Terrence Lighten of Lighten Films has written about the difference between wedding videography and wedding cinematography for us and I am so excited to share! I hope you find it educational!

There is a new wave of wedding videos coming out – however they are no longer called videos, they’re “films.” Cinematography and event film-making has spread across the globe rapidly.

So, what’s the difference between wedding videography and cinematography? Videography is more of a traditional approach that documents and chapters the day in a very simple format.
Cinema offers much more than the upgraded filming gear of the popular DSLR cameras, steadicams, and lighting. It is not only about capturing the unique day of each couple but also developing the footage into an in-depth story that comes to life and makes the day seem even more amazing than you remember it!

Wedding videography has gotten a stigmatism for being boring and cheesy over the years. “It’ll never be watched, it’s not important, and my photos are all I need to remember my day,” were commonly uttered when anyone brought up hiring a videographer. Well, those days are over. More and more couples are declaring that their wedding film is hands down the best remembrance of their wedding day – far surpassing the best of photography. If done correctly, your wedding film brings back every emotion from that day, and oftentimes, emotions that you didn’t even have time to experience.  It’s not about watching your wedding that was recorded, it’s about reliving your wedding day when you watch it.

What are some of the differences, you ask?

1. Long form videos vs. Short form films.
The assumption that you get more for your money with longer videos is completely false. As a matter of fact, longer equals boring, which is why wedding videos are only watched maybe on anniversaries, if that.
We live in a world today that moves fast. From technology to our food, we want it fast – because that is what we have time for.  Our attention spans have even gotten shorter. Short form films are more entertaining, leaving a stronger impact, and will be watched hundreds of times over the years.

2. Coverage vs. Story Telling
Another difference is basic coverage where a couple just wants the ceremony and/or the reception recorded, which there is nothing wrong with, by the way. In this type of videography coverage, you would get your ceremony and reception in full-length, but there is no creativity behind it, which also leads to boring. Most cinematographers capture the entire day starting from 7, 8, 9 or up to 14 hours. Why? This is how much time is needed to tell an effective story of your wedding day. Also, getting to know the couple more personally is key, how can you tell their story if you do not know who they are.

It is oftentimes customary for the cinematographer to meet with all of their couples before their wedding day and hang out for an hour or two just so they can have a better idea of who they are filming on the wedding day.

One of the most frequently asked questions are: Why longer hours filming and shorter films? I personally always tell my couples, to compare us to real feature films in the theatres. They film for 3, 4, up to 6 months, and you end up with only a 2 hour movie. Short form wedding films are the same way, and you end up with an emotionally entertaining feature film that you will want to watch over and over again. Then there are other features that are offered like coming attraction trailers that give couples a sneak peak of what to expect from their films, here is our latest…

Krystal + Joshua \\ Coming Attraction from Lighten Films – 702.266.6226 on Vimeo.

Film Maker: Lighten Films ~ Photographer: Mia Dolce Photography
Getting Ready Rooms: JW Marriott ~ Wedding Venue: Bears Best Golf Course
Floral: Floral by Kathy ~ Lighting: Woolard Production ~ DJ: Knight Sounds ~ Cake: Cravin Bakery

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For a complimentary consultation for wedding planning services, please email us: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Green Orchid Events ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Mad Men Theme Wedding from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

Coordinator: Green Orchid Events
Venue & Catering: The Platinum Hotel
Photographer: Julie Harmsen Photography
Flowers: Fleuretica
Desserts: My Sweet and Saucy
Officiant: Reverend Judy Irving
Filmmaker: Lighten Films
Cookie Favors: Brigi Schindler, sister-in-law of the bride
Dessert Station Design: Fleuretica and Picture Perfect Events
DJ: Smiles Davis from The Flashdance
Dress: Pantora by Andrea Pitter
Furniture rental: Somers Furniture
Hair & Makeup:  Two Fishes Artistry
Headpiece: Petit Plume
Invitation & Printed Materials: Zee Studio (the bride)
Jewelry: Mercury Jane Designs
Lighting: All Events DJ
Printer: Papeterie

Photos by J & J Photography will be posted soon!  But in the mean time, enjoy their video by Lighten Films.

