Hi-Def Videography

Should my wedding be Professionally videotaped?

How important is it to remember your wedding day? What would it be like to view a videotape of your parent's, or even your grandparent's wedding? One of the biggest regrets couples have after their wedding day is over is the decision not to have a professionally produced video made. When the cake has been eaten and the music has faded and the day is done... the only thing that will remain of your wondrous occasion... is your wedding video. Photographs are essential and do have a place in your wedding plans, but they're only two dimensional. You can't hear your vows, see the tears flowing, or feel the emotions of the day. No other medium preserves the "moment" like video. Memories fade with time, but your video will last a lifetime.

Why a professional, when my friend can videotape for free?

Videos that are shot by friends or relatives end up falling woefully short for a number of reasons. Poor audio, inadequate planning and coordination, use of only one camera, shaky or out-of-focus images, and the inability to properly edit all the "wonderful" footage together. There is no substitute for a professional videographer who will show-up prepared to make magic. We will bring the right knowledge and equipment to get the job done. We will have proper respect for the rules of your ceremony, and we will be focused on creating a work of art that you'll enjoy watching for the rest of your life.

How should we select a videographer that's right for us?

If you are at all tempted to choose a videographer based solely on the lowest price or the best deal financially, ask yourself this... if the video turned out poorly, would you write a letter of recommendation saying "The video was poor but your price was great." There is no substitute for QUALITY. Technology aside, it's very important that you feel comfortable with the video service you choose, and with the videographer.

Will the videography be obtrusive?

It is a common misconception that professional wedding videography is obtrusive. Gone are the days of bulky cameras that needed banks of lights to produce useable images. We use only state-of-the-art professional cameras that produce truly breathtaking images - in less than ideal lighting situations. You'll probably notice that photography has considerably more impact on the nature and flow of your wedding day than video. With video, there is no need to use a flash... no posing and there are no demands that you "smile" all the time.

What style of coverage do you provide?

Most "average" videographers will offer the usual FULL pre-ceremony, ceremony and reception coverage. The length of such a final edited video can be as much as two or even three hours. We offer highly innovative and creative options to our clients. They're the "biography" and "documentary" style of video. We recreate the emotion of your "once-in-a-lifetime" wedding into a watchable and enjoyable video. We rely on classic, old-school techniques that permit a "true reflection" of the wedding day... while still allowing the video to be watched by friends and relatives alike. We also produce personal-portraits that allow a more intimate approach in the making of your wedding movie. We "interview" you before and after the wedding day. You'll be able to talk not only about each other and how you met, but what you remember from the wedding day itself, and even what your hopes are for the future. After all, don't you want your future generations to know about mom and dad's wedding day, and all the emotion of the moments that photographs can't recreate?

Do you attend the rehearsal?

Absolutely, YES! The rehearsal is a very important time for us. It allows us to check where our cameras can be positioned for the optimum coverage during your ceremony. We can also find out exactly what will be happening during your ceremony and if there will be any limitations that will restrict our coverage. It's also a great opportunity to meet with your family and friends, and for them to meet us. Together we can quickly go over any last minute details that have not been previously discussed.

Should I provide a meal for the video crew?

Providing a meal for your videographer is a good gesture that actually can end up benefiting you, because it keeps the crew on-site and refreshed. Wedding videography is a physically demanding job... and the workday can often start early, and last well into the night.

A recent national survey of brides revealed the value of professional videography. After the wedding, 94% of the brides using a professional videographer said they consider professional videography a Top 10 service. As brides look back at their wedding, the survey showed that almost 80% of all brides agree that future brides should at least consider using a professional to videotape their wedding day. Those feelings are even more pronounced among the brides who utilized the services of professional videographers, 95% of whom think future brides should consider using a professional videographer. (Breakthrough Marketing, Inc. - Des Moines, IA)

A professional wedding video production is definitely not a profession for the amateurish "weekend entrepreneur" - someone who's got a home video camera, and wants to make some extra money. A high-end, quality-minded, wedding video professional like HDV has made a total commitment to our craft and to serving you. Although a professionally produced wedding video will definitely cost more than a well intentioned, but woefully under equipped "Uncle Bob"..., keep the following in mind: How you remember your wedding day will depend, to a large extent, on your choice of a wedding videographer.

A wedding video is the one service you will purchase that will provide you with your most lasting and cherished memories. Your wedding video will not only refresh your memory with the passing of time, it will also allow you to introduce your children to a wonderful segment of your family's history, for many generations to come.