I was fortunate enough to meet Caroline and Eric Richard in 2020 when I was in Puerto Rico filming a wedding for their friends. When COVID changed the playing field the following month in the same year, it actually held off their planned wedding an additional year. So in early 2022, I was able to travel to the Canadian Rockies to film and show people a glimpse of their love story.
Being a destination wedding photographer and cinematographer, I was ready to hop on a few planes and travel to Calgary, Alberta Canada and spend time with Caroline, Eric, and their guests. They had me staying in a cabin there on Emerald Lake Lodge, British Columbia; which was just absolutely amazing! Being that it was March, it was still very much snowing up there in that beautiful land. So we are talking about Emerald Lake being frozen over; people walking on the lake itself doing some hiking and snowshoeing!
The night before the wedding we had the rehearsal, so I was able to scope out the area and get a feel for how the entire wedding party was going to be walking down the aisle and where they will be situated. Since my primary role during this wedding was to film it, I needed to know where I could position myself (holding one camera) and my tripod (holding my second camera) so that I could get the optimum angles to create an amazing highlight video and the full length “behind the scenes” type of video that I like to also give to my amazing couples.
After the rehearsal, we all headed to a local restaurant, ate some amazing food, and go to know more about the wedding party while forging closer friendships; which is what I am all about! I love traveling, eating good food, and taking awesome photos, but even more so I love making new friends and knowing they’re spread out all over the world.
The wedding day itself was something I’ll never forget. It was COLD. Piercing cold. The skies were blue with a few clouds in the sky. The fresh snow covered the valley where the lake and lodge resides. The women were all getting ready in one cabin while the men were in their own cabin. Music was playing in both cabins, the mimosas were being drank, gifts were being exchanged, the laughs were high, and the company was superb. I couldn’t have asked for a better day or more amazing people to be around. Like a fly on the wall, I was just capturing the best footage I could in order to create an amazing highlight video for my couple.
The most memorable part of this wedding was after the ceremony itself. The photographers there and I took the wedding party to a location about a couple miles away that’s a popular spot to get photos. When it’s not frozen over or snowing, this one particular spot is just gorgeous with a flowing stream and this beautiful archway; BUT everything was frozen over. Caroline and Eric had ZERO problems braving the elements and we all did a little hike to venture down into this area where the archway was and get some photos. Inside the archway/cave was a frozen mini waterfall; but was set on a slight hill to get up there. Our lovely couple took extra precautions and carefully walked up the small grade of a hill and posed in front of this frozen waterfall and that is where I caught my award-winning photo I was able to take even while filming the little scene.
All in all, it was such an amazing experience; from learning how to pack all my gear in a minimalistic way, to being there in all of God’s nature and glory, capturing memories for my couple to enjoy for the rest of their years. I absolutely love traveling to do destination weddings- being there with the wedding party and the guests, eating the good food, dancing with them during the reception….feeling a part of the magic happening, that is why I do what I do.
FAQ: Travel Wedding Photographer and Videographer
How do you choose a travel wedding photographer and videographer?
- Review their portfolio and make sure their style matches your vision for your wedding day.
- Check for experience with destination weddings and familiarity with your chosen location.
- Look for positive reviews and testimonials from past clients.
- Discuss your specific needs and expectations with potential photographers and videographers.
- Compare pricing and packages to ensure you get the best value for your investment.
What should be included in a travel wedding photography and videography package?
A travel wedding photography and videography package should typically include:
- Pre-wedding consultation and planning assistance.
- Coverage of the wedding ceremony, reception, and other key events.
- Professional editing of photos and videos.
- High-resolution digital copies of all images and video footage.
- Options for additional services, such as engagement sessions or extra coverage.
- Travel expenses, accommodations, and other logistics.
How far in advance should I book a travel wedding photographer and videographer?
It’s generally recommended to book your travel wedding photographer and videographer at least 6-12 months in advance. This ensures their availability and gives you plenty of time to plan and coordinate the logistics of your destination wedding.
Can I see a full gallery of a recent destination wedding you’ve photographed and filmed?
Absolutely! It’s essential to review a full gallery of a recent destination wedding to get a sense of the photographer’s and videographer’s work, consistency, and style. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples.
How do you handle travel arrangements and expenses for destination weddings?
Travel arrangements and expenses for destination weddings should be discussed and agreed upon in advance. This may include flights, accommodations, transportation, meals, and any other relevant expenses. Make sure these details are included in your contract to avoid any surprises later on.
What happens if there’s an emergency and you can’t make it to our destination wedding?
A professional travel wedding photographer and videographer should have a backup plan in place for emergencies. This may involve partnering with a trusted colleague or network of professionals who can step in if needed. Make sure to discuss this contingency plan before signing a contract.
Jesse James, a multi-time Wedaward-winning destination wedding photographer, is here to document your love story against the backdrop of your dream location.
