The Big Moment: Let’s Talk Ceremony Magic

As Ron Burgundy would say, this part of the day is “kind of a big deal.” In fact, it’s the big deal—the moment you and your partner are about to say "I do!" There's a whole lot of anticipation and excitement leading up to this, and trust me, it’s not just the vows that make it special. It’s your wedding day, and you deserve to enjoy it without worrying about a thing—especially the wedding videography. That’s where I come in.

At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we believe that the focus during your ceremony should be 100% on you, your partner, and the big moment you're about to share. And when we do our job right, we’ll be invisible to you—our cameras rolling and capturing the magic in ways that you’ll only notice when you watch your wedding film later. Sounds like a plan, right? Let's dive in.

The Ceremony Set-Up: Where Magic Meets Strategy

I’ve already chatted about the perks of having two shooters in my post, "Do You Really Need Two Wedding Videographers?"—but when it comes to your ceremony, here’s how we take things to the next level.

With two shooters on the job, we’re able to capture angles and moments that would be impossible with just one person behind the camera. This means we can upgrade from a traditional 2-camera setup to a 3-camera shoot for your ceremony, giving you a variety of shots that are going to make your wedding video stand out. We offer options to upgrade your package to an additional shooter or if you choose to the Deluxe package your day will include 2 videographers for 8 hours!

Here’s how it works:

• One shooter will be positioned up front, capturing the groom’s reaction and the beautiful moments with the wedding party.

• Meanwhile, I’ll be walking partway down the aisle with my gimbal, giving you an amazing, almost point-of-view shot of the aisle walk—perfect for showing the emotions and excitement as you make your way to your partner.

And the best part? After the ceremony, I’ll track the bride and groom as you exit down the aisle. It's a once-in-a-lifetime shot that captures all that raw emotion—joy, relief, and a whole lot of love—right after you're officially married.

Blue Ridge Film Productions is all about making sure your wedding video feels as authentic and cinematic as possible. With two shooters capturing different angles, we create a ceremony video that’s diverse, dynamic, and absolutely unforgettable.

The Post-Ceremony Picture Time: A Perfect Pairing of Photographer & Videographer

After the vows and "I dos," it’s time for the pictures with your photographer—and that’s another chance to shine on camera! In our next segment, we’ll talk about how we work hand-in-hand with your photographer to make sure your photos and video capture all the best moments. We’ll share some tips to help you feel as natural as possible, so you can relax and have fun while we capture the footage that will tell your love story for years to come.

New is 2025 is our video + photo packages! We have teamed up with the talented Sarah Siak Photography! Combined we bring 23 years to the industry. Checkout our packages by clicking here!

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for more wedding video tips and behind-the-scenes magic from Blue Ridge Film Productions.

Until next time—Adios!

The Big Day Begins: What to Expect During Bride & Groom Prep ! - Part 2

Can you feel it? That moment when you wake up and realize—today’s the day. You’re getting married! The excitement, the nervous jitters, and that overwhelming sense of “Is this really happening?!” It’s a feeling words can hardly capture. But while you’re going through the emotional rollercoaster of your big day, what’s happening on my end? Well, right now, I’m probably stuck in a Chick-fil-a drive-thru, trying to snag a chicken, egg & cheese breakfast sandwich while wondering why an entire fleet of cars is suddenly craving breakfast at 7:30 AM on a Saturday. (Spoiler alert: I’m in the same line!) After that, it’s off to the bride or groom’s place to capture those essential moments for your wedding video.

At Blue Ridge Film Productions, our goal is simple: we want to get all the right shots while staying out of your way. That means capturing every key moment without interrupting the chaos of makeup artists, hairstylists, photographers, the wedding party, and family members. I can barely catch my breath just writing that out! So, let’s dive into what bride and groom prep looks like from our perspective:

Lighting: The Secret to Stunning Footage

The first thing I’ll focus on is finding the best light in the room. If the bride or groom is getting ready in a room with harsh fluorescent lighting, I’ll work my magic to find a better light source. This might mean asking you to step closer to a window or turning off overhead lights in favor of natural light. Why? Because natural light is king. It’s easier to work with in post-production, and it gives your video a soft, cinematic glow that makes all the difference.

