Why I Became A Wedding Filmmaker
When I first started out, I treated wedding filmmaking like I did any production gig—staying in the background, observing, and doing my job without stepping on anyone’s toes. That’s just how I was trained in production. Even now, when I’m working on a proper set, I still find myself leaning into that mindset.
But weddings? Weddings are a completely different ballgame. I quickly realized that if I’m going to ask someone to open up to me, to share their story and emotions on one of the most personal days of their life, I couldn’t just hide behind the camera. It wasn’t easy for me—I’ve never been the most outgoing person. It took a lot of growth, and honestly, a lot of guidance.
I’ll never forget the first bride I filmed. She knew me well, and after the wedding, she sent me a text that I still have to this day. She said, “We needed a friend on the day, not Quentin Tarantino.” (Which, to be fair, she knew I love Tarantino, so it was said with love. 😂) That one line stuck with me. It made me rethink my entire approach.
I started focusing on building relationships. Instead of just showing up to film a wedding, I started getting to know the couple. It wasn’t just about the story I wanted to tell—it was about their story, their connection, and building trust. That’s when the magic happens. That’s when you get the raw, honest, beautiful moments that make wedding films so powerful.
Another thing I’ve learned over the years is that relationships are a two-way street. When I meet with potential clients, I always look for that vibe—that connection that tells me we’ll work well together. Sometimes, I can tell early on that our personalities just aren’t going to click. When that happens, I’d rather be honest and send them to someone I trust who can not only get the job done but also serve their personalities better than I can. At the end of the day, it’s their wedding, and they deserve someone who feels like the right fit.
On a film set, everyone has a specific role, and you mostly stay out of each other’s way. Weddings are vastly different. They’re messy, emotional, and unpredictable, and the relationships you build are everything. That shift—from filmmaker to friend—has been one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.