While we proudly service the greater Austin Texas area, we can provide voice over to anywhere in the world.  You need only submit your script, and we will place the results online for your review.  Once approval is received, you can receive the results on CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, or online for immediate download.

Contact us for more information.

First of all, your wedding location is a primary factor. If no internet access is available at your wedding venue, wireless access via a cellular network is the next best option. This is widely available, but as you move farther from the nearest interstate corridor, the signals can get weaker. Coverage varies by provider as well.

Most of you have probably experienced the blocky and choppy online videos, that aren’t much larger than a postage stamp. Now, full screen video, even high definition streaming video, is almost commonplace. On the more affordable end, the quality is a little closer to the former. It’s not quite that bad, but it’s not high def. As you might imagine, the good stuff costs more.

I’ll bet most of you who have watched online video have encountered a problem or two. Maybe you were even unable to watch a video, then on your next try, it played just fine. If you do choose to stream your wedding, you should prepare your viewers, especially older viewers, that this technology has it’s flaws. It’s always possible that the video might stop playing, or not play at all. If all goes well however, you might just be able to share the most important moment of your life with someone who would otherwise miss the opportunity.

Wedding Photographers Camera

First of all, we do recommend that you have both a professional photographer and a videographer at your wedding.   Those on a short budget might be tempted to cut one or the other.  We’d suggest cutting elsewhere, such as a few less flowers, perhaps smaller place settings, or some other cost saving measure.  Your video and your photos will be among the few items that last beyond the end of your reception.

We’ve done many weddings, and nearly all with one or more professional photographers.  In almost every case, the working environment was a positive experience for all involved.  We always introduce ourselves to the photographer(s) before the events of the day begin.  Our placement of the cameras for the ceremony is shared, and sometimes changed if it serves to better capture the event for all involved.  Almost every photographer we have worked with has been more than receptive and respectful, some to an extreme.  A few however have been quite the opposite.

During a recent ceremony, a photographer actually stood in the aisle for almost five minutes, completely blocking a cameras view of the ring exchange.  Fortunately, our second camera was able to capture the action.  Thankfully, this situation is not common.  Most photographers would kneel, or step into the shot, take the photo, and then step aside.  The photographer mentioned above continued to block shots throughout the evening, in spite of the fact that both of our operators worked hard to stay out of their way.  In a previous experience, one photographer actually told me,  “I hate videographers!”  Apparently, he had a bad experience with a video camera operator that showed him a lack of consideration.  Fortunately, we mostly won him over by the end of the evening.

You may wonder what you can do to avoid this.  When interviewing photographers, ask them if they’ve worked with videographers in the past, and if they have any working with one at your wedding.  Hesitation here might be a trouble sign.  A claim that you don’t even need a videographer is also a possible cause of concern.  There is no reason that multiple camera operators, both still and video, can’t work together successfully.  Your most experienced photographers will not show any hesitation, as they have no doubt done countless weddings with video camera operators.

Especially if you have a band or a dj, it’s very difficult to stop everyone from dancing, and gather round the cake table.  You definitely don’t want to wait this late for toats, as ganing attention and getting everyone to quiet down at this point isn’t going to be easy.  The “first dance” has it’s name for a reason, as it leads to opening the dance floor.  After of course any dad and daughter, mom and son dances naturally.  There is however no reason this can’t happen before dinner.  Many receptions feature the bride and groom going right into their first dance after they make their entrance.  Following this, everyone settles down to the meal.  Or perhaps hors doeuvres are served. 

So, here’s my proposed order of events.  Of course, your own list might contain more or less items:

1. Entrance of wedding party
2. First dance
3. Parents dance
4. Dinner
5. Toasts (you need not wait until the last bite is taken)
6. Cake cutting (allow at least 15 to 20 minutes for guests to get their cake)
7. Grand march (if you have one of course – These are great for video opportunites)
8. Everyone to the dance floor
9. Bouquet and garter toss (near the end of the evening just a few songs before the bride and groom exit)
10. Formal exit (if you plan one of course)

Air Conditioner

I have attended a great number of summer weddings here in central Texas.  The summer of 2009 has brought weeks on end of temperatures of over 100 degrees.  When you shop for your wedding venue, did you check to see if they have adequate air conditioning?  More than a few weddings we’ve covered would have done well to take this into consideration.

Most likely, the venue operator purchased an AC system that was adequate for the space.  The problems start when you add 200 plus people, and doors constantly opening and closing.  They should have installed a much higher capacity system.  Interior temperatures are now climbing to over 80 degrees.  Your guests are actually going outside to find a breeze. This can not only put a damper on things, it can be a danger for very young children and senior citizens.

You could get technical, and look up the total square footage online, and see what the recommended AC system size is.   There are easier ways.  You can ask the venue operator about this and judge their reaction.  Ask for referrals from weddings during the same time of year, and interview them about the comfort level of the venue.

Your family and your guests will appreciate your consideration.

Video Projector

We have created video presentations from client photos for years.  These are a little more advanced than the typical “slide show” that most of us would think of.  The still images are animated, and scored to music.  A popular addition to rehearsal dinners and receptions for years.

Clients often ask for help with presentation, as many have never done anything like this before.  Some create their own video, or want to have a simple slide show, but don’t know where to go from there.

You need several items for a large screen presentation.  You’ll of course need a projector.  If you don’t already have access to one, these can be rented in most larger towns and cities.  You’ll of course need to rent a screen as well if one is not provided by the venue.  Generally, bigger is better.  A ten foot screen will be fine in most cases, unless you have a very large area to cover.

