Producing a wedding video is both an art and a science. As a professional wedding videographer, my goal is to capture the sounds, emotions, and once-in-a-lifetime moments in a way that feels authentic and cinematic. Over the years, I’ve learned some key do’s and don’ts that can make all the difference in producing a beautiful and timeless wedding film that couples will cherish forever.
Do’s:
Trust The Vibe
It is very important for a couple to find a videographer whose style matches what they are looking for and who trusts their vision. It’s also important for a couple to feel safe with their photo/video team and enjoy their personality, I always say to my couples “After all, you’re going to be spending most of your wedding day with me and your photographer.” So, it’s important to enjoy that relationship.
Trust Your Videographer’s Professional Judgement
I want to take all the stress away from you during your special day. I will capture it in a way that lets you enjoy the day while capturing the authenticity of the day.
Capturing Natural Moments
Your photographer will have a laundry list of posed shots that are important to you, but I’m more interested in the unexpected—laughter, tears, the flower girl spinning in a circle and then tripping or crying as she walks down the aisle to a roar of laughter! the ones that will take your breath away are what I live for. These are the memories you will cherish for years to come and share with your children and grandchildren.
High-Quality Wedding Videography Equipment Is A Must
A couple’s wedding is one of the most important days in their lives. As a wedding videographer, I use the latest and highest quality video and audio recording equipment to make sure that the sights and sounds of the day are captured with beautiful clarity. And I have backups upon backups, It is especially important to capture multiple forms of sound for the important things like the Ceremony and Toasts!
Be Discreet and Unobtrusive
A wedding videographer should blend into the background, allowing the couple and guests to enjoy the moment without distraction. I always make sure that my clients and their wedding guests are front and center. Sometimes people think they are in my way and apologize to me and I tell them “You are the way!” I find myself telling people all day long to just live their lives and pretend I’m not here! Maybe just don’t stand in the aisle with your phone while the bride is making her grand entrance!
Editing for Emotion and Storytelling
If what you’re looking for is a fast-paced music video, then I’m not your girl! My films are story focused, not just a series of clips slapped together. The editing process is multifaceted. I take my time finding the perfect music that brings out the raw emotions of your day. To me music is the backbone of the film, everything hinges on it.
I take great care pouring over every inch of video and finding those little fleeting moments that you never would have noticed! The tear streaming down the groom’s face as you process the tip of the aisle, your mom’s reaction when your dad sees you for the first time as a bride. I don’t just grab a clip and call it a day. Your memories are more important to me than that!
Even the natural sounds from the day add to your film making it feel real, whether its the bridesmaids giggling in the background or your Dads welcome speech where he talks about the first time he held you in his arms and he’s so proud of the woman you’ve become today! I could go on for days but you get the gist!
My goal as a wedding videographer is to choose the right music, transitions, and pacing to bring out the emotions of the day.
Give yourself time
Don’t jam pack your day on a tight timeline, pad your schedule, give yourself some breathing room. Aim to be ready early because you will run late, I promise! This will take a lot of stress away from you, and as your videographer there is nothing I want more for you than to enjoy the day you’ve spent over a year planning!
Don’ts:
Don’t Overuse Slow Motion
While slow motion can enhance the emotion, overusing it can make the video feel drawn-out and less engaging. To me its used to highlight an epic moment. Your grand entrance into the ballroom, the music swells and gets softer, you hear the people cheering in the background and then time stops for a second while you take it all in.
Don’t Rely on Just One Camera
Having multiple camera angles ensures that nothing important is missed. I always have 2 manned cameras and one unmanned camera and a back-up on hand at all times…just in case.
Don’t Interrupt the Ceremony
A professional wedding videographer should never be a distraction. When you work with me you will see that staying out of the couple’s and officiant’s way ensures a seamless experience while still capturing stunning footage. And your officiant will love me because I'm sure they have had their hanful of bad experiences.
Lighting Conditions Are Critical
Poor lighting can ruin an otherwise beautiful shot. Understanding how to work with natural light, indoor lighting, and flash photography is essential for professional-quality footage. I have perfected my knowledge of lighting over the years and it’s one of my strengths as a filmmaker! I just might need to turn the lights off while you’re getting ready and place you by the window. But don’t worry! You’re going to look amazing!
Don’t Forget to Capture Details
The decor, rings, invitations, and little personal touches are an important part of the couple’s story. I like including these details in the video to add depth and personalization to that very special day, but people are still the most important! I want to capture the beauty of your day and encapsulate that in your film while also being attentive to the unplanned moments.
Never Rush the Editing Process
Producing a high-quality wedding video takes time. While couples are eager to see their wedding video, rushing through editing can lead to a less polished final product. (You can always get an Instagram Teaser if you can hardly wait!) I also refuse to outsource, and I am the only editor so I ask for patience. I will put every ounce of my heart into your film, taking the time it needs to be perfect! Whether that’s spending a week looking for music or starting from scratch! I’m not satisfied until I’m confident that it’s going to blow you away!
Producing a wedding video is more than just filming a day in your life—it’s an honor to be invited into one of your most intimate moments and I take that very seriously! It’s about preserving your memories that you will not only cherish for the rest of your lives but relive over and over again and share with the most important people in your lives. By following these do’s and don’ts, a wedding videographer can craft a film that truly captures the love, joy, and magnificence of the day. To discuss your special day, please fill out my contact form at www.alyssakaufmanfilms.com.
Alyssa Kaufman is a luxury wedding videographer specializing in cinematic wedding films that capture the heart
and soul of your love story. As a professional wedding cinematographer and videographer, I provide a highly personalized experience, ensuring that every moment of beauty, joy, laughter, and love is artfully documented.
Serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and beyond, I take pride in transforming your most precious moments into timeless memories through my signature storytelling style. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it would be my honor to craft a film that allows you to relive every heartfelt moment for years to come.
Like I always say: Let your moments speak for themselves.
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