Firstly, please have fun.

• Keep in mind that the couple is having these calls with every single vendor and they are probably tired of talking through the details. So, please keep things fun and light.

  • I start the call by asking them about their day, find out about their honeymoon plans and/or how they met. I want to show them that I see them as people, not a job that I have to do.

    • I transition to wedding day details by congratulating them on their upcoming engagement.

  • I end the call by telling them how excited I am to work with them, reinforcing the positive energy.

Next, confirm the logistics:

• Make sure you are taking notes and confirm the following:

  • Arrival time/ Departure time

  • Location addresses (get hotel room numbers as well!)

  • Transportation between locations/parking

    • Note: If the wedding party is going downtown to take pictures, I always try hopping on the trolley with them to avoid parking and then having to coordinate meeting up.

  • Ceremony & Reception timeline

    • Churches, Ketubahs & Chuppas -Oh my! Ceremonies can be tricky. Double check the following:

      • Where exactly the couple is standing

      • Ceremony length

      • If they’ll be facing the officiant or each other

      • Who will be standing at the altar with them

      • If they have any special speakers that need to be mic’ed up

      • Any grand exit? Private vows?

    • Also, go through the reception timeline and confirm times on the:

      • Room reveal

      • Grand entrances

      • Speeches

      • Special Dances

      • Cake cutting

      • Other traditions like garter, bouquet toss, chair dance…etc.

  • Dress code

    • I’ve gotten some complaints about videographers not dressing appropriately. I want you to be comfortable but please bring a blazer to dress up your outfit. Please consult the updated “What to wear” guide.

  • Know when there are breaks in the schedule for you to have a snack, go to the bathroom and a drink of water.

  • If they need more time, tell them to email Ben. Also, see the note below about the “15 minute warning.”

Lastly, Set expectations:

• Audio:

  • We use at least 2x external audio sources for BOTH the ceremony + reception.

• Video:

  • We’ll be shooting with 2 cams during the ceremony/reception (as well as ketubah signing/hora if applicable).

  • We’ll be shooting with 1 cam during the prep/outdoor portrait/cocktail hour

• General shot list:

  • Let them know that you’ll be sniping laughs, hugs, smiles throughout the day but find out if they have any specific relatives or traditions they want you to get footage of.

  • Let them know that we shoot candid footage during the ceremony/reception/prep/outdoor portraits as well as some minor posing footage during prep/outdoors portraits but we’ll try to keep as fun as possible with lots of kissing and cheering.

• Eating:

  • It’s best if we eat when they eat.

• Departure:

  • Let the couple know that, 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time, you’ll approach the couple to confirm with them whether you are good to go OR if they want you to stay longer (Please approach the couple- not the planner).

    • If there is a second shooter, make sure to send them home, usually only one shooter needs to stay longer.

    • If they need more time, it’s not a problem at all! Simply note your new departure time, report it in the post wedding form and I will prorate your hourly to get you paid!

      • Please note: I will be billing the couple for the extra time, so make sure your new departure time is both accurate and approved by the couple.

      • If they ask, we charge $300 per extra hour with a shooter. But I’m happy to prorate it if they only need 1/2 hour for example.

      • Do not take cash, check, venmo or any $$ to stay longer- Never take payment unless its a tip.