S&S · JOURNAL
- The Studio Journal -
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79 entries · published since 2020
Wedding Tips · Cost · September 8, 2026
Super 8 at a Wedding: The Real Math on Cost and Minutes
Search Super 8 wedding films and every result is written by someone who sells them. Nobody does the arithmetic. Here is how many minutes your money actually buys, and the two things the format cannot do.
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Wedding Tips · September 8, 2026
The Wedding Weekend, Not Just the Wedding Day
Weddings stopped being one day a while ago, but coverage has not caught up. The events around the wedding are where the unguarded moments live, and buying more hours is not the only way to catch them.
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Cost · August 17, 2026
Wedding Photography and Videography Packages: Should You Bundle?
Hiring one company for both photo and video usually costs 10 to 20 percent less and removes the biggest source of wedding-day friction. It is also the wrong choice more often than the industry admits. Here is how to tell which situation you are in.
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Wedding Tips · August 17, 2026
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Wedding Video?
Most wedding videographers deliver a highlight film in three to six months, and the delivery date is the least-negotiated term in wedding video. Here is what the timeline is actually made of, and the one question that exposes a turnaround claim.
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Wedding Tips · August 4, 2026
Disposable Cameras at Weddings: What Actually Comes Back
Scattering disposable cameras across the reception tables is one of the most repeated wedding ideas on the internet. Here is what actually comes back from the lab, why the keeper rate is so low, and five alternatives worth considering first.
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Wedding Tips · August 11, 2026
Why You Can't Hear the Vows: A Practical Guide to Wedding Ceremony Audio
The most common failure in a wedding video is unusable ceremony audio. Where to put the microphone, the five mistakes we hear most, and the free fix if you have no mic at all.
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Wedding Tips · August 11, 2026
Asking a Friend to Film Your Wedding: What Actually Happens
Asking a friend to film your wedding can work, but not the way most couples ask. The three jobs you are really requesting, the asks that fail, and the setup that does not depend on skill.
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Wedding Tips · August 4, 2026
The Unplugged Wedding, Moment by Moment: Where Phones Down Actually Helps
The all-or-nothing framing is what causes the trouble. The useful question is not whether to go unplugged, it is which twenty minutes genuinely need phones down, and what to say to your guests.
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The Kit · June 9, 2026
How Much Does a Wedding Videographer Cost in 2026?
Wedding videographers average around $4,000 in 2026. Here's an honest, tier-by-tier breakdown of what you're paying for — and the affordable third option most couples never hear about.
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The Kit · June 8, 2026
Can't Afford a Wedding Videographer? Here's How to Still Get Your Day on Film
A wedding videographer can run $4,000+, and skipping it is the regret couples cite most. Here's the affordable middle path that still gets your day captured on film.
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The Kit · June 7, 2026
How to Film Your Own Wedding Video (Without It Looking Like a Disaster)
A practical guide to filming your own wedding video well: shot lists, audio, lighting, steady hands, and the mistakes to avoid — plus the easiest way to get a finished film.
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The Kit · June 6, 2026
DIY Wedding Video Kit: How It Works, What You Get, and What It Costs
A DIY wedding video kit lets your guests film the day and professionals edit it — for a fraction of a videographer's cost. Here's exactly how it works, what arrives, and what you get.
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The Kit · June 5, 2026
Guest-Filmed Wedding Videos: The Most Personal Way to Capture Your Day
A guest-filmed wedding video captures your day through the eyes of the people who were really there. Here's why couples are choosing it over a traditional videographer.
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Wedding Tips · January 19, 2026
Tips for Planning a Mountain Wedding
Tips for Planning a Mountain Wedding The views? Breathtaking. The ambience? Magical. Saying I do surrounded by nature, with mountains as your backdrop, is a memory you’ll cherish forever. Think of it as embarking on an adventure away from…
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Engagement · December 30, 2025
Where to Take Engagement Photos in Philadelphia
Many other lists telling you where to take engagement photos in Philly are either boring, cheesy or full of the same five places. This guide is for couples who want photos that feel authentic. We’ll show you unique spots, give you…
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Engagement · December 30, 2025
Planning a Bachelorette Party in Washington, D.C.
The task of planning a bachelorette party in a city with iconic views, electric evenings and vibrant culture is one you’ll enjoy. For starters, it’s an opportunity to curate an unforgettable experience for the bride-to-be. Plus, you get to…
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Wedding Tips · December 23, 2025
Wedding Planning Tips for Introverts
The day you’ve dreamt about your whole life is almost here — your wedding day. The picture in your mind of you saying I do to your special someone fills your heart with joy and warmth. But somewhere deep down, you dread the idea of being…
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Cost · December 16, 2025
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Seattle?
