Your wedding day is approaching, and I wanted to take this time to remind you of some critical things we discussed when we first talked and some extra stuff that will help make your wedding film different and unique. Please read through this page call me If you would like to discuss anything.
Balancing payment is due 30 days before your wedding day.Please email a final order of the day at least 7 days before the wedding. Your wedding planner / coordinator may have a detailed version of this.You are welcome to schedule a call around 1 month before the wedding to discuss your plans.
If you have any surprises planned, please keep me in the loop. It can take a videographer a little longer to be ready than a photographer. So that you know, things like choreographed dances you want to record in full will require a heads-up before the day. Ultimately, I can't guarantee I will if you don’t tell me you want it captured.
If one of you is planning a surprise from the other, you can always reach out to me separately I'm great at keeping a secret.
I like to arrive early. Typically 2 hours before the ceremony to get some lovely morning prep shots.
If you are doing something which requires i'm there earlier. Please let me know.
For photos and video, I recommend that your dress is on a decorative clothes hanger or plain wooden hanger.
If you have any important items you want me to capture, trinkets, shoes, invitations etc. Please put them on one side for me to capture and let me know when I arrive.
The 1 Hour Rule.
If you're getting ready at the same venue as your ceremony, be ready one hour before the ceremony. Alternatively, be ready 1 hour before you need to leave get to the church or your ceremony venue on time.
This gives you chance to have a first look with your parents or bridesmaids and any pre ceremony photo opportunities you might want. It also gives breathing room and reduces stress if your hair or makeup is running behind.
Don't forget, you will need to speak to the registrar before a civil ceremony.
Please Note: I need 30 minutes to setup for the ceremony. Being ready 1 hour before the ceremony allows me to capture some beautiful moments before the ceremony.
If you are within easy reach of the bride in the morning, I like to get a handful of quick shots showing you getting ready.
If time is tight, we can easily stage you, putting on your jacket and fastening a couple of buttons.
You might not like being on camera; it is super easy, and your partner will love it, and we can make you look amazing. It will also ease you into being in front of a camera later.
Recording audio of a lovely letter or note you write to each other can make a good video unique.
It gives your video a literal voice, and since vows in the UK are somewhat restricted as to what can be said, this is an excellent opportunity to say how you feel.
This could be simply some words of comfort for your other half before you walk down the aisle.
Please only seal letters or exchange them after I am able to record them. I prefer each person to read their own words. Then, once we have captured the reading, we can arrange to exchange them.
Let me know if you have questions on logistics.
If you are concerned about the rain and are considering umbrellas, transparent plastic umbrellas are the ultimate umbrella for weddings from a photo and video perspective.
They let a lot of light through and look great. Alternatively, a plain white umbrella without logos or patterns is a reasonable alternative.
I will mic up the groom and officiant for the ceremony to record good-quality audio.
They are unobtrusive, but I like to give you a heads-up so you aren’t surprised.
Please let me know in advance if you have any readings during the ceremony, so I know any additional people I need to mic up.
I will traditionally mic the Groom, Father of the Bride and Best Man for speeches. If anyone else is planning on giving a speech or you are breaking from tradition in this sense.
Please let me know ahead of time so I can mic them up.
I recommend allocating more time than you might think for "couple portraits", especially if you have a larger venue with more ground to cover or lots of exciting places to shoot. It is a great time to decompress and enjoy each other's company after the pressure of the ceremony.Couples portraits are the backbone of your wedding film. The photographer will want to take you off to take photos of the two of you. So I need to come along too. I will mostly shoot over the photographer's shoulder and capture moments between their photos and as we move between locations, but there will be times I will need to take a minute or two with you to get some video-specific shots.Held poses that some photographers prefer could look better on video, as we are looking for movement, so the photographer and I might need to tag team to get you all the fantastic shots you deserve. I will work with your photographer to discuss my needs to make it seamless.
I usually like lighting speeches and the first dance. I have one or two relatively small lights I bring and set up on a light stand at the sides of the room or dance floor.Time and space permitting, I will set these up to enhance the quality of the video for these moments and switch them off shortly after I have what I need. If this needs to be corrected, please let me know.
Most couples want the first time they see each other on the day to be going down the aisle. However, some couples opt to see each other before the ceremony for a "first look". This intimate and emotional moment allows the couple to see each other on their terms and release tension and pressure from the day. Alternatively, some couples who like the idea of a first look but prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other may opt for a "First Touch". With the first touch, the two of you can hide around a corner, hold each other's hand and share a few words of excitement without seeing each other.If you are interested in either of these, please call me to discuss your options. The photographer and I can get some great shots for you both during this time.
