Mike & Alison's Ovation Yacht Wedding

Mike & Alison rocked! What an incredible Reception aboard the Ovation Yacht...

Here's their "End Recap" video highlighting their special day:

Lauren at the Salon

Beautiful bride Lauren got ready for her June wedding at Cherry Creek, by first starting off at Salon 6 in Birmingham...Here's the clip:

Jeremy & Kelly's Wedding

Jeremy & Kelly, an awesome, beautiful couple! It was an interesting day for us, since we were doing video for 2 separate weddings both at Cherry Creek on the same day!!! Our videographer Rob was with Jeremy & Kelly all day and their video turned out great...Here's a clip!

We were voted #1 Videographer in Detroit!!!

Thank you everybody!

Today the results came in, and Complete Video Solutions was named Best Wedding Videographer in Detroit in Channel 4's "4 the Best" competition held on their website, clickondetroit.com.

It's pretty overwhelming to know the amount of support out there, and I would like to personally thank each and every person who voted! It's simply amazing, given that this is my 2nd year in business for myself (after having worked for another company doing wedding video from 2002-2009.

For those who know me, I'm as humble as they come...my focus is always on the bride, on the couple, and creating an amazing, emotional experience for them and their families. I haven't done it alone, I want to definitely thank my small team of videographers, most importantly Rob Fortucci, and also Joe Genest for their creative work over the past 2 years.

On a personal note (not to sound too sappy), but I'd mostly like to thank my mom, Sibyl, for her unbelievable support...I wouldn't be where I am without knowing how much you love me everyday! And of course, to Danielle for being their each day and pushing me to be the best in every way!

So with personal "thank yous" aside, what this recognition really does for me is to motivate me even further. I always strive to be the best, and just because a contest calls us #1 doesn't do us complete justice....to me, #1 means making each and every couple who puts their trust in me, that I will deliver to them a video far beyond their expectations. I will continue to push the envelope, stay unique and on the cutting-edge, and further educate couples on the value and tremendous importance of Video.

Click here to see all of the winners in the Wedding Category. And again, thank you for making us #1 in Detroit!!!!!

Palace Bridal Show on Sunday...See you there!

(photo by JS Photography - photosbyjs.com)

Palace Bridal Show: I'll be there unveiling some unbelievable video, and a huge raffle of over $3000 worth of stuff. Come see me at the show!!!!!!!!!!

Read all about it:

http://www.examiner.com/wedding-in-detroit/don-t-miss-the-palace-bridal-show-sunday-september-19th

An amazing new Motion Montage

Old Film Look

Here's an End Recap from Jason & Jen's May Wedding, where I created that "Old Film" look...You know the one, that nostalgic, shaky-cam, home-movie look of the 70s and 80s....

It's a popular trend in Wedding Video, ask about it for your wedding!!!!

Detroit Weddings Weekly: Week of July 16th, 2010

Read the Article!

Detroit Weddings Weekly: Week of July 16th, 2010

Detroit Weddings Weekly: Week of July 9th, 2010

Read the article!

Detroit Weddings Weekly: Week of July 9th, 2010

Vote for Complete Video Solutions and win!

Channel 4's Click on Detroit "4 the Best" voting has started (Monday, June 21st at 8pm until the end of August 2010)!!!!

Help my company make a mark and vote for us in the category of Weddings - Videography. You can vote once for each email address you have, so vote multiple times if you can!!!

Thank you soooo much for your support and trust. If you are new and looking for a videographer, I can offer you a special incentive for voting for Complete Video Solutions.

So everybody, click here to vote, and be sure to leave comments on their too!!!

Father's Day tips on how to involve dad in your wedding

Happy Father's Day everybody!

Read my article appropriate for today:

Father's Day tips on how to involve dad in your wedding

Origins of the 'Detroit Hustle' dance, a staple of any good wedding

photo by weddingaces.com

Read my Article!

