The Wedding Film Experience

T i p s , T r i c k s and Secrets
when booking a wedding filmmaker

I’ve filmed and attended countless weddings over the years. I’ve watched endless wedding films that have made me laugh, cry, and - let’s be honest - cringe. So, hear me out: I’ve done the work and the research so you don’t have to.

I’ve compiled a list of tips, tricks, and trade secrets to look out for when booking a wedding videographer. I’ve also shared insights into how I personally approach crafting a wedding film. Every filmmaker is unique, so at the end of the day, make sure your personality and style align with the vendor you choose!

Style and Aesthetic

Traditional/Linear films encapsulate the wedding day from beginning to end, following the order of events. This style is typically formulaic and ideal for quicker-turn edits. The final product is usually highly polished and poised, blending natural moments with stylized or directed shots.

Documentary-style films are typically long-format videos ranging from 10 - 15 minutes. They include extensive footage that retells the day without missing a detail. This style of video typically utilizes less stylized shooting and editing.

Journalistic/Artistic videos are not your grandmother’s wedding film. Rising in popularity, this style often incorporates a combination of camera formats, such as 8mm film, GoPros, Drone, and 4K footage. The editing approach infuses creative flair and non-traditional shots and transitions, creating a unique narrative that reflects the perspective and personality of the couple. These videos are also known to take a non-linear approach, for example, starting with the reception or first look, or ending with the ceremony, based on the music and story arc crafted by the editor.

My Style: I lean journalistic with a blend of traditional elements, depending on the couple and wedding. I find joy in flexing my creative muscles during editing, and finding out unique ways to evoke every emotion when couples watch their wedding film.

I also place a strong emphasis on using top-quality music. Cheesy love songs, 90’s country, and Butterfly Kisses don’t belong in wedding films.

What to know: There is a wide range of stylistic choices that filmmakers use, but I’ll boil it down to three: Traditional/Linear, Documentary, and Journalistic/Artistic.

Audio Quality

What to know: Any great filmmaker should tell you that the quality of audio is just as important as video.

Secret: Some videographers don’t invest in high-quality audio - or worse - don’t attempt to capture any audio throughout the day.

My Style: I prioritize capturing as much audio as possible. I want the ambient noise, the small celebrations, the vows, speeches, and everything in between. My goal is for couples to relive their day through both sight and sound, creating the ultimate wedding film experience.

Experience and Expertise

What to know: Experience matters, especially when handling unpredictable events, lighting changes, or ever-changing timelines.

Tip: Ask your wedding planner or photographer about their experience working with a videographer you’re considering. In the tight-knit wedding industry, a videographer’s reputation often precedes them.

My Style: I’ve built incredible relationships with wedding industry vendors and beyond. If you need recommendations, I’m happy to share my favorites tailored to your style and vision.

It’s important to highlight that my planning and filming approach is centered around collaborating with wedding vendors who work as a cohesive team - for you. I’ve experienced the good, bad, and ugly, and I’m deeply committed to treating my couples and their vendors with the utmost respect and while delivering exceptional service to everyone involved.

Photography + Videography Combo Packages

What to know: It is not uncommon for photographers to offer videography services.

Tip: While this may seem like a cost-saving option, the quality of video can be significantly diminished if the photographer lacks extensive video knowledge and experience.

Secret: Photography and Videography are two entirely different trades, requiring distinct gear, skills, approaches, and experience with video editing software.

My Style: I will never offer a photography package. I focus exclusively on wedding videography because it’s my passion and expertise. When couples are offered dual packages that include both photography and videography, I encourage thorough research. While many cameras handle both mediums, the true value lies in the artist’s expertise. Sacrificing quality for the sake of package pricing is a risk I wouldn’t recommend.

Why STIL Cinematic?

  • I specialize in:
    - Storytelling & Emotion
    - Pacing
    - Color Grading
    - Audio & Sound Design
    - Lighting
    - Composition
    - Movement
    - Video Effects

  • My style: simple, elegant, fun, and natural. My focus is always on what matters most: you. Authenticity and enjoying your day is my top priority.

    What I avoid:
    Overly posed and unnatural settings.

    Unflattering details such as: people eating, family portraits, and rows of make-up brushes.

    Over-shooting details. While they are important - your love story remains at the heart of your wedding film.

  • I’ve filmed weddings for over 6 years - with experience in traditional weddings, high-end luxury weddings, micro-weddings and elopements. I’ve filmed in remote locations such as national parks, and grand ceremonies in large Cathedrals. I’m flexible and able to adapt quickly to any situation.

  • I take pride in my ability to build strong connections with every couple and wedding vendor I work with. My priority is to keep things fun and light-hearted while remaining highly attuned to your needs. I strive to help you fully savor your wedding day by stepping in when needed and blending into the background when appropriate.

  • Wedding photos and videography are two of the most important investments. My commitment is to never put an hourly cap on your wedding day. If the final send-off is important to you, I’ll be there until the very end!