Was Your Wedding Affected by COVID-19?

I am truly heartbroken for all of the couples that are being affected by this pandemic. This is not the wedding experience that you or anyone else signed up for, and we are doing everything that we can possibly do to help you through this. I have been working day and night to find a balance between accommodating all of our couples, and maintaining a sustainable business. My company means a lot to my family and I, It also play a big part in the livelihood of our talented crew, who have dedicated their lives to this business we created. So while we determine how we are going to get through this, l think it is important to know that we are in this together.

I thought it was important for customers to be aware about how we are handling this situation. For those that know me, they know that I started this wedding business because I enjoy the creativity and joy it brings out while covering such a special day. I have always put my customers first and will continue to do that during this stressful times.

Options For Your Booked Weddings

In this time of uncertainty, we are waiving cancellation fees for weddings affected by CDC guidelines and offering free “wedding day shoots” for weddings that have been canceled.

Rescheduling to 2020

We are rescheduling weddings for dates within same calendar year at no additional cost. This is dependent on your videographer’s availability and in cases a videographer needs to be substituted, we are making every effort we can to do so. With substituted videographers, pricing may vary but we will try and work out details to keep it inline with the original booking.

Rescheduling to 2021

For weddings that are being moved to the 2021 wedding season, we will have to apply a $100-200 fee , paid to your videographer to reflect their 2021 pricing.

  • $100: Friday and Sunday Weddings

  • $150: Saturday Dates Between 1/1-4/30 and 11/1-12/30

  • $200: Saturday Weddings Between May 1 and October 31

  • Holidays Weekends will be Handled Individually Pending Availability

That fee does come with a value. Like myself, all team members grow better with experience, upgraded equipment and an improved skillset. So the videographer you booked in 2020 will be a much improved version in 2021, which is reflected in their annual prices.

To lock in your new date, an additional $200 deposit will be needed, which will go towards your balance and reserve your new date.

Doing My Part

As a business owner I have an allegiance both to my customers and team, which has always resulted in an amazing end result featured in beautiful weddings video. I believe being completely transparent with customers, will help me continue this, throughout this unique time.

 I don't want anyone to think that we are hanging up our camera straps. We will do everything we can to be at your wedding whether it is on the date that you originally planned, or you move it to the moon in 2029. Whether this pandemic puts the future of my company in jeopardy, I am still committed to seeing this through with the weddings we have booked. Please reach out directly to discuss your specific situation!

I wish you all a healthy and safe coming months and look forward to making beautiful weddings for years to come.

-These details are non-binding and may vary, based on your wedding and how CDC guidelines evolve.

Will Your Wedding Vows be Captured on Video?

This is a common question and the simple answer is, yes, Yes, YES! This is a huge part of your day and future as a couple. Something couples look back on for years on their wedding video to hear those special words they first said to each other. So while the obvious answer to this question is an astounding YES, let me explain the process of capturing your vows and other special audio throughout the day.

Wedding Ceremony Audio

During the ceremony, we generally use three different sources to capture audio.

  • DJ Board: We have devices that plug directly into the DJ booth and capture all audio coming through the mic and speakers, including the vows, readings, etc.

  • Lav Mic: Since sometimes during the vows, you are not speaking directly into the DJ’s microphone, we will put a wireless lavaliere mic on the groom’s lapel. This is a discrete device that will assure backup audio during that intimate moment/

  • On-Camera Mic: The last way that audio is captured is from the camera’s shotgun microphone that will capture the audio in a more natural way, as your audience hears it.

All together these 3 methods assure you will get all perspectives of your special words to one another during the wedding ceremony. And as a side note, during the reception, these methods are also applicable to capture toasts, speeches and more!

Have You Worked with My Photographer?

Working with Photographers During Wedding Videography

As a videographer, that is a question we hear a lot. From a customer’s perspective the reasoning is clear, they want their videographer and photographer to work seamlessly together. Lucky for I Do Video clients, our videographers have covered thousands of weddings over the years so have not only worked with a lot of photographers directly but more importantly have worked with photographers of all styles.

So the answer to that popular question varies, you can be assured that your quality videographer will be experienced enough to mesh with whatever array of vendor you have dedicated for your day.

