Wednesday 31 December 2014

Not Too Cool To Dance...

We want to say a huge thank you everyone! Friends, family, clients, clients who are now friends... you have ALL made this year awesome for us. We have been literally all over the globe, Bora Bora, Crete, LA, New York, Tuscany, Ravello, Edinburgh, Ireland, Oklahoma and Ibiza to name a few. It's been rad. You all made it rad. We lost a few bags, we didn't sleep much, but god damnit, we had fun. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to tell your beautiful stories and thank you for letting us into your lives.

Thank you also to our friends and family who love and support us on our journey. Places to crash, trips to being bear, great dinners, way too many drinks, and some of you always making sure Jax is looked after when we can't be there. We love you a million, we appreciate you even more.

So to really thank you - we figured we should give you all some free music. Probably don't play it around kids though. Or your parents. Or at work. Unless you work somewhere cool. It's pretty dayum crunk. (sorry Wendy).


These are the magical hidden mixes from our vow renewal this year out in Joshua Tree. The music theme was fun and whatever Maria wanted to hear, the dress code was Macklemore. (More to come from that really soon!)

When David Guetta cancelled on us last minute, I just knew the time had come for me to dust down the turntables and get deep into the electronic jungle for four hours. Four lazers and two strobes (from amazon) later - I knew it might be the best party anyone had ever witnessed. I also planned to drink so much Goldrush, that at least I would think it was the best party ever.



So - ripe and ready for your new year's eve party, or just getting ready, or going to the gym or just shaking your money maker at home.... here are the three mixes, in order of appearance at Hicksville. You can download them straight from the Soundcloud links.

P.S If you don't like the track selection or mixing... try to remember, I had been drinking since 11 am and I have not touched a turntable since 2008. Also, it's free, bro.

Happy New Year, batches! See you in 2015














Much Love

Nick, Maria and Jax

xxx

Thursday 25 December 2014

Make It Like Your Birthday Everyday...

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

What an amazing year it has been - so many things to be grateful for, and so many amazing memories have been made. I couldn't think of a more perfect wedding to share than Willem and Brittany's! Their wedding was gorgeous, and festive and full of love and fun - styled to perfection by the fabulous Sitting In A Tree Events.

I have known Brittany since we were pretty young. She was one of my best friend's little sisters, and I always adored her to pieces. She is just a really amazing woman, completely badass, and totally ridiculously hot (I MEEEEEAN!). She and Willem make a perfect match - not just because he is also ridiculously good looking. It was beyond an honor to have shot her wedding - to see her transform into a bride and become a wife in front of my eyes was magical. We are so lucky to do what we do, and even more lucky that people who know us (and don't!) trust us to tell one of the most important stories of their lives!

Thank you all for allowing us to be a part of your lives, and for letting us in. We couldn't love what we do more, and the people we work with are truly a part of our family! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

xx
Maria

Tuesday 16 December 2014

And If It's All I Do, Then I Do It For You...

Suzanne and Mark's gorgeous destination wedding in Crete photo by STUDIO 1208
When you have a job or you run a business, you get into it for lots of reasons… for some, it's the money, or a passion, the flexibility, the challenge, to make a difference - the list goes on. However, one thing that people don't usually think about is the fact that they could make some amazing friends. We are super lucky in our work that we get to make tons of new friends with every wedding we shoot. I can't really believe that we have made so many close friends by doing our work - we work with the coolest, best people, and we get to keep them in our lives after all the work is done - BONUS!

Suzanne and Mark are no exception. These two are as amazing as they come - we are already planning a night out with them in the coming new year. They have a great story, and the love they have for each other is so deep. They are hilarious, and I really do think that laughter is one thing that keep relationships thriving.

We loved spending time in Crete with them, their families and friends - we had an amazing time, in fact! Their film shows just how much fun they are, and how much laughter and love surrounded this wedding. Hope you enjoy the full film, and if you missed it, make sure you check out their beautiful trailer too!

To view the film, simply type: studio 1208

x
Maria

Monday 8 December 2014

Never Look Back, Never Give Up...

