Life Stage Films

08/18/2025

A Legacy Film "backfired" on me. Sometimes the “process” I’ve spent years refining surprises me, and reminds me why I do this in the first place.

What began as a structured Legacy Film "interview" a few weeks ago with Dr. Mike Carrigan (or “Doc,” as I now call him) quickly turned into something deeper. This is a behind the scenes clip of a quick convo between us that HIT ME RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES. He came to me as a complete stranger, booking me (Life Stage Films) from a Facebook ad. But through this conversation, walls fell, stories opened up, and suddenly I wasn’t just documenting his legacy, I was being invited into it.

This is what Legacy Films are really about. They remind us that when we sit down and really listen, strangers can become friends, and stories can become bridges across generations. Meeting Doc wasn’t an accident. Conversations like this never are.Enjoy. I am accepting 5-10 individuals or families this Fall to get on our Legacy Films calendar. No matter where you live, I look forward to meeting you or your family member where they are, to document THEIR stories and cherished legacies.

https://www.lifestagefilms.com/legacy/

08/11/2025

04.12.25 // Statesville, NC

Some weddings feel like they could only happen in one place… and for Kathryn & Andre, that place was home.

Beneath the wide Carolina sky, surrounded by the fields Kathryn grew up running through, and the walls of the church that shaped their faith, two worlds came together — Statesville farm girl and a big-hearted South African man who wears his love for her like a badge of honor.

Fun Fact - You'll see that Andre didn't even wait for the officiant to say "You may now kiss the bride!" He just went for it!

They didn’t want a production. No staged moments. No stiff poses. Just the real stuff. The marshmallow bribes that got the ring bearers down the aisle. The proud smiles from parents looking on proudly. The laughter of bridesmaids with a little hair and makeup done in between. The quiet squeeze of a hand before saying “I do.”

Because in the end, that’s what lasts. Faces you love. Faith that guides you. And a love story so big, it feels like it could stretch from Carolina to Cape Town without losing an ounce of its warmth.

🎬 Watch their wedding film — and feel right at home.

Creatives:

Matt Davis // Life Stage Films
Photo // HUGE shout out to one of the OG NC Photogs Amanda Caldwell Photography for referring us. Always the Dream Team after 15+ years!

Call now to connect with business.

07/23/2025

05.03.25 // Asheville, NC

Colby and Warren’s wedding day was a masterclass in unabashed, childlike love. He loves her like he’s never going to get over it.
All day. All night. Even on the dance floor. 💃🏼🕺🏼
From recipe videos in the kitchen to vows about cooking up a lifetime of joy, Colby & Warren brought the flavor to the Biltmore, and we got a front row seat.
🔥 Watch this one with tissues and your person.

Creatives:

🎥 Video: Matt Davis / Life Stage Films | Life Stage Films
📸 Photography: Mozingo Photography | Mozingo Photography
💐 Florals + Planning: Statice Event Design | Statice
💄 Makeup: Wendy with Blush Asheville | Blush Asheville
💒 Venue: Biltmore Estate | Biltmore (Lioncrest)
👰🏻‍♀️ Dress: The Poinsett Bride | The Poinsett Bride
💇‍♀️ Hair: Siren Salon Greenville |
🖋️ Stationery: Blush and Blue Designs |
🍽️ Catering: Biltmore Estate
🎶 DJ: Blazin Sounds |
🎸 Guitarist (Cocktail Hour): Brandon Crocker | Brandon Crocker Music

06/24/2025

“What’s more valuable than having someone tell their life story… so you can share that with the next generations?”
– Michael McWhorter

Michael connected with us to film his grandmother’s Legacy Film interview back in 2009. At the time, it felt like a good idea. Something he wanted to do for his kids. (It was our second Legacy Film!)

They tucked the video away on a shelf—for years.

Then came the Celebration of Life service. And suddenly, that quiet little video became everything.

“It’s as if we’re having a conversation. Watching it gives me a different perspective on what actually matters in life.”

Legacy Films aren’t about the past.
They’re about the future.

They’re about making sure your children—and their children—know the voices, values, and stories that shaped your life.

“One day, I’ll share this with my grandkids, and they’ll understand better who they are and who they come from.”

