I've changed my mind...

Lot's of times when we go over the plans for a wedding we discuss videographers along with photographers. Many photographers have been creating slideshows that are ready for viewing during the reception which is absolutely great. Because of this fun entertainment feature, many brides decide to hire just the photographer and leave out the video - the slideshow seems to be enough. As a planner, I tend to think of their budget and go along with their decision regardless of what it is. If a bride does want video - there are several companies that use 3 mm film or action cini-film and it looks so much more special than a bland corner mounted shot. I love the modern filmwork that is being produced - no more hours and hours of film to sit through, right?! So, getting to my point of changing my mind. My Mum visited from the Florida Keys to meet her new grandson and she brought us a special treat - her old videos converted to DVD. There was a bunch of different videos merged into one - vacations, family parties, conversations with the lens caps on, etc. But the one that was the most special was her wedding video. The video was taken by her very best friend Joyce. It was shakey, full of Joyces' banter with the person on the other side of the lens, cackled laughs and songs she would personnally sing. But, most importantly, my Father. My Father passed away four years ago from a massive heart attack at age 54. He had retired a short eighteen months prior, selling our family home and moving with my Mum to Florida. They were excited to spend the rest of their days watching sunsets and wearing flip-flops. His passing was a complete shock to us all and made us appreciate the time we all have with each other. Watching him appear on screen, full of life - just being him - crushed me. I hung on every word to hear his voice, watch him walk, touching my mothers back, kissing her and holding her hand. He was everything to our family and it was so special to see him again - as he was. I was thinking about my brides, how they feel on their wedding day, is just the way my mother felt. To lose that love of your life suddenly is heart-wrenching and to have that person - alive again in a way - is a gift that many should not substitute for a photo montage. A bride seeing her husband or a daughter seeing her father on a screen, when you can no longer touch that person, is emotionally priceless. I will now tell my story every time the decision arises - to video or not to video - and let my brides decide. Now, someone please get me a tissue and push play - one more time.