What is your most memorable wedding?
Filming a wedding at Blenheim Palace would be one of my most memorable weddings. That venue is so special to me because it is where I proposed to the love of my life in 2006 - on the bridge over the lake.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Discreet, authentic, professional, prepared and creative.
What about your business are you most proud of?
I feel a real sense of satisfaction when I look back and see that I have been able to build good relationships with my clients and have provided them with a professional service that captures their special day authentically.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
One top tip would be to think about the timings of your wedding and in particular to give yourself enough time at the Drinks Reception. Many times I have seen couples feeling stressed because they don't have time to be with their guests.
The reasons for this could be -
1) Too many guest/family photos.
2) Too much time away from your guests when taking your couple shots.
3) The distance between the ceremony and reception venue (if they are separate). Travel time can eat into your drinks reception.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Something I have seen that is really meaningful, is when couples include personal messages as part of their favours for their guests.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Typically I connect with a couple on zoom or sometimes in person, to chat through the plans for their day and explain how I work and what to expect from me on the day. We keep in touch in the lead up to the wedding day and I am always happy to answer any questions.
On the day I will be punctual and dress suitably for the occasion. As far as is possible, I film the day in an unobtrusive way and always do my best to work respectfully with the photographer.
I capture the audio for the vows and speeches with audio devices of professional quality.
After the wedding I send couples a short sneak peak of the day and then keep in touch about how the editing is going and when they can expect to have their film. Most couples receive their film 4-6 weeks after the wedding day.
What is the most exciting thing you have caught on camera?
It was fun to capture clay pigeon shooting in slow motion, and also exciting to film a guest proposing to the sister of the bride.
What is your favourite soundtrack to put to a wedding video?
I like to edit to instrumental music, as it creates an atmosphere where I can add in the couple's promises to each other and also I like to add in some of the natural background noise which helps the viewer to feel like they are there.
Describe how you got into videography.
I've always loved movies and was really interested in all the behind the scenes clips. I studied Film Production at university and hoped to work in the industry in some way. My wife and I had our own wedding filmed and then I was asked by a couple of friends to film their weddings. I really enjoyed it and started my own business in 2010. Over the years I have found that capturing couples' love stories and the memories from their wedding day is really rewarding work and such a privilege. I also feel like I have found something that I excel at and that gives me a real sense of fulfilment in my work.