Capturing a wedding day on video is like telling a love story in motion. Each wedding is unique, and as a videographer, I've found that certain shots are key to bringing this story to life. Here's my personal rundown of the 10 essential shots that I believe are crucial for creating a truly memorable wedding video.
Bridal Prep
The morning of a wedding is filled with anticipation and excitement. I focus on capturing the bride and groom as they prepare, surrounded by friends and family. It's the little details - the dress hanging, the shoes, the laughter and nerves - that set the tone for the day. Whether it's laughing with the girls, tears over a hand written note or a deep breath to keep composed all of these set the tone for your film and big day.
The Emotional First Look
There's something incredibly special about the first look. Whether it's the couple seeing each other for the first time or a parent's tearful pride, these moments are pure emotion. Capturing these genuine reactions is key to adding depth to the wedding story. I've seen first looks where bridesmaids are in tears, or dad can't quite find the words to say how beautiful the bride looks, all are equally magic. The moments before the ceremony can be extremely powerful and this is why I would always recommend having a Feature Length film to capture these moments.
The Iconic Aisle Walk
The walk down the aisle is a highlight of the day. I aim to capture the anticipation, the emotions of the groom, and the reactions of the guests. This moment is rich with symbolism and emotion, making it a must-have in any wedding video.
You'll notice in a lot of my films I also capture the groom waiting for the bride, his nerves, excitement, happiness and often tears when he first see's her. That's a moment you definitely don't want to miss.
The Heart of the Ceremony: Vows
The vow exchange is the emotional peak of the ceremony. It's about the promises made, the quivering voices, and the couple's deep connection. Capturing this moment requires a focus on both the bride and groom, ensuring their words and emotions are preserved.
When you're choosing a videographer do take time to ask if they capture the vows in full and provide you with these, as not all wedding videographers do. To me this is the most crucial part of your day and the part where I pretty much hold my breath the whole way through!
The First Kiss as a Married Couple
The first kiss is a fleeting but monumental moment. It's the culmination of the ceremony and a symbol of their new journey. Capturing this requires perfect timing and focus. You'll often see the photographer and videographer working together here to ensure they both capture this moment perfectly, and this is another reason I recommend ensuring your videographer and photographer get on. Noone wants a disgruntled photographer popping up mid-frame!
The Joyful Exit
The post-ceremony exit is a burst of happiness. Whether it's through a shower of petals or cheers, this moment is all about the celebration of love. Capturing the energy and excitement here is essential. Don't worry about where the confetti goes, smile, laugh, kiss, have fun! This is where the party starts!
Intimate Moments: The Couple Alone
Setting aside time for the couple to be alone is crucial. This is when I capture their love and connection in a more intimate setting. It's about the shared looks, the laughter, and the quiet moments away from the crowd.
The Finer Details: Reception Decor
The reception details often reflect the couple's personality and style. Capturing the decor, the table settings, and the cake before the guests arrive adds depth to the wedding story. Especially if some of the decor has been hand made, I love capturing all these little details to help tell every part of your big day.
Check with your wedding coordinator if the photographer and videographer can get in the venue ahead of the guests so that they can capture all these details in full.
The First Dance: A Dance of Love
The first dance is always magical. It's a visual representation of their love story. Capturing the couple's movements, their connection, and the ambiance is key to bringing their story to life. First dances are also about your friends and family filling the floor and cutting loose until the early hours! Nothing beats seeing the best man dancing the time warp with your Great Aunt!
The Celebration: Capturing the Joy
The reception is where the video comes alive with energy. Capturing the laughter, the dancing, and the candid moments showcases the joy and celebration of the day.
Wrapping It Up
In wedding videography, it's not just about capturing moments; it's about telling a story. These 10 shots are some of my staples for ensuring that every aspect of your day is remembered. But beyond these, I'm always ready to capture those unexpected, spontaneous moments that often become the most treasured memories. Every wedding has its own rhythm, and my job is to capture it in all its unique glory.