River Cafe Downtown Calgary Wedding

Matt and Nat were married on a gorgeous September day at River Cafe on Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Alberta. Considering that their original venue flooded a week prior to their wedding date, these two were in the very best spirits and simply over the moon happy to be marrying each other! We couldn’t have asked for a kinder, more laid back couple to spend the day with!

The day started off with a first look on the roof top of Hotel Le Germain in the heart of downtown Calgary. You’ll want to watch the full video as Matt cries as soon as he turns around and sees Nat! It’s a really emotional first look and so special that we were able to capture it for them.

The wedding party photos took place at Prince’s Island Park and then the couple slipped away for a private lunch just the two of them at UNA Pizza + Wine. They chose this restaurant because it is where they had their first date- so romantic right?!

The ceremony took place on the outdoor patio at River Cafe with the reception following in their dining room. Matt’s dad announced the newlyweds arrival at the reception in full traditional Scottish dress and a bag pipe serenade which was definitely unforgettable.

Another highlight was the poem written and read by one of the groomsmen; one of the most hilarious poems/speeches we’ve ever heard at a wedding reception.

Watch the full video below and then scroll down to read about the creative editing process that we used to edit this film.

Here is the creative process behind the video for those wanting to know why I (Oscar) filmed and edited the wedding video the way I did.

I used the words ‘Romantic, fun, and casual’ that Matt + Nat had mentioned in the pre-wedding questionnaire that I sent them. These are the words they wanted to describe the ambiance and feel of their wedding day.

Since the wedding ceremony didn’t have personal vows, I had to approach the subject from ‘outside’ rather than from the subject's point of view. Thus, the groomsman’s poem in the reception worked perfectly to tell the story in a fun and casual way. I saw this approach visually like a circle with the couple (the subject) in the middle. The idea of the circle was reinforced later when Matt’s dad mentioned the Celtic circle in his speech and how “it has no beginning, it has no end, it just keeps going around and around… family is everything”.

This can also explain the structure of the video with music that goes from a more upbeat vibe to a slow and romantic song, and then back to the upbeat music. It also places the couple in the centre with the moment at UNA exactly in the middle of the video (where everything started). I took the liberty of finishing the part with the romantic and serious vibe with a groomsman’s joke since Matt + Nat mentioned that they like not taking each other too seriously. The groomsman’s poem was the main thread keeping all the parts together and ‘closing the circle’. I also used the windmill to consolidate the concept as it was the only circled object moving around and around that I could capture on the wedding day. The windmill is present in the beginning, middle and closer to end of the video. The video also has a 80’s vibe since Matt really likes ‘indie and 80’s’ music and because a Mad Max parade took place just outside of the venue before the reception (it was the Beakerhead Festival Weekend).

For the colour grading, I used a LUT with moody teals and tonal greens that enhanced not only the floral arch but the mood inside the venue.

I hope this explanation give you a little more insight into the creative process that goes into producing a wedding film!

A special thanks to all of the amazing Calgary wedding vendors that Mark + I had the pleasure of working with!

Florals: Flowers by Janie

Photography: Mint Photo

Bridal Gown: Pearl + Dot

Planning: Paper Doll

Officiant: Vows by Judy

Hair + Makeup: Something Borrowed Beauty

Bridal Jewelry: Joanna Bisley Designs

DJ: Local DJ

Photo Booth: Silly Booth

If you are still looking for a wedding videographer for your Calgary, Canmore, Banff or destination wedding. Please get in touch!

Destination Wedding in La Paz, Bolivia

As a Calgary wedding videographer, you can often find me filming destination weddings in Canmore, Kananaskis or Banff, Alberta. I even have a wedding in Jasper National Park planned for July 2020; but last fall I had a destination wedding that took me all the way down to the southern hemisphere.

Last September took me back to my roots for the ultimate destination wedding, to film my younger brother’s wedding in La Paz, Bolivia where I (Oscar) lived until I was 25 years old.

This was a highly emotional time for me, not only was my brother getting married but I hadn't seen him in person or been back to my home country, Bolivia, for 8 years!

Time really has a way of getting away from you. I didn’t plan to be away for so long but with starting life in a new country (Canada) learning the language, studying in college and starting my Videography company, I put off going back. Maybe I was afraid of seeing all the change or of wanting to move back because I missed family and friends so much.

