Crafting your unique love story: From heart to film

Today, I want to dive into something truly special: the magic of storytelling through film, and how I pour my heart and soul into crafting unique wedding films for my couples.

Every couple shares a unique narrative, a tapestry woven from the threads of their shared experiences, dreams, and promises. As a wedding filmmaker, I have the profound privilege of not merely documenting an event but immortalising the essence of that love story on film. Each frame, each whispered vow, each stolen glance is an opportunity to craft a bespoke piece.

I always tell my couples that everything I do comes from the heart. I invest so much of myself into each wedding, and I take immense pride in understanding why my couples are together, what makes them special. That’s the passion that goes into each of my films.

The power of storytelling

At the heart of every unforgettable wedding film lies a compelling story waiting to be told. Whether it's a whirlwind romance, a tale of overcoming adversity, or a journey of rediscovering love, every couple brings their own distinct narrative, shaped by their experiences, aspirations, and dream.

As a filmmaker, my role is to delve deep into the intricacies of that story, to unearth its raw emotions and profound moments, and to artfully weave them together into a cinematic symphony that resonates with the soul.

“Joce is not just a videographer, he is a storyteller, a keeper of memories, and a true artist. We are forever grateful for the masterpiece he created for us. It’s a treasure we will cherish for a lifetime, a testament to the love that brought us togethe”

— Catherine, Bride. 2023

Capturing authenticity

Authenticity is the cornerstone of any meaningful wedding film, and emotion its lifeblood. Emotion is something that we are all able to relate to. For this reason, I’m not simply documenting the wedding day; I’m here to capture those real, raw moments that make your love story so special.

It's about the unguarded moments, the spontaneous laughter, and the tender embraces that define a couple's love. From the subtle nuances of a lingering touch to the infectious joy that lights up a room, my lens serves as a silent observer, capturing the essence of love in its purest form.

By approaching filming with empathy, sensitivity, and an open heart, I can create a film that not only documents the events of the day but also captures the essence of the emotions that underpin them.

This is something I feel really strongly about: for the wedding film to be relatable, and for the emotions to come through, each frame has to feel real and genuine. It involves fostering an environment of trust and comfort, allowing the couple to be their true selves in front of the camera.

“It not only captured the events of the day but also the emotions, the laughter, the tears, and the love that surrounded us.”

— Candice, Bride. 2023

Your vision at the heart

Your wedding film should be as unique as you are. No two love stories are alike, and neither should be their wedding films. I believe in taking a personalised approach to filmmaking, one that is as unique as the couples I work with. It’s about tailoring every aspect of your film to reflect your personality and style.

From the initial consultation to the final edit, I work closely with my clients to understand their vision, their personalities, and their aspirations. It's about more than just capturing moments; it's about curating an experience that reflects the true essence of their love story.

For some couples, their vision is that of adventure, where the location takes center stage for their love story: It can be the hustle and bustle of a city centre wedding in London, or a timeless destination wedding on Lake Como. For others, unique vows, where they express how they really feel about each other, but never truly take the time to think it through and write it down. It’s about incorporating unique elements that reflect the couple's journey, to craft a wedding film that truly speaks to the heart.

“ We felt really listened to, when discussing our wedding and our vision! We couldn’t have wished for anything better.”

— Jack, Groom. 2023

The art brought to life

Crafting a personalised wedding film is both an art and a science. It requires a delicate balance of technical expertise, creative vision, and emotional intuition. From choosing the perfect soundtrack to meticulously editing each frame, every decision I make is guided by a commitment to telling a story of love and romance. My goal is to evoke emotions, to inspire, and to immortalise love in its most exquisite form.

I always tell my couples that, whilst I’m a wedding videographer - as this is the industry standard name, really I am a filmmaker. A film is so much more than a video. I feel passionate about the art of using visual and narrative techniques to convey meaning and captivate. By harnessing the power of cinematic storytelling, I can create a film that transports you into the heart of the couple's love story, eliciting laughter, tears, and everything in between.

