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

If you enjoyed this post, we’d love to read your comment! Also, please consider subscribing to the feed or receiving our articles in your email!

website * Email: juliet@greenorchidevents.com

Promo for TSL Photography from Terrence Lighten on Vimeo.