Capturing the Wedding of Andy Hicks and Crystal Wrigley at Cardiff Castle

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.

Capturing Timeless and Unforgettable Moments: Filming Rhiannon and Grant's Wedding

Introduction

As a wedding videographer, Datrysiad Media had the incredible opportunity to film the enchanting wedding of Rhiannon Stephens and Grant Thomas at the stunning Hensol Castle on June 14, 2023. From the intimate moments of bridal preparation to the grand finale of the sparkler moment, we were dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of the event was captured. Join me as I take you through my experience of filming this unforgettable wedding and the commitment we had to deliver videos that would forever hold the magic of their special day.

 

The Importance of Pre-Event Venue Visits

Understanding the significance of capturing the perfect angles and locations, I made it a priority to visit Hensol Castle ahead of time. By familiarising myself with the venue's layout and available camera angles, I planned my approach for the ceremony and speeches. I was aware that on the day of the event, decorations and other factors could require adjustments to my initial plans, and I remained flexible to accommodate any changes.

 

A Timeline of Unforgettable Moments

The day started with the bridal prep at around 9 am, as I immersed myself in capturing the excitement and anticipation as Rhiannon prepared for her special day. From there, the day unfolded seamlessly, and I was fully committed to preserving every key moment.

 

The arrival of the carriage at 1:15 pm marked a significant milestone, followed by the heartwarming first look at 1:20 pm. It was an emotional moment, and I was determined to capture the genuine expressions of love and anticipation before the ceremony. The ceremony itself commenced at 1:30 pm, radiating love and joy, and I worked hard to capture every detail and emotion. At 2:00 pm, the confetti shot added an extra touch of celebration, and I made sure to capture the couple's joyous exit in all its splendour.

 

The speeches, scheduled for 4:30 pm, were moments of heartfelt connection, and I approached them with great care. Managing multiple cameras, I ensured that every word spoken was captured with clarity and emotion. The Hand Fasting Ceremony at 7:00 pm, this was a first for Datrysiad Media and it was a beautiful moment to capture, the cake cutting at 7:45 pm, and the highly anticipated first dance at 8:00 pm were all magical moments that I was dedicated to documenting.

 

Additionally, I didn't miss the chance to capture the entertaining Mr and Mrs Quiz at 9:00 pm, where we focused on showcasing the couple's humour and connection. Finally, the Sparkler Moment at 10:00 pm served as a grand conclusion to the event, and I was committed to capturing the breathtaking scene in all its brilliance.

 

A Blend of Artistry and Technical Excellence

As a wedding videographer, I maneuvered through the event with a mix of handheld and gimbal shots, infusing the footage with a timeless visual experience. Strategically positioning multiple cameras during crucial moments like the ceremony, speeches, and first dance allowed for a diverse range of perspectives. Audio quality was also a top priority, and I ensured that the professional audio captured the vows, speeches, and other significant moments with clarity.

 

Preserving Priceless Memories

Through careful planning, attention to detail, and technical expertise, I successfully documented Rhiannon and Grant's wedding day, capturing every emotion, laughter, and heartfelt word. Delivering videos that I feel authentically represent the magic of the event, which is my ultimate goal. I believe that these videos will provide the couple with a timeless keepsake, allowing them to relive their special day for generations to come.

 

Conclusion

Filming Rhiannon and Grant's wedding event was a privilege and a joy. As a wedding videographer, I dedicated myself to capturing the essence and beauty of their special day. Through planning, a blend of artistry and technical excellence, and a deep commitment to preserving priceless memories, I am confident that the videos I deliver will hold the magic and emotions of their wedding day for a lifetime.

Crafting Your Memorable Wedding Film: Unveiling the Film making Process

Introduction:

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, brimming with emotions, heartfelt moments, and cherished memories. As you embark on the journey of finding the perfect wedding videographer, it's essential to understand the effort and expertise that goes into crafting your dream wedding film. At Datrysiad Media, we take pride in our meticulous approach and commitment to capturing your unique love story. In this blog post, we shed light on the behind-the-scenes process and explain why our services are worth every penny.

 

Understanding Your Vision:

Our journey begins with an initial consultation, where we connect with you to understand your expectations and vision for your wedding film. By comprehending your desires and preferences, we can ensure that our services align perfectly with your needs. This interaction also serves as an opportunity to discuss the venue locations, ceremony details, and any unique elements you'd like us to capture.