I’m glad I was able to be together with my parents, brothers and new sister-in-law to celebrate their marriage!

Below is my brother Andres and his wife Greace’s feature wedding film captured by me and my wife.

You’ll see glimpses of the city I grew up in and where they still live. I can’t believe my brother is grown up now and is a married man. When I left Bolivia, he was 22 years old; a couple of days ago he turned 30. What a privilege it was to capture his wedding day and reconnect with him, get to know my sister-in -law and see extended family and friends.

This video will forever document their wedding day but will also be a cherished memory and heirloom of our family being reunited after being apart for far too long.

Heli Engagement at Marvel Pass in Banff

Your wedding engagement photos and video should reflect the two of you as a couple, doing the things you love to do.

Madeline (Madie) + John travelled to Canmore from Houston Texas this past August for their engagement photo and video session. They got engaged while travelling in Austria for Madie’s best friend’s wedding. John proposed on top of a mountain in Salzburg after what she says “felt like the worlds longest gondola ride”. They love the mountains and hiking. Since neither of them had ever visited Banff National Park they decided to plan their destination wedding for May 2020 at Banff Gondola (Sky Bistro). Banff is where they are getting married and it’s a bucket list item for them so they decided on having their engagement photos/video there as well.

Alpine Helicopters gave them an amazing experience with “top notch views” as Madie said neither of them had ever been in a helicopter before. They hired Dr. Lindsay Copeland of Twenty Twenty Photography who specializes in Canmore and Banff wedding and engagement photography. Lindsay contacted us to ride along and film the e-session for the couple! We surprised them with a hand tied bouquet of flowers from our sister company Flowers by Janie who will be doing the couples wedding florals next May in Banff. Lindsay also surprised the couple with champagne and cupcakes (from Kake by Darci) at the end of the heli tour.

We flew to the south west border of Banff National Park to Marvel Pass. The views below in the photos and video will speak for themselves as to the incredible beauty that can be found in the Canadian Rockies. From Canmore we flew over the Three Sisters, Spray Lakes Reservoir, Marvel Lake and Mount Assiniboine. We landed around 7,200 feet near Aurora Lake for amazing views where we captured the couple in photo and film doing what they love; hiking in the mountains.

Words from the couple:

“The heli shoot was incredible. Oscar and Lindsay were super welcoming and made us feel very comfortable from the beginning. They were both playful and patient with us. They went above and beyond in the services they provided from a stunning floral bouquet to delicious cupcakes and champagne at the end! We ended the day back at Lindsay’s place and got to know each other more over beverages on Lindsay’s patio. Lindsay opening up her home to a couple of strangers really speaks to her character. Overall we had such a fun experience and would recommend it to anyone!” -Madie + John

View some of the images from their heli session as well as their engagement video below. If you are looking for a Canmore or Banff wedding videographer or photographer please reach out to us!

Marvel Pass, Banff National Park. Photo Twenty Twenty Photography

Madie’s hair was done by Railee Hair Co.

Lindsay caught Oscar in action filming the couple

Wedding Inspiration at The Nash YYC

I want to start off this blog by saying that if you have never had the rotisserie chicken at The Nash YYC, you are missing out! I had never filmed at The Nash before and I enjoyed working with the creative team on this spring styled shoot. Christy and Alexis from Beyond the Proposal were amazing to work with and, with them in charge, the day ran smoothly even with very limited time. It was also a pleasure to work alongside Calgary wedding photographer Tara Whittaker and I’m really looking forward to our real wedding together this July in Banff!

This spring styled shoot had a heavy floral focus as much of my videos do. It’s a perk of being married to a florist (Flowers by Janie) and getting to film her creations. The venue was unique and I loved the natural light as well as the feature wall with the original town map of Calgary!

Enjoy the video below as well as some of my favorite images photographed by Tara.

Scroll to the end for a complete list of all the Calgary wedding vendors who participated in this styled shoot.

