Wedding Hive Podcast
Giving you the tea and ALL the buzz in the wedding world! New episodes every Wednesday!
Wedding Hive Podcast
019 - Crafting Authentic Wedding Memories with Love Story Films
Molly, owner of Love Story Films, shares her journey in luxury wedding videography and how she captures authentic moments for couples on their special day, creating personalized heirlooms that last a lifetime.
• Started Love Story Film 13 years ago after studying broadcast journalism and documentary work
• Defines luxury as creating a personalized experience with white-glove service for each couple
• Provides continuous service from booking through years after the wedding, including archiving footage
• Works closely with planners, photographers, and vendors to ensure smooth coordination
• Handles celebrity weddings with NDAs and quick turnarounds for publications like Vogue
• Creates same-day edits during weddings for clients wanting immediate content
• Uses preparation and communication to handle the pressure of capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments
• Suggests couples research extensively and ensure they connect personally with their videographer
• Emphasizes protecting your brand through proper legal steps like trademarking
• Offers one-on-one mentorship sessions for videographers looking to grow their business
Check out Love Story Films at www.lovestoryfilms.com or on Instagram @lovestoryfilms to see their work and learn more about their services.
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Hey Queens, it's Kelsey and Grace back with the Wedding Hive.
Speaker 2:Giving you the tea and all the buzz in the wedding world.
Speaker 1:Let's jump right in. Hey Queens, welcome back to another episode of the Wedding Hive podcast. Today we have Molly in the studio. She is the owner of Love Story Film. She is responsible for capturing genuine and authentic moments on people's special days. So, molly, thank you so much for being here. Thanks for having me. I'm so excited. We are so happy to have you.
Speaker 2:Yeah, we got a lot of questions, so we're going to go in, I'm ready. So we always like to start our guests with a yes or no question, okay. So we always like to start our guests with a yes or no question, okay. So, yes or no to do you think it's better for couples to hire a wedding videographer and photo like team, or do you think separate's better?
Speaker 3:How do you feel about that? Oh, so like if the company offers both? Yes, I think it's really a personalized decision, but I know this is a yes or no. Wait so yes together or yes?
Speaker 2:or no, together, yeah or separate.
Speaker 3:So for me, since we don't offer them together, I would say separate Okay, but I will say that I think it really is such a personalized experience. So, we do work with a lot of couples who do offer both. Sometimes on weddings they're obviously only doing photo and we're doing video, and so that's like a really unique experience. But I really think it's such a personalized approach for each couple and I think that for a husband and wife team or a team to be able to do that, it is kind of limiting.
Speaker 2:I feel like this is going to go sorry.
Speaker 1:I was like do you want me to just keep going? I'm like, okay.
Speaker 2:The people want to hear it so tell us your opinion.
Speaker 3:This might be a really long drawn out response, but as long as you're bringing in enough power to be able to do to cover both roles, I think the way that you work together and you obviously are comfortable with one another that will create a really smooth process throughout the day. The only drawback, I think, is that you're kind of limited in terms of what your end product's going to be. With that being said, I think there, you know, there are some incredible couples out there that do offer both. So, yeah, I think it's just such a personalized decision for each couple.
Speaker 2:I agree, I think I do like the people who offer it together or like as a team, but I feel like there's so many different styles of photography and video that it's like would be hard to like. Do they both have the same style that the couple's wanting? So I feel like it can be kind of tough with that sometimes.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I fall more on. The people are so good at what they can capture, so there's photographers who are phenomenal photographers. They're not great at video, and vice versa, right. And so if you want this powerhouse for your wedding day, I always say, well, you're getting a really good bang for your buck, but is the end product going to be what you're looking for? Like, I am a phenomenal planner, but do not ask me to be a florist, because that's not my specialty. Your flowers will be a Pinterest fail, right? So those double dipping I get a little nervous on, just because, like you said, there's some couples and one's phenomenal at one and the other has the eye for the other. That's great, but when it's like this roundabout, here's a bow on top and it's going to save you all this money. What's the sacrifice by saving that money? Yes, absolutely.
Speaker 2:Yeah, are you going to get the end product that you want? Yeah, that's the biggest thing. Okay, so first question what drew you to wedding videography and what?
Speaker 3:keeps you passionate about it. So I graduated from ASU in broadcast journalism and I actually have a minor in documentary work. So all throughout college I was working on documentaries, I was nominated for an Emmy and I was really drawn and passionate to telling other people's stories. And my husband and I we've been together for 24 years now, and so when we were in college and he proposed to me, I started looking into wedding videography. Just because I love cinema, I love people telling stories, and in my head I was like, oh my gosh, that would be such a unique approach to be able to tell someone's story in such a unique way on their wedding day but really make it a customizable heirloom that's just tailored just for us, you know, like our background, our story. So when I started doing research looking for our own wedding videographer, I really came up short. There was nothing in the market that besides like these you know older gentlemen on these- JVC cameras.
Speaker 1:Like showing up with, like you know, like.
Speaker 3:I was just like you know that's, that's not my style and that's not what I want, and I, and so I told Luke I was like, instead of doing documentary work, I really think that we could create a business that would really kind of be cutting edge and more like artistic, but also staying true to our couples and their story. And yeah, so right after we got married, we had already purchased our first house together and we already, you know, instead of doing a wedding registry, we had all of our guests help us purchase all of our startup equipment. Um, so that's how love story films was born right after we, it's actually our llc date's the same as our wedding date. So it's really cute. That's so cool. Yeah, so we don't want to cry, that's like so sentimental yeah, talk about a power couple, I know you're
Speaker 2:like marriage and new business. Yes, yes, come on. Yes, it was so fun.
