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Outtakes/Behind the Scenes: The best part of the wedding video?

We are often asked, “What doesn’t make it into the wedding film?” Well, that’s why we created “behind the scenes”…one of our favorite additional sequences for the funny, random, sometimes not so tame moments of your ‘big day”. I include this separate, edited sequence in all of the wedding films I craft, and I don’t charge for it. I never know if anything hilarious will happen, but in my last 25+ years of wedding videos, 99% of them have had an outtakes reel. It’s something that is always mentioned after the full film is received. “Freakin’ hilarious!” “The outtakes were my favorite part!” “What a great surprise at the end of that emotional roller coaster of a film…we didn’t know it was coming, and again, we were crying, but this time crying laughing!”

Editing the BTS/Outtakes is possibly my favorite part. As I am watching and listening to every word, I happen upon some gems. Usually I’m clued into them by hearing myself, or my second shooter, laugh in the unedited footage. It may be the expression of a flower girl, an uninvited party crashing javelina, or some great Dad dance moves that we needed to see a bit more of. Groomsmen tying their first bowties, way too many bridesmaids and Moms bustling the dress, and dogs in the wedding party all make for some obvious blooper fodder. But I think having filmmakers who are observant, unobtrusive, and let moments happen without directing them may be the key. We also tend to laugh pretty easily, so we may add a little fuel to the BTS fire. #sorrynotsorry You and yours can ‘be yourselves’ and let the good times roll.

Word to the wise: Watch your “BTS/Outtakes” before you share with the kids or Grandma. I have no fear of one good “F bomb” or many, but you may need to say “earmuffs” to the more sensitive folks in your fold. These moments will become part of family lore, and they are yours to revel in forever. You will be glad you invited a black sheep to capture alllllll of the moments. Your wedding goes by in a blur, it’s less than one day! Hire a great filmmaker so that you can have it, in all of its happy tears, epic dance moves, sweet glances, vows, toasts and a few bits of salty language and lots of laughter. All of that is the best part, and, it’s priceless.