LeniCam videographers interview groom at Ashton Gardens.

When is the Right Time to Book Your Videographer for Dallas Wedding?

We hear it a lot. “I really want a wedding video, but I’m waiting to see if I can afford it.”

We hear it a lot and it breaks our hearts.  Much too often we see  brides who delay booking videography and then discover they can’t afford it.  Sure, we hate losing a potential booking, but wedding videography is more than a business for us.  We see our work as an investment in the future.

Most of the things you spend money for on your wedding have a one day shelf life.  Of course, there are exceptions.  You’ll probably save the top of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary and some wedding dresses are handed down generation to generation, but most everything else is swept away; from expensive floral displays to notes played by the live band.  It’s all as ephemeral as bubbles and sparklers at the end of the day – unless you’ve got it all on video.

What the Experts Say

If wedding videography is something you want, then Martha Stewart suggests you put it in the budget from the beginning.  She suggests a full ten percent of your budget should be set aside for photography and videography.  She acknowledges that “discussing finances is like watching a love scene in a movie with your parents,” but it has to be done and it makes all the other uncomfortable discussions go a lot easier.

So once you’ve got it in the budget, when do you actually hire us?  Most specialist recommend 8-10 months before your wedding day.  Here’s a couple of experts we respect, but you’ll find that most others agree with these.

• The Knot Texas – “8-10 months before… Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist.”
• D Wedding – “Eight to 10 months before…Hire your photographer and videographer.”

Why So Soon?

Wedding Videography comes in all sizes, prices, technology and styles.  It may seem that there are plenty of videographers out there to choose from, but when you actually start comparing them to each other, you’ll find it’s a very different story.  When you take everything into consideration, there will be only a handful of videographers that actually fit your criteria.  The closer you get to your wedding day, the fewer videographers you’ll have to choose from, because other brides may have already booked your top choices.

Because there are so many videographers out there, it will take time to narrow down your list.  Then you won’t want to depend on highlight films and price lists posted on the internet.  A wedding video is more than a 60 second teaser.  You’ll want to know your videographer’s style, what’s included in the price they are quoting and if their equipment is even allowed in your venue.

If you’re planning a wedding, we’d like to talk to you.  We’ll sit down with you and ask questions about the details of your wedding and your budget.  We’ll show you the customization options you have and let you preview actual wedding videos we’ve produced.  Then you’ll know if LeniCam Video Productions is the right videographer for your wedding day.  We happen to think we just might be.  Call us now at 972-378-0446 for your appointment.

Marcy and Andy

Videographer for Dallas Wedding captures Marcy and Andy at the Courtyard Villa in Arlington

During her vows Marcy revealed what she loves most about Andy. He loves her just the way she is and doesn’t expect her to change a thing – except her last name.  His worshipful vows confirmed her observation.  Marcy and Andy were married at Courtyard Villa in Arlington.

For her wedding day, Marcy chose a strapless fit-and-flare gown with a sweetheart neckline, appliquéd all over with tulle roses.  Opalescent bugle beads edged her veil and formed sprigs of flowers around her shoulders.  Her crystal lariat necklace ended in a pair of dangling hearts.  Her bouquet consisted completely of white roses.  Turquoise was the color of the day and splashes of it could be found everywhere – on Andy’s tie and pocket square, on the bridesmaids’ tea length gowns and even on the wedding cake.

Their reception was an energetic celebration, which started with the introduction of the wedding party.  Groomsmen and bridesmaids danced in as their names were called.  Then Marcy and Andy were introduced.  Everyone enjoyed the sit-down plated dinner.  To accompany her towering turquoise wedding cake, Marcy surprised Andy with a Lego groom’s cake.

The DJ recruited Marcy and Andy for a Wedding Day version of the Newlywed Game, played with shoes.  That’s when everyone found out that under her glamorous dress, Marcy was wearing silver trimmed sneakers.  After tossing her bouquet, the sliver sneakers came out again when Andy removed her garter for that toss.

Sparklers lit up the couple’s farewell, but when they got to Andy’s car, they discovered it had been filled with balloons.  When the obstacles were removed the couple finally headed out to their new life together.

Behind the Scenes with LeniCam Video Productions

We tell our brides, no matter what happens on their wedding day, good or bad, they are going to love their video.  Sometimes we have to work harder than others to make good on that promise.  After the exciting entrance of the wedding party, a smoke machine came on and Marcy and Andy were introduced.  Then everything went black.  The smoke machine had a short, blew  the fuse and the lights went out.