While some projectors have speakers, they are tiny.  You will need either a small PA system, or you may be able to connect to the house PA system.  Are you having a DJ or live band?  More than likely you’ll be able to connect to their sound system.

Finally, you’ll need some way to play the presentation.  If it’s a DVD disc, we suggest using a DVD player rather than a computer.  As we all know, computers sometimes don’t cooperate as we’d like them to.  If you’re using something like PowerPoint, you will of course need a computer, and the proper cables.  In most cases, you will need a VGA cable, and an 3.5mm to RCA plug audio cable.  Don’t forget these!

Make sure you test the entire system in before you presentation.  Nothing takes the steam out of a great presentation like waiting through a troubleshooting session.

To recap, you will need:

1. A DLP or LCD projector of 1000 lumens or better
2. A sound system such as a “Fender Passport”
3. A DVD player or a portable computer
4. A portable projection screen
5. The proper cables for audio and video connection.

Before you go and get all of this gear, do ask your venue operator, and your DJ if you plan to have one.  They may be able to provide some or all of the above

Sure, the video quality they receive will be better than what was possible with cameras of years past, but it’s not High Definition video.  A standard DVD can only contain standard definition video, or what is known as 480p.  HD on the other hand must be delivered on a format capable of handling the additional information, such as the Blu-Ray disc.  You’ll also need a special Blu-Ray disc player.  Recently, I’ve seen these units priced as low as $189, and they’re expected to come down more as time goes by. There are a couple of other ways to deliver High Definition video, but they’re not very common, or very practical.

Expect to pay a higher price for HD video.  Producing HD, costs more in terms of time and equipment.  It’s not unusual to pay several hundered dollars more, as compared to a standard DVD delivery method.  Even a wedding video delivered on a good old fashioned DVD will be quite good these days.  Even though it may not be true “high definition”, most viewers will be more than pleased with the results

Some might not be happy with me about divulging the following, but there are some bargains to be had if you and your groom can be a little flexible.  For example, moving your wedding to a Sunday or a Friday may mean that you’re entitled to a discount or two.  Many vendors, in particular the ones who can only service one wedding in a day, may offer a discount on a “non prime” wedding day.  Sometimes these can be substantial too.

Now of course this won’t usually apply to cake and dresses, or any other service that is easily duplicated for multiple customers.  There’s nothing wrong with asking for a discount from venue operators, videographers, photographers, and so on for these non prime days.  This can also apply to the time of year as well.  November through, not all vendors might offer a discount.  Don’t consider this as a mark against the vendor.  It may simply mean that their services are just that much in demand.

An expensive wedding cake

Live Musician

Seems reasonable that it would be much better to have a live band over a DJ, doesn’t it?  After all, music is just more exciting when played live.  Well, there are some considerations to be aware of.  There are some bands out there that have played many receptions, and will do a great job.  There are also some fine musicians out there who just arn’t cut out for the job.

Questions to think about:

1. Does the band have a good deal of experience with wedding receptions?
2. Are they experienced and willing to act as your MC?  Yes, you do need one.
3. What about breaks?  Will the band provide recorded music for these portions?
4. Can you speak to referrals? Do they have demo video?

One of the advantages with some of the better DJs out there is that they are typically prepared to act as master of ceremonies.  It’s reasonable to expect a DJ to perform not only this task, but to track and coordinate the events of the evening.  Not necessarily the case with a live band. There are some great bands that can do both roles as well.  And there are some great bands that just aren’t cut out for this role.

It’s also reasonable to expect that the band will need at least one break during the evening.  Be sure and find out what happens when they do!  They should play recorded music, and the song list should be approved by you.  In some cases, the band will actually supply a DJ/MC, and this combination is hard to beat.

If you go with a DJ, it may not quite be the same as live music, but it’s much easier to manage your event.  A DJ can easily fade a song out smoothly when it’s time to toss the bouquet.  Not so easy for a group of live musicians.  A good DJ will typically allow you to choose from a list of songs for the evening.  Most can come up with music to please almost all tastes too.  This is a big plus when your guests are culturally mixed.

Please make no mistake here.  My intention is not to discourage hiring a live band for your reception.  I’ve attended a number of receptions with live music, and most were a wonderful experience.  A few came to a screeching halt when the band left the stage.

Hey, where’s the music?

Austin Couple Downtown

Ah, what could be more perfect than an outdoor ceremony? Well, some are a little closer to perfect than others. Here around the Austin Texas area, there are quite a few days of the year that offer perfect conditions for an outdoor ceremony. There are however a few considerations that will make for better photos and video, as well as a more comfortable experience for your guests.

In most cases, it’s best to schedule the ceremony in the last hour or so of daylight. High noon is the worst, as the light is it’s most harsh. As sunset nears, the light is softened, and takes on a golden hue. Photographers call this the “golden hour”. If your wedding day is in one of the warmest months of the year, your guests will appreciate not having to sit in the hot sun.

An outdoor location near a stand of trees, or some other land or architectural feature, will help reduce the breeze. A light breeze is fine, but stronger winds can cause several problems. Wind noise through a microphone can be annoying, and can’t be eliminated in the final production. Special covers for the microphones can reduce the problem, but not eliminate it completely.

Finally, it’s best to choose a location that also offers an indoor alternative. Most do, and just in case a little rain comes your way, it’s good to have a backup plan!