with great soul and R&B music. Their family and friends were elated and danced until the end wanted more.

Some of my favorite elements on that day were:

The button pin they had created for themselves and their friends in family for the rehearsal dinner. They all were unique with different sentences that described each member of their bridal party.

The hilarious best men speeches at the same dinner.

Their adorable Bulldog. She was so friendly and a key element to the day for one of my favorite shot.

The first look at Hotel Vitale with The Sf Ferry Building in the background, provided great emotion for Jared to see his beautiful wife in her wedding dress for the first time.

Napata and the kisses surprising the couple with an A cappella version of "Oh Happy Days" at the end of their ceremony

Congrats to the both of them, and enjoy their teaser trailer, a taste of what is to become their feautre film.

Erin and Jared | teaser | SF Ferry Building from Matthieu Meynier on Vimeo.

Reception Venue: San Francisco Ferry Building

Ceremony Venue: Calvary Presbyterian

Photographer: Lindsey Stafford

Makeup Artist: Sophia Coyne

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Laura Morales McDonald

Cake Baker: Susie Cakes

DJ: Colin Guthrie

Band: Napata and the Chocolate Kisses

Fizz and Frills 2011 at Blu Bungalow

In August of 2011 Utterly Engaged, the first online wedding magazine , and Lovely Jubilee held the first ever Fizz and Frills - a wedding market for brides - at Blu Bungalow. It was a huge success, and I was lucky to be part of this great event.
In September of 2012, Lucia, Henny and Wilmarose are doing it again this time in So Cal area. So if you are interested in participating or coming to see what it is all about, here is a short film I put together for them. The idea behind it was to explain why Fizz and Frills, and how it is different from a regular wedding fair. I hope you will enjoy it, and we look forward to seeing you either as an exhibitor or a bride to this marvelous event.
Bonne journee a tous et toutes



You can find a list of all the sponsors right here: all our sponsors 
 And if you would like to participate , just follow this link 

Taylor and Joseph – Short film – Los meganos, Brentwood, CA

Where to start about Taylor and Joseph’s wedding? Well for starter it was a repeat, since I had shot Taylor’s brother’s wedding last year. Therefore, a lot of familiar faces for me in this wedding. It’s always nice to come and people recognize you and praise you on the last film you did for them. It’s also added pressure as you know the expectations are going to be high and there is no way you want to let them down.

But with a great setting at beautiful  Los Meganos Club in Brentwood, and a great team, very touching vows, and great speeches from friends and family, this wedding had all the elements you want to create a memorable wedding film. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy putting it together. Thank you for watching and happy holidays to all of you.

Matthieu


Reception Venue: Club Los Meganos
Wedding Coordinator: Dante Thomas
Photographer: Ashley Cain, Cain Photography
Caterer: Cafe Soleil
Florist: Diane O'Brien, Ribbons and Roses

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Julie and Victor - Love story - San Francisco

Where has summer gone!? I can't believe it's already October and that Halloween, Thanksgiving  and Christmas  is already upon us. I apologize for the lack of postings but I have been quite busy with filming and editing over the past two months. And the next two weeks won't be any different as I have a Same Day Edit coming up on Saturday and finally a great wedding at Levi's Plaza the following week. After all of that it will be time to crank up a brand new blog. I'm excited about it and I can't wait for it.

But for the moment meet Julie and Victor.
When Monique Singh of Red Thread Events contacted me to tell me about Julie and Victor's wedding, I already knew it will be a fun and entertaining wedding. So when I met with Julie and she told me she wanted to do a love story I was really excited. She wanted me to create a love story that would give their guests some background on the relationship.
I don't get to do them very often but love story are definitely a fun way to share a little bit of yourself with your guests and family on the day of the wedding.
Their story is quite unusual as they met... through their moms. Both moms became friend through a mutual friend and started chatting about their single daughter and single son... The rest as they said is history... Well not quite, but you will just have to watch it to find out.
The film was shown this past Saturday in front of their 300 guests at beautiful Julia Morgan Ballroom, and I have to admit it was great to see their reaction when the story unfolded on their big screen.
I hope you enjoy it.
Have a great day.

What have I been up to?

First let me apologize for the lack of posting in the past month or so, but with the wedding season in full blown, shooting almost every weekend, plus having some exciting personal news I have been let's say more than busy. But with that said I wanted to share with you an excited news as CINEMATT has become a member of Blu Bungalow in San Francisco. But what is Blu Bungalow, you might ask. Well, it's a collective of artists coming together to create the first ever event planning wedding studio of like minded vendors in San Francisco.
Hazel Antonio Bourget is the founder and the brain behind this brilliant idea, and if you are still not sure you understand what I'm talking about I invite you to watch the following video that my friend and fellow cinematographer Anton Lorimer of Lorimerworks put together for Blu Bungalow.
As a new member I'm really excited to the possibilities that it offers and I look forward to meeting many of you there. Just call me and come say hi!
Thank you and I promise I will post more in the next few weeks.



Blu Bungalow is located at 2068 Union street San Francisco Ca 94123 and is open Tuesday to Sunday

A really nice letter

I love my job, and when I say I love my job I really mean it. But I love it even more when one of my client is really appreciative of the extra touches I put to make sure that their experience with CINEMATT is complete. So this is the letter Stephanie and Marcello just sent me, and it really warmed my heart. And with this cold San Francisco weather, I just thought i'll share it with you.
Thank you Stephanie and Marcello for such a nice letter and i look forward to keeping in touch with you guys!



