Who to use for Video????

[4luvofthemouse]

Hi, We have finally decided that we are going to use Randy Chapman as our photographer but now we are having a very big & stressful dilema.
Who are we going to use for video!?! :confused:
Should we just use Disney for the videos or should we go somewhere else and
if so does anyone reccomend someone?
Has anyone used Disney Videography and if so how did it go?
Trying to get all this done is giving me a headache & I'm kinda losing my excitement. My head really hurts & coffee doesn't help anymore!! :sad: :headache:
Any input would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!! :flower3:

[happylalagirl]

Go with STAN from STVS!!! :thumbsup2 We just had him at our wedding in December and received our finished DVD's about 1 1/2 weeks ago! They are fabulous and I wouldn't have changed a thing!!! :thumbsup2 You can check out our video on his website: www.stvsweddings.com
Click on Gallery and then click on Diane & Andrew. He was not intrusive and he made it just the way we wanted. The video speaks for itself. :goodvibes
If you need me to praise him anymore, I can and my DH will be right next to me singing his praises also. If you call or e-mail him, he will send you a sample DVD and it is amazing!!! I highly recommend him!!!!!

[beckyb29]

I can not agree more!!!! Stan from STVS was wonderful, I couldn't have been happier with our video!! We also had Randy Chapman, and they did a great job of working "together", staying out of each-other's way. There are very few photos with Stan in them, and very few video clips with Randy. I have a feeling they work together quite a bit. We didn't know if it was worth the money to go with a video, but it was one of the best decisions we made. Check out our video on his website...www.stvsweddings.com go to gallery, then Becky and Joe. If you email Stan, he'll send you a demo but sometimes the real life videos (such as me and Diane!)are better because you know how they belong to. As for Disney video, I don't really have any idea, but I seem to remember them being more expensive than STVS. Good luck with your search, and let us know if we can answer any other questions! :)

[4luvofthemouse]

I checked out the website & I made my fiance sit & watch them with me this evening.
You both had such beautiful weddings! I loved the fact that the videos weren't the same. I was so afraid of that, but your personnal styles really came through. Becky your bouquet was gorgeous it actually made me rethink my colors (DF thanks you for that!...lol) So after watching these we have decided to go ahead and use STVS.
Thank you sooo much , you just made our decision a whole lot easier.:cheer2:
I hope that our wedding will be just a lovely as yours!
Congratulations to you both!!! and Thanks again!




P.S After being engaged for 5yrs I thought this moment would never come,I can't imagine 13!! I am so happy for you & Andrew being able to have that perfect day. It really was a beautiful wedding & the reception looked like so much fun! The song that was playing when you had your first dance made me cry! What an amazing song!

[jmmastra]

We are using A Magic Moment. I wanted to use Stan's but he will be on vacation. My EM told me that A Magic Moment used to be used a lot. They are reasonably priced as well and very friendly.

[KT27]

I used Kyla from A Cut Above, she did great work.

[Laurafoster]

We also used STVS too and i cannot praise him enough!

[chipscinderelly]

Kennedy Video Productions is an amazing husband wife team that went above and beyond the day of our wedding!

www.kennedyvideoproductions.com (http://www.kennedyvideoproductions.com)

[DisneyFairy19]

I have been doing some research:surfweb: on some Videographers besides the one that Disney provides and I fell in love with Kennedy Video Productions... They have some beautiful samples...

[IrishCinderella]

We used Jeffrey Stoner Video (www.stonervideo.com).

[ChocolateMouse]

STVS is not available on my date, so I was deciding whether to book another videographer or do without professional video. My budget is maxed out, so anything I add now is debt. A Magic Moment is the more affordable package I've found, but I think their base prices only include a VHS tape. For a DVD, I believe it's an additional $200?

I looked at Kennedy but they only offer one package for $1900 that's not geared for Intimate weddings.

[KT27]

Try here....she worked with our Budget!

http://www.acutaboveprod.com/wedding.htm

[dee slack]

ChocolateMouse, have you tried www.broadwayfoto.com or www.dreamweddingdvd.com ? They both have packages under $500 for DVD.
We're still choosing between these two and amagicmoment also. By the time we sign our contract tho, it'll probably be whoever is still available!