Location Visits and Pre-Planning:

To create a flawless wedding film, we visit the locations where your special day will unfold. Meeting with venue owners and familiarising ourselves with the surroundings allows us to plan camera placements, anticipate any challenges, and ensure smooth execution. We understand that not all venues are camera-friendly, and by conducting thorough visits, we can adapt our approach accordingly.

Personalised Music Selection

We value the importance of music in setting the tone and emotion of your wedding film. To make your film truly reflective of your personalities, we reach out to you for your preferred music choices. This step involves an extensive process of curating the perfect soundtrack that complements your story, spending dedicated time to find melodies that resonate with your journey as a couple.

Preparing for the Big Day

Preparing for your wedding day is an extensive undertaking that demands meticulous planning. We thoroughly review the day's itinerary and determine the specific gear required for each segment, including bridal and groom preparations, the ceremony, speeches, cake cutting, and the first dance. For instance, during the ceremony, we strategically position multiple cameras to capture various angles and reactions, ensuring every significant moment is beautifully preserved. We also pay careful attention to audio needs, ensuring clear audio capture for speakers, normally this includes the officiant and the groom, however there maybe guests who have a special reading to perform so they will need a mic too.

For future wedding videographers, please remember that you might be waking up at 5 am, if not earlier, perform a last-minute checks on everything and the end of your day might not be finishing until a good hour or three after the first dance. This really does differ from wedding the wedding and what special moments the couple have planned.

The Power of Multiple Cameras:

At Datrysiad Media, we believe in providing you with the best possible footage options. That's why we utilise multiple cameras throughout your wedding day. This approach not only enhances the editing process but also acts as a fail-safe measure. In the unlikely event of technical issues, we can rely on backup cameras to ensure that no precious moment goes uncaptured.

Gear Preparation and Redundancy

To guarantee a seamless filming experience, we dedicate a significant amount of time to equipment preparation, this can take us a day or two. We ensure that all batteries are fully charged, memory cards are cleared, and gear is meticulously tested for optimal performance. By organising our equipment according to the wedding day plan, we can streamline the process, minimising potential disruptions. Our focus is on providing you with a stress-free experience, as a calm and composed videographer is essential to preserving the joyous atmosphere of your wedding day.

 

Post-Wedding: Footage Backup and Editing

After the wedding day, our attention shifts to the crucial task of backing up and reviewing all the captured footage. At Datrysiad Media, we employ a multi-tiered backup approach for utmost data security. We transfer the footage from memory cards to external hard drives, using one for editing purposes and another for additional backup. Additionally, we utilise online backup services called Backblaze to upload your precious footage to the cloud, ensuring it remains safe and accessible.

Crafting Your Wedding Films

The editing process is where the magic truly happens. We create three distinct wedding films: the ceremony film, speeches film, and the highlight film. This sequencing allows us to streamline our workflow and build a compelling narrative for your highlight film, as we've already worked through the ceremony and speeches. Our editing style is timeless and focused on capturing natural moments and genuine emotions. We want you to feel immersed in the joy you experienced on your wedding day, reliving those precious memories for years to come. 

The Art of the Highlight Film

The highlight film is a labour of love that aims to encapsulate the essence of your wedding day. We strive to replicate the emotions you shared, selecting the most meaningful moments, and weaving them into a seamless narrative. At Datrysiad Media, our shooting style is relaxed and unobtrusive, allowing us to capture the genuine emotions without resorting to fleeting trends or gimmicks. The highlight film is a timeless treasure that portrays your love story authentically and evokes the emotions you felt on your special day.

Conclusion

Crafting your dream wedding film is an art that requires meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of your unique story. At Datrysiad Media, we pride ourselves on our dedication to excellence and delivering a wedding film that surpasses your expectations. By investing in our services, you are not only ensuring a seamless experience but also guaranteeing the preservation of your cherished memories in a captivating and timeless manner. Your wedding day is a one-time event, and we are here to make it unforgettable through the power of storytelling and cinematography.

Capturing Moments of Love: Filming at Ella and Kailan's Wedding

On the day of May 20, 2023, Datrysiad Media had the pleasure of filming the beautiful wedding of Ella Oats and Kailan Phillips. As the chosen video production company entrusted with capturing their special day, we were committed to ensuring a seamless and magical filming experience, from the bride's preparations to the beautiful first dance.

 

To ensure we get the best coverage of every significant moment, Datrysiad Media always goes the extra mile. With planning and thorough preparations, we visited the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge on two separate occasions. This allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the location, explore available camera angles for the ceremony and speeches. By doing so, we aimed to deliver a well-documented and visually stunning film that would forever encapsulate the essence of Ella and Kailan's wedding day.