Origins of the 'Detroit Hustle' dance, a staple of any good wedding

Christian & Nicole's Wedding - 4/10/10

I met Christian & Nicole thru a mutual friend, and we hit it off right away. Their wedding was AMAZING, and their Bridal Party was half-fun, half-crazy! They had a GREAT time on the limo in between the Ceremony and Reception, and I was there to capture it all.

Here's a Recap of their day:






One of the coolest parts of the day was their photo session in downtown Detroit: Helped out with the INCREDIBLE, creative Brandy of DanRay Photography. Here's a clip from Downtown D-Town:





After seeing the finished video, Christian's mom, Rhonda had this to say:

"The video is amazing. Stayed up till 3 AM watching it last night. Your work is fantastic! Thank you doesn't even seem adequate. I can't believe all of the details you captured. Muchas Gracias!!! Grazie! Merci! You can be sure you will be recommended to anyone we know!"

Overall, awesome couple, married at St. Hubert's, with Reception at Palazzo Grande...Thanks again Nicole & Christian, and thanks Rhonda for the kind words!!!

Tom

Real Detroit Weddings: Trends from weddings right here in Detroit

Read my article:


Real Detroit Weddings: Trends from weddings right here in Detroit

101 wedding mistakes couples make

photo courtesy of JS Photography

Read my article:
101 wedding mistakes couples make

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Spotlight On: 'Joel's Popcorn', a unique addition to your wedding reception

Have a "Popcorn Buffet" at your wedding....A very cool idea I recently saw at a wedding (good idea Christian & Nicole!!!)

Read the spotlight article:

Spotlight On: 'Joel's Popcorn', a unique addition to your wedding reception

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Wedding Insider: Tips on comparing prices between vendors, and what to look for

(Photo by JS Photography)


Wedding Insider: Tips on comparing prices between vendors, and what to look for

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10 Best sites in Michigan to have your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

(Cherry Creek)

Read my article:



10 Best sites in Michigan to have your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

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Karen & Ryan's Wedding - for FREE!

Here's a clip from a recent wedding that I was glad to be a part of, Karen and Ryan, married at St. Blase in Sterling Heights with Reception at the beautiful Palazzo Grande in Shelby Twp.:

Karen was the lucky winner of a promotion I held at the Palace Bridal Show last August, where I was giving away a free Video Package...Karen's name was drawn and the rest is history!

It turned out great, they were great people and I had a blast!! What a beautiful couple and wedding...Thanks Karen!

Tom

Do-it-yourself wedding Do's and Don'ts

Read my article at the following link:

Do-it-yourself wedding Do's and Don'ts

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Any fans of the TV Show, Survivor?

A brief story about my experiences with Examiner.com....(trust me, it leads into the topic of Survivor...)

As many of you know (or may not know...) I began writing a column for Examiner.com last July, the Detroit Wedding Examiner (they call all of their columnists "Examiners.") It has been an overwhelming success, and since then I have published over 100 articles to help brides in the Detroit area plan their wedding, and give them free inside tips and tricks on everything weddings.

As fate would have it, in October, the local position of Detroit Movie Examiner opened up. I am a huge film buff, and applied for the position simply as a way to maybe "blog" about movies that I see. I saw no potential in it business wise....boy was I wrong. In February I was selected as part of a nation-wide promotion by Examiner.com and NCM.com (National CineMedia), and I was flown to Denver to create a 30 second commercial featuring me...to promote my movie reviews that appear on Examiner.com and NCM.com. Since then, I am hoping to join a few Film Critic Societies, and have gotten free screenings to many movies to supply early reviews to my readers. Close to my 40th movie review, this column is going strong as well, and my commercial is playing in local Detroit theatres all over the place (prior to show time on-screen), through the summer...Oh yah, I also appear in a nation-wide spot as well, and have been seen by friends in New York City and in Kansas.

So you're wondering...what does all this have to do with Survivor? Well, I have just been appointed as the national Survivor Examiner! I have been a HUGE fan of the show since the very 1st season, and have not missed one episode...ever. This is my first "national" column, and again I don't foresee any "business" benefit, just an opportunity to discuss my favorite show with other fans (and possibly future exit interviews with actual cast-aways!)

