New Year Reflection

With the New Year fast approaching, we have begun reflecting on the previous year.

Anneka Ireland Videography has managed to double the amount of weddings we filmed compared to 2010 and are astonished by the level of interest for 2012. It seems that a wedding video is no longer a luxury but now a necessity, and the demand for a high quality wedding film has greatly increased.

We’ve learnt a lot over the previous year and have developed into a flexible and well-established business with many happy clients who regularly tell us about the number of times they’ve watch their film and recommending us to their friend’s. 

One thing that we pride ourselves on is to listen to our brides and grooms-to-be, to discuss their ideas and build their wedding video around their individual needs and expectations but at the same time giving professional advice or alternatives as to what can be done. We’re also keen to try out new and crazy ideas to make our clients wedding films just that bit different.

By totally immersing ourselves in the whole wedding industry, networking and working closely with other suppliers, we are able to recommend genuine and professional services to our clients, should they require.

Ultimately, we have one goal; to produce high quality wedding videos which will document our clients wedding days so they can cherish and re-live the memories forever.

www.annekairelandvideography.co.uk

The Grasshopper Inn Wedding Fair

We exhibited at the beautiful Tudor Grasshopper Inn, Westerham yesterday. The day was bustling with brides-to-be with their family or partners checking out the wide range of wedding services on offer. We got plenty of enquiries and arranged a few consultations for this week. Here is a photo of our stand:

We have also been showing some of Coco Wedding Photography's work as we now offer a joint package with this established photographer giving couples ease with organising, peace of mind and great value for money.
Other suppliers that were exhibiting who particularly impressed us were Disco Magic and the hilarious Toastmaster Nigel Neve

One month left to vote for us!

Wow, were surprised and flattered when we got an e-mail from a bride, Debbie who's wedding we filmed in June saying how she thinks we deserve an award for our hard work and creativity for our wedding films. We then found out that suppliers can actually enter themselves for an award, which seems like a bit of a cheat, so we are over the moon that one of our brides took their time to nominate us.
To receive an award would mean so much for us, and motivate us to keep up the hard work so please please please vote for us!
The deadline to vote is 31st october 2011, and you can vote by clicking here.

Here are Ben & Debbie's highlights :

The wedding of David & Fiona

Just got back from a hectic day filming David & Fiona's wedding, it was literally non stop and I'm surprised how they dodged the heavy rain which was forecast for the day! We arrived at St. Mary's Church in East Lavant to be greeting by a laid back and friendly vicar who conducted a beautiful ceremony, making it intimate, personal but humourous at the same time. We then went onto Farbridge, a stunning converted barn with gorgeous views. The barn was converted immaculately and the staff were second to none! It was also a pleasure to work alongside Gary Hector from Hector Photography.

What a weekend!

Gosh! The past three days have been well and truely hectic! I attended a family wedding on friday as a guest, which I must admit, was rather odd! I had a great day and really got a chance to become fully involved in the family fun and frolics.
I filmed Majella & Ciaron's wedding at Hunton Park, Watford on Saturday. Fast moving, adrenaline pumping but beautiful, I captured their ceremony and reception. The best man's speech was very funny and they had Irish dancers in the evening performing the River Dance! Thanks to Gary Perlmutter Photography who was a pleasure to work alongside! Watch out for stills and highlights...
Sunday was manic, an early start ready for the Hindu ceremony at Hedsor House beginning with the groom arriving by horse following Dhol and bagpipes! The events continued through the day, following a civil ceremony and cocktail party with outdoor speeches. It was also great to meet Daniele from Melgiovanni Photography who is such a perfectionist in his style. The evening ended with energy filled dancing, a Krispy Creme wedding cake and fireworks! Wow!

Jodie & Dan's very rainy but amazing wedding!

