Madeline & Adam // Classic Graylyn Estate Wedding at Just the Right Time
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
Adam & Meghan // Heartfelt & Colorful in Downtown Wilmington,
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
Sappy Father of the Future Bride Post
***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 @matt.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.
Corey & Kelley // Destination Elopement on Bald Head Island
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!
Jacob & Nicole // Intimate Family Celebration on the Cape Fear River
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
The beauty, personalities and love speak for themselves in this little video. Our only regret is that we can’t fit more into 60 seconds, but we tried. Can’t wait for you to see the full film Sarah & Alex! It’s overwhelmingly gorgeous! The people, the moments. Everything! Hope this holds you over. ❤️
Creatives:
Matt Davis & Shawn Whittington // Life Stage Films
Mary Bell ❤️ // Mary Bell Events
Photo // Anastasiia Photography
MUA // Blush Asheville
Ceremony Music // Carolina Music Planners
Band // Liquid Pleasure
Venue // Omni Grove Park Inn
Florist // Pedal & Fern WNC
06.22.24 // The flowers, colors and joy were beautiful enough, but nothing matched the energy Ashley & Dave give off to everyone around them. Enjoy this short teaser into the best day of your lives! WAY more love to come with the priceless moments captured. Congrats you kids! P.S. Your full choreographed dance is going to be fun to edit. We all enjoyed it just as much as you guys! #super8mm Creatives:Matt Davis w/ Life Stage Films Marci w/ Social Butterfly Florals: Design Perfection Officiant: Sherri DJ: Active Entertainment Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center Cake: One Belle BakeryPhoto: Matt McGraw MUA: Ashley Horrell Catering: A Thyme Savor
Jackie & James - Wilmington, NC "You are the Missing Puzzle Piece"
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
Morty & Anna // The Best Catch - Ocracoke Island Celebration
04.13.24 // Ocracoke, Island OBX
This time last week, all of Morty and Anna's loved ones descended upon the small Outer Banks island of Ocracoke to celebrate. It's safe to say the entire local community was at the party as well for this local fisherman family. Restaurants and shops were closed down. If you are familiar with Ocracoke's "vibe" you know this community isn't stuffy, uptight or formal. But they love BIG and stick together. Spoiler alert - Some of our most favorite moments filming events are the initial interactions of people that care for each other and haven't seen each other in a while. The embraces, the laughter, even the small talk are all what makes us human. This weekend was full of those love filled embraces and interactions. Enjoy this teaser full of your favorite faces! Congrats Morty & Anna!
Local Creatives:
Venue // The Berkley Manor
Entertainment // Ray McAllister band
Sara Clark Cakes
Basnights Lone Cedar Catering
Ocracoke Catering
Berkley Events
Daniel Pullen Photography
Hyde County Flower Co
Zillies & Hyde Co ABC
Filmed and Edited by Matt Davis of Life Stage Films
Song by Judah and the Lion (licensed by Music Bed)
Jackie & James // Springtime Love Explosion at The Atrium
03.23.24 // Wilmington, NC
First wedding back in the newly renovated The Atrium by Ligon Flynn courtyard didn't disappoint! We weren't ready for this love explosion. Jackie and James, you fit sooo much love into such an intimate setting. More priceless shenanigans and pup videos to come. Enjoy this teaser J&J & Co.!!
Planning/Design - Meg Henson Events
Filmmaker - Matt Davis Life Stage Films
Venue - The Atrium by Ligon Flynn
Florals - Fiore Fine Flowers
Cake - One Belle Bakery LLC
Caterer - Cape Fear Seafood Company (Heard the owner just got married or something! 😉😉😉
Photo - Matt McGraw Photography
DJ Brian Hood
Teaser - Ty & John // Downtown Wilmington @ Bakery 105
11.18.23 // Wilmington, NC
Dad's got something to say....
🥹🥹🥹🥹
Filmmaker: Matt Davis Life Stage Films
Venue: Bakery 105
Florals: Eco Chic Blossoms
Cake: One Belle Bakery LLC
Photo: Erin Taylor Photography
DJ: Active DJ Entertainment
Gabrielle & Loche // Biltmore Estate Mountain Love
11.04.23 // Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC
Lots of weddings at the Biltmore with this incredible team, but this one for these two Marine families is at the top of the list. I wish we could fit ALL the fun, craziness, LOVE and huge emotions into a 1.5 minute social media teaser. But then it wouldn't be a teaser! More to come G&L! Thank you for standing on the wall for us!
Props to MOB, Karen, for the surprise edit to hold them over. (Fess up mom, you know you were dying to see this too. :).
Creatives: Matt Davis & Brian Bunn #lifestagefilms
Design/Planning Mary Bell w/ Mary Bell Events
Photo - Corey Cagle Photography
Florals - Luck w/ Flower Gallery of Asheville
MUA - Wendy w/ Blush Asheville
DJ - Vinny w/ Split Second Sound
Venue - Stephanie w/ Biltmore Weddings Team