I am so thrilled to introduce this new film! I was invited to rural Texas to be a part of Kaydee and Frank’s Wedding at the picturesque Camp Waldemar. Firstly, I have to say, that Lone Star hospitality is quite possibly the best thing ever! Not only did the Wedding party have me at Waldemar for three days of fun and frolics but also showed me about Austin.
The Wedding itself was incredible… Kaydee looked stunning in her Vera Wang dress, as did the Bridesmaids, and the fella’s kept it classical in bow ties! The ceremony took place outside (ampitheater style) under an enormous ancient tree and by the famous North Fork Guadalupe River… it was all very cinematic, and I even got to ride a Long Horn Bull (not my proudest moment, but it was pretty cool)!
It’s safe to say I have made friends for life with these beautiful people and I can’t wait to get back!
“We simply cannot put into words what your film, your presence at our wedding, and your friendship mean to us. You have given us a a gift that we will treasure always, and we love you for that. Thank you for coming to Texas to be with us, for celebrating with us, and for being who you are and doing what you do. We will never forget you and we hope that our friendship will continue on throughout the years. Through many tears and many laughs, we couldn’t be happier with how magical, romantic and truly us the film turned out! Seeing our love through your eyes is the sweetest treat we could ever imagine!” – Kaydee & Frank
Song used ‘All Wash Out’ by Edward Sharpe & the magnetic zeroes
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On recent travels to Austin, Texas, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to a rather fascinating character! A spiritual healer, of Mexican and Native American descent, who is also an actress and has appeared in films such as Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds and Death Proof! The beautiful lady in question is miss Tina Rodriguez.
She was such a tranquil person, completely at one with herself, I wanted to bottle some of it up and bring it back home with me to East London. For me it’s comforting to know there are these amazing people out there across the world, waiting to be discovered through my lens.
I’m so honored to have spent time with Tina… and to call her a friend.
May I present this lovely French/Canadian romance, sung from the alley ways of East London, hallways of Islington Town Hall and rooftops of Shoreditch House!
Photography by the awesome Lee Robbins.
“One word… same word again… WOW !! Thank you so much for this amazing film of our special day. Thank you for all the hours you are putting on to this. And we look so glam!!! Ahah! This is going to be such a great memory and a magic film to show Alice as she grows up. Thank you!!!!” – Ariane
Song used ‘Gentle Hour’ by Yo La Tengo
Thank you to Juliana and Sean for inviting me to capture their intimate Wedding ceremony at Wandsworth Town Hall and after party at The Crabtree Pub in Hammersmith, London.
Intimate city Wedding’s are on the rise and you can see why, with more of the day to spend with your adoring friends and family within a comfortable setting that you have spent more time personalizing, seems like a pretty good way to celebrate your love to me! Everything inside the Crabtree was unique, from the glasses to the silver wear and vintage cameras that dotted the tables… the guests were given a full three course menu to order from, and so everyone had an incredible looking dish to compare. The glasses were continuously topped with an assortment of wines and champagnes by quite possibly the nicest bartender in town, who shared in the conversation and became part of the whole feel of the Wedding.
Juliana looked effortlessly cool in her Alexander McQueen dress… but don’t take my word for it… check it out yourself. And also check out the photographer of the day, the always wonderful Sacco & Sacco.
“Finding it hard to put into words just how much we love our film. I’ve always had a love for Super 8 film from when my mother used to show me old movies from her and her sibling’s weddings. Anyone toying with the idea of hiring a Filmmaker for their wedding – DO IT! Having a timeless and elegant memory of your wedding day is priceless and something you will never regret. We can’t wait to show our children one day just the way my mother showed me. Working with Mark was a pleasure and on our day he was fantastic to work with, putting everyone at ease and unobtrusive. Love. Love. Love.” – Juliana
Song used “BRACKETT WI” by Bon Iver
  
Well, it’s finally here, after months and months… and months of design with the incredible Print For The Love Of Wood, I am proud to present the new packaging for Mark Brown Films!