No need for the bride to worry.  Everything was reset and they were introduced again.  This time they actually got to the First Dance.  Because of LeniCam’s careful editing and mixing you would never know it happened.  Unless, of course, they decided to show you the blooper segment.  The bloopers, as is usually the case, turned out to be one of their favorite parts of the video.

We Sweat the Small Stuff So You Don’t Have To 

LeniCam Video Productions – Videographer for Dallas Wedding     

Misty and Matthew

Videographer for Dallas Wedding Captures Misty and Matthew at Carrollton Wedding Chapel

The right prayer can make your dreams come true – even when you don’t believe in them.  Just ask Matthew. He didn’t believe in fairy tale romances, but he was ready to settle down, so one New Year’s Eve before he headed to a party, he prayed for God to send him the right girl.  Matthew didn’t only meet the right girl that very night; he got the fairy tale romance, too.  Misty and Matthew were married at Cappella Court Gardens in Carrollton.

One of the things Matthew liked while he was dating Misty was her country girl upbringing which negated “all the craziness typical with city girls.” Country girl Misty’s wedding day was filled with big city style, starting with her stunning trumpet-styled satin gown, covered in crystal and pearl decoration.  The strapless gown with its sweetheart neckline showed off Misty’s crystal jewelry which had a dangling hearts motif.  Her up-do was crowned with a sparkling tiara and a tulle veil trimmed in jewels.

Cappella Court in Carrollton was a beautiful venue filled with romantic staircases, crystal chandeliers and white picture frame paneling.  Misty carried red roses and hints of red could be seen everywhere – in the bridesmaid’s red chiffon dresses, the red bows on the reception chairs, the red rose petals strewn by the two flower girls and in a red ribbon tied onto their unity candle.  A surprising addition to the day was the three dogs, dressed to the nines, led in by the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The couple wrote their vows to one another and Matthew began his with “I was wrong,” telling the story of his corrected misconceptions about fairytale romances.  Misty was so touched she could barely make it through her own sweet promises.  Anxious to start their life together, the couple headed down the aisle right after their kiss,  before the minister could even pronounce them man and wife.

The appetizer buffet which began their reception was highlighted with a melon basket carved with the bride and groom’s names.  During the first dance, the handsome groom complained about his lack of dancing skills and the bride didn’t argue with him.  Though clumsy on the dance floor, he skillfully picked the song he danced to with his mother, reminding her that he knew it was her favorite song.

During the toasts one of the bridesmaids remarked on Misty’s infectious laugh which was very much a part of the cutting of the couple’s beautiful wedding cake.  Each layer of the cake was covered in sugar flowers.  The tiers of the cake were separated by fanciful columns and between the columns were bouquets of real flowers.

After giggling through the cake cutting, the couple toasted one another with champagne and listened to the fond toasts of their families and guests.  While offering her toast, Matthew’s mom joked about how sickening it was to watch the loving couple interact.  Matthew’s sense of humor didn’t fall very far from the maternal tree.

When it was time to go, the couple climbed into the back of a station wagon which had been decorated to the gills.  With an enthusiastic “Alright,” Matthew let everyone know it was time for he and Misty to go.

Behind the Scenes with LeniCam Video Productions

While dancing with his bride, Matthew in shirtsleeves dipped Misty for a kiss.  In the video the couple is magically transported to the portico of Cappella Gardens, Matthew’s jacket is back on and he’s once again giving Misty an affectionate dip.

During a wedding we’re everywhere, recording everything and when we get back to the studio we edit and mix the audio and video footage to make the wedding video even more enchanted than it was for guests at the live event.

We used video technology, like our custom-designed remote camera to capture special scenes, such as close-ups of Micelle during the vows.  With it we caught the tight shots without having a cameraperson at the front of the chapel.  We recorded the secret whispered sentiments between the bride and groom by attaching a wireless lavaliere microphone to the groom.

Then we go back to our studios and figure out where to add the magic, so Michelle and Matthew will always be able to enjoy the enchantment.

We Sweat the Small Stuff So You Don’t Have To

LeniCam Video Productions – Videographer for Dallas Wedding

Videographer for Dallas Wedding Captures Marissa and Josh at Harmony Chapel in Aubrey

A pine needle wreath with red poinsettias graced the door of the chapel.  The bridesmaids’ long, one-shouldered gowns were red.  The bride wore holly in her hair and carried white poinsettias.  Even the something old was a grandmother’s handkerchief emblazoned with poinsettias.   Christmas cheer was everywhere at Marissa and Josh’s December wedding in Aubrey’s Harmony Chapel.

The chapel has an over-the-river-and-through-the woods look that feels as if you’re visiting your great-grand-someone.  The rural setting, the stone exterior and wood interior warm the heart while they please the eye.  Add holiday décor and you can almost taste the candied yams.

