Grant Photo & Video

Bethany & Steve - May 16, 2009

2009-06-30T14:44:00.002-04:00

Here is Bethany & Steve's highlight from May 16th 2009. The wedding and reception was at Sterling Gardens in Columbia, SC. There was a large threat of rain and thunderstorms all morning, and as you can see the Grant charm worked once again, because it didn't storm until they were done with the ceremony, and inside. Talk about timing!

Bethany & Steve - May 16, 2009 from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Michelle & Jason - April 4, 2009

2009-06-30T12:14:00.003-04:00

These guys were married on April 4, 2009 at Union United Methodist in Irmo, SC with a reception at the Embassy Suites. Awesome couple. Michelle is in a band called My Affliction here locally, and you should definately check them out if you can...

Michelle & Jason 4/4/09 from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Busy Busy Busy

2009-06-30T10:08:00.004-04:00

Hello, and welcome back to our blog... We have had a very busy spring, and finally have a few weeks to catch up, so thought I would make a blogpost for some of our work through the spring... this will be a many part post, and there should be much more to come, so here goes...
Nora & Kevin - March 14, 2009

Nora & Kevin from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Upward basketball...

2009-03-09T11:01:00.002-04:00

So, what have we been doing all winter? Well, there's an interesting misconception for folks in our business that winter is time off :) Well, that is not usually the case here is South Carolina. Here's an example of one of the things we've been up to in our "time off"
My friend Joel Sellers asked me, as director of Upward basketball at our church, to come in a do a video highlight for the awards night. I came in for a few weeks and shot some games and obvserved how well this organization is run. I mean top notch! The kids had alot of fun, and with that intro they do with the spotlight and the music, they felt like pro athletes! Joel, thanks for the invite, and congrats on a great program! Here's the clip that was shown at the awards night... click the icon to watch it in HD...

Upward Basketball 2009 - Riverland Hills - Irmo SC from RHBC Upward on Vimeo.

Bringing back Magic

2009-02-11T12:33:00.003-05:00

So,

We went to the Professional Photographers of South Carolina convention this past month, and man let me tell you... it was an amazing experience. One of things I started to realize through this experience was that photography isn't about cameras or lenses. It is about the photographers ability to "see" something and catch it. We are hired for our ability to study the light, the people, the surroundings and bring magic to it by catching it in time. I have always wondered to myself what seperates the pro from the amateur. It is magic. Of all of the artists that I admire locally and internationally, that is what unites them all. Amazement and a dose of magic in every shot. Every picture we make is stopping time, distilling an age. As a videographer I do that as well with moving images and sound. Imagine being able to see your grandparents wedding video, how they looked and moved when they were younger. The dances they did at the reception. It would be amazing. It's easy to get caught up in those thigns you do to prepare for a wedding and lose sight of what we are doing. I know it's easy for us to lose sight of the magic and get caught up in the task. I am so excited about the wedding season we have coming up and the chance we have to preserve that magic for all of these families. It's an amazing gift.
Bill

Re-Connect with people

2009-02-05T13:09:00.003-05:00

You know,
I try to pay attention to what's happening around us as a collective. I have noticed a few trends with people lately that I find fascinating, and I thought I would share my observations. We did an interview with a young man a few weeks ago for Grant Digital Media . Part of the interview was a question of how he uses technology to connect with friends and colleagues. His answer really surprised me. He said he's trying to get away from technology and start re-connecting with people. This seemed out of place for a young man of 21. So, I started thinking about the implications of this generation getting away from technology and getting more face to face.
It seems that in our current world with all of the social networking options like facebook, myspace, twitter, etc. we start to live in this virtual society where people don't talk to each other as much as exist around each other. I have started to hear this from major players in several industries, and I find it very interesting (not to mention ironic that I'm writing this on a blog) So, next time someone sends you a text, facebook wall post, or an e-mail. Try giving them a call. Set up a meeting. Get out and talk to people. It may really make a difference in the quality of your connections, not just the number of "friends" you have...
Bill

Sara & Ben's Wedding Photos 1/10/09

2009-01-30T10:29:00.006-05:00

Here are some photos from Sara & Ben's wedding at the Lexington Church of Christ on Jan. 10 2009.

