What is your most memorable wedding?
I've just shot it; it was a live stream during Tier 2 Coronavirus restrictions in Liverpool, where a couple called Lucy & Aldo got married but could only invite 13 guests. Masks, social distancing and no singing made it a very unique day, but even COVID couldn't stop the day being special. Livestreaming not just to the UK but to the Groom's home country of Mexico meant that over 300 extra friends and family could witness their marriage. Afterward, the mother of the bride said: It was just fantastic!
"The quality of the live stream was brilliant. Far better than we dared to hope for. It made the day complete for us. We are so grateful."
It was an honour, and very humbling, to be able to help the family share their special day when they would otherwise have been unable to. Certainly a wedding I'll never forget.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Smooth. Artistic. Romantic. Slick. Vibrant.
What about your business are you most proud of?
During the Coronavirus pandemic and all the restrictions stopping guests attending weddings, it made me very proud to be able to live stream to hundreds of friends and family around the world.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't overthink everything! Your wedding is a chance to have the day you've always dreamed of, but don't let the pressure of it being "once in a lifetime" stop you from enjoying it. After all, it's a big party and it needs to be fun!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Around 5-6 years ago a couple called Mary and Daniel had secretly learnt a romantic dance routine for the first dance. Many couples do a similar thing, true - but the groom wasn't a natural dancer and although he did great, it was clearly out of his comfort zone. But he did it anyway for his bride, which was a lovely gesture and made for a great First Dance video!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I like to meet with a couple in as informal a way as possible to get to know them first, so that I understand their style and what they want from a wedding video. Or wedding film - because they're not the same thing! I'll discuss options and possibilities with them, show them examples and ask for their input too. If you've seen a wedding video you LOVED, then show me! Likewise, show me the ones you hated, too. You'll know exactly what you're getting.
What is the most exciting thing you have caught on camera?
At a wedding in Oxford, the groom was given a shot of flaming sambuca at the hotel bar... and spilt it! The flame was huge, but thankfully very short-lived (and the bar staff had thankfully turned away, so never saw!)
What is the one film you wish you had directed and why?
Home Alone - it's got everything, feel-good Christmas vibes for the family, bad guys getting their comeuppance and some really fun special effects and comedy moments to put a smile on your face.
What is your favourite soundtrack to put to a wedding video?
It depends on the style of the wedding video or film! I like to keep things varied and fresh, so I try not to stick to my own favourites. Plus, it's your special day so I'll be guided by you. I often think that your first dance song acts as a great theme for the whole day when watching back the video.
Describe how you got into videography.
I caught the bug from my Dad, who himself caught it from his Dad (who was one of the early pioneers of ciné cameras, and invented the floodlight as a result when he needed clean, bright, white light indoors! I'll tell you more if you book me...). My Dad taught video technology so I grew up getting to play with expensive broadcast-grade camera equipment right from an early age. I loved it!