You've booked me for your wedding. Now what?
Here's how to prepare so you get the absolute best content from your day. These tips come from hundreds of weddings I've filmed across the Gulf Coast.
Share Your Vision Before the Wedding
Send me examples of videos you love. Show me your Instagram aesthetic. Share your favorite TikToks. This helps me understand what style you're going for.
Be specific. "I want lots of candid moments" is vague. "I want a video of my grandmother seeing me in my dress for the first time" gives me something concrete to capture.
The more specific you are about must-have moments, the better I can plan to capture them.
Build Your Timeline with Content in Mind
Your timeline affects the quality of your content. Here's what helps:
Give Yourself Buffer Time
Rushing between events makes everyone stressed. Stressed faces don't make good content. Build in 15-20 minute buffers between major moments.
Schedule Getting Ready Time
I need at least 90 minutes of getting ready time to capture the details, the emotions, and the build-up. If I arrive and everyone is already dressed, I've missed some of the best moments.
Plan for Golden Hour
The hour before sunset creates the best lighting. Try to schedule your ceremony or outdoor portraits during this time. Check sunset times for your wedding date and plan backward.
Tell Your Vendors About Me
Let your photographer, videographer, and wedding planner know you have a content creator. We work better as a team.
I stay out of your photographer's key shots. I'm not trying to compete for the same angles. But they need to know I'm there so they can plan around me.
Prepare Your Wedding Party
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be in a lot of content. Let them know:
- They might be filmed while getting ready - Candid reactions are the goal - They don't need to pose or look at the camera
The best content comes from people who forget the camera is there. If your bridesmaids start performing for me, the footage looks staged.
Think About Audio
I capture audio from toasts, vows, and key moments. Help me get clean audio by:
- Asking your DJ or band for an audio feed 2. Making sure speakers are close to microphones 3. Limiting loud background music during speeches
Good audio makes a huge difference in the final content.
Create a Shot List (But Keep It Short)
Give me a list of 5-10 moments you absolutely want captured:
| Must-Haves | Nice-to-Haves |
|---|---|
| First look | Ring exchange close-up |
| Parent reactions | Venue details |
| First dance | Getting ready details |
| Specific traditions | Guest candids |
| Exit/send-off | Dance floor moments |
Don't give me 50 items. The more you list, the more I'm checking a list instead of watching for real moments.
Designate a Point Person
Pick someone who can answer my questions during the day. This might be your wedding planner, a bridesmaid, or a family member.
I'll try not to bother you. But sometimes I need quick answers about schedule changes or where someone is. Having a point person means I don't have to pull you away from your guests.
Trust the Process
On your wedding day, forget about the content.
"The best content comes when couples stop thinking about being filmed and start enjoying their wedding."
Don't perform for the camera. Don't ask if I "got that." Don't try to create viral moments.
Just live your day. I'm trained to find the moments. Your job is to have them.
After the Wedding
Once you receive your content:
- Save everywhere: Phone, computer, cloud. Don't lose these files. 2. Post quickly: Share within the first week while excitement is high. 3. Tag your vendors: We all love sharing and it helps your network see your day. 4. Keep captions simple: Don't overthink it. Your joy speaks for itself.
Your wedding content is a highlight reel of one of the best days of your life. Prepare well, then let go and enjoy it.
