My [almost] Bridal Regret

I am a wedding planner and I came so close to experiencing bridal regret...the same bridal regret I tell every single one of my brides to avoid. The bridal regret that time and time again brides comes to me and tell me they wish they had avoided. Not once have I heard a bride say, "I wish I hadn't."

Pearly Kate Photography

Pearly Kate Photography

You can probably guess what I am talking about, because it's always on the "10 Bridal Mistakes You Don't Want to Make" and "The Biggest Wedding Regrets You Can Avoid."

I'm talking about wedding videography.

About a month before our wedding, everything was in place. We had chatted on and off about hiring a videographer and decided that it just wasn't necessary. I mean, we were only going to watch it once, maybe twice after the wedding, right? So how much of a waste would that be?

How silly of me to let that thought even cross my mind when I had told hundreds of my own brides to avoid that single, common mistake. But I guess that's just one thought that comes with being a bride?

Most of you are thinking, "Okay, okay. I'll hire a videographer IF I have money left over in my budget." Sorry to break it to you, but the majority of weddings go far over budget so you can throw that idea right out the window. You would never hear a bride say, "I am going to serve dinner only if I have budget leftover" or "I'll hire a photographer if I have a couple extra thousand dollars to spare," would you?

You wouldn't.

And just like any other vendor that is considered a necessity, videography should be to. And it should be accounted for within your budget from the beginning so you, too, don't have to join the millions of brides who somehow fall into that thought pattern.

Why is it that videography gets saved for last -- saved for the remainder of the budget? I don't have an answer for you there but I can tell you that I am so glad we hired one. No, we haven't watched the video every day since we tied the knot three years ago. We've probably watched it 10 times or so, to be completely honest.

Pearly Kate Photography

Pearly Kate Photography

But I'll tell you...every single one of those 10 times has brought tears to my eyes, as I remember one of the best days of my life. I've even been in fights with my husband and watched the video, only to be brought to tears one again. There is just something about live video that makes my heart flutter and continues to evoke the beauty of love each and every time I watch. And as I sit here with my almost 2 month old baby girl in my lap, I cannot wait for her to one day share in the beautiful memories of that day. Without that video, it just wouldn't be the same.

"Video captures the moment in a way that photography cannot. And you and your guests will appreciate being able to watch a beautiful recap bringing back to life the magic of the day." (The Bride List vendor Hey Mister DJ)

From a bride to a bride, count videography in as a necessity from the beginning. I promise, you'll thank me you did.

HERE COMES THE DRONE // The Use of Drone Photography at Weddings

Written with love, by Pastor Dave Page

Wedding photography is now reaching new heights - literally! More and more couples are filming their special day using drone photography. And more and more photographers are using drones to capture those one of a kind, death defying shots of the wedding. There is no view like the view from a drone camera. It really is amazing. It looks like something right out of a storybook or movie and it certainly adds a unique perspective.

When people think of drones they may think of war zones. Dale Stierman, an Iowa-based drone photographer with Picture Perfect Portrait & Design, refers to drones as “quadcopters" with a camera. If you think about it for a second, it makes sense. I think it's an great idea to get overhead shots. I love weddings and I love innovation - Drone photography unites the two. 

A couple can keep the footage for the rest of their lives and share it with their friends and family members on YouTube or in a keepsake DVD. One day they could even share the video with their children and grandchildren.

But there are some considerations to consider before choosing drone photography for your wedding day:

 

1.  Consider Hiring a Professional

In order to save money, some couples consider hiring a friend or uncle to shoot their wedding. Is that a bad call? Hiring a friend or relative to shoot an aerial project is not something I would do. There is a level of safety that some hobbyists, or weekend pilots, seem to put aside for the sake of getting the shot. Safety is a big issue when working with drones. Professionals will most likely be carrying liability coverage in the event something goes wrong. You also want quality video footage of your wedding which is exactly what professionals specialize in. How much does it cost? Prices can range from $200-$1000. Many wedding photographers these days include drone photography in their overall packages.

 

2.  Consider Your Location

Wide-open spaces are best. Wineries and private estates are prime venues for drone photography, but find out whether or not your wedding venue will allow you to use a drone first. Many state/city parks do not allow it. If you are too close to an airport, the flight path of a medical facility that accepts helicopters, law enforcement facilities, government facilities, monuments, and various other locations, you must verify if your pilot can legally fly near them. Some venues can also require you to buy a permit, and that can range from inexpensive to several hundred dollars. The FAA laws for drones are continuing to evolve.

 

3.  Consider the Weather

Weather can play a big role. If it’s too windy or raining on your wedding day, the copter pilot isn’t going to fly. It’s truly is a matter of safety for everyone present.

 

Should I Use a Drone for My Wedding?

If I were getting married right now I would definitely hire a professional drone photographer to shoot my wedding. I feel the benefits outweigh the risks. I have officiated a couple of weddings where drones were used. In the first wedding the guests weren’t even aware the drones were flying overhead. In the second wedding the drone interrupted the end of the ceremony when it took off - it was way too loud.

I expect drones to become commonplace at weddings in the future and I am planning to attend a drone workshop next month to learn how to fly drones. I will do a follow up blog post on my experience. If you had a drone at your wedding or have attended a wedding that used a drone - please share your experience below!


Here is a recent wedding that both The Overwhelmed Bride and Pastor Dave Page worked on together, using drone photography. Enjoy!