F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

Earlier this summer we reached another pretty big moment for our family - we reached 2,000 likes on Facebook! So, naturally, we had to dedicate that achievement with something special and we knew just what to do - throw a Friends inspired photo shoot overlooking our beautiful and gorgeous city, Grand Rapids!

Thank you to all of our wonderful and amazing followers, friends, and family who have supported us from the very beginning - cheering us on in the moments of joy, coming alongside us in those seasons of difficulty, and joining us on this exhilarating journey of storytelling. Here's to that continued adventure - and of course, the many amazing friends we have still to meet!

Oh... and remember - we'll be there for you ;)

Lauren + Bryon: The Rue Wedding Trailer

There are few things that make us as happy as a bubbly, smiley, loving couple on their wedding day - it's kinda why we love doing what we do. So when we had the opportunity to spend the entire day with Lauren+Bryon, one of the most bubbly, happy, and kind couples you could ever hope to meet, we were on cloud nine!

After seeing the wedding films we created for his cousin, Whitney, Bryon, and Lauren reached out to us asking if we would share in the wedding with them as well, and we are so overwhelming glad they did! Not only was this our first Chicago wedding, which was exciting in and of itself, Lauren and Bryon had their reception at the gorgeous and fantastically ritzy Arlington Park Race Tracks. But those are just two small reasons why this day was so much fun. From two wonderfully supportive and caring families there celebrating with these sweethearts, to two beyond adorable nephews who dressed up as jockeys for the reception, there was no short supply of giggles, smiles, and moments you couldn't help but swoon over. 

We are often spoiled with the most amazing couples in the world, and Lauren+Bryon are without a doubt on that list. Wishing these two, now and always, the absolutely happiest in all their journeys together as Mr+Mrs Rue!

Photographer: Bella Vie Studio - Kristin Cashmore

Florist: Petal Peddlers

Wedding Dress Designer: Volles Bridal - Maggie Sottero Designs

Band: Libido Funk Circus

Cake Designer: Central Continental

Venue: St. Peter Lutheran Church, Arlington Park

Five Years of Storytelling

Five years of storytelling is a truly special moment. From the adventures that have led us across the country, and across the world, to the stories that made us laugh, and those that brought tears to our eyes; storytelling for us is about bringing people to people. To realize, to take a moment and fully recognize, that this has been the journey we have been on for the last five years is unbelievably humbling. To be a part of a much larger story that encompasses our entire world, and to be able to share the stories of those we meet along the way on our own journey - it's indescribable.

For five years we have grown together, we have overcome challenges together, and have continued to learn what it is to be storytellers who love unconditionally, together. From humble beginnings in a college dorm room, to now traveling the world to help share the stories of those in need - and also those working to create a world of peace, a world we all want. It's hard to believe where we are now and who we have become as a team, and more so as individuals. 

This year we are celebrating an ongoing journey of storytelling, a continuing adventure; looking back and reflecting, but also eagerly looking ahead to the future. Dreaming of where these next five years will take us, and all the new adventures we'll be going on. And while no one knows what tomorrow may bring with it, we are excited nonetheless, because we are a family of storytellers who tell stories that bring people, to people.

To Tell the Story

If you know us, ever had the chance to connect with us, or have followed us for more than a day chances are you've heard us talk about the work of telling stories. It's core to who we are, and it's what makes us excited to get out of bed every morning. It directs and inspires us and it's what we firmly believe in.

Storytelling is an old art, but it's something that is so intrinsically a part of who we all are that it will never cease to stop bringing us together. From every corner of the world stories have, and always will, bring people of different walks and understandings together. The ability to help play a role in such a moving force makes us ecstatic.

The chance to help share somebody's journey in a way that countless hundreds can connect and relate to them; the ability to help create a place and moment when we engage with something else other than just a pixelated screen; the privilege to help tell and be a part of a much larger story that is at work in our world - storytelling is an unbelievable tool that in many ways marks who we are as a society, community, and world.

From a small business owner here in West Michigan, to a community working to end the threat of Malaria and extreme poverty half a world away; from a couple exchanging their vows on their wedding day, to a dreamer who has a vision of changing the world for the better - everyone's story is collection of characters and adventures that is telling a much larger story - and it's that story that we continue to chase after and tell day after day. 

That's what we believe in, and that's why we do what we do; to tell the story of who we ALL are, and where we're daring to go next!

Champagne for my real friends, real pain for my sham friends

Holy wow! It's already the end of another year!

2015 was a whirlwind year for us - in the truly best of ways! Our team expanded adding new roles and facets to our filmmaking abilities, we crafted two new webisode series, produced and filmed our first major film, Garden Party, which we are so crazy excited about, shared in some of the most breathtaking wedding days we have had the pleasure of partaking in, captured the story behind a mesmerizing work of art in the form of stained glass, told countless new stories, and grew closer together as a family of storytellers.

Through the thick and thin, the struggles and the triumphs, the moments of difficulty and the highlights of living the dream of storytellers, we have been blessed beyond measure and are so thankful for everything that has happened in this year. This has honestly been one of the best years and we are so excited for what 2016 has in store for us - here's to the dream of filmmaking, and the continued pursuit of to tell the story!

Happy Turks-giving!

What's Thanksgiving without some Turkeys?! We couldn't be more thankful for the Turkey's that make up our team, and our family of storytellers.

This is always a special day of the year for us as we begin the process of looking back at the year as a whole, acknowledging the many adventures we have all shared and the stories that we have been blessed to tell together. The year is always filled with highs and lows, but we are thankful for both as every obstacle, every triumph, every moment is an opportunity to learn and grow.  

Today, as we take a moment to slow down from the hustle and bustle of life and spend time with those we love, let us reflect on the idea of true thankfulness even in uncertain times.

We hope that everyone has a blessed thanksgiving today and that you are able to spend the day enjoying time with the turkeys you love too!

Fall. Flannel. Friends.

We love this time of year, and not just because we get to dawn our favorite flannel shirts; this time of year is full of so many adventures and exciting experiences that we get to share with one another. From late night bonfires, to apple picking, to even silly group photo shoots, there's something so alluring about the change of pace that Fall brings us. To reflect on the passing of summer and to look ahead to the remaining of the year. Here's to the refreshing change of season and the beauty that is Fall!