Laura and Iván's breathtaking destination wedding in Tuscany by STUDIO 1208

Laura and Iván's wedding was so beautiful - to be surrounded by the Tuscan countryside was a dream, but when you combine that with a bunch of Scots and a bunch of Spaniards, the charm level was off the charts! Then add in the incredible talent that is Laura, who made everything - hand illustrated all the printed goods, and brought the wedding to life through her beautiful drawings…it was just perfect. I share with you their lovely full length wedding film, and I will be wishing that I was back in Tuscany basking in the sun on this freezing, rainy, holy hail-ish day in England.

To view the film, simply type: studio 1208

xx
Maria

Friday 5 December 2014

I Wanna Lock In Your Love...

Oh Liz and Iain, we just love you guys! What an amazing day in a beautiful venue, surrounded by people who just want to have a really good time. That's what it's all about though in the end, isn't it… surrounding yourself with the people who will do your hair, have a little cry with you, crack up with you remembering your past lives, and dance their asses off like lunatics with you. Weddings are about the people, the memories, and the story, and these two nailed it. Enjoy their film trailer - we can't what to share the rest!


xx
Maria

Monday 24 November 2014

We Can Waste Time Together...

Well, what can I even say about this wedding, about these people who I love so dearly, they are like family at this point?! Priscilla and I met in grade school - yes, the two of us playing in our Catholic school uniforms on the playground together, chasing boys and probably doing some kind of cheerleading and gymnastics (take it easy, boys!). We lost touch over the years, but she found me again when the time was right - after her and Misha got engaged. I am so glad she did - she is everything, and Misha, well, that guy is just as legit as they come.

This wedding was off the chain, basically. Do you guys like food? Good wine, perhaps? Desserts that make you want to cry because you know how bad, yet fantastic they are? Well, so do they, and it just so happens that they know some people who can make all of our culinary dreams come true…and they did, big time! Let's also have a mention to the epic dance party complete with a sing-a-long, (minorly awkward) story-telling, beautiful poem reading and amazing rap serenade wrapped up with an amazing band (and a badass Matron of Honor).

AND can we PLEASE talk about how beautiful these tow creatures are?! Good LORD.

We love them. LOVE THEM! Here is their trailer


xx
Maria

Saturday 15 November 2014

Welcome to the good life....

This job is awesome. I am never afraid to think it or say it, because we really do live the good life. Is it hard work? Yes. Is there tons of editing? Yes. Do we get to work with awesome people who trust us to capture the most special day of their life and become friends with them after? Absofreakingloutley. The coolest thing is, it's our clients that make it so great.

I actually thought about this while in Crete shooting Mark and Suzanne's wedding. We had just dragged them into an abandoned building by the side of the road, and watched them have this amazing 'just married' loved up moment, and were then driving with them on a quad bike into their wedding reception. The sea breeze was in our faces, and the incredible sunset we had just witnessed was finally fading to and orangey glow. It was simply magical, a real life story book ending for two incredible new friends who had just said 'I do' in front of their closest people. All I could think as the road rushed by was, this is our life. We created this. We get to do this ALL the time. In a few hours we will most likely be downing Raki shots at the bar, and dancing the night away with these awesome people! How lucky are we?

I can't even begin to tell you how much we love these guys. We got to stay in beautiful Crete, right there with them, their friends and family, and they just accepted us right into the group. Like, never skipped beat. Working with amazing people like Mark and Sooz is what gives us the most reward in our life, let alone work. You push us to create, and so we thank you with all our hearts. I can't wait to show you the full film and pictures... but for now, lets kick of with the trailer.

Welcome to the good life.



Nick x

Friday 14 November 2014

This Is Going To Be A Lot Of Fun...

Sanam and Dave's gorgeous Persian / Scottish destination wedding in Edinburgh

Sanam and Dave's wedding was so much fun. First of all, how could the party NOT be next level amazing when you have Persians and Scottish involved? Everything about this wedding was beautiful and perfect - the dress, the locations, the people, the colours, the light… magical.

I feel really lucky that we get to go all over the world and be with people on such an important day or in some cases, days or even a week! We really get to become a part of the group and learn so much about the people we work with. We see the interactions between them and their dearest outside of the wedding, and not only do we walk away with love for our bride and groom, but love for their families and friends too. I can't think of a cooler job.

So happy to share this beautiful, super fun wedding with all of you today, and it makes me want to go back to Edinburgh stat!

