What I’ve Learned in Four Years of Wedding Videography

It’s hard to believe it’s already been four years since I started filming weddings. Looking back, the journey has been full of growth, learning, and so many incredible moments. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

My First Wedding

My first wedding was a truly memorable experience. I didn’t even have my own camera yet, so I borrowed my Mammaw’s point-and-shoot. The footage was grainy compared to today’s 4K standards, but it didn’t matter — capturing that day was so much fun. I was on my own, without a second shooter, and I quickly realized how long a wedding day can really be for a vendor. The photographers I worked with were so welcoming and supportive, which made the experience even better. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to film my first wedding, and it set the tone for my love of wedding videography.

Evolving My Style and Approach

While my style hasn’t drastically changed, my confidence has grown tremendously. I’ve learned how to capture everything needed to create the candid, emotional wedding films I aim for, while still allowing couples to fully enjoy their day. I’ve also discovered the importance of balance — candid moments bring authenticity, but planned one-on-one shots can add energy and personality to a film.

What I’ve Learned About Myself

Over the years, I’ve gained confidence in my skills, in my brand, and in the work I create. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and the way I capture weddings. Faith has also been an important part of my journey. It helps me stay grounded, patient, and focused, guiding me to approach each wedding with intention and care.

The Power of Candid Moments

Some of the most touching moments I’ve captured are ones couples often don’t even realize happened: a hug with a grandparent, a shared laugh between friends, or a quiet glance during the ceremony. These candid moments become cherished memories, especially when loved ones are no longer around, and they play a central role in creating wedding films that truly reflect the day’s emotions.

Expect the Unexpected

Wedding days are full of surprises. I remember one ceremony where I had a second camera on a tripod behind the last row of guests, and someone accidentally stood right in front of it. Thankfully, I was able to layer handheld footage over the tripod shots to preserve the ceremony, and I learned the importance of clearly communicating with the wedding coordinator about camera placement. Preparation and adaptability are key to capturing every moment successfully.

Working with Vendors

Introducing yourself to photographers, planners, and other vendors ahead of time makes a big difference. It helps everyone feel comfortable and keeps communication smooth on the day of the wedding. Taking this step prevents potential issues and leaves a positive impression with your fellow vendors, creating a better overall experience for the couple and making it easier to capture their story beautifully.

Growing My Skills

Even though I’ve been creating videos since I was young, professional wedding videography has been a whole new learning experience. From capturing high-quality audio to understanding lighting, camera techniques, and preparation, there’s so much that goes into creating a wedding film. I’ve also learned how to keep a business organized and running smoothly. While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, there’s always more to learn, and that ongoing growth is one of the things I love most about this work.

Helping Couples Feel Comfortable on Camera

I’ve always loved capturing candid moments, and posing is something I’m still learning to approach with confidence. While I often follow the photographer’s lead, there are times when I step in to gently guide couples, ensuring I capture dynamic, meaningful moments. Demonstrating the vision I want to capture and communicating clearly helps couples feel comfortable and natural in front of the camera, which ultimately makes the film feel authentic and joyful.

Final Thoughts

The past four years of wedding videography have taught me so much — about the craft, about couples, and about myself. Every wedding is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and capture moments that will be treasured for a lifetime. I’m grateful for the couples who have trusted me with their stories and for the lessons each wedding has brought. I can’t wait to continue learning and creating beautiful films for years to come.