When originally planning our wedding, I had decided to not hire a videographer until i received some sage advice from a recent bride... and then when I saw my neighbors kids watching their parents' wedding DVD in the backseat of their mini van ...one day. Yes, that happened.
So, as a bride who was engaged for six months, I have to tell you that if you wait too long to get to this decision on a videographer --- you're going to run into a lot of obstacles. First, videographers are expensive --- some more expensive than a photographer. The living masterpieces they create? They're worth it. However, I did luck out with Sarah and Scott (I was married in May 2015) as their pricing was much more in line with what I could afford. That being said --- after I saw the final product, I would pay more, and I secretly hope they charge more, because they deserve to charge more.
Moving on --- I am someone who is very uncomfortable in front of a camera. I am hyper-aware of myself and my actions, and I often put too much pressure on myself to be as perfect as possible. I originally had fears of appearing "forced" on camera; however, Sarah and Scott have such a casual, non-invasive approach to capturing footage that I honestly never knew they were filming when they were. It was not until the 8 minute trailer was released that I had a clue that my casual chatting with them in the main room was being captured for the film. It was very sincere, and it was great to have someone approach the project in that manner. It's also important for me to say that I truly believe that these two people could make friends with anyone. They're very likeable, talkative, and in-tune with their brides, and even better --- they got along with our photographers splendidly (sometimes you may read/hear stories about these two vendors clashing --- specifically when going in for a specific "in-the-moment" shot, you know?).
Let's talk about the finished product. I got our 8 minute trailer around 6 weeks after the wedding, and it literally MADE MY DAY. As soon as I shared the video to Facebook, I had all of my soon-to-be bride friends trying to find out more information about them. Secretly, I wanted to keep them as my own personal secret, but they're so deserving of any business opportunity that I always told my friends how to find them.
The 8 minute trailer was such a beautiful production --- like a movie. The voice-overs they selected were absolute perfection. Some of the shots they got were so... perfect. It kind of seemed like it was filmed with a drone at some points, but there are 100% --- zero drones. :) They're just that good, okay?
Around 3-4 weeks after receiving the trailer, we received the DVDs with full footage of the ceremony and reception. The DVDs are not overly-produced like the trailer; however, you're going to appreciate this detail. You're never going to remember anything about your wedding, and when you have this DVD of the ceremony and reception --- it will be as if every detail was captured --- as it happened. No filter, no production... just your memory --- as it was, as it was captured.
If you're on the fence of hiring a videographer, please hear my plea to get one. It was the best part of my wedding... so much that I think I'm going to go watch my video right now!