Apparently it was the rainiest June day on record yesterday. But the sun came out occasionally so Jodie and Dan took advantage. We arrived at Jodie's Mum's house to film her prep shots, it was perfect conditions, a house full of excited bridesmaids and parents. Jodie couldn't wait to get in her dress which gave us plenty of time to get to the church to greet Dan and capture the guests arriving. Dan was pleasantly relaxed and looking forward to the day ahead. The ceremony went smoothly then we even managed to get some beautiful confetti shots and walked to their venue marching behind the New Orleans Echoes Jazz Band. Jodie & Dan had their reception at Jodie's parents house in a large marquee. It was cosey and intimate, with an unlimited flow of champagne topped with gold leaf. The bride and groom and their guests were having a great time, lots of laughter, jokes and canapes! Looking forward to the edit! Stills and highlights from their wedding video to come soon......

The Wedding of Ben & Debbie

Yesterday's wedding was epic! We arrived at the Felbridge Hotel to film the bridal preparations. Debbie was extremely relaxed and in a great mood. We got some great shots of the bridesmaids and parents getting ready and all the small details. From then we went onto the exclusive wedding venue, Ardingly College near Haywards Heath, West Sussex. It was an amazing day for wedding videography in terms of weather,  and everybody arrived knowing it'd be a great day.
Ben & Debbie's day was fun packed with games for the children and adults, quirky accessories and entertainment. Even the photographer, Amy (from Especially Amy) found herself constantly snapping away as the bride was suggesting numerous inventive 'poses'!
We continued filming their wedding up until the end, capturing the humourous speeches, first dance, guest messages and crazy dancing. They departed with Ben wheeling Debbie in a wheelbarrow with their guests standing around them with sparklers.
What a day!

Kyle & Laura's Wedding

Just got back from filming Kyle & Laura's wedding. It was at the Little Silver Hotel in Tenterden, Kent. As the weather was threatening rain, the venue organised a plan A & B (inside & out ceremony). However, the rain stayed away and the ceremony went ahead outside under the beautiful colourful pergola. With such a good looking couple, Nikos from Nikos Photography (who was a fabulous photographer) topped with a great venue we managed to get some stunning shots. Watch out for their highlights.....

Photo's of me filming a wedding...kind of!

Chris & Tracy's Wedding

Chris & Tracy had their wedding ceremony today in a 14th century church in Horsmonden, Kent. The weather was perfect, even if I have got sunburn't shoulders....  The service was elegant but witty & there was the odd tear, but mainly giggles. I think today really lived up to Tracy & Chris' idea of a dream wedding. Their ceremony was held in Brenchley Village Hall, in a dressed up marquee and the room details and cake were stylish, colourful but modest. The evening finished with a carefully choreographed first dance then a busy dancefloor. Capturing the footage as we speak & it's looking as good as expected.

Andrew & Lynne's Wedding

Just got home from a full days filming of Andrew & Lynne's wedding at Oaks Farm, Croydon - a beautiful venue, quaint, cosy and intimate. It was an entertainment packed day, with the highlights in my opinion being the céilí dancing. Everybody looked exhausted by the end of the evening but cheerful. The photographer was Matt Tyler, who was extremely professional whilst being creative and thoughtful when choosing his shots, I'm completely confident that Andrew & Lynne are going to love their photo's AND their video! Looking forward to the edit & re-energising with a good nights sleep ready for Chris & Tracy's wedding tomorrow!

What a busy weekend!

Wow! Bank holidays aren't really days off for videographers but we're not disappointed, on friday we filmed an arabic engagement party (Muhur) which was thoroughly entertaining with belly dancers and plenty of dancing. Saturday was an Australian wedding, bringing diversity to a typical wedding reception and Monday was a Jehovah's Witness wedding full of fun and frolics. Watch out for highlights and stills...

Why the all-time low marriage statistics aren't necessarily all bad...

According to the 2009 marriage statistics, there has been an obvious decline in couples taking the plunge and tying the knot in comparison with the number of weddings in 1972, almost halving from 480,285 to 266,950(provisional). So, what does this mean for the wedding industry in 2011? Weddings are clearly still big business, with hotels continuing to take big bookings and bucking the recession trend. In addition, the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton is creating a stir and churches hope that people will see the commitment and decide to do the same.

Couples get married for various reasons such as seeing it as the next step in their relationship or to show their devotion to one another. We filmed a wedding recently where the groom was adamant that he didn't ever want to get married, then he changed his mind due to the desire to unite as a family and adopt his partner's daughter. Cohabiting couples decide to live together for different reasons, and are not against marriage. Approximately two thirds of will eventually marry.