[ForKeeps]

A Magic Moment is the more affordable package I've found, but I think their base prices only include a VHS tape. For a DVD, I believe it's an additional $200?



Chocolate Mouse,

I remember thinking that as well, but when DH called we found out that DVD was included in our package. If you're interested in them I'd call and speak with them because I think the website is not always accurate.

I talked to them Thursday and they said my DVD had just been mailed so I hope to be able to get a good review going for them. So far though, their customer service has been....lacking. E.g., I called 2 weeks before the wedding to ask what would happen on the day and was told that someone would call me before I left for Flordia. No one did. When I arrived in WDW, I called with our number and asked them to call and leave a message at least to confirm they were coming. No one did. On the day of I finally heard from them - so at least I knew they were coming. I've sent countless e-mails that have not been returned. And finally, when I called about the video I was told that it would be done by the end of the week. I asked them to contact me when they shipped it in case there were hold-ups at the border. 2 weeks later when it didn't show up I called them and they told me it shipped that day. I know, I know, not rave reviews so far. But maybe the final product will totally make me eat my words (and I hope it does) ;)

[Raspberry Bubbles]

I've never seen a Disney Videographer's work - has anyone? I'd really like to, as we're considering using them.:surfweb:

[dmslush]

I've never seen a Disney Videographer's work - has anyone? I'd really like to, as we're considering using them.:surfweb:


No, I haven't! That is one of the main reasons that I have chosen to go with stvsweddings, because he has examples of his work that I can look at.

[Raspberry Bubbles]

It's such a shame - it would be lovely to be able to see what their work is like. :(

[ChocolateMouse]

Thanks for listing some more suggestions! Getting married at a destination opens up issues that may not exist at home. The biggest is not knowing vendors. I looked at A Cut Above earlier in my planning, but never contacted Kyla Feeley. I figure when they advertise 40-70 hours of post-production, that means a lot of money. I will contact her this week!

A Cut Above has a couple packages where she gives you the raw footage, so I might be able to request that in her basic package. I'm very interested in that because of the opportunity to create my own video(s). My DF has a bit of talent (or at least enthusiastic interest) in that area. If we don't end up liking their edit, we can get it redone in the future. We also took Disney's basic wedding web site (the www.disneyweddings.go.com/brideandgroom they give everyone) and have been making our own without any restrictions.

Also, I'm having a reception at home three weeks after my wedding, so I'd like to have something - anything - to show my guests. I haven't come across a photographer or videographer who consistently works that fast. A company that would be willing to give the raw footage ahead of time would give us a chance to create something. I enjoy STVS' sneak preview that they offer within hours of the ceremony. For showing reception guests, 5-10 minutes is the perfect length.

[ChocolateMouse]

A Cut Above isn't available on my wedding day. In my experience when that happens, the vendor doesn't bother sharing prices so I don't know what kind of package Kyla can offer. The same thing happened with STVS when Stan wasn't available. I actually don't even know what Stan can offer or his prices because he never disclosed them when I inquired.

I'll try Broadway Foto and Dream Wedding DVD next to see what they currently offer. Broadway Foto's intimate package might be too simple with just one camera. Also, their sample video doesn't work (at least not the Windows Media Player version), so I haven't seen an example of his work. Dream Wedding DVD's web site only shows packages that include a reception.

ForKeeps:
Customer service is important to me, partly because I live in a province where very little of it exists, so I hope your video makes up for the problems you've had! I hope you'll have great news to share when you finally receive it!

[jmmastra]

Chocolate Mouse,

I remember thinking that as well, but when DH called we found out that DVD was included in our package. If you're interested in them I'd call and speak with them because I think the website is not always accurate.

