FAQ

Q.  Should I book videography for my wedding?

A.  Absolutely.  Photography only tells ½ the story - our videographers will come along side you to help preserve your vows, speeches, dances and special moments with loved ones like only video can. Many of the couples who do not book a videographer tell us later that they wish they had.

Q.  What’s you’re style?

A.  This is a question we hear all the time. Viewing our wedding films gives you a great idea of what we do - but one simple question should help you select your videographer. What will my wedding video look like 20 years from now? We craft timeless, elegant and cinematic wedding videos. Hiring a filmmaker to work with you on your wedding is a substantial investment. Go for a style that you will be comfortable showing your children 20 years from now - not something you’ll be embarrassed by later.

Q.  Where are you based?

A.  Right here in northern Ohio.  All of our cinematographers are based here as well.  When you book with Wedding Stories in Motion, you can be assured that you are supporting local people and putting money back into the local economy.  This is extremely important to us.  We want to keep Ohio working!

Q.  Can I get drone footage with my wedding?

A.  Yes you can, but you will need to contact and ask us about drone coverage.  Our drone pilots are FAA certified.  This is the only way to go.  You will need to verify with us that one of our drone pilots is available for your wedding.  You also need to let us know exactly where your locations will be.  Drone coverage will be listed specifically on your package, but the FAA governs fly/no-fly zones for drones, and our drone pilots follow these regulations.  The pilot can verify locations before you book, and as long as the FAA doesn’t change designations, it will be legal for the pilot to fly.  Please note that the remote pilot in command has the final word on whether they can fly safely on the wedding day. There are many factors that have to be considered including weather, wind speed and direction, GPS lock, presence of other people – the list is quite extensive and the pilot is the only one who can make that call.  If the pilot determines that it isn’t possible or safe to fly at that time, then the flight won’t be made.  Note that unless drone coverage is specifically listed, you do not have drone coverage as part of our service.

Q.  What’s the difference between cinematic and documentary content?

A.  Cinematic content is what you see on our homepage.  It’s cut together like a motion picture and set to music.  Documentary content is basic video content shot mostly on a static camera and utilizes on-camera audio.  The concentration of our videographers is on the cinematic portion of your package.   Book your package based on the length of cinematic content you would like and think of the documentary content as a nice extra to have that shows portions of your day as listed in your package.  Static cameras can have people moving in and out of the frame including guests, photographers and videographers.  We may also experience banding issues with certain LED and fluorescent lights that may be visible. It’s not meant to be perfect.  Most couples watch and share their cinematic content again and again with friends and family. This is our main focus.

Q. Should I book 1 videographer or 2?

A. If your budget allows for 2 videographers, go for it. If your budget fits better with a single videographer, there are instances where this may work well.

Here are some examples where a 1 videographer package may work well
Both of you are getting ready in 1 location
You have a wedding that is mostly at 1 spot (ceremony/reception at the same venue)
You have under 150 guests
Your timeline is relatively relaxed
You are doing a first look/photos earlier in the day with a later ceremony going right into your cocktail hour (this allows the videographer time to set up for the reception)

Here’s where you really need to consider 2 videographers
If you are getting ready in 2 different locations and want footage of both of you
If you have a larger wedding and/or a catholic ceremony - we recommend 2 videographers
If you want to have the possibility of getting the groom’s reaction while the bride is walking down the aisle. 1 videographer rarely can do both.
You have a longer day with an earlier ceremony
You are not doing a first look with a later ceremony going right into your cocktail hour (you’ll most likely need to be doing video/photos during the time the videographer needs to set up for the reception)

Please keep in mind that we need about 1 hour before the ceremony and 1 hour before the reception to set up.  If you have 1 videographer, they need to leave your getting ready spot early enough to arrive 1 hour before the ceremony starts.  The same goes for the reception as they need time to load in equipment, set up cameras, test audio – etc.  With 2 videographers, we have more flexibility.  We’re also able to have more coverage throughout the day with 2 (or 3) videographers which means more choices when we edit.

The edits don’t look drastically different but our longest edits are in the 2 and 3 videographer packages as we have more footage to select from while editing.  Much of the decision comes down to budget.