Planning a wedding in Seattle comes with countless decisions, and choosing the right photographer is one of the most important. With the city’s vibrant backdrops and diverse venues, you want to ensure every special moment is beautifully…
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Wedding Tips · December 16, 2025
The Best Months to Get Married in Boston
In Boston, every season feels like it could be the backdrop for a love story. Spring is bursting with new blooms, and summer has golden-hour harbor views. Fall offers vibrant foliage, while winter provides a dazzling, snowy landscape. So,…
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Engagement · December 16, 2025
Creative Engagement Photoshoot Ideas to Capture Your Love Story
Engagement photos are a great way to announce your upcoming wedding, decorate your wedding website and preserve memories forever. They’re meant to be natural and romantic. Engagement photos shouldn’t feel stiff or staged — they should be…
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Wedding Tips · December 16, 2025
When to Book Wedding Vendors — A Month-by-Month Timeline
Planning a wedding involves countless decisions and deadlines. With peak dates filling up faster every year, setting and following a specific booking timeline is essential if you want to secure your dream team. If you’re wondering when to…
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Engagement · November 24, 2025
How to Plan a Bachelor Party in NYC
Planning a bachelor party these days is tricky business. Let’s face it — films like “Bachelor Party” and “The Hangover” don’t exactly give the best impression. Many guys don’t even have one, whether it’s because they don’t like parties or…
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Wedding Tips · November 24, 2025
NYC City Hall Wedding Photography
When you want an intimate and stress-free wedding, a City Hall ceremony in the heart of New York City could be the perfect fit. NYC City Hall weddings have become iconic for their blend of spontaneity, urban charm and romance. Whether…
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Engagement · November 24, 2025
Ideas for Your Philadelphia Bachelorette Party
Looking for bachelorette party ideas in Philadelphia? You’ll find a plethora of activities, landmarks and venues to explore. The City of Brotherly Love has something for every bride-to-be, from a bustling nightlife to a relaxing spa day.…
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Cost · October 13, 2025
The Average Cost of a Wedding in New York City
New York City is an iconic place for celebrations. Some of the most well-known and most-watched events take place in the Big Apple. If you’re planning a wedding in the city, you can expect a luxurious and exclusive celebration. The quality…
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Wedding Tips · October 13, 2025
How to Plan an Airbnb Wedding
Whether you want to host your wedding celebration in a unique location or a spot meaningful to your relationship, finding the right venue is no small feat. Rental properties give engaged couples the opportunity to explore out-of-the-box…
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Wedding Tips · October 13, 2025
28 Ideas for Wedding Aisle Songs
One of the most memorable moments of your wedding day is when everyone turns to watch you walk down the aisle. As you walk toward your future, you want the background music to enhance the moment. Choosing Wedding Music to Walk Down the…
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Engagement · October 13, 2025
How to Plan the Perfect Bachelorette Party in NYC
New York City is a perfect location for a bachelorette getaway. The city is vibrant day and night, with bustling streets and unique locations at every turn. Whether you’re looking for scenic views, unforgettable nightlife or a taste of…
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Wedding Tips · September 22, 2025
Do I Need a Second Shooter at My Wedding?
