the big day
our method
All wedding events are covered by two cinematographers. We cover both the bride and groom’s preparations.
Preparations
The cinematographers arrive at the preparation sites approximately 3 hours prior to the ceremony according to schedule previously agreed upon, with the couple as well as the wedding planner.
The coverage starts with short interviews of the couple as well as short testimonials from the immediate family and friends.
After that we film the details of the wedding preparation sites, as well as still life shots [rings, invites, jewlery etc]. And then we capture all the beautiful, intimate and fun moments that make up a bridal preparation.
We ideally like our brides to be ready from hair and makeup at least 1,5 hours before their prefered departure time, so as to have ample time to film portraits and beauty shots.
tWhen the bride and groom have put on their wedding clothes we mic them up to have the best possible sound during the ceremony ant the speeches up until the time of their first dance.
Ceremony
The cinematographer covering the groom's preparations arrives first at the ceremony venue. There he captures footage of the decorations, the guests and the groom-to-be.
The second shooter gets to the venue just before the bride arrives. The arrival of the bride is covered with two cameras (or one camera and a drone). The ceremony is covered with three cameras (two cinematographers and one fixed camera). One cinematographer focuses mainly on the couple, while the other captures peripheral shots [details, guests and special angles]
When the ceremony takes place indoors, lighting is provided with led panels, which do not emit heat. When the ceremony takes place outdoors, and there is natural light, no artificial lighting is used.
After the Ceremony
After the ceremony and group photos, and before entering the reception area, a short shooting session takes place with staged shots of the newlyweds.
That is also the best time to film some fun wedding trends with the couple and their friends. The duration of this session varies and depends on the wedding schedule and the existence of natural light.
Reception Entrance
As with the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds' entrance at the reception venue is filmed with three cameras.
Depending on the venue’s lighting, extra light sources might be used.
If there are speeches, they are covered by two cameras, one aiming at the person making the speech and the other capturing reaction shots, mainly of the couple. For the best audio coverage, in addition to our mics, we try to tap-in to the sound engineer's console to get an additional audio source.
Happennings such as fireworks, flash dance mobs, etc should be made known the cinematographers in advance, so that the coverage will be as full as possible
Party Time
After the newlyweds’ entrance at the reception venue, and after the speeches, dinner is usually served (or the buffet opens).
Cinematography and photography teams usually share a table.
After some time, the couple usually gets up and does the rounds at the guest tables to greet their guests.
After that, the dancefloor opens. One cinematographers periodically films on the dancefloor while a fixed camera records continuously.
If the cinematographers are enticed to join in the party, they might indulge!