FAQ
Some answers couple’s like to know.
What is a documentary wedding film?
A documentary wedding film is a longer film built around the real events, sounds, and interactions from your wedding day. Rather than focusing only on the biggest moments, it preserves the conversations, laughter, vows, speeches, and little moments that often become more meaningful with time.
I put together a detailed explanation with examples here: What Is a Documentary Wedding Film?
What's the difference between the cinematic film and documentary film?
The cinematic film and documentary film serve different purposes.
The cinematic film is a shorter, more curated experience. It focuses on the most meaningful moments of the day and is edited to tell the story in a concise, emotional way.
The documentary film is designed to preserve the wedding day more completely. It includes longer moments, real conversations, and the natural flow of events. It’s less about summarizing the day and more about helping you remember what it felt like to be there.
Many couples tell me they watch the cinematic film when they want to relive the emotion of the day, and the documentary film when they want to revisit the experience itself.
Do you include the ceremony in full?
Yes. Every wedding collection includes the ceremony in full as part of the documentary film.
The ceremony is the reason everyone gathered in the first place. While highlight films are great for reliving the emotion of the day, they often only include a small portion of the vows, readings, and other meaningful moments.
Years from now, many couples find themselves wanting to hear the entire ceremony exactly as it happened. That’s why I believe it’s worth preserving in full.
Do you include speeches in full?
Yes. Every wedding collection includes the speeches in full as part of the documentary film.
The speeches are often some of the most personal moments of the day. They’re filled with stories, memories, inside jokes, and things that may never be said again in quite the same way.
While portions of the speeches may be incorporated into the cinematic film, I also preserve them in full so you can revisit every word for years to come.
Are other important moments included?
Yes. The documentary film includes the major events of the day, including moments like the first look, first dance, cake cutting, grand entrance, and more.
My goal is not simply to preserve the ceremony and speeches. It’s to preserve the wedding day as a complete experience. The documentary film allows the day to unfold naturally, capturing both the major events and many of the smaller moments in between.
While the cinematic film focuses on telling the story of the day, the documentary film is designed to help you revisit it.
How long are the films?
The length of each film depends on the wedding day itself.
The cinematic film is typically around 5–10 minutes and is designed to tell the story of the day in a concise, emotional way.
The documentary film is much longer and varies based on the events, conversations, and moments that took place throughout the day. Rather than aiming for a specific runtime, my goal is to preserve the wedding day in a way that feels complete without including unnecessary filler.
Every wedding is different, and the films are edited accordingly.
How much coverage do we need?
Every wedding is different, but most couples choose either 8 or 10 hours of coverage.
For many weddings, 8 hours is enough time to capture the major parts of the day, including preparations, the ceremony, portraits, speeches, and a portion of the reception.
If you have a longer timeline, multiple locations, or want more of the reception documented, 10 hours may be a better fit.
If you’re unsure, don’t worry. Once I learn more about your wedding plans, I’m happy to help determine the right amount of coverage for your day.
Do you travel?
Absolutely.
While I’m based in Indianapolis, I regularly travel throughout Indiana and am available for weddings across the United States.
Whether your wedding is in downtown Indianapolis, a small town in Indiana, or somewhere farther from home, I’d be happy to learn more about your plans.
Travel costs vary depending on the location, and I’ll always discuss those details upfront so there are no surprises.
How do you capture audio?
Yes. Clear audio is one of the most important parts of a wedding film.
I use professional audio recorders and microphones to capture vows, speeches, and other important moments throughout the day. While beautiful visuals help tell the story, it’s often the voices, laughter, and words themselves that become most meaningful over time.
Many couples tell me that hearing a loved one’s voice again years later is one of the things they treasure most. That’s why I put a great deal of effort into capturing clean, reliable audio throughout the wedding day.
Will you direct us throughout the day?
A little, but probably less than you might expect.
My approach is to provide guidance when it’s helpful, while allowing the day to unfold naturally whenever possible. Some moments benefit from direction. Others are best when they’re simply observed.
The less people feel like they’re performing for the camera, the more authentic the moments tend to be. Many couples tell me they forgot I was there after a while, and I take that as a compliment.
My goal is to help you feel comfortable while preserving the day as it actually happened.
What if we're awkward on camera?
You’re not alone. Most couples tell me some version of this before their wedding day.
In my experience, people are usually a little aware of the camera when I first arrive. That’s completely normal. After about fifteen minutes, most people settle in, focus on the day, and forget I’m there.
You don’t need to know how to pose, act, or perform for the camera. I’ll provide guidance when it’s helpful, but I’m much more interested in genuine moments than perfect poses. The best footage usually comes from people enjoying the day, not thinking about being filmed.
Do you work well with photographers?
Absolutely.
Wedding days work best when photographers, videographers, planners, DJs, and venue staff work together as a team. I’ve filmed weddings for more than a decade and have worked alongside hundreds of photographers with different styles and approaches.
My goal is never to compete for attention or pull couples away from the experience. Instead, I focus on communication, collaboration, and making sure everyone has what they need to do their best work.
At the end of the day, we’re all there for the same reason: to help you have a great wedding and preserve it well.
Can we choose the music?
Because of copyright restrictions, I can’t use most commercially licensed music in wedding films. Instead, I license music through professional music libraries that allow the films to be shared and enjoyed legally.
I’m always happy to hear about songs, artists, genres, or styles of music that are meaningful to you. Those preferences can be incredibly helpful in finding music that feels right for your wedding.
In my experience, couples who care deeply about the music often share a general vibe rather than a specific song. Whether that’s cinematic, nostalgic, energetic, romantic, or something else entirely, those conversations help me find music that reflects both your personalities and the feel of the day.
While I can’t guarantee a specific song can be used, I’m always happy to collaborate to find the right sound for your film.
How long does it take to receive our films?
Wedding films are typically delivered within 12–16 weeks.
Every film is edited by me, and I take the time to carefully review the footage, audio, and story from each wedding rather than relying on templates or outsourcing the work.
My goal is not simply to deliver your films quickly, but to create something you’ll still enjoy watching years from now.
If I anticipate a longer turnaround for any reason, I’ll always keep you informed throughout the process.
Do you use drones?
Yes, when conditions allow.
Drone footage can be a beautiful way to provide context and showcase a venue or landscape from a unique perspective. However, safety, weather, venue restrictions, and FAA regulations always take priority.
Because every wedding is different, drone footage is never guaranteed. If conditions are right, I’m happy to incorporate it into your films.
Do you offer raw footage?
Raw footage is not included with my wedding collections.
Raw footage is unfinished and often contains duplicate clips, camera adjustments, audio tests, out-of-focus shots, and other material that was never intended to be viewed on its own. My goal is to transform those pieces into films that are enjoyable and meaningful to watch.
If you’re looking for a way to revisit the wedding day more completely, that’s one of the reasons I include a documentary film alongside the cinematic film.
How do we book you?
I’m flattered you would ask!
Start by reaching out through my contact form below. Once I learn more about your wedding plans, I’ll confirm availability and help determine which collection is the best fit.
A signed agreement and 30% retainer are required to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due 30 days before the wedding.
Still Have Questions?
I’d love to hear more about your wedding plans.