Wedding Videos.. the inside scoop!

Contributed by: Videography Expert, Walter Pawluk, Walter Pawluk Production

Over the past 5 years of filming weddings I’ve come to realize something.. Video is usually last on the bride and groom's list of ‘must-have’s’ and that’s due mostly to peoples misunderstanding of what a video can be.

Everyone and their mom owns a video camera, so to pay someone to officially shoot a video camera seems unnecessary, if one is hired, the cheapest videographer possible is sought after just so that you can ‘have something’ to look at later. We all have seen that video..
bad sound.. hand held..really long. Over time, that is what we all think of when we hear ‘wedding video.’

That’s unfortunate because there is a whole other side to wedding videos that few know about - they’re fun!

There is so much to capture on the day of, that photography simply can’t do. From the energy in the bridal suite of everyone getting ready, to the groomsmen relaxing or goofing off in their own room. I like asking the the bride and groom a few questions on camera
(seperately) before the day begins and seeing where their mind is at (which is completely forgotten by days end!). Seeing the bride just moments after her dress go on, and how mom reacts to it, how her friends react to it is priceless. It’s the moment that all of the planning stops and you officially become a bride.

Arriving at the wedding location and seeing each other for the first time is so powerful, then watching all of your friends and family arrive and greet each other, some who haven’t seen each other in years.. Your guests are a big part of your wedding day/wedding video and I go out of my way to stay very low profile to avoid awkward footage of guests waving at the camera because they know they’re being filmed. Soon, everyone is seated as the ceremony is about to begin.
The music starts to play...

The ceremony is beautiful and the rings are exchanged, vows are made, the beginning of a new life together starts during the ceremony. See the candle lit, see mom and dad in the front row, see one of the groomsmen faint... beautiful moments to relive forever.

After the ceremony the celebration begins, there is a realization in the air that - ‘we’re husband and wife!’ photos are taken and the cocktail hour begins. At some point the bride and groom join their guests and feel like celebrities for awhile as they catch up with their friends.

The reception hall is tricked out with flowers and lights and complete table settings that you spent plenty of time deciding on.. Take a look at this amazing decor for a few minutes before the DJ or band ushers in the crowd. See the ‘ooohs & ahhhs’ on people’s faces as they see this breath taking sight for the first time... Nice job!

The bride and groom enter and the crowd erupts as they have their first dance together.

Relive the speeches made by your maid of honor and best man at the reception as dinner is being served.

Then head into the night as the dance floor fills up, your favorite music is played and people are dancing and drinking and laughing. A few people wish you farewell as the night slows down for a bit, you cut your cake, you have a drink and head off to the limo with a honeymoon on your mind.

It’s a really cool story that I’ve captured so many times now having shot over 200 wedding videos. And to combine that footage with music that you love, and the background that I have in film making, creates the perfect time capsule of your wedding day.. it’s living and breathing. it’s not a still image. it’s video!