Planning + Design Beyond the Proposal | Photography Tara Whittaker Photography | Florals Flowers by Janie | Rentals Modern Luxe Rentals | Videography Castaño Films | Hair + Make up Glamaway Beauty | Cake Pretty Sweet | Venue The Nash YYC | Dress Blush & Raven | Accessories Joanna Bisley Design | Stationary Bexley Design Co. | Model Victoria Lang from Mode Models

Tunnel Mountain Engagement Film Session

Jordan + Jesse will be getting married in an outdoor ceremony at Tunnel Mountain in Banff, Alberta this coming June 2019! Instead of opting for engagement photos the couple chose to have an engagement film created for them. We met them in Banff at Tunnel Mountain where we kicked off the session in the exact spot where they will say their vows in June. The weather was perfect for an April evening with only a slight breeze. The mountains were perfectly majestic and we had some great sunset light! We also spent time filming at Cascade Ponds and then in an open field on the way to Lake Minnewanka! We can’t wait to film their Banff wedding ceremony with a Calgary reception following at The Pioneer!

June is going to be good!

If you are looking for a Calgary videographer to capture your surprise proposal, engagement or wedding please get in touch! We’d love to hear your story!

Pearl & Dot Bridal Boutique For the Modern Bride

If you are recently engaged and bridal gown shopping you’ll likely have heard about Pearl & Dot, a lovely and intimate bridal boutique located in downtown Calgary. Their boutique is located on the second floor of a sun soaked loft apartment and is really a stunning place to visit, full of all things pretty + wedding!

We recently had the privilege of interviewing Alyssa Conrad, owner of Pearl & Dot, so she could answer all of the questions brides typically inquire about. In the video below Alyssa talks about what you can expect at Pearl & Dot, how long appointments are, how to figure out your bridal style and what her favorite things are about owning a bridal store. She tells us all about the current and upcoming trends for 2019 and 2020 wedding dresses and the trend that she is most excited about! Alyssa also shares tips for wedding dress shopping and how to reduce your stress and not become overwhelmed with the process.

One piece of advice that Alyssa gives is “don’t overthink it, trust your instinct, trust your gut, you’ll know when you’re in a dress that feels like your dress”.

If you are searching for the perfect wedding gown or accessory and want to know more about the Pearl & Dot experience we invite you to watch the short interview below!

Happy shopping!

Canmore Winter Wedding Intimate Moments with the Bride + Groom

We love covering full day weddings with film because so many special moments are captured throughout the day. We want our clients to be able to relive these memories for years to come and share them with generations to come.

Georgina + Justin had an intimate moment together prior to their Banff wedding ceremony. The couple decided to have a first “no look” moment rather than a first look. The bride’s parents have a home in Canmore and so it took place in their back yard. The groom waited with his back facing the house and the maid of honour (Georgina’s sister Alice) + one of the bridesmaids helped the bride to walk backwards into the yard so she wouldn’t see Justin. The idea was that they would share some time together before the wedding but without seeing one another before the ceremony.

So, rather than seeing each other face to face, the couple stood back to back holding hands and sharing laughs prior to leaving separately for the church in Banff.

This was a really unique and beautiful wedding day moment that I’m so glad we were able to capture on video for them. Now they’ll be able to watch each other’s reactions and relive these few seconds now that the wedding day has come and gone.

View the short video clip below of their winter wedding "no look” in Canmore!

Planning Lynn Fletcher Weddings | Gown Pearl + Dot | Hair + Makeup Nikki B from Hedkandi Salon + Butter Beauty Parlour | Florals Flowers by Janie

Year in Review Film for Flowers by Janie

Last year, 2018, marked the first full year of weddings for Castaño Media and we were thrilled to work with so many amazing couples as well as wedding vendors. We filmed weddings in Calgary, Canmore and Banff at some of the most beautiful venues and mountain locations such as The Lake House, Saskatoon Farm, Teatro, Silvertip Resort, Creekside Villa, Cornerstone Theatre and The Fairmont Banff Springs. We were also very fortunate that all of our couples invested in quality wedding flowers designed by our sister company Flowers by Janie. Since there were just so many beautiful florals to film last year, we created a 2018 year in review for Flowers by Janie to feature some of the fresh florals their team created! Even though we are in the midst of winter we hope this video fills you with warmth and wraps you in the fragrance of fresh summer blooms!

