Wedding Guide
Everything you need to know about creating a timeless film of your most cherished day
Dear couple...
Congratulations on your recent engagement! You and your partner have are about to write an incredible new chapter in the book of YOU. You may be planning an extravagant celebration with all your friends and family, or perhaps a more intimate event with those who are dearest. However you wish to celebrate the incredible step that you both will take in your lives, the most important part (yes, more important than the cake) is that you have all the wonderful moments and memories to remember for the rest of your lives.
That is where we can help. Telling your great story through film is our passion. When you partner with Reflect Creative Media, you are not simply a customer - you become part of the team. From the song choices to picking specific moments to capture, we invite you to be involved in the creative process as much (or as little) as you'd like. In the end, we will craft a film that not only captures one of the important days of your life, but one that reflects your love, your passion, and your style.
If you are planning a wedding (and we will presume that you are, since you are hiring us to film it), we have no doubt that you are extremely busy with all that comes with it. We have created this guide to help decipher the myriad of decisions and technicals that you may need to navigate, in order to focus on the parts that you care the most. We hope this will not only save you time, but help you better understand the kind of wedding film that best reflects you.
A little bit about me (and how I ended up as your videographer)
I filmed my first wedding at the age of 15. A family friend gave me $50 and a camcorder to get some important moments on video. Without much guidance or experience to go off of (my very first wedding, even as a guest), I pressed record. From that moment on, I was hooked. I loved being able to capture those "you had to be there" moments and bring them to life. With each film, each unforgettable moment captured, I continued to push my abilities. I am never one to settle for "good enough", because your wedding deserves the fullest range of my abilities, attention, and passion channeled into the very best film that I am able to craft.
In 2020, I decided to formalize my passion into a business. And thus, Reflect Creative Media was born. I wanted to share my talents with the world beyond my friends and family. I've met so many amazing people and learned from so many talented individuals in my journey. Most importantly, I am so excited to be a part of YOUR journey, and the most amazing day that you will remember for all the years to come.
What to expect from us
Expectations are important, as is effective communication to ensure that we're all on the same page. I will explain my timelines and process in greater detail in the sections ahead. Before the big day, I will invite you to provide inputs where critical to determine the style that you want your film to reflect. You are invited to provide me with as many inputs as you'd like, which is an important part of the collaborative culture of Reflect, and will ultimately contribute to the final product.
On the big day, we will stick to the plan that we've worked out together. We will capture all the moments that are important to you (as long as we know which ones are especially important!). We will work seamlessly alongside the rest of your vendor team, so that you can focus on enjoying your wedding day!
During the editing process, we will be sure to keep you current on any additional input or feedback we need you to provide, as well as any potential delays in the delivery of your film. As much as we love surprises, we believe that transparency and awareness is the best policy.
By trusting Reflect Creative Media with your wedding cinematography, you can expect professionalism every step of the way, and the very best of our skills reflected in our work.
Your style, on film
We chose the name of our business because we believe our work should reflect ourselves as well as our clients.
Narrative
The narrative style is our most popular style. It will be primarily driven by spoken word captured throughout the day - whether it is from letters that you will read from each other, vows that you will declare in the ceremony, or speeches from friends and family during the reception.
We will select the parts that drive the story the best, and complement with scenes from the day.
Musical
The musical style is ideal for couples who prefer a more "music video" feel of their wedding day. This style is primarily driven by the song selection and will determine the flow and pacing of the film.
Some narrative selections may be used, but will be minimal if at all. The focus is emphasized on the visuals and music.
Music and Flow
Your musical selections/preferences is the other third of the equation, and will complement the choice of style from the previous section. Depending on your package, you will have one or two track selections available.
Modern/Stylistic
These may involve more electronic, r&b, or any genre that you prefer. For the musical style of film, this track style will have the most significant impact on the tone and pacing. Fast-paced tracks may use quicker cuts and creative transitions in the style of a music video.
Romantic
These may involve more strings, orchestral elements, or even a more folk/indie genre. In contrast to the Modern/Stylistic track style, this will focus on songs that highlight romantic/sentimental moods, and may be slower in pace. This style is perfect for couples who prefer to remember the day as beautiful and dreamy. This works especially well with the narrative style, where it may allow the greatest amount of focus on the narrative elements and not compete for attention.
