Who said that 2013 was supposed to be a bad year for weddings?!

Wow, what a year 2013 has been for us, it definitely wasn't as we expected. We started the year full of energy and enthusiasm to do what we love most, to capture wedding days on film and finished the year having filmed 47 weddings!
We were overwhelmed by the amount of interest during the start of 2013 which prompted us to get extra prepared for a busy year. Our small team of cameramen have been amazing, either filming with myself or going out to film a wedding day alone, so a massive thank you to Martin, Andrew & John!
We also were lucky enough to visit some amazing venues such as Penshurst Place, Gaynes Park, Leez Priory, St.Julians Club, Selsdon Park Hotel, Parklands Quendon Hall and Lympne Castle whilst returning to our favourites, Hedsor House, Buxted Park, Hever Castle, The Spa Hotel, St.Augustines Priory, Broyle Place and Pembroke Lodge.

Do we do destination wedding films? Of course we do! We were asked to film Kate + David's wedding in Old Marbella Town and Mijas which was different to filming in the UK in some ways but still very exciting. So if you're getting married outside of the UK, contact us about having a wedding film abroad. Click here to see their highlights https://vimeo.com/84130524

We are as confident about 2014 as we were this time last year and have lots of new exciting things ahead of us. We have been looking at ways to 'futureproof' wedding films and shortly we will be offering the option of USB sticks with your wedding film on as a way to keep those files safe.
We are also looking forward t the Bluewater Wedding Fair which is on 7-9th February so come and visit us on stand R16, and here is a discount code for your ticket...

Must sign off now as even though it is January we still have lots to keep us busy with!

A Wonderful Day for a White Wedding

When I heard the forecast predicting snow for this weekend, I hoped that it wouldn't effect Helen & David's wedding plans too much. I called David the morning before to double check their plans and they were relaxed about the snow that was falling quite heavily and joked that it would definitely make their day memorable.
To be safe I left myself double the amount of time to get there and was even 1.5hrs early! I was determined not to miss a thing. The day flowed as planned and only two guests were unable to make it. Myself and the photographer, Juliette (http://julietteharrison.co.uk/) took advantage of this beautiful white snow with some creative shots outside of Hedsor House.
I filmed the speeches which began with the most humorous mother of the bride speech I've ever heard. Helen mentioned that she was so pleased that they'd had a wedding video so they can watch it through again as they didn't manage to take it all in at the time.
The evening continued with dancing, photobooths, cheesecakes, sweets tables, plenty of quirky canapes and not the mention the spectacular cocktail making!
Congratulations Helen & David!!

A different perspective on a wedding

Last weekend I was privileged to be a bridesmaid for two of my closest friends, Claire and Stu who got married at St Augustines Priory in the Bilsington Priory Estate. I arranged for one of our cameramen to film to day and I was a bit apprehensive about the lack on involvement in the filming and warned Martin and the photographers that I might not be able to resist interfering. I was tempted on many occasions to pick up a camera and join in with capturing the day but had to hold back as I obviously wasn't needed! However, I embraced my bridesmaids duties and helped organising and drinking (ooops) lots of champagne!

Walking down the aisle

Last minute snack!

Having my hair done

I had Sunday to recover then I was soon ready to film Nigel & Tina's beautiful and intimate wedding at Boreham House, Chelmsford. It flowed perfectly and the rain didn't effect them in the the slightest.

A very pink wedding at Wotton House

When I met Dan and Laura and talked about their plans for their wedding at Wotton House in Dorking, Surrey I realised how special and personal this day was going to be to them. You could immediately see how much they cared for each other and how much they were enjoying planning their day, especially how much Laura loved PINK and sparkles!!
On arrival at Wotton House, I was not surprised to see the pink theme running thoroughout. Decorated carefully by Bows Hire, the sparkles, pink and white colours stood out in a tasteful way.

Their day flowed perfectly, bucks fizz flowed, the sun was shining and everybody was having a fantastic time. Looking forward to starting the edit (highlights video to come), but in the meantime, have a lovely honeymoon Dan & Laura!

No Cowboy is safe

In December 2011 we were contacted by a researcher at Channel 5 asking us if we were able to help out. They explained that a growing number of couples planning their wedding over the last few years had been ripped off by a supplier in the wedding industry and that one couple in particular had to cancel their whole wedding due to the disappearance of the supplier weeks before the wedding leaving them without a dress, photographer and videographer just to name a few, and no sign of their money. The couple, Lucy & Dan were devastated and couldn't see any other option but to cancel their wedding.
However, Channel 5 had agreed to re-plan their wedding and brought together some suppliers to help Lucy and Dan have their special day. We agreed to film their wedding  even though the venue was at secret location. A week before the big day we were informed that their ceremony would be held at a church in Ashford and the venue would be discreetly mentioned to us on the day. We started filming the bridal preparations capturing the anticipation and excitement from the bride and bridesmaids onto the church and covering the whole ceremony.
The venue was unveiled and was at the spectacular Hever Castle. At this point nobody but the suppliers knew the venue and were transported there totally unaware. On arrival everybody was surprised and overwhelmed, but took the opportunity to have a look around the Castle whilst enjoying drinks and canapés. Finally, Lucy and Dan arrived and couldn't hide their emotions, they said it was 'like a dream come true'.
We continued to film the day covering the guest mingling and interacting with the bride and groom, then onto the speeches, cake cutting and first dance.
It was an emotional but fantastic day and I felt privileged to be part of making what was a bad memory into an amazing, memorable day. Lucy & Dan sent us an email shortly after receiving their preview wedding DVD expressing how grateful they were for their wedding video as the day went so fast they couldn't possibly take in everything that had happened. Check out the photographers work, Sue Kwiatkowska to see her beautiful images.
You can watch their highlights by clicking on this link

