Hive, I know I've been absently recently. There's a lot going on, and even though I haven't shared my recaps yet, I feel like this is a very important post for me to write, so I'll be dropping in some images from the big day. Don' worry about them though, I'll catch you up on everything once I start recapping.
In the beginning, I was anti-video. Don't get me wrong, I think wedding videos are gorgeous, and watching a few made me tear up a little, but I also thought it was a dumb investment. I scrapbook, and love flipping through albums, so spending moolah on photos made sense, but on video?
I mean, when was the last time I watched one of my parents home videos? I showed some baby ones to Mr. G a few years back, but that's pretty much it. Who wants to watch a video of themselves? And, better yet, who wants to pay a ton of money for it?
Frankly, I never even considered video because I thought it was a stupid idea. Sure it'd be nice, but I just didn't think it was a "worthy" or "worth while" expense.
Now, you're probably wondering why, then, did I hire a videographer for my wedding? Well, Mama Giraffe kept saying that I should and that I would look forward to watching the video every year on my anniversary. This to me really sounded like a bunch a mushy stuff that I wouldn't do, so I let it go.
But then. . . .But then Mama Giraffe told me she regretted not having one. This changed it all for me. I might not want one now, but I would hate to be 34 years into marriage wishing I had a wedding video.
Mama Giraffe on her wedding day, with my Pawpaw
Of course, wedding viedography wasn't in our budget, so we had a crazy whirlwind of searching through "budget" videographers (one who even put his hand in front of the camera!!), but that is a post for another day.
I'm here to to tell you why you need a videographer, because even though I was anti-video, it's now become one of our best wedding decisions. Even though we only have the rough copy of our movie, it's amazing and I cry every time I see it.
Reason 1. Vows
Mr. G and I chose to say both our own vows and traditional vows. We're not normally "mushy people" so it meant a lot to hear his feeling about me, professed in front of everyone. It's funny because I remember, literally thinking "Pay attention so you can remember what he saying!" But. . .of course, four months later, I couldn't remember the beautiful, touching, perfect words my groom said to me. But hey, we have it on video!
Reason 2. Speeches
We had a speech by my MOH, the best man, one bridesmaid, and one groomsmen. They were wonderful! Every speech brought laughs and some brought tears, but they were perfect. Looking back, I remembered that the speeches were funny, but I could only remember bits and pieces. Watching the video totally refreshed my mind, and when I texted BM Mang to mention how funny her speech was, she told me that she didn't even remember it all! Better yet when GM Mitch (and speech giver) came over to visit, he even wanted to watch the video!
Clearly Best Man Washington said something funny, but what? / photo by
Miller + MillerReason 3. Guests
Our videographers did a cool thing, where during dinner, they went around to a handful of people (10-15 I think?) and had them give us well wishes on video. This was great because at the time we were eating, so were our guests, so it's nice to see our friends and family relaxing and just saying "hello!" (Also, we have cousin Allison wishing us a happy marriage and mentioning how good our food was, which is something I want to remember!)
Oh hey guys, thanks for saying hi! / guest photo
Reason 4. What you didn't see
Y'know, as the bride and all, I walked down the aisle last. I didn't see my bffs follow before me, nor did I see my groom come into the church. Also, when I made that walk, I couldn't see anyone besides Mr. G - both my eyes and heart were super focused. It's nice to watch my video and see all the things I didn't get to during the big day.
Reason 5 - the most important one. Family
Hive, I'm going to get serious here. I lost my grandpa this weekend, and I'm actually going to the wake today and funeral tomorrow. My heart is do deeply broken that I don't know when it will heal, but that's really why I wanted to write this post.
In the photobooth
Grandpa was at my wedding four months ago, and seemed in perfect health. He and I had a wonderful time together and even got into the photobooth! A month and a half after the wedding, he had a fall and was taken to the hospital. Turns out the fall was a seizure caused by one of the seven tumors in his brain. We had no idea. He spent the last few months having brain surgery, going to rehab, getting radiation, and fighting like no man ever did before, but he did not make it. I know he is in a better place, but I also miss him more than I ever thought I could.
But, like I said, at the wedding, no one had any idea that this would be coming in the future.
My pawpaw, as I affectionately called him, gave the blessing before we ate dinner at the reception, and now I have it on video and can watch him whenever I want, and remember how happy and proud he was at the wedding. It's one thing to look at photos, but now I can hear his voice. And, for that, I would pay a million dollars, which makes what I paid for our videographers seem like not that much.
I don't know if it was serendipitous that I ended up hiring a videographer, since I was so against it in the beginning, but I am so glad I did. Now when people ask me what to budget for in their wedding, I will tell everyone to make room for video, because really, some things are priceless.
My hairstylist was so nice!
Getting ready at the Groom's Grandma's house.
I love that Mr. G got this photo of me blowing bubbles - it's a great view of the top of my head and the non-braided side. It's all natural - no bump-it at all!
