Thomas Alan Productions: Blog

Micro Weddings - Planning to Afterparty

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 20:13:30 GMT

Lately, I've found it very gratifying to capture a couple's Small, "Micro Wedding" Since Covid-19 and the Elopement or "Minimony" trend, more couples have decided on the more intimate type of ceremony with an after party.

Planning a micro wedding can be an incredibly special experience. Here are some steps to consider:

Guest List: Start by deciding on the number of guests you want to invite. Remember, the charm of a micro wedding lies in its intimacy, so keep the guest list small, perhaps under 50 guests.
Venue Selection: Look for venues that cater to smaller gatherings. This could be anything from a cozy restaurant, a beautiful garden, a park, or small venue. Make sure it aligns with your vision and accommodates your guest count comfortably.

Rhode Island offers a variety of charming venues perfect for hosting a micro wedding. Here are some options to consider:

Historic Inns: Rhode Island is dotted with historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts that offer intimate settings for weddings. Look for ones with beautiful gardens or cozy indoor spaces for a romantic atmosphere.
Beachside Locations: With its picturesque coastline, Rhode Island boasts stunning beachside venues perfect for small weddings. Consider venues with private beach access or oceanfront views for a truly memorable experience.
Botanical Gardens: Rhode Island has several botanical gardens and arboretums that serve as beautiful backdrops for weddings. These venues often offer lush gardens, serene ponds, and charming gazebos ideal for small ceremonies.
Historic Mansions: Many of Rhode Island's historic mansions and estates open their doors for weddings. These venues typically offer elegant settings with stunning architecture and manicured gardens, providing a timeless backdrop for your special day.
Vineyards and Wineries: Rhode Island's burgeoning wine industry includes several vineyards and wineries that host weddings. These venues offer rustic charm, scenic vineyard views, and, of course, delicious wine to toast to your love.
Cozy Restaurants: Consider renting out a private dining room at one of Rhode Island's cozy restaurants for an intimate wedding celebration. This option offers delicious food, a warm ambiance, and personalized service for you and your guests.
Quaint Farms or Barns: For a rustic-chic wedding vibe, look for farms or barns in Rhode Island that cater to small weddings. These venues often feature charming barns, pastoral landscapes, and unique photo opportunities.
Art Galleries or Museums: Rhode Island's vibrant arts scene includes art galleries and museums that double as unique wedding venues. Consider venues with elegant event spaces and intriguing artwork for a creative and memorable wedding celebration.

When considering venues, make sure to inquire about capacity, amenities, and any specific requirements or restrictions they may have for weddings. Visiting the venues in person and discussing your vision with the venue coordinators can help you find the perfect location for your micro wedding in Rhode Island.

Budgeting: Even though micro weddings are smaller in scale, they can still add up in terms of expenses. Determine your budget early on and allocate funds to the most important elements like venue, catering, and photography.
Personalization: Since you have fewer guests, you can afford to add personal touches to every aspect of your wedding, from the decor to the favors. Incorporate elements that reflect your personalities as a couple.
Vendor Selection: Choose vendors who specialize in smaller weddings and understand your vision. This includes photographers, florists, caterers, and any other vendors you might need.
Timeline: Plan out the timeline for your wedding day meticulously. Even though it's a smaller affair, you'll still want everything to run smoothly. Consider factors like ceremony timing, reception activities, and any other special moments you want to include.
Legalities: Don't forget about the legal aspects of getting married! Make sure you obtain the necessary marriage license and fulfill any legal requirements well in advance.
Communication: Since your guest list is smaller, you can communicate more personally with each guest. Send out invitations early and keep everyone updated on any changes or details they need to know.
Entertainment: Consider what kind of entertainment you'd like to have at your wedding. Whether it's a live band, a DJ, or simply a carefully curated playlist, make sure it suits the intimate atmosphere of your micro wedding.
Enjoy the Process: Above all, enjoy the process of planning your micro wedding. It's a unique opportunity to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with those closest to you. Don't get too caught up in the details and remember to savor every moment!

