“When I was planning my wedding, I got a lot of opinions on how to cut costs and I heard often “skip a videographer”. I heard everything from “we never watched ours” to “I paid and big moments were missing” to “the selection of music is awkward and it ruins it”. I of course was slightly nervous when I decided to do a videographer, and reflecting on my experience, I have to conclude that all of those opinions were from couples who didn’t hire the right videographer. Along with my wedding planner, Katie from 97 films was actually my vendor who knew me the best. Having her and the team at my wedding actually relaxed me because it felt like my friend was just there to celebrate me and my now husband.
I originally hired Katie and 97 Films because she offered something I have never heard of or seen before. A DAY OF video. So she literally shoots your wedding prep/ceremony and produces a film THAT SAME DAY. My husband and I had some older family members in attendance that we wanted to share our day with and wow did Katie deliver. I still do not understand how this came together so quickly. I had a lot of beautiful things at my wedding but our day of video was the surprise that kept coming up as a crowd favorite. Everyone was floored, I was floored, my husband was floored. My reaction was caught by my photographer (see attached) and it sums up exactly how I felt. We then got ANOTHER video of our wedding very quickly and it also made me cry ugly tears. The music, the shots, the moments that were included - everything is so perfect. The day flew by but I am able to relive the most important moments over and over again. But don’t take my word for it, watch them here and see what it’s like when you hire the right videographer.
Day of -https://vimeo.com/863382701
Wedding -https://vimeo.com/873542736
Talent wise, Katie is in another league, all shots are flattering, perfectly framed with a clear eye for beauty. There’s no “fluff” added to make a certain length video, both my videos are cohesive, romantic and custom. She really is a storyteller who just happens to also be skilled with a camera. Somehow even better than the actual talent was the experience and prep for the videos. Katie, my husband and I met to get some behind the scene footage and for her to learn more about us. Every meeting and interaction with her was so relaxed and we all ended up having lunch together because it felt so natural. Basically working with Katie is like lucking into having a best friend who also happens to be the best cinematographer. Coming into my wedding day I had no nerves, and didn’t feel the need to micromanage because I knew I’d be happy. My advice-don’t skip the videographer, but make sure you hire the right one. Katie is the right one.”