Staying Out of Your Way: Our #1 Priority

We’ve got one mission when we come to film your prep: Get the shots, and get out. In an ideal world, We’d pop in, say hi, capture the moments we need, and then vanish so you can enjoy the day without feeling like you're constantly being filmed. It’s all about being unobtrusive and giving you space to focus on what matters most: getting ready to marry the love of your life.

Letter Readings: Timing is Everything

If you’re planning on reading letters to each other, we’ll make sure it happens at the perfect moment. For the groom, we usually suggest reading the letter after he’s dressed. For the bride, my preference is after the hair and makeup are done—because you’ll want to look your best for the video. But here’s the catch: If the letter is super emotional and the tears start flowing, there might be some makeup touch-ups needed. It’s a fine balance, and we’ll leave the timing up to you.

Groom Prep: Quick, but Detailed

Let’s talk about the groom. For him, the prep is generally quicker but still packed with important shots. For example, let’s call this groom “Maurice” (he’s got style, trust me). When we arrive, we’ll make sure Maurice is dressed and ready to go before we start filming. will capture the small moments—like tying the tie, putting on cufflinks, and getting into his suit jacket—asking him to repeat certain actions so We can grab a few different angles. Then, we will get some candid shots of Maurice hanging out with the groomsmen, and voilà, we’re done!

Bride Prep: Capturing Her Beauty in the Moment

Now for the bride—this is where we spend a little more time. We will capture your look as it evolves throughout the morning, but We are not here to direct you. We want to document the process as naturally as possible. Here’s how it goes:

• Before Makeup: We will get some elegant shots of your dress.

• During Makeup: As your transformation begins, we will capture close-ups of the process and any candid moments with your bridesmaids.

• Getting Dressed: As you slip into your gown, we will be right there, capturing every detail. From the final zip-up to the full “wow” moment in the mirror, we will make sure we get everything.

We will keep things easy and natural—no posing required. We are just here to capture the beauty of the moment as you get ready for your big day.

The Final Word on Prep Time

So, what can you expect during bride and groom prep? We work a bit more with the bride to get the shots I need, but overall, my approach is to be a fly on the wall. We’re here to capture the moments without taking up too much of your time, so you can focus on what matters most: marrying the love of your life.

After we wrap up your prep footage, We will head out to the ceremony location to capture the next chapter of your love story. Stay tuned for the next post where we’ll dive into the ceremony details! Keep reading, and get ready for more behind-the-scenes insights from Blue Ridge Film Productions!

Why Book A Wedding Videographer?

1. Wedding Videography Brings It All to Life

A wedding video is more than just a collection of moments—it’s a living, breathing memory. While wedding photos capture still images, a wedding video lets you relive every laugh, tear, and glance. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we specialize in creating immersive cinematic experiences that bring your wedding day back to life, in a way photos simply can’t.

2. It's OK to Be Camera Shy

We get it—being in front of the camera isn’t for everyone! That’s why our team at Blue Ridge Film Productions uses the latest in minimalist camera gear to be as unobtrusive as possible. We capture your day candidly and authentically, so you can feel relaxed and enjoy your special moments without posing or direction.

3. Everyone Has an iPhone, Right?

Sure, your guests may snap a few videos with their phones, but there’s no comparison to the high-quality footage that a professional wedding videographer provides. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we use top-tier equipment to capture every stunning shot in vivid detail, ensuring your wedding video is as polished and captivating as it deserves to be.

4. Videographer vs Photographer: Why You Need Both

While wedding photographers are often the first to be booked, a talented wedding videographer like Blue Ridge Film Productions adds an entirely new layer to your wedding day. Our team works seamlessly with photographers to ensure both styles complement each other. In 2025, we’ve partnered with the incredible Sarah Siak Photography to offer a bundle package that delivers award-winning wedding photography and videography, all while saving you money!

5. Tell Your Story Through Film

A wedding video isn’t just a recap of your day—it’s a movie. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we craft your wedding film with cinematic techniques like sound design, music, and storytelling elements. Our goal is to create a wedding video that feels like a beautifully made movie, capturing every intimate moment and emotion. We’ve said from the very beginning in 2016… “We don’t film weddings, we capture love stories”.

6. “I Do”, But on Camera

From the moment the groom sees his bride for the first time to the exchange of vows and that unforgettable first kiss—these are moments you’ll want to relive forever! With Blue Ridge Film Productions, we capture your ceremony in its entirety, so you can experience it all over again, from the moment you say “I do” to the last guest dancing at your reception.

