Featurette: Matt and Emily

[Matt and Emily's wedding was filmed in conjunction with Todd Seimer Photography]

One day, Mr. Noodle walked his charming lady to the park bench. He dropped to one knee and reached into his pocket to retrieve a small box, or so she thought. Instead, he pulled out a treat for his lady's faithful pooch, Milo. Mr. Noodle was always playing. He did ask for the lady's hand in marriage and both she and the pooch agreed they would all make a fine family.

That's how I imagine it in my mind anyway. The bench part is true, the rest is pure fiction. Matt is as quirky as Emily is sweet. Their favorite pose as you'll see in their Featurette, is called "Double Trouble". You also know it's going to be a fun and relaxed wedding when the biggest worry is whether or not Matt would wear his new, large orange sunglasses during their ceremony.

I'll let their Featurette do the rest of the talking for me. I also want to thank Austin Craig for permission to use one of his songs. He's a local Ohio native now living in Texas and worth taking a listen to. I'm always on the lookout for local Ohio musicians to feature in my trailers, so please get in touch if you're interested or know someone who would be.

Enjoy a few stills from Matt and Emily's trailer:

1 Year New: The Good

April 1, 2012
I think my boss thought it was April Fool's too.

I was a science geek and could charm the socks off almost any immortalized or stem cell. I had risen among the stars and became the lab manager, but it came to a point where there was just nowhere else to go (without starting grad school at 30). I had climbed the technician ladder for almost 8 years and found myself at the end of a high dive.

Regardless of my fear of heights, I felt the need to jump. So I made my splash and did what any rational person would do. I became a videographer. You know, because filming and editing have soooo much to do with DNA replication. I told myself if I had 20 weddings lined up to film in 2012, I would hang up my pipettors, say goodbye to the world of molecular biology and leave the worries of epigentic effects to others. I reached that goal and turned in my lab notebook a year ago today.

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
I'll start you off with all the good. First, I love being my own boss. Who wouldn't? Especially when you're a control freak like me. I set my own hours and pick my own music. I can take time out to play with our new daughter, the refrigerator is also always close-by for those mid-morning, mid-afternoon and early evening stomach rumbles. Staff meetings are also very simple. I still have to schedule that happy hour for my office, come to think of it.

The work I do is consistently the most fulfilling work I've ever done. How could it not? As a left-handed creative that loves numbers, videography is perfect. The creative storytelling contrasted with the analytical, frame-by-frame editing. The math of camera settings compared to the art of framing a shot. My mind is on a supernova all day and night thinking through story lines for my films. These dark, creative pockets of my mind are finally being explored. The perfect marriage of art and science.

Most of my work is done alone in the home office, so I've started looking to meet people while I'm out shooting and on social network sites like Twitter and Facebook. I have met awesome people out there, even across the country. People I otherwise would have no way of meeting. They have inspired me by the work they do and by taking time to actually respond and connect with me. Makes me feel a little more professional. When I do get out of the house, I love talking to people on the sidelines of sports games, random guests at weddings who tell me stories, and especially getting to know my couples over the course of planning and staying in touch after the wedding.

I'm always learning. Like how Mom should have taught me to swim; just thrown me in the water. This learning is on the go and the the faster, the better. I learn anywhere and anything I can from print to online to people. I didn't know I would have to be my own accountant and marketing agent as well. I'm constantly learning better techniques for shooting and editing. What I love most about this work is that it's going to be a lifetime of learning. There will always be new technologies, new ways to improve, new trends.

I am so happy to have made this switch at this point. The sky is the limit (that's a lie, there are plenty of limitations, but more about that in the next post). This past year has been the most rewarding and the absolutely most difficult work year I've ever had. So that's "The Good". Funny how the draft for "...The Bad and The Ugly" is much much longer right now, but I promise I'll keep it concise.

What do you enjoy about working for yourself? Did you make the leap recently too? It took the encouragement of others in the same boat for me to make the leap and to keep my sanity after doing it. Feel free to get in touch if you want someone to bounce ideas off of for doing what you love full-time. I'm also learning that I have a lot to learn still so if you have advice for me, I'm all ears.

Paper Anniversary: Corey and Nicole

I remember Corey and Nicole's wedding so vividly. The sweet words they said to each other and the cherished look in Corey's eyes whenever he looked at his bride or talked about her. As their wedding videographer, it was an honor to be called up to take photos to mark this first year.