🎥 Don’t wait.
📼 Capture it while you still can.
💛 The value only grows with time.

www.lifestagefilms.com/legacy

06/12/2025

Sneak Peek….Sometimes the most unforgettable celebrations are born from the storms we survive. After Hurricane Helene forced them to postpone their September wedding, this incredible couple returned to the Biltmore Estate, resilient, radiant, and ready. Jansen and Travis gave us all a front-row seat to the most breathtaking, firework-filled evening of love and joy. This one was worth the wait. Teaser film coming soon!

Creatives:

Design/Planning -
Video -
Photo -
Venue - //
Florals -
DJ -

06/12/2025

MediaZilla Filmmaker Feature: Elevating Emotion with Matt Davis

Filmmaker Spotlight: Matt Davis

This week, we’re proud to feature Matt Davis, founder of Life Stage Films - ( https://www.lifestagefilms.com ), a celebrated name in the wedding filmmaking industry. Known for emotionally driven storytelling and a decade-plus of excellence, Matt’s films are as cinematic as they are heartfelt.

Matt has been with MediaZilla since the very beginning, trusting us to handle the delivery of his beautiful work in a way that reflects the care and quality he pours into every project.

“They’ve been making me look like a hero for 10+ years. Hosting on YouTube seemed unprofessional. MediaZilla allows us to raise the bar with our customer experience and truly ‘wow’ our clients.”

🎬 Watch a few of Matt’s stunning wedding films:

💍 Alex & Sarah https://mediazilla.com/7CopWW1lE7
💍 Kirstie & Davie https://mediazilla.com/PJ5PKVxw4m
💍 Matthew & Keirsten https://mediazilla.com/eDKghC6LuD

06/10/2025

🎥 OUR PROCESS - What’s it really like to create a Legacy Film?

What if your kids could hear their grandfather talk about falling in love…
Or your mom tell the story behind that photo you’ve seen a thousand times—but never really knew?

This is the heart of a Legacy Film.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence.

Our process is simple, thoughtful, and built for real families, not actors.
We help you gather the pieces. We guide the conversation. And then we craft something unforgettable:

A film that future generations will feel, not just watch.

Whether you choose a simple story session or one of our cinematic experiences, the purpose is the same;

👉 To honor your loved one while they’re here.
👉 To preserve the stories that make your family… yours.
👉 To create something that lasts longer than any of us will.

📦 Media restoration? Optional, but gold.
🎤 Interviews? Raw, relaxed, and deeply moving.
📱 Delivery? Streamable, shareable, and beautiful forever.

🎁 P.S. Don’t forget—the Father’s Day Giveaway is happening right now. You could win a completely FREE Legacy Film for YOU to give your kids or grandkids, or a loved one or mentor in your life (worth $4,500).

✨ To enter:
1️⃣ Follow
2️⃣ Like the giveaway video post
3️⃣ Share to your Story
4️⃣ Comment or tag someone who would love this

Winner announced on Father's Day.

Because every legacy deserves to be seen. And some stories can’t wait.

06/06/2025

FATHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY 🎥💙�

To celebrate Father’s Day, we’re giving away something bigger than a gift.�We’re giving away a story.
Enter to win a Legacy Film Experience (valued at $4,500)—a heartfelt, professionally filmed interview with someone in your life whose story deserves to be told and preserved forever.

👉 This is for ANY loved one—a parent, grandparent, mentor, or family member of any age or background.
If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering:�“What lessons would they want my kids to know?”�“What did they overcome that I never knew about?”�“What stories will be lost forever if we don’t ask?”�This is your moment. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

🎬 What is a Legacy Film?�A Legacy Film isn’t just a video. It’s a living time capsule.�It’s a safe, guided conversation where your loved one shares their journey—their joys, struggles, wisdom, humor, and truth—with the people who matter most.
It’s filmed with the same care and storytelling craft we’ve brought to over 1,000 weddings across 20 years—but now, we’re capturing something even more sacred: who someone is, not just what they’ve done.
Imagine sitting down with your child or grandchild decades from now, pressing “play,” and hearing the voice, laughter, and stories of someone they never got to meet… but now get to know.
📲 Learn more and watch real examples at:�👉 www.lifestagefilms.com/legacy

🎁 What You’ll Win:�A full “Captured” Legacy Film – a guided, one-on-one filmed conversation with your loved one, delivered online with a timeless keepsake link. (Travel not included. Film can be upgraded later.)