Behind the scenes of creating your dream wedding film

In the whirlwind of wedding planning, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing venues, picking out dresses, and finalising your guest lists. But amidst all the excitement (and sometimes stress), there's one element that often gets overlooked until the last minute: wedding videography. Your wedding film is more than just a recording of the day—it's a timeless memento that captures the essence of your love story, preserving precious allowing you to remember how the day felt.

In this blog, I’m pulling back the curtain to reveal the artistry and dedication that goes into creating your dream wedding film. From the initial consultation to the final edit, every step is meticulously crafted to ensure that your love story is told with beauty, emotion, and authenticity.

My creative approach

If you’ve been on my website and have read about me, you know how much I love cinema. Everything I do is inspired by cinema. But your wedding cannot be a production set. My view is that, for your wedding film to be cinematic, emotive and timeless it needs to achieve two things: it needs to be artistic, and real. Having both of these elements in my wedding films is something I feel passionate about.

• The artistry is taken from cinema. This shows in my shooting style and the way in which I edit. Your wedding film will look and feel like a movie, with its own story. Yours.

• And, for it to be real, I need to be able to get under the skin of your relationship, so I can tell your story in the most authentic way, without any of it being staged or directed.

The initial consultation: Understanding your vision

The journey to your dream wedding film always begins with a conversation. During the initial consultation, we'll sit down (whether on Zoom, or face to face) to discuss your vision, preferences, and expectations for the final piece. This is your chance to share your story—the quirks, the inside jokes, the special moments that make your relationship unique. I feel strongly about getting to know my couples’ relationship, to really understand what makes them tick. This instantly allows me to paint a picture of your wedding day in my head

During this chat, I will ask questions to gain insight into your personalities, style, and the overall feel you want to convey in your wedding film. The artistic touch will be mine, and that’s ultimately why my couples choose me to capture their day, but the story is yours. This is a genuine collaboration between my artistic vision, and your dream wedding.

Capturing the moments: The art of filmmaking

A quality wedding film that tells your story isn’t just something that happens by magic. The film is only ever as good as the footage I’ve captured on the day, which I take great pride in. The overwhelming sentiment I want my couples to feel when watching their wedding film is that it needs to be real. And a huge part of this is to capture the right moments, at the right time. This is why the initial consultation is really important: it allows me to prepare ahead of the day, plan some of the shots, and understand the relationships that are important to you.

This means that, when the big day arrives, I don’t chase the shot. I know what to look for, and I always aim for a creative, artistic shot. A ‘safe’ shot won’t deliver a cinematic, emotive and timeless piece. I carry very little equipment with me, so l blend into the background, allowing my couples and their guests to relax and enjoy the day without feeling self-conscious.

Establishing shots: In the morning, I like to take my take with some of the detailed shots: rings, venue, room decor, dress. Anything that allows me to tell a complete story; those little things that contribute to the bigger picture. I’ll usually go to the venue first, to capture aerial drone footage of the location. This always elevates the final piece, and really turns a video into a film.

The bride & groom: During bridal preparation, I love to capture moments that build drama and tension. These are typically tighter shots, framed deliberately to make you experience what the bride is feeling at that point. Whilst there’s always laughter, you can also feel the nerves during bridal preparation, which I think is really powerful. This is something that usually contrasts to the groom’s preparation, often more lighthearted.

The ceremony: The tension is usually felt by the groom before the bride walks down the aisle. All eyes on him, yet everyone is waiting for the bride to arrive. This is a beautiful moment, and the groom reaction always makes for an amazing shot: after all the tension and anxiety, seeing your loved one, for the first time in her wedding dress.

The reception: These make the majority of the real, raw and authentic moments in the wedding film. The hugs with your nearest and dearest after you’ve just said “I do”. These are some of the most powerful moments because they’re exactly what make your day. You plan a wedding for yourselves, but also for those really close to you. Seeing the joy on their face is everything, and something you want to be able to watch back.

Couple portraits: I always join the photographer when doing couple portrait, as I never want you to be away from your guests for too long. But these are special moments too, that deserve to be caught on film. Couple portrait are not a make or break type of situation, and I know some couple are not always comfortable in front of a camera. I like to capture the natural reaction, nothing staged. It’s all about the connection you have. This usually focuses on stolen glances, the subtle touch of hands. Those intimate moments that define your relationship.