We spoke to a couple who got married in 1972 to get an idea of the changes in wedding costs over the years. Their wedding cost approximately £400, with their marriage license priced at 37.5p at the registry office, the cake was £5, clothes were £100 and food and drink came to £100. They didn't have a honeymoon as it wasn't financially viable, and were advised to have black and white photographs as they would stay better preserved.

Even though 30 years on statistics are showing an all time low in marriages, we don't see this negatively as priorities have changed. But those who do want to get married in the next few years should consider how they would like to remember their big day. Wedding photos and a video of the day is the perfect way to capture the memories forever.

References: http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=322

"We want our wedding to be filmed but we have so many questions to ask..."

We visit lots of couples regularly to discuss having their wedding filmed. We tend to talk about their wedding plans, what we can offer as a filming service and how they would like their day to be covered.

Common questions that we are asked are;

How long is the average wedding DVD?

This varies depending on the length of the ceremony and speeches – typically it would be an hour to and hour and a half. The film would have an interactive menu with chapters so you can skip through when need be.

Can you supply an NTSC copy for our family in the States?

Yes this is no problem.

We might have trouble picking our songs to be used in the film, do you have any suggestions?

We have a list of songs that work well with wedding video footage and can give you a copy to help you decide.

How many copies of our film will we receive?

You will receive 3 copies in personally designed DVD cases.

If our wedding plans go over schedule, do you charge extra?

No, we will stay until agreed and when we are happy that we have enough footage.

Will there be any hidden costs?

No, the price we quote includes everything from travel costs, expenses, tape stock, filming and post production. But please do check if you need to purchase a wedding filming license (www.wrl.co.uk)

Do you have any back up equipment in the event of camera failure?

Yes we carry two of everything.

For more information visit our FAQ’s page or contact us.

The Wedding of Kerri & James - Saturday 5th February 2011

Wow! What a day it was at Kerri & James wedding at The Spa Hotel, Tunbridge Wells. Two of our cameraman covered all the days events unfolding perfectly.
Here are a couple of stills from the day. Highlights to follow shortly.....

Nick & Claire's Highlights from Gosfield Hall, Essex

Nick & Claire's Wedding Highlights at Gosfield Hall, Essex

How To Pick The Right Wedding Package

Your wedding photos and video will be with you for the rest of your married life. It is one of the things that will help you remind that romantic day when you said "I Do". It is treasured by many couples because it reminds them of their most romantic day when they exchange their vows. When everything seems to be hard, tough and difficult, all you have to do is sit down together, get that wedding DVD and watch it all over again. To make the wedding videography special, try these simple tips. It has to be done professionally, tastefully and in a manner suitable to your personality. It can say a lot of things about you and who you are.

Like all the other fancy details of a wedding - gown, tux, cake, function room, china and silver, make-up, flora, invitations, guests, banquet preparation and a lot more, the wedding photos and video should be given an identical amount of attention and planning. Because after all the planning and money spent, the only things you've got to show are your wedding videography and your rings. So don't hire anybody just yet! Consider the following points first before nodding to a videographer at random.

Budget

Plan ahead your budget. You need to have an estimate of how much you are prepared to spend on your wedding videography. Ask around and compare prices. Ask your friends and other family members who just got married about their wedding videography. Some would give out the actual price they paid so ask for the ball-park figure to be safe.

What you want

Picture on how you want the video to come out - panorama and the song. Do you want to begin it with romantic harmony or a dance perhaps? Romantic? Clear-cut? Just think of you and your partner as the basic cast in a romantic movie. It is very important that you and your partner determine the things that you want to include and how it is going to appear on film. Don't worry, your videographer will be more than happy to help you in making your wedding video distinctive.

Do research

This is absolutely important. Take time to research about the different styles and services offered by various videography companies. There are plenty of freebies nowadays to attract clients which add value to your money and quality to their services. But don't just take their word for it. Watch wedding videos of your friends and relatives so that you'll have a basic idea on what you are going to get. As a business strategy, many of these companies have video samples uploaded online for couples to have a better picture of what their services would look like.

