Special Publications - Whatcom Weddings - weddings2009

POSTED: Sunday, Feb. 01, 2009

How to manage the media that will preserve your memories forever

Preserving memories of your special day makes photography an essential part of the nuptials. Now, videography - once considered a luxury - is fast becoming a must-have.

Deciding which wedding photographer or videographer to use takes some time and may be based on availability.

"Photographers are one of the first vendors to become booked, often a year in advance," says Cathie Haag, owner of Simply Wonder-ful Weddings in Bellingham. "In order to get your first choice, aim for booking as soon as possible after your wedding date is decided."

As part of your decision, make sure to view their work. Many videographers feature clips on their Web sites, while others provide free demo DVDs. Experienced photographers offer online galleries of recent weddings.

Eero Johnson, owner of Video One in Bellingham, insists a comfortable connection is key when hiring a videographer or any other vendor.

"Make sure you 'click' with them, and that they seem to get where you are coming from," says Johnson.

A COUSIN WITH A CAMCORDER

There are, of course, different options to fit many budgets. Photography packages start around $2,000, while videography packages can be found for under $1,000. Both options usually offer an add-on menu for personalization.

Fernando Olvera, 33, married his wife Tara, 30, on July 28, 2007, at the Hotel Bellwether. Photographer Linda Wright, owner of Linda Wright Photography in Bellingham since 2001, offered them a package that included a DVD with every shot she took of the big day.

"The kicker was she released all proprietary ownership of the images to Tara and me," Olvera says. "We made our thank you cards with some of the pictures."

Even if you're pinching pennies, it's important to consider what a professional offers before turning your memories over to a cousin with a camcorder.

"What you don't want to do is have a friend videotape it, decide you don't like the results and then take it to a professional to fix it in editing," Johnson explains. "You can never really fix the original footage. And, it ends up being expensive."

'A LOVE STORY'

Schedules may not sound romantic and spontaneous, but they do bring structure to what can be an otherwise overwhelming and cha-otic day.

"I provide couples with a photo checklist, and I appreciate getting a timed agenda for all the special moments in the wedding," says Wright. "I also suggest they appoint a person who is not in the wedding party to help coordinate and gather people."

To make sure all your guests get in on the action, set up a video camera on a tripod in a quiet corner.

"Make an announcement the couple would like guests to record a little message of encouragement and advice," says Haag.

For entertainment and a great keepsake, videographers are now doing pre-wedding projects to showcase at the reception, such as in-terviews with the bride and groom about their relationship.

"This is sometimes called a love story," says Kristen Schlegel, owner of Lynn Street Productions in Bellingham since 2003.

Photo montages, or video slideshows, also are popular and can be set to the couple's chosen music.

PROOF POSITIVE

Your big day has come and gone, but you want the memories to live on forever. Online galleries and Web sites provide an easy, user-friendly way to share photos with friends and family all over the globe. CDs and DVDs have made bulky albums of printed proofs a thing of the past.

Michèle M. Waite, a Bellingham photographer since 1995 who was voted 2006 best photographer in Seattle Bride Magazine, finds the couples she works with are looking for mementos that are both beautiful and practical.

"Handmade books and coffee-table style, dust-cover albums are very popular," Waite says. "Creating a book that friends and family want to thumb through on their own volition is the goal."

The same holds true for videography. "A highlights video puts together the best shots and most important pieces of the whole day into one succinct video, usually about 30 minutes long," says Schlegel. "It is a great thing to show without overwhelming people with hours of video."

Amy Blackwood is a Bellingham freelance writer.