North Wales Wedding Videographer

12 Apr

As we all know North Wales is host to some of the most amazing views (especially in Bethesda) that a wedding videographer would have a field day shooting in. This wedding in Bethesda encapsulated just that. Right next to Snowdonia National park, this wedding had everything that you would want for a family focused, intimate event. The couple were wed at a registry office but then hired a luxury manor house to give their big day its unique and picturesque look.

Jo and Gareth first met me at a wedding fayre at The Kinmel, Abergele. As couples usually are, they were unsure on whether or not they would want a wedding film. After speaking to them about the benefits of having one, such as hearing and reliving the ceremony and speeches forever they immediately hired me. Jo mentioned that communication was key so from the start I ensured that I replied straight away and settled any concerns that arose before the big day.

Bridal Prep

The morning of the wedding started as it usually does for me as a North Wales wedding videographer, a trip to starbucks. Knowing how long the day was going to be, it’s important to get that caffeine fix early on. I arrive at the venue with plenty of time to get myself enough footage of the venue and any little details. There were a few details Jo requested so arriving early gave me enough time to get all of this sorted. Jo and Gareth had a 3D engraved crystal of their engagement so the first thing for me to do was find this and get that shot.

Gareth did a fantastic job of directing suppliers in the morning. The couple did everything themselves so he was essentially acting as a wedding coordinator that morning. The lodge was stunning with views over the mountains. In the garden they had a tipi to host the ceremony and the evening reception. Jo was very relaxed and her whole family were so pleasant and were very happy that I was discreet in getting the shots in the morning.

The popping of the champagne was a highlight of the morning as it popped and ended up all over the floor of the bridal suite. Everything was running smoothly and I think it’s safe to say it was down to Gareth getting everyone organised. Also having suppliers at the top of their game helped.

Ceremony

The ceremony was one of my favourites to capture this year. They had Sarah from ceremonies with personality. Having a celebrant really does make the ceremony so much more personal. She told their whole love story from the moment they met, to how they got to where they are now. Having this really helped craft the wedding film as I could use the audio from this section to tell their story.

Jo also did a sand ceremony with her son. This is where Jo promises to be the best mum she could possibly be and to give everything she has to make her son’s life the easiest she can. Having this really solidified the love this whole family has for each other.

Cocktail hour and Couples Shots

After the ceremony me and the photographer, Emily, let Jo and Gareth relax and spend some time with their new families. This gave me a chance to get shots of them drinking together and just really enjoying everything this luxury manor house had to offer. I then went to get some more shots of the grounds and look at where the best places would be to get the couple shots. Emily was taking the family shots whilst I got some behind the scenes footage of this and got my ideas for the couple shots.

After Emily had finished the group shots it was time to get the happy couple and their son on their own. We went into the grounds and used every shot we could to really encapsulate the wonder that this house in Bethesda had to offer. Their son was a really good sport and shone into the camera very well. It was important for me to capture the three of them together as it was clear there was a strong bond between all of them.

Speeches

As this was a DIY wedding the catering was saved for in the evening time, this meant there was a lot of time for the guests to mingle with each other and get into the swing of the wedding. It was an intimate wedding of around 40-50 people which showed how close the family meant to this couple.

There were only two speeches at this wedding, the father of the bride and the groom. The fathers speech was filled with laughter and you can tell at the point that he mentions how proud of his little girl he is, he nearly shed a tear. The groom was very creative with his speech. He wrote a very funny but heartfelt poem. Gareth really does love Jo and this was shown when he nearly got emotional again just talking about her. I did overhear on his mic talking to Jo how he nearly cried seeing her walk down the aisle.

Evening Reception

Throughout the day they had a musician playing for the ceremony and then providing background music until the end of the day. He did a short 40 minute set after the speeches. This got everyone up dancing and changed the vibe from wedding day to wedding reception. Even Jo’s brother got up and sang a song. Being a North Wales wedding videographer having such an intimate wedding was a breeze as it meant I could get to know the guests and get the best footage of them for the wedding film.

The first dance was an amazing version of ‘I wanna get lost with you – Stereophonics’. Personally, one of my favourite songs and the lyrics were perfect for them. This led us into the evening and a night of dancing. Once I got all the shots I needed, it was time to thank Jo and Gareth for hiring me and make my way home. It was a magical day filled with love, laughter and one that I want to relive over again.