So if you're getting married, well great: check out the Detroit Wedding Examiner, and get in touch if you are looking for award-winning Videography.

If you love movies, and want the latest on the emerging film industry in Michigan: check out the Detroit Movie Examiner.

And if you love Survivor like I do, be sure to check out my Survivor Examiner column. I will be covering from now thru the end of Heroes vs. Villains, and then all summer too, leading into next fall's new season.

If you like all 3 then great!!!!

Thanks to everyone for your support, and I hope to have you subscribe to the columns, tell your friends, and participate by leaving comments!!!!

Sincerely,

Tom Santilli

Owner - Complete Video Solutions

Spotlight on: BestManApp.com, a great web resource for your Best Man

Read full article:

Spotlight on: BestManApp.com, a great web resource for your Best Man

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The Michigan smoking ban goes into effect Saturday, May 1st, and may effect your wedding

Read the article here:

The Michigan smoking ban goes into effect Saturday, May 1st, and may effect your wedding

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Spotlight On: Custom Creations and Invitations

Read the Spotlight Article Here:

Spotlight On: 'Custom Creations & Invitations'

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An Interview with Lynn Roth, director of the film "The Little Traitor", coming to the Maple Art

An Interview with Lynn Roth, director of the film "The Little Traitor", coming to the Maple Art

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True Beginnings Bridal Fashion Expo coming to Warren on Sunday, April 25th

True Beginnings Bridal Fashion Expo coming to Warren on Sunday, April 25th

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'The Bridal Experience' is happening in Redford, Sunday April 18th

'The Bridal Experience' is happening in Redford, Sunday April 18th

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Ask the Examiner: How much time is appropriate to take off of work for your wedding?

Ask the Examiner: How much time is appropriate to take off of work for your wedding?

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A Groom's Guide to your wedding

A Groom's Guide to your wedding

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Movie Theatre List where you can see me on screen!

I'm officially up on the big screen, as mentioned before (click here to see the video spot that is playing in local theatres.)

I apparently was wrong, as I thought I wouldn't be shown at MJR theatres...but I am! Cool. So anyways, here's the list of theatres in Michigan where my local Detroit Movie Examiner/NCM.com Movie Review Promo will play:

• AMC Livonia 20
• AMC Forum 30
• AMC Star Rochester Hills
• AMC Star John R
• AMC Star Gratiot
• AMC Star Southfield
• AMC Star Great Lakes Crossing
• AMC Star Fairlane 21
• Cinemark Warren (Universal Mall)
• Goodrich Krafft 8 (Port Huron)
• Goodrich Quality 16 (Ann Arbor)
• Goodrich Oxford 7
• Goodrich Canton Cinema
• Regal/United Artists - Commerce Township 14
• Dollar - Allen Park Cinema
• MJR Brighton Town Square 20
• MJR Chesterfield Crossings
• MJR Southgate Cinemas
• MJR Waterford Cinema
• MJR Marketplace Cinema 20 (15 & Van Dyke)
• MJR Partridge Creek Cinema 14
• National Amusements - Ann Arbor Showcase Cinemas
• National CineMedia - NCM.com Media Network Detroit (on-line)

Again, it's quick (only 30 seconds) and is part of "First Look", which runs about 25 minutes or so before the showtime. The spot may appear in different places within First Look, depending on the movie. But it will be shown within First Look for every movie, every screening, at every listed theatre, running through August 19th!!!

So if you haven't already, go check out my Detroit Movie Examiner column and subscribe to it for free, and get my articles sent to your inbox.

Thanks for your support, and see you at the movies!

Tom Santilli - Complete Video Solutions

Heading to Ann Arbor Film Festival this week!

As part of my Examiner.com duties (writing both the Detroit Wedding and the Detroit Movie Examiner columns), I have been asked to cover the Ann Arbor Film Festival this week. I will have access to the entire festival and will be hopefully interviewing a lot of filmmakers and others that are involved.

