There is so much involved in planning a wedding. We booked our fav photographer (Lindsay Vann) and booked an epic elopement spot (The Sea Star Villa), got our plain tickets to St. Thomas, and all of the other things we needed. But when it came to videography we couldn’t find anyone that truly spoke to us. Perhaps it was because we just weren’t educated on it enough either. When your wedding is on an island, you have to make sure you find someone willing to travel + someone who will capture your day just as you envision. So, guess what the one thing we never booked was?! You guessed it, a videographer! So today we are putting a spotlight on a top Indianapolis Videographer! We spoke with Complete Weddings + Events Indianapolis to learn more about WHY couples should book videographers and just how important a videographer is!

Let’s dive in to our interview with Glenn Smith- Indianapolis Videographer!

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background + how you started doing videography

I am the owner of Complete Weddings + Events, Indianapolis. and have been working in the wedding industry since 2002.  I purchased the Indianapolis market in 2014 and we opened with our first events in 2015.  Videography is one of the 6 services we offer all focused on the wedding market.   

Q: Why do you believe video documentation of a wedding day is important? What can it offer couples that photos cant?

Video is so important as it captures and documents the biggest day of our clients lives. Photos are also very important, but, can’t capture the living, breathing emotion experienced on the day.  I had a client who had reserved our services for multiple services, but, chose not to include videography in her initial package due to budget.  The week before her big day she contacted me to let me know that her grandfather had suffered a stroke and would not be at able to attend.  She was simply distraught that he was going to miss attending and she would miss seeing his reactions. 

We discussed options and added Videography with a rush edit.  Her event was on Sunday, and we had her finished video in hand by the following Friday.  After the fact, she called me to let me know how much she appreciated our services, and that she was able to share the moments with her Grandfather via her video before his passing. (Cue my tears here!)

Q: What is a good tip for couples who are starting to look for the perfect Indianapolis Videographer?

Don’t go with the cheapest option, just because they are the cheapest.  You need to do your homework, make sure the finished product lines up with what you have pictured for your video. Ask about timing of delivery, mode of delivery, and a very important question…  is the video something you are able to share via social media or will it get flagged for use of unlicensed music.  One of the best ways to determine what kind of overall experience you will receive with any vendor is to read reviews and watch videos.

Q: What is your favorite part about documenting a couples’ wedding day through video?

Being creative in capturing and editing the finished product. I love hearing from couples years later that are watching their video yet again on their anniversary and getting the feedback that they love it as much today as they did the first time they watched it. 

Q: What inspires your work as an Indianapolis Videographer?

We thrive on excellent customer service from initial contact through the finished product. We believe that excellence is never accidental, and put our best work forward each and every time. 

Q:  Playing devil’s advocate here to ask a question I know a lot of couples have– why is videography so expensive? What all goes in to creating a wedding video?

Expensive is relative to perceived value. Referring back to the client who was able to share her wedding day with her Grandfather before he passed. I’ll bet if you ask her if it was worth it, she would say that she would have gladly paid double our fee.  As with any profession, the cost of videography is in direct relation to the expense in providing an excellent service. This begins with training and equipment. It continues with  additional learning and upgrading of equipment to keep up with technology and the ever changing market demands. 

Shoppers look at a 9 – 10 minute video and forget about the work that went into honing the craft, the work that goes into preparing for the day, the actual hours spent capturing the event, and the hours it takes to edit the final video. Those are just a few of the human components that go into the cost.  If you want a legal video, you can’t forget about paying for licenses to the music that will be included.  I get so many couples that think because the music is available on a streaming service, that you can put it in their video. That is just not accurate.  

Q: What are three pros for hiring a professional to shoot your wedding video, as opposed to having a family member hold a camera during the ceremony?

Unless the family member has experience with the equipment, they don’t always know how to get the most out of the camera & audio equipment needed to properly capture the moments.  As a professional with intimate knowledge of the equipment used, they are able to create effects that a non-professional just won’t.

You’ve undoubtedly hear the expression, “don’t mix business with pleasure”? I would say, “don’t mix business with family”.  What happens to the relationship if something happens and they miss something, or, worst case scenario, the entire video turns our poorly. Is family something you are willing to risk to save a few bucks?

A professional has been hired to capture your day. Family members are there to celebrate your day. Unless you want them to miss out on sharing the experience with your other quests, they are going to be celebrating and capturing simultaneously.  At weddings, especially, this is difficult to do. You definitely want someone that is going to be focused on you and what is happening, and have the ability (through experience of hundreds of weddings shot) to anticipate what is going to happen and what the reaction will be to capture it.

Q: If a couple is eloping, should they still hire you? What are some reasons that might be beneficial?

Considering today’s market, elopements are on the rise. The reasons to have your event captured, regardless of the size or length are the same. You want to capture and preserve the love and experience of the day. We are able to custom tailor our packages and make it cost effective for smaller/shorter events, as well as the big blow outs.

Q: What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they get a wedding video they love forever?

Research is the key to loving your wedding video.  You need to research the finished product or style of video you are looking for.  You should research the company you are considering hiring by reading client reviews on third party sites. It is important to review third party site reviews because you will get the truth there. Imagine going into a job interview and providing a personal reference you know is going to have negative feedback.  You just wouldn’t do it, neither will a company that is trying to win your business.  Finally, watch their videos.

Glenn Smith// Indianapolis Videographer

There ya have it! We were so excited when Glenn was willing to share his advice + perspective on booking a videographer for your elopement or wedding day. Bryt + I love to relive our day through our amazing photos, but it is no secret that we truly wish we had a videographer there to capture the day! Who knows, maybe for our 5 year photos, we will book a videographer 😉

So what do you think?! Will you be booking a videographer for your elopement? We’d love to know why below! We truly hoped you enjoyed this interview with Glenn Smith, a top Indianapolis Videographer! And if you are still looking for a photog. for your big day, let us know!

And if you’d like to book Glenn Smith, Indianapolis Videographer, Check out his website HERE!

XOXO,
Sam + Bryt