7. Relive Your Speeches

Your wedding speech is an emotional moment you’ve likely poured your heart into. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we make sure your speech is captured with high-quality audio and video so you can relive it for years to come—without worrying about missing a word or feeling nervous in the moment.

8. Relive Your Day Like Never Before

The wedding day can fly by in a whirlwind, and before you know it, it’s over. With a wedding video from Blue Ridge Film Productions, you’ll get to relive the magic from start to finish. From the bridal prep and heartfelt moments with family, to the laughter and joy of the reception, we capture it all—so you never forget a single detail!

9. Capture Your Stunning Venue

Whether you're marrying at one of Western North Carolina’s stunning venues or saying your vows in a breathtaking destination like Greece, Blue Ridge Film Productions will capture your venue’s beauty from every angle. With aerial drone footage, we’ll give you a stunning bird’s-eye view of your venue, creating breathtaking visuals that you’ll cherish forever. We zone in and capture the heart felt tears of your groom, the fumbling of hands as your father eagerly awaits the first look of his beautiful daughter. All the unforgettable moments captured so you will never forget!

10. Remember the Ones You Love

Your wedding day is about more than just the couple—it’s about the love that surrounds you. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we focus on capturing the people who make your day special: your family, your friends, the moments that make your heart swell. These are the memories you’ll want to treasure forever.

We’d love to chat about being a part of your special day!

Click here and let’s start the planning today!

Preparing for Your Wedding Day with Blue Ridge Film Productions

At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we believe that the secret to creating unforgettable wedding films starts long before the big day—it's all about preparation. If you're feeling nervous about the unknowns of wedding videography (let’s face it, who isn’t?), don’t worry! I’ve got your back with some expert tips to make sure your wedding video turns out as amazing as your love story.

1. Communicate with Your Wedding Videographer

First things first—communication is everything! It’s not just about us capturing beautiful footage; it’s about making sure we’re aligned with your vision. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we want to know your story, your style, and what matters most to you on your wedding day. Ask us questions, and we’ll do the same! We’ll discuss locations, shot ideas, and what we need from you to create the perfect film. This is a collaborative effort, so don’t hesitate to speak up if you have specific preferences. If something doesn’t sit right, let us know—we’re here to make your dream wedding video come to life!

2. Share Your Vision—Inspire Us!

You chose Blue Ridge Film Productions for a reason—whether it was our creative style, our portfolio, or our passion for storytelling. Now, it’s time to help us understand your vision. Share examples of videos that inspire you, whether from past clients or other sources. The more insight you provide, the better we can tailor your wedding video to match your vibe. Remember, this is YOUR story, and we want to capture it exactly how you imagine!

3. Keep an Eye on the Weather

While we can’t control Mother Nature, we can certainly plan for it! As your wedding day approaches, keep an eye on the forecast. If you see rain or chilly weather in the forecast, don’t wait for us to take the lead—take charge and set up a solid Plan B. It will reduce your stress and ensure we’re prepared for any weather condition. Plus, a little extra prep will help keep your big day running smoothly, no matter what the weather throws at us!

4. Personal Vows or Letters—The Heart of Your Story

A wedding video is more than just a collection of moments—it’s the story of your love. And what better way to tell your story than through your words? At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we always encourage couples to consider writing personal vows or sharing heartfelt letters. These moments provide incredible audio that brings emotional depth to your video. If you’re shy about saying vows in front of a crowd, consider exchanging private letters. This simple act will give us beautiful, authentic audio that’ll make your film unforgettable.

5. Maximize One-on-One Time (Yes, That Means the First Look!)

Here’s a pro tip: don’t skimp on your one-on-one time with your videographer! We get it—family photos are essential, but nothing beats those intimate moments between you and your partner. At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we recommend doing a first look to capture those private, unfiltered reactions before the ceremony. Trust us, it’ll make for incredible footage, and you’ll feel so much more relaxed. If the first look isn’t for you, try to limit your family formals to immediate family only, and save the extended group shots for later during the reception. This way, you’ll have more time to focus on each other—and we’ll capture every meaningful moment.

