The wedding of Andy Hicks and Crystal Wrigley was a particularly special occasion for us. As friends we've known for quite some time, it was a privilege to be part of their big day, capturing the moments of joy and love that filled the air. There’s something truly magical about witnessing two people you care about embark on the next chapter of their lives together.
Weddings, despite their structured timelines, are a delicate dance on the day itself. Vendors, guests, locations, and schedules all intertwine, creating a symphony that must be navigated with care and finesse. Our role as videographers is to move within this flow seamlessly, balancing the necessity of capturing every significant moment with the understanding that the guests are there to celebrate and enjoy themselves.
To ensure this balance, our shooting style is relaxed and unobtrusive. We prefer to blend in with the crowd, capturing genuine, candid moments rather than forcing posed shots. The reason for this approach is simple: the bride and groom have often spent months, if not years, meticulously planning their wedding day. From securing the perfect venue to coordinating with vendors and managing the expectations of family and friends, the process can be stressful. The last thing they need on the day is for us to add to that stress. That’s why we strive to be as inconspicuous as possible, stepping into the spotlight only when necessary, such as when we need to mic up the groom, officiant, or other speakers.
This philosophy was no different for Crystal and Andy. We ensured their guests felt comfortable with our presence and allowed the day to unfold naturally. By shadowing the photographer during posed shoots, when time permits, we’re able to capture complementary angles without interrupting the flow of events. Filming a wedding isn’t just about pointing a camera and pressing record; it requires a keen eye for lighting, sound, and safety, all of which must be managed throughout the day. If we’ve done our job well, you won’t even notice we’re there, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—enjoying your wedding day.
The key moments of the day—the ceremony, speeches, and first dance—demand the most attention and equipment. These are the moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime, so we make sure to cover them thoroughly, typically with three cameras, multiple audio recording devices, and additional lighting. Other parts of the day, such as the bridal preparations, guest interactions, and evening celebrations, are captured with a lighter touch, often using just one camera to remain nimble and unobtrusive. These moments require us to be quick on our feet, ensuring we capture the essence of your day without getting in the way.
We were fortunate with the weather on the day. Although it rained through the morning until about 2:00 PM, the skies cleared just in time for the ceremony, which was scheduled for 4:00 PM. The afternoon was blessed with perfect weather, setting an ideal backdrop for the rest of the day. Crystal, the bride, remained cool, calm, and collected throughout the preparations. Andy, the groom, was similarly relaxed in the morning, though his nerves became more apparent as the ceremony approached. However, as soon as he saw Crystal walking down the aisle, his anxiety melted away, and the moment was perfect.
The speeches were heartfelt and delivered flawlessly, and the first dance was a beautiful display of the couple’s love and happiness. For Andy and Crystal, the day couldn’t have been more perfect, and it was an honour and privilege to capture those moments, ensuring they’ll be able to relive them for years to come.
As much as I love weddings and the final produced videos, this might be my last wedding shoot—though I haven’t made a final decision yet. It’s not because I don’t enjoy the experience; rather, the intensity and physical demands of the day can be exhausting. Carrying around all the necessary gear can take a toll, particularly on the back, and it’s a challenge that shouldn’t be underestimated.
For any videographers considering getting into wedding videography, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go for it! But please, plan meticulously and invest in support gear that will save your back. Weddings are one-time events with no opportunities for do-overs. There’s no asking for a first kiss to be repeated—it’s a moment you must capture perfectly the first time, so planning and preparation are crucial.
Ceremony Details:
Location: Cardiff Castle
Additional Information: The entire event was held at Cardiff Castle, with no additional travel required. The castle provided private parking, though we still had to walk through the main entrance to reach the venue.
Wedding Day Schedule:
Bridal Prep: 10:00 AM
Groom Prep: 12:00 PM
Ceremony Start Time: 4:00 PM
Reception Start Time: 5:55 PM
Speeches Expected Start Time: 6:00 PM
Cake Cutting Expected Start Time: 6:30 PM
Dinner Expected Start Time: 6:35 PM
First Dance Expected Start Time: 9:00 PM
As I reflect on Andy and Crystal’s wedding day, I’m reminded of the unique privilege it is to be entrusted with capturing such a significant event. Whether or not this is my last wedding shoot, I’ll always cherish the memories of the weddings I’ve filmed, and the beautiful moments I’ve been able to preserve for couples on their special day.