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for Dearly Studio
Dearly Is…
This was a full-service brand video production from start to finish; creative development, pre-production, casting, production, editing, and post-production. From the first conversations about the film to final delivery, our role was to help shape and support the vision every step of the way.
our involvement
Dearly is a microchapel in Somerville, MA built around small, intimate ceremonies. weddings of 15–20 people that feel personal, direct, and present.
The goal of the film was to translate that feeling into something viewers could experience, not just understand. At the center of the concept was a simple structure: "Dearly is ____." Instead of defining the space through a single voice, we built the brand story through the words of people who had experienced it firsthand.
We cast a real couple (and their dog!) who had previously gotten married at Dearly and spent the day capturing their experience in the space. Alongside them, we brought in voices from former clients, friends, and people connected to the studio to complete the "Dearly is ____" prompt. Together, those responses — love, care, compassion, understanding. Formed the emotional backbone of the film and shaped how the story unfolds.
the concept
— Jusmine Martin | Dearly Studio
"Castillo Holliday Films is a treasure! Dominique, and Javi, came up with such amazing creative concepts and exuded professionalism at every step. They took the time to really understand my business, so it felt like working with an extension of my own team. Plus, they were amazing with feedback throughout the process so things always felt very collaborative — but their real super power is the way they were able to translate our brand visually with very little direction. The shoot day was a blast and the final video exceeded all expectations. I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
CLIENT LOVE
This one started with a relationship. Dominique and Jussie are friends, so when we went looking for a small business to build a brand film around, Dearly was the first name that came up, a space we know firsthand, run by someone who genuinely cares about every couple who walks in. The kind of client you say yes to right away.
How It Started
We didn't hire actors. We cast a couple who'd actually been married at Dearly — dog included, because a chapel that welcomes your dog tells you everything about the place. Then we widened the lens: friends and former clients answered one prompt, "Dearly is ___." Love. Care. Compassion. Understanding. Those voices became the spine of the film.
Cast From Real Life
The only firm request: Jussie didn't want to be on camera or be the voice of the film. So we built the story from other people instead, recordings from former clients, voices from people close to the studio, and new footage, combined into a layered, documentary-style portrait. A brand story built from experience, not narration.
Finding a Way to Tell the Story
A film like this is won in pre-production. To weave in real photos from past weddings at Dearly, we tracked down the photographers (and the couples in the frames) and cleared every image with usage and talent releases. We even cut a planned transition that looked great on paper but didn't earn its place in the edit. Knowing what to leave out is part of the craft.
The Part You Don't See
process
the
02.14.2026
shoot day bts
after
before
The visual approach was grounded in realism. Shot on a RED Raptor with vintage Arri Ultra Prime lenses, the footage carries a clean but textured look, modern digital capture balanced with subtle optical character.
On set, a 1/8 Pro-Mist filter was used to gently soften highlights and add a sense of atmosphere without pulling the image away from reality. In post, the color grade stayed restrained and naturalistic, with subtle grain and halation added to support texture rather than stylization.
The intent was simple: keep the image as close as possible to what it feels like to be inside Dearly.
Natural. True to the Space
visual & sound choices
Music played an important role in establishing the tone of the piece. While the original musical direction changed during post-production, the search ultimately led us to "The Kite" by Luisa Marion. The track felt intimate and reflective in a way that matched both the space and the story being told.
Rather than pushing the emotion of the film, the music gives it room to breathe. The tone is reflective and steady, allowing the visuals and voices to remain at the center. Paired with the pacing of the edit, it helps hold the feeling of the piece without overwhelming it.