Communication is Key to a Perfect Wedding Video

Ultimately, the key to an amazing wedding video is clear, consistent communication. From your first consultation to the final edit, Blue Ridge Film Productions will be there to guide you through every step of the process. If you’re ready to create a wedding video that’s as unique as your love story, it all starts with one thing: talking to us! Let’s make magic happen.

know These Five Things Before Your Videography Consultation

Maximize Your 20-Minute Cinematography Consultation with Blue Ridge Film Productions!

So, you’ve watched our films, fallen in love with our style, and browsed through our packages — fantastic! The next step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced consultants. Whether it’s over the phone, google meets or FaceTime, this 20-minute session is all about making sure we bring your wedding vision to life with cinematic magic. Here’s how to make the most of it!

1. This Is a Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch

Yes, we’ll tell you about Blue Ridge Film Productions’ packages, pricing, and services, but this isn’t about a hard sell. It’s about YOU! We’re here to listen to your vision and understand your priorities for the big day. We’ll walk through your timeline, the moments you want captured, and how we can best fit into your plans. As we chat, feel free to let us know if our suggestions align with your vision—or if there’s something else that makes more sense for you. We’re here to offer guidance, share our expertise, and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. There’s no pressure, just a conversation to help you make the best decision!

2. Set Realistic Expectations (and Be Ready to Invest)

Before diving into videography, take a moment to think about what really matters to you. Wedding videography is a lot like photography—it requires a talented crew, high-end equipment, and hours of post-production editing to give you a finished film you’ll cherish forever. It’s an investment, so be prepared for pricing that reflects that quality. Whether it’s more or less important than photography, video will take just as much time, effort, and expertise. Think about what’s important to you, and let’s have an open discussion about it.

3. Know What You Can’t Live Without (and Be Ready to Compromise)

Wedding planning is full of tough decisions, and videography is no exception. Maybe you want every single moment of the day captured, or maybe you just want a short highlight film to relive the magic. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of having footage of your guests dancing late into the night, or you can’t wait to see the “getting ready” moments unfold on film. Identify your top priorities for your wedding film before you speak with us. Knowing what’s non-negotiable will help us guide you toward the perfect package. Keep in mind, some compromises may be needed along the way—but don’t worry, we’ll help you navigate the process.

4. Ready to Book? Don’t Wait Too Long!

If you’re feeling confident about your decision and love what we offer, don’t wait around! Wedding dates can book up quickly, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall. We at Blue Ridge Film Productions tend to book up popular dates well over a year out. At the end of your consultation you’re ready to take the next step, just let us know and ask for the contract. If you love what you hear and the price feels right, we don’t want you to miss out on securing your date. The sooner you act, the better!

5. Be Smart When Shopping Around

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is shopping around too much. We get it—there are so many options, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. But here’s the thing: comparing pricing between companies can be tricky if you’re not comparing apples to apples. Different companies may offer different levels of service, quality, and experience, and it’s important to know what you're truly getting. If you’re unsure why one package is more expensive than another, or if you have questions about what’s included in our packages compared to others, just ask! We’re the experts, and this is likely your first time booking a wedding videographer. Let us help guide you through the process so you’re confident in your decision.

At Blue Ridge Film Productions, we’re dedicated to making your wedding film as unique and unforgettable as your love story. We can’t wait to meet with you, hear all about your vision, and work together to capture the memories that will last a lifetime!

Telling Your Story

"Story" is a term you are likely going to be hearing a lot about in your search for a wedding cinematographer. It's true that it's a word that is flung around a lot these days, but that doesn't take away from the fact that the fundamentals of storytelling are one of the most critical aspects of a high-quality wedding film. If you've already booked with us, I hope it was because our films made you feel something that inspired you and got you excited about your wedding day.  We’re honored to start this 2021 season with 22 weddings booked and only 3 more bookings available!

It's true that our films look beautiful, our team is highly trained in cinematography, it was a major focus of my formal education (East Tennessee State University / Gardner Webb University) and I try to find assistant shooters that carry the same fundamental background. The truth is, that the images are just a small part of the equation, and the secret in my sauce is added while spending hours upon hours crafting your story in our studio. And there is one element that makes our best films what they are... Storytelling.

“We don’t just film weddings, we tell love stories.”

