30 Questions Every Luxury Wedding Videographer Should Ask for Seamless Storytelling

At Story Of Your Day, we don’t simply create wedding films – we craft cinematic time capsules. Immersive, soulful, and story-driven, our films are designed to transport couples back to the feeling of their wedding day with authenticity and artistry. We are Purveyors of Time Travel through Cinematic Storytelling – and that philosophy begins long before a single frame is filmed.

In the world of luxury weddings and multi-day events, collaboration is key. Whether I’m commissioned by a couple directly or brought on board by their planner, my process is rooted in thoughtful preparation and trust. Over the years, I’ve found that asking the right questions early on – about the couple, the logistics, and the creative vision – lays the groundwork for a film that is not only seamless and elevated but deeply personal.

Above is a film of the beautiful luxury wedding at Fairmont Montreux Palais in Switzerland, planned by Savina Uldry.

This post isn’t a checklist for couples, nor is it intended to tell planners how to do their job. Instead, it offers insight into my process – what I ask, what I listen for, and how I align with the planning team to ensure that every element of the day is captured with care, intention, and integrity.

Because when we’re aligned from the very beginning, that’s when the magic happens.

As Cynthia, owner and planner at Château Challain, puts it:

“When it comes to videography, I prioritise working with professionals who are not only talented but also open-minded, respectful, and sensitive to the unique stories of each couple. I use my trusted network to connect clients with videographers who are a perfect fit – whether that means someone experienced in capturing LGBTQ+ love stories, like Hunter and Riley’s, or someone who understands the cultural and religious nuances of ceremonies with specific filming requirements, such as Muslim weddings or other faith-based celebrations.”

This guide is shaped not just by my own experiences, but also by the wisdom of planners I’ve worked alongside and admired for their excellence, attention to detail, and unwavering client advocacy.

Throughout this post, you’ll see insights from some of the most respected planners in the industry – those who understand the value of collaboration and what it really takes to capture a wedding in all its glory. I’m grateful to them for sharing their perspective and reinforcing the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork at every stage of the process.

1. Understanding the Clients’ Vision

How I begin every story – with emotional tone, key moments, and a clear sense of what matters most.

At Story Of Your Day, we didn’t adopt storytelling. We led with it.

It’s been at the heart of everything I do from the very beginning – long before it became a buzzword in the industry.

For me, it’s never just about documenting a wedding. It’s about understanding what matters to the couple and creating a film that reflects that with honesty and intention. Before I begin filming, I take the time to understand their values, their dynamic, and the feeling they want to take away from the day.

These are the conversations I start with:

1. Do they prefer a discreet, observational approach or something more stylised?
I work in a naturally unobtrusive way, but every couple’s preferences are different. Understanding this helps me strike the right tone and presence on the day.

2. What mood or emotional tone do they want the film to reflect?
Romantic, Party-vibe, Fun – whatever they envision, it becomes a foundation for the narrative.

Images of different style of weddings from an intimate elopement in nature in Switzerland, a luxury 3-day wedding celebration in Paris and an adventure ski wedding in Austria.

3. Have they seen wedding films they liked or didn’t connect with?
I do not replicate or copy – This merely gives me insight into their taste and how I can tailor the experience.

4. Are there specific moments they don’t want me to miss?
Everyone has a different idea of what’s most important. Knowing this early helps me prioritise, prepare and plan. Spontaneity is great … but any planned surprises for the guests or for the couple should never come as a surprise to me or the photographers.

5. Are there any cultural elements or family traditions to be aware of?
These often carry deep meaning, and I want to honour them in the right way.

Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J notes:

“At Elegante, we work with a lot of Jewish and interfaith couples, so we collaborate closely with our photographers and videographers to ensure all unique and culturally specific elements of the wedding are captured. These weddings are logistically complex and often span multiple locations. No two Jewish weddings are ever the same, so close communication is essential to capturing what’s most meaningful to each couple.”

Understanding these things at the start ensures that what I create is not only well-crafted, but also completely personal to them. That’s how I begin building a film that’s true to their story – one they’ll want to return to again and again.

This stunning Jewish wedding in France was filmed in 2018 and I have just remastered it in 2025 – by that, I mean updated the colour grading and I added my new logo. Aside from that, this film needed no changes because it stands the test of time … a testament to my ethos.

A stunning Jewish Wedding in the South of France

2. Building a Connection with the Couple

Why forming a relationship early – whether through the couple or firstly with their planner – makes all the difference.

