Why Choose Video?

Professional videography saves and protects life's most precious and beautiful moments--as they actually happened. And what is more important to hold precious than the sights and sounds from the most important day of your life--your wedding day! Because the event goes by so quickly, capturing all of the activities, your ceremony and reception, on video will mean your wedding will be preserved for you and your family now, and most importantly...for all the generations ahead.

How important is a professionally-produced wedding video? Suppose a friend told you they had in one hand a book of professional photos of the day your grandparents were married, and in their other hand a professionally-produced video of that same day, in full color, with stereo sound, but that you could only choose one to view and keep as a family heirloom. Which would you choose? Today, thanks to new developments in digital technology and the advanced skills of professional videographers, your choices in professional wedding videography are unlimited!
Only video (and now DVD) will allow everyone to relive your wedding day as it actually happened‹to see you walk down the aisle, to hear your voices as you exchange vows and rings, to hear and see the toasts, the music, your first dance at the reception...and the chance to preserve the complete story of your wedding. This wasn't possible in the past.

Even today, you have only one chance to be sure your wedding day is professionally captured....just one chance to be sure all of the emotions, the love and laughter are preserved for you to share again and again. Today professional videographers have become as natural a part of the wedding as the photographer.

Only a trained and experienced wedding videographer is prepared to capture the details of your special day, from the rush of preparations at the beginning of the day, through the emotional moments of the ceremony, and the excitement of the reception. Afterwards, creative editing will polish your tape artistically and professionally to produce a video (or DVD) that not only documents your day, but is fun and entertaining to watch again and again!
Because your choice of videographers is so vital to the memories you will have after your wedding day ends, we advises brides to get an early start in the process of selecting their videographer, and to shop based on quality. Placing videography at the top of your priority list also ensures the best chance of securing your first choice, as todays videographers are booked far in advance.

Talent, technology, and time are three key factors which will affect the pricing of your video.
For example, you may find professional videographers in your area using cameras and editing systems that are similar. But it will be their skills, experience, style, and techniques in both shooting and editing that will immediately capture your attention and be the distinguishing differences you will notice in their work. This is why it is virtually impossible to shop by price alone when selecting your videographer. Professional wedding videography is an artistic, not a mechanical medium. Videographers shoot and edit video differently.

Video styles and quality can vary tremendously even within the same community. In order to make an informed decision about the distinguishing differences, and be sure that your videographer can match your preferences, it is best to see actual samples of work produced by the videographer who will be recording your event. When you stop by to see samples, you will also have an ideal opportunity to discuss your wedding details and style preferences before making your final decision.

The key to good video is good lighting, and also good sound, or audio.

Choosing Your Videographer
You should discuss all aspects of your video with your videographer, remember there are no dumb questions. It is better to ask than be surprised later. You should be able to contact your videographer easily.

Wireless Sound
The sound should always be wireless as this is the only way. CAMERA MICROPHONES CANNOT BE HEARD.

Video Locations
Lighting is the main concern for your video when choosing a location. Because video cameras do not have a flash, lighting is very important. You should avoid shooting directly at the sun.

Getting Your Marriage License
The Hawaii State Department of Health requires that the prospective bride and groom go together to the marriage license office to file an application. A $60 cash fee is required, along with a valid driver's license, a picture I.D or a passport. The marriage license is valid for 30 days. The ceremony must be performed by an officiate licensed by the State of Hawaii. The legal marrying age in Hawaii is 18 years old.

Hawaii State Department of Health
1250 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Oahu - Recorded Message (808) 586-4545
Oahu -For an Agent (808) 586-4544
Hawaii ( Big Island) (808) 974-6008
Kauai (808) 241-3498
Maui (808) 984-8210
Molokai (808) 553-3663
Lanai (808) 565-6411
For A Pamphlet Entitled "Getting Married", Published By The State of Hawaii, write to:
State Department of Health
Marriage License Office
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
(808) 586-4544
Marriage License Applications Now On-Line
The State of Hawaii has a Marriage License Application that can be downloaded, printed and filled out in advance.
The website address is www.hawaii.gov/doh/records (Adobe Acrobat required)

Use Your Imagination
"Your wedding cake should be a reflection of your personality, so don't be afraid to use your imagination. When selecting your cake, explore your options regarding style, shape and color so it will complement the theme of your wedding. Since your wedding cake will be a proud centerpiece at the reception, being able to choose the style should not be overlooked."

Invitation Advice
"When determining the number of invitations you will need, calculate 75 percent of your guest list. Include a few extra invitations for yourself to keep, as it's always cheaper to order more invitations initially than to have to reprint later. It's also a good idea to order additional envelopes in case of addressing mistakes. And if you're incorporating the Hawaiian language in your invitations, double check that you're using the proper punctuation and spelling."

Selecting Your Wedding Party
When deciding who to ask to be a part of your wedding, use discretion. Your first consideration should be your budget - the more attendants you have will usually result in additional expenses. In Hawaii, the bride usually pays for her attendants dresses. The maid of honor and best man will have many duties, so make sure they are responsible and organized.

Your Master of Ceremonies
Selecting the right person to be Master of Ceremonies at your reception is one of the most important decisions you will make. That person should be experienced at public speaking, organized and reliable.

Marrying Again
With second marriages amounting to over 38 percent of all marriages in Hawaii last year, many wedding traditions and customs are changing. Traditionally, when it is the bride's first and the groom's second, all aspects of the wedding remain traditional. When it is the bride's second, a semi-formal or informal wedding is chosen. The bride may wear white, but a veil, the symbol of virginity, should not be worn. A bouquet may be carried, but the bouquet and garter toss should be omitted. Toasting, cake cutting and the "first dance" are appropriate.

Nutrition
The bride, the groom and the wedding party should eat something on the day of the wedding. Though you may have breakfast, it would be helpful to please eat some fruit in the afternoon to hold you over until the reception. This will assist with any hunger discomfort and eliminate agitated individuals.

Drink lots of water. "Keep hydrated long before the wedding date. Drinking lots of water helps keep the skin smoother and plumped for a perfect makeup finish. Water also amazingly keeps the energy levels up for the hectic wedding day, too!"