It’s been a wonderful collaboration between Jacqui Sharples and myself, which started many moons ago over the phone with me trying to describe what it is I love about these films and Super 8 in general. It came to this; I have this vision when I’m creating a couple’s film, I can see their great grandchildren finding this old cigar box, it’s like a treasure trove inside, filled with pictures, postcards, letters… and a beautiful film.
After trawling endless markets, junk shops, google searches, Jacqui came up with this look, a custom made cigar box, made with love in her awesome workshop, using aged wood for the box, a vintage letterpress for the DVD cases and various other old school mechanics to get the authentic feel just right! What an incredible job she has done… I am so proud of her.
Another cool addition is the poem, lovingly donated by the much adored wordsmith and poet (and friend) Tyler Knott Gregson of Montana. The poem is pressed onto the DVD case, which is wrapped shut with a length of your original film reel.
So, dear Brides and Grooms and Lifestyle families and friends to be, you can expect one of these glorious cigar boxes arriving at your front door wrapped in that perfect brown paper, personally labelled by yours truly, filled with not just your finished film, but pictures and lots of other surprises… your own forgotten treasure trove, but brand new, in a weird back to the future way! Each one will be unique… it will be yours and your families for generations to come!
With love, as always, Mark
x
Finally! Mark Brown is shooting Lifestyle Films, because I believe everyone should own a moment of their lives on Super 8mm.
The McBurnie family live in Felton, California and I had the privilege of being present to capture their daughter’s first trip to the beach… and what an absolute joy it was hanging out with them for the day! Little Scarlett was mesmerized by the Pacific, and by the sand and seagulls! It was a very special moment, especially between her and her mother (Kerry), and one they will have to treasure for the rest of their lives.
Feel free to drop me a line if you would like to immortalize your family or friends on beautiful vintage film!
Song used “Child” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes
And here it is!
The first Film of 2013… The Wedding of Nicoletta and James, at (the always perfect) Shoreditch Town Hall, post ceremony drinks at the Pavilion in Victoria Park and the after party at the Ozone Cafe, Old Street!
Nicky looked… uh… right words failing me… stunning in her gorgeous Wedding Dress, designed by Alan Hannah.
What I loved about this Wedding was its simplicity… it goes to show that sometimes most is achieved by less, and the smaller ideas such as using a local cafe as your after party venue can go a long, long way. For me the wow factor was in the caterer, a miss Melissa Hughes, all the way from the USA, who has just started operating in London. I have never seen such a beautiful spread of nibbles in my life! Apparently Nicky and James planned all of this in just three months! I am in awe!
To get a better look at the dress, venues, their simple but stand out decoration and to marvel at the amazingness that is Nabeelscamera, click here. He is an incredible photographer and can’t wait to work with him again, he has encapsulated the feel of East London perfectly!
And there you have it! No.1 is done and dusted. The 2013 season is underway. There are some amazing Weddings on the horizon, and I cannot wait to show them to you all.
Mb x
Song used ‘Love To Another’ by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Being half a Scotsman myself I always jump at the chance to venture up north… so when I got the opportunity to Film Lisa and Jamie’s Wedding at Mar Hall hotel and the gorgeous (and tiny) St. Mahew’s Church in Cardross, just outside of my family’s hometown of Glasgow… I couldn’t resist! And it was well worth the trip, Lisa and Jamie were such fun to be around, and luckily the sun shone all day long. There’s something truly beautiful about a Scottish Wedding, be it the bagpipes, the kilts, the landscape, the dancing… the drink! And this was no exception.
Photography was by Sam & Sequoia of Mirrorbox Photography fame, and the beautiful dress was designed by Charlie Brear @ The Vintage Wedding Dress Co.
