Matt and Nat were married on a gorgeous September day at River Cafe on Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Alberta. Considering that their original venue flooded a week prior to their wedding date, these two were in the very best spirits and simply over the moon happy to be marrying each other! We couldn’t have asked for a kinder, more laid back couple to spend the day with!
The day started off with a first look on the roof top of Hotel Le Germain in the heart of downtown Calgary. You’ll want to watch the full video as Matt cries as soon as he turns around and sees Nat! It’s a really emotional first look and so special that we were able to capture it for them.
The wedding party photos took place at Prince’s Island Park and then the couple slipped away for a private lunch just the two of them at UNA Pizza + Wine. They chose this restaurant because it is where they had their first date- so romantic right?!
The ceremony took place on the outdoor patio at River Cafe with the reception following in their dining room. Matt’s dad announced the newlyweds arrival at the reception in full traditional Scottish dress and a bag pipe serenade which was definitely unforgettable.
Another highlight was the poem written and read by one of the groomsmen; one of the most hilarious poems/speeches we’ve ever heard at a wedding reception.
Watch the full video below and then scroll down to read about the creative editing process that we used to edit this film.
Here is the creative process behind the video for those wanting to know why I (Oscar) filmed and edited the wedding video the way I did.
I used the words ‘Romantic, fun, and casual’ that Matt + Nat had mentioned in the pre-wedding questionnaire that I sent them. These are the words they wanted to describe the ambiance and feel of their wedding day.
Since the wedding ceremony didn’t have personal vows, I had to approach the subject from ‘outside’ rather than from the subject’s point of view. Thus, the groomsman’s poem in the reception worked perfectly to tell the story in a fun and casual way. I saw this approach visually like a circle with the couple (the subject) in the middle. The idea of the circle was reinforced later when Matt’s dad mentioned the Celtic circle in his speech and how “it has no beginning, it has no end, it just keeps going around and around… family is everything”.
This can also explain the structure of the video with music that goes from a more upbeat vibe to a slow and romantic song, and then back to the upbeat music. It also places the couple in the centre with the moment at UNA exactly in the middle of the video (where everything started). I took the liberty of finishing the part with the romantic and serious vibe with a groomsman’s joke since Matt + Nat mentioned that they like not taking each other too seriously. The groomsman’s poem was the main thread keeping all the parts together and ‘closing the circle’. I also used the windmill to consolidate the concept as it was the only circled object moving around and around that I could capture on the wedding day. The windmill is present in the beginning, middle and closer to end of the video. The video also has a 80’s vibe since Matt really likes ‘indie and 80’s’ music and because a Mad Max parade took place just outside of the venue before the reception (it was the Beakerhead Festival Weekend).
For the colour grading, I used a LUT with moody teals and tonal greens that enhanced not only the floral arch but the mood inside the venue.
I hope this explanation give you a little more insight into the creative process that goes into producing a wedding film!
A special thanks to all of the amazing Calgary wedding vendors that Mark + I had the pleasure of working with!
Florals: Flowers by Janie
Photography: Mint Photo
Bridal Gown: Pearl + Dot
Planning: Paper Doll
Officiant: Vows by Judy
Hair + Makeup: Something Borrowed Beauty
Bridal Jewelry: Joanna Bisley Designs
DJ: Local DJ
Photo Booth: Silly Booth
If you are still looking for a wedding videographer for your Calgary, Canmore, Banff or destination wedding. Please get in touch!
leave a comment