Countdown to the big day
A glimpse of the timeline and all the steps in our process
Initial inquiry and consultation
You've found our home on the world wide web! We will reach out within a business day to discuss your needs and recommend a tailored package. Once your retainer fee is paid, you have officially booked us to film your big day!
Reading this Wedding Guide
This guide was created to give you as many details about who we are and how we work. Please review each section carefully, and let us know if you have any questions or feedback!
The Walkthrough
A very important step where your vendor team, wedding coordinator, and you go through timelines and walk through the venue. While not required, it's very helpful to include your photography and videography teams.
Final planning call
About one month out from the big day, we will schedule a final planning call to go over your finalized timeline and any inputs you may have. This ensures we are on the same page about all the details.
The Wedding Day
The day is finally here! When we finally get to this point, please remember to take a breath, and be fully present (spiritually, mentally, and physically) in one of the most memorable and significant experiences of both of your lives. You have planned all that you can plan, and have entrusted the very best of professionals to carry out the rest of the show. The following sections will outline what to expect at each scene of your wedding day. Please note that not all details may apply to your own wedding, but our goal is to give you a sense of what you can expect from our team on the day.
Before the Ceremony
Arrival
We will plan to be on-site roughly one hour prior to the arrival of your photography team. During this time, we will set up our gear, and (if applicable) fly our drone for some establishing shots of the wedding venue. We will also tour the grounds, and capture some more establishing shots.
Getting Ready
The day begins with you getting ready. We typically film a few scenes before getting into the dress or tuxedo. These scenes may involve makeup and hair for the ladies or the gentlemen hanging out. We will typically coordinate with the photography team to capture similar poses, along with some candid shots. We will also film details such as the dress, invitations, and any keepsakes that you may have. Please let us know if you and your partner will not be getting ready at the same area (i.e. across town).
Letter Reading
You may be planning to write letters to each other, or exchanging private vows separately from the ceremony. This is a magical and beautiful moment that would be a very special addition to your wedding film to add a very personal touch. You may choose to read your letter to your bridesmaids/groomsmen, or in a quiet spot where you can be more at ease. Be sure to read your letter or vows as if you are speaking to your partner, and don't be afraid to get emotional! We want to capture the day as genuinely as possible, and all the emotions that come with it. For our brides, we recommend setting aside some time after your makeup is done, before you put on your dress, to record this portion. We also recommend that you ask your makeup team to stand by, just in case you need a touch up afterwards!
First Look
While it is certainly not required, a first look can be a great idea to consider for your wedding day. This is a special, intimate moment that you will share with your best friend before things get too hectic. It also may help with the jitters and anxiety leading up to the ceremony, and a reminder that this day is about the both of you.
Letter Reading Example
First Look Example
Portraits
After the first look, the videography and photography team will begin the bridal portrait session (and family/wedding party portraits, depending on your desired timeline). Following the portrait session, we recommend that you reserve at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony to allow your teams to set up.
The Ceremony
The moment you've been waiting for. We will capture every precious moment - from the processional to your vows, the rings, first kiss, and your joyful exit as newlyweds.
Ceremony Highlight
Ceremonies in Religious Venues
Please ensure that the officiant is aware that you will have videography/photography teams operating during the ceremony, and let us know if they have any specific rules and restrictions. We are experienced in most religious ceremonies, but we will still need a review of the ceremony timeline to ensure that we plan for your specific program.
After the Ceremony
Congratulations! You are now officially married, and now it is time to party! Before we toast and dance the night away, we will capture some beautiful portraits.
Family Portraits
The photography team will coordinate the family portraits. We normally only capture family portrait shots if timelines allow. Please let us know if capturing the portrait session for your wedding film (in whole or in part) is important to you and we will certainly plan for it!
Party Portraits
This session will involve you and your entire wedding party. We will work alongside the photography team for a mix of formal and fun poses on the grounds of the venue. Typically, we follow the photographer's lead on poses for the session, while also adding some of our own favorite poses into the mix. We encourage you and your wedding party to let loose, and have fun in the session!
Bridal Portraits
The final session will be reserved for the newlywed couple. Similar to the party portrait session, we will be working alongside your photography team to capture gorgeous shots of you both. As always, have fun with it!
