People always debate about whether or not to spend the money on a videographer, and maybe it’s my excitement at having just received my wedding video, but my advice is this: Hire a videographer. Seriously. Your guests might not ever remember what wedding favor you chose or the color of your flowers, but you’ll always be able to remember the special parts of your day through your wedding video . . . it’s totally worth it, so keep that in mind as your work through your budget and your to-do list. Now that the fuss from our wedding is all over, that video is the perfect reminder of all our hard work and happiness.

We had a hard time deciding on a videographer because we weren’t thrilled with the options available locally in Green Bay. And because we were getting ready at both my house (the girls) and the hotel (the guys) we needed someone who had at least two people on staff to cover both of us. After countless interviews, we decided to go with the safe bet and hire the same videographer from my brother’s wedding in California. I was familiar with him; he knew my photographer (who was also my brother’s from California); and because he was one of the three people I knew I would spend the majority of my day with (the other two being my husband and the photographer), I went with my gut and stuck with what I knew. Plus, I watched my brother’s highlight film over and over again and each time I laughed and cried and it wasn’t even my wedding.

The best part about the wedding video is that it typically takes a few months to get it all together, so just as you’re coming  down from the high of the day (and the stress of finishing the thank you-notes), there it is: a perfectly packaged trip down memory lane, reminding you of the best day of your life.

We received our video just before the holidays, and I think I’ve watched the shorter version at least 25 times . . . and the full two-hour film at least twice. One major perk of our videographer’s package was that he put together about a 15-minute highlight film and then a two-hour synopsis that features the full toasts, the full Mass, and more clips from dancing, getting ready, and the setting. It was fun to be able to share the shorter version with friends and family and keep the longer version for my husband and me. My hope is to re-watch it every year on our anniversary (and whenever I’m missing the furor of wedding planning).

Also, because the day flew by SO incredibly fast, it’s the perfect reminder of the wide range of emotions we both experienced on the big day. Revisiting the moment when my groom messed up his vows was hilarious, yet watching my dad and I walk down the aisle brought a tear (or many) to my eyes just seconds before. I also enjoy watching our first dance, since after hours of practice, we never really saw what we looked like. (Based on this capture, you can see it had a few extra bells and whistles . . . thank goodness for a talented seamstress to keep my dress in place!)

Our videographer also selected music for our highlight video that was important to both of us (while simultaneously adding his own creative freedom). He included the soundtrack from Rudy because we both went to ND and that’s the song my groom walked down the aisle with his parents. He also added songs that he knew were important to us and ones I’d never heard before . . . but together they make the perfect combination of happy, fun, romantic, and sentimental.

Since so many of you have been with me through this process from day one, this video is the perfect encapsulation of all the elements of the day that I loved best: getting ready in my childhood bedroom, the boys practicing the flashmob, walking down the aisle with my dad, the vows, our first dance, tidbits of all the toasts, the end of the evening fireworks . . .  it’s all there.

I hope as your wedding nears you consider a videographer, and if you’re looking for local suggestions, we’d be happy to share ideas with you on our Facebook page. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to send them our way.

As always, happy planning!