Behind the Scenes of a Wedding Film: What It’s Really Like to Capture Your Day
When couples watch their wedding film, they see the magic: the sunlight streaming through the trees, the tears during the vows, the spontaneous laughter on the dance floor. But behind every beautiful shot is a lot of planning, movement, and quiet intention. As a wedding videographer based in Ithaca, NY, I often get asked, “What’s it like filming a wedding?” So here’s a look behind the scenes at how your day is captured—creatively, carefully, and always with your story in mind.
It Starts Before the Camera Rolls
The process begins long before your wedding day. I connect with couples early on to learn more about their vision, timeline, and the energy they want their film to have. Are you planning an intimate, quiet gathering or a high-energy celebration? Do you want something candid and documentary-style or cinematic and stylized? These details help me plan everything from gear to shooting style.
In the days leading up to your wedding, I scout the venue (or research it thoroughly), check lighting conditions, and build a shot list based on your timeline. I also coordinate with your photographer and planner so we’re all working together, not overlapping or interrupting one another.
Arriving Early, Staying Ready
On the day of, I usually arrive early to capture establishing shots—things like your venue, the weather, the floral arrangements, the rings, and other details that help set the scene. These moments create the tone for your film and provide important visual storytelling.
I also spend time capturing prep moments: hair, makeup, laughter with your wedding party, writing notes or vows. This part of the day is often relaxed and emotional—some of the most honest moments happen here, and they help build the narrative of your film.
Throughout the day, I move constantly but quietly. My goal is to be present, but not intrusive. Most couples say they forget I’m there—which is exactly how it should be. The best footage happens when people are just being themselves.
Capturing the Ceremony
The ceremony is one of the most important parts of the day, and it’s where planning and experience really matter. I use multiple cameras and microphones to ensure every angle is covered and every word is clearly captured.
I pay close attention to lighting, positioning, and movement—but I’m never in the way. I always work to stay discreet and respectful of your moment. The ceremony is often the most emotionally powerful part of a film, and I want every detail—from the vows to the reactions—to feel intimate and real.
Filming the Fun: Reception Moments
Receptions are where personalities really come alive. Speeches, dances, spontaneous hugs, and hilarious moments on the dance floor all make for great footage. I capture as much of this as possible without forcing anything. The documentary side of my work really shines here—I focus on keeping things natural, letting the story unfold as it happens.
Speeches are usually filmed with close attention to audio quality and guest reactions. These moments often become voiceovers in the final edit, adding emotional context to the visuals of the day.
What You Don’t See: The Edit
After the wedding, the real magic begins in the editing studio. This is where your story comes together—carefully selected moments, meaningful audio, and music that reflects your vibe and energy. It’s hours (and hours) of reviewing footage, syncing audio, color grading, and building a film that feels like you.
For cinematic-style films, I create a highlight reel that blends emotion, visuals, and voice in a way that’s both artful and deeply personal. If you’ve opted for documentary edits as well, I’ll provide full versions of your ceremony and speeches so you have every important moment preserved.
The Goal: Make You Feel It All Again
At the end of the day, my job isn’t just to film your wedding—it’s to tell your story. I want you to feel the same joy, nervous energy, and deep love every time you watch your film, whether it's a week after the wedding or 25 years down the line.
Wedding videography is part art, part logistics, and all heart. And while you may not see everything that goes into it, what matters most is what you feel when you press play.
