"It's too cold!"

"It's too cold to shop for a wedding videographer."

As a full-time video editor, I can work from home; and I appreciate not having to leave a nice warm house during the winter months. This time of year, I don't blame anyone who hesitates before battling through the slush, ice and traffic to go vendor shopping.

If you're considering hiring a wedding videographer, I highly recommend seeing an ENTIRE wedding video they shot and edited start to finish, not just highlights set to music.

If you're wondering what could make the hunt a little easier, I've got some advice: ask if you can see an entire wedding online, in the comfort of your own home in front of your computer. The video quality won't be as good as it will be on DVD, but at least you can get a good idea of the editing style, the coverage, the audio levels, the camera-work, etc. Then, if you're impressed, you can make the trek out to meet the vendor in person. At least then you'll know the trip is worth your while.

For anyone who is interested in seeing a complete wedding online, I can send you links by email: just send me a PM, email or call and let me know what type of wedding you're having (indoor, outdoor, church, banquet hall, what culture(s) etc.) so I can send you something that is relevant to you.

You'll see an entire wedding, as it appears on a client DVD:

- continuous documentary-style coverage of the ceremony, first dance, cake-cutting, speeches, etc. with natural audio, edited so it plays as it really happened
- montage sequences set to music of arrivals, cocktails, etc.
- "congratulations" from guests
- highlights trailer set to music, incorporating voiceovers of the vows and ring exchange, etc. for a "movie trailer" type piece to encapsulate the day

Here's to an easy 2009 and a pleasant vendor shopping experience!

Nishi