Las Vegas wedding cinematographer, Lighten Films presents Angie + Steve \\ Coming Attraction from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

Also, check out Angie and Steve’s reaction when they see the ballroom for their wedding reception for the first time.

Dragon Ridge Country Club + Green Orchid Events + Lighten Films = Beautiful Cinema from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible:

Wedding Planning, Design, and Coordination: Green Orchid Events
Ceremony Venue: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church
Reception Venue: DragonRidge Country Club
Photography: J & J Photography
Videography/Cinematography: Lighten Films
Floral Design – Flora Couture by Floral 2000
Specialty Linen Rental – Wildflower Linens
Chair Rental (Ballroom) – Chameleon Chair
Chair Rental (Cocktail Hour) – Chiavari Chairs from Sit on This
Specialty Lighting (Dancefloor gobo, LED uplighting, Pinspotting) – All Events
Wedding Cake – Tiers of Joy
Makeup/Hair – Makeup in the 702
Seating Arrangement Board – Cathy Colbert of First Impressions Invitations
Ceremony Music – Classical Entertainment
Reception Band – Harbor Lights Music West
Transportation – AWG

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

I wish Rachelle and Ruben a lifetime filled with love and laughter and many cuddles from their cute doggy Charlie who made an appearance on their donation favor cards.

Enjoy the photos!

Lakeside ceremony at the Tuscan styled Siena Golf Course:

Alternating tall and low centerpieces adorned with hanging votives:

Intimate Sweetheart table with gold Chiavari chairs with a olive green sash and matching linen:

A fun twist on the traditional bouquet toss. Rachelle tossed three mini bouquets in the air, tricking guests and giving more then one girl the opportunity to catch the bouquet:

Wedding Coordination: Angelica McDonnell of Green Orchid Events

Ceremony and Reception Location: Siena Golf Club and Bistro

Ceremony Music: String Quartet by Las Vegas Events Music

Photographer: Trent Black

Videographer: Terrence Lighten of Lighten Films

Floral and Decor: Las Vegas Event Flowers and Decor

Reception Music: DJ Gabriel Ortiz with All Events DJ

Wedding Cake: Leopold’s Bakery

Hair/Makeup: Veronica Robles and Nicole with Makeup to Remember

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website * Email: angelica@greenorchidevents.com

Elena & Nick Highlight Video from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

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website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Promo for TSL Photography from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

The beginning of 1 Corinthians 13:4 describes Elena and Nick perfectly,
“Love is Patient, Love is kind”. Elena and Nick’s love for each other was
seen throughout their whole wedding process. They both worked extremely
hard in order in to have their beautiful wedding. The ceremony was held at
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and the reception was at the Siena
Golf Club Bistro.

Pink and silver adorned the amazing bistro while Elena’s dresses
glistened amongst all of their friends and family. Elena and Nick started
off the night with a choreographed first dance to Lauren Hill’s version of
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”. Not only was their dance romantic and
comical, but Elena did it with a hurt knee!

Digs Photography and Lighten Films were there to capture every moment and element of the wedding.  Once the night came to an end, the newlyweds were sent off to their limo with a grand sparkler exit. We wish Elena and Nick the best of luck as they start their new life together in Oregon. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Petsas!

Thank you to our lovely vendors:

Wedding Coordinator: Angelica McDonnell of Green Orchid Events
Wedding Ceremony: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
Wedding Reception: Siena Golf Club Bistro
Lighting and Lounge Furniture: Andrea Trubiro of LTeventions
Photography: Digs
Videography: Lighten Films
DJ: Knight Sounds
Floral: Lisa Grissom
Wedding Cake: Leopold’s Bakery
Transportation: Las Vegas VIP Limousines

Check out the below video from the most recent meeting of these talented young Las Vegas wedding photographers (Chelsea Nicole, Adam Trujillo, Suzi Lighten) in action!

I had so much fun watching this video that I had to ask my friends if I could share this with you!

What the Pug!!! from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.

Terrence Lighten of Lighten Films