Refer to this great article in Brides Magazine for More Micro Wedding Ideas

2023 Thanksgiving Charity 3 on 3 Tournament

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 22:30:00 GMT

Update: The 2023 Turkey Day 3 on 3 was another great success! Over $10,000 was raised for RI Hockey Cancer patient and families. You can still donate at TurkeyHockey.com

This Thanksgiving, I'll be back taking pictures and participating in The 2023 Turkey Day Charity Hockey tournament to help support fellow hockey players who have been battling Cancer, and families who have been dealing with the costs associated with treatment. It's a real fun event organized by Ed Rachwal, with 2 games going on simultaneously cross ice. Details below. The direct link to register is here:

Thanksgiving Morning 3 on 3 Cross Ice Hockey Tournament

Pictures from last years Tournament

From TurkeyHockey.com

Thanksgiving Morning 3 on 3 Cross Ice Hockey Tournament Registration

Skate All Morning – Eat All Day!

Come join us on Thanksgiving Day morning to help support the family of John (Jack) Jones who sadly passed away from Cancer on Sep 25, 2023 and one of our fellow hockey players, Barak Haldorsen, who is battling cancer. Barak played for the Tropics in the Novice League a few years back.

Thursday, November 23, 2023
8:00 AM-12:00 PM (or earlier depending on number of teams)
Lynch Arena, 25 Andrew Ferland Way, Pawtucket, RI
Up to 9 players and 1 goalie per team with some exceptions as needed
3 on 3 cross ice tournament
All players will need to bring both a light and dark jersey
$100 donation per player
Proceeds go directly to the two families listed above
Players will be assigned teams (possible exceptions for players that want to play together)
Register early and get a free long sleeve tournament t-shirt before they run out
Donations also accepted

Additional Company T-Shirt Sponsorships available for $500 with your company name and logo on the back of the shirts. Also accepting Raffle Donations (Gift Cards, Gift Baskets, Company Product or Services, etc.)

Please contact Ed Rachwal at [email protected] with any questions.

Commercial Portraits for Josh Kiernan of Mosh JDS

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:42:59 GMT

I’m very happy to have provided portraits for Josh’s business profile on Medium! #portraits #headshots

https://medium.com/strtupboost/mosh-jds-ceo-takes-hr-to-the-future-with-ai-powered-job-description-software-103a7c01eb4d

Matt and Margaret, from Friends to Newlyweds, 1st Anniversary (10/23/2021) Blog

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 02:26:51 GMT

Referrals and repeat customers are the backbone of any successful business. And though you hope not to see too many repeat wedding customers, often a completely unrelated shoot can turn into a future wedding.

I first met Matt in 2012 while shooting photo and video of his band, Birds in Paintings Can’t Fly. They’re a great group and I enjoyed catching them both live and for promo photos. Along the way, I was introduced to Margaret as well.

When they got engaged, I was excited to be asked to be a part of their wedding journey. We started with an engagement photo session at Rocky Point State Park in Warwick. It’s a great spot with a variety of backgrounds - from the waterside to the fishing pier to the pieces of amusement park history. I had a blast wandering the park and capturing some fun images of the couple.

Matt and Margaret’s wedding in Haverhill last fall was a joyous occasion, filled with family, friends and bandmates. We caught some fun photos of the girls and guys bonding (in separate locations, of course) while getting ready for the day.

The ceremony was sweet, with the bride and groom reading their own vows, and a sand ceremony uniting the couple.

Bright yellow sunflowers made a gorgeous contrast to the bridesmaids’ blue dresses and autumn foliage was the perfect backdrop for formal photos (and some not so formal ones).

After the photos, the party moved inside for a reception filled with dinner, toasts, and cake cutting. And dancing. Lots of dancing!

You know it’s a fun wedding when even the littlest guests hit the dance floor.

The Overlook at Meehan: Rustic Waterfront Wedding

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Tue, 03 May 2022 04:27:30 GMT

The Overlook at Meehan

One of the most understated wedding venues of 2021 was The Overlook at Meehan in Governor Notte Park, North Providence. Jessica and Mike’s wedding was a gorgeous August day. The park provides a beautiful setting for a rustic waterfront ceremony, and the gazebo was a perfect backdrop for the formal photos of the bridal party and their families.

Inside, the fireplace and mantel framed the sweetheart table for the bride and groom, and the party flowed easily from dancing indoors to the relaxing setting of the outdoor wraparound deck. Guests were able to enjoy the lovely water view, including a lit fountain. I even caught the bride stealing a moment to kick back with a cigar.

It was an absolute pleasure coordinating with the staff at The Overlook, who made every effort to accommodate my cameras. It didn’t hurt that the venue was as photogenic as the bride and groom. If you’re looking for a great local venue, don’t hesitate to book The Overlook. I look forward to capturing more weddings and events there in the future.

