Trend Watch: Contemporary Wedding Videos

The wedding video is somewhat of a cultural joke: a spectacle of guests sharing inappropriate stories or awkward testimonials about what makes for a happy marriage.

“That is so 1980s,” says Julie Hedrick, co-founder of Blue Skies HD Video & Film Productions. “The couple thinks it's going to be cute, but then they hate it.”

Today, companies like Blue Skies are delivering incredible, professional videos that let the moments tell the couple's story instead of the guests.

Real storytelling

Documentary-style filming is a fan favorite. The day is filmed in chronological order and features real, behind-the-scenes moments so the couple has a comprehensive story to share. Many videographers will subtly incorporate emotional cinematic effects as well to underscore the romantic nature of the day.

Nailing this approach takes a lot of legwork before the wedding. To make sure staff have enough time to prepare, Blue Skies books about 12 to 18 months in advance.

During this time, the Blue Skies team talks to the couple about what is important to them, discusses the day's proceedings with the other vendors and decides how best to shoot; for example, where to place multiple cameras or mics if needed.

Wedding trailers

In a digital age where shareable content is table stakes, many videographers are offering packages that include a highlight reel of the long-form video's best moments. These brief trailers are perfect for social sharing.

The trailer's abbreviated nature also allows the filmmakers to get creative with how the footage is edited together. Maybe you'd like a more traditional documentary style for your full-length video and a purely cinematic approach to your trailer. Having both can keep the options open and fun.

Personal moments

Candice and Drew Rios Wenmoth almost didn't hire a videographer for their May 28, 2016, wedding. But a well-done wedding video on Pinterest changed Candice's mind.

It turned out to be one of the best decisions, she says, because the videographers at Martin Digital, which also did the couple's photography, had a knack for capturing the little things.

“There is a moment where Drew and I were ... reenacting a picture we did for our engagement shoot,” Candice says. “[The photographer] had us look at each other. The videographer slowed the moment down so you can really see our eyes meeting. It's such a simple moment, but the slow-mo really makes it special.”

The Rios Wenmoth video incorporates music and important audio from the day, like the couple's vows. A balance of real time, slow motion and stills help emphasize key moments.

“Video allows you to remember those details of your wedding: the small looks, smiles, laughs,” Candice says. “Having our wedding documented in this way will last a lifetime.”