When Amber introduced me to Ray Roman and his incredible wedding films, I grabbed some tissues and took half an hour to watch his work. His films are so moving – breathtaking and beautiful. The unique way he is able to capture such an important day and turn it into something more is extraordinary. I’m excited to share this interview with Ray here on Loren’s World and be sure to visit http://rayromanfilms.com/2013/05/amber-duane-dorado-beach-puerto-rico/ to view Amber and Duane’s movie trailer! xo
Ray Roman Interview: the Artist Behind Amber Ridinger’s Wedding Video
1. Tell us a little bit about your background and when you started working in the film industry.
I started producing wedding and special event films in 2006 with my wife Jessica. We both worked full time jobs and filmed events on the weekends. Over the course of the next couple of years, this “side business” quickly evolved into one of the most successful studios in our area. A couple of years later, we decided to leave our day jobs to run the business full-time. Over the course of the next couple of years, we learned as much as we could about this new found craft. We were so passionate about being able to tell people’s stories through our films. After winning countless International awards for our work, in 2010, we were named one of the hottest and most influential studios in the world by EventDV Magazine. Today, we are widely regarded as one of the top 5 studios in the world. From 2009 to present, I have been fortunate enough to speak at every major video conference around the world for wedding and special events. I continue to give back to the industry and share knowledge through our International workshops and seminars that stretch across the globe. We are truly humbled by our success.
2. You’ve worked with everyone from Chris and Adrienne Bosh to having been featured on Oprah. Which career moment are you most proud of?
It is truly an honor (and of course really exciting) when high profile couples (such as the Bosh’s) decide to entrust us with documenting one of the most important days of their lives. We are so passionate about what we do and I know that the attention to detail we put into each film is second to none. I have no doubt (no matter who it is) that the film we produce will be a masterpiece that the couple will enjoy for a lifetime. I don’t think I can point to just one moment because there’s been so many, but I’m mostly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time. Every day is a blessing for us and we are grateful for every opportunity that we have been given.
3. When did you transition into your now-famous wedding films? Was it an aha-moment for you?
It didn’t take too long to become popular locally in South Florida, but becoming recognized Internationally took a few years of hard work and dedication. I know that everything in life is possible through hard work and dedication. I’ve always believed that if you work hard, have a good heart and stay humble, great things will come.
4. Tell us about your most memorable wedding to film.
We’ve had so many memorable weddings (including Amber and Duane’s Royal Wedding), but one that I will always remember was one bride whose mother was terminally ill, but had taken special medications in order to attend the wedding. Just to be able to document their last moments together was a true honor and a memory that will last forever.
5. You have created a story for Amber and Duane during the DNA Royal Wedding. What was that like?
If you ever imagined a true fairytale coming to life, this would best describe Amber and Duane’s amazing wedding. I knew this was a high profile wedding, but I had never met Amber and Duane before I was hired (so I really didn’t know what to expect). I was fortunate enough to produce a pre-wedding film for Amber and Duane, which we filmed in New York City prior to the wedding. As soon as I walked in the door, it almost felt as though I’d known Amber for years.. she was so down to earth and friendly. When I met up with Duane, it was like we had been separated at birth.. we had everything in common musically and our personalities were very similar. I was also looking forward to meeting Amber’s mom (Loren) and funny enough, I found her on the livingroom couch almost crying as she sat watching a film on my website. I couldn’t believe it.. what a cool family! Needless to say, we all connected perfectly and I was ready for the Royal Wedding!
The wedding at the Ritz-Carlton – Dorado Beach was nothing short of spectacular. The wedding design by Preston Bailey was shocking and the visual eye-candy sprinkled across this event was jaw-dropping to say the least. But beyond all the glitz and glamour that went into the event, Amber and Duane’s love for each other was the real magic. I’m beyond honored to have been given the opportunity to document this wedding, but I’m even more honored to now call Amber and Duane my friends. I can honestly say that the Ridinger and McLaughlin families are truly good people.
