I got some fantastic news early this morning when I was informed I had reached the finals of the Mrs2Be Brides’ Choice Awards 2018 ( Recognising the best of the Irish wedding industry)! But as I said in an earlier blog it it’s not the winning for me … it would be nice, don’t get me wrong, but every wedding video I film whether it be in Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow or any of the multitude of other locations I attend, I always give it 110%. Every bride and groom has different ideas for their wedding video, it may be the music they choose or the way they want it filmed – each couple is unique. So when i am booked for a wedding I put a lot of planning into it well before the day, this way from the bride’s house to the first dance I know what’s expected of me – after all, it’s their day.
I like to be at the ceremony location one hour before it starts – this time is needed to film the location, the flowers and all the little details in the Church or room where the ceremony is taking place.
The guests arriving is a very important part of filming as this is something the bride only gets to see on DVD later. The music in the church, the service, the vows, the walk down the aisle as husband & wife – these are all key points. With regards to the music in the Church, I like to leave a wireless microphone or a professional voice recorder near the musicians to capture the audio 100%. Sound is just as important as picture, this is why I always use a wireless mic or voice recorder discreetly placed in the groom’s pocket to pick up the vows and this is removed right away outside the door after the ceremony. The greeting line is a great way to formally meet your guests after the wedding.
The photograph session is a fantastic opportunity for me to capture some great video footage. I don’t just film what the photographer is doing but more of a candid covering of the bridal party and their families if they are there as well. If not I will capture them at the hotel. I enjoy filming the guests discreetly in the hotel enjoying the drinks reception, this way i get a great chance to catch up with some late-comers! From there on I film the speeches, which lately tend to take place before the meal – it’s nice to relax and enjoy your meal once they are over and done with! The dancing is filmed discreetly with no light if possible or just a small light on the camera if I need it. Your wedding will end with a highlights chapter looking back over your day.
It doesn’t end there… now the hard work starts! The editing can take two days to to complete, but my wife Breda is a pro at this: various effects, titles, adding music, authoring and chaptering the final product, testing design sleeves for the covers of the boxes and the art work on the discs – it’s easy to see where two days goes here!
We have often been complimented on our turn-around time – we try to have the finished product ready when the couple return from honeymoon. I have read and heard of other couples not receiving their wedding DVDs for months, this can happen where only one person is working on a project and gets snowed under.
On a final note, getting back to the Mrs2Be Brides’ Choice Awards 2018, I would like to wish all the Finalists the very best of luck.