In fact, I Do Video has been a popular referral for some of the top Chicagoland photographers including:

  • G Reyes Photography

  • Something Blue

  • Neri Photo

  • Nicole Christine Photography

  • Erin Stefani Phography

  • Jamie Campenelli Photography

  • And More!

Some other common vendors that play a role in your day are the wedding coordinator, DJ and venue. For the same reasons above, you can be confident that your wedding videographer is able to cover your wedding and do an outstanding job, with any type of team.

Should I Get a Wedding Videographer?

Yes! End of article right? ;) My opinion is a bit biased, not because of my profession but namely from my love of capturing a moment and having it forever but not all share that passion which leads us to that common question…

Should I Hire a Videographer for My Wedding?

Some do, some don’t and you are here because you may be in the middle. So let’s first start with the benefits of hiring a wedding videographer.

Reasons To Hire a Chicago Wedding Videographer:

  1. Your day goes by so fast that you’ll want to experience as many times as you can.

  2. It is enjoyable to see your day from another perspective. The experience of a bride and groom on their wedding day is far different from their guests. So sit back and enjoy your wedding day from the perspective of your guests.

  3. The fine details may not get the attention they deserve while you are memorizing your vows or practicing your first dance. Your video will be sure to capture all those things to provide a full picture of your wedding day.

  4. Share your day with those who could not attend. Whether it is a one minute teaser video, an elaborate highlight video or your full wedding video, you will be able to click and send your video to anyone, very easily!

  5. Wedding videos last forever. VHS and DVDs are a thing of the past. All your wedding videos will be done on digital, in the cloud so you can store, backup, duplicate and share as often and for as long as you want.

  6. Every couple deserves their own love story! Your video will do exactly that!

Commons Reasons Couple’s Don’t Add Wedding Videography

Now the other side of things. Many people do not get wedding videography for their wedding. Whether they regret it or not, here are a couple of the common reasons and how we can help you avoid them.

  1. It was not in their budget. While this is most common, we offer plenty of package options along with discounts to work with all price points.

  2. Couples could not find one available. I Do Video manages a team of shooters but always suggest starting your search early so you can get what you want!

  3. Many don’t think they need one. Many times the bride tells me how the groom did not care to have a wedding video. This changes dramatically when they see their wedding video and are always thankful for the choice they made.

  4. Heard about bad experiences with a wedding videographer. This will not be the case with us. While there are plenty of companies out there that don’t take their work seriously, Leo prides himself in his brand and is proud to have one of the best reputations among Chicago wedding videographers, receiving annual awards from The Knot and WeddingWire.

Wherever you stand, I Do Video can help you make the best decision by determining availability, custom options and a beautiful solution to capture your wedding day! Get started by getting a wedding video quote here!

Perks of a Social Media Package for Your Wedding

We live in an age of here and now. People are excited to see and share their special moments. Your wedding will take that to a new level! And for good reason! However most brides don’t have time to be posting to their insta feed or sharing a story (wedding dresses don’t have pockets lol). The good news if your videographer is there to do this for you! While most videographers will create these wedding videos for you to see weeks later, Leo offers a custom Instagram package that will include photos and videos the SAME DAY of your wedding and more!

Wedding Day Instagram Story

From the details and the dress, to the first look, first kiss and special moments, Leo captures it all. Except he will share those most memorable moments directly to an Instagram story, with your tags and awesome hashtags so all your friends, family and loved ones can share in your special day as well! Don’t worry, nothing is shared until AFTER your initial reveal.

Post-Wedding Instagram Clips

The anticipation to see your wedding video after the celebration is intense! We understand that and Leo will also post behind the scenes looks at your wedding day to his Instagram feed, so you can see what is in-store. From drone shots to #FridayBrideday, you can expect to see some of the most stunning clips throughout your experience. This way, you and your close friends can share in the leadup to your big wedding video premier!

Expect the Best

While social media is a small portion of what we do, it makes it clear that Leo cares that you get the most out of your day and is willing to go above and beyond the typical “wedding videos.” The best part, is this is all included in Leo’s Premium wedding video package!