— Brent Ramsey

We find our stories through dialog. It might come from the dialog of the day (Toasts, officiant, unexpected natural sound). Very often our clients will want to write love letters and share them in the film (we have a special way to incorporate those). And sometimes our clients aren't huge sharers, and they just want us to capture the day and find the story as it comes to us, and that's okay too! We got this!

So, now is a good time to start thinking about what kind of couple you are, and how you will want your story to unravel in your film. Are you writing your own vows, or maybe you have the very first love note written by either of you?

As wedding videographers, it is a very fine line that we walk. One of the things we always consider when shooting your wedding day, is how our footprint will affect the romance. I am not one that pretends that we are going to be invisible while at your event. That's just simply impossible and these days no one should be surprised to see your videographer pulling off a cool shot during the reception. Still, we want to be unobtrusive to preserve the sanctity of your ceremony and romance or excitement of your wedding reception. 

We can still do that and go the extra mile to capture the story of you and how it correlates to your wedding. We like to capture special moments, like those love letters we mentioned earlier, but take them further. We can make these real moments seem just like they were scripted for the big screen, preserving them in a cinematic work of art that will amaze audiences 20 years from now. 

Hopefully as you consider who to hire as your next wedding cinematography team, you will see the differences, the extra mile that we travel while creating our films. To learn more about how we can make your wedding film memorable, contact us with your story!

To download our investment guide click here!

3 Reasons Why Every Bride and Groom Should Exchange Letters

Whether you’re doing a first look on your wedding day or waiting until you walk down the aisle, there is something so special about exchanging letters the morning before your ceremony. Let me tell you about three great reasons why it is such a wonderful idea to do a letter exchange with your future spouse!

1. It calms your nerves!

There is no doubt that you will have A LOT of emotions on wedding day. Excited, nervous, thrilled, anxious, and giddy are all NORMAL things to feel on the biggest day of your life! Reading a letter from your best friend really helps lessen the nerves, calms you down, and makes you so much more excited to see them in just the few short hours following that letter reading.

2. It makes for great video! If you have chosen to get a wedding film done, the letter reading really drives an amazing film. There is true and passionate emotion that comes from reading a love letter. It is wonderful to watch your wedding film back and hear exactly how that letter reading made you feel.

Check out this film!

3. An intimate moment before the chaos When doing your letter reading, it is always a nice idea to take a moment to read this letter alone, without everyone around you watching. It gives you a moment in the day to take a deep breath and get a gentle reminder of the reason you are there….to marry your best friend!

Letter exchanges are a beautiful thing. There is so much love and emotion packed into those words on a card. (Or old receipt, or menu from take-out, we don’t have to be fancy up here with an actual card) If you’ve been contemplating doing a letter exchange on the day of your wedding, we are ALL for it! You will thank us later!

We know planning a wedding can become overwhelming. We try and help our couples think of all the little details so we can tell their love stories perfectly. If you're interested in finding out more about our wedding film packages and learning more about how we can capture and preserve your beautiful love story for a lifetime, please fill out our contact form below and we'll be in touch soon!

All Wedding Videographers Are Not Created Equally

The reality is not all Wedding Videographers are equal–in talent, style or as you may be finding out budget.  But when you find the right one you just know it.  After filming weddings for 5 years now and producing projects for some of television networks biggest programs I’ve learned a thing or two and boy has the journey been awesome! Below I talk a little about why it’s so important to not skimp on booking a wedding videographer for your big day!

The business of wedding filmmakers has blown up in the last couple years… Why you might ask? Because your average Joe walks into Best Buy. Buys a Canon Rebel with a kit lens and says, “I’m a wedding filmmaker”. This hurts… It truly does. Not necessarily us, but it hurts the overall outcome of the brides expectations. It’s almost every month we have couples emailing us asking to re-edit their wedding video or “Hey, can you make this less shaky, more in focus or enhance the Audio.”. Rarely ever is the footage salvageable. Are you looking for a “home video” like your parents filmed on Christmas morning or are you wanting a love story that presents its self beautifully with all the emotions to go along with it.

Choosing your wedding videographer is one of the most important decisions you will make during the planning process.  Your wedding day will pass in an emotional whirlwind, and the content captured that day will be precious reminders of the loved ones who shared it with you.

