Wedding!!

Dreadylocks

Dreadylocks

So my sister is getting married in a couple weeks and I've been asked to do a video for them. Luckily it's family and it's unpaid so there's no pressure, but I really want to do a great video for her.

I'd love to get any ideas or advice from you guys on how to make the most out of it. I've done a bit of googling but here's my resources/plan so far.

Resources:

1 Vixia HF200 camcorder + an adapter and 50mm lens
2 JVC grDVL520 SD DV camcorders
Gonna borrow tripods for the other two
DIY steadycam from pvc
3.5mm jack mic for reception interviews

Plan:

For the ceremony I plan to use the vixia for a sustained wide shot, and will be piping the sound system into the camera. I'll then set up the other two cameras to get OTS shots. One of the JVCs will hopefully be in a decent position to catch the procession from the front (with folks standing up that'll be hard, just gotta scout the church a bit) and then turn/move it to the OTS position.

For the reception I'm going to probably mainly use my vixia for a wide shot of the table with speeches etc and hopefully pipe into the sound system there as well. I'll get footage of the first dances and cake cutting stuff and after everyone is good and drunk I'll record messages for the bride and groom.

I've asked my sister to pick up 2-3 of these cheap cameras(http://cgi.ebay.com/DV-DIGITAL-CAMC...rofessional_Video_Cameras&hash=item4cf03bab7a) and small SD cards for them to put on some tables so guests can record video themselves. Hopefully I won't get too many penis shots to weed through, lol.

I think the hardest part is that I'm a bridesmaid and I want to enjoy the wedding, so I'm going to do my best to get the big moments, but I know I won't be able to give them as much as if I was only there in a professional capacity. Sean will help with the camera work during the ceremony when I will be indisposed.

That's all I can think of now, but I'd love any advice you smart folks can give me :)
 
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Whats also kind of cool is when you just set up a camera thats directed at the dance floor, if capable from a bit above everyone and just leave it there. Maybe don't start it until later in the night when everyone dances. They usually end up with great shots of everyone dancing smiling and being merry. I would also suggest not telling anyone its up there, its better candid. My cousins wedding there was a balcony near the dance floor so we just put it there facing down on the floor and left it for the whole time. Hope that helps! Good luck!
 
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I'm not sure how much time you want to invest in the total production, but you could include prep aspects such as dress fittings, cake prep, shower, groom's dinner, bachelor party...oh, perhaps not that last one. But you get what I mean. Your sister will cherish having such a document. Have a great time and good luck with the whole production!
 
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Dont be afraid to be moving in close and in the way. People seem to expect it. Iv seen some really good wedding videos and they all have the "close up" aspect.

Brides get all the face time. at least twice what the groom gets, which is fine, brides are just more attractive on camera.

Hit the pawn shops for a longer lens, a zoom 50-135 or similar zoom might be real good. If you can find one thats fast(ish)

You can cheat a lot of this in a nice way. Have fun, you can ham up the action a bit, get everyone involved.. depends on the mood of the crowd. After the big kiss is over and things start to settle down, make em do it again, but this time "direct" it.. OTS, closeups etc. Everyone will think its funny and you'll get some great shots.

I think my point is you don't have to be invisible, your family, your sister knows and trusts you. You have the opportunity to MAKE some of the memories, not just capture them..

just ideas..
 
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Thanks a lot for the replies! Getting some footage of the prep will add a lot, thanks. I think I should take some B roll of the outside of the church too.

I was thinking of getting a bunch of 'glamor' shots while everyone is posing for pictures, that should be a good time to 'direct' folks. Throw the adapter on, get some nice bokeh and hand-held-looking shots, maybe turn it into a little art piece within the video, a la John and Yoko?

And @ bird, strangely enough they are doing a coed bachelor party, so I will be able to get some footage of that, if I go. lol. weirdos
 
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