The Reception
Now that the hard part is over, it is time to celebrate! As we have mentioned earlier, the following sections may not reflect your own plans. Our goal is to give you a sense of what you can expect from our team, as well as giving you some ideas to consider. Following the portrait sessions, please allow the team at least 20 minutes to set up prior to the bridal party entrance into the reception.
The Entrance
Kick off the party in style! Whether you prefer a simple entrance, or an emphatic arrival, don't be afraid to get creative (and perhaps a little silly)!
First Dances
Your first dance as a married couple, and special dances with family members - beautiful moments we'll capture elegantly. This is often one of the most emotional and memorable parts of the reception.
Speeches
We will work with your DJ or band to tap into their audio source to capture the audio of the toasts, with a backup microphone recording from our cameras. We recommend that those giving a toast be positioned in the middle of the dance floor, or as recommended by your venue coordinator. We will also advise them not to move around too much as too much camera movement may be distracting. Depending on the available lighting, we may set up additional lighting.
Cake Cutting
Now it's time for cake! Your wedding/venue coordinator may take the lead on this, but it's pretty straightforward - you will cut a small slice of the cake together, and may feed each other a small piece (or a larger one, it's your wedding!). We recommend facing your photography/videography team during this scene, as we will usually be bunched close together to capture the moment.
Sunset Portraits
You may be familiar with the famous Golden Hour, so we absolutely recommend taking advantage of it on your wedding day! Your photography/videography team will whisk you away from the party briefly (depending on season and weather) to capture some gorgeous shots of the two of you basking in the sunset. We'll warn you in advance: we may get extremely excited during this session.
Grand Exit or Last Dance
To end the fantastic day on a strong note, we recommend either a grand exit (sparklers, glow sticks, cellphone flashlights), or a last dance reserved for the newlywed couple. We would ideally use this moment as the final scene in your wedding film. Please let us know if you are planning to include a grand finale to wrap your wedding day!
Delivery of your Wedding Film
Expectations
Backlog
In the busy season (typically from June through October), our project backlog may prevent us from starting the editing process immediately. We are a very small operation, and work hard to minimize any potential delays. We will do our best to accurately estimate the delivery time, as well as communicate any delays that may arise.
Quality
Above all else, we will not compromise the quality of your film for a faster delivery. Wedding films are highly creative projects, which are also precious memories that you will relive for years to come. We give each project the effort, attention, and passion that they deserve.
Delivery
When it is ready, we will upload your wedding film to our Vimeo channel, where you will be able to stream and download your wedding film. The initial delivery will be a preview, which is fully produced and "final cut" quality, but available only via a private link that will only be shared with you. Once we receive your final approval, we will set the link to public. All extra options purchased will be shared via Google Drive. Please be sure to back up all deliverables.
Edits and requests
If you wish to request changes after viewing the initial delivery, you may do so in a single round free of charge. While we will consider all requests, please understand that we may not be able to accommodate all requests due to factors that may be out of our control or out of reasonable limits.
The Engagement Film
An exciting complement to your wedding film, focusing more on the story of your relationship
The Engagement Film is an exciting complement to your wedding film, where we can focus more on the story of your relationship, and at a more casual pace than what you may expect on your wedding day. This can also serve as a really exciting teaser for your wedding day!
Narrative Style
Perfect for couples who want to tell their story in a narrative style. This film will have a target runtime of 5-7 minutes, and will include an interview component.
We will provide the interview questions in advance so that you will have time to consider your responses. This option includes up to 5 hours of filming.
Musical Style
Perfect for couples who prefer a simpler film that's more musically-driven. The target runtime is between 3-5 minutes with no interview component.
Similar to the Musical style of wedding film, the focus is on visuals and music. This option includes up to 3 hours of filming.
What to wear
Your choice of outfits will vary depending on the season. Similar style to your engagement photoshoot is ideal. We currently have no limit on outfit changes, but recommend no more than 2 for Gold, and 1 for Silver.
Where to film
We recommend choosing locations local to you that are sentimental and significant to your story. Please provide a ranked list of up to 5 preferred locations, and we will plan the shoot accordingly.
More From Our Portfolio
Every wedding tells a unique story. Here are a few more examples from our collection.
Destination Wedding
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
City Wedding
Chicago, Illinois
Vineyard Wedding
Culpeper, Virginia
Garden Wedding
Washington, DC
Ready to begin your journey?
We can't wait to be part of your special day and craft a film that reflects your unique love story.
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