At Story Of Your Day, every film begins with the people at its heart. It’s never just about the wedding – it’s about the couple, their story, and how they want it remembered.

Whether I’m approached directly or through a planner, building a connection with the couple early on helps me earn their trust and understand what really matters to them. It’s through this relationship that a professional bond often evolves into something more genuine – a sense of ease and familiarity that allows everyone to feel relaxed on the day itself. That connection forms the foundation of a film that feels deeply personal, authentic, and true to who they are.

And these are the conversations that shape that connection before the wedding day itself:

6. How did they meet, and what’s the story behind their relationship?
Understanding their journey so far helps shape a narrative that feels honest and grounded.

7. What do they want their wedding film to reflect about them as a couple?
Every relationship is different. The tone and energy of the film should reflect that – whether it’s joyful, romantic, laid back or something entirely their own.

8. What’s most important to them about their wedding day – or the overall celebration?
For some, it’s about intimate moments and emotional connection. For others, it’s about hosting a spectacular experience for guests. Both are valid – and knowing their priorities guides how I approach filming.

9. Are there specific people or moments they want me to focus on?
A close friend, a grandparent, a meaningful part of the ceremony – these shape the emotional core of the film.

10. How do they hope to feel when they watch their film back years from now? This helps define the legacy they want to create, and what emotions should be woven through the film.

I love this quote which is a perfect reflection of the importance of feelings in the moment …

At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel

MAYA ANGELOU

This is the core ethos behind what we do at Story Of Your Day because for us, this is all that matters. That our clients can look back on their day and remember it exactly as it was. It is a true reflection of their day. Every wedding is different, every story … and so it goes that every wedding film is different from the last one. If you don’t get to the bottom of your clients story then the wedding films you make will be at best boring and at best formulaic.

This ethos is demonstrated in this film, the wedding of Brittany and Ryan, who followed in her grandparents footsteps and traveled from Texas to Switzerland to marry in a beautiful church in the Sertig Valley. The exact same church where Pops and Tootsie married just after World War 2.

11. If the enquiry came through a planner, how should I get to know the couple?
I’m always guided by what works best for the team. Whether it’s a quick call, an in-person meet, or something more informal, building rapport with the couple – even briefly – makes a difference in the final result.

Michelle adds:

“Our approach is always to meet on a Zoom call with our videographer, with me there to facilitate the introductions. This level of personal trust and warmth makes all the difference on the wedding day.”

The strongest films are never surface-level. They come from real connection – and from asking the right questions early on.

3. Designing the Experience

From logistics to team dynamics, here’s how I ensure every frame is intentional – no matter how complex the celebration.

As any experienced planner or vendor knows, a wedding is the ultimate live event. There are no rehearsals, no replays – just one chance to get it right.

At Story Of Your Day, I bring the same level of preparation and focus I developed during my years at the BBC working on live broadcasts. That experience taught me the value of precision and presence – skills that I now bring to every wedding and multi-day celebration I film.

Here’s what I ask to ensure I’m aligned with the planner, the team, and the flow of the day:

This is the Trailer from the wedding of Shweta and Rahul – who had several ceremonies within their Indian wedding celebration, all of which were mini-live-events which had to be captured spontaneously … but meticulously planned so not a second was missed.

It’s so crucial to manages clients’ expectations and understanding that a wedding is a live event – It takes a huge of expertise to choreograph this by the planner and capture by the creatives.

12. How many days of coverage are required, and what does the overall schedule look like?
Understanding the scope early helps shape the team, approach, and deliverables.

13. What are the locations and travel plans between them?
For multi-venue weddings, knowing this in advance ensures seamless transitions between coverage points.

14. Are there any timing sensitivities or restricted filming windows at key venues?
From drone regulations to religious ceremony protocols – these are things we need to factor into our plan.

15. What vendors are already confirmed, and how can we best work together?
Photographers, lighting teams, production crews – it’s important to know who’s involved so we can coordinate effectively.  Something I do without fail before every single wedding is speak to all key vendors to make sure we are on the same page to achieve the best possible result.

Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J shares:

“Anyone who has worked with Team Elegante before will know that the wedding-day timeline we work from is extensive, and we always send the relevant parts of it to suppliers so we are all (literally!) on the same page… When a multi-day or multi-site wedding is taking place, ensuring everyone knows and is comfortable with the logistics is vital.”

16. Are there any visual surprises, performances, or special moments that aren’t on the official timeline?
These often make for the most compelling footage – if I know about them in advance, I won’t miss them. Again, it’s all in the planning even when it looks like a surprise on the day – both the photography and videography team will know all about this in advance.

