Happy Sunday Everyone! We’re so excited as we’re celebrating our wonderful Pia + Trevor’s anniversary today and doubling that joy with another Cocktails with Calluna, spotlighting the ever so lovely Ori with O.Ski Films who captured Pia + Trevor’s wedding in Tuscany, Italy! Ori is a true talent and a ray of sunshine in our industry. Her artistry and creativity shines through everything she does! Be sure to read on as Ori shares so many great insights and inspirations with us today.
Describe what you do!
I am a wedding filmmaker and have been in this industry for the last 6 years! I actually came into this career by chance. I studied abroad in 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa and brought along my handy dandy Go-Pro. Lucky for my Facebook friends, I posted every single clip I took during my time there, even the super exciting hour-long hikes (eye-roll, lol). The videos weren’t viewed by too many people other than my parents and grandma, but they were also viewed by my first client ever. Their view was the most important one I have ever gotten because they asked me to film their wedding day. The first thing I did was Google “What do I need to film a wedding” and I rented everything this blog recommended (lol). And thanks to my shaky adventure videos on Facebook and a trusting family friend I got to film my very first wedding a month later.
I am forever grateful for this opportunity as it constantly reminds me that as a wedding filmmaker, it all comes down to telling a story. It doesn’t matter that as a filmmaker I know all the technical answers or have the fanciest equipment. Rather, I am there to capture the moments and how they feel to everyone involved. Even though I have graduated from my Go-Pro to some slightly fancier equipment, I will always remind myself that the story is more important than what you have to tell it with.
What is your favorite part of any wedding?
Even though this may seem odd, my favorite part of a wedding day is when my clients sit down for dinner. It sounds like food has something to do with this which ALSO may be true (lol)… But the real reason is getting the chance to capture the first time of the day that my clients are truly able to embrace the moment and take everything in. After months and sometimes years of planning their day, it’s finally time for them to share some champagne, genuine laughs, and meaningful conversations across the table with the ones they love the most. Watching these moments unfold through my lens are some of the most special.
What does your morning routine look like?
I usually sleep in as much as I can (not a morning person). I then make my 3 shot iced latte with almond milk (not a coffee snob I promise), followed by a smoothie. Get started on some work and then go for a late morning walk to get some sunshine and fresh air. Mornings are my time to reflect, relax and get ready for my day. I have never thought the phrase “the early bird catches the worm” to be true because some of my best work and most inspiring thoughts come late at night. And I can assure you I will NOT make that 7am Soul Cycle class I so ambitiously signed up for the night before. 😉
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing?
I could not be a bigger fan of how many weddings I see using brighter colors for their wedding day. This adds a fun element to pictures and videos while allowing us to have some creative freedom with a unique backdrop. I hope this trend is here to stay because I love it! More color please!
What advice would you give to a younger you?
That not every client is YOUR client. I would tell my younger self that you don’t have to say yes to every job that comes your way. As an artist it’s super important to feel connected to your client and inspired by their day. Instead of focusing on the number of weddings booked I would remind myself to focus on what kind of audience I am attracting as a filmmaker. If you are filming work you are passionate about, your ideal clients will always find their way to you.
What do you like to do when you’re away from work?
When I am away from work I love to travel (without camera bags of course, those are heavy!). I love spending time with my partner, family and friends. I am a newly obsessed fan of pickleball (who isn’t these days?!) so you might find me on the court getting far too competitive. I love to go to a cute coffee shop on weekends followed by a day of thrifting. I am a sucker for an action-thriller movie that gives my heart rate a jump. And lastly, I am a BIG foody – I would spend (and do spend) all my money on nice dinners with some yummy drinks to accompany.
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight?
Cliche but a good margarita (not too sweet) rimmed with Tajín of course.
Weddings with Calluna!
