So, last week I was starting to regret not having hired a videographer. I went around in circles when we made our budget, knew we couldn’t afford it and honestly didn’t think I’d miss it that much. Then I thought about how many brides say the day flies by and there is so much that they miss. I didn’t want to miss or forget our ceremony. So I shot an email to Wilson Fontaine and Wes Jones on the off chance that one of them was not booked for our wedding (22 days later). I just didn’t want to kick myself later, and what did I have to lose, right?
Wilson was booked, but Wes just happened to have our date free (the only open date he had in 3 months)! I couldn’t believe it! He was recommended to me by another NY area bride, then I saw that he’s also filmed the recent wedding of Mrs. Snow Pea and the wedding of Mrs. Firefly. I was sold - then I started figuring out how I was going to afford it. We had a number of people decline our invitation to the wedding, so there was some “extra” money in our budget. Also my mother decided to take back a very expensive dress we’d gotten for her to wear to the wedding. She said “take it back, get the coffee tables you guys wanted and put the rest toward the wedding.” I have worked VERY hard to stay right on target the entire time and because I accounted for everything (tips, tax, delivery fees, etc.) I was able to be very true to my budget. Between my accurate budgeting, the 20+ guests not coming and my mother’s extra dress money, this almost did it.
Knowing we were still short Mr. Onion (who I love for so many reasons) said, “If this means I have to wait a few more months to get a laptop, then that’s what it will be. We can’t go back and get this footage later!” What you have to understand about this offer is Mr. Onion has a desktop that he built himself close to eight years ago now, so it’s really slow and old. But he could see in my eyes I really wanted to do this.
Hooray! Any married ladies out there hire a videographer at the last minute? Were you happy with your choice? How did you feel about having them there along with the photographer? Did it feel like you had paparazzi? Was it worth the extra money in addition to your still photographer? Have you actually watched your wedding video more than once post wedding?
To learn more about Wes Jones and to see samples of his work go to www.filmjones.com.
And just because I love him so much and this picture is so freakin’ cute — here is Mr. Onion as a little boy “helping” his dad. Note Mr. Onion’s plastic hammer! I L-O-V-E this picture. 
This post is so timely for me, because my wedding is only 6 weeks away, and I just today signed a contract with a videographer!
I too am concerned about the “paparazzi effect” that videographers sometimes have (I have been to weddings that had 3 people trailing the bride and groom the whole night - photog, videog and a man holding a light in their faces - NOT my idea of a good time). However, I do have quite a soft spot for the 8 mm look - so cool. Can’t wait to hear how this goes
I had to debate and debate with my fiancé with having a videographer. He’s shy in front of the camera. Me, not so much. He, too, doesn’t like the “paparazzi effect”. However, his mother and I are adamant about a videographer to capture the event. 3 reasons:
1) To share our special day with our relatives in Prague and in the Philippines.
2) To capture all the moments we may have missed and want to remember.
3) To capture our family and friends, especially our parents, when the dreaded happens and we are orphans. I’ve lost my mom so I’m thankful I can hear her voice and her singing through old videos of her.
So, my fiancé and I compromised. No video and microphone on him when he and the boys are preparing before the wedding… least they offend! =)
Miss Onion,
I am so happy to hear you hired Wes! You won’t regret he. He’s quite an amazing man. I knew he was good, but I was really amazed at the wedding. Everyone commented about how he was *there* but he *wasn’t*; meaning he covered everything and yet you hardly realized he was there. He had no wires coming from him. No giant ass camera. No bright lights. I can’t wait to see our video!
Mrs. Snow Pea — no bright lights?! That makes my day. That was my biggest hesitation. I went to a friends wedding in February and her videographers lights were SO bright and so distracting to me, I can’t image how the bride and groom felt. Can we talk more about it — what I can except etc? Thanks!