I talked to them Thursday and they said my DVD had just been mailed so I hope to be able to get a good review going for them. So far though, their customer service has been....lacking. E.g., I called 2 weeks before the wedding to ask what would happen on the day and was told that someone would call me before I left for Flordia. No one did. When I arrived in WDW, I called with our number and asked them to call and leave a message at least to confirm they were coming. No one did. On the day of I finally heard from them - so at least I knew they were coming. I've sent countless e-mails that have not been returned. And finally, when I called about the video I was told that it would be done by the end of the week. I asked them to contact me when they shipped it in case there were hold-ups at the border. 2 weeks later when it didn't show up I called them and they told me it shipped that day. I know, I know, not rave reviews so far. But maybe the final product will totally make me eat my words (and I hope it does) ;)

For Keeps I hope the customer service gets better for you! I just booked A Magic Moment and so far the customer service has been great, I have talked to them several times, I am only using them for the ceremony. SO I have their 2 hr package and the total is $586 with tax. I will keep my fingers crossed that your final product is perfect!

[ChocolateMouse]

I called A Magic Moment and talked to a lady there. I think she's a hired receptionist. I can confirm ForKeeps was right that one DVD is included in the package. Their web site says DVDs start at $200, but the lady explained that an a la carte pricing. Extra DVDs cost $50, but if your computer has a DVD-writer, you can make your own copies for the cost of a blank DVD (under $1). The lady said that was allowed.

Raw footage is available for $100/hr. If you might be unhappy with the final edit (such as what was included, excluded and music choices) and wish to redo it again in the future, you need the raw footage. You also need it if you ever want to edit additional versions of your wedding. For my reception back home, I can't imagine showing a one hour video to my guests after dinner. They will do a short version (like STVS' sneak preview) for $250.

Lastly, camera coverage is one cameraman with one camera except for the state of the art packages. I noticed Kyla Feeley at A Cut Above has two cameras. She's the only camera person, but puts a second camera on a tripod somewhere for a second angle.

[JackieSparrow]

I called A Magic Moment and talked to a lady there. I think she's a hired receptionist. I can confirm ForKeeps was right that one DVD is included in the package. Their web site says DVDs start at $200, but the lady explained that an a la carte pricing. Extra DVDs cost $50, but if your computer has a DVD-writer, you can make your own copies for the cost of a blank DVD (under $1). The lady said that was allowed.

Raw footage is available for $100/hr. If you might be unhappy with the final edit (such as what was included, excluded and music choices) and wish to redo it again in the future, you need the raw footage. You also need it if you ever want to edit additional versions of your wedding. For my reception back home, I can't imagine showing a one hour video to my guests after dinner. They will do a short version (like STVS' sneak preview) for $250.

Lastly, camera coverage is one cameraman with one camera except for the state of the art packages. I noticed Kyla Feeley at A Cut Above has two cameras. She's the only camera person, but puts a second camera on a tripod somewhere for a second angle.


ChocolateMouse-- thanks for the info.. did she say anything about a deposit?

[happylalagirl]

I checked out the website & I made my fiance sit & watch them with me this evening.
You both had such beautiful weddings! I loved the fact that the videos weren't the same. I was so afraid of that, but your personnal styles really came through. Becky your bouquet was gorgeous it actually made me rethink my colors (DF thanks you for that!...lol) So after watching these we have decided to go ahead and use STVS.
Thank you sooo much , you just made our decision a whole lot easier.:cheer2:
I hope that our wedding will be just a lovely as yours!
Congratulations to you both!!! and Thanks again!




P.S After being engaged for 5yrs I thought this moment would never come,I can't imagine 13!! I am so happy for you & Andrew being able to have that perfect day. It really was a beautiful wedding & the reception looked like so much fun! The song that was playing when you had your first dance made me cry! What an amazing song!

I am sooooooooooooooo happy you decided to go with Stan. You definitely won't be disappointed. Yes, 13 years was a long time, but it was worth it. We've stood the test of time and are so in love now, it's like we are in high school again. :love: :love:
We wanted to choose a song that was different. That song just said what we had each felt and it made sense to use it. I hear that song all the time now on the Christian radio station I listen to. :goodvibes

Congratulations on choosing Stan!! I know your wedding will be everything you hope it will be. Disney does an amazing job and Randy and Stan are the best at what they do!! :)

[hisprincess]

just subscribing, I'll need this info pretty soon

[dee slack]

ForKeeps - any news on your video yet?

[ChocolateMouse]

ChocolateMouse-- thanks for the info.. did she say anything about a deposit?

