I work mainly with New York-based planners – ‘if you can make it there, you can make it anywhere!’ I love working with Matthew Robbins and Luis Otoya, Jung Lee of Fete, JZ Events, Metier Events, Lewis Miller, Augusta Cole, David Stark, Bash Please. I’m grateful I get to witness professionals that are so good at what they do, it truly makes a difference at the events. They orchestrate pure magic…”
Ellie Noelke Connell, Founder, Reeling Films & Media, NYC
Ellie Noelke Connell is the founder of Reeling Films & Media, a New York-based event and wedding cinematography studio she established in 2011. Named one of the top wedding filmmakers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar, she combines real super 8 film with digital footage, a signature approach inspired by family films from the 1930s and 40s. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, and Elle. Reeling Films operates primarily as Ellie’s personal practice, supported by a select roster of second shooters chosen equally for creative instinct and character. Her output focuses on destination weddings edited into short, cinematic films, alongside editorial and commercial projects, with commissions spanning New York and locations worldwide. Here we discuss locations, inspirations, and the vibe that makes Ellie’s films works of art…
C&B: “Ellie, you have one of the most desirable jobs in the world – which would you say has been the most memorable occasion that you have documented?”
ENC: “One of my favourite projects, that really stands out, is when Jimmy Buffet’s daughter got married in Florida and had an incredibly talented group of friends giving heartfelt, poignant performances. Everyone was in (happy) tears all evening. I love my job, I get to record people walking on sunshine – hugging and celebrating with the most important people in their lives…”
The Hotel Pellicano in Porto Ercole is a Slim Aarons photograph frozen in time, all wedding guests come ready to embrace vintage Pucci and the colourful Italian 70s vibes…”
Ellie Noelke Connell, Founder, Reeling Films & Media, NYC
C&B: “Your work obviously takes you to some incredible destinations – which are your favourites?”
ENC: “Golden hour at Les Mas de Poirers in Avignon lives rent free in my head. Matthew (Robbins) and Luis (Otoya) set up cocktail and dining at a different areas all over the estate, and they really do understand light so it’s always a fairy magical painting! Round Hill Resort in Jamaica is a favourite pretty much because of the daily teatime snacks…”
C&B: “You clearly enjoy an artistic, retrospective aesthetic – what would you say most inspires your films?”
ENC: “I was originally inspired by 8mm films of my grandparents’ and how much I treasure them. Now I’m obsessed with editorial photographers like Gordon von Steiner and Cass Bird and I geek out over French New Wave. I never direct anything and always want my films to show what it FELT like on that day; I’m driven to create something that the couple and their families will cry over and value for the rest of their lives…”
I love to use my drone and I adore spotting the white dress from afar. I only use it when the guests are surrounded by music and I’m sure the sound is not invading the moment…”
Ellie Noelke Connell, Founder, Reeling Films & Media, NYC
C&B: “Final question, Ellie: How do your clients find you, and what is your lead time?”
ENC: “My clients usually find me by word of mouth through their planners, photographers and friends, and they book me because they need someone they can trust. I absolutely love showing up to a wedding where I recognise my brides and grooms from previous weddings all on the dance floor – it feels like I’m attending a family occasion! My lead time is anywhere from three months to a year, and I also love a bride who decides at the very last minute they want video…”
INSTAGRAM: @reelingfilms
