It feels surreal watching this now, having just seen Elisa and Joel exchange their vows this past Sunday. Although we always get to know our couples extensively, it’s one thing to know that they love making gluten-free pancakes on weekends, but it’s completely different to be there sharing in this personal ritual with them, and then hearing them talk about it in their personal vows months later.
We love portrait films because — well, aside from the fact that we have a blast shooting them with our couples — we get a sort of insight into their dynamic that we wouldn’t regularly capture in a wedding film. We get to paint a true (moving) portrait of who these people are and, rather than being or feeling like a completely separate entity to the wedding film, it actually compliments it so well. It’d be almost impossible to work in gluten-free pancakes and motorcycle rides on Elisa and Joel’s wedding day, but seeing these elements of their relationship in their portrait film adds a whole other layer to their story when they’re touched upon in their vows or a speech in their wedding film.
Their beloved dog Onyx is a huge part of Elisa and Joel’s life, and fittingly so, was there for every part of the day, marking her spot, playing dead, or simply sitting by them. We’re sure that if Joel could find a way to strap her onto the motorcycle, she would’ve been riding along with them at the end of the day.
It was a busy day and we wanted to capture that energy in every aspect of this film. We used a mix of static and moving shots and some well-placed transitions to move the couple effortlessly through all the different activities, and luckily, their hilarious back-and-forth compliments the fast-paced imagery. A huge bonus was that they naturally talked about everything we see them do which helped us easily lay out the perfect narrative.
We guarantee that you’ll have as much fun watching this film as we did putting it together! Watch for some delicious chocolate gluten-free delights, lots of fun with Onyx, beautiful motorcycle rides at dusk, and some pretty funny things that each one is looking forward to once they’re married.