Marissa looked stunning in her strapless white satin ballgown with a sweetheart neckline.  The empire waistline was accented in the front by a huge bow with a rhinestone clasp.  For the ceremony, the bride wrapped up in a white fur stole looking every bit the winter bride.

The reception was held right next door and the holiday theme continued.  As the couple enjoyed their First Dance, no words were needed, because their faces told the whole story.  These two people are very much in love.

Josh needed a little coaching from Marissa to get the cake cutting down.  The single men participating in the garter toss needed a little coaching from the single women, too.  Even the DJ thought they needed to be a do-over.

At the end of the evening, Marissa and Josh’s friends brightened the night with exploding sparklers as the bride and groom made their way to a waiting horse and carriage.

Behind the scenes with LeniCam Video Productions

There was nowhere to hide a cameraperson in the small Harmony Chapel, so we were very glad to have our custom designed proprietary camera.  With it we were able to catch close-ups of Marissa as she vowed her everlasting love to Josh without being a visual distraction to the couple’s guests.  We were also glad we’d put a wireless mic on Josh’s lapel.  That’s how we caught Marissa’s whispered instructions as the couple cut their poinsettia trimmed cake.

Our cameraperson arrived an hour and a half before the ceremony to set up their cameras and audio.  Then they captured the pre-ceremony excitement.  They stayed until Marissa and Josh rode away in the carriage.  Throughout the evening, the videographer was everywhere, recording everything, while remaining virtually invisible to the guests and participants.  Then back in the studio we edited and mixed the footage to create a wedding video Josh and Marissa can enjoy for all their days to come.

We Sweat the Small Stuff So You Don’t Have To

LeniCam Video Productions – Videographer for Dallas Wedding

Videographer for Dallas Wedding Captures Joanna and Casey at Ashton Gardens in Corinth, TX

Under her wedding gown Joanna wore cowboy boots. She wasn’t the only member of the wedding party who boot-scooted through the ceremony and reception.  In fact, when you watch this video closely you’ll see a perfect mix of Dallas Glamour and Old West Flavor in Joanna and Casey’s wedding at Ashton Gardens in Corinth.

Elegant Ashton Gardens with its beautiful chapel and dazzling reception space provided a wonderful venue for the lovely Joanna to marry her handsome Casey.  The chapel, surrounded on three sides by windows, created a gorgeous wooded setting for the couple’s vows.  After the ceremony Joanna and Casey swept into their reception via Ashton Garden’s dramatic curved staircase.  A delicious meal was shared by all and then the dance floor filled with swirling guests.

Joanna and Casey were supported on their special day by a large wedding party – eight bridesmaids, eight groomsmen, three ushers, a ring bearer and a flower girl – all dressed with an eye to style. A unity candle in the wedding ceremony symbolized the light from these many sources being joined into a new flame.

The corset bodice of Joanna’s strapless gown fell into soft cascades of ruffles which continued all the way to the end of her train.  Around her waist a white sash was held in place by a bouquet of white satin roses. Her attendants wore short coral crepe dresses and carried bouquets of white roses.  The tan suits on the men were accessorized with brown.

For a wedding dessert Joanna served tiers of iced cupcakes.  The heart-felt toasts after dessert demonstrated how much this couple was loved and how well they’d be supported in their new life together.  At the end of the evening, the couple exited the reception under a canopy of bubbles and were whisked into the night by a black limousine.

The LeniCam Difference – a Wedding Video More Complete Than the Live Event

After her wedding, Joanna was very happy with her wedding video.  In a review on The Knot, she said, “LeniCam did a great job capturing the moments of the best day of my life… The DVD is easy to use and you can jump to certain scenes without having to watch the whole video or fast forward. The highlight video is a great feature that we love to watch. If you want a professional, friendly and timely videographer, go with LeniCam!”

Joanna went on to explain, “They did such a good job that my sister also used them for her wedding in Austin, TX.”  After Jenna’s wedding at Barton Creek Resort, another sister announced she’d be getting married the next year and she’s booked LeniCam for her wedding, too.

At LeniCam, our goal is to capture your precious memories with the finest technology available.  On your wedding day our videographers will be everywhere, trying to be invisible, while they gather up the sights and sounds of your wedding.  Then we’ll take all the audio and video feeds back to our studio, where we’ll mix and edit them to produce a video which will be treasured forever.

We Sweat the Small Stuff So You Don’t Have To

Read all of Joanna’s review on The Knot.  

LeniCam Video Productions – Videographer for Dallas Wedding