HOW TO CREATE A SOULFUL ENGAGEMENT FILM

The atmospheric music, the stunning vistas, the gorgeous colors, the escapes, the words, the gestures and the energy, but above all.... Love at its best, shiniest, most sincere, form- Is there anything about romantic cinematics that doesn't give us a wee bit of good old goosebumps? From award-nominated nostalgic movies, to heart-warming vignettes and even Pinterest vines, I'm pretty sure we all understand the weighty timelessness of watching love stories on film. As a wedding cinematographer I sure get all the fuzzy feels when it comes to documenting romantic engagement videos, but for anyone who is just as addicted to watching them as I am to crafting them, there definitely are ways to make yours a soulful one. Today's post is all about this, friends, so when everyone clicks "Play" on your engagement film, they'll instantly want to emulate.

Back to journal

GO WITH THE ... SLOW

There's something undeniably incredible about slowing down time. Whether it is in a beautiful action sequence, or a tiny moment between you and your partner, slow motion really gives a sense of what is going on, underlines your high-octane style, hones in details, and enhances the drama of your emotions (think of Wes Anderson movies). Slow motion is for us cinematographers a means to wrench up the sentimentality, the longing, the passion, and render truly tear-jerking reminiscence to our protagonists, you.

Don't get me wrong, not every couple on the globe wishes to dress to the nines for their engagement film, just like not every couple wants to go with boots and messy hair. But your engagement cinematography IS something THAT PERSONAL. Your style, your choices, your dress code, your aesthetics, all can transform a traditional engagement video trope into something as unique as you are, a masterclass of style you only own. Gosh, I love to see how beautifully diverse each of my couples' style is!

A MASTERCLASS OF PERSONAL STYLE

YOU'RE (INTIMATE) SOULMATES

We humans thrive on our close and personal relationships, an intimacy is their alpha and omega. Emotional, intellectual, experiential, romantic, all four types of intimacy are engaging, and for years to come when watching your engagement videography, they're bound to play on your heartstrings, and bring you back to the exact time and place. Affection, acting in unison, finding your comfortable place, discussing, laughing loud, sharing are all parts of what can make your engagement film utterly engaging. Let the LOVE (and the schmaltz) flow!

If you've been planning on getting wed any time soon, you're probably already dreaming of the moment your groom/your bride will see you down the aisle for the first time. And you already are very aware that to romance the reaction we get out of our partner is always something we need to remember. Maybe it is you surprising them, maybe it is them surprising you, perhaps it is both of you revealing something to each-other for the first time. If you've got a curveball in your hands, just like your partner- don't let it slip away.

ACTION-REACTION

What if your engagement film began with a sequence borrowed from your favorite romantic flick, your most eating-the-whole-pop-corn-bag-worthy sitcom moment, or the words of your most-hearted film-star elaborating on... exactly how you feel. So many times I've found myself, holding my beloved, binge-watching movies on Netflix and when a certain film came on, thinking "oh-wow, this is us".

INCORPORATE YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIE IN YOUR ENGAGEMENT FILM

As classic as the gold standard. Drone footage, orchestral audio, overhead shots, that instantly transport every viewer to the moments between you, and a memorable voiceover of you exchanging heartfelt words. It may sound simple, but it is soulful, straightforward, and unfeigned. Romance at its raw and beautiful.

THE ICONIC TAKE

Need more ideas on creating a sweeping engagement film? I'll be glad to help out with expert insights and stunning footage recommendations. Ring or write!
Iacovos