Oops, I forgot to ask that question to A Magic Moment. Sorry! Maybe ForKeeps has the answer.

I'm still trying to find time to call those other two videographers mentioned in this thread.

[ForKeeps]

Oops, I forgot to ask that question to A Magic Moment. Sorry! Maybe ForKeeps has the answer.

I'm still trying to find time to call those other two videographers mentioned in this thread.

I paid $300 as a retainer for services that in total cost $870 US + tax (Intimate "State of the Art" package + an additional hour of coverage)

I'm not sure if it's based on a percentage or if it's a flat retainer. But I hope this is somewhat helpful!

[ChocolateMouse]

ForKeeps:
Did A Magic Moment plant a wireless microphone anywhere to capture your voices? I ask that because I just watched their full length sample video (haas.wmv) and the sound during the ceremony was horrible. Well, not horrible but amateur. I couldn't believe it, especially on a sample video they use to make sales! It's the same difference you hear between film studios using boom mikes to capture sound versus amateurs filming clips for America's Funniest Home Videos.

I decided to do some more "homework" and watch their samples because the lady called me back today. So far my experience has been different than yours, but we're at different stages. Maybe they're very easy to reach during the sales process and then the service level drops after they have your money?

I noticed A Cut Above and Broadway Foto both say they use wireless microphones. STVS doesn't say that on their web site, but their sound is so clear on their posted videos that it isn't an issue. Pretty much the reason to want a video to supplement your photos is for movement and sound. Sometimes you can get a similar effect panning around photos in a slideshow, so it's really the sound that's precious.

[ChocolateMouse]

An update for those interested.

I haven't gotten a call back or response from Broadway Foto. I thought the videographer's biography was a bit 'unique", so maybe he's at a WWE wrestling event and not responding. This is the company that has links to sample videos that don't work.

I called A Magic Moment back. Usually they remember you if you've talked to them at length just a few days ago, but the receptionist lady didn't remember me. She called me a couple days ago to invite me to their shop to view their work, but I declined since I'm not local (I thought my phone number would've tipped her off). Anyway, I was passed to a videographer for details she couldn't answer. He says they do wire up the groom with a microphone and their sample video is an anomaly.

Their State of the Art package includes the raw footage, but the other packages you pay for it per hour of footage. The coverage is the same for all their packages. The difference in price is the amount of editing. They start their videos with Disney theme park footage. I think it's pre-shot and not from your wedding day, so you might get a different weather system and time of year than your ceremony day. :laughing:

I didn't ask about the deposit because ForKeeps answered that question already.

I called Dream Wedding DVD and no one was available to answer the phone. I'll wait for them to call me back. Their smallest package listed includes 5 hours of coverage, which is too much for most intimate weddings.

The only videographer left on my list is Stoner Video. I haven't contacted him yet.

[IrishCinderella]

Did you try Kennedy Video (www.kennedyvideoproductions.com)? I've seen a few of their videos and they are amazing.

Also, I'm not sure this one was mentioned: A Cut Above (www.acutaboveprod.com). Kyla, the owner, is beyond sweet and we almost went with her. She does amazing work, and I believe she has an intimate package.

[ChocolateMouse]

Thanks for the suggestions! I already checked Kennedy and A Cut Above. Kennedy's web site says they only offer "one and only package" for $1900. That's overkill for most weddings, let alone an intimate one so I didn't proceed to contact them. Their final DVDs are up to 2.5 hours long.
http://www.kennedyvideoproductions.com/page3.html

I like A Cut Above, but I talked to Kyla and she's not available on my date and didn't offer any additional information to me like packages and prices.

There is at least one digital camcorder among my guests. When/if I have time, I'm going to see if a couple samples can be shot around here and how well we can edit it. Then if we have a way of planting a microphone to capture the voices, we might just shoot our own videography and feel it'll be as good as what's currently available to us that our budget can afford.

[IrishCinderella]

Eh, well, I tried! A video is really invaluable, so good luck!

[dee slack]

I called Dream Wedding DVD and no one was available to answer the phone. I'll wait for them to call me back. Their smallest package listed includes 5 hours of coverage, which is too much for most intimate weddings.