Hi Matthieu,

We got the package on Saturday and we are both completely thrilled with the final product!! Thank you so much :)
We showed our parents eveything as well and they are very happy with it too!

You did an excellent job of capturing the wedding and the reception for us - it's great to see it sort of recapped, especially since it went by so quickly for Marcello and me.  The music that you put in and how you were able to splice everything together so seamlessly is really amazing.
Having the full ceremony and the other "Special Features" was a great surprise also- Thank you for doing that too! 

We also really appreciated the extra touches in the packaging - the very nice cover for the blu-ray dvd, the popcorn, and the kleenex were just awesome!

Thank you again so much :)

Best regards,
Stephanie & Marcello

Thank you Stephanie and Marcello for such a nice letter and i look forward to keeping in touch with you guys!

Here is their film

Christina and Winfield - Lake Merritt Hotel - Oakland, Ca

A few months back, I posted Christina and Winfield wedding highlight which you can see here. Well today I would like to introduce you to their full feature. I think it captured their personality and corkiness really well. You will noticed that all along the edit, the Kuma Bears are central to the film. Well the reason they are so present into this film is because when Winfield met Christina, the first thing he ever bought her was a Kuma Bear, a little stuffed animal. This became a collection for Christina and off course since Christina and Winfield were getting married, it was logical that the little guys were getting married too.
Thank you again Christina and Winfield to allow me to be part of your special day. I had so much fun, and thank you to Dennis Maxwell for helping me shooting this one. It's always great to work with you.
As usual, you are more than welcome to comment, like or share with your friend on Facebook and other social network media. I'd love to get some feedback.
Merci et bon weekend.
Matthieu

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

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)

California Academy of Sciences - San Francisco - Elaine and Rudy

This year I have been fortunate to work in some really amazing locations. Julia Morgan Ball Room, Mark Hopkins, Ritz Carlton HalfMoon Bay, Calistoga Ranch and Carneros Inn Just to name a few.
But when Elaine and Rudy contacted me and chose me as their wedding filmmaker, I was beyond ecstatic to be working at California Academy of Sciences, the world's largest platinum museum in the world, and the greenest one. This made for an amazing backdrop for their lavish event magistrally orchestrated by the talented Jess Flood. Chef Christophe and his team of La bonne Cuisine had prepared some magical food to compliment the event. On top of it I had the pleasure to Shoot with Jerry and Ingrid from Jerry Yoon Photography, who are class acts to work with.
For the film I didn't want t go the usual route and I definitely wanted to concentrate on using Angel's speech - Elaine's MOH - as the backbone of my edit. Angel had the particularity of being the "matchmaker" and her very eloquent toast was the best way to introduce our newlyweds.
Elaine and Rudy are really fun people and I wanted their personality to shine throughout the film, therefore I decided to use a much upbeat music for the second part of the edit.
So without any further ado, here it is:

Freedom Hall - Sunnyvale - Jenny and Ben

I know it's been a while I have not posted anything, and the reason is simple: I was on vacation. After 22 straight weeks of filming weddings, I felt I needed a break and decided to travel part of the world literally since I went to 5 countries in 4 weeks.
But enough about me and let's get back to Jenny and Ben. I have known Jenny for a while now as I have shot both of her brothers wedding. So filming her own wedding was definitely fun for me, and some added pressure since she had two examples of what I can do. But as usual each and every wedding is different. They all bring their own colors and diversities, and Jenny's wedding was no exception.
I hope you will enjoy this colorful depiction of the day, which blended a bit of the asian and Jewish traditions.
Thank you Jenny and Ben for trusting me with your most important day.

Bonne Journee,
Matthieu

Westin St. Francis Hotel - San Francisco - Mona and Brian

2010 started with a bang for CINEMATT with the rebranding and excited weddings throughout the whole year. In celebration of an insane, crazy, and extremely rewarding year, I would like to introduce you to Mona and Brian. This couple of talented lawyers had their beautiful Persian inspired wedding at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, downtown San Francisco. Atop the city with gazing views of Coit Tower and San Francisco Bay, the Imperial Floor was the perfect venue for both ceremony and reception. There is definitely a sense of grandeur when you enter the room. The architecture and the refinement of the place were well fitted for this lovely couples and their 150 guests.
For this full feature edit, I axed my story around the very poignant speeches that Mona's sister and dad, and Brian' brother and dad gave throughout the evening. It was definitely emotional, and fun, and a great way to find out more about them, and their story. I hope you will enjoy it.
As usual please do not hesitate to leave comments or to simply hit the like button if you like their film.
For better viewing, press play then pause immediately, and wait for the whole film to download, before sitting back and enjoying it.
Merci et bonne fin de soiree*.
Matthieu



*Thank you, and have a great evening.

I would like to give special thanks to Andy Hirsch from Blue Moon Productions, and Elley Ho from Elley Photography, who were my second and third shooter on that day. Thank you for your hard work, and talent. This wedding would have not been the same without you.

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

Cinematt at the San Francisco Ritz Carlton Bridal Fair

Last Sunday I had the privilege to represent videographers at the San Francisco Ritz Carlton Bridal Fair. This lavish event put together by modern bridal was an occasion for me to show case some of my recent work to future brides and grooms. Although I don't do many bridal fairs, in fact I don't do any, the one at the Ritz is always fun, and has been good to me in the past years.
Here is a picture of my booth:



As you can tell I'm very comfortable in front of the camera NOT, and that is why I prefer being behind the camera.

It was great to meet so many brides whose weddings is fast approaching. Thank you to them for coming by the booth and telling me about their wedding.



Thank you to Elley photography for documenting the day

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.

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.