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!
Here at Calluna we are always looking for new ways to highlight and honor some of the amazing creative partners we get to work with. We feel incredibly fortunate to work with some seriously talented vendors in the industry, and we want to show them off to you in our new Calluna Community Series! We will sit down with some of the fabulous vendors of Colorado and get to know about them, their business and what life is like behind the scenes. Stay tuned for more!
This week for Calluna Community we caught up with Claudia Scharnikow of Some Claudia Girl!
Cheers! Xo, Calluna
Describe what you do! “Well, it all began when I was 16 years old and I started my career as a hairstylist specializing in Italian hair color and cutting techniques. It was there where shortly after, I found my passion and pursuit in the bridal hair and makeup industry! I have been specializing in bridal hairstyles and makeup for 8 years now!”
What is your idea of a dream project? “Oh goodness, I am about to sound so cliche (which is so not my personality- I am usually a sarcastic little devil) but honestly, I truly believe that I have been a part of some of the dreamiest weddings on this earth! At the beginning of my my career, I always dreamed of participating in a handful of beautifully curated/ designed weddings and after some years of dreaming and hard work- it evolved into me having to pinch myself because I kept finding myself working alongside so many talented vendors who play a part of weddings that I thought could only be dreamt of! Outside of that, I think that hosting a workshop to teach and empower other hair/ makeup artist is certainly a goal of mine!”
What has been your favorite wedding that you have worked, or attended? “Ugh, this question is tough and never gets easier because there isn’t just one! But if I had to absolutely pick, I would say it was a seaside wedding I did in Malibu, CA! The bride had me do 2 different hairstyles/ looks on her, she was stunning and I had the greatest time!”
What does your morning routine look like? “Although, I tend to be pretty type A with my business/ work life, I also like to be honest and say that I am not a morning person. I enjoy (very) slow mornings, bed cuddles with my dog followed by an americano and loud upbeat music to have a little dance party to before I dive into work emails or even a day full of bridal consultations. ”
What are some of your favorite trends that you are seeing? “I think I will always be a sucker for artistic braids but my favorite current trend is the classy and elegant yet effortless look. I like looks that look simple and organic but still clean and elegant!”
What advice would you give to a younger you? “Comparison is a thief! I still have to preach this to myself every now and then, but I wish I would have saved a lot of time I spent on comparing myself to others and their success and used it towards focusing more on how I could uniquely and more efficiently influence the wedding industry in my own way. I still struggle with this but realizing and reminding myself that I have a special set of talents, strengths and skills unlike anyone’s else’s that I could focus on instead of trying to be like some one else sets me up for a more productive work style and elevates my passion for what I do to new levels!”
What makes you excited to go to work in the morning? “People. I am a huge people person, I get a high when I get to see a bride smile ear to ear because her vision for wedding day hair/ makeup was accomplished and she feels like the most beautiful and confident version of herself before walking down the aisle to her forever love. I guess I should also warn all my brides that they may end up stuck with me as a lifelong friend because it tends to happen pretty frequently!”
What is your favorite cocktail, or what are you drinking tonight? “TEQUILA. My husband and I have specialized in quite the assortment of different freshly squeezed margarita flavors- so much so that we have become those people who critique every margarita that ever touches their lips. My go to drink most of the time though is tequila + tonic with a splash of unsweetened grapefruit juice!”
Follow Some Claudia Girl on Instagram!
Photography | Emily Elizabeth Photography