Corey was surprised to see me, as this had been planned in secret. They often spend weekend mornings at the local coffee shop, so I met them there. Corey will write Nicole sweet little notes on her cup when picking up their coffee, so I asked him to write a note this morning. You can see his note to his bride for yourself.

I love getting to know my couples and tossing ideas back and forth (Nicole created the "1" tags for their drinks). I also love that my couples are such genuine people. Congratulations Corey and Nicole! The best is yet to come. Marriage certainly keeps getting better with time.



Here's Corey and Nicole's wedding Featurette for those curious about how gorgeous their day really was:

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Choosing a Photo Booth

What not only entertains guests, but also provides a unique keepsake from your wedding? A photo booth! People volunteer to be put in front of a camera, strike a super flattering pose, and leave you with a photo of how much fun they were having at your reception. As I've filmed weddings, I've seen photo booths where guests (and the couple) are encouraged to be as goofy as they can be with props either provided by you, brought in, or gathered from your wedding's surroundings. Here's my insider information from my many wedding travels.


Retro Booth
The first is a retro fit photo booth complete with curtains and two strips of photos printed on the spot; one for you and one for your guests. In some photo booths, like this one from Buckeye Entertainment, there's a modern surprise. The photos are also instantaneously uploaded to Facebook. There's always a long line for this and I find great joy in perusing the Facebook photos afterward. You all have some silly guests out there.


Photographer Booth
I've met wedding photographers who also provide their own version of a photo booth. These are usually solid backdrops and a single camera manned by the photographer or assistant.

Groups will fit in to have their adorably ridiculous photos taken and images are later uploaded to the photographer's site for you to purchase prints (and possibly share on Facebook). Shutterhead Studios first introduced me to the concept with their You Booth and I later saw Mary Wyar and also the Ely Brothers have a similar approach with their Fauxto-booth and The Awesomeatic.


Couch Booth
A new take on the photographer photo booth route is the photo couch from Henry Photography. It's probably the prettiest couch I've seen and can make an appearance at your wedding in front of any backdrop the photographers deem worthy. Ooh la la.



DIY Booth
If you're looking for a DIY alternative, I've had couples hang a sheet or pretty tapestry, bring in a crate of hats, wings, glasses, picture frames, chalkboards, you name it, and set up a small point and shoot camera complete with self-timer on a tripod. The guests seemed to enjoy encouraging each other and suggesting poses and props.

A cyber option would include encouraging your guests to take photos and upload them to a site like Instagram using the same hashtag and later create your own album of images on a site like Shutterfly.


You can really let your imagination run wild with the possibilities. What are you considering for your reception? Comment below or pop on over and "Like" my Facebook page to share your ideas and stay current with my videography world.


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Rock Your Wedding

Who doesn't dream of hopping on the back of a 1970's Honda CB750 with her man, hair blowing in the wind as you both drive off into the California sunset?

Imagine if you could harness that and create your wedding from it. Welcome to a little bit of Rock n' Roll, a little bit of retro, and a whole lot of color. Rockabilly weddings have been hitting me from all sides recently, from great inspirational blog posts like this one on Green Wedding Shoes and this Same-Day-Edit from RainbowFish, to cutting the hubby's hair, a friend's Vegas wedding, and talking color schemes with my sister-in-law for her wristlet creations.

Do you ever experience that? The initial thought of an idea is planted, and before you know it, you see things EVERYwhere? Those are the best ideas. What gets my brain juices flowing at 1.21 gigawatts (besides the coffee pumping through my veins right now), is being able to film weddings that come from these great ideas. Please help feed my addiction and share with me how your ideas are coming together. Who knows, maybe this little board will inspire you in your own planning. I even have more ideas over on my Pinterest Rock on Wedding board.

It's certainly inspired me to find more couples who love having fun, be the best videographer I can be for them, and work on my sweet bouffant.



Bridesmaid's dress from ModCloth | Cupcakes from Nevie-pie Cakes | Groom's attire as seen on Deal Dive Bridal Guide | Guest book idea as seen on MyWedding | Chevron Tote from EchoLand Bags | Wedding dress designed by Stephanie Allin | Cherry Lambic Sorbet by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | DIY Printable Record Player Invitations by Yes Dear Studio | Groom's hairstyle from my husband, Steve | Vintage-style Photograph by Retroatelier

Featurette: Ben and Erica

This Featurette is extra special to me. Why? Because it's family. Ben is my husband's cousin and Erica is his beautiful bride. It gave me a whole new perspective when filming because everywhere I turned, it was our own family at the end of my lens. Our siblings, our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. I especially love the quirky moments I got to capture. You'll get to see them when you watch.