Speaker 3:Yeah, it really made it personal and just kind of a unique approach, even to this day when we're working together. Luke in college was piloting helicopters so he just seamlessly fell right into piloting drones and just kind of like all the technical side of things, like he's just so good with audio and so good with the drone work and so good with the gimbal and obviously he's like so strong and I'm like trying to hold the gimbal. I'm like, oh, I am not that strong all day, but he rocks that thing all day and I'm like you go, sir. So it really we do have that again in Yang. Balance. That really I think a lot of couples feel like on the wedding day they kind of are getting the best of both worlds. Like he's more quiet. I'm definitely the outgoing one, so yeah, it makes it really fun every day.
Speaker 2:So that's crazy, yeah, how like your college and stuff turned into like this business because you loved all that stuff. It's all the pieces just fell right into place. Yeah, really fun.
Speaker 1:Can you walk us through your creative process, from client meeting to the final film delivery?
Speaker 3:Yeah, absolutely so. With each client experience in the luxury market that we're in, we really take to heart building a personal relationship. So, kind of going back to what I just talked about, when we're getting to know our couples, it's their unique story that's really going to take our wedding film to the next level and create an heirloom piece that's just specific for that couple and in order to really get to know them better, I mean, not only are we friends on like Instagram and socials and you know just kind of seeing their day-to-day life we're really working behind the scenes to really kind of get to know more about the couple and their story. At the end of the day, if we don't know their story, it's really hard to kind of craft anything that's personalized to them and really be able to dive in deep to who they are as a couple. Sometimes it can be as simple as the music selection that's, like you know, very personalized to them.
Speaker 3:Sometimes it's the passing of a parent, sometimes it's, you know, maybe they already had a child. It's a lot of different things and it really varies person to person. But I think really spending that time getting to know a couple and the importance on their wedding day it might even be you know, grandma and grandpa being able to attend their wedding and that's like a huge importance to them having them embedded within that heirloom. It really creates such a unique film and customizable heirloom for each of our couples. Sorry, that was another long answer.
Speaker 2:You'll get to as much detail as you want. Trust the people who want to know all this stuff. So, anything you have to give information wise, please. So, just like you said, tailoring specific to these couples and this is their special video of their most important day how do you feel you handle the pressure of filming a once in a lifetime moment that can't be redone?
Speaker 3:Gosh.
Speaker 3:So, again, I think it's building that trust and building that open communication with not only our couples but the entire vendor team, because, at the end of the day, we're not creating the flowers, we're not doing hair and makeup, we're not planning the entire event, we're not the venue hosting the event.
Speaker 3:So I think really relying heavily on the team that you have around you and really the unique artistry that each creative brings to the table, I think really being able to showcase that for the couple is really what is going to create that unique film and really create that luxury experience for the entire vendor team. While we're only doing the video, I feel like photo and video are the last things that we're going to have from that event, that all the vendors that the couple's going to have from the event. But also, I think, really honing in on the vendors and the amount of work that they put in tirelessly behind the scenes and being able to showcase that so they have something to use as well, because I know that in the market that we're in, I think really depending on those people and being able to showcase the products and the artistry that they put forth is really what kind of builds that budding relationship over the next course of our career.
Speaker 1:So yeah, I don't know if that answered the question but I was like I'm starting here and I'm out of here. No, you're good In piggybacking off that. Can you share? What expectations do clients typically have as luxury clients? And then how do you meet and exceed those expectations?
Speaker 3:So I think it kind of we're going to go back, exceed those expectations.
Speaker 3:So I think it kind of we're going to go back a little bit. So I think the definition of luxury is really creating that personalized experience with white glove service for each couple that we have, and I think that's something that kind of differentiates us from a lot of, you know, maybe, startup companies. I think the nerves, I think not getting to know people, not being able to lean into your vendors, not kind of creating that all-encompassing service that we're holding their hand, like quite literally when they book us to years after their wedding date, because we're archiving all that footage so if they were ever to need another edit, we're there to provide that service for them. So I think it's not just like a call book and then we'll see you on the wedding day. It's creating a relationship that's not only going to start with booking but that's going to last, quite literally, for the rest of their lives and hopefully their children's lives too, will be watching, or whoever might be watching. Um, this heirloom sorry, I forgot what the question was now.
Speaker 1:I'm like oh, you answered it okay.
Speaker 3:Oh my god, why am I just like rambling?
Speaker 3:I'm like, oh, I'm so excited, but no, that was perfect and thank you for defining um by that luxury word that we are using throughout this, and I think that that's something that when we host workshops and when we're invited to other workshops and I'm teaching other incredible artists that I'm so lucky that they want me to speak to, I think that that's the biggest question we get is how do you break into that luxury market? What is your definition of luxury and how do I stay there? And I think in everyone's mind it's trying to always reach for more. I feel like you always feel like there's something more out there, but how do you define luxury? And so I think that that's something that everybody's definition is going to be different.