A Couple’s Journey in Photographs

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 22:56:14 GMT

A Couple’s Journey in Photographs

Every photographer knows that capturing special moments is the key to success. It’s what everyone wants when they hire you. Many times, once the final photos are delivered, that’s the end of the relationship between photographer and client. But once in a while, you get to follow a customer on a longer journey.

One of my favorite weddings of the summer was with Brianna and Sam. After so many years of watching them grow, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to capture the moment they became husband and wife. It was a gorgeous May day in Cohasset, and the Red Lion Inn provided the perfect backdrop for their photos.

I first met Brianna and Sam in 2011 when I was hired to shoot Brianna’s Sweet 16 birthday party. I met her sister at another event and she hired me to cover the party. Brianna and Sam were an adorable teenage couple.

A couple years later, Brianna contacted me to shoot some portraits for them before Sam went away to college. We had a fun photo session at Goddard Park and it was easy to see how connected the two still were.

I was pleasantly surprised when Brianna reached out to me again recently to schedule a session for engagement portraits. We met up at Charlestown Navy Yard and got some great shots of this couple.

It’s been wonderful watching these two grow up together, and I look forward to capturing many more special days for them in the future.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Fri, 07 May 2021 17:12:35 GMT

Hello and thank you for being a customer of Thomas Alan Productions! Hope all is well! If you have a minute, I'd love your feedback, as it helps me serve others like yourself and to continually evolve as a professional! Also if you refer me and the referral book, I'm offering a 10%* bonus for your recommendation. Thank you very much!

Lovely Fall Wedding

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 22:27:53 GMT

It was a Lovely Fall Day in a Multiple Location Wedding that started at two cozy homes, then off to St. Philip Church in Greenville, Rhode Island for the Ceremony, and wonderful reception at The Mansion at Bald Hill in South Woodstock, Connecticut! This is a perfect example of what a Thomas Alan Productions' Complete Photography and Videography Package offers. Full day coverage, from Wedding Preparation to Dance Floor, with Full Size Jpegs, Prints, and 2 Wedding Films. The examples here are a bit of each of those elements, with the Montage Wedding Film at the bottom of the page. Enjoy!

Elizabeth and Ryan 10/24/2020

An elegant and classic Wedding, set in a colorful Fall Northeast setting.

Tom's Photo Selections Tom's Photo Selections

Bridal Wedding Prep:

Hair, makeup, and bonding with bridesmaids - it's an integral part of the pre-wedding process for any bride.

Bridesmaids Lovely Bride Wonderful Dress Posing with Mom

Groom Wedding Prep:

The groom and his guys, getting in some fun and relaxation before the big event.

First Looks:

Is there anything more touching than the look on a dad's face when he sees his little girl in her wedding dress?

First Looks

First Looks First Looks First Looks First Looks

First Looks First Looks!

Ceremony at St. Philips:

It's always an honor to capture the moment that a couple says "I do."

Reception at Bald Hill Mansion:

The Mansion at Bald Hill is a gorgeous venue for a fall wedding. The spacious outdoor patio left plenty of room for socially distant mingling.

Portraits and Happy Hour:

The weather and grounds were perfect for a great hour of relaxing and picture taking!

Intro/First Dance:

It's the moment everyone is waiting for, when the bride and groom step onto the floor for their first dance as husband and wife.

Speeches:

Funny and touching toasts by the maid of honor and best man are a highlight of any wedding.

Speeches Speeches Speeches Speeches

Cake Cutting:

Fun, and sometimes fiesty!

Parent Dances:

A sweet moment shared between Moms, Dads, and their recently married children!

Dance Floor! Dance Floor!

Dance Floor:

The key to a good party...getting everyone out on the dance floor!

Dance Floor! Dance Floor!

Montage Wedding Film:

Check out some more highlights from the day, in this Social Media Friendly Length Wedding Film!

Liz and Ryan Montage Wedding Film Liz and Ryan Montage Wedding Film

More Thomas Alan Productions Wedding Work Here:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/5153280

Covid-19 Booking Announcement

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 20:32:26 GMT

Special Announcement regarding Covid-19! If by chance your Wedding gets rescheduled, I will prioritize re-scheduling your day! Your Deposit is good for that re-scheduled date! The key is to keep in contact and get that date saved as soon as possible!

Thanks,

Tom

Thomas Alan Productions

401-633-5294

[email protected]

Wedding Planning! Checklists and Spreadsheets to help you de-stress, and they're free!