Bobby & Pam's fantastic Indian Wedding

Wow this weekend was a non-stop energetic fun filled of events and celebrations! It started off well, we went to the Sangeet on friday which involved singing from the family, mehndi and of course lots of food and dancing. Then on saturday we filmed Bobby being cleansed with turmeric paste by his family then the Chura ceremony which was intimate and emotional and Pam was adorned with red and gold bracelets.
Sunday was the main day, we had two camera operators, one filming Pam's preparations at Wokefield Park Hotel  and myself with Bobby filming his morning ceremony and leaving the house. We worked alongside Prince Singh and his two assistants, and Moni from Indian Odyssey was the DJ who kept the party going all day!
Bobby then arrived at the hotel with dhol drummers leading him, then straight into the Milni. The ceremony continued and it wasn't long before the party kicked off! As Pam's family had traveled over from Ireland, the DJ took the opportunity to hold a dancing competition between both families which was fun. We covered all of this in their wedding video and finished off with some quirky guest messages. Now to the edit!!!

Wedding Videos – how do you know if you’re being overcharged?

Ok, so you’ve decided that it might be a good idea to have your wedding filmed. Considering that the day will fly by, having a wedding video to capture every moment makes perfect sense.  There are so many wedding video professionals out there, how do you pick one? They vary in styles and rates, but how can you justify if it’s worth the money?

The hard work of the wedding videographer is often overlooked; we’re usually in the background, being unobtrusive capturing the day as it happens. Our camera and editing suite is costly, and we have to make sure we have spares for the cameras when we’re out filming just in case. If you choose to have a second camera operator, we have to pay them their day rate too. Even though this extra coverage enhances the video, it does double the post production time.

Whether we’re filming your day for 6 or 12 hours, the editing time is still complex and time-consuming. After the video is carefully cut, colour-graded, rendered and compressed, we then have to design your DVD covers, supply the cases, package and ship the finished wedding films.

When we set our prices, we considered what was fair for the work we put into each wedding film, alongside our equipment costs. Even though we agree that ‘you get what you pay for’, put time into reading testimonials, watching samples and reading reviews before you make a firm decision. So when faced with choosing a videographer, have a look around to check out their work and styles of filming. Remember its an investment for the future so if you have a £500 budget for video, it would be cheaper to buy a camcorder and get Uncle Ted to film it for you. Contact us to see how we can document your day in a professional and future-proof way.

Matt & Sam's Wedding

We filmed Matt & Sam’s wedding back in September. They had their ceremony at St. James Church in Tunbridge Wells then their reception at The Spa Hotel. 

I arrived at The Spa Hotel in the morning to greet Sam and get some shots of her preparations along with her bridesmaids. The weather was fantastic, beautifully sunny but fresh and Sam was surprisingly relaxed about the day ahead! After spending an hour or so with Sam I headed to the church to greet our second videographer, Ben who was already checking out the layout of the church and getting some nice shots. From there, Matt arrived who was in a great mood and up for anything that their photographer, Rachel Luckhurst threw his way! It wasn’t long before the big red buses arrived full of guests and the ceremony was in full swing. St James Church is a fantastic building with lots of space, but still feeling intimate. I filmed from the front static on my tripod and Ben was at the back on the balcony. This really worked well for the editing of their wedding film and we could alternate shots.

Outside, Matt and Sam had some photographs outside whilst their guests made their way back to the Hotel. This time gave us a good opportunity to get some great shots on our DSLR’s and really push our cinematic techniques. 

The rest of the day unfolded perfectly and we were more excited to start the editing of Matt and Sam’s wedding video. We stayed to cover the humourous speeches and the first dance. Click here to see their highlights.

The last wedding we filmed for 2011

We filmed Stephanie & Jonathan's wedding at the beautiful Shendish Manor, Hemel Hempstead on friday and it was a great wedding to end 2011. Their theme was 1920's art deco style and they'd spent alot of time making personal touches, whether it was from hiring a 15 piece band to making their own 'bird cage' cake. They also had a couple of requests in terms of their wedding video too, so keep an eye out for the highlights!

Gosh, I just love my job!

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!