Speaker 3:Everybody's branding is different, I think. I mean look at the economy right now. I think in a lot of people's minds, being able to afford groceries is a luxury. I think that some of our brides going to Hermes and buying a bag that's luxury. So I think really honing in on what luxury is to you and your clientele is the first step in being able to transcend into that elevated space that you're looking for. And, while that might be different for everyone, I think it's just really like knowing your brand, knowing your business and knowing the vendors that are going to curate that experience for that ideal couple as well.
Speaker 2:I like how you said like luxury can be so many different things to so many different people, like it could just be in, like having a vendor that's just hands-on, like you guys like from beginning holding their hands, like couldn't even sometimes maybe it's not even the money aspect of people, it could just be that they're actually taking their time to make sure that we have the best experience for our wedding day, which is, I think, most important. Yes, absolutely. I feel like you've talked about this a little bit, but how do you feel, like, how do you work alongside photographers, planners and vendors on the big day?
Speaker 3:Oh, that's such a great question and I think, again, going back to the beginning, it's open communication. I think it's again, if you haven't worked with somebody, build that relationship, pick up the phone, like, don't send them an email, pick up the phone and get to know them Because, again, you're both, or both companies. All these companies are going in on the wedding day, but especially when it's photo, video and now content creation, which we can't exclude, because that's another huge aspect on these like huge production weddings. Now, I think it's just making sure that everybody understands the couple's vision as well as how much time a company or another vendor team might need to create that couple's vision no two weddings are ever going to be the same as well as their expectations of what they're trying to create.
Speaker 3:We have a huge um with a celebrity this weekend coming up in Beverly Hills and the client really values um Vogue. They were getting it published in Vogue the next day. So we've been on the phone not only with the vendor team, with their lawyers, with Vogue trying to curate not only what the couple needs but what the photographer needs to get that Vogue shot for the cover. Um, and what the couple needs, but what the photographer needs to get that Vogue shot for the cover and what the couple ultimately wants and for them it was okay, we want the cover of Vogue, Awesome, Like, we will get that for you, but after that, what do you want as an heirloom? So again, I think it's going back to the drawing board and really getting to hear how much time the photographer is going to need, where the photographer needs to be in order to capture that you know magnificent image for the cover, and then what we're going to need for the couple to bring their vision to life and to bring it to life not only for us but all the other vendors and publications involved.
Speaker 3:So I think the biggest thing that a lot of, especially looking back to where, when we first started, to where we are now, when we first started, we saw a lot of companies say me, me, me, me, me, how is this going to benefit me?
Speaker 3:Where am I going to go with this Like kind of no communication? I think, as you kind of move up into this different realm and the clients that you're creating for and the different publications you're creating for, it then turns into how can we all collectively create the best end product that is going to be able to collaboratively lift us all. And so I think if a lot of vendors and a lot of teams can go in with that mindset versus like how can I, like you know, up my business, how can I make this about me, I think in the long run it will pay off, and that's been a lot of the instruction and coaching that I've been doing lately with a lot of videographers and photographers that I do these one-on-one calls with is just kind of changing that mindset and once they do, it's a really game changer for them.
Speaker 2:So I like that you brought that up, because yeah, oh, I would just say I like that you brought that up, because I feel nowadays everyone is like that Me, me, me. How can I make my business bigger, better? And obviously there is hundreds and thousands of photographers, videographers, and it's like there's space for everyone. Everyone has a different editing style, everyone shoots differently what have you? But I think it's awesome that, as you're clearly a mentor to other people, saying we need to collectively come together and make it so everyone is successful at the end of the day.
Speaker 3:Yeah, because, again, it's not about us, it's about the couple who hired us, or you know the publication that's going to be featuring everyone and, yeah, when you collectively work as a team, it makes everything and product so much better.
Speaker 1:Can I piggyback off that question? I don't have it written down, but I'm just curious. What does, because you do destination weddings or you leave your hometown even, like this weekend, how do you work with planners and photographers and your vendor team to make sure, when you get on site, you know the space, you know the timeline, you know the property, you know where you're going to be? Do you go out and visit it prior? Do you do online tours? Like what does that process look like to make sure it's burnt into your head.
Speaker 3:Yeah, so, like um, this, um, coming weekend, we're actually flying in a day early. So we do a venue tour, not only with the planner, whom we've worked with before a lot of the bookings that we do. We're very, very grateful for this and lucky in terms of we work with a lot of the luxury planners and photographers and a lot of that's referral from them. So this planner we've done multiple celebrities with, so it's great because she understands our process, how we work, but she also sets aside time for us to arrive early and scout and I think the more prepared you are, the smoother the day is going to go. So, again, arriving a day early, getting to know the lay of the land, where the bride's going to be getting ready, where the groom's going to be getting ready, because it's usually always separate where the ceremony space is going to be Are there different drone certifications that we might need or limitations for that day?
Speaker 3:Does the photographer have a drone? Where will their drone be during, especially the walk down the aisle? All of those different types of moving pieces that I think sometimes people are like oh, how did you get that shot? We didn't just launch the drone two seconds before she walked down the aisle. It's a lot of communication and I think, like establishing that with destination weddings is imperative before we get there. If you're not keeping that open line of communication, the day of will just crumble as well. Because, again, if we're establishing that open communication prior, you know, with phone calls and emails and arriving early and meeting the whole vendor team and and obviously the bride and groom, um, the day of we're we've already talked so much it's just kind of going through the process. It's almost like, um, almost like in a styled shoot, in a sense of we already have each space, so we're just taking them through it, and not only does that help. I think that's going back to one of the first questions that you asked how do you remain calm on a wedding?
