Today, Forever TV asked me to come shoot production stills of their newest episode.  They were filming in the newly restored Van Dusen Mansion and I was so excited to get to see it.  Not only did I get to see the main spaces, but I was given the full nooks and crannies tour!  Since I’m a history buff and architecture lover, this was heaven.  Especially since we were told the history behind all of the details of the mansion…and man, were there details!

Yes, I really am going to blog about inlaid wood flooring, original tilework, moorish influences, hand carved pillars and perfectly decorated spaces.  Each room was different.  Each was hand crafted to the finest detail, even the pocket doors were beautiful!  The owners were lucky in the fact that they had many original lighting fixtures and pictures of the room from the early 1900’s to use as guides.  Plasterwork, gold leaf paint, and textiles were all used to transport you back.  Yet, the rooms weren’t stuffy or outdated.  Just gorgeous. 

What is fabulous about The Van Dusen is that it can accomodate a large wedding reception without separating the guests, which is what the majority of other mansions can’t.  They have many spaces with many different looks to fit whatever tastes you may have.  This mansion was refurbished for entertainment.  There is a ballroom, ample spaces (outdoors or in) for ceremonies or cocktail hours, a fantastic groom’s staging area complete with big screen tv and a pool table, lovely rooms to get ready in, a nightclub, and even three gorgeous rooms for guests to stay in.  It is evident that the hospitality is stellar from the moment you walk in the door, and that every couple is pampered.  Heck, WE were pampered!  (and loved it) 

Ok, enough drooling about architecture, time to get back to the real reason I was there…to photograph behind the scenes images of Forever TV at work.  Rita Swanson, of Premier Planning Services, and Valerie Podolinsky, of Event du Jour, were the experts interviewed by Amanda Day.  They were speaking on wedding budgets…one of the things you don’t want to think about, but is so important.  As the interview went on, I helped out where I could (I got to do the clapper!) and shot Charles and Michael at work.  Having been in front of the camera already, I quite enjoyed being behind it =)  Be sure to check out the episode this upcoming Thursday on www.Forever-tv.com! 

Here are some images of the mansion and the production stills.  Enjoy!