How Personal Wedding Vows can Capture a Magical Moment in Your Wedding Video
Personal Vows: Capturing a Magical Moment in Your Wedding Video and Influencing my Style of Wedding Videography.
Nothing is more beautiful than a couple, very much in love, telling each other in their own words just how much they care for each other and how important they are to one another. And sometimes, when I'm very privileged, I get to capture that moment for eternity on film.
Personal vows are a fantastic part of a wedding ceremony, and I always capture them in the most special way possible, preferably from multiple angles!
There’s a reason I use 3 microphones during a ceremony. These words are personal, and they are only ever spoken in this way once.
We all know that technology isn’t as reliable as we want it to be, so I personally ensure that the officiant, Groom, and ceremony room is being recorded properly with multiple types of microphones.
Not only am I guaranteed to get the audio from the Groom when they say their vows, but also a reaction (often a sniffle or two!) from his bride.
It’s a beautiful moment that can only truly be re-lived on your wedding video.
I usually start by ensuring that I get close-up shots of both partners so that every fleeting emotion is visible, from the smiles to the tears – all of which are as important to capture as the words themselves.
It's also important for me to get wider shots so that the scale of the moment is visible and the entire audience is in the shot.
How personal vows impact your wedding video
As I've said above, personal vows can be deeply moving and full of emotion. This makes them perfect for overlaying in your wedding video.
Rather than simply playing through your day in order and showing the vows as they are said, they can be added alongside the music tracks to build excitement and drama.
No edit is exactly the same. I can start a video with personal vows from the Bride, leading the viewer into the story.
Ever watch a film that starts with that mountainous shot and a person narrating over it? It’s that feeling that I’m recreating in my wedding videos.
Not only does this draw out the moment further, but it has tremendous symbolism -the words you spoke were not just for that moment, in the hall or church, but were for all time.
The audiences of your wedding videos will hear your words while scenes of you preparing for the day, waiting outside, or walking down the aisle - beautiful words for beautiful moments.
What should you say on your wedding day vows?
Whatever you say, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart. Think about what matters to you in your relationship and how you want it to be expressed on such a special day.
Your vows should be honest, meaningful and sincere - they can also be funny, quirky or traditional, but make sure they reflect who you are as a couple and where you want to be.
The great thing about modern ceremonies is that you can plan to make them as unique as you both are!
Remember to remind your partner how much you love them and that you'll always be there for each other through thick and thin. Exchange promises and a personal story highlighting just how important your soon-to-be spouse is to you.
It's an amazing opportunity to look each other in the eye and tell the person you love how much they mean to you, so make sure it counts! And rest assured that I will capture it on film for everyone else to see.
Beautiful wedding videography captures surprises
The best way to make your wedding video even more special is to surprise each other with your vows. It's a great way to surprise your partner and illicit genuine reactions that are great to capture for your wedding film.
Keeping your vows a secret until you both take them in turns to read out loud creates such an incredible atmosphere that everyone in attendance will feel the love and emotion.
That said, let your celebrant, photographer and videographer know if you plan to keep it a surprise so they can be prepared for the moment and capture it in the most beautiful way possible. Part of the joy in producing wedding videos is witnessing these special moments as they unfold, so I always welcome the opportunity to capture a surprise moment.
The value of your vows to a wedding videographer
I won't lie. I love to produce heart-wrenching, emotional stories in many wedding videos that bring the friends and family that love you to happy tears.
One of the most effective ways to do this is to layer the audio of your vows to the highlight video of your day.
The effect of your heartfelt words being spoken while in the video, you are preparing yourselves for the day ahead, sharing words with your family and preparing to walk down the aisle is a very effective tool in my quest to make the perfect wedding video.
Your vows are a powerful reminder that you both committed to each other on your special day, and they will remind you forever of why you chose each other - no matter how much time passes.
They give your wedding film the ultimate personal touch, so don't be afraid to let your emotions shine through on the day.
Take a look at Conor and Lisa’s wedding day - they were married at the Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, Templepatrick, Northern Ireland. They not only wrote their own vows, but also their own love letters to each other for the morning of their wedding - and were happy for me to film them as part of their wedding video.
Wedding at Rabbit Hotel Northern Ireland - both Lisa and Conor wrote their own wedding vows and this added to the romance of the day
I’ve written more about the Rabbit Hotel wedding venue here.
Why I want to be your wedding videographer
I’ve written before about how choosing the right wedding videographer determines the style of your wedding video.
With careful planning and thoughtful filmmaking, I create beautiful wedding videography that tells a wonderful story about your special day and also features the heartfelt words you both said with sincerity and love to capture this very special moment.
It’s very much part of my style that I want to use those heartfelt and romantic words to form the narrative of your highlight film.
I find that, as a wedding videographer, Belfast is a magical place, and the venues, both within the city and the surrounding countryside, are so beautiful.
I love capturing the lights and the landscapes of Northern Ireland, and the stunning backdrops create perfect scenes for your wedding video.
Personal vows are an incredibly important part of your wedding day; capturing them on video is one of my most magical experiences. It's a chance to express your love in the purest way possible, and I am honoured to be the one to capture it for you.
Want to know more about commissioning me for your wedding videography?
I cover Northern Ireland, Ireland, the UK and destination weddings. For more information just get in touch.
Thanks for reading!
Adam White
Wedding cinematographer
Northern Ireland, Ireland and beyond.
Photo credits: Mark Barnes Photography: www.markbarnesphotography.co.uk