When Dan from Bastille sings; Choreographed dances with bridal couples ; Surprise performance by singing waiters

17. Will a rehearsal or venue recce be required beforehand?
For large-scale events, I often visit venues or attend key walkthroughs to anticipate any technical or logistical challenges.

18. What level of discretion is expected on the day?
This is something I feel strongly about. At Story Of Your Day, we work with quiet intention – present but never imposing. Some clients want complete subtlety, while others are comfortable with a more visible approach. Knowing expectations in advance helps me and my team strike the right balance.

I spoke about this in more depth in “When Did Wedding Films Stop Being About Weddings?”, a piece I wrote reflecting on the current shift towards style over substance. For me, the focus will always be on the people, not the production.

Chenai Bukutu adds:

“We only have one shot to get it right. Strong communication is one of the most important things on a wedding day, communicating five steps ahead… to ensure all suppliers are poised at the right time.”

Every element of a wedding – especially a high-end, multi-day celebration – is interconnected. My job is to work quietly behind the scenes to bring it all together through film, without disrupting the rhythm of the event itself.

At Story Of Your Day, collaboration isn’t just a value – it’s how we work.

Before moving into privacy and discretion, it’s important to recognise the people who make seamless storytelling possible — the planners.

At Story Of Your Day, being attuned to people and moments isn’t just a strength — it’s how we work.
We adapt to timeline changes without fuss, anticipate needs before they arise, and support the overall vision without ever disrupting it.

We see ourselves as part of the team, working quietly alongside planners, photographers, production crews, and every creative partner involved to help the day unfold naturally.

This philosophy shapes everything we do:

• We check in early.
• We prepare thoroughly.
• We communicate clearly.
• We show up ready, long before the day begins.

Whether through clear communication, respect for the planning process, or being a supportive part of the wider vendor team, my focus is always on making the experience seamless – for planners, for creative partners, and most importantly, for the couple.

Because the best results come when everyone is aligned from the very start.

4. Privacy, Discretion & Trust

Why trust matters, and how I ensure every story is handled with the respect and discretion it deserves.

When working with high-profile clients or ultra-luxury events, discretion isn’t just expected – it’s essential.

At Story Of Your Day, I approach every commission with a deep understanding that this is someone’s most personal day. Often, there are sensitivities involved – whether it’s a high-profile guest list, a client who values their privacy, or simply a couple who want to be fully present without the sense of being filmed.

Trust is the foundation of everything I do. That trust begins with open conversations and clear expectations.

19. Will a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) be required?
Whether initiated by the client, planner or myself, I’m always happy to work under NDA if required.

20. Are there high-profile guests or situations that require extra discretion?
It’s important to know in advance where heightened sensitivity is needed – so I can adjust my presence and approach.

21. Are the couple comfortable being filmed, or do they need extra reassurance?
Some clients are camera-shy or feel uncertain about being filmed. Knowing this early allows me to build trust and work more gently on the day.

22. Are there specific areas or moments that should remain off-camera?
Sometimes it’s about honouring a private family moment, or respecting cultural or religious traditions. These are boundaries I’m always careful to uphold.

23. Are there particular concerns around how the footage is used, shared or stored?
My post-production workflow is secure and client-focused. But if there are any restrictions or special requests, I’ll always make them a priority.

As Chenai Bukutu puts it:

“Confidentiality, discretion and sensitivity apply no matter how high-profile the guests are, or how big or small the event. Capturing moments while remaining unobtrusive is key in delivering for our clients.”

As Michelle Jacobs notes:

“It’s important to work with vendors who respect the role of discretion and trust when working with high-profile and private clients.”

Ultimately, I want clients and planners to feel completely confident that their story is in safe hands – from the way I film to how I deliver and store the final product. That trust gives everyone the space to be present and enjoy the celebration as it’s meant to be.

5. Defining the Deliverables

Setting expectations around what’s delivered because clarity leads to creativity.

At Story Of Your Day, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all packages. Every couple, every celebration, and every story deserves a film that’s crafted to reflect its unique rhythm, energy, and soul.

That’s why I take time early on to discuss exactly what the client wants – and what I can offer to make that happen.

Here’s what I ask:

24. What kind of film(s) are they hoping for – feature, highlights, teaser, or something else?
Some clients want a longer, emotionally layered piece. Others prefer a shorter, punchier highlight – or both. Understanding this early helps shape the structure of the final delivery. I also let all my clients know that I hold onto their footage for a year, so if they wish to upgrade or add edits after the wedding day, that option is always available.