Q.  Do you include raw (unedited) footage with your packages?

A.  No – but we’re happy to provide you with a copy upon request.  All you need to do is provide us with a portable hard drive large enough for all the files.  We’ll be happy to copy the footage to your external drive after we deliver your wedding edits.  Note that we need to know before the wedding that you want this. Also, some of our camera formats will require a pro level program such as Adobe Premiere, Apple Final Cut Pro X or DaVinci Resolve to access the files.  If you’d like a copy of this footage, please contact us for details.

Q.  Can you guarantee I’ll get great audio of my vows/toasts – etc?

A.  Our videographers do their absolute best to get good audio from key moments of the day, but unfortunately, we can’t guarantee it.  Getting great audio from a live event can be challenging.  Even if everything goes right, a simple issue like a person not holding a microphone close to their mouth during toasts is going to affect what the videographer can get and what is usable.

Q.  Do you work from shot lists?

A.  Video is different from photo. We don’t work from specific shot lists.  Rather, we work to capture the events of the day from a cinematic perspective focusing on story and emotion. What is filmed will be determined by the videographers as they see the day unfold. Not every shot or event goes into the video edit as we work to tell a cohesive story of your wedding day. We need to maintain complete creative control of the filming and editing in order to provide a video like the ones you see on our website and Vimeo.

Q.  Do I meet my videographer?

A.  Typically the videographer does not meet in person with the couple.  We strive to keep our pricing as reasonable as possible and having the videographer meet in person would push the cost of the packages higher as their time has to be covered.  You will, however, discuss your wedding with your videographer by phone closer to your wedding date (usually a week to two weeks before the wedding).  You will also fill out a full questionnaire providing them with extensive details about your wedding day about 6 weeks before the wedding.  You’ll go over these details when you speak with them before your wedding.

Q.  What is the process leading up to my wedding?

A.  About 6 weeks before your wedding you will receive a full questionnaire providing extensive details about your wedding day and about you as a couple.  After you fill out your questionnaire, your lead videographer will reach out to you closer to your wedding date.  At that point, they’ll set up a phone meeting where you’ll go over the questionnaire details.  This phone meeting typically happens a week to two weeks before the wedding just in case wedding day details change. Please note that it is best to have your meetings with your photographer and DJ before you have your phone call with your videographer.  Both the DJ and photographer provide information that may be needed by your videographer.

Q.  How is my video delivered?

A.  Your Cinematic Edit is delivered online.  This makes it easy for you to share your cinematic content with friends and family.  Your documentary content is delivered online via download link available for 90 days for safe-keeping.  The main reason for delivery online is it allows us to deliver our edits in the highest resolution possible.  Standard DVDs are a low res format and BluRay discs are cumbersome and players are becoming more scarce.  Online is definitely the future.  Contact us today for more information.  

Q.  How long does it take to get my video?

A.  Approximately 90 – 120 days after your wedding. Is it possible that delivery may take longer?  We hope not, but it is possible. It depends on the time of the year and how many videos are scheduled into production at the same time.  We never like to see videos take longer than 120 days, but it can happen.  If it does, we ask for your patience as the editors work through their edits as quickly as possible while maintaining their quality standards.

Q.  Can I specify a different style for my video?

A.  All of our videographers/editors have a similar style like what you see on the various videos on our website and Vimeo. This helps us maintain a relatively consistent look and feel. If you are looking for something different from what you see, we’d want you to select a company that is closer to what you are looking for as we may not be the best fit.

Q.  Can I select the music for my cinematic edits?

A.  Absolutely.  We have a growing library of music that we have licensed for wedding edits.  We’re always happy to share links for you to help select the music for your video.  Please keep in mind that because of our editing style (which is typically slower paced, cinematic and utilizes more slow motion) we require songs that have a slower tempo and fit the mood of the edit.  Selecting a really upbeat or rocky song won’t work.  Typically our editors select the best fit for your day, but you can simply request on your wedding questionnaire that you’d like to help select your music.

Q.  Can I use music I hear on the radio?

A.  In most cases, no – copyright restrictions are very clear and the penalties can be severe.  We utilize one of the best music licensing companies in the country that specializes in providing great music for wedding and commercial productions for some of the world’s top brands.  We have a background in music and will make music selections that fit your wedding and our editing style.  You can even be involved in the process of selecting the music if you’d like.  Just let us know when you fill out your questionnaire.

Ready to get in touch? Still have questions? Head to our contact page.