My METHOD
On your wedding day, I like to remain in the background – when couples or their guests tell me at the end of the day that they barely saw me, I take that as the biggest compliment!
I am there, close and always within reach, but never in your way - ready to capture what is happening and to let things occur naturally.
Handfasting Ceremony {these hands} - Sheryl+Alin | European Wedding Celebrant
PREP
Me and my assistant or second shooter usually start our coverage two hours before the ceremony. That way we can capture those delicious hours of nervous excitement before the big moment - the calm before the storm!
Starting with the details of the preparation gives me a better feeling for the mood of the day - and gives you a chance to get used to my camera.
CEREMONY
The ceremony is all about you! Whether religious, civil, or tailor-made, we try our best to be respectful, quiet and invisible.
Dedicated audio recorders will capture every sound, from the choir music and the speech of the celebrant to every word you say to each other - you won't miss a thing!
SESSION
After giving you some time to greet your guests and get some food into your hungry bellies, I like to "kidnap" you for a short session.
Here you can finally breathe deeply and talk to your loved one away from all the hustle - and we can get those unforgettable shots that your parents will frame and put on their mantelpiece!
PARTY
The rest depends a lot on you and the logistics of your wedding day. There are classic shots of course – the rings, the first kiss, the exit, the cake, the first dance – and we do our best to nail those. Aside from those big show-stopping moments, I try to capture your individuality and what makes your reception unique.
Stolen moments in the grapevines, the hug of a family member that you haven’t seen in years, the awe in the eyes of a child as they marvel at the dress – capturing those memories is why we do our job, and we hope it’s also what you will love the most when watching your finished film!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
starting off
When should we contact you?
What's included?
I accept reservations up to 18 months in advance. Some days get snatched up like warm bread, especially if you are planning to have your wedding on a Saturday in summer or fall, so contact me right away to make sure I'm available on your dream date!
If you’re feeling lucky or are more of a spontaneous romantic, it’s never too late to ask!
Weddings aren't identical events, and your needs and interests should come first! That's why I offer several customizable packages that include different types of videos, variable hours of coverage, and additional services depending on your plans.
Please contact me to consult my detailed catalog and schedule a meeting - it's always easiest to talk you through all these options in person!
the big day
Do you have a time limit?
What does your team look like?
You can book me and my team for as little or as many hours as you need. From a 45-minute engagement session or a 3 hour elopement, to a small half-day wedding all the way up to 14 hours of coverage! If necessary, you can add additional hours for an extra fee on the day the event. I only book one job per day (and usually only one per weekend).
All of my packages include me (Melanie) and an assistant, and some offer an additional second shooter for better coverage on your wedding day - the size and scope of your wedding party and the length and detail of your desired video dictates the size of our team, but we always try to stay as inconspicuous as possible.
the aftermath
Can we choose the music for our film?
How will we receive our video(s)?
Because of copyright laws, all of the songs used in my videos need to be commercially licensed, so I might not able to include your favorite radio hit. Technicalities aside, I do my best to find a licensed song that fits your taste, and you are invited to pick your favorites from an extensive music library or send me examples of what you like!
The finished product will be available in high-quality FullHD online (with or without password protection and a download function) and if desired you can also receive a custom USB in a personalized little surprise package. Since the wedding season can get quite busy and each of my videos is edited with the utmost concentration, dedication, and attention to detail, delivery usually takes 6 to 9 months.