Professional wedding videographers are not cheap.  It will be one of the largest expenditures in your wedding budget, but it is also one of the only enduring purchase you will make.  Keep these things in mind when choosing your wedding filmmaker:

1. Your wedding is not an experiment.  This is not the time to allow your cousin, best friend or newbie to develop their budding videography business or to choose a part-time videographer.  Select a seasoned professional who is a full-time videographer  The role of second shooter is good training for someone looking to build experience or a portfolio. Not some one to put your trust in as a sole shooter.

2. Ask to see a complete wedding from beginning to end. Don’t rely only on the favorites Instagram teasers presented by a videographer (Trust me on this one).  You want to see how the videographer captures the day from beginning to end and how they tell your story. Do they shoot from different angles… wide, tight, aerial (drone footage. Are they even licensed to fly a drone? Yes, you have to be licensed to fly a drone at a wedding. It’s a requirement by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). Maybe they are Licensed, but does it cost extra?

3. Beach videography is not church videography. filming a beach wedding is a unique challenge due to lighting and weather conditions.  If a videographer seems fantastic but they primarily only film church weddings or indoor venues, you should consider a videographer who has extensive experience with beach weddings.  Again, you don’t want your wedding to be the test case.

Finally, you should ask if your videographer what their turnaround time for delivery is? You don’t want to wait 6 months to get your highlight back!  Do they offer and copyright releases, drone footage, music licensing, ceremony films, full dance edits?  Just remember, don’t skimp on the budget for videography.  Your memories are too important – there are other areas where you can cut costs in order to afford quality professional . You don’t get a do over of your special day.

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Checkout what this recent bride had to say about her experience

If you’re planning a wedding for the 2021 wedding season we still have a few select dates available and would love to chat with you about being apart of your big day! Checkout Blue Ridge Film Productions for more info!

Teaser Film - Should you get one?

Aloha and welcome to Fall 2020!

The leaves are starting to finally change here in Western North Carolina and the chill crisp air is calling for campfires, snores, hot apple cider and loads of beautiful wedding content!

Blogging is probably the hardest thing in the world for me to do. When you start your own business, no one tells you about all the extra stuff you end up doing. Accounting, website maintenance, social media campaigns, taxes, and blogging. We try to keep you up to date with important info about making the most of your wedding “wedding videographer related”. Today’s topic… Should you get a wedding teaser….

Que Answer below!

Should you get a wedding teaser film to share with family and friends after the wedding? Well heck yes you should! Essentially a teaser film is a shortened version of the most popular film the Highlight. The Highlight covers the whole day and combines all the best elements into an exciting 4-8 minute film. A Highlight film is the film you see on every videographers website and is the main film they provide. A Teaser film is usually 1 minute long to fit into the Instagram time slot. Personally I go with a slightly different feel when I’m editing teaser films. I want to show as much excitement as possible while “teasing” the audience, showing some of the best parts of the day. It should show enough to get everyone excited but not too much so I can save some surprises for the Highlight. The best part about teaser films, they get delivered within a week of the wedding! I usually head home from a wedding, backup all my footage (this takes about 2 hours) and then start editing the teaser. I put the finishing touches on the film the next day and send it off to my couples. Now they have an exciting film to share, within 48 - 72 hours!

How cool is that!

Here is a recent Teaser Film provided by Blue Ridge Film Productions to check out!

Is One Cinematographer Enough?

You may be looking at wedding cinematography packages and wondering, “What is the point of hiring two wedding cinematographers?” It’s the same reason you’re considering hiring two photographers—you’ll get more coverage out of it and there’s less of a chance that a moment will get missed. Here are the top five reasons you should hire two cinematographers for your wedding.

1. Morning Prep

The things that happen while you’re getting ready in the morning are surprisingly some of the best moments to look back on. While it may seem trivial to capture, there are a few key things that happen during this time that make for great memories to relive.

All of your very best friends are finally in one room together! How often does that happen!? You’re having a major primp session, almost like you’re going out to party together so there’s lots of funny girl talk going on.

The ladies of the family are usually hanging around too so it’s a great time to capture multiple generations together. When you look back, you’ll love to see how you share mannerisms, facial expressions and laughs.

With only one cinematographer at your wedding, you’ll either have to skip prep coverage due to time constraints, or forfeit prep for you or your fiancé since one person can only be in one place at one time.