If you've never been to this film fest, you should go! Plus downtown Ann Arbor is pretty sweet.

Sunday, it's back home for a Bridal Show at Community House in Birmingham!!!

Nick & Nichole's Wedding

Here's a clip from Nick & Nichole's wedding, who got married at St. John Vianney Church and had their reception at my favorite place, Cherry Creek! This clip is from the morning at Nichole's house getting ready:

More sample clips of mine can be seen on my main website by clicking here.

See me on the big screen at the Movies!

Well, here they are, after waiting a month to see how they'd turn out...

For those who haven't heard, I was selected as part of a National campaign by Examiner.com and National CineMedia as part of their "Best Film Critics in America" campaign. I write for Examiner.com not only as the Detroit Wedding Examiner, but the Detroit Movie Examiner.

These spots will run in EVERY movie theatre in our area (except MJR theatres) in front of EVERY movie, EVERY screening, from today March 19th thru August 19th (at least). It will appear as a part of "First Look", which is the 15 minute video that plays BEFORE the previews begin. So if your movie is at 4:15, "First Look" would begin at 4 pm.

So here is the local spot that will run here in Detroit!

I was also selected to be a part of their "National Promo", which is supposed to air in movie theatres across the country, in markets that may not have a Movie Examiner yet, or just in general viewing areas.

So if you haven't already, go to my Detroit Movie Examiner articles and subscribe for free! This will have all of my new posts sent to your email automatically. I write about 2-4 per week, including movie reviews, news, and other info on the movie industry that directly relates to Detroit.

Thank you all for your continuing support, and I'll see you at the movies!!

Tom Santilli

Owner - Complete Video Solutions

St. Patrick's Day is not the only time of year for 'Green' Weddings

St. Patrick's Day is not the only time of year for 'Green' Weddings

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Greystone - Sample

FreeVideoCoding.com

Oscars one week away!!!

Movie's greatest form of recognition, the Academy Awards, are next Sunday, just one week away!

All week long I'll be writing about my predictions in all the categories in my column, the Detroit Movie Examiner. Check it out, and post your comments on my picks!

Relay For Life

Here is a Photo Montage I did for my friend Stephanie, for Relay For Life. It is a great cause and something I believe in! Click this link for more info on how to get involved with Relay For Life.

Tom

Now offering that "Old Movie" look for your wedding!

(Click the Photo for a sample!)

I'm happy to say that Complete Video Solutions is now able to offer the 8mm "Old Movie" effect, that has made a comeback and is once again very popular! With a partnership with Matt Materazzi from M.A.T.E. Productions, I can now offer this as an additional service for your wedding.

I can explain pricing and how it works when you come in for a consultation. The clip shown above was obviously not shot on their wedding day, but we can incorporate this style footage however you want.

Stay tuned for more cool services and products that I have on tap for 2010...

Tom

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You.....ME!!!

Well I have exciting news...and due to everyone I know asking me about my experiences last week, I just thought I'd post it here instead!

In case you missed it, here's the scoop: I was one of 20 people selected nation-wide to participate in a national ad campaign for Examiner.com and National Cinemedia (ncm.com.) The campaign is called "The Best Film Critics in America." As you know (or may not know) I write two different columns for Examiner.com: as the Detroit Wedding Examiner and as the Detroit Movie Examiner. Through my reviews on my Movie Examiner column and through a video I had to send in, I was selected.

Read on for details on my experiences, but first I want to share with everybody exactly what Examiner.com is and what National CineMedia is.

Examiner.com. Examiner.com was the #1 Fastest Growing News website according to Nielsen ratings, and continues to grow. Click on the previous link for a bunch more. Examiner.com employs a slew of writers that they refer to as "Examiners" in over 240 markets including 6 in Canada. Last August, Examiner.com had over 7.5 million "unique" hits on it's website, and currently receive around 17 million uniques a month, and over 40 million page views (thanks Matt Sandy from Examiner.com for the updated stats!!!!).