“MARK!!!! Our wedding film is absolutely perfect! Thank you sooooo much! We keep watching it over and noticing something new each time. Words fail me – which is rare – it is more a series of audible squeals of bliss! It will be something that we will cherish and share forever!” – Lisa & Jamie
Song used “Another Saturday” by Stuart Murdoch
I was recently invited over to Hong Kong to film the Wedding of Kaman & Neil, and what an experience I had! It was my first time to that part of the world, and all anxieties I had of a far off land were immediately put to bed… this city is incredible. The people. The streets. The food. The music… and of course, Kaman & Neil, who looked after me very well and made me feel like a member of the family, even inviting me to Kaman’s parents anniversary karaoke family dinner on my last night. And not being too modest, I can carry a tune pretty well.
The Wedding itself took place at The Hong Kong Country Club, just outside the city. We then headed for a little intimate shoot on the waterfront pier at Stanley Harbor, before meeting with the guests at the very exclusive Peninsula Hotel on Kowloon. As the night came to an end, Kaman changed into a beautiful red dress and we took to the streets of Soho amid the bright neon for a final few shots… before calling it a night and going to a pizza parlor for a few slices!
Photography was by the always perfect Laura McCluskey, who also ventured out from East London to shoot their special day. Her work can be seen here.
“Dear Mark, it was amazing to have you in Hong Kong for our big day, both in your capacity as Filmmaker, but more so as our friend. We LOVE the film. Thank you!” – Kaman & Neil
Song used “Lost In You” by LIOR
Happy 2013!
For my first blog of the new year I would like to present to you the Wedding of Sarah + Paul, who tied the knot recently at the gorgeous Queen’s House, within the Greenwich Observatory! I have said before that all my little movies are beyond a “style”, they are tailored in the energy of the couple, and this proves it! Everything came together so organically in the edit… and I am over the moon with the final cut.
A rock’n Roll bride if ever I met one! Sarah was one cool gal, Paul was one slick fella and their wedding was one amazing soiree! Photography was by the wildly talented Andrea Ellison.
“I LOVE this film…you completely captured who they were. Amazing work from an amazing wedding. You are fabulous and what you provide is so unique, every bride should have on.” – Andrea Ellison
“SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! It is amazing! I love it! Lots of twirling and funkiness! Gah! I adore it! It is truly wonderful! Thank you so much Mark!” – Sarah
Song used ‘Sucker for your Marketing’ by Sarah Jaffe
I received this thank you card in the post today from Melissa + Joe, all the way from Paris, and it has filled me with winter wonderland happiness. It’s an amazing feeling to know what I love doing is making people so very happy, and will continue to grow in love for generations to come!
Thank you guys, big smiles!
x
To all the beautiful couples who tied the knot in 2012, and invited me to come and be a part of your most special day… thank you!
It has been a fantastic twelve months, I have met some truly wonderful people, been privy to some incredible parties and have traveled to some amazing lands! And as the year comes to an end, I am lucky enough to not only have some two hundred + rolls of Kodak run through my trusty old Bauer + Canon + Minolta cameras, worked alongside the best photographers around, but I have also been landed with a prestigious award, and another nomination that will be called in January 2013.
Looking back, it all seems like a dream, I am so very lucky to be able to do what I love doing… so THANK YOU for supporting me, THANK YOU for my recognition, and above all…
THANK YOU for supporting Film.
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me… the Wedding of Melissa & Joe!
An American wedding based within the vine covered walls of Oriel College, Oxford! Melissa looked absolutely radiant in her gorgeous Elizabeth Fillmore dress, which complemented the classical surroundings… which of course came together perfectly for Super 8mm. It was such a wonderful day, Melissa and Joe were a pleasure to be around as were their lovely family and friends who trekked over all the way from the States!
Photography was by the incredible Kate Hopewell-Smith, and her pictures from this wedding can be seen on Roses and Lace.
“THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face. Its beautiful. Just beautiful.” – Melissa
Song used “The Beacon” by A Fine Frenzy
Ladies and gents, I present to you the Wedding of Vicki & Ben! A gorgeous couple who celebrated their big day in Holt, on the Norfolk coast, within the grounds of Ben’s old school. I loved where the ceremony took place, in an outside pavilion amongst the woods, completely fitting of them and their guests! The end of the film is my favourite part, as we headed to the coast and went for an end of day swim!!! Treading water with a heavy vintage camera is not the easiest of tasks… so I want extra credit for this one.
“Oh my GOD… Marky!!! We ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Thank you so so so much. xxxxx” – Victoria
Song used “Love You good” by Amy Stroup
so… I was in Belgium this week filming and received a lovely text from my good friend (and amazing photographer) Laura McCluskey. The text read ” YOU WON!!! YAYAYAYAYAYAY!” And soon found out I had in fact won the Regional Award for London & The South East from the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards, and am now in competition for the National’s which will be held in January 2013.
This award has been voted by a jury including Annabel Beeforth (Love My Dress), Miranda Eason (editor of You & Your Wedding Magazine) and Sarah Haywood (leading Planner, author and CNN expert at the wedding of Will & Kate)… also voted for (and most importantly) by the couples who have previously hired me to shoot their wedding this last year. I am extremely grateful for this, and so very touched. Thank you. Here’s to another wonderful year, and fingers crossed for January!
Big love x
“I want to celebrate the small forms of cinema, the lyrical forms, the poem, the watercolour, etude, sketch, postcard, arabesque, bagatelle and little 8mm songs. I am standing in the middle of the information highway and laughing, because a butterfly on a little flower somewhere just fluttered its wings, and I know that the whole course of history will drastically change because of that flutter. A super-8 camera just made a little soft buzz somewhere, on New York’s Lower East Side, and the world will never be the same”
Jonas Mekas influenced me to work in Super 8mm, now in his 90′s he still continues to shoot Super 8mm moments about the globe. His life on film can be seen in a spectacular gallery at the Serpentine until January 27th 2013 www.serpentinegallery.org/2011/03/jonas_mekas.html
For your viewing pleasure, may I introduce Nicola and Chris. Two inseparable love birds who tied the knot at the exquisite Grove House, amidst it’s eighteenth century splendor, pristine gardens and decaying structures. I can’t think of a prettier place to be married. Nicola looked incredible in her Couture Gallery gown, and spent the day beaming from ear to ear! Their love for one another was infectious… it was a pleasure to spend the day with them. Photography was by the brilliant Dominique Bader.
“Thank you Mark, this is beautiful! I have just shown it to Chris and he loves it. We are really happy and love the song also.” – Nicola
Song used ‘Melt With You’ by Nouvelle Vague
Now and again everything comes together perfectly… and Sarah + Damian’s wedding was no exception! Held at the stunning Thyme Barn, their day blossomed in this timeless farm house and under a cloudless sky. Sarah looked beautiful in her gorgeous Temperley London dress, the camera loved her, the final sixty seconds of their film is testament to this. Photography was by the wonderfully talented (and fellow film supporter) Ann-Kathrin Koch.
“We can’t stop watching our film! Such great memories captured so beautifully by you. It was a pleasure to have you at our Wedding and we are thrilled with the results. The long film is bloody brilliant! Thanks for all of your hard work!” – Sarah
Song used “1904″ by Benjamin Francis Leftwich
A day in the country, at the perfect Wethele Manor, for Rose and Robin’s beautiful rural Wedding. Back alongside the wonderful Marianne Taylor, our combined work can be seen at Green Wedding Shoes.
Song used “Keep Me Tonight” by The Open Sea
My first USA wedding, held on a 4 acre island, known as Elihu Island, in the colonial setting of Mystic, Connecticut. Elihu only allows a small handful of events per year, so it was a real treat to be invited. It is a stunning location, with an old clapper board house and rusted 50′s Ford truck parked up outside, shaded with ancient Elms and overgrown grass… it is the quintessential American family home, you can almost smell the apple pie, and the family who owns it are lovely. Emma and Peter were so wonderful to be around, as were their family and friends. It was also a real pleasure to work alongside photographer Julie Morawski, and our pics + film recently made it onto Style Me Pretty.
