Life Stage Films

Life Stage Films NC based destination wedding storytellers. Authentic, unabashedly candid HD & Vintage 8mm Films.

We are internationally acclaimed wedding storytellers that are known for capturing real, authentic and genuine moments on video. Based in Wilmington, NC, we serve the South East US and are commissioned all over the world for destination weddings.

01/15/2025

10.26.24 // Winston-Salem, NC

”True love takes work, and it’s about choosing to do the work and show up for each other. I promise to show up for you.”

Madeline and Adam, you had such grace and poise through transitioning from a mountain wedding before Hurricane Helene, to pulling off an equally stunning dream wedding right down the mountain within a month. You’ve got a great community surrounding you! And it’s even more evident in this film, this story of your wedding day.
Thank you for inviting us to the party. What a celebration it was!

And kudos to the Mary Bell Events team for this flawless celebration!

Creatives:

Filmed by Shawn of Life Stage Films. Edited by Hazel.
Mary Bell Events
The Graylyn Estate
Green Bee Floral Designs
Jen Yuson Photography
Updo's Studio
Bright Light DJ
Sound Illusions Events

01/09/2025

10.26.24 // Grab your tissues for this one. Dads know best, and this dad "knew Adam was the one" even before this stunning bride did. I loved this family and friend group simply because when you watch this film, they all love each other super hard, and it's reflective in the energy and vibe! And it starts with A&M in the center. This was the place to be, and they picked one of downtown's most gorgeous venues. Cheers Adam & Meghan!

Creatives:

Matt Davis w/ Life Stage Films
Venue: Bakery 105
Florist: Verzaal's Florist & Events
DJ: Active DJ Entertainment
Photo: Matt McGraw Photography
Lighting: Wilmington Uplighting
Cake: Imaginary Cakes

12/20/2024

**A Joyous montage of Christmas weddings!**

Season’s greetings to our Life Stage Film tribe! This holiday season, my wedding team and I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to be part of your special moments.

Over the past 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing not just weddings, but the genuine emotions and connections that make each family unique. It’s more than just pointing a camera; it’s about weaving your stories into memories you can cherish on both good days and tough ones.

We’ve walked away as friends, watched your families grow, and shared in both joyous and challenging times. This makes what we do for you all even more priceless.

As we reflect on the love and joy we’ve captured, I can’t help but feel excited for what the new year will bring. Lots of families we have already connected with!

Enjoy this heartfelt montage of tiny AND monumental moments we have been in the right place to capture for families over the past 10+ years.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah and Happy New Year filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. Here’s to new adventures in the coming wedding season!

- Matt Davis
(and Hazel, Kevin, Shawn and Robert)

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12/13/2024

***SAPPY FATHER OF THE FUTURE BRIDE POST***

Today, my daughter Penelope turns 16. 🎉 Sixteen! It feels like just yesterday I was starting Life Stage Films, juggling newborn chaos and the dream of building something meaningful. As my business grew, so did Penelope—sometimes with a little less sleep but always with a full heart. Do you know how many destination weddings she got to attend?!

Over the years, she’s been my constant reminder of why I do what I do: to celebrate life’s milestones and preserve memories for families all over the world.

SO, video dad over here made a little video today for her, and thought I’d share that with all of our Life Stage tribe. I know I am terrible about posting personal stuff. More to come in 2025 🤣🙌🏻 If you want to follow all the videos and pictures of my girls and my personal happenings, they are sitting at .c.davis. (I hear there are some killer dad jokes)

Many of you who’ve trusted me to capture your big days have also been part of my family’s journey—watching Penelope grow up right alongside Life Stage Films. Your support has allowed me to show her what passion, perseverance, and connection can build. For that, I am deeply grateful. 🙏

Now, as I think about the day I’ll walk Penelope down the aisle (sooner than I’d like to admit!), I’m reminded how precious these moments are. It hurts how much I love my daughter, you know what I mean, dads? I am so…so proud of who she is becoming. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of our story. Here’s to Penelope’s sweet 16—and to all the love we’ll continue to celebrate together. ❤️

Signed, Matt

P.S. Sarah Baum, a 2008 bride of ours gave Penelope a blanket that she carried around for years and is still talked about. “Tunia”. I appreciate you always Sarah.

11/15/2024

08.23.24 // Bald Head Island, NC

"You're my home and adventure, and I love, US."

Did you know it's a myth that Washington State is always rainy and muggy? Corey and Kelley, their "celebrity nickname" affectionately being "Corelley" BROUGHT THE SUNSHINE with them across the country to a special place on Earth that matched their energy.

What a joy to be trusted to film their destination elopement. Yes we do elopements too!

The beauty of this day in seeing this small, but TIGHT family enjoy and celebrate each other all day, STILL while forgetting that their was a camera documenting, is fun to watch, and sure to be a cherished video to watch on repeat.

The vows were heartfelt, genuine, and simply perfect. Congrats you kids. Thanks for spreading the JOY to all of those around you!

10/29/2024

07.13.24 // Wilmington, NC

"This, is right."

Family, love, and a whole lot of fun!

As you watch and listen to Jacob and Nicole's wedding story unfold, the real fun part is seeing their two little dudes witness their parents' love and commitment. It was pure magic. 💫

Venturing from Pittsburgh, Jacob and Nicole's destination wedding in Wilmington, NC was a beautiful celebration of love and family.

These precious moments, captured on video, will be cherished for generations to come. So honored we were a part of it...and glad to call you friends, J&N! Congrats and enjoy!

Creatives:

Venue - 128 South Events & Catering
Matt Davis w/ Life Stage Films
Renee w/ Wanderlust Weddings & Events
DJ - Active DJ Entertainment
Photography - Stephanie Cranford
MUA - Bridal Artistry
Cake - Pink Baking Co.
Wilmington Uplighting
Party Suppliers & Rentals

Music licensed by Musicbed

07/19/2024

03.23.24 // Wilmington, NC

"You are that missing puzzle piece in my life."

THIS is what it's all about! The tears, the unadulterated joy on everyone's faces...the REALNESS.

Jackie & James are good people, surrounded by good people, and any good people out there watching this will be better for it. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate and witness this love story, for the daughters involved too. We celebrate you J&J!

Also, that food might be the best vendor meal we have ever head. Locals, if you don't already, go support Jackie's Cape Fear Seafood Company!

Creatives:

Video: Matt Davis of Life Stage Films
Planning: Meg Henson Meg Henson Events
Photo: Matt McGraw Photography
Venue: The Atrium by Ligon Flynn
Florist: Fiore Fine Flowers
MUA: Beauty Crew Mobile
Cake: One Belle Bakery LLC
Caterer: Cape Fear Seafood Company
DJ: Brian Hood

Music licensed by Music Bed
Artist Tim Halperin

06/14/2024

Let's hear it for the dads.

Not all heroes wear capes.

The first love a girl learns, is from the one who gives her away with a lump in his throat and a heart full of pride.

Happy to all the incredible dads! We see you!

To the dads who watch over us from above, thank you for the love (and dance moves) that we get to keep with us forever.

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Wilmington, NC
28401

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A Video That’s...Different

Led by owner & lead filmmaker Matt Davis, we are internationally acclaimed wedding storytellers that are known for capturing real, authentic and genuine moments on video.

Nothing staged. Nothing forced. Nothing over dramatic for the sake of being dramatic. Just moments that matter and a window into how your wedding day truly felt.

Based in Wilmington, NC, we serve the South East US and are commissioned all over the world for destination weddings.