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Wedding Info / F.A.Q.
What's different about what you do?
Thomas has a unique passion for delivering stunning visual images and preserving memories for years to come. While delivering beautiful imagery, he aspires to provide the highest level of customer service possible. He offers affordable packages and other add-ons to choose from, and Thomas will work with you to create a custom package that meets your needs and budget.
When during the wedding day do you film?
Example:
For a six hour package, Thomas will normally arrange to start one before your ceremony begins and continue in an unbroken block from there (e.g., if the ceremony start time is 2pm, we'll film from 1-7pm). A longer shoot means more flexibility in the schedule, accommodating bride preparation time, location changes, photo shoots, etc. For second camera work, a minimum of a two-hour block is required and usually will begin about a half hour to one hour prior to your ceremony start time.
What events do you normally try to film?
Ceremony:
Pre-shots (bridal party prep, if available), the entirety of the ceremony, post-ceremony / pre-reception shots (e.g., special photo shoots, establishing exterior and interior shots, detail shots, people shots, etc.) as time permits.
Reception:
Introductions, special toasts, speeches, performances and dances are covered, along with the bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting and any special requests you have. General, group, social dancing is covered if schedule permits. We'll always stay overtime (for an hourly fee) at your request to cover any event you wish.
In addition to event-specific filming, we generally try and capture all details of the day, including clothing, jewelry, flowers, guests, the band or special performers, reception decorations, table details, head table, lighting treatments, the cake, gifts, guest book or signed portrait, and any other details unique to your wedding (e.g., a horse-drawn carriage or an ice sculpture). If there's something special or unique that you want us to capture, be sure and make a note of it.
How long will it be before I get my video?
There are two parts to this answer. First you will be emailed a link to a short segment of your wedding - in most cases, your ceremony vows or big kiss, and the first dance or other special event from your reception. This will be available in a custom directory for you on Video Impressions' website within 1 week of your wedding! The video will be in Quicktime (MP4) format. Of course you are welcome to share this "instant preview" with your family and friends! Your actual DVD preview, which won't include a finished menu system or artwork, will be available within 3 months of your wedding date. It will just have the edited content of your final video and any highlights, etc. All previews are delivered in (standard definition) DVD format even if you are receiving Blu-ray discs as part of your package. You may either have your preview (and final discs) mailed to you for a nominal fee, or you may pick them up in person. Upon receiving your preview DVD, you are encouraged to watch it as soon as possible and make any notes on minor changes you'd like to have made. Your final DVD and Blu-ray discs with complete menu systems, printed insert and discface full color artwork, will be created and delivered within three weeks of your approval.
Example:
Your wedding is June 1st. You will receive an email about your web-video preview highlights by June 8th and your preview DVD by September 1st.
Do you make Blu-Ray Discs?
Yes! Thomas has been authoring Blu-ray discs since late 2007 and is considered one of the Bay Area's experts on the technology. Our Blu-Ray discs are guaranteed to play on a Sony PlayStation 3 and other Blu-Ray players, i.e. Sony and Samsung.
When would travel expenses be incurred?
For wedding day packages, virtually every location in the greater San Francisco Bay Area is covered in the prices stated. Beyond the boundaries the SF Bay Area, depending on your event, package and location, travel and/or overnight expenses may be incurred. Generally speaking, this is about 100 miles or 2 hours each way from San Jose. Monterey, Napa and Modesto are all examples of locations within these boundaries.
How do the videographers dress?
Unless you ask us to wear specific clothing or colors, Thomas and the crew will dress in all black. For the widest possible array of environments, this means we avoid calling attention to ourselves with bright fabrics or colors. We try to "disappear" by blending into the background.
What kinds of weddings have you filmed, culturally speaking?
Many religions ... Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and non-denominational. With many cultural backgrounds ... African-American, Arab, Assyrian, Chinese, Filipino, Irish, Indian, Mexican, Pakistani, and Russian. I've filmed 2 same-sex ceremonies as well.