Speaker 2:day.
Speaker 3:I think preparedness will absolutely transcend you into such a different mindset on the wedding day, not only for you but for your couple, and I think that they can really feel it If you're like oh my gosh, we're pivoting, we're doing this, a lot of things are out of our control and we all know this on a wedding day.
Speaker 3:Weddings are just very uncontrollable. But I think the more that we can do to prepare and understand and walk them through each kind of like set scene, the smoother the day will go, and I think that's what really helps us with those destination weddings.
Speaker 1:Sorry, I have one more question as she was talking through this because it's fascinating to me. No, it really is so you're just like making my brain you're just, oh, my gosh, I have.
Speaker 2:So many questions, I feel like.
Speaker 1:I'm like a billiard attorney, let's go Doing these high-end and especially celebrity weddings. You're going in with your camera. Like you said, there's lawyers involved, there's there's lots of legality to it. Have you ever been in a spot where, like you're also, you're trying to get footage but you're also dealing with paparazzi or having to maneuver? Can you? Can you speak into?
Speaker 3:that at all.
Speaker 1:Yeah, oh, of course, yeah, and have you ever been considered a pop like did somebody think you were paparazzi? And you're like oh no, I'm, I'm, I have a badge, You're like.
Speaker 2:I'm official. I'm glad to be here.
Speaker 3:No, Um, a lot of oh gosh, probably the last, like, uh, half a dozen celebrity weddings now is a lot of information gets leaked and so that's something that obviously the planner doesn't want, the couple doesn't want, but it happens. So not only does the venue have security, the couple also has security. So now we're dealing with a different level of bodies and I think, being mindful of the space that we're given, so even given this room, when you have, like me, a videographer, a photographer, a content creator, the planner, usually the bride, will have a dress handler with them on these high-end weddings, Hair and makeup team usually hair and makeup has a content creator. There's just so many people and then two or three security guards in there who, quite literally, are like eight feet tall and you know, like it's just a wall. It's just making sure, again, that we're able to get them out of the way for the shot and make sure that everybody is just kind of aware like hey, we're ahead of, you know photo and video and this is how it's going to work.
Speaker 3:But again it's going back to that open communication and like making sure. But again it's going back to that open communication and like making sure. But a lot of the times we sign NDAs so we're not allowed to, like you know, publish anything or speak about the couple. And it's sometimes it's those weddings that you're like gosh, you know that would be a game changer, that would quite literally transcend us into, you know, the different echelon and again, like I don't know what echelon that is, but they pay for that NDA and they pay for that security team and you know they pay for that privacy and, I think, finding that right team and the people that are surrounding them to protect that and that sanctity that they're trying to, you know, withhold, because, again, we're creating an heirloom for them. So making sure that we can create that on the best terms possible, it's always nice. I think that was was that the question.
Speaker 1:I was like what's up? I feel like I start here and then I trip. No, you and me together just went completely off road. Those were not written down.
Speaker 3:I was just I feel like I'm like he's going to have to do some mad editing.
Speaker 1:Because I'm like.
Speaker 2:I'm so sorry, no, you're doing absolutely amazing.
Speaker 1:You are killing it Like, here we go. So do you want me to ask my actual question?
Speaker 2:She's going to ask her actual one now.
Speaker 1:This is the one I actually wrote down. Can you share a moment again, also honoring that you have NDAs? Yes, Can you share a moment that completely surprised you on the job?
Speaker 3:Ooh, I think personalities and I think.
Speaker 2:Of like high-end clients are surprising.
Speaker 3:Stardom, I think, affects people differently no-transcript and everything like that. So from the get-go you're dealing with a lot of personality from the couple. Um, not so much the vendor team, cause we work with them a lot. Personality from the couple, not so much the vendor team because we work with them a lot. I think that's just a whole different level of patience that we have to have, because lawyers are just, they're not vendors, they're not like. It's just a different personality.
Speaker 3:So I think just kind of going into that open and understanding and willing to be able to change contracts, sign NDAs, being open to that and not, and willing to be able to change contracts, sign NDAs, like being open to that and not taking anything to heart is something that I learned very early on that it's not personal, don't take anything personal. It's, even though there's been some instances where I'm like, oh my goodness, like what is going on? That was wild. On the flip side of that, we've been to quite a few of these celebrity NDA weddings where the photographer or another vendor will show up and hire their own content creation team, even with the NDA, and start posting things and that leads to not only a legal issue but it kind of opens this can of worms.
Speaker 2:Well, if they're posting, then what about the rest of us? Yeah, they get to.
Speaker 3:And it just gets really hairy and dicey. And so, going back to the original question of how, have we seen some? Yeah, we've seen some things where the photographer was asked to leave and the second shooter finished out the wedding. Wow, and because they quite literally broke the NDA, it was all over social media like what do you think's gonna happen? Well, and it's a safety concern. So like people knew where this wedding was taking place, people could show up like I have chills, like it's scary.
Speaker 3:I'm like that's crazy it's scary and just for their like safety and the safety of us around us, like you don't. I don't know. You know who's gonna show up. Yeah, people are so asking that lead photographer, who's quite literally one of the best in the world, to leave, and the second shooter to finish out the wedding probably, probably takes the cake in terms of like the craziest experiences that we've seen.
