Five Ways to Help Me Make Your Wedding Film the Best It Can Be
1. Create a Calm, Light Filled Space for Morning Preparations
I always arrive at weddings two to three hours before the ceremony. This gives me time to capture establishing shots of your venue, take drone footage where possible, and gently ease into the rhythm of the day before heading to see you and your bridal party.
One small thing that makes a huge difference during morning prep is the space itself. A clean, uncluttered room allows me to focus fully on capturing the emotion and atmosphere, rather than working around distractions in the background.
My advice is to allocate one or two of your bridesmaids or groomsmen to keep the space tidy as the morning unfolds. Dresses, bags, food packaging and makeup can quickly build up, and keeping things clear genuinely makes a massive difference to how calm the space feels and how your film looks.
Natural light is another big one. Turning off overhead lights and relying on window light creates a much softer, more cinematic feel. If you are having your hair or makeup done, being positioned next to a window, either side on or facing it, allows me to capture beautiful, natural moments as you get ready.
2. Trust the Process and Let Moments Unfold Naturally
Most couples who book me do so because they trust my approach. I never like to dictate shots or interrupt moments. Instead, I use gentle prompts when needed and allow everything else to unfold naturally.
The most meaningful footage often comes when you forget the camera is there. Quiet interactions, laughter with family and friends, and emotional reactions are always at their best when they are not performed for the camera.
Couple portraits are something many couples worry about, but they really do not need to. I keep these short and relaxed, usually splitting them into two brief windows during the day. One shortly after the ceremony or confetti, and another later on around golden hour.
I always speak with your photographer beforehand to chat through timings and approach, so we are completely on the same page. That way everything runs smoothly, nothing feels rushed, and you are never being pulled in different directions.
I never like to keep couples away from their guests for long. It is one day, and it goes incredibly fast. The best moments often happen when you are simply enjoying time with the people you love, and that is exactly what I want you to be doing.
3. Build Breathing Space Into Your Timeline
If there is one piece of advice I give couples time and time again, it is this. Do not rush the day.
The part of the timeline that benefits most from breathing room is the final stage of morning preparations. This can easily become frantic, especially if you are travelling to your ceremony location. I always recommend being fully dressed at least an hour before your ceremony.
That extra time allows us to capture relaxed portraits, first looks if you are having them, and most importantly gives you a chance to settle into how you feel in your outfit. You are wearing it all day. Having time to feel comfortable, enjoy a drink, and simply take everything in makes a huge difference to the energy of the entire day.
After the ceremony, allow fifteen to thirty minutes following your confetti for hugs, conversations, greeting your guests properly, and grabbing a drink. Those few minutes to pause, breathe and actually take everything in are invaluable, and they always translate beautifully on film.
When it comes to speeches, I would always recommend having them before food rather than between courses. If you think you will feel nervous, it is especially worth doing. There is nothing worse than sitting through a beautiful three course meal and not fully enjoying it because you know you still have a speech to give. Get them done, relax, and enjoy the rest of the day.
4. Be Present, Not Performative
Without a doubt, the best wedding films come from couples who are relaxed and present, not performing for the camera. Try, as much as possible, to forget that I am there and simply enjoy the day as it happens.
One thing I do gently encourage couples to consider is personal vows. They are deeply meaningful, honest and uniquely yours. They not only elevate your film, but also anchor the entire day in why you are there, standing in front of your closest family and friends, committing to each other.
During your ceremony, I would also recommend turning to face each other straight away. It might feel like a small thing, but it changes everything. You are focused on one another, not the room. It creates beautifully balanced visuals and a calmer, more intimate experience. Holding hands, especially if you are feeling nervous, often brings an immediate sense of grounding, and it always comes across on film.
5. Think Long Term About What You Will Treasure Most
When I am editing a wedding film, I am always thinking about how it will feel to watch decades from now. More often than not, what matters most is not perfection. It is people.
Seeing your family and friends together, hearing their voices, watching them laugh, dance and interact becomes more valuable with time. That is why I focus so much on capturing these moments naturally throughout the day.
I record audio subtly using a shotgun microphone, allowing natural sound like conversations, laughter and ambient moments to weave gently into your film. This is also why I offer a documentary edit, which includes every clip from your wedding day with natural audio and no music. Having that complete record of your day is something many couples are incredibly grateful for years later, and it is always available as an optional upgrade.
A Final Thought From Me
I often describe my role as being a spectator, not a director. I am like a guest with a camera. I am there to capture your day quietly, intentionally and honestly, in a way that reflects you, your people and how it all truly felt.
When you give yourself time, trust the process and stay present, your film naturally becomes something timeless. Not just a record of how your wedding looked, but a reflection of how it felt.
