LIGHTS, CAMERA, ROLL ’EM
Hiring a modern-day wedding videographer makes all the difference
Once upon a time, having your wedding videoed meant Uncle Fred propped in a chapel corner with his clunky oversize shoulder holder recording every unexciting second while miraculously missing all the good gooey stuff. You’re guaranteed to cringe at the results. First off, it’s not Fred’s fault. He has no clue what he’s doing. He’s not a pro. The poor guy should be out on the dance floor stroking Aunt Thelma’s ego instead of trying to do you a favor.
But that was then. These days you have options. Videography has developed into a full-on profession. Luckily your wedding video won’t play like a B-grade documentary but rather a nostalgic piece of time suspended art. Online polls are in: Some 98 percent of brides who didn’t have one, wished they would’ve hired a videographer for their wedding.
Once you’ve selected your video company you may have a preconceived notion of your end product. Jon Noeth of Jon Noeth Videography holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Design and has produced many wedding videos. “Be sure to let your videographer know what’s going on. Time frames, important people, favorite songs you want incorporated into your video … those kinds of things,” he advises. Communication is essential. Remember, you’re getting married, might as well practice.
If you’re concerned about spending your day with yet another camera redefining the term “in-your-face” then worry not, most videographers do their best to stay incognito. Noeth knows the value of his candid shots. One client described him as a “video ninja.” Dressed in black, he blends in with a discreet but high-tech camera that has no resemblance to bulky major motion-picture equipment.
Your videographer will usually offer you a variety of packages. Companies like Ihe ART, formed by Steven Gilkeson and Ann Marie Epple, specialize in artistic, modern wedding videography and have a passion for capturing the personal style of each bride and groom.
Fidelis Films is another Southwest Florida–based company. This husband-and-wife team, Christian David and Nichole Weber, offer slow-motion video booths. An area is set up where guests take turns interacting with the camera. Dancing, throwing confetti or even kicking back shots are among the fun scenes. Later the footage is edited into a highly entertaining clip.
As a newlywed you can utilize technology to relive the moments that took months of prep work to produce. So now when you invite the maid of honor and her entourage over for a Cosmo and a glimpse of your glorious day, she knows she’ll see 10 to 15 minutes of meticulously edited heart-melting emotion. And you probably won’t be surprised when she requests a replay, along with another Cosmo.