Vendor Spotlight - Alex + Jocelyn Karas - Voila

We absolutely LOVE working with this amazing couple! It was so nice chatting with Alex + Jocelyn Karas, owners of Voila Cinematic, to talk about their film business and how they create beautiful videos to help remember your BIG day! 

photo by Justin DeMutiis Photography

Allison: How did Voila Cinematic come to be and what brought you to the industry?

"Husband and wife team Alex and Jocelyn Karas bring very different backgrounds to their event film business and in doing so, create a seamless experience and product for their couples.

After years of filming for the family and working at the TV station at his high school, Alex went on to study film at Princeton University where he received his degree in film directing. He also studied video at University of South Florida where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Television Productions.

After graduating from college, Alex produced for some of the hottest television networks in the country including ESPN, MTV, and VH-1. He worked on television shows such as “Hogan Knows Best” and “My Big Fat Fabulous Wedding.” Alex found that although he loved television work, he missed the feeling of connecting his art with the emotion of those around him. Out of that realization, Alex founded Voilà Cinematic.

Jocelyn grew up in Kentucky and graduated Suma Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Artistic expression has always been Jocelyn’s passion. After graduating from college, she lived in both New York City and Los Angeles where she pursued a career in theater. She went on to sing and dance all over the world aboard cruise ships, in regional theatres, and even touring the country in a national tour.

Upon settling down in Tampa in 2003, Jocelyn worked behind the scenes as part of the Creative Team for the entertainment department at Busch Gardens. Seeing the business her husband had cultivated continue to grow, the couple decided that Jocelyn’s artistic eye and love of people would be an asset to the company. In 2007, Jocelyn became the other half of Voila Cinematic. She meets with potential clients, coordinates the details of the wedding day, assists in editing, and acts as a second shooter. 

Four years later, Voila Cinematic is one of the most sought-after films companies in the southeast. Alex continues to hone his craft. He is one of the only certified Steadi cam operators in Florida and has been a featured speaker at several event professional showcases. 

To Alex and Jocelyn, film is much more than using high tech equipment to put a picture on a screen. It enables them to capture moments forever that would otherwise be left to one’s memories. “Watching a couple relive their wedding day through our work is a blessing unto itself. Knowing that countless other people will share their happiness by watching that film is one of the greatest joys we have even known.”

Allison: How long have you been in the event industry?

AK + JK: "Since 2006"

Allison: Where does your inspiration come from?

AK + JK: "We really want our films to mimic the art and creativity of the great filmmakers in cinema. We also find great
inspiration from the love between our couples and the beauty of their event both visually and emotionally."

Allison: How would you describe your "style"?

AK + JK: "Sophisticated, elegant, and timeless "

Allison: What is your goal at the completion of each event?

AK + JK: "To be as unobtrusive as 
possible on the wedding day and to come away with fabulous footage that allows us to create something special for our clients. We also want our clients to come away from their wedding day loving our team and having had a great experience with Voila."

Allison: What keeps you passionate about wedding videography?

AK + JK: "Each couple we meet is unique in their own way and they all have a different story to tell. Focusing on each couple individually allows us to keep each film fresh instead of creating something that is 'cookie cutter.'"

Allison: How do you stand out from other local wedding videographers?

AK + JK: "Our clients have an experience with us from the time that they initially contact us. We take great pride in our customer service and can promise our couples that not only will they come away with an amazing film but the customer service they receive along the way will make for a wonderful experience."

Allison: What is your favorite part about being a wedding videographer?

AK + JK: "Creating something that we know our couples will treasure for years and hopefully pass down from generation to generation."

Allison: What is the process like once a couple contracts you regarding the filming of their wedding day?

AK + JK: "We prefer to have a consultation with our potential clients so that we can discuss their options and pricing and share films with them. Once we get to know the clients and figure out which collection would be best for them, we hope that they will book. Once they book, we have some paper work for them to complete to help us get to know them better. As we near the wedding day, we set up another meeting to discuss the big day in more detail. We really invest a lot of time in getting to know our clients so that their film will best reflect their love and their style. We are always available to answer any questions that our clients may have."

Allison: What is the most important question every couple should ask their wedding videographer before hiring them?

