A deep dive into how I filmed Vicki and Tommy's wedding at Dodford Manor in Northamptonshire.

Capturing a wedding is always a unique challenge, but filming Vicki and Tommy’s day at Dodford Manor last year was truly special. From the quiet moments during the ceremony to the lively party at the end, every part of the day told a story worth preserving. I want to share how I approached this wedding videography project, the gear I used, and why certain moments stood out to me. If you’re interested in weddings or Northamptonshire wedding videography, this behind-the-scenes look might give you some useful insights.

Choosing the right equipment for the day

For Vicki and Tommy’s wedding, I relied on two main cameras to cover different aspects of the day:

• Canon R6 Mark II with the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 lens and the RF 70-200 F/2.8 was my primary handheld setup for the day. The versatility of the 24-70 lens allowed me to capture everything from wide shots of the venue to intimate close-ups during the ceremony, and the 70-200 allowed me to get those key parts of the day that were a little too far away from me. The Canon R6 Mark II’s excellent autofocus and low-light performance helped me get sharp, clear footage even in dim indoor settings.

  
  

• Canon R7 on a gimbal: To add smooth, dynamic shots, especially for the establishing scenes and movement around the venue, I used the Canon R7 with the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 lens. This setup gave me steady footage while I moved through the crowd or followed the couple, creating a cinematic feel without distracting from the event.

• During the speeches and the ceremony, I put the 70-200 F/2.8 on the R7 to get tight shots of Tommy and Vicki, as well as all the speakers.

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Using these two cameras together allowed me to cover the wedding comprehensively. The R6 Mark II handled the main moments with precision, while the R7 on the gimbal added energy and flow to the video.

Capturing clear and high-quality audio

Great video needs great audio to match. For the ceremony and speeches, I used Rode Wireless Pro lavalier microphones. These wireless mics are reliable and discreet, perfect for capturing clear voices without interfering with the event. To ensure the best sound quality, I recorded the audio directly into my Tascam FR-AV2 audio recorder. This setup minimised interference and gave me clean, professional sound that synced perfectly with the video footage.

Good audio is often overlooked in wedding videography, but it makes a huge difference in how the final video feels. Hearing the vows, laughter, and speeches clearly brings the story to life and it's what i try to add into the video whenever I can, as that was the day as it happened, not just slow motion B roll to music, you want to relive the day again and soundbites and top quality audio from the day is the best way to make that happen.

Filming the ceremony and speeches

The ceremony is the heart of any wedding video. At Dodford Manor, the setting was beautiful, with natural light filtering through the windows. I positioned myself to capture both the couple and the guests’ reactions without being intrusive.

I focused on:

• Close-ups of Vicki and Tommy’s expressions during their vows

• Wide shots showing the venue and the guests

• Reaction shots from family and friends

• Details like the rings, flowers, and decorations

  
  

During the speeches, I stayed close to the speakers while also capturing the audience’s responses. The wireless lav mics ensured every word was crystal clear, even when the room was noisy.

Highlighting the party and celebration

My favourite part of filming weddings is always the party at the end. This is when everyone relaxes and truly enjoys themselves. At Vicki and Tommy’s wedding, the atmosphere was electric. People danced, laughed, and let their hair down. The best part were the singing waiters, they were so much fun and got everyone in the mood from the get go!

To capture this energy, I switched to more handheld shots on the R6 Mark II, shooting everything in 25p, no slow motion here. I wanted Tommy and Vicki to feel the party again and by playing the footage is full speed to some high beat music, really shows how much fun the party was!

This part of the day shows the couple’s personality and the joy of their friends and family. It’s a reminder that weddings are not just about formalities but about celebration and connection.

Why Dodford Manor was a great location for wedding videography

Dodford Manor in Northamptonshire offers a stunning backdrop for weddings. The venue’s natural light and spacious rooms made it easier to film without intrusive lighting setups.

For Northamptonshire wedding videography, locations like Dodford Manor are ideal because they combine charm with practical filming conditions. The venue’s layout allowed me to move freely and capture different angles without disturbing the guests.

Tips for filming weddings like Vicki and Tommy’s

If you’re starting in wedding videography or want to improve your approach, here are some practical tips based on this experience:

• Use a versatile lens like a 24-70mm to cover a range of shots without changing lenses constantly.

• Invest in quality wireless lav mics and a dedicated audio recorder to capture clear sound.

• Scout the venue beforehand to plan your shots and understand lighting conditions.

• Be ready to adapt: weddings are unpredictable, so flexibility is key.

• Focus on storytelling by capturing emotions, reactions, and details, not just posed shots.

  
  

Wrapping up the day

Filming Vicki and Tommy’s wedding at Dodford Manor was a rewarding experience. The combination of the right equipment, careful planning, and a focus on capturing genuine moments made the final video something I’m proud of. For anyone interested in wedding videography, especially in Northamptonshire, this wedding shows how attention to detail and a passion for storytelling come together.

If you’re planning a wedding or looking for a videographer, remember that the best videos come from someone who cares about your story and knows how to capture it clearly and beautifully. Whether it’s the quiet ceremony or the lively party, every moment deserves to be remembered.