Weddings are a natural for video recording, and having a professional record of your amazing reunion of family and friends should be on top of your list.

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 I'm sure you've heard from your married friends how the day is just one big blur, and with so much happening at once, you will inevitably miss so much. That's the beauty of video recording done right. Photographs are great, but life doesn't happen as a bunch of still pictures. 

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Here are the top five important points of advice I can give you, from my 37 years as a wedding videographer when shopping and considering the investment in your wedding video recording:

1.  You don't want to rely on your friend's mobile phone videos and photographs.  Let them know you appreciate their wanting to record, but you want them to have fun and live the moment without having a phone to their faces.  That's why you are hiring a professional videographer and photographer. You want them to live the moment.

2. Make certain a wedding video is near the top of your budget list. I'm not saying that because that's what I do. Think about it - after the day is over, what do you have besides what you remember? Photographs and the video. Photographs can't capture the sound of your vows, the toasts, music, Aunt Tilly's famous jig, Grandma's well-wishes. Don't overspend on any one element of your wedding that now compromises your chance to hire a good videographer.  I can't tell you how many couples I've run into months and years later that told me one of two things - 1. I am SO glad we decided to have you shoot our wedding video. 2.  We're so sorry we didn't hire you to shoot our wedding video (and we didn't hire anyone). You can't go back and re-do it, so be number one.

3. Make sure "what you see is what you get" in a sample video. Optimally, you should see a full-length video from an actual wedding. Make certain the same people shooting and editing the video that you saw will be working for you.  Everyone in this business brings their own individual style, personality, vision, and talent to your wedding day. This being the case, you can't really compare "apples with apples." You want to make sure the video company's vision aligns with yours.

4. Many photographers, event companies, or bridal consultants will sell you a "bundle" of vendors, like the videographer, DJ, band, baker, etc. The appeal is it gets all the boxes checked in one sweep and possibly saving you a few dollars. While easy and cheaper sounds great, these vendors aren't always the best choices for you. The best way to get what you want is to invest the time into doing your own homework and finding the vendors that are the best fit for you - not the most convenient. I don't do photography, DJ, or even bake cakes (although I can recommend those who do). I concentrate on one skill professionally -  so you can rest assured there will be no regrets - only precious memories.

5. Don't get wooed by what's "trendy". Adding "fancy effects and cartoons" to your wedding video will seem cool at first, but they become dated with age.  As one colleague used to say, "If you want to watch animations and cartoons, they're on Saturday morning TV." We believe your wedding memories don't need fancy effects - we believe it's about making a quality recording of your day - you, your family and friends, not about special effects that get outdated.

 

The first video below is a perfect example of my "style" of videography. Grandmother arrives at the ceremony site and sees her granddaughter in her wedding gown for the first time. I caught her entrance, and instinctively stayed on her, to see how she would react. It is also a perfect example of why you need a professional videographer. A priceless moment you certainly would have missed as the bride.  Now, that moment is captured to enjoy for years to come. Priceless? You bet!​

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Click below to view an example of the personal web page we provide for viewing and sharing your wedding video.

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Give me a call, text me, or click the contact button below so we can discuss all the important details of your wedding, helping you to create a beautiful keepsake.