1. Are you free on our date, and how is it held?
Why it matters: until a date is formally held, someone else can book it.
My answer: your date is held once I have confirmed the booking in writing and the 25% booking fee is paid.
2. Will it be you filming on the day?
Why it matters: some companies send whoever is free.
My answer: yes. I film every wedding myself. If you book photography too, a second shooter I have worked with for years comes with me.
3. What happens if you are ill?
My answer: I will find a replacement of the same standard from colleagues I trust, at no extra cost. If no replacement can be found, you get everything you have paid back in full.
4. How many hours are included?
Why it matters: hours run continuously from arrival, so a late ceremony eats into them.
My answer: eight hours with The Ceremony, twelve with The Full Day and Film & Photography. Extra hours on the day are £70 each, if I am free to stay.
5. How do you record the vows and speeches?
Why it matters: a camera microphone at the back of the room does not catch a nervous whisper.
My answer: on their own microphones, so the film carries what was actually said.
6. What music do you use?
My answer: music from the day itself where I can: the song you walked in to, the first dance, the band. Your film should sound like your wedding.
7. Will you direct us?
My answer: no. I work one step back and film what happens. If you want a few minutes for portraits, we will find them, but most of the film is the day as it ran.
8. What do we get, and when?
My answer: a 60-second teaser within a week, then a highlight film of five to eight minutes and the full ceremony and speeches within eight to ten weeks. With photography, the photographs arrive within six weeks.
9. Can we see a full film?
Why it matters: anyone can cut a good two-minute reel. A full film shows how they handle a whole day.
My answer: yes. Ask and I will send you a private link to one.
10. How long do you keep our footage?
My answer: ten years, in your private gallery. Please download and keep your own copies as well.
11. Are you insured?
Why it matters: many venues ask suppliers for proof of public liability insurance.
My answer: yes: £5 million public liability and £1 million professional indemnity. Certificates are available on request.
Two questions to ask your venue
- Does the venue, or the person conducting the ceremony, restrict filming during the ceremony?
- Is there anywhere the filmmaker cannot stand?
Tell me what they say and I will plan around it.