“Thank you so so so much for our wedding film. It is absolutely beautiful!! I have watched it like 10 times already and it gets better every time I watch it. You truly are a very talented artist. I am so happy we have this to look back upon for a lifetime!! Thank you.” – Emma
Song used “Stay With Me” by Sarah Jaffe
Primark Spring Lingerie collection, 2012.
As seen on Cosmopolitan.com
Hot off the press! My new Artist Portrait, on the wonderful American songstress JAYMAY. Filmed over two hot days in New York City, about her local East Village neighborhood. I have used her music quite a few times on my films, I think her sound compliments Super 8 perfectly… so I figured a JAYMAY film would be a fitting thank you! She was such a pleasure to hang out with… we need to get her over to London asap!
Check out some other of her sounds HERE
Any excuse to work with Temple Gregory Wedding Planning… I’ll take it! Here we go again on our second event, and how romantic is Northbrook Park! An old stately home, graced with acres of green fields, peacocks, 19th century decor and splashed with sunshine.
“Im now sat at home balling my eyes out! That was so beautiful and the song is perfect! Thank you so much.” – Danielle
Song used “Just You” by Amy Stroup
An East London Wedding, from Shoreditch Town Hall to the incredible MC Motors Club in Dalston! 50′s inspired Bridal dress, beehive hair-do and a teddy-boy attire for the groom. Mix this with beautiful weather, close family, good friends, happy vibes and the dirty streets on my favourite neck of the woods… and you’ve got gold on film! Enjoy.
“Mark, the film is amazing! I LOVE it. THANK YOU so, so much!” – Sara
Song used “This Old Love” by Lior
There are no words to describe how beautiful this wedding was… the entire day was held at a secluded farm house in the picturesque region of Monteriggioni, amongst rolling hills and vineyard ruins. I absolutely adored this Wedding, and not just because I was standing in paradise, but because Sarah and Matthew were such a pleasure to be around. Their charm, friendliness and love for one another was intoxicating. Punch drunk love!
“We are both absolutely thrilled with the films. You captured the magic of the day and it really is a simple but beautifully shot short story of the two of us that I look forward to sharing with our friends, family and some day our children. We will treasure this forever! Thank you.” – Sarah
Song used “Fairytale Lullaby” by Bombay Bicycle Club
I love the image of two people completely lost in one another, surrounded by a hectic scene of everyday city life… a bank robbery could be coming to a dramatic showdown around them and they wouldn’t notice! It’s all about THEM, and the Super 8 makes it look timeless and slightly fairytale, as does the song. Shot on Canon 1014 AZE on Kodak 200T at 54fps.
Song used “Wasad” by Jaymay
Quite possibly two of the loveliest people I have ever met. Their wedding consisted of around 20 guests, no photographer, a quaint civil ceremony and an intimate one table Breakfast at a swank Italian restaurant in Chelsea! I have never been so welcomed to a Wedding than at this one, I actually felt like a member of the family by the end… love, love, love!
“Arrrr, Mark, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being there and being so un intrusive with the filming but at the same time also being so much part of the family for the day! It’s so lovely and perfect and beautiful… we love it so much, and the music is pulling at my heart strings!” – Kate
Song used “Come And Find Me” by Josh Ritter
This is the 2011-2012 Bridal wear collection from some of the biggest names in the industry (Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera…etc). Now you can see not only how beautiful the dresses are, but how they will look on Super 8mm (for when you hire me to film your wedding).
Shot about London in early May (when there was sunshine, remember?). Because they were such an incredibly lovely couple, and Victoria was such a naturally photogenic bride… I cannot stop watching this film! Enjoy.
