Why Video

A recent national survey of brides revealed the value of professional videography. After the wedding, 94% of the brides using a professional videographer said they consider professional videography a Top 10 service. As brides look back at their wedding, the survey showed that almost 80% of all brides agree that future brides should at least consider using a professional to videotape their wedding day. Those feelings are even more pronounced among the brides who utilized the services of professional videographers, 95% of whom think future brides should consider using a professional videographer.
(Breakthrough Marketing, Inc. - Des Moines, IA)

Why a professional, when my friend can videotape for free?

Videos that are shot by friends or relatives end up falling short for a number of reasons. Poor audio, inadequate planning and coordination, use of only one camera, shaky and/or out-of-focus images.
There is no substitute for a professional videographer who will show-up prepared to make magic. I will bring the right knowledge and equipment to get the job done. I will have proper respect for the rules of your ceremony, and we will be focused on creating a work of art that you'll enjoy watching for the rest of your life.

Why Videotape Your Wedding?

As Published in The Alabama Bridal Directories

Videotapes and still photography both have places in your wedding plans. Still photographs are easy to display and transport, but videotape captures the sights and sounds of a wedding from another perspective. Your tape can be filled with candid shots and sentimental moments that you'll cherish for a lifetime.

The bride usually misses the beginning of her wedding. She is awaiting her entrance and doesn't see the lighting of the candles, soloist singing, the parents as they are escorted to their seats, or the entrance of the groom and the wedding party. A video can capture all these moments for her. Brides and grooms are almost always nervous, too, and a video gives them a chance to really see and hear the special moments that - at the time -seemed to fly by in a blur. They can hear the vows they made, watch the bridal dance, cake cutting, toasting, the bouquet toss - over and over again with the magic of video.

Many people have their own video cameras these days, and you may be tempted to ask Uncle Harry to tape the wedding in order to save the expense of professional videography. Remember, however, that taping a wedding is a tremendous responsibility and will effectively prevent Uncle Harry from enjoying or participating in the wedding as a guest. If he's unfamiliar with the church or unaccustomed to filming large gatherings, his final tape may not capture the event as you'd hoped.

If you've decided to give Uncle Harry a break, how do you find a professional videographer? Many brides and grooms ask friends and relatives for recommendations.
If your wedding will be quite large, select a videographer who can use at least two cameras and then edit your video to incorporate the best footage from both cameras. Find out if your videographer can use special effects and add music, and ask to see examples from other weddings he or she has recorded.
Finally, be sure to tell your videographer exactly how much to record, (entrance of guests, photography sessions, reception, interviews with guests to record their best wishes, etc.) and put your agreement in writing.

Remember that the cost of a videographer reflects his or her time and experience. In most cases, you get what you pay for. If you're like most couples in years to come you'll insist that your photographs and your wedding videotape were the best wedding investments you could have made.