So excited about today's post! You know how we ADORE weddings, but we love helping Arkansas wedding vendors even more! We've had our eyes on Betwixt Magnolias ever since we first heard about their cool films. We think it's high time you got to know them, too! Meet Searcy born Jake Reeves, founder and co-owner of Betwixt Magnolias. Such a cutie! :)TWP: First of all, we're intrigued by the super cute name of your company; Betwixt Magnolias. Love it so! Can you elaborate on how you decided on such an interesting name?
BM: Betwixt is an all but forgotten old Southern term for “between”. My wife, Elizabeth, and I were married on the front lawn of my aunt’s Victorian Mississippi home, right betwixt two magnolia trees. If you look at our logo, which was designed by my good friend Nick Hubach, you will see the little ring-bearer and behind him, down the path, lay the two magnolias.
TWP: Oh my goodness, that's so sweet. We LOVE it! :) We've heard you have an extensive background in filmmaking. Tell us more.
BM: In 2005 I graduated from The Los Angeles Film School. When I went to school, it was not with the intention of making wedding films. I studied narrative filmmaking and that is what I have been involved with since. I got into wedding filming when I saw a great need for an art-based approach to it in Arkansas. I am still involved in narrative filmmaking endeavors. I am currently in pre-production for a script that I wrote.
TWP: How do you try to incorporate your filmmaking background into your wedding films?
BM: Well, I think it just comes naturally. That is all I really know. However, I have had an interesting time finding the line between shooting staged scenes with actors and shooting live events with non-actors (the wedding party). In the end, I try to get as many shots as possible that are both aesthetically beautiful (such as still photography) and emotionally beautiful (such as documentary filmmaking). For example, I captured a shot of the brother of the groom inconspicuously, or, as it turned out, not so inconspicuously, wiping away a solitary tear. The poor guy worked so hard to quickly wipe the tear away without being seen. Unfortunately for him, my camera was pointed right at him! It made for an awesome shot in the film and the bride and groom loved it.
TWP: Have their been any struggles in starting this new business?
BM: When we first got started, I was shooting with what I considered and still consider now, sub-par equipment. I am extremely critical of my work and so I was far from satisfied with what I shot. I had also never shot anything like a wedding, and it is by no means easy, so I honestly messed up on a lot of things in the beginning. Over time we have greatly improved our equipment and gained valuable experience. Now I am very confident with my work.
TWP: Can you explain your pricing? It seems to be different than most videographers and photographers.
BM: Its pretty simple. I do not like the idea of tiered pricing. We only have one price, not different packages. My thought process on is that I do not think your budget should limit you on how much of your wedding day you get to have remembered on film. And I like the idea of making sure everything on your wedding day is filmed. When you hire us to film your wedding, we are filming start to finish. Not a set amount of hours. I do not want to miss anything.
TWP: What is your favorite thing about filming weddings?
BM: Oh, I am sure it is probably the same thing for most wedding videographers and photographers. Despite the occasional stresses, it is a joyous day. I can truly tell that I am bringing the couple joy, and there is no way to not enjoy that. I know why my wife enjoys it, because she gets to go to tons of weddings, a woman’s dream! But for me, I am kind of a man’s man. I would just as soon be out wrestling bears or chopping down trees; something that puts hair on your chest! But when I saw the joy that one of our films brought to that first couple, I was in. TWP: Do you guys have hobbies other than filmmaking?
BM: Yes, my wife is a baker and has recently started her own company that makes organic body scrubs and lotions. I am a singer/guitarist for an indie rock/folk band called The Fable & The Fury.
TWP: Wow! We want to hang out with y'all! Thank you so much for your time. Please, oh please keep in touch with TWP and let us know of any new ventures!
BM: Will do! Thanks so much for this opportunity.
Okay, so we know you're dying to see some Betwixt Magnolias magic, so here ya' go! Check out these awesome videos. So fab!!!
You're probably thinking this post couldn't get any better but then again, you'd be wrong. :) Betwixt Magnolias wants to offer a 15% discount off ALL services if you mention you saw this post!!! How cool is that?! Here's all their info:
BETWIXT MAGNOLIASEmail: betwixtmagnolias@gmail.comBlog: Betwixt MagnoliasPhone: 501-230-6328Website: betwixtmagnolias.comFacebook: Betwixt Magnolias
Enjoy the rest of this God given day, loves. And like I always say, do your best to make it count. We only get so many. See y'all back here tomorrow. Love you, mean it!
XOXO,Deborah
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