I emailed dreamweddingdvd asking if they did a smaller package and they came back with a package for $449 "3.5 hours to film the occasion. 2 camera's. You receive a finished DVD movie of the event, with chapters; 5 copies of the finished DVD, with cases. It takes about 14 days till your DVD is completed and in your hands. The finished films run around 60 minutes. I can mail you a sample DVD from a recent wedding (2 weeks ago). I have their permission to use it. Yes that price includes tax."
I'm still waiting for the demo tho':sad2:

[DisneyDeeFL]

I'm also waiting on a demo DVD from dreamweddingdvd. I'll let you all know when I receive it! I hope I'm impressed by their demo, because they're definitely the most affordable vendor I've come across.

Most of the other videographers I contacted were either over our budget or unavailable for our date. Hopefully we'll find one soon!!

[ChocolateMouse]

I emailed dreamweddingdvd asking if they did a smaller package and they came back with a package for $449 "3.5 hours to film the occasion. 2 camera's. You receive a finished DVD movie of the event, with chapters; 5 copies of the finished DVD, with cases. It takes about 14 days till your DVD is completed and in your hands. The finished films run around 60 minutes. I can mail you a sample DVD from a recent wedding (2 weeks ago). I have their permission to use it. Yes that price includes tax."
I'm still waiting for the demo tho':sad2:

Dan from Dream Wedding DVD called me back and I have a different response from him. I had a conversation at length with him and I found out a few details.

The biggest difference is he did not offer the above package to me. I told him my intimate wedding would last an hour at most and there was no formal reception. He told me he could not offer anything cheaper than his $599 package because that's his cost of doing business. It includes up to 5 hours of coverage, which he says he'll be there for that many hours when set up time is taken into account.

For artistry, his editing starts with a recap of the day's events. Normally, I think videographers finish with the recap? When I talked to A Magic Moment, I learned they start with a Disney montage and finish with a recap. Turnaround time is 15 days, five copies are included and they give you the raw footage.

They use a minimum of two cameras and sometimes three cameras, depending on who is available. Dan has been doing this for nine years. He also offered to send me a sample DVD.

I asked whether they use a wireless microphone to capture clearer speech during the ceremony. Dan said yes, but admits it's hit and miss. If there's a lot of movement, the mic picks it up. That's why he recommends the officiant wears the mic, not the groom.

[StephSFL]

I've never seen a Disney Videographer's work - has anyone? I'd really like to, as we're considering using them.:surfweb:

We used Disney's video services and were dissapointed! After seeing a lot of other disbrides' videos from other sources we really felt let down. Besides just not being up to what I would expect from Disney, there was a lot of stock footage used and they even got the date of our weddign wrong on the intro and endings. When I compare it to Happylalagirl's the one by Disney looks like my 15 year old cousin would have done it!:sad2:
Hope this helps!

[dee slack]

Dan from Dream Wedding DVD called me back and I have a different response from him. I had a conversation at length with him and I found out a few details.

The biggest difference is he did not offer the above package to me. I told him my intimate wedding would last an hour at most and there was no formal reception. He told me he could not offer anything cheaper than his $599 package because that's his cost of doing business. It includes up to 5 hours of coverage, which he says he'll be there for that many hours when set up time is taken into account.

For artistry, his editing starts with a recap of the day's events. Normally, I think videographers finish with the recap? When I talked to A Magic Moment, I learned they start with a Disney montage and finish with a recap. Turnaround time is 15 days, five copies are included and they give you the raw footage.

They use a minimum of two cameras and sometimes three cameras, depending on who is available. Dan has been doing this for nine years. He also offered to send me a sample DVD.

I asked whether they use a wireless microphone to capture clearer speech during the ceremony. Dan said yes, but admits it's hit and miss. If there's a lot of movement, the mic picks it up. That's why he recommends the officiant wears the mic, not the groom.

How strange! I wonder if day of the week makes a difference to the minimum package he offers, or time of year? I asked about a Tuesday, mid Dec.

[jmmastra]

Info on a Magic Moment...Talk to Leah. She is very helpful, she answered all my questions both on the phone and through email and she called a few times to follow up. I am only using their two hour $500 package and my deposit was $150. Leah can also email you updated info on all of their packages.