“Mark, we got the Films yesterday – i cannot put into words how much we love it! It seriously is the best money we spent out of everything. I can’t stop watching it!” -Victoria
Song used “Lost In You” by LIOR
Here is the second of my Artist Super 8 Portraits. Featuring the very talented photographer Laura McCluskey out in her local neighborhood of London Fields. Shot in a mix of 18 and 50 frames per second. Enjoy.
Song used “Till” by Bert Kaempfert
A rather wet and gloomy day outside, but inside was warm and full of love. You can’t help but get the tingles down the back of your neck when you watch these two… or should I say three! It was such a perfect day, a real coming together of family, friends and two very loving people.
“Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. I LOVE it. It is AMAZING!!!!!!” – Laura
Song used “Corduroy” by Jaymay
Such a wonderful day! Aine looked stunning, she reminded me of Grace Kelly, and my camera loved filming her. Some people just belong on black and white film! Everyone reacts differently to being filmed, and she was so natural, I had trouble pulling myself away and not using all of my film during the Bridal prep!
“Brilliant! We love every second of it. Aine is beaming here beside me!” – Aidan
Song used “I have to tell you” by Jaymay
The streets were too hot and busy to shoot on, so we snuck into a local office block, and found ourselves on the most beautiful roof top overlooking London. There was no real agenda, except to be completely spontaneous and for the camera to love her. She was beautiful, the camera did love her and so my job was relatively easy!
“Oh Mark, I’m in love. The film is exceptional. We will treasure it always. Thank you.” – Kaman
Song used “Lullaby” by Jaymay
I am now very much into my Super 8 portraits! This is Ian Jeanes; a pianist + singer from East London. I shot this Portrait on Old Compton St, Soho, at his local coffee house, around the corner from his office. I shot it at 54fps (slow motion), on Tri-x (black and white) and think it looks pretty sweet!
Song used “Mitternachts Blues” by Bert Kaempfert
This Wedding not only brought me into the lives of the lovely Susan & Owen from Islington, it also brought the first sunshine of the year. So nice was the weather that the ceremony was changed last minute from a church to a secluded garden in the grounds of the beautiful Braxted Estate (I admit that I was more than partly to blame for this decision). What a location! And the staff were brilliant… not many places would happily change the ceremony location within the hour of it commencing.
“We can’t thank you enough for letting us have the privilege to work with you and for creating a masterpiece! We loved your enthusiasm! I am so in love with our film, seriously Mark, I’ve now got wedding film OCD! I cannot stop watching it, I’m addicted to it. Our friends and family absolutely love it, I’ve even had people I hardly speak to on facebook comment on how amazing it is. So thank you so very much.” – Susan
Song used “Think Of Me” by Rosi Golan
An absolutely beautiful American/English wedding day at the stunning Winchester College, planned by the wonderful Beckie Gregory @ Temple Gregory. It was also a pleasure working with the hugely talented photographer Zoe Collyer, you can see her C+J pics here
“We both started crying! It is incredible! Nothing short of Amazing!” – Caitilin
Song used “Boat Song” by JJ Heller
Always a pleasure heading over to Norfolk! Especially for a wedding day like this one. Simple, modest and all about the love! Perfect!
“OMG it’s AMAZEBALLS! Brought a tear to my eye watching it! love love love! you really captured the spirit – can’t wait to show everyone!! and the song is great too.” – Leeanne
Song used “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Ingrid Michaelson
The wedding of Ruth and Jon set in the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany was absolutely gorgeous. They were married in an ancient church in Certaldo that looked out over the stunning countryside. Ruth looked beautiful.
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show hide 5 comments
Kim Bull - ANOTHER masterpiece Mark!!
Your films always make me cry….in a good way.
Kimxx
Mark - Why Thank you Kim!
Frank (The Groom) - WE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
britt spring - you lucky thing! what a gorgeous wedding and lovely lovely couple. I have to say that picture of you on the bull made me laugh. you look really chuffed with yourself.
Bx
Mark - i was very chuffed… you didn’t see the effort it took to get on the damn thing!