25. Will they require social media edits or vertical formats?
More and more, clients ask for short-form edits optimised for Instagram or TikTok. I’m happy to provide these – but it’s helpful to know in advance.

26. What tone and pace are they drawn to in a film?
Do they like slower, more emotive storytelling? Or something energetic and upbeat? This shapes the narrative arc and music choices in post-production.

27. What’s their preferred turnaround time? Luxury clients often have high expectations- rightly so. I always strive to balance quality with efficiency, and I set clear, realistic timelines from the outset. That said, for clients who require a faster delivery, I offer an expedited service – ideal for those who want to relive their celebration sooner or share it during post-wedding events.

28. Do they expect to have input during the editing process? While I always welcome conversations around tone and pacing, my clients choose to work with me because they trust me to tell their story with integrity and intention. That includes making editorial choices that serve the narrative – not just what looks good on screen. When it comes to music, I carefully curate licensed tracks that match the emotion of the day, while ensuring we remain legally compliant. The best films happen when creative trust is established from the start.

This is also where planners often play an important role – helping communicate any post-wedding expectations or upcoming events where the film might be shared.

As planner Chenai Bukutu notes:

“Professional videographers are the experts in their field… but you can never plan too early to ensure that flawless coverage is captured and that we deliver the day of our client’s dreams.”

Clear deliverables don’t limit creativity. They give us the foundation to create something meaningful, with purpose. And that’s what my couples expect – a film that goes beyond the expected, and captures what words can’t.

Clear communication at this stage ensures that no one is guessing, and everyone is excited about what’s to come. It also reinforces something that sets me apart – these films are not churned out or templated. They are shaped, frame by frame, to reflect the story only that couple could tell.

6. Costs, Transparency & Collaboration

Because clarity and mutual respect create the strongest partnerships.

At Story Of Your Day, I offer a range of carefully curated packages, but these are always intended as a starting point. Most commissions are built from tailored quotes, crafted around the scale, complexity, and vision of the celebration. No two events – or clients – are the same, and I believe the investment should reflect that. This approach allows both planners and couples the flexibility they need, while ensuring the final film is as unique as the story it tells.

That said, I also know how important it is to be transparent about expectations from the outset – especially when it comes to investment, team size, and collaboration.

29. Do they have a working budget for videography, or do we need to explore that together?
Understanding their budget early helps me shape a realistic proposal. For larger events that span multiple days, require second shooters, or involve complex logistics, I ensure that’s reflected clearly.

30. Are planner commissions to be included?
If a planner commission is standard practice, I’m happy to build that in from the outset. Clear and open conversations are key – it’s about creating a partnership where everyone feels valued.

At the heart of all this is collaboration. I see planners not just as organisers, but as creative allies. My best work has always come from strong partnerships – where we align early, communicate openly, and move as a team on the day.

As planner Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J shares:

“When a multi-day or multi-site wedding is taking place, ensuring everyone knows and is comfortable with the logistics is vital… We are in frequent, close contact with our photography and videography teams – working as a team to understand which elements have been incorporated for each couple and capturing them accordingly.”

And as Chenai Bukutu adds:

“Seamless coordination is imperative between every supplier… especially the photo and video teams who are responsible for telling the story of the day. We rely on our suppliers to bring their A game—and a big part of that is keeping in communication as the day unfolds.”

In the world of luxury weddings, there’s no room for cookie-cutter service. Everything we do should feel considered, intentional, and completely in service of the couple’s experience. That’s what the right partnerships make possible – and it’s why I value every opportunity to work closely with planners who share that same belief.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a couple planning your wedding or a planner orchestrating an extraordinary event, I hope this insight into my process has shown just how much thought, care, and collaboration goes into each and every film I create.

These 30 questions aren’t just about logistics – they’re about connection, clarity, and capturing the heart of your celebration with intention. When planners and videographers work in harmony, we create something that’s not only beautiful, but meaningful and enduring.

As Cynthia also shares:

“As a planner of Château Challain, my goal is to ensure that every love story is captured with authenticity, care, and deep respect for each couple’s values and traditions. Emma fits this ethos perfectly.”

If you’re a planner looking to work with a videographer who values discretion, creative collaboration, and storytelling with substance, you can learn more about how I work with planners here.

And if you’re a couple searching for a film that’s truly reflective of your story, you’ll find more about my approach and portfolio here.

Let’s create something unforgettable, together.