Now for the Packages

As you research, you'll get a good picture of how these packages will look like and the amount that you'll probably spend. There are packages that are short and concise and there are packages which are long and detailed. Make sure to read each one, checking the most important things you want to be included. List them down. If there are some things that you want which are not on their choices, list them down as well and ask to have them included.

Just bear in mind that your video and photos are to be cherished as long as you both will live and for your future grandchildren to see. You'll never go wrong with classic styles - it can withstand the changing time and trend. It should be like a classical movie or song that doesn't fade away. In order to achieve this, you will need a super videographer who understands your needs.

Info taken from http://goarticles.com/article/How-To-Pick-The-Right-Wedding-Package/4118429/

Photo from http://www.nathanallenphotography.co.uk/wedding_package_prices.html

Guest messages

We filmed the wedding of Christy & James last December with Leo Ferenc from Perfect Day Studios. Here's a pic of me!

Just one regret...

I caught up with an old friend on Facebook yesterday, and we had the usual chit chat about, friends, family and jobs. She was amazed to hear that I was a wedding videographer and then made a few points about how fabulous her day was but had just one regret. This particular part of her message really stood out to me and I wish I could make all bride's & groom's-to-be aware of this:

"I had my wedding a few weeks ago, and LOVED every minute of it. It was an amazing, beautiful day beyond my wildest dreams. So much fun and so love-filled. My biggest regret, however, is not getting professional videography. I planned every detail so carefully, and really splurged on photography, but I am really kicking myself now for not getting pro video. I really considered videography for awhile but given that our budget had ballooned, decided to abandon it. I did have a cousin shoot some moments of the ceremony, and speeches at the reception - watching these, however, made me crave for pro videography.

There were a lot of missed moments in the amateur wedding DVD. I am grateful I had something at all, but really wished I had invested in video."

It made me think, how many other people have experienced this? Anyone else regret not having videography? Do you know anyone who didn't regret not having videography?

Let me know your thoughts at info@annekairelandvideography.co.uk

Wedding Video Checklist

Your wedding day is a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. Planning a wedding can be stressful at times but only because the couple wants to make it perfect. Often the bride and groom will hire a videographer to shoot a video of their wedding; a wedding video documents that special day, and the couple can look back on it anytime they like and relive some of their favorite moments. It is often less stressful if you book with a company who offer photography and videography packages in one.

Early Stages

It will be impossible to shoot the wedding video yourself since you will be one of the stars of the show. Entrusting the task to a friend is not recommended, unless he has experience shooting professional videos of this type. It would be best to hire a professional videographer and discuss details such as what kind of video packages are available.

Planning & Preparation

Once the videographer is hired, they will work very closely with the couple to ensure that all specifications are met. Couples may have unexpected plans to surprise the guests, and it is a good idea to inform the videographer of this so they can ensure they are in the right place at the right time. Also, let them know of any change in times, venues or even family situations.

The Big Day

The morning of the wedding is when everything should be finalised. A scheduled arrival and departure time for the videographer should be predetermined. The videographer and the bride and groom (or in some cases just the bride) will go over all the details one last time: what to film, how the overall video will look, etc. There are some moments that are essential to be captured on the video: the processional, ceremony itself, and recessional, the couples' first dance, and the cutting of the cake. Beyond that the footage that is shot is at the discretion of the bride and groom and the videographer. It is recommended that the videographer shoot as much footage as possible, getting ample footage and plenty of close ups of the bride and groom.

After The Wedding

Once the video is shot, the videographer will work on editing the video, and when he feels satisfied, he will show a rough edit to the bride and groom. Often they will all work together and decide if any footage needs to be removed or placed earlier/later in the film. Once finalised, the videographer will make a specific number of copies.

Why you could regret not having a wedding video...

Why? Well the solution is terribly straightforward, as a result you will kick yourself everyday if you don’t. Once you see you other brides having a lovely video of their wedding day, you’ll marvel why you didn’t. Video isn’t just a quaint little facet gimmick any more. Video is an art and a profession. Of course there are some unhealthy Videographers, and some inexperienced ones, however I suppose you’ve got enough common sense to weed those out. Lets target the Experienced, and Qualified Professionals.

