Journal
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!
Behind the Scenes: Wedding Day Videography – Part 1
Hiring a wedding videographer can be a bit of a mystery. You might’ve heard the horror stories — like the one where the videographer trips the bride, sends her dress flying, and causes her to accidentally kick the ring bearer in the neck on her way down the aisle. Cue the dramatic escape to Belize, a new identity, and a life as "Francesca Flowers" to avoid the humiliation forever. (Okay, okay, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but hey, it’s fun to imagine!)
In reality, while this level of chaos is rare (I’ve yet to witness it at any wedding I’ve filmed in the past 9 years), I totally get the anxiety couples often feel though. The big question many have is: “What’s the videographer actually going to be doing on our wedding day?” Will we feel awkward? Will they be in the way? Will we even notice them at all?
It’s a totally understandable concern, and one that I’m here to put to rest. Over the next four blogs, I’ll walk you through my process here at Blue Ridge Film Productions for every key moment of the day, so you know exactly what to expect—and more importantly, how to feel relaxed and confident about it.
I’ll cover:
Bride/Groom prep (getting ready)
The ceremony
Couple portraits/post-ceremony time
The reception
Because the best weddings are all about teamwork, I’ll also share a few tips on how to make the day flow smoothly with your videographer—minimizing stress and maximizing the fun! Stay tuned for the inside scoop!
Brent Ramsey
Owner of 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!
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!
What Questions Are You Asking?
Here are some important questions to ask your wedding videographer before hiring them. The goal is to ensure that you select the right professional for your wedding day and have a clear understanding of their services. This ensures some sailing and that your priceless investment is well spent.
1. Videography Style
What is your filming style? Understand whether the videographer’s approach aligns with your vision—whether it’s cinematic, documentary, or another style. If you have questions about our style we’d love to chat! Click HERE!
Do you have a portfolio I can see? Check their previous work to get a feel for their quality and style. Blue Ridge Film Productions will be celebrating our 9 year anniversary this year! We’ve filmed hundreds of weddings around the working, capturing, magnifying and highlighting our couples special day!
2. Experience and Expertise
How long have you been filming weddings? Experience in wedding videography can ensure they know how to capture the day’s most important moments. The last thing you want is your videographer pulling up YouTube or Chatgpt looking for inspiration or how too’s.
Have you worked at our venue before? Familiarity with your venue can help them anticipate good shots and lighting conditions. We’ve had the pleasure of working at over 100 venues and if a venue is new to us, we do our homework ahead of time to ensure when our boots are on the ground for your wedding day… You have full confidence in us, as your wedding videographers.
3. Package Details
What’s included in your packages? Understand what you’re paying for, such as hours of coverage, number of cameras, edits, and extra features. We offer 3 packages that include everything a bride would want and need. However, if you desire raw files or an extra memory card we do have an add-on selection for you to look over. The good thing is… most of these can be added after the wedding!
Can we customize the package? Some videographers may allow you to tailor their services to your needs. This is your day we want to adapt to it! Let’s talk!
4. Logistics
How many videographers will be present? It’s important to know if there will be a second shooter to capture different angles. You can see how many shooters will be present on your wedding day by looking at our packages. All second shooters are trained professionals and not our children or Uncle Eddie (Que Christmas Vacation). Trust me I’ve seen this stuff.
Do you require a meal during the reception? Some videographers may have this as part of their contract. Any tradition wedding 6+ hours does require a meal for each shooter at Blue Ridge Film Productions.
5. Timeline and Delivery
How long after the wedding will we receive our video? Get an idea of the expected delivery time for your final video. Our 60 Second teasers are released within 72 hrs and the full highlight and ceremony is completed between 6-8 weeks.
Do you offer highlights or teaser videos? Some videographers provide quick, edited highlights soon after the wedding. We offer with select packages a 60 second teaser that is sent out within 72 hours post wedding.
6. Equipment and Technology
What kind of equipment do you use? Ensure the videographer uses professional-grade cameras and equipment. All of our cameras are Sony A7s3 these are standard professional grade cameras for today leading videographers. All of our equipment from audio, drones, lighting and lens runs through a cycle of staying up to date and fitting for present time.
Do you offer drone footage? If you're interested in aerial shots, check if they offer drone filming. All of our packages include drone footage at no additional charge. We are FAA certified to fly the drone for hire.
7. Legal and Contractual
Do you have insurance? This protects you in case of any mishaps. Blue Ridge Film Productions is insured!
What is your refund/cancellation policy? Know the terms for cancellations, rescheduling, or changes to the agreement. Blue Ridge Film productions requires a 50% non-refundable retainer at booking. The remaining 50% is due one week prior to your wedding date. Rescheduling or changes within your contracted will be implemented given that Blue Ridge Film Productions has that date available. In the event your new date is not available Blue Ridge Film Productions does not issue back refunds.
8. Personal Approach
How do you work with the photographer? Since both videographers and photographers will be capturing your day, it’s important they work well together. Some of our best friends have been developed within this profession. Never once have we experienced any negative relations with other wedding professionals. This does go to say… not everyone in the business should probably continue their duties… We do have some favorites, check them out HERE!
Can we meet before the wedding day? A pre-wedding meeting can help ensure you’re on the same page about shots, timing, and style. We love a good coffee or brewer meet up ahead of time! You name the spot and will be there. Given distance is an issue we would love to set up a teams or FaceTime call to answer any questions you may have!
By asking these questions, you can make sure you’re hiring a videographer who matches your expectations and understands the specifics of your wedding day.
Congrats,
You’re getting married!