2. Grand Exit

The grand exit has made its comeback into the wedding world and makes for a truly iconic moment. Whether it’s done with sparklers glittering up the dark evening or wish lanterns to get the whole wedding involved, it’s an incredibly happy moment for you, your spouse and all of your friends that deserves to be preserved in film.

Limited coverage time with one shooter may cause these moments to get missed.

3. Reaction Shots

What good is an emotional reading during a wedding ceremony if you don’t get to see the father of the bride wipe away a tear? This is just one of the many moments that happen in weddings when the benefit of having two cinematographers is clear.

With two cinematographers, you get to see the bride excited to show off her dress and the groom’s face when he sees her for the first time. You get to see the best man tell a silly story, the bride laugh while the groom hangs his head in embarrassment. You get to see the couple hold their hands up high as they are announced Mr. and Mrs. and see the crowd cheer in delight.

4. Details

If you’ve watched a few of our films, you’ve probably noticed that films with multiple shooters have more detail shots of rings, invitations, shoes, cufflinks, bowties and all of the other small details that you’re spending money on to personalize your wedding.

The reason is due to the amount of time the cinematographer has to capture these additional things but also because he must prioritize and choose to shoot the most important thing that is happening at any given moment. During the ceremony, the cinematographer can’t focus on anything else besides you and your soon-to-be spouse at the altar. He can’t be anywhere else in that moment and neither can the camera lens. There are lots of similar moments throughout the day when the lens must be on the couple.

5. Artistic Shots

Did you fall in love with our films because of the beautiful, movie-like movement of the camera as it glides around the bride and groom during a kiss? Those sweeping shots require extra equipment to make the movements steady. The steadiness, lens choice and years of practice are what make those moments look like a professional movie.

For a cinematographer to prep himself for shooting the perfect shot, he must have another cinematographer shooting so they don’t miss anything important while he sets up for photo session.

Our Deluxe Collection include two cinematographers. Our Classic and Premium allows the option to add on an additional cinematographer for an additional cost. If you have more questions about the benefits of two cinematographers, set up an appointment with one of our wedding consultants.

The Chosen One - Bridesmaid Edition

What's so special about a maid of honor? People may have a preconceived notion that a maid of honor can be a demanding and bossy bridesmaid, but the maid of honor typically holds several special duties in addition to some special benefits. The maid of honor is the bride's chief support during, before and after the wedding. Notice this said BEFORE and AFTER… Not just “during”.

What Does a Maid of Honor Really Do?

• The maid of honor helps the bride with wedding planning, making decisions and navigating family difficulties and other stresses.

• A maid of honor is responsible for being the head of the bridesmaids, keeping them organized (without being bossy).

• Typically, the maid of honor leads the bridesmaids in planning a bridal shower and often a bachelorette party.

• On the day of the wedding, a maid of honor helps the bride get dressed and stay calm. Being attentive at every request from the bride.

• Often, the maid of honor makes a toast or a speech at either the wedding or the rehearsal dinner.

• Couples getting legally married in the United States frequently ask the maid of honor to be one of the signers of the marriage license.

• Perhaps most importantly, the maid of honor is a good listener and has a strong shoulder for the bride to lean on.

Who Should Be Chosen?

Traditionally, a bride asks her sister or her closest female friend to be the maid of honor. In situations where this is not possible, the bride may choose someone she trusts to be the maid of honor, who will help her during the wedding planning process. In choosing your maid of honor, consider the amount of responsibility they will have and ensure they are able to meet these expectations. You may want to take a closer look at who will do the job best, keeping the family in mind and ultimately going with a pressure-free, gut instinct.

Booking The Perfect Wedding Filmmaker!

It’s booking season here in Western North Carolina and couple’s are on the hunt for the perfect wedding Filmmaker! It can be a lot to take in at first, there’s so many styles and so many things to consider. But fear not! This post will help guide you to finding the wedding filmmaker of your dreams (us, duh!).

MAKE SURE YOUR STYLES MATCH

This is *almost* thee most important thing on this list! When you reach out to a wedding cinematographer, make sure you’re in love with their style, because you’ll get exactly that in your wedding film. It’s always better to pay a little bit more to get a better product, than to pay less and get something you don’t absolutely love.