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 17:41:59 GMT

Let's face it- planning a wedding can be a stressful endeavor! There are lots of decisions to be made- whether it's how big and fancy you want to go, how much budget you can reasonably afford. These decisions, and timing everything is essential to making your wedding experience extra special! Check out this very useful page of spreadsheets and lists from my friends at A Practical Wedding! Wedding Spreadsheets and Workbooks!

For more inquires about Thomas Alan Productions please e-mail, and I'll send you more wedding planning tidbits! Thanks!

Five Reasons to Hire a Wedding Videographer

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 22:18:09 GMT

When planning a wedding, the decision to hire a Wedding Videographer is often determined by how much is left in your wedding budget. However, if you are planning your dream wedding, we implore you to make hiring a Videographer a high priority. You spend countless hours planning and making decisions, and devote thousands of dollars to the cause; it only seems fitting that you document it appropriately. Here's why:

Wedding Film to Enjoy for Years

Your wedding will be amazing! Unfortunately, for many couples, it flies by way too quickly for you to genuinely take it all in. Having a Videographer present will allow you to relax with assurance that all of your well planned moments are captured for you to enjoy. Just enjoy your special day! It also enables you to see all the great details you fashioned while planning. A Videographer can give you a film of your entire ceremony, including toasts and speeches. Having all these delivered digitally makes them easy to access for years to come!

Playback in Real-Time, and Reel-Time

Think of the most moving parts of a wedding day- the bride as she catches her soul mate's eyes as she proceeds down the aisle to a new life. That moment his eyes overflow with tears. But how much better in real-time viewing of this event? Hiring a Videographer will allow you to watch this moment of transformation of your future spouse and give you tears of your own, as you remind yourself of that beautiful day every time you re-live your wedding. View your very own full length Feature Film, a Highlight Film, or a Music Video Length Montage Film, which can allow you to see it in a shorter, more cinematic way. Shareable Social Media Length edits are also available, good for the time constraints that are limited by Instagram.

Showing Off

Share your special moments with all of your friends, family, and co-workers. This is especially moving for those who couldn't make your wedding for one reason or another. Show off on all of your social media platforms with Social Media Length videos! Select your platform and post!

Unexpected Moments

With a Videographer around, the camera is rolling. There are many moments that simply cannot be captured by still photography, and although the planning and anticipation seems to last forever, the actual wedding day goes by in a blur. Photos will catch your poses, but video will capture the love between you and your new spouse in its all of its glory! You will be reminded of your love for each other through the little moments that flow together, creating a Wedding Film.

Movement and Sound

Last, but not least, a Videographer adds to your memories forever. See the moving images, set to beautifully moving sound clips and music. You put so much emotion into your vows- not to just leave them on a paper. Listen to them again and again, reminding yourselves of your promises to each other. Hiring a Videographer unlocks new doors to remembering and experiencing both beautiful and funny moments you may have missed on your big day! With a wedding film, you’ll be able to hear your spouse during your first look, plus toasts, speeches and a video portrait session! You’ll be able to watch your first kiss as newlyweds, your first dance, and your guests' amazing dance moves. For as beautiful and artistic as still photos can be, they cannot capture motion or sound—which makes a wedding video a must-have. Here's a Wedding Trailer to show how a Wedding Film can capture the beautiful, unique moments of your Wedding Day!

Lauren and Ray Trailer

All Images by Thomas Alan Production. If you'd like to learn more about Thomas Alan Productions, and to see my Essential Wedding Videography Shot List, please send and e-mail to [email protected] and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Lauren and Ray First Looks

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 17:07:40 GMT

Lauren and Ray - First Look

It was a wonderful day for a wedding! Lauren and Ray wanted to do their First Look (ish lol), and the scene was set to have them exchange and see presents, but not each other. The hotel was very accommodating, and the photographers were very easy to work with! Lauren and Ray are a very happy, relaxed couple, and they were both very emotional when they read their presents. It was a truly moving shoot, and it was a pleasure to capture and edit it!

TJ and Corrie Belle Mer 10/6/2018

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 19:28:11 GMT

TJ and Corrie, married at Belle Mer, Newport RI 10/6/2018 on the lawn, with an amazing waterfront view and the Newport Bridge as a backdrop to their nuptials!

Gorgeous Day, wonderful couple and stunning venue/location!

I'm Offering Social Media Length Cuts, to share with family and friends on their favorite platform! Instagram will be one minute cuts, which you can easily bump to Facebook! To see these on my Insta: TJ and Corrie 10/6/2018 Please check it out, give it a like and follow!

