puttin on the Ritz

Video Documentary of the couples Celebration and Commitment at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Chicago. Mark Kauffman directed a lovely and successful event like a cool and deliberate master of ceremonies, and there were at least two going on simultaneously, no easy task and he and his crew made it look if not easy at least incredibly professional. Tom Kehoe was creating like crazy- the spaces were fabulous, we did a ceremony with sofas in the round! The couple did their own heart felt vows at the epicenter. We adjourned to live marimbas and a sumptuous cocktail hour, a huge mirrored, plexi and water buffet piled high with cheeses, vegetables and a cornucopia of food adorned with orchids, passed appetizers, and a steamed dumpling station. Dinner chimes and fig dj Lucy called us to dinner and dancing- the room, was breathtaking! Sky scrapers of glass, water and orchids bedazzled. The newest thing - square tables and straight back chairs arranged with style and designed to match the old world charm of the dining room and bring in hip - marrying masculine with grace. We danced, toasted, cut the cake. We got super cute shots of the couple trying to bite the cake. Most of the guests exited to roll in the sweet tables, set up in the cocktail area, not great for dancing but hey, there was a live chef making toasted ice cream thingys with cherries. Afterward everyone stuft themselves with sweets they were ready for dancing. We got lots of fun shots, beautiful shots, and after reviewing the footage tonight I am excited to get our edit complete and share with our grooms who did a wonderful job of celebrating themselves.
Michele Gustin, Lead Video Artist
Saturday September 30th, 2006 at the Ritz Carlton, Chicago