MAKE SURE YOUR PERSONALITIES MATCH

We all have that one person from work no one likes right? Well imagine having that person with you all day on most important day of your life! It’s always best to book someone with a great personality. Your day will go by sooooo much better.

 LOOK AT THEIR STYLE OF EDITING

Most cinematographers have a unique editing style. Some cinematographers edit the whole day in linear order, while others take some liberties and edit out of order. Both can be beautifully done. I edit more on the linear order side, as it allows me to build up your day from beginning to end!

 LISTEN TO THE AUDIO THEY USE

Audio of vows, speeches, first looks, and card readings is so so so important to crafting a story in your wedding film. Make sure your cinematographer uses the type of audio you like, otherwise you may end up with a wedding music video, and not a wedding film with emotion!

ASK IF THEY HAVE THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT 

Ask your cinematographer if they have the necessary equipment to capture what you’re wanting. Lots of cinematographers are at various points in their career, price can vary greatly between cinematographers because of this. You can expect Blue Ridge Film Productions will provide at upwards to $15,000 of equipment per wedding. (We defiantly have done our research when it comes to providing our Bride & Groom top notch quality.)

ASK ABOUT THEIR FILMING PROCESS

Everyone knows planning a wedding is quite a process! You put lots of planning into your special day, and your cinematographer should put some planning in too. Always touch base with your cinematographer at least a month before the big day and make sure filming times and locations are known to the both of you. It’ll make the day go so much smoother! You can do this a number of ways… Meeting up for coffee, Facetime or a telephone call.

DO THEY USE LIGHTING?

Lighting is such an important thing when it comes to any kind of film making. Many venues here in Edmonton get darker as the reception goes on, and by speeches time, it can be quite dark. A good wedding cinematographer will have lights that not only make everything visible, but also set a little bit of mood and atmosphere! Blue Ridge Film Productions comes equipped plenty of LED lighting to make sure your venue and ceremonial location is well lit.

BE WEARY IF THEY DON’T WANT TO MEET IN PERSON OR TALK ON THE PHONE

I’ve heard a few horror stories from brides about cinematographers who go missing a month before the big day. One thing that they almost all have in common is they always communicated with them over email, and never in person or over the phone. Always meet in person or talk on the phone. You’ll have a much lower chance of being swindled! Also check for referrals and testimonials from previous brides to hear about their experience.

DON’T GHOST THEM

Always be open with your cinematographer! Even if you ask about pricing and don’t want to book with them in the end, just let them know!

Got questions for Blue Ridge Film Productions?

Keep These Things In Mind For Your Wedding Day Timeline

Everything starts to get a little more real when you start building that wedding day timeline. But it’s important to keep in mind all of the logistics of your wedding day and vendors in order to build a timeline that will be perfect for you and your guests! These are a few of the essentials that we work on fine tuning with our couples when going over the breakdown of their wedding day!

Locations

Are you having your ceremony and reception at different locations? Don’t forget to build in ample travel time between the two! If they’re in the same location, how do you plan on filling dead time in between the ceremony and reception?

Photos

Usually, your videographer will tag along for photo sessions to capture some great footage of the bride and groom with their loved ones, so this one is important to us! When do you plan on taking family, wedding party, and solo photos? (Hint: this is when many couples decide to do a first look – allowing you to take a ton of your photos before the ceremony!) We always encourage couples to pad photo sessions with extra time so you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy the process!

Toasts & Coordinated Dances

During the reception, you’ll probably have a lot of “activities” to plan around. The most important of these are the toasts and coordinated dances. Make sure everyone involved in these mini-events know when they are expected and how much time they will have. This is also where having a great DJ/MC comes in handy! Making clear announcements for the big moments ensures that no one misses out!

Reception Ending And/Or Grand Exit

If your wedding has a hard stop time (many venues do), you’ll need to have a tighter timeline. Will you be doing a grand exit and if so, what time? Do you want your photographer and videographer to stick around to capture the sparkler procession or your decorated getaway car?

Of course, every wedding is unique and yours will have specific elements that are unique and special. Start by building a general timeline and keep adding details as you go. If you’re working with a planner or day-of-coordinator, they will be a huge help when it comes to developing a successful timeline. Remember, the goal is to create as little stress as possible on the day of, so the more time you can build in, the better!

Reserve Blue Ridge Film Productions On Your Wedding day

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