Sara & Ben

2009-01-18T16:26:00.005-05:00

Hey There,
Chalk one up for me... My first content post of '09...
Sara & Ben were married at the Lexington Church of Christ. This has always been a favorite church of mine for weddings. The people are always so cool. I love these winter weddings. There seems to be a much different vibe about them, especially since it was 70 degress that day and 65 at night. Anyway, photos in a seperate post... here's the highlight video... click the video to watch in HD... ohh yeah

Sara & Ben from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

And we're baaaack!

2009-01-13T11:57:00.019-05:00

So,
We've been extremely busy over the last few months (thank you to all of those brides!). One of my new year's resolutions is to keep up with my blog (fingers crossed) Anyway, I am posting links to a few of our trailers, highlights, etc. over the last few months, and here's to keeping up the blog in '09.
Stay Tuned
Leah & Michael
Keri & Michael's Rehearsal
Samone & Tony
Whitney & Todd
Sara Beth & Greg

Mandee and Mark June 28

2008-10-08T09:54:00.010-04:00

Mandee and Mark showed their Carolina Pride with their Gamecock Theme Wedding

Hita and Justin June 7, 2008

2008-09-15T20:05:00.005-04:00

Our first Hindu wedding. It was really different from anything we have done up to this point.

The groom is escorted into the temple by the brides mom and immediate family.

Other members of her family greet the groom at entrance of the temple with gifts

The ceremony begins at the entrance of the temple.

The bride and groom are separated by a sheet when she first enters.

The brides family will then put her vail on and put flowers around her neck.

Here are some photos after the ceremony

We had a christian ceremony later that evening.

She had a outdoors ceremony at the Virginia Hylton Park in Lexington..

The grooms brother preformed the service

A couple little boys taking a little time to go frog hunting.

I really like this shot of Hita and Justin

The guys singing everyone a song

Everyone did a little dancing

The bubble exit

Cynthia and Michael May 31, 2008

2008-09-15T13:10:00.019-04:00

The guys hanging out before the day got started...

The cute little ring bearer

Cynthia and the flower girl. This little girl is a pro, she was in a wedding we had a couple years
ago..

Here are a few shots from Cynthia's Bridal. They turned out amazing...

Cynthia and her girls...

Everyone had a great time at the reception. We caught people doing some "classic" dances..

I Believe this one is the robot...

No party is complete without the Air Guitar...

Thriller...

Can you guess this one?

Congratulations guys! You guys were a lot of fun.

Amanda and Bill May 25, 2008

2008-09-11T13:06:00.011-04:00

This was her mothers vail..

The service was held at the beautiful Corley Mill House...

Here is a shot of Amanda and Bill "goofing off" after the ceremony

This was a really fun reception, Dave Gilbert from Party Time DJ, had the guests out of their seats...

I would love to introduce you guys to Grandma Sassy shoes...

The Bouquet toss...

Their exit...

Rachel and David May 10, 2008

2008-09-11T12:17:00.012-04:00

This is where the day started at Gateway Baptist's cute little wedding Chapel...

Her Daddy preformed the Ceremony

Rachel and David on there way to the Yacht Cove

...and the wedding Party

The fish were a big hit with the kids. Our little boy got a fish from this wedding that he named "Cute Fish".

Her Daddy did not keep a dry eye all day long

Their first dance..
Congratulations guys!!

Brandie & Kevin 5/3/08

2008-05-11T22:01:00.005-04:00

Well, one of the great things about what we do is getting to know new families every week. These guys were a little different. Brandie & Kevin have been together for about 10 years and are finally tying the knot. This was a very casual laid back group. The comfort that they showed around each other was very disarming. The wedding was at The Big Apple downtown. Very recently renovated, and a very cool historic spot with the reception following at the Marriot. A great great great wedding band The B-Town Playaz( www.btownplayaz.com) from Bluffton completely rocked the reception playing everything from John Denver to Metallica. Great fun. Video coming soon...

Taylor & Jonathan - 4/26/08

2008-05-11T20:44:00.012-04:00

Taylor & Jonathan from Bill Grant on Vimeo.
Well,
We've been quite busy here, right in the middle of our wedding season, but I decided to catch up on some weddings over the last few weeks. First, is Taylor & Jonathan. These guys had a very fun group, and there was never a dull moment. Their wedding was held in Boyce Chapel at First Baptist Columbia. This is a great space that we have worked in many many times, and are always very impressed with the great people there and the beautiful chapel. The bride received some amazing gifts for the wedding day. Her dress was new, and for the borrowed she got to carry her grandmother's handkercheif. For the blue, she got as a gift her mother's anniversary ring. Mary really had to hold it together for that one!
The reception was held at the Palmetto Club. Music was provided by Second Nature ( http://www.2ndnatureband.com ) It was a great night, and everyone had an awesome time.Everybody could dance even grandpa! Here are some pics and the highlight video from the day. Congrats to everyone...

