12 things video can capture but photos cannot (on your wedding day)
While I know that wedding photos are a must, there are certain things that photos just can’t capture the same way that videos can. The posed shots, beautiful still moments, and glimpses of emotion are perfectly captured by a good photographer. But your vows, the first dance, laughter and crying, the speeches given by the most important people to you; all of these things (and so much more) can’t be captured with photos.
Yes, hiring a wedding videographer is an extra expense you will need to budget for. However, it’s one which you should really consider. I love using video as a way of telling stories. For those of you who don’t know—I own a phtography and videography business called LVP Studios. We focus on telling stories that are an authentic representation of a couple’s wedding day by capturing the raw emotions, the connections between friends and family, and the emotions of your special day.
Since we focus on photos AND video, I offer a unique perspective into what video does that photos just can’t accomplish. There are 12 things that I have in mind that video can capture but photos cannot do it justice on your wedding day.
1. Your vows
Audio is by far the number one thing that I can throw down here for what video can capture that photos cannot. There is no way that your photos will ever allow you to rehear what your best man, or maid of honor, or father said on your wedding day. Audio is so important in your wedding video and is what truly makes the difference between just getting a photographer and hiring a photo/video team. Videography is so important and you need it on your wedding day.
2. a choreographed dance
My dad and I did a choreographed dance at my wedding. It was fantastic!! I am so thankful that we had a videographer there to capture the whole dance. While our photographer did a great job of taking some pictures that are still some of my favorites, there’s just something so much better about having the entire dance filmed and stored away in video form.
3. tears and laughter
There’s nothing like capturing true emotion! Photos are wonderful at recording the little moments, but what they miss are the full emotions of the day. A video can record the sounds of laughter, the sparkling smiles of guests seeing the you walk down the aisle, and the break in the groom’s voice as he reads his vows. These actual moments of tears and laughter can be captured for a second via photos, but nothing compares to seeing that emotion in a video
4. the speeches given by everyone important
Nicole and Tyler’s wedding video is all about the speeches. It’s just a unique video, which is one of the reasons that I really love it. It showcases how important these speeches from everyone important to you can be in telling the true story of your love.
5. actual emotion
Video brings you back to the whole experience. When you get your wedding video back and you get to relive the emotion and the joy, that is priceless. It’s not just an object or something to look at that reminds you slightly of your wedding day, it actually brings you back to the whole experience which is just something that nothing else but video can capture. I’ve worked with many couples who say similar things to this over and over again. Check out their reviews and really learn from others about how important it is to have a videographer at your wedding.
6. all of the music
If you’ve watched many highlight films, then this one might not make as much sense to you. Often times highlight films from weddings are overlaid with popular music that matches the vibe of the wedding day; however, it’s important to also understand that your videographer can provide you with the RAW footage from your day which can have the true music from your day so that way you never forget what you walked down the isle to, danced to for the first time, and everything in between.
7. special performances
Natlie and Kyrwin’s vow renewal ceremony was filled with special performances. They had two saxophone soloists as well as a special choreographed dance during their reception. Being able to capture those things with video and record these special performances makes it enjoyable to rewatch and relive all over again.
8. the joke your dad told during dinner
This kind of goes back to point number one… audio is so important. A photographer cannot capture the actual words that were said during your big day. This is something that video does and video alone. For example, many dads tell jokes or gives speeches as the night goes on. When the party starts (and sometimes the alcohol gets flowing) parents tend to loosen up and do the silliest of things. Thank goodness we can capture those with video.
9. the “ohhs” and “awws” of your bridesmaids when they see you for the first time
No matter what that first look moment is, whether it be with your parents, your bridal party, or your soon-to-be spouse, it’s important to capture the emotion of the reveal. While photos are great at capturing a still shot in time, videos do so much more! You’ll be able to hear the “oohs” and “awws,” watch the progression of shock come over them, and maybe even witness a tear roll down their cheek.
10. when you laugh and fumble putting on the rings at the alter
This happens way more often than you’d think. It’s always a great ice breaker on what is normally a formal and high strung feeling event. The moment that your groom is trying to shove that ring on your finger and for all his might it will not go on is the funnies thing ever. A photographer will try to capture the rings, your hands, maybe even some laughter, but a video can capture it all. From start to finish, you can rewatch funny moments like this that could never be captured with just pictures.
11. moments that you missed
Trust me, sooooo much is happening on your wedding day. It will feel like a whirl wind of activities. And as much as you try, there are going to be moments that you miss. Your wedding video will allow you to re-watch and relive those missed moments. You cannot be everywhere and be with everyone, but part of a wedding videographers job is to be in those moments even when you’re not. My favorite moments to capture that brides often miss are the way that the groom looks at his bride when she walks down the aisle, the way that the bride looks at her groom when he’s dancing with his mom, and the hilarious dance sessions that happen when the bride and groom are saying hello to everyone.
12. your whole story
If you know me then you know how much I love memory keeping. It’s an important part of my life, and I truly believe that it should be a priority for others. Memory keeping doesn’t have to be hard, and in this case it really doesn’t even have to be anything that you do yourself. Capturing your wedding day with video will ensure that you have this memory in a time capsule.
And not only is it stored away for later viewing, you can rest easy knowing that your wedding video is an all encompassing movie of your entire special day. Working with a videographer to ensure you capture all of the moments you want, come away with a product you love, and have your whole story saved forever is the most important thing when it comes to documenting your wedding day. And sometimes it’s important to know that there are some things that video can capture but photos just cannot.
