Hi! Thanks for your interest in my wedding video services! Here is the big (and probably redundant) FAQ explaining how this whole process typically goes.
how does this work?
Good question! First, we’ll check to see if I am available on your wedding day. If yes, great! We can talk on the phone/ over email about any questions/ concerns you might have, or we can cut right to the chase if you’re sure you want to book me. I’ll send you a contract, we’ll sign it, and at that point, a $1,000 deposit will be due. Then we wait! Two weeks out from your wedding date, I will ask for your day-of timeline and we’ll set arrival/ departure times for me. I’ll get in touch with your coordinator/ planner (if you have one) and then… we’ll do the thing! Your wedding day! After that, you’ll hear from me within a few weeks about my editing timeline and we’ll talk songs. Then, before you know it, you’ll receive your edited video within 8-12 weeks after your wedding! At that time, your final payment of $1500 will be due. And that’s it!
How do you pick the music for the video?
There is no good answer to this because it's mostly an intuitive process for me. First, I ask for your input- genre, specific songs, movie soundtracks, sounds like ___, etc. Then, taking that into consideration + understanding the vibes and emotions and meaning of the day overall, I fall into a DEEP Spotify hole. Eventually I resurface with a bunch of options for you. I send them all in an email and ask if you hate/ love any of them, making sure you approve before getting into the edit!
(I rarely have issues with the music's legal use, but if I do, I will cover any extraneous costs. The other conflict with copyright is music use on Facebook. I always post the video on Facebook for easy sharing, but sometimes the video is partially muted or flagged because we don’t have the rights to the music (single-use licenses cost hundreds of dollars, and I want to save you a buck!) The good news is Vimeo does not mute or flag videos for music use, so your video will live there happily ever after!)
what do you include in your videos?
The important stuff will always be included (first looks, vows, "you may kiss your bride", first dance, cake cutting, etc.) My videos are generally are separated into thirds: 1/3 is spent on everything before the ceremony- preparation, getting dressed, first look, detail shots, etc. 1/3 is spent on the ceremony. And the last third is spent on the reception. (Assuming I am scheduled to be there for the whole day!)
I always include audio of the vows during the ceremony, but that tends to be the only day-of audio that I use. I can use audio from any other moment if you request it! For example- your maid of honor's speech, a specific reading from the ceremony, or any other moment that meant a lot to you. The more input you give me, the more challenging and fun it is on my end!
What do you need from me before the wedding?
Honestly, very little. I will have very little influence on your wedding day. I know you're drowning in prep/ day-of details already. In your contract, you will give me all of your contact info, the addresses of all day-of locations (prep, ceremony, and reception sites), and what time I should get there/ leave. That's pretty much all I need! I will request a timeline 2 weeks out from your wedding if you don't provide one before then. I follow the photographers/ planner's schedule and collect video behind-the-scenes style. You'll barely even notice I'm there (:
what else is included with the edited video?
After I post your fun video to Vimeo (where you can watch and download it to your heart’s content), you're going to receive a 16 GB flash drive that includes:
A full video of your ceremony with clean audio (collected from a small lapel mic on the groom or officiant). This is usually one long, unedited shot from my second camera on a tripod.
Full video of your first look (if you have one)
Full, unedited videos of the speeches during the reception.
Any other clips that you request! (I'll usually toss in some dancing clips, your first dance, cake cutting, and any cute/ funny moments form the day)
do I need a second shooter?
I will be completely honest with you- I have done 25+ videos without a second shooter and I got everything I needed. It feels like my second nature to know when and where I need to be to get the shot! I will admit that it is nice to have a second shooter during the ceremony or during the getting-ready part of the day if the guys are at a different, far away location. However, it’s still possible to do it on my own! Let’s talk about it, if you’re still not sure (:
The only time I seriously recommend a second shooter is if you are getting married at a church with photo/ video restrictions. If I am not allowed to move around the church, I can’t get enough angles/ check on tripod cameras enough! Ya feel?
If I didn't answer your question, please let me know below! Or call me at 404-432-5525.