September 7, 2024 was a day to remember for Jessica, Jim, and their family and friends! The couple hosted a beautiful wedding at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Illinois. Despite booking their wedding videography late in the planning process, the couple quickly realized how important it was to capture the big moments of their day, and we over-delivered on what they hired us for. Let us take you through it all, and explain why you won't regret hiring a wedding videographer!
Jessica and Jim came to us late in their planning process because they initially didn't prioritize having a wedding videographer. However, after getting some advice from friends who recently got married, the couple decided they needed one! They reached out to us with only a couple of months until their big day -- luckily, we had the date open!
In talking with Jessica, she said they were really only interested in documenting the really big moments during the day -- her first looks, private vow readings, the ceremony, and the speeches at the reception. We totally understand how this is a priority for couples on their wedding day! Given their short timeline for booking a vendor, we created a custom package for Jessica and Jim that had us there for seven hours, capturing all of those big moments. But as you'll soon find out, those weren't the only moments we captured that day.
The day went off without a hitch! It was a cooler September day, but the sun was shining and there wasn't a cloud in the sky! We arrived at Jessica and Jim's suite where the Bride and bridesmaids were getting ready. While waiting for the first look with Jessica's Dad to happen, Jessica was putting the finishing touches on her look. Of course we had to get some shots of that! Jessica looked stunning and we were able to get beautiful footage of her.
Then she had her first look with her Dad and then her Bridesmaids. Everyone was so obsessed with her dress and accessories. She seriously looked like a Barbie doll! We loved watching all of her friends surround her with love right after the reveal.
Next up was the big moment - Jessica and Jim's first look and private vow reading. We rode on a golf cart to the first look location on a quiet part of the golf course, under trees. It was the perfect spot for this! Jim was already there, facing away from Jessica while she got in position. As soon as Jim turned around, you could tell he was overwhelmed by the sight. Huge smiles from both and lots of hugs as the two took in the sight of each other - it was truly special! They took some portraits, and again, we snagged some footage of that. It was impossible to NOT capture their love! Finally, the two read their private vows to each other, each getting emotional and wiping away happy tears. We're so lucky we're able to witness such beautiful moments of love!
Before the ceremony, the couple took more portraits and then photos with the bridal party. We were along for the ride and shot some fun stuff during this time! Then, it was time for the ceremony, held outside overlooking the golf course. It was a heartfelt ceremony, with Jessica and Jim's friend officiating. He did a great job telling the couple's story, how they began dating in high school and went long-distance in college. You could tell these two were meant to be! The ceremony ended with a joyous walk down the aisle, complete with a mid-aisle dip and kiss. We love those moments!
During cocktail hour, we couldn't resist getting some footage of Jessica and Jim mingling with their friends and family. We love these moments because we know it can be such a blur for the couple. We love capturing the hugs and smiles as they see everyone there to support them.
The reception started with a bang! Jessica and Jim's bridal party brought the energy as they made their grand entrances, and Jessica and Jim arrived to Blink-182's "First Date" and a huge embrace by their bridal party. It got the party started for sure! Their cake cutting followed and then dinner was served.
Finally, we captured Jessica's dance with her Dad, Jim's dance with his Mom, and the couple's first dance. The speeches from Jim's older brother and Jessica's friends were funny, personal, and heartfelt. How special that these two have them recorded and can watch them year after year!
When all was said and done, we had captured more footage than Jessica and Jim asked for. We of course gave them copies of their first looks, vows, ceremony, and everything that happened at the reception, but there was so much more they hadn't seen. I asked Jessica if they would be interested in a short recap video for an additional cost and she said yes! I was so excited to put something together for her -- the footage deserved to be seen! About a month later, I delivered to them a 3 minute recap video, which included soundbites from their vows, clips throughout the day, and all of the big moments from the ceremony and reception. I believe Jessica's reaction says it all: "Omg Allison, we just watched the recap video and omg we are OBSESSED!!! It is so so amazing!! It is absolutely perfect!! I will be watching this a thousand times!!"
To couples getting married -- don't skip on hiring a videographer. I know we're biased, but you will not regret having these things documented, and I believe Jessica and Jim are a true testament to that. It doesn't have to feel like a big production, especially with us. We are just along for the ride on your wedding day, capturing things as they happen so you can remember it later. So many things happen on a wedding day and it can be hard to remember it all. Photos are a great way to document, of course, but video truly allows you to relive it. You can see and hear what happened. It's really invaluable and you won't regret it! If you want more information on our wedding videography and content creation packages, contact us!
Jessica and Jim's vendor team:
Venue - Eaglewood Resort & Spa
Photo - Ebby L Photography
Video - ACG Productions
Day of Planner - Weddings by Danica
Florist - Catherine's Gardens
DJ - Toast and Jam