Dancing: All of my packages are for full day coverage, from prep to party. Every wedding is unique, and for my couples, the dance floor is an opportunity to let your hair down and get everyone having fun. The dance floor can also be an incredible opportunity for amazing shots, like a first dance with the father of the bride.

Post-production magic: Editing your story

The editing process is where it all comes to life. At that point, I’m essentially watching all the footage again, to immerse myself back into your day. I always listen to the ceremony and speeches, first, so that I know the most powerful moments are to include in your wedding film. This is where the magic really happens, as I weave together a narrative that reflects the love, laughter, and emotions of your special day.

Music selection is critical, too. I never want to make a wedding into something it isn’t, everything has to work in harmony. Along with the footage and sound design, the soundtrack I choose is always there to draw out the emotion, and enhance the mood and atmosphere, to make it a cohesive visual experience. Whether the wedding felt more romantic, or more upbeat, or something in between, the music selection plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your film.

As you can see, creating your dream wedding wedding is a labour of love—one that requires passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of your unique love story. From the initial consultation to the final edit, every step is carefully orchestrated to ensure that your wedding film is a true reflection of your day, capturing the moments that matter most in a way that is both beautiful and timeless. So when you're planning your wedding, don't forget to prioritise your videography—it's an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

“If you’re unsure about hiring a wedding videographer we would say it was 100% worth it and we couldn’t recommend Lune de Miel Studio more.”

— Louise, Bride, 2022.

Real wedding: Rebecca and James in Lake Como

Wedding film at Villa Regina Teodolinda

In the Summer of 2023, I was extremely lucky to be able to film Rebecca and James’ special day at Villa Regina Teodolinda, on Lake Como, Italy. It was very much a ‘pinch me’ moment. As a cinematic wedding videographer, I put a big emphasis on the location and surroundings, and a destination wedding is something that truly brings my style to life. Lake Como is a videographer’s dream, and something I was very excited to be a part of.

Rebecca and James' destination wedding was nothing short of a fairy tale. The picturesque setting, the carefully curated details, and the undeniable love between the couple created an atmosphere that was both magical and unforgettable. Something I felt extremely privileged to be able to film.

Rebecca and James are both English, and live in London. They’re both well travelled, so it was no surprise that they chose Italy and Lake Como as the backdrop to tie the knot. During their travels, they’ve built lifelong friendships, and had guests travelling all the way from America or even New Zealand for their big day. Their decision to host a destination wedding allowed them to curate an intimate guest list, which made their day even more special as only their their closest loved ones were there.

Villa Regina Teodolinda

Villa Regina Teodolinda in the Lombardy region - Lake Como, Italy

When you think about a Lake Como wedding, your mind instantly goes to a beautiful, exclusive villa that overlooks the Lake and the Alps. That’s precisely what this exclusive wedding venue provides. As soon as I entered the Villa, it became clear that this is no ordinary place — it is a dream location for a destination wedding. You can feel its heritage and history.

It’s not everyday you get to film someone’s special day in Lake Como. I couldn’t miss this opportunity to capture drone footage of the venue and the Lake — something that really elevates the look and feel of the end product, and makes the wedding look like an actual film. The opening scene of their wedding film instantly draws you into this amazing scenery: water and mountains. Pure bliss.

Villa Regina Teodolinda drone footage

Villa Regina Teodolinda is based in Laglio, a little village located in the southern branch, and one of the narrowest points of Lake Como. It has a beautiful jetty, so lakeside access is really easy if you want to travel to and from the Villa by water. This is something I integrated throughout their wedding film. I feel strongly that I have to incorporate the local nuance, as this is what makes the location unique. In this particular case, with the venue overlooking this beautiful backdrop, I captured boats navigating the waters of Lake Como. This instantly adds motion to the film, and keeps reminding you of this special place.

Boat captured from inside the villa

Wedding breakfast overlooking Lake Como

The Villa has multiple ‘levels’, which means you can have a difference experience throughout the day. All of them are portrayed in the film, at different points. I wanted to tell a story from each and every location within the Villa, like a film would.