National CineMedia (NCM). From their website: "NCM operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through a venture of AMC Entertainment, Cinemark USA, and Regal Entertainment Group, which are the 3 largest theatre operators in the U.S. NCM network includues approx. 16,800 screens in over 1,325 theatres in 46 states, reaching more than 660 million moviegoers annually.

In more familiar terms, NCM is responsible for the "First Look" Video that plays in front of every single movie at local theatres (except MJR theatres). This "First Look" normally plays 15 minutes prior to the actual listed show time, and before the Previews.

The "Best Film Critics in America" Campaign. Basically, I was flown out to Denver, CO, where they produced a 30 second promo video on me specifically. Here is what I know about the video:

• Beginning March 19th, this 30 second video starring me will play in front of every movie, at every theatre, as part of "First Look" in every AMC, Regal Cinema, and Cinemark Theatre in and around the Metro/Detroit area.
• The spot is currently slated to run for a period of 6 months, or thru September 19th.
• The spot is promoting me as the "Detroit Movie Examiner" and will prompt people to check out my column and movie reviews.
• The spot will prompt people to access my reviews via ncm.com, where all of my Detroit Movie Examiner reviews will be posted.
• IN ADDITION: On a side note, from the 20 people selected for this, 4 of us were chosen for a National Spot that will air nationally in various markets. I was selected as one of the four!!!

My Experience. Although it was a quick trip, it was totally paid for by Examiner.com and was one of the greatest experiences of my life! The first night was more of a mixer, where I got to meet the other Examiners from across the country, as well as important people from Examiner.com. We bonded and I truly made some friends that I will keep in touch with.

The next day was the shoot, where we were brought to NCM studios and given the full treatment: Hair, make-up. They made me take off my Detroit Tiger "D" T-shirt for fear of copyright...oh well. My shoot took about 20 minutes. The group shoot for the national spot was more intense but also more fun, and we finished that only minutes before I was rushed out of the studio and on to a shuttle to catch my flight back to Detroit.

What all this means...For those who know me, you know my passion in life are Movies. I began writing the Movie Examiner for no purpose at all other than to do something that I love. Now it seems, that this career path is taking off more than I could have ever dreamed. In the past few weeks, it has become a full-fledged career opportunity. Don't worry brides reading this...none of this will effect my availability for your wedding! But it is a step in a direction of a dream of mine that I've had since childhood: To have it be "Siskel, Ebert & Santilli", or at least, that was my vision of it...

So look for me in theatres beginning March 19th, and be sure to check out (and subscribe) to my column which can be emailed to you for free. From this opportunity, I am now being added to receive (Free!!!) Advanced Screening Tickets so I can post reviews before the movies come out to general public. I am hoping to be admitted to the Online Film Critics Association as well as the Detroit Film Critics Society in the coming year, which both would be extreme honors. There is also interest to have me host a local TV Show that would deal with all things movies in the Detroit area.

I write because I love it. I love movies because of how it effects me and I find it fascinating how a movie can effect each person differently. I am not a "film snob", I just write about how a movie impacted me, good or bad. If you do read my column, please give your comments on the review (it allows you to post your comments). I am never "right or wrong" when it comes to movies, and I would love to hear your opinion and your reaction to each movie as well.

Until next time, the balcony is closed!!!! (I've always wanted to say...or type that...)

Tom Santilli

Upcoming Bridal Shows

If you are still planning your wedding, Bridal shows are one good way to meet with local vendors, get information, and also find a few bargains. I've written several articles on Bridal Shows and some good tips on how to make the most of them.

I will be at 3 upcoming shows and will be offering exclusive deals at each show. They are:

Sunday 2/21: Palazzo Grande (Brides-2-Be Show, not to be confused with the Vivianos show at Palazzo Grande the weekend of the 28th)

Sunday 3/14: Petruzello's (Perfect Wedding Guide Show)

Sunday 3/28: The Community House in Birmingham (Whimsical Occassions Show)

If you are interested at all in videography but not sure you can afford it, or just not sure in general, meeting me at a Bridal Show is a great and comfortable way to get some info without the pressure of being "sold" anything.

