When I am shooting video for a wedding, I like to record vows, letters, and other spoken sentiments, as it adds a layer of emotion and depth to your film. Let's go over various parts of the day where you will be mic'd up and recorded, and a few things to consider to get the best results:
Remember to pace yourself, and take as many pauses as needed. Even the most heartfelt sentiments may lose their effect if rushed through, so relax, be yourself, and savor the moment. This also provides much more flexibility when editing. If you have something written, don't simply read and recite, but take your time and consider what inspired these words you chose, and who they are meant for. It truly makes all the difference.
It's totally normal to not have experience with this. There is no need to feel unequipped, or inadequate during this process, and you are under no pressure to say your piece in any particular way. The whole point is to capture the uniqueness of your relationship, and as long as you're being candid, you can't go wrong.
Emotions are what is most important!
There is absolutely no reason to be shy on your wedding day. The day is all about you, so please take advantage of your spotlight, hold nothing back, and share a genuine piece of yourself. Even if you're feeling shy, or vulnerable, remember that these raw feelings are what make your relationship, and the human experience, so valuable, and it would be a shame for these special and rare moments of expression to not be captured as they are.
Eye contact makes the difference. You may have your voice recorded both in a private session during the day, as well as while you're at the altar. While you're up there face-to-face with your partner, be sure to communicate what you're saying directly to them, whenever possible. It also helps to hold anything you have written, at an angle in front of you, so you aren't looking down. Not only is this naturally going to connect you more with what you're saying, it simply looks much better on camera.
Hopefully this helps you in some way and makes you feel a bit more prepared for your wedding! Remember, it's your videographer's job to stress about your video, not yours! If you're interested in learning more about having me as your wedding videographer, please visit: https://www.jakobholmesimages.com
"When you speak from the heart, your words echo with authenticity and touch the souls of others." - Maxime Lagacé