All photos and video below were created by Castaño

Tunnel Mountain Elopement in a Snow Storm

Suzanne and Gordon anticipated a beautiful fall wedding for September 13, 2018 at Tunnel Mountain Reservoir in Banff, Alberta. The Canadian couple, living in Savannah Georgia, were looking forward to their elopement with fall foliage and mountain vistas. Nature had other plans for their wedding day complete with a snow storm in the middle of their outdoor wedding. The couple toughed it out, frozen lips and all, in the middle of a true Canadian snow globe! Despite the cold, Suzanne and Gordon were all smiles as they said their vows. Though the snow was so thick at times that the mountains were barely visible, the falling snow made for a magical touch to their Banff wedding film.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are magnificent in clear weather, rain and even snow storms and they are a very remarkable and memorable place to say “ I Do”.

Take a look at their “winter wedding” below (still photos + video by Castaño Films)!

A big thank you to Suzanne + Gordon for allowing us to capture your wedding day and for braving the cold! Congrats to you both!

Rain on your wedding day is a good thing

Rain on your wedding day can be better than a bright, sunny, cloudless day! Don't believe me...keep reading to find out why!

Cloudy skies highlight the natural colours of you and your surrounding and make the colours appear more vibrant rather than washed out. Having a sky full of clouds (with or without rain) also creates softer shadows which are easier to photograph and film under rather than harsh, direct light from the sun.

Rain also gives the day a fresh feel and a calming vibe. The aroma of nature can be enjoyed more and the senses of your guests will be heightened. Rain drops also look great on camera and the cooler weather unconsciously makes the couple snuggle closer together for warmth, creating more natural, romantic and intimate moments for photographers and videographers to capture.

Also, umbrellas, can we take a minute to stay how romantic it is to see a couple together under the same umbrella! 

Dan and Cassandra were married at Silvertip Resort this past July and they had a mix of sun, then a heavy downpour and some light rain in between. A couple of my favorite shots from their teaser video included rain; the light rain drops on the turquoise pond and the rain falling on them when they are walking together with their umbrella. Take a look and see for yourself, rain is a good thing on your wedding day!

If you are looking for a wedding videographer to capture your wedding on film in Calgary, Canmore, Banff or beyond get in touch!

Heli Wedding in Canmore

On Thursday July 5th Mandy + Jason were married at Silvertip Resort surrounded by close family and friends. They wanted some epic mountain photos and video for their bridal portraits and so Oscar of Castaño Films and wedding photographer Darren Roberts joined the couple aboard Alpine Helicopters for a two hour flight. Their love was captured in photo and film along with incredible mountain vistas of the Rockies. View their highlight video below.

Video + photo by Castaño Films

If you are planning a heli-wedding or mountain wedding and need a wedding videographer get in touch with us here!

YYC Bridal Shower

This past May, real bride Erin, was the winner of the #YYCBRIDALSHOWER, a contest open to real brides where they entered to win their entire bridal shower planned and designed by some of Calgary's finest wedding professionals. Castaño Films was there during the bridal shower, at Rodney's Oyster House, to capture Erin and her guests enjoying the celebration. Scroll to the end to see all the Calgary wedding vendors involved with the YYC Bridal Shower that took place on May 26, 2018.

Real bride Erin, pictured above with her maid of honour and sister, will be getting married at The Lake House on September 17, 2018. Photo + film by Castaño Films

Thank you to the following Calgary wedding vendors who made this bridal shower for Erin possible. To see more photos from the bridal shower view them on the blog by Confetti Magazine.

Event Videographer Castaño Films | Event Photographer Minted Photography | Design & Styling Jacqueline Rae Weddings Events Interiors | Sweet treats Sweet Art by Nicole | Stationary Lovesky Design | Decor Rental Modern Luxe | Venue + Catering Rodney's Oyster House | Flowers Fall for Florals | Hair and Makeup Something Borrowed Beauty | Spa Treatment Natasha Rae Skin and Nutrition | Hair Cut Rhea Hair and Beauty | Jewelry Joanna Bisley Design | Lashes Brown Sugar Artistry | Canvas Calligraphy Debbie Wong Design

If you are looking for a wedding videographer for your Calgary, Canmore, Banff or destination wedding contact us here.