Do You Need a Second Shooter at Your Wedding? Picture this: Your wedding day is a whirlwind of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments. But can one photographer truly capture everything? In many cases, second shooter photography can be the…
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Engagement · August 25, 2025
How to Create Memorable Engagement Photos
Getting engaged is a pivotal moment in any couple’s journey together. It’s an expression of lifetime commitment that is often regarded as the ultimate romantic gesture; a time of joy and love as you declare your feelings to your partner in…
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Wedding Tips · August 22, 2025
When to Book Your Wedding Photographer
Proposal, check. Social media announcement, check. Engagement party planning, check, check. The wedding bells are officially ringing, and everyone in the group chat is excited. Pinterest moodboards are filling up fast, and wedding planning…
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Wedding Tips · August 13, 2025
How to Look Your Best in Your Wedding Photos
Ask any bride or groom, and they’ll all say they want to look their best on their big day. Who wouldn’t? The thing is, as long as you’re beaming with happiness, you’ll always look back at your photos with joy. Cliche, yes, but true. That…
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Wedding Tips · August 13, 2025
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
You’ve got the ring on your finger, and now you just need to plan the most memorable events of your life. No pressure, right? If you’ve started the planning process, you might have already begun to pull out your hair in frustration, even…
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Wedding Tips · August 13, 2025
5 Secrets to a Successful Wedding Reception
Your wedding reception will likely be the most highly anticipated part of your wedding for many of your guests. After the formalities of the day are done, it’s the time for fun, drinks, and a whole room full of your most cherished friends…
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Engagement · July 1, 2025
Planning a Bachelorette Party in Chicago
The bachelorette party can be a highlight of getting married. What is there for the bride not to love? She gets to have an exciting, entertaining and adventurous time partying with all of her favorite people. When you are planning this…
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Engagement · July 1, 2025
Boston Bachelorette Party Ideas
Glitzy nightlife. Rich history. Harbor views. Planning a bachelorette party in Boston, Massachusetts, comes with endless options. Whether you want a sports-fueled frenzy to cheer on the local teams or a food tour around the city, you have…
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Favorite Venues · July 1, 2025
7 Beautiful Church Wedding Venues in San Francisco
San Francisco isn’t just one of the most beautiful cities in the United States — it’s also filled with churches that look like movie sets. From grand Gothic architecture to warm, cozy interiors, this city doesn’t disappoint. It’s the ideal…
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Wedding Tips · July 1, 2025
How to Get Married in Central Park
Getting married in Central Park, NYC, is ideal for anyone seeking a venue that blends a big-city feel with stunning natural beauty. Tying the knot in this iconic spot in The Big Apple allows couples to take advantage of picturesque photo…
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Favorite Venues · May 20, 2025
Unique Historic Wedding Venues in Philadelphia
Let’s be honest. The term “historic wedding venue” probably makes you think of stuffy old portraits, dusty ballrooms and discolored velvet in abundance. But Philly — gritty, rebellious and unapologetically cool — refuses to play by those…
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Wedding Tips · Favorite Venues · May 20, 2025
Best National Parks to Get Married In
Picture this — it’s your wedding day, and you and your partner are surrounded by secluded woods, fresh air and thriving vegetation. What could be better than saying your vows in the splendor of nature? If you and your partner are outdoor…
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Wedding Tips · Cost · May 20, 2025
The Average Cost of a Philadelphia Wedding and How to Budget
Getting married in the City of Brotherly Love is an amazing opportunity to make your wedding day uniquely yours. Philadelphia has a rich history and vibrant atmosphere, making it a go-to spot to tie the knot. The city has a wide selection…
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Cost · Wedding Tips · May 13, 2025
Average Cost of a Wedding Photographer
After securing your wedding venue and date, one of your next to-do items is likely finding a wedding photographer. Your photographer will capture your day and create pieces of art you can reflect on and love, which makes this a pretty big…
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Wedding Tips · Nashville · April 25, 2025
Planning a Nashville Wedding: Average Cost and More
If you’re in the planning stages of a wedding, congratulations! This phase of life is exciting, but there are tons of decisions to make. You probably have an idea of what your day will look like, but the logistics will determine what’s…
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Wedding Tips · December 9, 2024
When Is Wedding Season?
After celebrating your engagement and establishing a budget baseline for your big day, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty details. Planning your wedding begins with deciding when to say your vows. Depending on where you live, the…
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Cost · November 13, 2023
How Much Does a Wedding Videographer Cost?
