This past summer, amidst the backdrop of an impending family tragedy. Where family and friends got together to reflect, look through pictures and even old videos. We took the time to do just that. With nightly backyard talks surrounded by tiki torches and liquid ease in our cup holders.
Among the family and friends that visited and reminisced over the pictures we sorted and memorable stories told, a surprising artifact swept up to the surface; My parents wedding video.
It was in the 80’s and was originally on VHS tape that got converted to a disc. As a wedding videographer but most importantly as the child of the couple in the wedding video, this was a big deal. Having heard countless stories of this day and imagining how the origin of my story rooted on this day, I couldn’t wait. The footage, was everything that I imagined and more, footage of me as a baby, of all the family members now older and some gone. Most jarring of all; seeing my parents at the age that I am now, in love and on the cusp of starting the next chapter of their lives.
Though nothing fancy or particularly traditional, in all actuality they didn’t even have a wedding. Rather they eloped at the local courthouse and the next day they had a reception celebration in my grandmother’s backyard. As well, the video itself mind you was true 80’s style, super old school but without the embarassing guest messages. No editing, no type of cinematic filmmaking, 10-minute montage of romantic scenes or idyllic getting ready shots. Hell my mom didn’t even wear a white dress.
Besides all that, when I sat down to watch the video, I was completely mesmerized and taken on a ride 29 years in the past and boy was it priceless and precious. Seeing your family and culture documented in its natural habitat is a magical thing. It brings a sense of identity and it is very comforting. Especially if it is something that doesn’t happen often anymore.
I am so thankful for that video, to reference my lineage, to one day show to my kids and point out their great grandparents, uncles, and aunts in motion. It is a true treasure. A reason why I say that everyone deserves to have their love story told, it encompasses so much of what life means to you and the people you love. Because that is what life is, getting together with your favorite friends and family and celebrating. Having those moments captured with intention and beautifully is incredibly valuable and shouldn’t break the bank.
That is why at Milan Arielle Productions we work with every couple and every budget to bring the story of your life to video, in any capacity, style, and beyond. We strive to make it happen as the most important future keepsake to have.
I hear all the time that couples wished that they had gotten a video of their wedding but never heard I wish I didn’t have a wedding video. Photos are nice to look at, but videos let you live a major chapter of you story again.