I look forward to seeing you at one or all of these upcoming shows!!!

Tom Santilli
Owner - Complete Video Solutions

I've been selected as one of "The Best Film Critics in America"!

I'm proud to announce that I have recently been selected by Examiner.com & National Cinema Media as one of "The Best Film Critics in America"!!!

As many of you know, in addition to running Complete Video Solutions, I am an avid writer, and I currently write two columns for Examiner.com, a huge website that focuses on localized news (check it out!!!!!) The first column is the Detroit Wedding Examiner, and the second column is the Detroit Movie Examiner. As part of the Detroit Movie Examiner I review movies, and based on my work thus far I was chosen.

What does that mean for me? Well, for starters, I am being flown out to Denver in February to shoot a high-end, professional :30 commercial that will run in local Detroit theatres prior to the shows. The "Best Film Critics in America" will be promoted heavily by both Examiner.com and National Cinema Media.

The commercial will apparently feature me, and is being designed specifically to match my personality.

I am so honored and incredibly excited to have been selected, and can't wait to see what's in store! If you haven't already, you can read some of my movie reviews here.

More info to come!

Tom Santilli

Owner - Complete Video Solutions

Tina & Dan - 10/24/10

Tina & Dan had a beautiful wedding at Canterbury Village in the middle of Fall. They were a great couple, very fun crowd, and I'll never forget the "SpongeBob Story" (hilarious!)

I met them at the Palace Bridal Show in August of 2009, and was very honored to be a part of their wedding day. Here's a clip from their video from after their Ceremony, when the Bridal Party went around the various parts of Canterbury Village to take pictures. The song was chosen by Tina & Dan. Enjoy!

In need of a cake vendor?

As part of my Detroit Wedding Examiner column that I write for Examiner.com, I recently profiled a great local Wedding Cake vendor, Cakes Our Specialty, Inc. by Paula.

Click this link to read the 2-part Spotlight on Cakes Our Specialty, Inc by Paula!

Donate to the Haiti Relief Effort

With over 100,000 people presumed dead in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake, it puts it into perspective that life is truly fragile. Celebrating a wedding is the other end of the spectrum, full of happiness and remembrance of good things gone by.

Take a moment from celebrating and planning to help in the relief efforts in what is one of the most devastating natural disasters on record. Be cautious of donating to many fake charities that have popped up in the past week, looking to cash in on human tragedy. But the American Red Cross is one charity that is mounting a massive effort to help.

Simply text the word "Haiti" to the number 90999. You will recieve a reply back, and by clicking "Yes" to accept, you will be making a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. It's only a small amount, but there is strength in numbers and every little bit helps.

Thanks and here's hoping help arrives fast to those still in need.

Tom

Complete Video Solutions

Looking for a DJ for your wedding?

One of the best, if not THE best, DJ's I've worked with on a wedding is John from JD Entertainment. I was involved in creating Video DJ Demos of John and his staff at JD. Here is John's video:

I refer John a lot for weddings. When we meet to discuss your video, I can put you in touch with John or any of the DJ's at JD Entertainment, and give you info on a ton of local wedding vendors to help you in your planning.

Just let me know how I can help!

Tom

Complete Video Solutions

We're on Facebook!

Complete Video Solutions has a Fan Page on Facebook now, click below to check it out!

Complete Video Solutions

Promote Your Page Too

While you're on Facebook, add me (Tom Santilli) as your friend, and become a fan of Complete Video Solutions!!!

Happy New Year!! Special 2010 Deals!

Hope everybody had a great New Years...I am so excited to begin 2010!

Click here for 2010 Specials from Complete Video Solutions, in honor of the New Year and thru Valentine's Day.

Happy New Year!

Tom