The average U.S. wedding cost $33,000 in 2024, according to the most recent data from Zola. Don’t worry if you think that’s outrageous — you’re not the only one. There are many ways to cut costs if you want to spend less, like trimming…
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General · July 24, 2023
The Perfect Wedding Song: A Guide to Choosing the Right Music for Your Wedding Video
Music is the unseen character that breathes life into any story. In the realm of wedding videos, it’s the silent narrator that leads us through the highs and lows, the laughter, and the tears. A well-chosen song can stir emotions and…
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General · May 1, 2023
The Evolution of Wedding Videography: A Look Back at Past Trends and the Future of the Industry
Wedding videography has come a long way since its inception, with advances in technology and storytelling techniques allowing videographers to capture the essence of a couple’s love story in a way that was once unimaginable. In this blog…
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General · April 27, 2023
Why Are Wedding Rings Worn On the Left Hand? Exploring Traditions and Customs
The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand has deep historical and cultural roots. Many people wonder about the origins of this custom and what it means when someone wears a wedding ring on their right hand. In this blog…
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Wedding Tips · April 20, 2023
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Videographer: 8 Questions to Guide Your Decision
Planning a wedding is a magical journey filled with excitement and anticipation. One of the key elements to preserving your special day is choosing the perfect wedding videographer. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through eight…
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Wedding Tips · April 6, 2023
Dos and Don’ts of Wedding Video Packages
Wedding videos are a wonderful way to capture the memories of your big day. However, with so many wedding videography packages available, it can be difficult to know what to look for. In this article, we’ll answer some commonly asked…
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Engagement · March 30, 2023
Wedding Proposal Ideas: Creative and Romantic Ways to Pop the Question
Are you thinking of proposing to your significant other? A wedding proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and finding the perfect way to ask for their hand in marriage is crucial. In this article, we will cover some of the best wedding…
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Engagement · General · March 23, 2023
Fun and Romantic Date Night Ideas for Couples
Date nights are very important in any relationship, it gives couples the opportunity to bond, and share priceless moments together. It’s a chance to take a break from the daily routine of work, kids, and other life’s activities. As the…
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Wedding Tips · March 2, 2023
What To Wear To A Wedding
Getting invited to a loved one’s wedding can be exciting, but choosing the right outfit can sometimes be a challenge. With different dress codes and various styles of weddings , it can be overwhelming to decide what to wear. Whether you’re…
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Wedding Tips · General · February 23, 2023
What To Write In A Wedding Card
Do you have friends or family getting married soon ? Looking to write a card for them, but don’t know where to start? Look no further! Whether you’re a close friend or a distant relative, the right words can make all the difference in…
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Wedding Tips · Favorite Venues · December 16, 2022
Where To Say “I Do” in Dallas
Congratulations! You’re engaged and now you’re ready to start planning your special day. If you live in or around the Dallas area, you’re lucky enough to have a variety of gorgeous venues to choose from for your wedding ceremony and…
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Couples · November 14, 2022
A Stunning Ceremony in West Palm Beach: Suzanne and Sasa’s Story
Sometimes, the best love stories are years in the making, as Suzanne and Sasa learned firsthand. Their first meeting was at a football game at the University of Florida, but it would be another two years of blessed friendship before they…
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Couples · August 18, 2022
A Charming Wedding in Washington, D.C.: Maren and Nate’s Story
We know that dogs have better sense than humans, and this story just might prove it once and for all. At a post-Labor Day pool party, Maren’s sweet pup knew exactly what she was doing when she took a liking to Nate, forcing her owner to…
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Couples · March 14, 2022
A Colorado Springs Dream Wedding
The Couple’s Perfect Venue When it came time to tie the knot, Zach and Taylor knew just the place and the Colorado Springs wedding videographer that could capture its beauty. Colorado is bursting with beautiful scenery, and The Broadmoor…
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Couples · February 14, 2022
A Nod to Neverending Romance: Marcie and Montel’s Chicago Wedding Day
It might sound like an old story, but it never goes out of style — two young students meet on campus and end up falling in love. That’s exactly what happened for Marcie and Montel. When they met in college, Montel was a sophomore. Marcie…
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Wedding Tips · Engagement · General · January 12, 2022
Gifts To Get Your Newly Engaged Friends
Your friends are getting engaged, so the wedding countdown has officially begun. It is time to figure out what gift to get them to celebrate their wonderful news. There are so many different types of gifts you can get that match their…
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Wedding Tips · Engagement · October 14, 2021
Wedding Planning Checklist
You’re getting married! Perhaps you’re eager to start dress shopping, go cake tasting, look at venues and complete all the other fun tasks that come with planning a wedding. There are plenty of details that go into planning a wedding, and…
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Favorite Venues · October 15, 2020
The 10 Best Wedding Venues in New York City
Ah, New York City. How can you resist holding your wedding in or around one of the most famous places in the world? If you’re looking for the best New York venues for your nuptials, feast your eyes on these gems. see our nyc packages 1.…
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Favorite Venues · October 8, 2020
The 9 Best Wedding Venues in San Francisco
When your upcoming “I dos” are scheduled for the City by the Bay, you have plenty of choices for San Francisco venues. Check out nine gems that consistently hit the right note with San Francisco wedding parties and guests. see our san…
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Favorite Venues · October 7, 2020
The 7 Best Wedding Venues in Los Angeles
When your wedding destination of choice is the City of Angels, you want an ethereal spot to say “I do.” Trust any of these iconic and memorable Los Angeles wedding venues to delight your senses and leave only pleasant memories of your…
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Favorite Venues · October 6, 2020
The 10 Best Wedding Venues in Miami
Is a beachside wedding on your bucket list? Miami just might be the perfect spot. Miami has a cultural, creative vibe that appeals to many couples. Plus, it’s a tropical paradise where you can rely on having warm breezes most of the year.…
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Favorite Venues · August 31, 2020
9 Magical Wedding Venues in Denver
Denver is a dream wedding location, with all the modern convenience of an urban city — surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains, rivers and canyons. What better place to plan one of the biggest days of your life? Shutter and Sound…
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Favorite Venues · August 25, 2020
The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Atlanta
Atlanta blends southern charm with a lively musical culture to create an effortlessly warm atmosphere. We’ve spent plenty of time shooting fabulous weddings in Atlanta , and we know firsthand just how magical this city can be. If you’re on…
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Wedding Tips · Engagement · General · August 19, 2020
Is It Worth It to Hire a Wedding Videographer?
