Bridgett + Tim
Intro - This was a really fun couple, and so I would recommend starting the film on more of a fun note.
Ex. the story of Tim swapping dates, eating cheeseburgers, Bridgett’s competitiveness, etc.
You’re essentially showing that these two are the perfect match for each other in a light hearted way. Get to their personality right away.
Whoever is the first speaker is in the film, I typically use them to close out the film as well. So find someone that really establishes the theme.
I’m imagining a song like “Easy Love” instrumental version or something with a beat like that.
If you watch any of my films, you’ll see that I almost always jump right into a moment. Whether it’s a first look, a story, an engaging welcome, etc. In this film as well, we need to do that as well. Essentially, I want a cold open — and for this couple, I think it should be funny. This video explains that.
Introducing Characters + Building to and through the Ceremony
I really want us to do a better job of building a story line and I think you can use the first looks to help.
Essentially, get dad talking about Bridgett and then go into their first look. This will add significantly more emotional weight to the moment.
The same for Bridgett + Tim. Build up the anticipation through story so that when they see each other it’s impactful.
If there is any audio from those moments we can use, I would like to.
Ideally, have them turn around to see each other on the biggest beat in the song.
Definitely bring in more sound bites from other people to really make the film feel more meaningful.
I think I’m leaning towards using an instrumental song like “Airborne” it’s pretty awesome.
Build the story and anticipation as much as possible, feel free to bring in more quotes from the rehearsal dinner that talk about them as a couple and less fluff from the ceremony. They weren’t a very religious couple, so I’d skip most of the ceremony stuff except for vows + pronouncement.
This song has a big dip in it and then it explodes again, either use that dip for a moment (maybe 1st look or good speech), or use that for the vows/pronouncement and then have them kiss when it explodes. However you do it, just put big moments on the big moments in the song.
The film below gives you an example of a typical film flow for me.
The Celebration
After they kiss, I like for it to immediately feel like a celebration. BIG energy + excitement and that includes the music as well.
For music, I’m thinking something like “Don’t stop.” If that doesn’t work, you could use something like:
“Edge of Forever” coming in around 4:03 in the song or “Love this Life.”
I still want some speeches in the party scene that are affirming, celebratory, or bring us back to the main theme from the beginning.
Right now, there’s lots of slowmo in the reception. Get rid of all of that and make it very exciting fun.
