The Value of Video

Often times, videography for a wedding is considered a luxury, a "nice to have, if the budget permits..."  True, professional services such as videography for a wedding can cost a pretty penny, but far too often have I coordinated weddings where I thought to myself, "I wish this couple had chosen to document their wedding with video; that speech (performance, dance, moment, etc.) was so brilliant, it warrants reliving over and over again!"

Emcee, Gregg Hammer, getting "verklempt."

Often, in debriefings with couples following their wedding, I ask if they wish they had done anything differently.  For those who had opted for a professional videographer, I have never heard any regrets.  For those who had not, couples often remark after the wedding that they are glad that they had a friend or family member capture things on video for them, and many times, couples do express a bit of remorse at not having gotten videography.  For those with exceptional videographers, some couples have even said that they watch their wedding video highlights on a daily basis!

The point is, I would hate for any couple to regret not having video documentation of their special day.  It is the quiver in the sound of one's voice when exchanging vows, or the funny anecdotes shared in speeches, or the choreographed first dance, which can only be revisited in memory and in video.  It is also the best way to share these memories with those who could not be there, including future generations.  (I wish I could view video of my parents' or even grandparents' wedding!)  If financially, hiring a professional videographer is not an option, ask friends or family to help document these precious moments with their personal recording devices.  If unhappy with the footage, there is always the "delete" button, but you can never go back after the fact and record what had happened.  Hope this serves as great food for thought if preparing for a wedding or special event.

A family member helps to record all the festivities during the wedding reception.

Happy Planning!

Mahalo to L'Amour Photography for the beautiful photos!