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FRANKLIN, Tenn. (July 2016) – Franklin author Angela Grett knows how to write a story. So, when her sister announced her engagement, Angela knew she wanted to do something very special for the nearlyweds. She created a video that told the bride and groom’s love story. It was a big hit, and Angela discovered her passion for telling stories in this creative fashion.
She later created another video for two close friends when they became engaged. For Angela, time fell away as she placed each photo in the right setting, with the right words, and the right timing to music. It drew rave reviews (and a few tears) from the wedding guests. Since then, she has created videos for family and friends as they celebrated milestone birthdays, weddings, and the lives of those who had passed. Angela’s new business – telling love stories on video -- was born.
“I describe my new business, Your Love Story, as a creative services media company that enhances wedding ceremonies by sharing stories about nearlyweds with their family members, friends and other guests,” said Grett, who officially launched her new online business in July 2016.
Your Love Story videos are unique because they feature a variety of media (rather than just recorded video) to bring a couple’s romantic journey to life. Grett begins the process by asking the couple to provide still photos of themselves from childhood through their engagement. She then conducts an in-depth interview to learn who they were as children, how they met, and the evolution of their relationship. She carefully combines the photos, video clips, direct quotes, creative text, and recorded music into a three to 15-minute “love story” presentation.
“I meticulously crop and arrange the digital photos and add touching words or quotes to enhance them,” Grett added. “Each couple chooses the music and wedding colors they want me to use. Their video is very personal and something they can treasure for years to come.”
Sharing the video during the wedding ceremony can be a powerful experience, Grett noted. It allows guests to watch the nearlyweds’ love story unfold. Angela recently created a video for a couple who presented it to their guests before the wedding party entered. The room grew silent as baby pictures from their childhoods appeared on a large screen with text and music. Other photos showed the couple dating and falling in love. The video ended with a clip of the marriage proposal on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
“People laughed and cried,” Grett continued. “They were given a chance to know the couple in a way they had never been able to before.”
She noted that Your Love Story can create videos for any special occasion, including anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or a child’s first year.
Angela Grett is the author of a non-fiction book and has appeared as a keynote speaker at dozens of events hosted by non-profit organizations. She resides in Franklin, Tennessee, with her spouse and their three beloved pets.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 2015) – Americana artist Chakra Bleu is using a new Reggae single to encourage Americans to unify peacefully to help solve important issues related to equality and justice.
Although she usually shies away from politics in her music, the artist said she feels a sense of urgency in sharing her song, "We Shall Overcome", with people from all walks of life. The tune calls people to use love and acceptance of one another to help heal a divided world. It will be featured on an upcoming album to be released July 29.
"The overall vibe of 'We Shall Overcome' is upbeat, inspiring and empowering in the Reggae genre," said Bleu, whose last single hit number one on various Americana record charts. "This genre is welcoming of just hanging out where you are, whomever you are, with the intent of all of us coming together heart, soul and mind."
The artist added that the song practically wrote itself. She intuitively chose the key of A-Major to help brighten a passionate lyrical message that promotes positive change through the love and acceptance of one another. By dedicating a single to social causes, Bleu follows in the footsteps of legendary artists such as Bob Marley, Pete Seegar, John Lennon and Joni Mitchell. She said she hopes the song can be used by non-profit organizations to help inspire true equality and justice for all races, genders, immigrants and sexual identities. "My song asks the listener to consider his or her own dignity and encourages the dignity of all others through peaceful measures," Bleu noted. "It calls us to speak out, stay involved and informed, vote, and expect total equality for humanity as a whole." "We Shall Overcome", which was recorded in Nashville, features an infectious, sing-along chorus. "We shall overcome and lead the way... We won't bow down to fear and hate... We shall overcome and lead the way... Our voice won't be choked another day... We'll raise our hands... We've only just begun... Yes we can... We shall overcome." "The song speaks out against violence and hate crimes, as well as social-economic issues such as guaranteeing fair voting rights, raising the minimum wage, offering more affordable housing, and improving access to higher education," Bleu continued. "I believe my favorite line is 'only cowards choose to intimidate'." Born and raised in Spokane, Wash., Bleu grew up with a passion for music and the outdoors. Her music accomplishments have been substantial since then. The rock/pop tune "All of Me" hit number one on New Music Weekly's Top 40 Indie Chart, while climbing into the top 10 on the NMW mainstream Top 40 and Hot 100 singles charts. Another recent single, "The Shadow", quickly climbed various NMW charts, reaching number four on Top 40, number four on Hot 100 A/C, number five on Top 40 Internet, and number one on Indie Top 40 (where it remained for six consecutive weeks). Her sixth album, "Souvenir", generated five top-40 hit singles on various charts, with the song "Addicted to You" receiving "Spotlight" recognition in Cashbox Magazine. Other hit singles from previous albums include "When I Hold Your Hand" and "Hopelessly in Love". For more information about Chakra Bleu or to hear her music, visit www.ChakraBleu.com. To book the artist for an upcoming event, send an e-mail message to 1746Records@chakrableu.com.
