Carolyn and Michael's Wedding, Middletown DE

Here's a short 4-5 minute video clip of Carolyn & Michael Carroll's wedding. They were married in Middletown, DE.

Should Memorial Services Be Videotaped

A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
Ecclesiates 3:4

A time to say goodbye, a time to see old and dear friends, a time to spend the last few minutes with a loved one and you can not attend.

Is it proper or ethical to videotape a memorial service?

Videotaping memorial services is quickly becoming more and more common as we continue to enter into a world that separates us from loved ones, thereby preventing some family members and close friends not to be present and say goodbye.

At the request of the immediate family or the memorial home I’ve videotaped some 30 memorial services in the past two (2) years. One thing to remember is that a memorial service is, in effect, a celebration of life. It is a tradition we use as a way of saying our last goodbyes, remembering fond memories of an earlier time, seeing people who are/were very close to us. Very much like a wedding, it is the beginning of a new chapter. So, like a wedding, should it be recorded?

The answer depends on the family and how comfortable they feel with it. Obviously, if they ask to have the ceremony/internment videotaped, then they feel comfortable with it and that should be respected. On 2 occasions I videotape the memorial service because close family members could not attend – one was from Brazil and some family members of the deceased, still in Brazil, were not able to attend. The other was because a wife could not attend her husband’s mass and memorial service because she herself was too ill to attend.

According to Alan Naumann, a leading authority and author of "Funeral Videos" pg 10,
“Funeral Videography is more than just producing a slide show – it is using video to remind loved ones of the life that was lived. This can happen through the compelling use of photos in a video, and also by recording the service itself – especially if there is a time of sharing on the part of friends and family.”. "...A video allows children who are too young to understand what has happened to view the service with adult eyes later in their life. Video also allows the life of the deceased to be shared with friends and family around the world. This can even take place instantly through streaming video on the internet.”

What to look for when you hire a videographer to film a loved one’s memorial service?

Unobtrusive style – Someone who will blend in and not be conspicuous. Someone who will treat the event with respect and not get in the way of the service. Someone who will stay in one place and not move. Someone who will concentrate on the event and not the be concerned with the guests at the event.

Professional Equipment – both audio & video. This aids an unobtrusive style. This allows the videographer to obtain the best picture and sound from the ceremony without using bright lights and large banks of microphones. Small professional wireless microphones can be placed in inconspicuous areas of the facility, i.e. the podium, the altar area, perhaps on the officiator, etc.

To view a brief clip of a memorial service filmed and edited by PTM Video click "Memorial Service".

Memorial Service filmed by PTM Video, Wilmington DE

PTM Video videotaped a Memorial Service on May 22, 2010 in Wilmington, DE.

Carolyn and Michael Carroll Wed in Middletown,DE

Carolyn & Michael Carroll were wed on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at St. Joseph's Church in Middletown, DE. The reception was held at the Executive Banquet Center in Newark, DE. Although it was an extremely hot and humid day the ice cream bar that was provided by the bride and groom was very refreshing. I had the opportunity of working with Carrie Megahan of Reflections Photography. I worked with Carrie on several weddings and she is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. To view a short clip of the wedding & reception, simply click on "Carolyn & Michael".

Randisi and Assoc, Inc, Product Demonstration, Baltimore MD

Randisi and Assoc, Inc, Product Demonstration, Baltimore MD

Use Video To Personalize Your Website

Your website is the first impression a viewer has to your firm, your products, your services, and yourself. It provides the viewer with an insight to your personality. The use of video on your website can only enhance what you provide.

Businesses that use video attract keep visitors on their websites for a longer period of time. Using video is cost effective and much more powerful than simply using text or pictures.

Through the use of video you can provide them with information by letting the view live testimonials from satisfied clients, a quick “how we do it clip”, the pros of using your product or services, or simply a “Meet the President” or “Meet the Staff”. Any one, or all 3, of these allows for a more personable image of yourself, your staff, and your products or services. Click on the link to view a quick Product Demonstration video from Eddie Satinover of Downdraft Systems, Waterborne Technologies.

Tony Fusco's 80th Birthday Party, Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington DE

Tony Fusco's 80th Birthday Party at the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, DE

Tony Fusco's Birthday Party

On Saturday, June 12, 2010 Tony Fusco celebrated his 80th birthday with about 100 guests at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE. The party was given by his children: Cheryl, Josephine, and Anthony Jr.. Big Ric of Vegas provided the 10 piece band and the evening was peppered with celebrity look alikes and impersonators such as Austin Powers, Dolly Parton, and a Joan Rivers act. Tony and guests were also entertained by a belly dancer. The above picture is courtesy of Coleman Sellers who also provided the photography. To view a video clip of the highlights simply click "Happy Birthday, Tony".

Vic In Action

DJ Vic, from Accent Entertainment, in action.

PTM Video Movie Trailer

Here's the new PTM Video Movie Trailer

Chris and Steve Hart's Wedding, Wilmington DE

Christina & Steve Hart were married in Wilmington, DE, on June 6, 2010 at the Waterfall Banquet Center.

Christina and Steve Hart, Wilmington DE, Waterfall Banquet Center

Christina & Steve Hart were married on Sunday, June 6, 2010 at the Waterfall Banquet Center in Wilmington, Delaware. My good friends Beth & Vic Enos of Accent Entertainment provided the photography and the DJ. To view a clip of Christina & Steve's wedding, simply click "Christina & Steve".

Laura and Jamie's Love Story

Here's a 3 minute clip from Laura & Jamie Furgason's Love Story

Dr. Breen's Retirment Party, Newark DE

Filming a retirement party for a Dr. Breen this Friday evening. Should be interesting - haven't done one of these for a while. Looking forward to it.

Barbara and Ed's Proposal Story

As many of you know, Ed and I got engaged over the Memorial Day weekend. Here's the story:

We had made plans to go to Wildwood, then Cape May for the day a few weeks ago. We woke up early and left and went to the Wildwood boardwalk first to walk around. Just walking up and down the boardwalk, window shopping. There was a craft fair so we looked around there. By that time, Ed suggested we go on some rides at Morey's Pier. We bought tickets and went on the spinning "Tea Cups" first. Ed went crazy spinning the big wheel in the center and I sat there with my eyes closed, praying I wouldn't throw up :) Then afterwards, I suggested a 'slower ride', so we went on the Ferris Wheel. We got on the Ferris wheel and sat across from each other (simple physics). We talked for a little bit, held hands and said mushy couple stuff to each other. Then the ferris wheel stopped when we were very close to the top.....

Ed then said to me, "You know how much I love you, right?", then I said "I love you too". He then took off his sunglasses and reached for my hand and said "I have a question to ask you---" my reply "Are you serious???!!!" "What are you doing for the next 40-50 years of your life?" At this point I was sobbing and my hands were covering my face and I kept saying "Are you serious??!!!". I got it together and he reached in his pocket and pulled out the box with the ring and said "I love you so much. Barbara Euculano will you marry me?" I kept crying and eeked out a yes between sobs :) He put the ring on my finger and told me that the center stone was taken from his mother's ring (she passed away 3 years ago after a 10 year battle from breast cancer). This of course made the ring even more invaluable and I started crying again.

We got off the ferris wheel and Ed made some calls, and I called my parents. They of course knew because Ed had told them and asked for their blessing. Karen, Ed's sister, called me and told that she told her sons (Steve-10 yo and Gabe-4 yo) that morning and they were SO EXCITED because now they can call me 'Aunt Barbara'.

It was a beautiful day and we're both still walking around on Cloud 9. We're so fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family and network of friends :) <3 Thanks again for all your warm wishes and lovely words. We love you all!