During this day when people are capturing life on video with their mobiles, and I-pods and every different gadget, why would you let the most necessary moment of your life just slip by and not get it on quality video? “However I have an glorious Photographer and it’s already costing me an arm and a leg.” There are a few very vital variations between video and photography. The foremost obvious one is that they’re not the same. The next one is that one DVD may be a lot easier to hold around to a friends house, or send to a relative in some distant country, than your entire wedding album. But the best reason why you actually need a video of your wedding day is as a result of once you watch your video, it’s like being there everywhere again. When your spouse is far away and you miss them, when you want to hear yourselves taking your vows again, or when you would like to see yourself walking down the aisle, you’ll be able to see it because it actually happened. Video captures sound, pictures, emotion, mood, ambiance, tensions, fears, joys, happiness, sadness, all the emotions of the moment.

Photography and Videography have a useful and legitimate place in your wedding budget and on your wedding day, but going without video is like going without music at your reception, it’s OK, but it could are better. Do some searching around, examine some Demo videos, and I’m certain you’ll be convinced that it’s something you actually need for the long run, and you’ll get many years of enjoyment out of it.

Anneka Ireland Videography now offer photography and videography packages giving clients peace of mind and making everything a little less stressful. Contact us now for more information.

Save money on your wedding day by booking our video photo package

Sometimes it can be hard choosing a photographer and videographer for your wedding day. There are so many prices, options and styles to consider. Take the stress away and contact us now about our photo video packages.

Our first wedding of 2011!

Anneka Ireland Videography filmed the wedding of Nick & Claire at Gosfield Hall in Essex on Friday 7th January. It was the first wedding film of 2011, on a fine January day, the fog was floating outside in the gardens and the fires were roaring in the hall, all giving a cosey wintery feel.

Tips to consider when choosing your wedding video music

As with all movies, the music you choose as the soundtrack to your wedding DVD will set the style and tone of the film. As an extreme example, try to imagine ‘Jaws’ with some nice feelgood music – it just wouldn’t have the same terrifying effect! Choosing a mixture of fast and slow tracks will ensure the editor has suitable music for use at every stage of the film. It’s always a good idea to have a longer list than you think you need, not least because some of your chosen tracks might have inappropriate lyrics you weren’t aware of! The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing music is timelessness – ask yourself whether you’ll still like that track in a few years’ time.

http://www.weddingpath.co.uk/wedding-videography

Is a Wedding Video Important if I will have Wedding Photos?

Both your wedding photos and your wedding video are of equal importance. You can't frame your wedding video or carry it with you in your purse or wallet to show a friend. But, you can't hear your marriage vows, see a tear as it rolls down your cheek, or relive the sights, sounds, and emotions of your dad walking you down the aisle or your first dance as husband and wife by looking at a photograph.

A wedding video is a movie of your wedding day, a lasting memory that contains 25 pictures every second and includes the timeless sites and sounds of every important event that took place on your special day. You can also share your wedding video online or share your wedding video on a video iPod with family & friends who missed your special day.

Wedding Photography and Wedding Videography are both artistic expressions and vary from artist to artist. It is important to view the work of each and meet one-on-one with the person(s) that will be producing your photographs and your wedding video. Make sure that their style and personalities match your expectations.

http://www.stashspace.com/wedding-video/why-have-wedding-video.stm

Why should you have a wedding video?

Your wedding day will be a blur to you and your parents. You plan the many details for months, if not years, but your wedding day goes by so fast that you will miss a large part of it.

A wedding video is like a "time machine". It lets you relive your wedding day as often as you like, anytime you like. As one of our professional partners put it, "It let's you attend your own wedding at your leisure without the stresses and distractions of the day." It is also a significant and important "living" document for your families, your children, and grandchildren. Some couples don't realise just how important their wedding video will become until they experience the loss of a loved one that attended their wedding.

http://www.stashspace.com/wedding-video/why-have-wedding-video.stm