Speaker 1:Can you speak into the shift with social media, Because you started 24 years ago?
Speaker 3:right, yes.
Speaker 1:I think maybe there was there. Even Facebook didn't come out for a few years, I have no idea. Like MySpace but I'm trying. I mean, besides MySpace nobody was doing social media.
Speaker 2:I don't think the iPhone existed yet.
Speaker 1:Can you speak into that social media shift that you've seen in the wedding industry and videography? And then this new world of content creating? Yes, yes, thoughts and feelings on content creation.
Speaker 3:So we started 13 years ago. We've been married for 24 years but, 13 years ago. So anyway, sorry, we've been together for 24 years, married for 13.
Speaker 1:So Facebook was around at that point. Facebook was around, but again.
Speaker 3:I think, looking back into the evolution of social media and how instant everything is and how accessible everything is and how basically anybody with an iPhone is now a content creator or a videographer or a photographer now a content creator or a videographer or a photographer, we've really seen this uptick in how we present to our clients. Even this weekend, I will quite literally be editing while the wedding is still happening, because Vogue needs it quite literally that night. So all the major moments that happened I'm editing and dumping Like it's just. You have to be fast and I think providing that level of service as well as something that in this new age is not not, um, asked for, it's expected. So I think when you realize that and you don't try and fight it and you just have to hire on more people in order to meet those expectations, everything goes smoothly. But if you were to ask me this five years ago, everybody would have been like what is a content creator? I mean a year ago, what is a content creator? What is you know? Oh, no, take your time. My trailer a month later, oh, that's fine.
Speaker 3:Like it wasn't this urgency to be able to post first and from what we've seen with all of our couples as well is, all the guests that are showing up are taking video, taking photos on their G7X and posting, and the couples are like whoa, wait a second.
Speaker 3:So now, a lot of times, especially with the celebrities and the NDAs, there's no phones, there's no cameras. They put their phones and their cameras in a basket. They don't see it till they leave and it I mean honestly, those are the best. That is kind of like the most, like incredible part is like because we're not competing with like oh my gosh, we have to get this out before you know the bridesmaid does, or anything like that, and ruin basically the biggest moments and everything. And while it's on a different level, I think the couples are just expecting that sense of urgency and being able to post first. So that's been something that, as of quite literally this year and kind of really last year, it really transcended into this like we got to be quick and fast and efficient and and usually that means just hiring more manpower like it's bringing in another filmmaker to be able to shoot reception with Luke.
Speaker 3:So I can be like dumping all this footage and cranking out these reels like and sometimes they're only like 10-15 second clips, which doesn't seem like very long, but they're wanting just to be able to post immediately. So and they have to be high quality and high quality so okay, yeah, okay maybe yeah, you push, play and you cut it.
Speaker 1:That that is not the game of editing.
Speaker 3:That is not it.
Speaker 2:No, yeah, I know that's like funny, you say that because I have like a youtuber that I love to watch and she just got married and she did she was in brides, oh okay. So she was like the same thing. Like no one's allowed to post, because if they someone posts then we won't have the cover anymore. And like she's like I want all the vendors to get you know, recognize, like everyone's, like you've said, put so much hard, you know time and effort and you want to make sure everyone's showcased so yeah, I've.
Speaker 2:I've seen that. I mean not like I was there, anything I wish it was but because her wedding look, you were kindly waiting for it.
Speaker 1:I was waiting for the post.
Speaker 2:I really was, because everyone was like I think she's getting married and I was like I know she is because she hasn't posted all weekend you're like it's here oh my gosh, it's crazy how much well we actually talked um, was it?
Speaker 2:I don't know either on episode or daily buzz about the fact that, like you said, a photographer brought their own content creator to a wedding day, which I'm sure obviously they did that for selfish reasons because it's a celebrity wedding, but I just think that's crazy to have a content creator like there for you, like on someone's wedding day.
Speaker 1:I think you just have some PTSD from the spring.
Speaker 2:Maybe I do, I don't know. But yeah, I just think it's crazy that people would hire someone oh on content creation. Well, I do content creation for a wedding venue, oh yeah. So like I'm there getting stuff just for the venue and for the brides and grooms and stuff like that. But I just couldn't imagine like showing up and then say like one of the like a coffee stand vendor, have someone coming there?
Speaker 1:like getting content for them on the day and then, just like I don't know, I just feel like it's weird. No, but I'm referring to the photographer who, like, pulled you aside and was like hey, I need you to follow me around and take videos and pictures of me working.
Speaker 2:This photographer, who wasn't even supposed to be the photographer that was there, the poor couple. It was just like a bad situation that happened to them. I feel so bad for them and I'm literally out there with this random photographer. This guy sent pretty much and does not know what he's doing and he literally goes can you take a video of me getting some content? Like for him. I was like what I was? Like am I in a simulation right now? Like I was just like bro, like you're not even doing your own job and you're going to ask me to take a video of you taking photos. I was just mind blown.
Speaker 2:So we're very passionate about couple focused, people focused. Yeah, not the me me me about very focused. Yeah, yeah, not, and it's me, me that we were talking, yeah and it was just crazy because it's like, even when I'm there on wedding days, like I'm always out of the way behind the photographers and you know video. I never want to get anyone shot who's you know there, but I was just mind blown by that. Yeah, please don't do that please, don't please.
