HOW TO ADD MORE STORY TO YOUR WEDDING FILMS

The wedding films I make are cinematic, but I try to make as few ‘staged’ or ‘acted’ moments as possible. I attempt to capture the emotion of what really happened on the day.

I want to recap your union of commitment. I want to show the joy and celebration of the best moments. I want you to feel the expectation of all that is still to come when you watch it.  

There are three key opportunities in the day for us to record some amazing storytelling elements for your highlights. These moments are part of what make your love story unique.

1.        LOVE LETTERS

Your day will be emotionally charged. The morning can be a flurry of activity with all the preparations are happening. Or it might be a slow tense build, waiting for things to happen. How about we find a way to reconnect with that special person if your life.

An age-old tradition can help us. A love letter. Expressing some deep emotions in a few words can bring you back to the thing that matters most – the marriage and life to come.

You can prepare it beforehand or write it that morning. I will record you reading the letter out loud. Then deliver it to your spouse-to-be. I can capture them reading and connecting to you on the paper. Then we shoot vice versa.

There is a sweet tradition of gift giving, but it isn’t a necessity. 

Letter writing is an especially important part of the day if there won’t be any personal vows in your ceremony.

 Pro Tip – Think about some nice stationary. Not only will it photography better, but it will make this letter into a keepsake to be read in the years to come.

Read more about why letter writing is an important part of your morning.

HOW TO CONNECT ON THE MORNING OF YOUR WEDDING.

2.        PERSONAL VOWS

Reading of vows can be the most nerve-racking moment for anyone on their day. Not everyone loves public speaking, let alone doing it in front of a crowd. But don’t panic. It isn’t about them. This is about your husband/wife to be. Your celebrant is a great source of help in this department, to help you get it right.

BE PREPARED: Try and try again. Vows can be tricky to write. So give yourself plenty of time to draft and refine your words.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Once these words are written, even if it is just a draft – read them out loud. Hear yourself say the words, over and over and they will feel more natural on the day – hopefully without stumbling.

TALK IN SLOW MOTION: When the moment comes. Talk a deep breath. Your heart will be beating fast, this puts your into fast forward. If you sound like you are talking in slow motion, that is likely about normal to everyone listening.

WIRED FOR SOUND: Be prepared that before the ceremony you will both be mic’d up. The bride will be wired via a hidden mic threaded through the dress, down to a thigh strap. The groom will have it under the jacket and clipped on the back of his waistband.

For more tips on Vow writing, check out this article.

3.        SPEECHES

We can’t always control what people are going to say, but we can help them along a little.

I.          When you invite someone to give a speech, set them a time limit. This will depend on what kind of personality they have. If you think they will go short, set them a bigger limit. If you think they will go long, shorten it and hopefully they will hit somewhere around the 5 – 10 minute mark.

II.           Let them know they are being recorded. There will be a spot they need to stand and will be told on the day. There will be microphones and spotlights on them. Helps them be prepared for the production side of things.

III.            Give them an article to read about writing an entertaining, yet heartfelt speech like this one here.

HOW TO WRITE A GOOD WEDDING SPEECH.

Getting as much of these three elements right will give us lots more power to create a powerful, nostalgic remembrance of how it felt for you on your wedding day.

For more tips and tricks, check out my Resources Page on my website.