 

BRIDAL PREP

The day began with the bridal preparations at 7:30 AM. Datrysiad Media was there, capturing the intimate moments shared between Ella, her bridesmaids, and loved ones. Every candid smile, every heartfelt exchange was captured. Throughout the prep we worked with other third party suppliers to make the day possible, these have been fantastic and they are listed below.

Makeup - Faith Wilde - Faithwildemua@outlook.com

Photographer - Samuel Jones - samueljonesfreelance@gmail.com

Hair - Rachel Foster - amarahair147@yahoo.com

 

While the groom prepared at a separate location, we made a conscious decision not to film his preparations during the morning hours since we didn’t want to risk traffic moving between places and missing any important shots. Instead, we planned to capture those moments later in the day to ensure we had ample time for the crucial events leading up to the ceremony. Our priority was to deliver a seamless and immersive experience for both the couple and their guests.

 

CEREMONY

As the clock struck 1:30 PM, marking the commencement of the ceremony in the elegant Georgian Ballroom, Datrysiad Media had been preparing since noon. We set up multiple cameras strategically positioned to capture every precious exchange of vows and the profound emotions shared by Ella and Kailan. Ensuring optimal lighting and audio quality, we meticulously arranged our equipment, guaranteeing that no moment would be missed.

 

Now we would be amiss if we didn’t explain why we use multiple cameras for one it allows use to get all the best angles of the couple to make sure we have fantastic images for the edit. The second reason is redundancy. We like to make sure that in the event of technical failures that we have backups that we can rely upon. Whilst technical failures are rare, they do occur and, in this instance, one did happen. The handheld camera had an SD card corruption losing some footage. However, because we know these things can happen it’s the main reason why we use many cameras during the ceremony and speeches.

When working with a wedding film maker the key importance is redundancy, this is something Datrysiad Media places priority on most.

Singer - Sarah Brown - sarah@sarahbrownentertainment.com

After the ceremony came the reception, its at this stage where we will capture video of the bride and groom interacting with guests, capturing perfect family moments. In addition they also had a singer, whom was fantastic.

 

SPEECHES

The speeches, scheduled to start at 5:30 PM, held great significance in Ella and Kailan's wedding reception. Understanding the importance of this heartfelt moment, Datrysiad Media began preparations at 4:30 PM. Datrysiad Media placed additional cameras, ensuring comprehensive coverage from various angles.

By focusing on seamless integration of audio and visual elements, we aimed to bring forth the genuine emotions expressed during the speeches, allowing the couple and their loved ones to relive those cherished words for years to come.

Originally, we were told that there was no PA system. However, 2 minutes before the speeches where due to be conducted the guests were told that they did in fact have a PA system that the speakers could use this. Normally we have a bit more time to prep for this to make sure the location of the PA speaker system does not interfere with the recording equipment on the groom, father of bride etc. In this instance the speakers look like they were embedded into the ceiling, and this did cause some reverb which had to be edited out. This took some time to do and did compromise on the final audio quality.

We do have it stated in our contracts that we are at the mercy of the venue and there are factors that can compromise audio quality, however like to make sure we mitigate this risk as much as possible. In this instance there was little time to correct it, so we had to do it in post. We hate using the term, fix it in post, however there are times when this is unavoidable.

 

CAKE CUTTING & FIRST DANCE

One of the highlights of the evening was the highly anticipated cake cutting ceremony, which took place around 7:45 PM. Datrysiad Media was there, capturing the joyous moment as Ella and Kailan embarked on their first shared responsibility as a married couple.




 

And finally, at 8:00 PM, the atmosphere shimmered with anticipation as Ella and Kailan took to the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. Datrysiad Media carefully documented their graceful movements, their smiles, and the undeniable love between them. Our goal was to encapsulate the essence of this beautiful moment, allowing Ella and Kailan to relive it again and again.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS ELLA & KAILAN PHILLIPS

At Datrysiad Media, we take great pride in our ability to seamlessly capture the magic of a couple's special day. With planning, execution, and a passion for storytelling, we strive to preserve the genuine emotions that fill the air during weddings. Ella and Kailan's wedding was no exception, and we are grateful to have played a role in crafting a timeless memory that will be treasured for years to come.

 

Special thank you to Ella and Kailan, was a pleasure for us to take part in your special day. Was a truly beautiful day.