AK + JK: "How long have you been shooting weddings? What is your experience in cinematography? How do you handle issues that may arise? What other vendors in the area refer you?"

Allison: What is the biggest mistake a couple can make when choosing a videographer?

AK + JK: "Not spending the money it takes to secure a qualified, professional who will give them a great product."

Allison: Are you seeing any emerging trends in the coming year?

AK + JK: "We are just seeing that cinematography is becoming more of a priority to most couples getting married. Also, most couples are more interested in digital files of their final film than DVDs." 

Allison: What is the most challenging part of your job?

AK + JK: "A wedding is a once in a lifetime event and so there is no room for error."

Allison: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

AK + JK: "Hearing from our couples after they receive their films and hearing how much they love their films."

Allison: Could you tell us your most memorable videography experience?

AK + JK: "Shooting our first wedding at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC- such an amazing venue and a fabulous couple to boot."

Allison: Are you able to attend a wedding and sit back and relax? Or do you find yourself always thinking about weddings from a videographer's perspective?

AK + JK: "We love going to weddings and not working, although it doesn’t happen very often. Even with family weddings, we usually end up filming."

Allison: What are five things you could not do your job without?

AK + JK: "A camera, a computer, editing software, human subjects, light."

Allison: Is there anything else you'd like to add for our readers?

AK + JK: "The one thing that makes our job and really every vendor’s job easier is the hiring of a wedding coordinator. It just makes for a more organized day. When the vendors know what is coming, it makes the day that much more seamless for everyone involved." 
{we didn't tell them to say this!}

-Written by Allison Loper, Associate Coordinator

Vendor Spotlight - Rebecca Zoumberos - Limelight Photography

We believe photography is one of the most important components of your big day as it is one of the only ways to capture all of your special memories. You only get one shot (no pun intended), so picking the right vendor to match your personality, style and budget is a huge decision! We have worked closely with Rebecca (and Michael) Zoumberos from Limelight Photography over the past six years and are exciting for you to learn more about them! 

Madison: How did Limelight Photography get it's start?

RZ: "With a B.S. in Advertising from the University of Florida and a M.F.A. in Graphic Design from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Rebecca’s creative roots run deep.  Before deciding to focus solely on photography, Rebecca spent a year as a Social Catering Sales Manager with Hilton.  This experience exposed her to the world of event planning and organization and to the importance of capturing the intricate details of these events.  She also spent a year as a Designer and Director of Marketing at a photography studio in Safety Harbor, FL, where her passion for photography was ignited.  Now, Rebecca is not only the owner, but she is also Limelight’s lead photographer, marketing strategist and she trains and manages six teams of photographers. Rebecca has earned her Certified Professional Photographer certification and Photographic Craftsman Degree through Professional Photographers of America. She is recognized as one of the leading photographers in the country. 

A love for sports led Michael to St. Leo University where he earned a B.S. in Secondary Physical Education.  Specializing in sports-specific fitness, Michael has trained world-class athletes including tennis players James Blake, Martina Hingis, and Jennifer Capriati, as well as New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, and NHL Hall of Famer Peter Svoboda.  Michael’s positive energy and determination can be felt not only in the arena, but also among the Limelight team.  His enthusiasm is contagious, which makes him the perfect person to handle new client sales and organizational structuring.  He also completes the husband and wife team by working alongside Rebecca at wedding shoots, where he showcases his eye for design and creativity.

We have been sought after worldwide by clients such as professional athletes, celebrities and royalty. Limelight has been featured on the TV show Get Married hosted by Colin Cowie. Our award-winning work has been published over 200 times worldwide in magazines such as Caribbean Bride, Grace Ormonde, Weddings Unveiled, Brides, The Knot, Southern Weddings, Destination I Do and Style Me Pretty. 

Together, Rebecca and Michael have been guest speakers on a national panel for Successful Studio Management Services, Webinars for Marathon Press and have been featured at Share the Knowledge at PPA's Imaging USA and on iUSA TV.

Limelight Photography is a member of PPA, SMS, and Master Minds, and have been featured in association with Studio Management Services (an affiliate of PPA), Marathon Press and www.collages.net."

Madison: Where does your inspiration come from?