Whether it’s the suites for bridal preparation inside the Villa, the main terrace for the wedding reception, the garden for the wedding ceremony, or the jetty for couple portraits. All play a different role in telling the story of Rebecca and James’ day.

For more information about this wedding venue, head over to the Villa Regina Teodolinda wedding videography page on my website.

Morning preparation

Rebecca’s bridal preparation at Villa Regina Teodolinda

Rebecca’s bridal preparation took place in one of the 7 amazing suites at the Villa, which is captured in their wedding film. The morning was really calm and relaxed, and it was amazing to think that you could see views of the Lake from every window.

Rebecca wore the most beautiful wedding gown from Prea James Bridal, a dress that really suited her and the vision she had for the day: timeless elegance in Italy.

During the morning preparation, I kept navigating the different levels of the Villa, constantly capturing small details of the venue, James and his groomsmen, or him welcoming guests as they arrive.

A few of Rebecca friends came up to the suite to see her during bridal prep, some of which were speechless at the sight of their lifelong friend in her stunning wedding dress.

Rebecca’s bridal preparation at Villa Regina Teodolinda

The ceremony

Rebecca, bride, during the wedding reception at Villa Regina

James, groom at Villa Regina Teodolinda

The ceremony took place in the Villa's picturesque garden, adorned with flowers in a palette of soft pastels. The couple incorporated personalised touches into the ceremony: Rebecca and James’ long term friend held the ceremony, which was perfect as he crafted a beautiful speech that felt personal and intimate. It was a true insight into what Rebecca and James are like, both as friends, and as a couple: loving, adventurous, caring. A truly special moment, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

Wedding reception on Lake Como

This felt like a magical time for me. Against the backdrop of the lake and surrounded by towering cypress trees, Rebecca and James exchanged their vows which, naturally, I captured in their wedding film. I wanted to film their ceremony as if I was a guest, but with this extra creative and artistic touch. For this reason, I positioned a camera at the back of the aisle, which is essentially the view that most of their guests will have had: the couple, holding hands, with nothing but mountains and blue sky behind them.

Guests enjoying a drink after wedding ceremony

The Reception

Wedding breakfast at Villa Regina Teodolinda

Following confetti and drinks, the reception unfolded on the villa's terrace, offering guests a front-row seat to the breathtaking sunset over Lake Como. The tables were adorned with elegant floral arrangements which set the stage for a night of laughter, heartfelt toasts, and joyful celebration.

Rebecca had orchestrated everything, and her vision was stunning. Understated, but elegant and stylish. It really was perfect, as she let the venue and surroundings do the talking.

Wedding breakfast views of Lake Como

The menu featured a curated selection of Italian delicacies, paying homage to the local cuisine. Guests savoured every bite while sipping on fine wines, embracing the flavours of the region.

As the couple and their guests enjoyed their dinner, I saw this as a final opportunity to get creative, and capture their day from a different perspective. So, of course, I decided to fly my drone one last time. Sometimes, in a wedding film, you need that one shot, that one frame that connects the different parts of the day, or transports you from one location to the next. So I filmed the venue from up top, essentially adding an extra dimension to the wedding reception, without it being too intrusive.

Couple Portraits

Couple portraits on the jetty

Following the wedding ceremony, and after they’d had time to see their guests, we borrowed the couple for about 15mn to capture couple portraits. They had elected not to hire a private boat, as they wanted to ensure they had time to enjoy their guests.

However, to incorporate this amazing scenery into the wedding film, I felt we needed the couple on the jetty, with nothing but water and boats behind them. The frames I selected for their film tell a story of love: the stolen glances, the touch of hands, the gentle kisses on the head. All those small moments, against a picture-perfect backdrop, helped me craft a narrative that was unique to them.

The wedding film

When discussing their vision for their wedding film with Rebecca and James, we spoke about timeless Italian elegance. They didn’t want a quintessential British wedding. They wanted the film to encapsulate the unique location they had chosen for the day, with them at the center of it.

