Analyzing in a very generic way some situations of a typical wedding, such as the spouses preparation, the party, ceremony, etc, I'll give you some advice and tricks to overcome everything without anxiety ... more or less.
But let's start with a small premise: the details.
They are as important to me as to you. Let me explain better: a nice bouquet, a pretty but impactful tableau, locations full of details, same thing for ceremony and venue, special situations such as chinese lanterns, balls floating in the pool,fireworks, sparks; THE more THAT you work in the preparation of every single detail, THE better your video will come out because it will be full of details.
Take your time to organize everything. Months or years it doesn't matter, do it. It will be worth it.
I don't VIDEO them all continuously, so don't worry about being shot with dark circles around the eyes or with the mark of the pillow on your face, it won't happen. Even if I had to film something, it doesn't necessarily mean I put it in the video. What I'm looking for at that moment, as well as the details are the natural situations, the air full of tension before the party.
Each place you choose for the preparations will have something to tell, but in front of the FINAL goal, one place will be worth more than another. Personally I prefer an illuminated place with natural light and not too small and closed. REMEMBER that you don't necessarily have to prepare yourself in a small room on your own. You can prepare yourself with anyone, with parents or with witnesses (mom,sisters,bridesmaid, with your pets).
As far as I'm concerned, the more spontaneous interactions there are, the better. In classic weddings I usually use the first moments to pick up the details that most impress me, WHILST in elopements or single location events I give a lot of emphasis to establishing A BASIS TO THE VIDEO-shoot, to enhance and tell the place where everything will take place.
The first absolute indication that I will give you as soon as we meet (and THAT MEETING will last all OF THE day) is to never look into the lens unless I ask you to; THAT applies throughout the day. I understand that the camera is curious, but it will be a silent guest.
Let me move as I see fit without giving me too much importance, do not be afraid to speak among yourselves and do not be afraid to pass in front of me unless I expressly ask NOT to do it.
Traditionally, at least here, the spouses meet in front of the church or in front of the arch or at the end of the nave or in front of the bride's house, but in all these variations there is one thing in common: friends and relatives to act as spectators. But I am not a lover of traditions and when I find spouses who think like me then there is fun. Why not do the First Look, in a more intimate way, with only the newlyweds who find themselves suddenly, one in front of the other? Maybe without an audience? almost? I've already done it and the result is excellent. What do you need to do it? The right spouses and the right location.
The microphones will all be ready, so wait for me to give you the ok to enter the church or to walk the nave that will take you under the arch (if there is one) or whatever you have chosen, it doesn't matter. We must already have HAD everything well organized for some time: in this case nothing is improvised! Does the bride want to walk down the aisle while the groom waits for her at the altar? Let me know first and get organized with the times; I will be the one to start you. Don't anticipate me and don't get in a hurry or what has been planned could go down in a few seconds. Remember that this is a key moment for videos and photos, so listen only to THE professionals. Know that you can make things more or less simple depending on what type of ceremony you are going to choose. Civil ceremonies are a dead end, the shape is that and you can't escape from them. That religious same thing, compared to the choice of a religious wedding but they are always the same or almost all, depends on the type of celebrant. If you have the opportunity to choose it, know that the best are the playful ones, easygoing and that obviously respect the work of others. Personally, the form of ritual I prefer is the informal or secular one, where there is room for speeches and more involvement, making the function of marriage a totally personal situation.
If there are, it is better. It can be done at any time. Spouses, witnesses, parents, friends, anyone can speak. I love weddings with speeches. I have more stress and more material to work on, but it is a key moment that exponentially differentiates ONE wedding from ANY other. Let me know your intentions in time, so that I can organize the registration in the best way and can give you some Advice.
As always, keep me informed of everything planned so as not to leave anything to chance. During the reception I make targeted shots according to the moments. It is forbidden to take SNAPS OF people who ARE EATING, artistically speaking, AND it is not very elegant. During lunch or dinner I prefer to have a direct line of sight with the spouses, so as not to miss any moment. Make sure the venue is well-kept and full of details. Well-lit places do well, if there is so much greenery even better. Give importance to the tableau, it must stand out and not remain anonymous, so place a background alongside it that highlights its characteristics and colors.
Drink, eat and have fun but stay clear-HEADED. Nobody likes to see themselves in their video in underperforming conditions. Cutting the cake is a key moment; let it be placed in a strategic, well-lit place that can be seen from the entire room. The only reliable indications regarding lights and orientation must be from me or from the photographer, nobody else. To each their own work. Beware of rowdy and intrusive guests. They are often a source of trouble for the success of my work, overlapping between you and the video camera with smartphones, cameras and various flashes in the less suitable moments. Organize something magical and unforgettable for your partner. Speeches, fireworks, anything will be fine as long as romantic. Notify me in time though.
It's your wedding, let yourself go and hide the SHYNESS in a drawer, if you do it success will be assured and it will be fantastic material to insert in your wedding video. Open the DANCING with a slow or with a prepared choreography. Dance as you like, but dance and if you are not an expert dancer, dance JUST THE SAME. Let nobody ruin this key moment, but if something goes wrong, rest assured, I always have plan B. Outdoor shooting, where it will be just you and me (and the photographer) will take some time. We organize something as close as possible to the location so as not to leave the guests too LONG alone. Here too, programming will be essential. It will be a peaceful time for you, so relax. For me instead they will be very important shots and that will immortalize you in a calmer and more artistic context. whatever the location will be, I will not ask you anything other than being yourself. If you want to change clothes, do it, why not, I like it, but don't mix with the guests. Here the goal is to go wild with friends and with your partner. Break all the traditions you want, be original and spontaneous, create your event yourself, make wise choices and choose a very specific mood for your wedding. Do not be influenced by anything or anyone, it is your wedding not that of others. In addition to relatives, surround yourself also with friends who know how to have fun in your own way, laugh and joke, dare and choose serious professionals who guarantee their work, who know how to make your day a wonderful memory and who are EQUAL IN VALUE TO the value of your OWN self. event. (10/10 TO THE wedding, 10/10 TO THE professionalS)
