It's always a long read with me... although I try to be as entertaining and brief as possible =)
Of all the suppliers that I will be getting for my wedding, the photo and video suppliers are one of those that I'm most excited and dreading to meet. Why? Maybe because what I'm asking from them will represent our wedding in a lifetime sense. I mean, there's no faking the quality of photos and videos, and if its not good, it will haunt you forever. Its not like you can throw them away after the wedding if you don't like them. They should be undeniably, obviously, incontestably good.
And for this reason, that I can't really have my way when it comes to the budget. Unlike the flowers that I can opt to get just white flowers for the reception, simple drapes, or in the caterer to just serve one dessert or not to include certain amenities to lessen the cost, I can't ask the photographer and videographer to not take shots of certain things in the wedding, or substitute their expensive equipments; what I'm trying to say is, whatever amount they're charging, its probably worth it, and more. And therefore, I knew that if I like my wedding pictures and videos to be one that I will love for a lifetime, we would have to shell out more than what h2b is used to. I love him for being this simple and modest person, but sometimes he just doesn't have a clue on how much these things cost nowadays.
Which is why for a time, I have been putting off getting in touch with these suppliers, because I know it would just upset my babe to find out we're spending that much...but, its a non-negotiable. I'm not saying I want the best and the most expensive, but I just won't settle for the okay category when it comes to these aspects. I want those who are goooood....
So, I already wrote about my photographers. Lets just say they are even more than how I expected them to be. They're just real and reasonable and really nice. I'm just waiting to muster up enough courage again to brave commuting in those areas and then I can finally pay the down payment. I love chatting with them, especially with the wife, because she understands me, and she knows what I like. I also love their photos. I actually look at their website at least twice a day and I even bookmarked it as one of my favorite websites to visit. I know I can't stop talking about them, and if I can just post a sample of their pictures here, or even tell you who they are but I'm shy to do so since I haven't really paid the down payment yet, therefore I have no bragging rights. Pretty soon you'll find out who they are, and if you're a w@wie, you probably have an idea :))
Then, there's the videographer. Some guests foolishly size up the wedding through the onsite video. I was one of them. I dunno, growing up from a family in media, and my dad made a living out of making commercials, so I am a little particular to this aspect. My dad makes the nicest home videos I have ever seen and I'd like him to see that I learned a thing or two from him, by having really nice and not tacky wedding videos. But those kind of videos in this day and age comes with a price. Anyway, my siblings promised on paying for the videographer if I get the one they like in particular. They even said the wedding wouldn't happen if this certain team wasn't there to take videos. But knowing them for years, I would say that in this situation, the saying "its the thought that counts" holds true. I mean, I loved that they wanted the best on my wedding, but they couldn't really pool in this big amount of money just so they can satisfy three to four minutes of superb clippings. Somewhere along the way, I know they'll just let sense take over and think it was a rather crazy idea to have that amount of money for wedding videos. So, without their permission, I began looking again for a supplier. And, considering budget and expertise, narrowed my choices to two.
There's one who caught my attention once and I visited their website. It was nice, very clean, very classy. I totally forgot it after because I saw many other works (those who were from uber expensive) that were even greater. Until after realizing that nothing would come out of my brothers' promises, I resumed looking for a good and affordable videographer. I found that they have discounts for W@wies so I decided to check them out (again). The videos were also really good. It's got a twang to it, and you wouldn't mistake it for cheap. I saw their rates and found that of all the good wedding videographers available, they actually have the lowest prices. On top of that, they are willing to give discounts to w@wies. That's really nice. I kinda like their style and judging from their blog entries, they really try to get to know the couple as much as they can. A writer by heart, I also loved the fact that they include snippets of the priest's sermon and the couple's vows in their onsite videos. It just feels so heartfelt and real. I see myself, in ten, twenty something years, with my babe in the living room of our beautiful home, watching our video and gushing all over again when we get to the part that we said our vows, and the reminders the priest said... and really, remember the feeling all over again. One of my w@wie sisters commented that it's a little grainy though...and they're kind of conventional pa rin when you really observe. Most of their clips are romantic, but some are bordering into cheesy. But I'm cheesy. hehehe. They are good though... I was already impressed and I like them enough to consider them.
And then there's the one who has been a household name to the W@W community. I have learned a lot of raves about them, and even fell in love with an onsite video they made for a friend's wedding. They are really really good and this goes without saying that my W@Wie sisters will really start a brawl when I say that they're not any good because that is a total lie. They are THAT good that my fellow bride-to-bes will move heaven and earth to defend them. Hahaha. Obsessing in their website for a while, I thought, 'man, this guy is really talented.' He captures details, emotions, makes things look fun, colorful and dramatic without the extra cheese. Anyway, the rates posted in their website almost crossed them off my list, but I just liked them so much that I really had to ask if they were available on our wedding date. And, just like my glee when I got a nice discount at Nike for my rubber shoes just for asking, I was greeted by a nice reply from the other half of the great name, telling me that they are still open on that date and have a special package for W@wies! Minutes after that, a big smile was plastered on my face. I can't contain my happiness. Babe also agreed that its a really good deal if we choose to get them :) As of now, I'm in constant emails with them and I'm excited to meet them real soon. Its a plus factor that my photographer team has good words to say about them, and they have worked with them a lot of times before. There was just one catch, just when I was about ready to send them my down payment, I saw a post from one of my fellow W@Wies saying that she got them as videographer. She's getting married the day after my wedding, in Boracay! and these suppliers kinda promised her that they will be there for their prenup which is the day before! oh no... I emailed them about it, and I'm still waiting for them to sort it out. I hope they do soon. If in case they couldn't be able to do my wedding, I'll be willing to let it go. I guess, but I will be pretty heartbroken for a few days... Since I was already convinced they'll do my onsite video really well.
I still haven't closed my doors to the first supplier though, because what they have is a pretty good deal as well, still cheaper than the 2nd one and they're willing to give discounts on top of their affordable rates. Tough, tough choice. So soon hopefully, I'll be looking at their websites again, study their onsite videos, and see which one's work really speaks to me. And of course, I'll get my fiancee's say as well, as he promised me he'll look at their onsites tomorrow on his rest day. Can you imagine how stubborn he is for that assignment? To think his laptop's turned on almost 24/7. But he promised me he'll do it naman. Although I'm pretty sold with the 2nd one... Anyway, I'm still praying for it.
Pray for me as well ha. Nothings final though, but I really think I found them =) its a feeling of happiness and contentment when I think that they are gonna be the team for my wedding. So... I really pray, that this is it. A supplier-client perfect match :))