Claire & Andy 4/19/08

2008-04-29T22:05:00.004-04:00

Claire & Andy from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

So,
It is interesting what happens when you plan a wedding outside. The rain threatened all day. With all of the prayers for it not to rain, the sun came out at 5:15 and it made for a beautiful wedding by the water. The passing clouds made for interesting pictures, and would you believe the rain held off just long enough to get everyone into the reception, and then the bottom fell out. Amazing. The family took care of most all of the decorating, and Claire even wore her grandmother's cameo on the bouqet which was a nice touch. The ceremony and reception were held at Taylor Plantation. Entertainment was provided by the Palmetto Groove Band. It was really great getting to know these guys, and we wish them all the best.

Jessica & Neal 4/5/2008

2008-04-24T11:43:00.000-04:00

Jessica & Neal Opening from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Hey Everyone,
I know this one is a few weeks late, but I had this pesky golf tournament that threw my whole schedule off. I will be updating quite a few over the next few days, but let me start where we left off with Jessica & Neal. These guys were a super bunch. There are just times where you know it is a real thing, and this couple just radiated that. Jessica could not stop smiling all day! And it rained even! They got married at North Trenholm Baptist. Neal's father was one of the officients which is always a treat. Everyone at the church was very helpful, and everything went off without a hitch. The reception was held at the Columbia Conference Center. This was our first reception at this venue and I must say it was very nice. The staff were all extremely attentive, and seemed happy to be there. Anyway, I am posting an intro to their DVD this time rather thatn a highlight, just to have some variety. More very soon folks... and congratulations you two.

Emily & Chris 3/29/2008

2008-04-02T10:39:00.001-04:00

Well, here we are. First wedding post on our new blog. This is our first spring wedding of many to come. So, dear readers, we will have alot to share. Emily & Chris got married this past Saturday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lexington. Beautiful church, and everyone involved from the chruch was extremely nice and helpful. We had a great experience there. The reception was held a T & S farm in Leesville, and this was another great venue. It had a very cool old rustic charm. Flowers were by Rish Florist (http://www.rishflorist.com/) and entertainment at the reception by DJ Pierre. Thanks to everyone invlolved for making it a great day. Congratulations to Emily & Chris! We'll be in touch... Here is a preview of your video. And scroll down for a few pictures as well. The HD version of the video can be found here http://www.vimeo.com/850592.

Emily & Chris from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Brandie's Bridal

2008-03-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hey there everyone!
So, 2 posts in 2 days, I'm very proud.
Here is Brandie's Bridal. This was a great shoot out at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia. It was a beautiful day, and what a great setting! We got in the zone quickly, and I think everything turned out great! Now normally we wouldn't be able to show the bridal pictures & video before the wedding, but Brandie has assured us that her groom will not come snooping, so here you go! Scroll down past the video for some pics from the bridal.

Brandie's Bridal from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

HD is here!!!!

2008-03-25T21:47:00.000-04:00

Ok, so here is my first real post to the blog. I have been considering the change to HD video for several months, and have researched it until, frankly, Mary is sick of hearing about it! I finally have my cameras, and have chosen the Canon XH-A1 for many reasons that I will not go into here. So what does this all mean for you dear reader, well a few things actually.
1. The picture will now fill up your new High Definition TV because it is true 16x9
2. The quality of the image should be increased when using an "upconvert" DVD player
3. We can save your HD footage for a future "blu-ray" version that can be viewed in full HD.

Anyway, here is my first "test" shoot with the new setup
Amanda & Bill are getting married on May 25, and decided to do an engagement session rather than the traditional Bridal. We had a lot of fun with them at Finlay Park, and are really looking forward to their wedding... They were interested in heavier music (we talked about Korn, and System of a Down) so we decided to use a string quartet version of System of Down's "Toxicity"

And here are some pictures from their session...

Engagement session from Bill Grant on Vimeo.

Welcome to our blog!!!

2008-03-22T10:59:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our very new blog. We have alot of plans for the coming months, so stay tuned!
Bill Grant