This may sound cliche (most things we truly learn and that stick with us seem to end up sounding that way), but all I can say is that this is how I want to approach every wedding. Like it's my own family. So we can all remember those dear to us who helped us celebrate our wedding day.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Videographer

1. Who does the filming and editing?
You want to know that the work you see online is done by the person/people who will be covering your wedding. You love the work you see for a reason, so the people who created it should be the ones making the work you'll love most of all. Since I'm an "oldest" child and suffer from bouts of control-freakedness, I film solo as much as I can. Editing is a very detailed process that is only done by me. It's my baby.

2. What equipment do you bring with you?
This will influence your experience watching your final film and your experience while being filmed on your wedding day.

Audio. My #1. Every videographer needs a good game plan and have a "Hail Mary" tucked away if needed. How are the things said during your ceremony and reception recorded (do they mic the groom, your officiant, etc.)? How do they work around wind noise for outdoor ceremonies? I work with two wireless lapel mics for the ceremony, one on the groom, the other on the officiant and record to a device separate from my camera. For any given situation, I have no less than three audio sources.

Light. Receptions are notoriously dark and can make capturing scenes in high-quality difficult. Your videographer should either have an amazing camera capable of high-sensitivity in low-light situations (and know how to utilize available light) or will have an on-board camera light. These lights tend to shine like spotlights, so think about how you (and your guests) will feel about those "beam me up, Scotty" moments. I'm a fan of using natural light, mostly because I like to be forgotten about, and use a camera with amazing low-light sensitivity.

Camera stabilization. Unless you're in the mood for a Jason Bourne fight scene-style film, ask your videographer how they stabilize their camera. Some cameras have built-in image stabilization. Videographers who shoot with DSLRs tend to use monopods, tripods, and other equipment. A videographer who also has ideas for why they use certain equipment for certain shots approaches your wedding for the story it will tell. I bring a monopod and tripod with me and rarely shoot without either. The monopod also helps distinguish me from your photographer, though I still have guests pose for photos for me.

3. How do you put together your longer pieces?
Do the trailers you see online reflect the approach your videographer takes to their longer films? Will your story be told in chronological order or will elements from your day be mixed in at various times? For example, I like to pick out key elements from the toasts and ceremony to weave throughout my films. These elements create a whole new underlying storyline that makes each film unique.

4. Why did you get started in wedding videography?
This isn't a technical question, but I love being asked by couples because it helps open dialogue between all of us. You get a feel for the level of passion your potential videographer has for the work they do when they share their story. Maybe it's just me who enjoys this question because I enjoy the look of surprise on my couple's faces when I tell them my background.

I could talk about wedding videography all day, so if you have questions feel free to get in touch. Or even anything to add or take away from this list. I enjoy being involved in the behind-the-scenes wedding day festivities! You can find me living on Twitter (@lzeidner) during the day and flying by Facebook at night.

Things Overheard

Tell me that doesn't inspire you to do more in your relationship? Because I hear these phrases repeatedly during editing rounds - and I mean I'll go over the same phrase 20 times or more - those words sink from my mind into my heart. It's those words that make me ever grateful for the marriage I do have and the husband God has placed in my life.

To my couples out there: After 8 years of marriage so far, I can assure you that these words spoken from the altar are tried and true. Going through the hard things together and being each other's biggest fan and advocate, deepen the bond you have.

I'd love to hear the tidbits that you've picked up so far. We can inspire and encourage each other!

Featurette: Eric and Amanda

Eric first contacted me with a long, thought out email about the love of his life. Both he and Amanda have been together since high school. As soon as they both graduated from college and Eric had saved up for the ring, he asked. And Amanda said 'yes'.

You can tell by the words Eric says (who knew grooms gave speeches at their own weddings?!) how much he's been looking forward to this day and how much he cherishes his new bride. It was quickly apparent when getting together with them and seeing them on their wedding day that this love, grown for almost a decade, is deeply rooted in friendship. It's this love that puts that catch in Amanda's voice when she promises her forever. And it's this love that has Eric blinking back tears when he sees his bride for the first time.