To view the film below, simply type: studio 1208


xx
Maria

Wednesday 29 October 2014

Just You And I...

Tuscany is magic - let's just put that out there right away. To go there anytime, for any reason is just a gift, and to get married there is kinda what dreams are made of. Laura and Iván chose to make all of our dreams come true when they decided to get married there, and we can't thank them enough for bringing us along!

The hand-made / hand-drawn details, the joining of two cultures, that dress!, and the dance party to end all dance parties brought something incredibly special to this event far deeper than the obvious beauty that the countryside full of vineyards as far as the eye could see already provided. It was just awesome.

We can't wait to show you the full film and the photos, but this will have to do for now...

xx
Maria

Thursday 9 October 2014

Kiss The World Goodnight...

Danny and Natalie's wedding was a dream. To be in the Amalfi Coast with your friends, watching your other friends get married is like, the greatest party you could have. This is our job - it's the best! We are so lucky to have a job where we can give someone a gift of memories of a day that goes by in an absolute flash. I think back to our wedding, and it was like a legit out of body experience. I remember some of it, of course, but the details can get very blurred - add in the time, and lots of it fades completely away. We are so grateful to have beautiful photos and video to bring us right back, putting the pieces back together!

I think this is one of the reasons that video is so important to a wedding. There is something so magical about looking at moving pictures where you can hear voices of those you love, combined with music that sets the tone -makes the story come to life. It isn't a replacement for photos, but it is something I don't think brides and grooms should live without…ever!

We are so proud to have shot Danny and Natalie's wedding. Their story is hilarious, with ups and downs and it's downright wonderful. Who knew a Summer "fling" would end up here, in paradise, exchanging beautiful vows, rings and forevers. And here we are, 6 Summers later…

To view the film, simply type: studio 1208

xx
Maria

Friday 3 October 2014

Because I'm Happy...

Nicola and Tony's gorgeous Sandhole Oak Barn wedding by STUDIO 1208

It's not often that you get a wedding day that starts off with rain and ends in glorious sunshine…and I mean GLORIOUS! People plan weddings in the Summer to give themselves the best chance with weather in this country, so to wake up and see that it is raining on your wedding day would be pretty disappointing, if not devastating to anyone. Not Nicola and Tony! They weren't worried at all, and they just wanted to see each other and hang out with the people they love most.

I suppose being a farmer's daughter makes Nicola a bit more bad ass than some girls, but she is just awesome and up for anything. You wanna go in a field full of sheep crap to shoot? No problem. Oh, it's also raining? Whatever, let's do it! They never batted an eyelash, and were so much fun to shoot with. I can't tell you how great it is when someone is up for anything - how fun it makes our job!

We had a great day with Mr. and Mrs. Blake!!!!!! and hoped hat you can see from this film just how great they are as people and most importantly, together as a team.

To view the film, please type in "studio 1208"

xx
Maria

Sunday 28 September 2014

Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes...

My heart always swells for military weddings. Just the thought that people have to be apart for months at a time is heartbreaking, but add in that one of them is fighting in a war and might never come home… unbearable. Emily and Jamie had to endure this torture, and they spent so much time apart that it is hard to believe that they still grew together, but they did. Stronger and stronger. It was an honor to be with them on this day, celebrating what was a long time coming together, and the day couldn't have been more perfect.

So happy to share their beautiful wedding film trailer with you all!

xx
Maria

Tuesday 9 September 2014

Sometimes I Can't Believe It….

One of the real joys of our job, is learning how people got together and the fated chance that took them to that incredible point. But it's very rare that you get to shoot a wedding where you actually saw the relationship start, and then blossom. But with Danny and Nat, that's what happened. I remember back to the days where Natalie would get me extra shots in the bar she worked at, and Danny was working with me doing the sound (aka turning down the noise) for my band in Liverpool. Danny and I have shared some awesome times, from long driving journeys, from Hull to Southampton to Norway in three days... to recording in California and hell, Natalie even threw wine over Jackson as a baby at our wedding.

I am happy to say that we have had the total honour of being both of their friends for a long time now. I saw them fall in love, out of love and back in again, and remember the pure joy Maria and I felt when they got engaged.

To then be asked to tell their story is just mind blowing to me. The very fact that my life path has changed so much to mean that we were in the position to capture this for them is hard to believe, but we couldn't be more happy that it's how it played out.

