Here is a way to distinguish you wedding day from all of the others. Would you do it??

For the last few years, couples made their special day unique by copying coordinated dance routines down the aisle and at the reception, after that one couple did it on YouTube. Now, there’s a whole new “unique” thing everyone is doing: Marryoke.

Marryoke is lip-synch karaoke that a wedding videographer captures your guests performing at different times of the wedding. When they edit it all together, you get a music video of your wedding, set to the timeless song of your choosing: Classic wedding songs like Etta James’s “At Last” and — nope, actually, Marryoke is mostly done to songs that aren’t likely to stand the test of time, like LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” or the Black Eyed Peas’ “The Time,” a remix of that song from “Dirty Dancing.”

The trend began in the U.K., but has made its way over to our shores — so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to lip-synch to some Katy Perry at a wedding this summer. Wedding trends, like the coordinated dances to Justin Bieber and Chris Brown songs, spread like wildfire among brides looking for a way to distinguish their wedding day from all of the others. Videographers even offer special “Marryoke” services as part of their packages, now.

What will a Marryoke video look like at the 50-year anniversary? Probably really cheesy — but if the couple makes it to 50 years still happily in love, it doesn’t matter.

Posted at 10:03 AM ET, 01/23/2012 By Maura Judkis
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/arts-post/post/marryoke-the-new-cheesy-wedding-trend/2012/01/23/gIQAmIByKQ_blog.html

Would you do this at your wedding??

2010 Photography and Videography Styles Brides Want Most

Recent results from a photography and videography survey show that 2010 brides and grooms most (57%) interested in black and white shots and least (2%) interested in trashing the dress.

Here is a list of photography and videography styles tracked in the survey from most intersested to least interested.

Sample size was 475 brides and grooms from all over the US to be married in 2010. Margin of error, 4.5%.

Source - Shane McMurray - http://www.TheWeddingReport.com

There are some really great photographers and videographers out there- make sure you find them.  With how much money you’re likely to spend on your pictures and video it’s no wonder there are so many people in the photography/videography business. Unfortunately, more is not always better and it can be hard to find a good photographer or videographer. Lucky for you, here are some tips on how to find a good photographer and/or videographer.

First, you’ll want to talk to people and get some references. Did any of your friends or relatives get married recently? Ask them if they were pleased with the service they got. Another good source of referrals is your vendors. People in the wedding business are often intertwined with each other and so it is likely that even your caterer will have an idea of who is good and who isn’t. However, beware of commission referrals- since these wedding people have connections, they know you’re going to ask for referrals; hence, they will pay the referral-er to tell you who to use. You can simply ask the person who is referring you to someone if they get paid a commission- they should be honest about it. If they do get a commission, you can still check out that company, but be careful since the referral was biased.

The second best way to find a photographer or videographer is to look up companies in our web directory. You can get a price quote, or schedule an in-person meeting to discuss their work. Many times, couples can tell just by talking to a company on the phone if they will want to work with them or not. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be very relaxed around your photographer/videographer, so if you have even the slightest problem with them, you should keep looking.

Once you have narrowed down a list of photographers/videographers to meet in person, you’ll want to schedule those meetings all within one or two weeks so that you have a fresh mind for comparison. When you go in to meet them, make sure you view some of their work. Make sure you look at a couple different examples so that you get a better perspective of their style and ability. If all of the samples that you see are not the type of style that you want, keep looking because it means that they are not skilled in that style, or specialize in other styles.

When you finally choose the company you will be working with, make sure you read the contract really well. There are two main clauses that you should watch out for: 1- exclusive right to photography/videography (none of your guests can take pictures) and 2- random staff selection (you may not get the person you’ve been talking to/dealing with). Unless you are completely okay with these clauses, you’ll either want to renegotiate the contract or find a different company to work with.

When all is said and done, you should have a great photographer/videographer that you will be happy to work with on your wedding day.

Your wedding is an once-in-a-lifetime event. Months of planning and effort go into putting together the perfect day. After the vows are spoken, the cake is cut, the food is eaten, and the bouquet is tossed, your most indelible memory of your wedding will be your professional wedding video. Photographs can only record moments in time, but a quality wedding video preserves all the sights, sounds, and emotions of your special day.
A wedding video preserves more than just your wedding. Your dearest family and friends will gather for your wedding. Years from now, some of those people will be gone. Your wedding video will contain memories of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents celebrating with you. In fact, your wedding video is one of those few precious heirlooms that you will be able to share with your children and grandchildren.

