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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.