RZ: "Having a passion for God’s purpose in our life inspires us to do always do our best for Him and for our clients. We feel truly blessed by God to be able to work together doing what we love. We are always grateful He has used our talents in a way that enables us to capture the moments of your life, for you to remember forever. “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” Colossians 3:23." 

Madison: How would you describe your "personal style"?

RZ: "Our work is sexy, savvy, and chic. We’ve learned how to translate our eye for design and creativity to suit any ambience. The first step is to look for lines, light, and texture in each shot, and then place the subject within that.

Limelight Photography specializes in high-end wedding photography for clients with a taste of sophistication and elegance. Documenting weddings with superior quality and exquisite customer service that exceed all expectations creates the essence of Limelight Photography. Limelight Photography documents high-end weddings and creates striking images infused with sophistication and elegance. Limelight Photography has been sought after worldwide by elite clientele such as professional athletes, celebrities and royal families around the world.

Exploring love around the globe wherever it begins is our specialty. Limelight Photography owners Rebecca and Michael have personally hand-selected their staff that of five talented photography teams, a graphic designer, book keeper and a full time studio manager. Limelight Photography photographers each have an individual distinction but their collective soul stays true to the Limelight brand. Together they photograph over 130 weddings per year all around the world."

Madison: What keeps you passionate about photography and working in the industry?

RZ: "Only through God can we find our real passion and happiness in life. Passion is a good feeling. It is where you find purpose, energy, and life. Seeking what others have leads to envy and disappointment in life. Once we began seeking God first, passion for life and for documenting the sacred covenant of marriage was ignited. We do not this great responsibility for granted. If ever we feel our passion waning, we spend some quiet time in prayer and are reminded of the amazing mystery of two souls joining as one. 

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21"

Madison: How do you stand out from other local photographers?

RZ: "Individual Distinction. Collective Soul. Limiting the number of weddings and events they do a year keeps their work very personal. Truly getting to know whose story they will be capturing is paramount. By the time the event comes around, people know they can trust them and be themselves in front of the lens.

They look at each event from an individual perspective, never forgetting that their job is to tell the event’s story, capture the mood, illustrate the overall look, while attending to every detail, so nothing is overlooked. Limelight’s distinctive and effective approach to photographing events has propelled them to the forefront of our industry in a very short time. Known for their use of the “fish eye” lens, their unique style, demeanor, response time and follow up has won them accolades – and many clients!"

Madison: What is your favorite part about being the owner of Limelight?

RZ: "The best part of owning Limelight Photography is working together with a team of talented and wonderful photographers that have become like family to us."

Madison: What is the biggest "mistake" or oversight couples make when choosing a photographer for their wedding?

RZ: "The two biggest mistake couples make when choosing a photographer are: (a) Basing their decision on “finding a deal” or saving a little bit of money by going with a less experienced photographer and (b) Not hiring a professional event coordinator to handle the details of the wedding day. (An Event Coordinator is not the same thing as the venue catering sales manager that is normally included in your venue package!). When a professional coordinator is not hired, attending to the personal needs of the bride and logistics of coordinating details on the wedding day becomes the responsibility of the photographer. We are always willing to do anything it takes for the day to run as smoothly as possible. However, when we must turn our attention to things such as checking in on transportation that is running late, finding missing items, assisting elderly guests, etc. we miss out on photo opportunities."

 

 

Madison: What advice do you have for future brides who are going through the process of hiring a photographer?

RZ: "Trust the recommendation of your wedding planner and those who have experience working with photographers you are considering such as your venue, vendors and even your friends and family. Also take time to read reviews on Wedding Wire from clients about their experience with photographers you are considering."

Madison: Are you able to attend a wedding and sit back and relax or do you find yourself always thinking about weddings from a photographer's perspective?

RZ: "When friends or family hire one of our Limelight Photography associates I fully trust they have been trained to do their job correctly. This allows us to attend our friends and families weddings and fully relax and enjoy the festivities without worrying about thinking from a photographers’ perspective."

Madison: What are five things you could not do your job without?

RZ: "Faith and prayer, Our amazing team of photographers, Canon 5D Mark III camera, Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens,  Mac Pro computer"

-Written by Madison Dawson, Associate Coordinator