I got married in May and I have watched my wedding video (114 Minutes full length) about 4 times now and certain chapters of it even more than that. I love it, actually even better than the pictures. Hiring a videographer was on the bottom of the priority list, until I finally found one I could afford and I am so glad I did. It was the best decision I made in regards to the budget. My in-laws were against it and saw the money as a waste and of course they now have ordered a copy of the video for their very own and rave about it. There is just something to be said about sound that is not captured in pictures. From all the girls as we excitedly got ready, to the groomsmen’s pep talk and advice to my husband, our vows, the well wishes of our family and wedding party, the toasts, just it all. The day was such a happy one but went by way too fast and I love that I get the chance to re-live that magical day any time I want with just a click of the remote. On the question about paparazzi — except for a few times in the pre-ceremony getting ready stage where he asked who all was in the room with me and how I thought my fiance was feeling right about now, I never even knew he was there. I was much more aware of my photographer than I was of him. Like the pp said, small camera, no lights or wires, he just blended in. And the thing about hearing your grandmother’s well wishes for you, seeing her cutting a rug on the dance floor, and her happy smile the entire day, is really priceless when she is gone.
ooooh….so timely a post. My wedding is in 8 days and I met with my photographer last night. He asked me again why I wasn’t having video (he also offers video and has someone in house that can do it for me), and I explained that it just hadn’t been in the budget. Truth be told, I’ve been REALLY regretting not having a video the past few weeks. Our super generous photographer offered to me that he will send his videographer to shoot the day….at no up front cost to me and will store the video up to a year for me if I decide to purchase the package. I’m in a similar boat to you……
Miss Onion, If I were in your shoes with extra money in the budget, I would go for it! But, my question is to you…..I’m way over budget. Do I go ahead with it, and just plan on saving little by little over the next few months to pay for the video? My fiance does not want the video, but supports me in whatever decision I make.
Yay for you Mrs. Onion. If I were in your shoes (extra money in the budget), I would totally do the same thing.
But (HELP!)a question back-atcha….My wedding is in 8 days. I met with my photographer last night to finalize details and he asked me again why I wasn’t having video. For us, it’s purely a function of no money in the budget and being way over budget.
Because he has an in house videographer, he offered to video the wedding for no up front cost. He’ll store the video for a limited time for me (probably 1 year) and if I decide after the wedding to buy it from him, I can. If not, he’d like me to notify him fairly soon (perhaps 3 months) so he can reuse the disc/tape/whatever its called.
My finace says he doesn’t want the video or the added expense, but will support me in my decision….What do I do?
Video technology has come a long way — cameras are smaller, wireless, without massive lights. Should be ok.
Wes had one little light that he used during PARTS of the reception. If I had to guess I would say it’s about 5″ in diameter. I had no idea he was using it. I just saw it in the background of a picture that a guest took. Maybe Mrs. Bee’s. Everything was wireless. What he needed was strapped to his body and fit into his hands.
A ton of guests commented at how great Wes and Henry were at covering everything and yet it was like they weren’t there.
MJW — that makes me feel SO much more confident in our choice. It’s one of those things — you don’t know you really want it until it’s too late. Well I just wasn’t willing to let the chance pass me by — and thank you to the people who declined our invitation that I had budgeted for who have afforded us this luxury.
Renee — I think you’re in a win win position. He is willing to shoot the video at NO COST? You have nothing to loose. You can never go back and get the footage, but once it’s been taken you can save the money for the video. Of course this depends on how over budget you already are, and what will have to be done to pay everything off.
I had to bite the bullet and just get the footage for “x dollars” and that includes Wes shooting for 6 hours and a 60-90 minute “documentary style” video, but NOT his signature 20-25 minute wedding videos like you see on his website. That would be more money later that we didn’t decide on yet. So I’d say go for it. Worst case scenario you will decide against it, but you’ll have the video if you want it. And how awesome is it for you that you can make this decision so late!
Thanks! I, too will be getting a longer video, which doesn’t have any of frills–But he will include some editing.
(btw sorry for the double post. I didn’t think the first one went through)
Another idea for those who want at least some informal basic video coverage — video cameras are pretty affordable now. Consider buying a $200 camera and having a friend or relative catch the highlights of the wedding weekend. Then you have the camera to take on your honeymoon, too.
Miss Onion, NYC/Burlington, VT
Age and Occupation: 26, PR & Marketing and Jazz Singer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Data Analyst
Engagement Date: April 2, 2006
Wedding Date: September 2007
Blogging Since: July 11, 2007
Venue: Restaurant in Burlington
About Me: I didn't think I'd be "that girl," but I am having so much fun planning our wedding (mostly by myself). I'm a PR and Marketing Director for a major jazz festival and camp by day, and by night, a romantic jazz singer and bride-to-be! I hope all my research can help other brides in their planning.
I just met Wes at Mrs. Snow Pea’s wedding. He does amazing work and I’m glad that another bee is using him yay!