Written By: Therese Farrow, Owner, Therese Farrow Films

I’ve been in this business long enough to know that no one every regrets having their wed­ding video. But I can’t count how many times a bride’s sister or mother, after looking at my work, will wistfully state they wish they had their wedding on a video. Sadly, once the day is over, they realize they will never be able to hear the sounds and see the motions of what occurred on this day ever again. They are lost forever!

There is so much a videogra­pher can do in post via editing software to make the true beauty and the fun times of the day come through. A videographer who sees your day the same way you do will have a product that reflects your desires. When you go into this important choice more informed, you can be sure that when all is said and done, years from now, you can feel good when you sit on the couch together on your anniversary and relive that day all over again!

Q. What is your video style?

A. Every videographer is dif­ferent. My goal is to create an artistic movie of the wedding but also make it entertaining and fun to watch. Too many wedding videos are boring. So, my editors and I spend a lot of time applying techniques so that doesn’t hap­pen. It’s very important to show samples of my work so the couple is familiar with my style and story telling approach before they make a decision. I usually have 10-12 samples on my website to view. I focus a lot on the couple and also try to focus on the bonds of fam­ily and friends. I feel that the true spirit of the event goes beyond the two people actually getting married and I try to capture all of that.

Q. What type of coverage do you offer?

A. Many videographers charge by the hour, which is not conducive to the very long breaks between ceremony and reception of many affairs, which result in overtime fees. Since I do not charge by the hour, this eases my clients’ mind and eliminates the stress of thinking about incur­ring additional costs. My team and I arrive at the beginning of the event and remain until the end, making sure every part of the wedding is captured. I have completed many weddings where the last dance is extremely special or incredibly fun. I don’t like my clients to miss anything, and if they don’t have to worry about overtime or hourly charges, there is nothing compromising their memories.

Q. How will the audio (sound) be handled?

A. We use a wireless microphone during the vows that is fastened to the groom’s lapel. The microphone will pick up the groom, the bride, and the officiate voice so they can be heard clearly on the DVD. When there are readers, another microphone is fastened to a podium, so that this audio comes in clear as well. This audio is only used for the DVD’s and is not projected out to the guests that day.

Q. Who will shoot the Event?

A. There is a critical issue! Some clients have hired certain companies to shoot their video, and on the day of the wed­ding, a person shows up who looks more like the ring bearer than a professional videographer. Hiring creative professionals with experience in filming events costs money and some company owners are not willing to do this. Sometimes to cut costs, they resort to finding their shooters at local schools or use family mem­bers. However, the quality of the video is my highest priority and having a team of professionals is the surest way to achieve that for each and every client. I shoot most of the weddings myself with three additional shooters. The three additional shooters are professional and creative camera operators who are well trained in Event Filming and understand the responsibility that comes with it.

Q. What is the most important aspect of filming events to you?

A. For me, the most important aspect of this job is the respon­sibility to capture images that have the potential to mean so much to someone in the future. This responsibility goes beyond the person or couple that hired me, who will obvi­ously find meaning in it, but knowing that the film may some­day be watched by the couples’ children or grandchildren. Future family members will have the opportunity to witness family members that may no longer be with the family or members they never had the chance to meet, but are captured on this video. The ability to provide these memories makes my job very rewarding. I’m committed to making those moments in the future the absolute best experience for all generations. I want the person watching to have a true idea of what that day was all about -- to see a little more about the per­sonalities of those involved and feel like they experienced all those emotions that came with it. That is the most important part of my job to me and to all my staff here at Therese Farrow films.