A Moving Occasion

Great wedding videos require a videographer with experience who can adapt to the inevitable changes and capture the unscripted moments that arise at a wedding. There is only one chance to capture your special day and choosing a pro who can overcome lighting, sound and other challenges (versus your brother-in-law with a new handycam) will make the difference between a dust gatherer and a family heirloom.

Videographer Checklist
Check with family, friends, websites and the pages of this magazine for local referrals.

Meet with videographers in person and ask to see samples of their work.

Decide on your video style: documentary, journalistic or artistic. Ask your videographer for their ideas about each and what will work best for you.

Discuss the details of your ceremony with your videographer so they can be prepared to capture the right angles, sounds and people you want.

Decide if you want custom digital editing, photo montages, web site designs, videos or DVDs. Get your agreement in writing and sign a contract.



Unique Videography Ideas Jack Valentine of Action Video & High Definition Photography says that instant ceremony replays at the reception are gaining in popularity. "We've been doing them for years and it's kind of a magic trick for guests. As soon as we're done shooting the ceremony, we begin to edit photos and actual footage of the ceremony right there on site and before the reception is over, a video and photo montage of the couple and the guests is played. Everyone loves it." says Valentine.

Like photographers, videographers sometimes have the seen many one-of-a-kind wedding ideas. Steven Javitz of Javitz Videography recalls, "We were shooting a wedding and reception at Las Rocas Hotel in Baja, Mexico and when the couple cut the cake, a fire works display went off with over 100 fireworks. It was a fantastic memory to catch on video."