TJ and Corrie Belle Mer, Newport, RI Insta 1

Social Media Marketing Work With The Greenwich Odeum

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sat, 13 Apr 2019 17:06:15 GMT

Eddie from Ohio at The Greenwich Odeum 11/3/2017 from Thomas Alan Productions on Vimeo.

New England Aquarium Wedding!

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 06:34:43 GMT

David Amadio David Amadio David Amadio

William and Rachel McCarthy 8/19/2017 -

New England Aquarium, Boston Massachusetts

It was a beautiful day at the wonderful New England Aquarium for Rachel, Bill, family and friends. Thomas Alan Productions proudly captured their special day and a fantastic wedding location! Click on the Images to see more memories of the day!

David Amadio

The lovely Bride and her Bridesmaids got ready at the Long Wharf Marriott...

and the Groom and his men were preparing just down the hall.

The "McQuarium" was decked out in suitable wedding decor, ready for the night's festivities...as the ceremony was held on scenic Boston Harbor.

As the seconds ticked down to the anticipated "I do's" the sky celebrated a majestic array of colors in the clouds for all to enjoy.

When the sun finally gave way to the night sky, the evening was perfect for a great party to embrace the newly wed couple!

William and Rachel couldn't have been happier, as guest observed and then joined it to celebrate with them on their Wedding day at The New England Aquarium!

Booking inquiries: thomasalanphotography.zenfolio.com

Thomas Alan Productions on Wedding Wire

Thomas Alan Photography visits Dante's Kitchen

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 23:30:02 GMT

Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras. New Orleans. Is there any other way? How about Mardi Gras New Orleans Style in East Greenwich, RI? Really? Really.

This Saturday afternoon, Thomas Alan Photography, accompanied by wife Tara, headed to Dante's Kitchen on Main Street in East Greenwich. In keeping with their "American Fare with a Southern Flare" motto, they've been celebrating Mardi Gras all week, and the mood in the restaurant was very upbeat. From the sounds of a live band playing at the window, to the friendly staff, the house was swinging.

TAP enjoyed the delicious Crawfish Étouffée special, and left not a speck on his plate. Mrs. TAP, who could happily partake of the Dante's Mac & Cheese (with bacon, cheddar, pulled pork, and a jalapeño cornbread crumble) daily, decided to change things up and had, much to her delight, the Tuna Melt. The complimentary King's Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras dessert, was an excellent touch and a sweet way to finish off a fantastic meal.

This was not our first visit to Dante's, nor will it be our last. We have enjoyed breakfast lunch and dinner a handful of times and each visit has been positive. This week was extra special, due to the Mardi Gras celebration, but Dante's truly captures the essence of Southern Cajun/Creole cuisine all year long! It is truly a unique experience in the heart of East Greenwich.

Whether you want traditional Southern fare like a Shrimp Po Boy, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken and Waffles, Cajun Catfish, or something sweet like French Toast with Berries and Cream, Dante's Kitchen is a winner for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

Check out the links below to visit Dante's online:

Website: http://www.danteskitchenri.com/

Menu: http://www.danteskitchenri.com/menu.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dantes-Kitchen/363435863775724

Call 401-398-7798 to book a reservation, or visit at 315 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 for Breakfast/Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday 8 am - 2 pm, and Thursday - Saturday 5 - 9pm!

Working on a student film at New England Institute of Technology

(Thomas Alan Productions) — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 17:23:11 GMT

Looking to cast a short 10-20 minutes for my Digital Film making class. The main role is a male hockey player, mid 20's who comes home after having a difficult time in juniors and trying to make it as a pro. He has to adapt to life and home and he meets old friends. He meets a girl who is helping get things turned around. There will be only about 5 scenes. There is also going to be a hockey scene on ice and a bar scene with hockey players. Shoots from mid October until Thanksgiving weekend.

Casting Breakdown for “Opposition” Short
Steve - (#1) Male- mid to late 20’s hockey player who left school to try to become a professional player, unsuccessfully so far.
Kate - (#2) Female - mid 20’s who becomes Steve’s girlfriend.
Steve’s Mother - Mid 40’s- Early 50’s
Kate’s Mother - Mid 40’s- Early 50’s
Bartender - Female (20’s-40’s)
4 Hockey players in bar Male (Early 20’s)
Restaurant Manager - (M or F)30’s-60’s
2-4 Wait staff (at least 1 female) 20’s-50’s

Contact:

[email protected]