So, from having tears in my eyes on the wedding day, and yet more tears while I edited... Here is the trailer of two of my best friends in the whole world. People, check out Danny and Natalie's trailer.

\

Nick x

Sunday 7 September 2014

You Deserve The World And A Little More...

Nicola and Tony's wedding gave us a little bit of everything - some rain, glorious sunshine, laughs, tears, amazing food and delicious ice cream. It was a blast, and Sandhole Oak Barn was the perfect setting for this beautiful wedding. Nicola and Tony have so much fun together, and it is easy to see how they were drawn to each other - Tony is always making her giggle with his cheeky Southern charm, and she is always up for adventure and some fun. Nicola is so cool, that even when it was raining, she was willing to get out in it to take some photos and make the most of the beautiful location (a true farmer's daughter!)

We hope you enjoy their wedding film trailer, and check back for their full film coming soon!


xx
Maria

Friday 29 August 2014

Just Breathe...

When we first met with Sanam and Dave, we had breakfast. To be honest, there wasn’t much eating going on – it was mostly chatting and laughing. We knew it was a great fit, and that shooting their wedding was going to be really fun. It did not disappoint!

What was so cool about their wedding, beyond it being beautifully styled and in Scotland, was that it truly was the merging of two cultures - Persian and Scottish. They chose to have traditional aspects of each of their backgrounds, and it went together so well. When you think about it, none of us are really that different. Sure, there are differences in ceremony and in ways of celebrating, but when you really get down to it, everyone just wants to have fun! And let me tell you, Persians and Scotts REALLY know how to party!

We had an amazing time and got even closer to these two. We are so happy to have been there with them on such a beautiful, memorable day.


xx
Maria

Wednesday 20 August 2014

Town Mouse Meets Country Mouse...

Lizzie and Joe's gorgeous handmade festival wedding by STUDIO 1208
Lizzie and Joe had the wedding that people only dream of. It was an explosion of color, of fun, of love, and there were smiles on every face. Visually, it couldn't have been topped - Lizzie's company, Early Hours LTD., a beyond genius floral design firm, created all of the visual elements of the rainbow wonderland... with sparkly fairy dust and lucky pennies as favors and massive trees at the center of each table, adorned with ribbons and fabric. It was truly a masterpiece, and when you walked in, you felt like you had a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory. Magical.

The day was practically perfect, everything was practically perfect. The food (you may recognise Jonny of Katie and Jonny, who helped create and prepare the gorgeous gourmet Vegan meal), the course-paired cocktails, the music, the vibe… It was a celebration of love, but it was also a celebration of life and how important it is to live it and enjoy it with those you love. Tragically, only two days before the wedding, Lizzie's mom lost her battle with Cancer. It rocked everyone, of course, but honoring Polly's wishes, they carried on as planned. They celebrated, and enjoyed their moment with those they loved, knowing Polly was right there with them. There were some tears, but the strength of this family was astounding, truly.

We are so proud to call these people our friends, and so proud that we could give them an heirloom like this to share and watch for the rest of their lives. Thank you guys for the honor of witnessing your day and being welcomed into your lives.

To view the film, simply type in studio 1208 below

xx
Maria

Tuesday 12 August 2014

May My Heart Be Your Shelter, And My Arms Be Your Home...

Danielle and Adam's wedding was amazing. Their energy as a couple and as two people is next level. They bring the fun and joy with them wherever they go, and you could feel a legitimate buzz in the air all week. We enjoyed being in Ireland with them so much, and were so honoured to tell their beautiful story. Their ceremony was gorgeous, combining two religions together seamlessly and the most perfect, heartfelt vows to each other. Not a dry eye in the house, especially when Danielle's mom blew us all away with her performance of Ave Maria.

These two were up for anything, even having their first meeting in a miniature monsoon. No rain, wind or icy temperatures could keep them from having fun, looking into each other's eyes and being completely present in the moment.

Enjoy watching this, everyone. This is how you do a wedding!

To view the film, simply type in studio 1208


And if you missed their wedding film trailer, have a look HERE
xx
Maria

Tuesday 5 August 2014

No We're Never Gonna Quit It, No...

