Disclaimer: Please note that the following suggestions are based solely on my personal experiences. My intention is not to sway your opinion or dictate how your day should unfold, but rather to offer insights to enhance your experience and create the best possible film for you. I believe that for many couples, this day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I aim to provide the best possible advice to make it memorable. Ultimately, the decisions and choices are yours to make.

7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Wedding Film and Photos.

1. Make the details ready.
Prepare your dress by taking it out of the bag and hanging it in a well-lit room, ensuring it's on a nice hanger. This simple step will save a significant amount of time for both the videographer and photographer on the morning of your wedding. Similarly, gather all the important details such as invitations, mass booklets, earrings, shoes, rings, perfume, flowers, and any other items you deem important. You don't need to worry about being creative with their arrangement; leave that to the professionals. Just have everything ready in one spot, and your videographer and photographer will skillfully place them in the best possible locations for stunning shots. This thoughtful preparation not only saves time but also eliminates unnecessary stress and last-minute searches for misplaced items.

Wedding details

2. Write the cards to each other and read them on camera.

A crucial scene that adds richness to your love story, is an exchange of handwritten letters. This emotional moment, filled with anticipation and gratitude, speaks to the hearts. Whether it's a short message expressing longing and thankfulness, this intimate exchange reminds us of the enduring strength of love and connection. It's a scene that anyone can relate to and appreciate in the film.

Wedding Card

3. Consider a first look.
Away from the chaos of the wedding day, the first look offers a precious moment of intimacy, allowing the couple to share quiet moments and exchange words of love. From a wedding videographer’s perspective, it provides an opportunity for creativity. As a modern tradition, the first look symbolizes a departure from convention, prioritizing the couple's emotional connection above superstition or tradition, and creating a unique, personalized experience reflective of their love story. In essence, the first look enriches wedding films with depth, meaning, and beauty, making it an indispensable aspect of any cinematic portrayal of love and commitment. And it also helps you both to calm the nerves before everyone sees you.

First Look

4. Have a multiple photoshoot location` in mind.
After the ceremony, time becomes precious. In winter, daylight fades quickly, while in summer, there's a desire to linger longer at the reception with loved ones. Hence, setting aside time for capturing stunning couple shots is essential. Opting for multiple locations adds variety and charm to the photographs. Consider choosing locations along the route from the ceremony to the reception, or make the most of the reception venue itself if it offers picturesque settings. By planning strategically, you ensure that every moment is maximized for creating timeless memories against beautiful backdrops.

Car Park wedding photoshoot

5. Embrace the weather.
Embracing the weather on your wedding day is crucial for creating authentic and memorable photos and videos. Rain or shine, each weather condition offers its own magic, from the romantic mist of a rainy day to the golden glow of a sunny afternoon. Raindrops glistening on the petals of a flower, or sunlight filtering through the clouds, add depth and texture to photos and videos, creating timeless images that capture the essence of the moment. Ultimately, embracing the weather allows couples to embrace the beauty of imperfection and create a wedding film that is as authentic and beautiful as their love story.

Embrace the weather

6. Consider a golden hour. 
Golden hour, the fleeting period just before sunset, offers unparalleled opportunities for videographers and photographers to capture the essence of a couple's love story. The soft, diffused light during this time creates a warm, romantic atmosphere, enhancing natural beauty. Beyond aesthetics, Golden Hour also fosters a sense of tranquility and intimacy, perfect for capturing candid moments and intimate portraits that reflect the couple's deep connection. It`s not always possible to capture that moment, but if there is an opportunity, embrace it!

Golden Hours wedding video

7. Think out of the box.
As you embark on planning your special day, dare to think beyond convention. Embrace the idea that what's unconventional may indeed be extraordinary. If it hasn't been done before, be the trailblazer! Not only will you delight your guests with unexpected surprises, but your wedding videos and photos will also reflect the uniqueness of your celebration. Consider incorporating elements like an "Imperial March" during the bridal procession, choreographed dances, dazzling fireworks or sparklers, live performers during the meal, or even a grand entrance accompanied by a saxophone player. Every extra touch will elevate your day and leave an indelible mark on your memories.

Fireworks at the wedding, Lough Rynn castle

Conclusion

While it's natural for many to feel the weight of stress, I urge you to keep in mind that imperfections are just part of the journey. Whether it's a misplaced earring or a tiny spot on your pristine white dress, these are fleeting details in the grand tapestry of your wedding day. After all, it's just a dress, and you'll only wear it once! Instead of fretting over minor mishaps, embrace every emotion, from joy to tears, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the magic of the moment. Remember, it's your genuine emotions and experiences that will shape the beauty of your wedding film, so relax, be yourself, and cherish every precious moment. Your day, your way!

have fun at the wedding