Videographers are a critical part of your big day. They can catch the little moments and emotions of the day into a single video. Their results are moving and artistic and truly something to remember — but they do come at an extra cost. So…
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Favorite Venues · August 6, 2020
The 13 Best Wedding Venues in Boston
Boston is one of our absolute favorite cities to shoot in , thanks largely to the insane amount of gorgeous venues located there. Below are some of the most spectacular Boston-area wedding venues, in no particular order: see our boston…
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Favorite Venues · July 30, 2020
The 7 Best Wedding Venues in Washington, DC
Our home base here in the D.C. Area boasts some seriously gorgeous venues. We’re so lucky to be able to shoot weddings in some of the most beautiful and captivating locations in cities across the U.S., but love shooting at home in our…
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Favorite Venues · July 13, 2020
The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Seattle
Creativity, culture and nature come together in Seattle, Washington. Known for everything from 90s grunge to Starbucks lattes, Seattle has arisen as a popular place for couples to get married. In fact, many large and small wedding venues…
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General · Wedding Tips · June 27, 2020
Top 5 Tips to Look Camera Ready for Your Wedding Video
If you’re not used to being in front of the camera lens, a few tips and tricks can go a long way. Looking good and looking good on camera aren’t always the same thing — it takes a practiced eye to understand what the camera is going to…
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Wedding Tips · Engagement · June 15, 2020
Things to Think About When Planning a Micro Wedding
While some couples dream of grand weddings that make them feel like royalty, some dream of more intimate and unique weddings. More couples are embracing the concept of the micro wedding to avoid the stress and cost of accommodating…
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Wedding Tips · April 12, 2021
The Best Wedding Videographers in Boston
Boston has more than its share of wedding videographers — and like any creative service, the gap between the best and the rest is wide. Below is our honest take on what separates a great Boston wedding videographer from a forgettable one, the questions worth asking before you sign anything, and what to expect on price.
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Favorite Venues · June 8, 2021
The 5 Best Wedding Venues in Chicago
Chicago is a wedding city in the truest sense — the architecture alone has been carrying our establishing shots for years. Below are five of our favorite Chicago wedding venues, picked after years of filming receptions, ceremonies, and after-parties across the city.
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Wedding Tips · August 25, 2026
How to Collect Photos From Your Wedding Guests (And Why the Hashtag Stopped Working)
A QR card on the table beats a hashtag, a shared album and an app-based tool for one reason: it is the only method where the guest's entire job is to point their camera at a card. Here are the five options ranked by what actually comes back.
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Wedding Tips · August 25, 2026
How Long Do Wedding Vendors Keep Your Photos and Video? And How to Keep Them Yourself
Wedding galleries are not permanent. Vendors host them for a window, commonly a month to a year, and almost no contract promises forever. The only copy certain to exist in twenty years is the one you downloaded yourself. It takes twenty minutes and almost nobody does it.
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Wedding Tips · September 1, 2026
What a Cinematic Wedding Video Actually Means (And the Question That Matters More)
Cinematic is not a style, it is a word every wedding videographer uses. The distinction that actually changes what you end up with is whether your film contains your voices, or only music, and most couples do not find out which one they bought until it arrives.
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Cost · September 1, 2026
Do You Need a Wedding Content Creator? What They Actually Do
A wedding content creator follows your day with a phone and hands you vertical, ready-to-post clips within 48 hours. They are not a cheaper videographer, and hiring one expecting a wedding film is the fastest way to be disappointed by one.
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