As a Destination Wedding Videographer, I also felt like I needed to let Lake Como do the talking. Rebecca and James are both adventurous and fun, so their film needed to be romantic, but not soppy. It needed to have energy, but also be refined.

The choice of music was key. I wanted to keep within the Italian theme, so naturally I elected a Classical, Cinematic soundtrack with cello and violin. Instruments that align with the local culture.

Their wedding film delivers on their vision: a story of love and friendship, that embraces the destination.

“Where to start. The video is just amazing, unbelievable, watching it back feels like it was a dream.”

— Rebecca, bride. Married at Villa Regina Teodolinda, 2023

Couple overlooking Lake Como

Team on the day

Film: Joce - Lune de Miel Studio
Photographer: We.wedding photography
Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda - Lake Como
Dress: Prea James Bridal
MUA: Laura Webb Makeup
Florist: Figli Dei Fioricomo
Catering: Sunlake Catering
Stationery: The Kids Press Company

Choosing the Perfect Destination Wedding Location: A Videographer's Guide

For many of my couples, a destination wedding is the perfect opportunity to reunite with their nearest and dearest in a unique location. For couples living abroad, it also makes a lot of sense to have every travel to a particular venue. And, naturally, exchanging vows in a stunning location far from home, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and immersed in the culture of a foreign land, is nothing short of magical.

As a cinematic wedding videographer, I play a crucial role in bringing this dream to life. I’m tasked with capturing the essence of the destination, as well as the love story of the couple in an artistic and creative way. My style of cinematography means I do more than just capture the events of the day – I tell a full story of the wedding, and the location in which you’re tying the knot is central to this.

One of the most significant decisions my couples face when planning a destination wedding is choosing the perfect location. The venue and destination not only sets the stage for their special day but also profoundly influences my approach as a cinematographer, and the final wedding film’s visual and emotional impact. So this got me thinking: how can I help couples select the ideal destination for their wedding, and what are some of the factors I’d think about when filming your day.

The Couple's Vision

Every couple has a unique vision for their dream wedding, and understanding their vision is paramount to my work. Some couples envision a tropical beach wedding with soft sands and crystal-clear waters, while others are drawn to the romantic charm of historic European cities or the rugged grandeur of mountain landscapes. It's essential to align their vision with my videography style and approach that will best bring it to life.

What this means for me is that I need to deliver a wedding film that embraces the local culture and surroundings. Again, my films are never just a collection of nice scenes; I aim to tell the story of your day, so understanding my couples’ vision is something I feel passionate about. Ultimately, I want the film to be theirs. The creative and artistic touch is mine, but the day is theirs, so I’ll always have their unique vision in mind.

“Joce is not just a videographer, he is a storyteller, a keeper of memories, and a true artist. We are forever grateful for the masterpiece he created for us”

Scenic Beauty

The natural beauty of the destination is often a significant factor in the decision-making process. For example, some couples will naturally be drawn to Lake Como, in Italy. For others, a château in France. When discussing locations with my couples, I always discuss the natural beauty that surrounds their chosen location. Are there iconic landscapes, architectural marvels, or cultural elements they wish to incorporate into their video? The setting and surroundings not only enhance the visual appeal of the film, but also adds depth and context to the storytelling.

Cultural Significance

The cultural significance of the destination can infuse depth and authenticity into the wedding film. This is key to my style of videography, as I always incorporate local traditions, rituals, or elements into their wedding, making the video a reflection of the destination's cultural richness. This can be a powerful way to tell a more profound and resonant story.

The Ultimate Destination Wedding Planning Guide

Are you planning your dream Destination Wedding but you’re not sure where to start? This guide is for you

Read the guide

Selecting the perfect destination for a wedding is a key decision that sets the stage for a memorable celebration. As a wedding videographer, my role in this process is pivotal, as the destination significantly influences the visual and emotional elements of my work. A well-chosen destination not only enhances the visual beauty of the wedding video but also enriches the storytelling and narrative.

Ultimately, the location you choose for your wedding needs to be an extension of your couple. This is the only way for you to feel like you can have your dream wedding day.