Wedding Videography In Madison, Wisconsin. Memorial Union, Luther Memorial Church, And The Oaks
Summer Wedding Videography Day At Memorial Union
Video has become the new frontier. Voyaging where no photographer has dared to go before. Well ok, maybe that isn’t true. I think that wedding videography has really evolved into something special.
Don’t get me wrong, photography is not going anywhere. Not for me, and not for the industry. But there is something so special about preserving your loved ones in motion, and maybe more importantly, with sound. There is going to be a time when hearing your dad’s at the time terrible speech is the only way to hear his voice.
Not to get too gloomy about this, it’s just to help realize the importance in documenting your life. For you. To be able to look back on and enjoy and take you back to that beautiful day when all of your special people were in the same place.
This was a truly special day. I find myself saying that a lot, but they are all special days. I loved how much emotion was on display. Everyone was so present and just there to celebrate Molly & Dean.
Wedding Videography Formats
There are so many options with video. My favorite is the “highlight film”. Moments from the entire day condensed into three to five minutes. Something that isn’t too much of a commitment to watch. When you share it with friends and family, they will actually watch the whole wedding film.
These are all about the vibes.
It is kind of a silly word but I think it is really important to not try and actually rewatch the entire wedding day. Our brains and how memories work is super wierd. You need to be careful to not override your actual memories with a wedding film. replacing your perspective of the day with mine and my cameras.
The first film below is the highlight film from this wedding day in Madison, Wisconsin.
Once A Badger, Always A Badger
I think that you will quickly see that these two are big time Wisconsin Badger Fans, both Molly and Dean are my fellow alumni. We hit some big Madison landmarks. Starting with a first look and some photos at Memorial Union.
Private vows have quickly become my favorite thing to incorporate in a wedding film. Speeches and vows from the ceremony are great too. But I think that private vows are the most honest and emotional. When you are only reading them to your partner and not your family and friends it all just comes a little easier.
I love that these two crafted the perfect day FOR THEM. All of the locations we went were not just for the views or to show off. But had real meaning for the couple. Memorial Union, State Street, a little of the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus, Luther Memorial Church, and a reception at The Oaks.
The day was filled with laughter, tears, and countless memories. Molly & Dean knew that they wanted their wedding captured by a videographer who could not only document their day but also tell their story with authenticity.
That's where I came in.
Like With Weddings, Videography Has No Rules
My second favorite format of wedding film is the “feature film”. Essentially an extended highlight film.
Here we build on the foundation of the highlight film, but add many more moments and audio from the day.
It is just a different expierice to view. A feature wedding film is more of a commitment to watch.
For this film Molly and Dean wanted to incorporate their private vows, which always sends these films to the next level, and audio from their speeches and ceremony.
They also added a full recordings of their ceremony and speeches.
Craft The Perfect Day For You
We started the day at Memorial Union Terrace. I arrived before the couple and wedding party to get the drone up in the air and get some views of Memorial Union and Madison. Weather and location permitting my drone always takes to the skies. In Madison you do need to get clearance to fly with the proximity to the airport. But it's simple with my commercial drone license.
It was a beautiful day. A little windy, but I started the day with some great footage.
Then I got to the front of the Union and soon Dean & Molly arrived for the first look. It was beautiful and I quickly knew this day was going to be a treat. The emotion that instantly overtook everyone involved was contagious. It was a beautiful moment that set the tone for everything to come.
As with most wedding days. Things started to go into a blur as we went through bridal party time and some time with just Molly & Dean. It all just goes by so fast.
Until those calm moments right before the ceremony.
This is when Molly and Dean read their vows to each other, and time stopped. I only include these in the wedding film if the couple wants to. I am never pressing to get the audio recorded. I ask once, before the day, and that is that. Wow am I so glad these two were willing to record their vows.
It will be something that they can listen to and cherish for the rest of their lives. Any words I can come up with don’t do it justice.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Molly walked down the aisle, her eyes filled with tears of joy as Dean awaited her with a smile that could light up the room. It was a moment of pure magic, one that I was honored to capture on film.
After the ceremony we took a quick trip to state street for some more photo time and crazy goofy moments. This wedding party was all in. They were so present and an absolute joy to be around.
After a quick pitstop for some pitchers of Spotted Cow at State Street Brats we were off to the reception.
These are some of my favorite moments of the day. These stills are taken from my films, all photography on this day was done by Chelsea Lynn.
Reception At The Oaks
The Oaks is a little ways outside of Madison in Cottage Grove. It is a beautiful wedding venue that I have been to many times.
I love the feel of their wedding reception space. It is a permanent white tent with windows that let in plenty of natural light. We took a brief moment at sunset to grab some just ridiculous golden hour footage and photos.
Then it was time for probably my favorite part of this wedding day. The cannoli they had for dessert.
Ok. ok. It was the speeches. I get to hear a lot of wedding speeches. Most are bad. But they are priceless because they are your loved ones.
These were the best speeches top to bottom I have ever heard. No contest.
As the night really got going the dance floor opened up and things were going great. But then, there was one more thing. An entrance from a Wisconsin favorite.
Bucky Badger bounced into an entrance to “Jump Around” and everyone lost their minds.
Bucky owned that dance floor.
Vendors From The Day
The Oaks: https://golftheoaks.com/
A beautiful golf course and event venue just outside of Madison, Wisconsin. A perfect place to host your wedding reception. I love to be able to explore a little close to sunset and get away from the rest of the event a little bit. There is so much space to explore.
Luther Memorial Church: https://www.luthermem.org/
A stunning church in Madison, Wisconsin that will make you forget where you are. It is a beautiful place to have a ceremony.
Photography: https://www.clynn.photography/
Chelsea was phenomenal to work with. I was super impressed with her work with the wedding party photos specifically. She had so many fun ideas and she easily kept everyone engaged the whole time.
Final Thoughts:
As we bid farewell to Molly & Dean and their unforgettable wedding day, I am reminded of the power of documenting our lives. If you're dreaming of capturing your own story in Madison, Wisconsin, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Let's connect and create something truly magical together.
I highly encourage you to see if any of these venues would be a fit for you!
Looking for a photographer or videographer for YOUR big day?