Speaker 3:And it's happening more frequently than I'm sure people would understand I, and it's happening more frequently than I think people would understand. I mean, it's happening not only from, like, the photographer's perspective because and again you kind of look at the way social media is transforming I think Instagram, for instance, was very photo driven for a very long time and now it's very video driven. So photographers, I think, are trying to capitalize on this content creation and integrating content creation into their photography feed, or florists or whoever the vendor may be. So they need that content. But if the couple didn't hire a content creator and this is another tricky situation the couple didn't hire a content creator, but they're just providing the service for free. It's almost like negating the fact that we've worked so hard to set up these different shots that the couple have requested and venue walkthroughs and countless amounts of emails and phone calls and back and forth. It's almost taking the intellectual property that we are putting forth and directing and executing these shots, and then the content creator, who wasn't paid to be there, is showing up and shooting all of this and posting it and it looks high quality, it looks like they directed and shot that and we're not getting tagged and I'm like, oh no, no, this is where we're going to have issues, friends. Like the couple did not contract you, so for me, in my eyes, I don't think that they should be allowed to be there.
Speaker 3:And we're seeing like a huge shift in this industry where a lot of vendors or planners and venues are now cracking down on that. They're not allowing those content creators, unless they're part of the actual photo video team to be there anymore. And the couples are wanting that too, because they're like I don't know you, with 100 followers posting, I spent 25,000 plus on my video team and yet you're dropping all the sneak peeks of what this looks like. Like nope, I did not pay for you and you don't know me. And they're like oh, you know, can I tag you? And they're like no, no, and like it's almost like taking the wind out beneath the sails that they've worked so hard.
Speaker 3:And sometimes, like we know, as you're creating content, the video, the behind the scenes, is never really as good as like. Sometimes it is, but sometimes it's not. And they see that and they're like oh my God, I was doing that and it's almost like ah, and getting them back in the mindset trust, the process, we've got this, it's going to be beautiful. Just, you get out of your head, but they're seeing it instant and it's almost taking them out of the wedding day. And again, it's going back to the fact that we're trying to create an heirloom. We want them to remember this day this is the couple's day but when you're so micro-focused on like me, me, me, post, post, post and it's taking the couple out of that and not allowing them to be present, what's the point of the wedding day then? So I'm really trying to focus back on that and I think a lot of vendors are kind of seeing that shift and being cognizant of the fact that content creation can really derail the wedding day process for the couples.
Speaker 1:So I am very interested to see how the next, like even the next year, and just the content creation world and how that, how it evolves, because it's been kind of a tsunami that's hit us all and we're like oh okay, and the legality behind it and making sure we're honoring the art of the hired photo video team. There's just, it's just a tricky one that I don't think anybody in the industry saw coming, and I mean to be fair, like if the couple hires the content creation team, absolutely Like that.
Speaker 3:Again it's going back to that initial conversation. What are the couple's wants and needs for their wedding day? If they value content creation, full send that content creator are on all of the phone calls, all of the emails, all of the vision, all of the artistry, all of the behind the scenes that we're doing in prep work for their wedding day. But again, when somebody shows up that the couple has never met, that's when I take issue of like wait, you don't know what we're doing. And now you're like, quite literally, we just had this happen.
Speaker 3:A massive, massive destination wedding that we filmed in St Tropez two ago. A couple walking down the aisle. The photographer brought a content creator standing right in the shot of the photographer, on this side, because we both communicated we're going to go left. We're standing here shooting this way and the content creator is this larger man who's like 6'5 and 400 pounds, right in between the father of the bride, handoff, and I'm just like there's nothing we can do, he's just in it. And so that moment, when the bride's crying and the father's crying and that handoff, there's just this random guy and I'm like.
Speaker 3:And when I say, the bride had choice words after that, oh, and it was after the ceremony, but again she remembered that moment and I'm like, instead of remembering, the wedding and I think to me it was like we communicated we're going left, everybody knew we were going left and the content creator, I don't know, didn't hear, just didn't care and said now this is the shot and they're gonna have that in their film and their photos, that moment of the tears and the groom being all emotional, accepting his bride. You know like that moment is now. So again, I think it not to just harp on that content creator, but going back to the open communication and who is there for the couple, not the me aspect, it goes such a long way, such a long way, oh, my god, they give me anxiety just like thinking about that like.
Speaker 3:I'm stressed for that content creator because I bet she went in on him as she should have yep, but that's not you know, and that's not something I would ever want a bride to have to do on a wedding day. I want them to be happy and joyful. And again it's taking her out of why she's there, what the purpose is, and bringing her somewhere else where I'm like oh no, we worked so hard to keep you seamless and happy all day. And that again just speaks to the difference in level of service and luxury that we're providing, and when people don't meet those standards, the whole team fails. Yeah.
Speaker 2:Okay, am I up next.
Speaker 1:Yes, I was like sorry, no, you're not.
Speaker 2:This is how it should be, but we just ramble sometimes and I'm like wait, is it my turn?
Speaker 3:or is it her turn? No, I feel like I'm just going on.
Speaker 2:No, you're totally good. Okay, so as we talked about luxury, you've been in Vogue, brides, people and more. How did you even break into the luxury business?