In today’s digital age, just about everyone owns a video camera. And in today’s economy, just about every bride is on a budget. A well-meaning relative or friend may have offered to video tape your wedding for you. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a professional videographer to preserve your wedding.
Your relative or friend wants to be a part of your wedding, just as any of your guests. If they are trying to juggle participating in your event and video taping your event, they will likely miss the most important moments of your day. A professional videographer knows how to capture those special moments, and is there for one reason only: to capture your wedding day.

Other Professional -vs- Amateur Considerations:
- Professional Videographer
  • Consultation
  • Planning
  • Set up for best footage
  • Set up for best sound
  • Experience with many weddings
  • Knows what to look for
  • Raw footage is edited into a true video story
- Non-Professional Videographer
  • Shoots what he thinks is nice
  • Shaky camera
  • Camera movements are too fast
  • Bad audio
  • Important moments are not recorded
  • Not prepared for technical problems during wedding
  • Footage may be out of focus at times
  • Important shots may be interrupted more

Why Hire a WEVA Videographer?

True professionals recognize the need for continuing education in their field. WEVA provides training and certification in the video industry. Video styles and techniques are constantly changing, and the digital revolution has radically changed the face of modern video production. WEVA is at the forefront of demonstrating current trends in wedding videography. WEVA members are better prepared to keep up with these changes and provide the best possible production for you.

How Much Will it Cost?
The price of your professional video depends on what you need and the options you choose. Most professionals offer a wide variety of video services and options that can enhance your wedding video. Some of the more common wedding video options are described here. Once you have consulted with your professional videographer, be sure your contract clearly describes the services and options you have selected.

For more information go to: www.weva.org

There are over 50 products to choose from for wedding videography. A traditional wedding video will include many of the following:

Pre Wedding day products
• Opening Credits - A Hollywood opening with credit being given to the important stars of your own movie.
• Photo Transfer - Growing up video & pictures of the bride and groom.
• Courtship Photo Transfer - Pictures or video taken while dating.
• Genealogy Photo Transfer - Wedding photos of the Grandparent’s & Parents of the Bride & Groom.
• Bridal Video - A beautiful video of the bride in her attire.
• Love Story - A documentary style story of your relationship.
• Date Video - A fun filled video of one of your dates.
• Grooms Video - A specialized video of the groom’s hobbies or talents.
• Bridesmaids Video - An activity before the ceremony with the Bride & her Bridesmaids such as a trip to the spa.
• Groomsmen Video - An activity before the ceremony with the Groom & his Groomsmen such as golfing.
• Rehearsal - Capture the lighthearted side of your ceremony as you & your Wedding Party practice your roles for the big event.
• Rehearsal Dinner - Candidly capture these important people in a fun casual setting.
• Bridal Shower - Capture the excitement of opening presents & planning your Wedding.
• Music Video - The Bride & or Groom preforming or lip syncing to your favorite song.

Wedding day products
• Brides Pre Wedding - The Bride & her Bridesmaids getting ready.
• Grooms Pre Wedding - The Groom & his Groomsmen getting ready.
• Wedding Ceremony - Coverage with 1 to 3 Videographers & 1 to 4 Microphones.
• Luncheon/Dinner - Candid coverage of the program & the people who are close to you.
• Big Screen Showing - Entertain your guest with any of the previous products at the wedding breakfast, luncheon or dinner.
• Imaging Session - Intimate coverage of the wedding party in their formal attire before the reception.
• Cocktail Hour - Capture your guests in a casual environment while the wedding party is at the imaging session.
• Reception - Your Reception can be covered with 1 or 2 Videographers for as long as you need.
• First Dance - The images of your first dance between the Bride & her Groom.
• Father Daughter Dance - Capture the emotion between the father of the Bride & his Daughter in this last dance.
• Mother Son Dance - The dance between the Groom & his Mother.
• Same Day Edit - Editing of the Wedding footage to be played later that day for you & your guests.
• Interviews - Special comments of the Wedding party & guests to the Bride & her Groom.
• Showings - There are several creative ways to display your video at your Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Breakfast, Luncheon, Dinner or Reception.

Post Wedding day products
• Honeymoon Video - Photos & video of the honeymoon.
• Recap Highlights - A condensed version of everything.
• Wedding Story - A documentary style video of your wedding day & Honeymoon.
• Closing Credits - A Hollywood style closing to the video with credit being given to your Bridal Party.
• Hollywood Style DVD - A motion menu DVD with Buttons for navigation through the disc.
• Simple Burn DVD - A play only DVD disc.
• Digital Video Prints - There are 60 images being captured in every second of video any one of which can be printed as a still.
• Original Footage - An edited copy of all the original footage from selected events.
• Submasters - High quality additional DVD’s from the Artists original master.

Help your videographer by creating a list of the shots you would really like. Then relax and enjoy.

For more information go to: www.weva.org