When choosing your cinematographer, you’re faced with a lot of decisions and options. When planning a wedding, it can feel like just one more impossible decision! However, if you have an idea of which style you want, it can make your decision a lot easier by narrowing your options instantly. Though all styles will get the job done of helping you remember the details of your big day, you might prefer one style over another…but how do you know which one you like? Here you will find a quick cheat sheet of the three main styles used in modern wedding cinematography, as well the style that characterizes Silver Tie Films.

Documentary or Video Journalistic Style

In this style, the videographer shoots your event as it unfolds, without artistic direction or much stylizing. The final edit is a play-by-play of the wedding day; usually with little cut out and little to no special effects. The video is edited to give the viewer the feeling of a live documentary of the event. Some fans of this style say that the less edited version gives a more personal feel to this style. This style is good for brides (and grooms!) who prefer a simpler video to remember their special day.

Cinematic

The cinematic style is, just as it sounds, a more stylized and “movie” approach to wedding cinematography.  The cinematographer has an artistic vision for how your video will look, and so this style requires some artistic direction from the cinematographer during the wedding. The final cut will look like a movie starring the bridal couple, with customized music and a more polished finish. Your video will have more dramatic camera angles and creative shots than Documentary style, as well as a focus on the emotional feeling of your day. Cinematic usually requires more cameras and cinematographers, and includes more special effects in the final video. Have you ever wanted one of those romantic montages in the movies for your own relationship? With this style, your video can have the emotional impact of those scenes with a real “wow” factor that will last for years to come.

Storytelling

This style focuses on the personal story behind all the happenings of the big day. It may include voice-over narration from the bride or groom that is added in the editing process. This style acknowledges that the wedding is just one small part of the bride and groom’s life together and puts their wedding in the context of the real celebration: their love story.

Our Style at Silver Tie Films

At Silver Tie, our style is a mix of Cinematic and Storytelling for two simple reasons: I love creating cinematic videos that tell your Love Story. I chose cinematic and storytelling style because it gives me the power to create something that will move the viewers’ hearts. I love the fact that we can make even a stranger fall in love with the couple and their story by showing the beauty of a love story. The wedding is about celebrating not only your day, but what you have experienced together to get to that day, as well as your future life together! We believe in creating videos that make that connection between the wedding and everything else that makes you special as a couple. When I’m editing a wedding film, I have the mindset that it’s not just showing what happened on your wedding day, what colors you chose or what kinds of flowers you used for the centerpieces…it’s about telling your story, showing that special connection you have with each other. That’s why I love what I do, and what pushes me to become better with every wedding I film.

For some examples of our style, check out our Films and don’t hesitate us to Contact us or comment with any questions!

Gusttavo