There are some moments in life you'll never forget: a best friend's toast that brought everyone to tears, a father's proud steps as he walked his daughter down the aisle, or the look in a husband's eyes as he promised to love, honor and cherish his new bride.
But most couples will tell you that their wedding day passed by in a blur. Wisconsin brides and grooms who want to remember and savor this incredible event know their best ally can be an experienced wedding videographer.
"Videography truly provides a dynamic memory that photography could not convey," says Lisa Henry Slama, an Appleton native and newlywed. "Our video really captures the sheer emotion of our wedding day."
NEWEST TREND
Philip Hinkle of Frogman Productions, the videographer Slama worked with, estimates that 25 to 30 percent of couples have videographers on their wedding day.
Marv Turner of Yellow Dog Productions in Madison adds that videography is rapidly becoming a staple in weddings. "There's no better bargain, either. It's the only element that brings sights and sounds together."
And that's the draw for countless couples. They can relive what happened on their wedding day, and chances are they'll see and hear what they missed, too. As she watched her video for the first time, Slama teared up as she saw her mom buttoning her dress, and her husband witnessed that special moment for the first time.
As more and more brides and grooms opt for videography, it's important to book in advance. But first, you've got to shop around.
LOOK & LISTEN
Stephanie Sauer, a Sun Prairie resident and recent bride, says it best: "Word of mouth in the wedding industry means everything." To start out, ask friends and family if they used videographers at their recent weddings. But don't just take their words at face value”watch their videos, too.
Make sure to check out bridal shows in your area; most videographers will have ads listed in the book. Many Google-savvy brides find their videographers through their Web sites, too. Some videographers will have testimonials and samples on their Web sites as well as details about packages and price. But even as videography becomes increasingly popular, savvy couples know that one size doesn't fit all.
IT'S ALL ABOUT STYLE
Each videographer has their own look, style and feel to their work. For that reason, it's crucial to see as many demos, preferably full-length ones, as possible. As you watch videographers' sample work, take note of what appeals to you. Is it the engaging movie trailer at the beginning or the candid anecdotes from the wedding party? Do special effects, such as having parts in black and white or set to music, capture your attention?
Once you know what you like as well as what you don't, you will be able to choose a videographer whose style matches your tastes.
Hinkle says that Frogman Productions takes an artistic and cinematic approach that "gives you the feeling of a film."
Other videographers, such as Turner with Yellow Dog Productions, have a more documentary style. As a part of a Davey, Emmy and two-time Telly award-winning production company, Turner brings his broad expertise in the field and applies it to weddings. When Turner films a couple's nuptials, he tries to be like a fly on a wall. "That way, you get a true representation of everything," he explains.
And that's something that Carol Hunter knows all about. As a former news producer, Carol works with her husband, Jason, a photojournalist, at their company, Hunter Productions, in Oconomowoc. Carol knows that brides and grooms view their video as the key way to remember their wedding day. "Our work is simple and clean. We know that there are some moments you just can't capture in a still photo, and we want to be there to preserve those memories," Carol says.
PRETTY PACKAGES
Once you've found a style that you like, it's time to think about packages, prices and options. In Wisconsin, full coverage from an experienced videographer can start between $1,200 and $1,500. For couples who choose options such as rehearsal dinner coverage, a photo montage with still pictures set to music, dance videos or quick turnaround times, the price can more than double.
Brian Sauer, Stephanie's husband, loved the photo montage that their videographer, Audio Video Enterprises, provided at their reception. For Lisa Henry Slama, the same-day edit was invaluable.
Both couples were initially hesitant to spend money on a videographer, but their parents insisted on it. Looking back, Slama says, "I didn't realize the value of it. And honestly, now I wish I would have chosen more features."
But Slama says she's grateful to have a beautifully edited film of her wedding day. And in the end, videography is one of the best ways to ensure that once-in-a-lifetime memories never fade away.