Lizzie and Joe are an amazing couple. Forget the fact that they are both beautiful - inside AND out, ridiculously talented, and super funny. They are two of the strongest, deepest souls we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. They compliment each other perfectly, and I really do believe that the world does stop when they are together.

While their wedding was incredibly fun, colourful, and bursting with love, it was also a very emotionally difficult time for everyone, as Lizzie had lost her mom to a battle with Cancer only two days before the big day. Per her mom's wishes, they decided to keep everything going as planned, and tried their best to carry on with Polly in spirit (a very Polly fighting spirit).

I can't tell you how in awe we are of these people - how everyone rallied around and made the day come together... not only come together, but made it absolutely magical. Every bit of the day was all about love, family and being strong when it would have been so easy to fall apart. The day wasn't spent being sad, but celebrating the new life that Lizzie and Joe were starting together - no doubt, a beautiful life filled with joy and laughter…and flowers!

What you might not know is that Lizzie designed the entire wedding - even her jaw-dropping wedding dress, and that she owns a fabulous floral business called Early Hours Ltd. Her work is outstanding, and it is actually the reason these two met (you'll hear more about that in the full film). This wedding was basically your chance to see inside of her head, and WOW, it is amazing!

Thank you all for allowing us to share your day and for trusting us to tell your story. We couldn't be happier that we get to call you friends. Marriage is the bomb! (That was for you, Joe!)

xx
Maria

Wednesday 30 July 2014

Give It To The People... Spread It Across The Country...

With the ever-changing world of music, actual licensing of mainstream songs for wedding films is practically impossible - unless you have a couple hundred thousand lying around... The importance of generous, independent artists willing to share their music, is fast becoming one of the most vital collaborations for us as filmmakers. They are our lifeline to real, creative quality music. Without them, we would be falling onto the clutches of crappy, sound bed, elevator music!

That means we are forever grateful to all those amazing artists who share their talent with you, with us, and allow us to keep on creating. We love to be able support our friends and incredible independent artists whenever we can. Our wedding films reach pretty large audiences worldwide, and hopefully we can help spread the message all over!

We had the fortune to meet Allman Brown at a wedding we shot last year. That day, he played live for his friends Fergus and Christina, his wonderful soulful voice and brilliant guitar playing created the back drop for what was an epic, candle lit ceremony. Not only is he an awesome guy with endless talent, his music is mind-blowing good too.

Allman Brown sound-checks at Fergus and Christina's wedding photos by STUDIO 1208

Allman Brown performs at Fergus and Christina's wedding photos by STUDIO 1208

We always try and credit artists when we can, but we felt he deserved a special mention. This is the second time his music has featured - always adding the most wonderful soundtrack to our films. Watch our film and hear Allman’s track ‘Stone’ featured in Danielle and Adam's wedding film by clicking HERE

Then, once you have fallen in love with it like we did, head over to his iTunes to buy more of his awesome music and  FOLLOW Allman Brown - give him some love, people!

Check out his new official video with Liz Lawrence for Sons & Daughters which has over 100,000 views, NBD!


If you are an independent artist, and want to try to get featured in our films - drop us an email at STUDIO1208@gmail.com, holla at us on Twitter or even on Instagram.

Thanks again, Allman, and keep up the amazing work.

Nick x

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Love In Places I Can't Describe...

gorgeous bride and groom laughing photo by STUDIO 1208

Natalie and Mickey's wedding was full of surprises. The church it was supposed to be in changed to the Cathedral that only one foreign couple a year is allowed to get married in, the villa they were staying in changed to a footballer's mansion, and the reception venue, Elixir Shore Club, is owned and run by Mert and Marcus' personal caterer for 4 years!!!!!! Her food was next level, and they took care of us like royalty. Oh, and we sat next to a world-class DJ (John Digweed) on our flight out who casually put us on the guest list for Pasha (the biggest club in Ibiza), where he was headlining. The trip was beyond amazing, and then to add to it, we made so many rad new friends - I have even shot a fashion job with Natalie doing hair since then - stay tuned!

These two have fun all. the. time. They are full of life and energy, and are so fit and beautiful, it is inspiring! Basically, we love them. You will too, just watch! And if you missed their film trailer, just click HERE

To access the film, simply type studio1208 below

xx
Maria