Speaker 3:Gosh, really it was Instagram. And, going back to social media, it was us posting clips, posting highlight reels and, I think, the unique oddities that I love to film. So I did this film on a ballerina. Um, actually, here at Scorpion Gulch, it's this like deserted, like rundown, um, like building. It has an open ceiling and, gosh, this was the day when, like Instagram, was really starting to prioritize this, like 10 years ago. Um, like when we could start posting video, and I was like, gosh, nobody's posting like artistic, like cinema, and that's what I'm really drawn to with my documentary work and I was like that would be so cool just to see kind of like ads but like make it art and really like push, push the envelope in terms of cinematography and what we can do. And I think that's like how you grow as an artist. You see, you have an idea, you have a vision and you create it and try and bring it to fruition.
Speaker 3:And so, um, one of my girlfriends is a ballerina and I was like, hey, can you put on this dress? And my photographer friend shot it and we had a florist brought into it and that went viral. And it was that viral clip that just kind of took off when we started seeing an uptick in the inquiries that we were getting from wedding planners across the world. They were like, are you the one that created this ballerina film? And we put it on our website. And it was like that was us. So I think that for us, it was creating something that was uniquely our own and not something that everybody else was doing in terms of vision and artistry and cinematography work, and that was what captured and took us to our first destination wedding, and that one was actually in Georgia.
Speaker 3:Shout out to my friend, emily Burton. Now we're friends and now I've flown all over with her and she's this incredible planner in Georgia and we still, to this day, we do multiple weddings with her a year, and so I think it was again. She was drawn to that art and she said if that transcended into something like a wedding, what could she create? And from there you book your first one and then it just kind of snowballs, it just kind of exploded across the nation and then exploded into Italy and France and all these other really unique Iceland, all these crazy places that we're going to, and I think just staying true to like what you're drawn to and what you want to create is what really set us apart from other videography companies at the time.
Speaker 3:And I think that's my biggest piece of advice, too for maybe other videographers or photographers or content creators If you're passionate about something or you have an idea, go for it, because if you don't, and you don't create it, you'll never be able to bring that to fruition, and who knows where that might lead. So, even if you're not getting paid for it, but you're passionate about it and you think that that is your new branding, please go for it, because it might take you somewhere that you've never been before.
Speaker 1:I love that. What suggestions do you have for couples looking to hire a wedding videographer? What should they be looking for?
Speaker 3:Do your research, and I think not only doing your research in terms of watching numerous films, looking at numerous galleries if it's a photographer they're hiring, maybe interviewing past couples. That's also the power of social media that I highly recommend, which is really cool. We've had numerous brides be like, hey, I had this potential bride reach out to me and ask what it was like working with you. It's really cool because they see those tags and they reach out to the bride and kind of get that reassurance that we are who we say we are. I think it's really establishing that communication early and getting to know the people that you're hiring, not just an artistic basis.
Speaker 3:How are they going to be on your wedding day? Because they might create some of the most impeccable imagery Vogue Brides, elle in the world. But are they nice? Do you like them? Do you want them with you all day on your wedding day? Are they going to put you in a certain mood? Are they going to bring the best out of you? And I think I mean, obviously I'm not for everyone, my husband's not for everyone but finding that right team that's going to make you feel the most at ease and the most confident, I think, is what if I could recommend most to anybody? Just keep the conversations going and make sure that you are compatible, because it's the biggest day that you're investing on and you know creating an heirloom that will not only last that day but years to come that we want you to have the best memory of okay.
Speaker 2:Next question what trends are you seeing in wedding videography? Is there anything overrated or underrated?
Speaker 3:Oh, gosh, trends, gosh. Right now, you know, I feel like trends really come and go. I'm seeing a lot of Super 6 film, which I love.
Speaker 1:Like.
Speaker 3:I think it's like super cool, like I think that's like you know the vintage camera and film and setting in the roles. I think that's cool and that really comes in waves. It really does Like sometimes it's hot, sometimes people are like, eh, like, I want the crystal clear 4k. You know, cinematic version, not, you know the, the older films. So that's kind of I see a lot of that like floating around right now.
Speaker 3:Um, I think right now it's for us like in terms of bookings and what we're booking and projected for for 2026 and now 2027, multi-day celebration. So it's not just one day that we're capturing the wedding on, it's a three-day event. And so when we're going in this, this couple has three separate you know extravagant parties that they're throwing. Couple has three separate you know extravagant parties that they're throwing. But, with that being said, I think it's it's creating multiple different reels for that one weekend, which is really cool. So we'll film the you know the welcome party on a yacht and they want that reel like that night.
Speaker 3:And I think, again, it's kind of lending back to the urgency of posting. They're not wanting anybody else to post till they post. So that's, I think, a trend is just how quickly they can get that out. So again we're shooting it. I'm on that yacht. I'm quite literally with my little bangle uploading and I'm like, oh, look at this, you know, and so it's just how fast we can get that and making sure we have the team to accommodate those requests. So I think that multi-day celebrations and the quickness the urgency to get that.
Speaker 2:You're like okay.
Speaker 3:So I would say that that's definitely the trends that we're seeing right now in the wedding world.
Speaker 1:for us, why should couples hire love story film If you haven't already sold us?
Speaker 3:I know you're hurting her.
Speaker 1:I'm like I don't really have to say anything else.
Speaker 3:I mean it was Boss gosh.
Speaker 3:No, I think again.
Speaker 3:Every couple is unique, every personality is exceptionally their own and I think Luke and I have that unique combination of a husband and wife team that, where we've worked together for so long, we have quite literally the best filmmakers in the world that we bring onto our team to help us take these extravagant events to the next level.