TO ENTER:
✅ Follow on Instagram & Facebook�✅ Like this giveaway post�✅ Comment below with who you’d love to see featured in a Legacy Film or why this matters to you�⭐ BONUS ENTRY: Share this post to your Instagram story & tag so we can see it!
🎥 Winner announced LIVE on Father's Day – June 15th at 2pm EST�on Instagram & Facebook Live. Mark your calendar!

💬 Questions? DM us anytime.�🎬 Their story matters. Let’s help you preserve it—before time slips away.

Not affiliated with or sponsored by Instagram, Facebook, or Meta. No purchase necessary. Prize not redeemable for cash. U.S. residents only. Void where prohibited.

05/15/2025

03.21.25 // Wilmington, NC (Wrightsville Beach)

✨ Under the old oak tree at Wrightsville Manor, Avery and Connor didn’t just say “I do”—they wrapped their promises in laughter, tears, and the kind of quiet glances that say "this is home."

What made this day unforgettable wasn’t just the stunning spring backdrop at the ever popular Wrightsville Manor (though, let’s be real, they nailed it). It was the bond between a father and his daughter, the kind of love that doesn’t need words to be felt.

And the moment Avery’s brother stood up to toast her? You could feel it, that unspoken thread of loyalty and lifelong friendship only siblings share.

Avery is surrounded by some strong men, and you can see Connor is excited to be at his place next to his beautiful bride. Congrats you two!

Creatives:

🎥: Life Stage Films (Filmed by Kevin and edited by Hazel)
📍: Wrightsville Manor, Wilmington NC

Floral + Design // Fiore Fine Flowers
Photo // Anna Taylor Photography
DJ // Active DJ Entertainment
MUA // Meraki Beauty
Cake // One Belle Bakery LLC
Live Painter // Skylar Bagley
Getaway car // Azalea Limousine
Rentals // Party Suppliers & Rentals +
White Birch Rentals

03/31/2025

03.01.25 // Wilmington, NC

“Have you ever SNEEN such a big fish?!”

Anna finally caught the big one, and anyone that knows Anna can’t help but feel her natural joy, radiance and SUNSHINE for themselves. In regards to Jon & Anna’s wedding day, you’ll have to watch and see for yourself how contagious her excitement for life, and Jon, really is.

I was tempted to barter free cake for life from One Belle Bakery LLC in exchange for documenting A&J’s wedding day, but I think ya’ll got the better end of the deal. The amount of creativity and care you put into your cakes are inspiring, and it even shows on your own wedding day with your unique “cake bar”. Congrats again, friends!

Creatives:

Matt Davis w/ Life Stage Films

Venue // Brooklyn Arts Center (Brooklyn Arts Center Weddings)
Planning & Design // Salt Harbor Designs
Photo // Matt Ray Photography
DJ // Active DJ Entertainment
MUA // By Melissa Kinnamon
Lighting // High Performance Lighting
Catering // Pine Valley Market
Cake // One Belle Bakery LLC
Transportation // Azalea Limousine
Rentals // Martha My Dear Rentals
Rentals // White Birch Rentals
Violinist // Maura Kropke
Drapes // Design Perfection

Music licensed by Music Bed

03/28/2025

11.10.24 // Asheville, NC

The blending of hearts, cultures, and families.

This was our first wedding back in Asheville right after Hurricane Helene, and we weren’t too happy to see the rain…until we started hanging out with these two on their wedding day.

The emotions, the genuine interactions and the authentic love EVERYONE showed each other, made us want these types of weddings every weekend.

If you need a smile today, watch Alexis and Barry’s joyful wedding day and celebrate them with us!

Congrats you both and thank you for your service!

Creatives:

Filmed by Matt and edited by Hazel of Life Stage Films
Planning// Mary Bell Events
Florals // Dream Events
Photo // The Next Best Men

03/25/2025

New Google review coming in hot! ❤️