By Phil Cowen, Wholly Cowen Cinematography
So you are in the midst of planning your wedding and you are going through the checklist…venue, gown, caterer…when you come across the topic of video. Some couples know from the beginning that they want a video, others wait until the last minute and still others ask, ‘Why would I ever need a video? After all, we have a photographer right?’ Why then do you need a video?
The answer lies in the fact that video has an inherently different affect on couples than any other medium available. Photos are great and are definitely recommended, but there is something to be said about how a video camera, while in the hands of a professional, captures the emotion of your day…the day.
A bride said that when she and her 6 foot 3 inch tall, 240 pound husband watched their video together, he cried recalling all the memories and emotions of seeing his new wife come down the aisle. Another bride watched her video again after her father passed away, and said that the Father Daughter dance was the way she wanted to remember him. Video, well done, has the power to capture these memories unlike anything else.
Perhaps reliving these moments through video is starting to appeal to you. But, how do you decide who to hire? If you are like a lot of brides, you think of someone in your family who owns a video camera. Unless your family member is a professional, this is definitely not advisable. Besides, wouldn’t you want your family member to enjoy your day with you, instead of worrying about manning a camera?
The latest trend is to hire a production company that focuses on weddings and has a portfolio of actual weddings they have done. This way you can see their finished work and decide if their visual style is right for you and your spouse. This option generally ranges in price from around $1500 to $5500, and produces the highest quality video to highlight your day.
Wherever you are in the planning stage, consider hiring a professional to help capture your day. It can make all the difference.