Speaker 3:So I think, just knowing that we're there to serve them with that white glove service from the minute that we're hired all the way, years past our wedding day, I mean a lot of my brides are still some of my dear friends that like they'll just text me like I'm pregnant, I'm like, ah, like it's just like seeing them through all their next phases of life or, you know, sometimes it's not the greatest news and editing something curated for them out of the wedding footage that we've had, um, you know, in the archives for 10 plus years, and being able to pull that and just send to them as like a memento, you know if somebody passes or something it's just those little, um, I think, considerations that a lot of people are drawn to with Luke and I, and I think when they they see the passion behind that and the level of service that we're providing them, not just from a deliverable perspective but from a personal perspective, that we care, I think that's what kind of sets us apart from other companies.
Speaker 1:Thank you for sharing.
Speaker 2:Okay, so obviously you have an amazing brand business. What advice would you have for people trying to break into the business and anything that you would suggest to make sure nothing legally happens? Yes, we talked about this prior to the recording.
Speaker 3:So and this is something that, as maybe you're just starting your first LLC, you're looking to maybe start a content creation team or a wedding planning. It really is universal. Do your research. Make sure that not only are you creating a unique brand that no one else has the name of, but that you quite literally get that LLC, get it formally filed. You're doing all the legality purposes behind that, paying your taxes, of course. Start thinking about a trademark. That's something that if I could really go back and kick myself, if I wish I would have done it sooner. Trademark your name.
Speaker 3:We're going through quite a legal process right now, with people piggybacking off of love story films, and, while I can't say much more than that right now, I think protecting your business is like quite literally the only thing that you have to your name and your livelihood, and for Luke and I, that's it your livelihood, and for Luke and I, that's it. And so if somebody can come in and take that away from you, or you know, take away, you know basically, gosh, let me. How do I, how do I word this? What's the right verbiage? I was like, how did my lawyer say this? Basically, like what's the word?
Speaker 3:Like watering down your brand, but it's not the right term, um, but basically just like piggybacking off your brand, watering down the, the brand and the imagery and the, the name that you've created, and um being able to reap the rewards off of that. Just make sure that you're you're taking all the necessary steps to protect yourself, and that, um, yeah, steps to protect yourself. And that, yeah, I wish I would have done that sooner.
Speaker 1:Well, and I think the other thing is, you're not just protecting your business, you're protecting your art and your legacy. Yes, those are the things like at the root of it. That is something that you have built from blood, sweat and tears, from the heart. This is your legacy for your kids to know that this is what you've created.
Speaker 2:So protecting that business is Well, and it sucks when you're as great as you guys are. And then if someone to piggyback and then to think like, oh, is that their work that they're doing, but you guys aren't, you're someone else, but someone's trying to piggyback, steal, I mean you'd hope it's not malicious in any way, but it's like you never want any of that to happen it diminishes your brand exactly.
Speaker 3:You've worked so hard to build this. Yeah, art, and this baby yeah, this little baby and um. So, yeah, just thinking about, I think, for, um, maybe a new person, or if you already have your brand established and you already have your name out there, your LLC filed. Just think about trademarks, just think about, you know, is that sometimes it's people's names? But I think we just saw that in the news, like even like what was that Sierra Mist?
Speaker 2:Like that whole thing and they like rebranded and that legal issue.
Speaker 3:But anyway, I would just really highly tell people just trademark. So she's saying just do it. Just do it. It's not that much to file. I think it's like 350 bucks. Just invest, Take that money, invest it and just think you're safeguarding your future.
Speaker 1:For sure. For videographers looking to expand their business. Do you offer any mentorship or education programs?
Speaker 3:we do, yes, so I I love this. So, um, while we do do um quite a few um workshops, like usually, we try to do one a year. This year, um, we did one in spring and I wanted to do one in fall, but we're, I can't. I was like we're, we're like we're spread too, but we're, I can't. I was like we're in Europe eight more times and I'm like I don't know what's up from down right now.
Speaker 3:So I'm like, I'm just focusing everything on the couples, but I do offer one-on-one mentorships, which is incredible because I do like zoom meetings and so we're pulling up everything. They submit all these answers or questions to me and I give them like live answers. I'm going through all of their work, helping them learn everything from like color grading to brand strategy, to bringing you know their vision to fruition with you know. Different again, like kind of going back to the ballerina film, like I have this idea, like what do you think of this? Like, yes, let's, let's bring it in motion, let's, let's bring it in motion, let's, let's bring this. And basically just getting to know them again.
Speaker 3:It's kind of going back to like getting to know our couples, getting to know them as artists and creatives and where they want to take their business. Again, it's kind of like with our couples like no two weddings are the same, no two businesses are the same. So where do they want to bring their business? Where do they see? You know they need a little bit more help, whether proposals or website or whatever it may be, maybe just simple filming or color grading. I really cover everything on those one-on-one calls. So, yeah, just go to our website and I gosh, I probably meet with a new filmmaker or past filmmaker once every two weeks, so it's really fun. It kind of breaks up the monotony of editing, but yeah, I love it very passionate about it.
Speaker 1:well, molly, thank you so much for being here with us today. If you are interested in love story films or are wanting to check them out, um, you can find them at their website, lovestoryfilmscom, or on Instagram at lovestoryfilms. Bye, bye.