Can you recommend a photographer?
Thomas works frequently with established photographers all the time. Let Thomas know what kind of look you're going for, and he can find you the right photographer. Or, you can browse for your yourself on my links page.
Are your prices fairly low?
Yes, the prices are very reasonable. There are a couple of very practical reasons why my prices aren't the highest:
- The Video Impressions studio is run out of Thomas' home. There are no separate studio or office space overhead costs factored into packages.
- Currently, Video Impressions carries no other regular employees for editing or office work: only other videographers who are contracted.
What kind of deposit is due for payment? What about the balance?
When you sign a service agreement, a 50% deposit is due immediately. Your balance is due in full when your DVD preview is ready.
What kinds of payments do you accept?
- Check. Please make checks payable to Video Impressions.
- Cash
- Credit Cards payable through PayPal. To pay through PayPal, click on the link, then the Personal tab, then the "Send Money - Send Money Online" menu link. Please note - there is a 3% convenience charge for PayPal transactions to cover their fees.
(Example: my balance is $800. To pay by PayPal, I would add 3%, or $24.00 to that for a total of $824.00.)
Sorry, but Video Impressions does not accept stand-alone credit card payments.
Do you film on boats and yachts?
Thomas can arrange to have a sea-worthy videographer cover your special event. Unfortunately, due to sea-sickness issues, Thomas himself does not film on most boats. Exceptions: rowboats in calm water, motorboats, and speed boats are all OK.
Can I meet the videographer ahead of time?
Definitely. In almost all cases, Thomas will be your primary videographer. In the event we will arrange for a different videographer, we can also schedule a time if you would like to speak with or meet her or him prior to your big day. Thomas believes in a personal connection between client and vendor and is supportive of having clients know whom they'll be working with.
Editing and Post-Production
What effects are applied to the ceremony and reception video?
For the ceremony, only simple fades and dissolves are used. For the reception, we may get creative with general, group social dancing footage from time to time. Otherwise, fades, cross-dissolves, and use of the flash-frame cuts are used.
What effects are applied to highlights montage material?
If you choose Basic Editing, simple effects like black-and-white, slow-motion, and sepia are used. In Advanced Editing, not only is a full Cinematic Short Form highlights recap of your entire wedding day included, but the effects applied are significantly more involved. Such techniques as filmic vignetting and blurring, color isolation against black-and-white, bordering and layering video, creating a 'steadicam' look with motion shots, and changing the focus and depth of light are all used in Advanced Editing.
Do you use professional audio gear?
Yes, only pro audio gear is used. Your ceremony and reception audio are one-take performances, and like your video, must be captured with the best possible quality. Thomas and other videographers only use wireless microphones that connect to camera and auxiliary audio capturing equipment directly and will happily work with your church staff, DJ, musicians, and/or sound personnel (if available) to capture the audio for both the ceremony and reception. For all ceremonies, groom and officiant / priest audio will be captured with lavalier mics. Other microphones or recording devices (i.e. Zoom H4) will be used for musical instruments or lectern speakers as necessary. For receptions, we capture the DJ or band's audio feed directly from their mixing boards or speakers. Most DJs provide their own microphone gear for MCing, toasts and speeches. For things like tea ceremonies, butterfly and dove releases, photo shoots and prep shots, etc., we capture ambient audio with high-quality, on-camera mounted mics.
Do you edit audio too?
Yes. Thomas has years of experience editing audio. Whether it's editing video to a music beat, equalizing the volume and tone of your project's overall audio, or removing unwanted sounds, Thomas will ensure you get the highest audio fidelity possible for your video.
I'd like to upgrade my edit, can I do that?
Of course! Whether you're adding a Life Story, Love Story, Advanced Editing, or just some credits to your overall edit (if not already included), you can use our "Extra Shots" menu of choices to customize the perfect wedding video package for you. My most recommended upgrades are Advanced Editing and Life Story Photo Montages.
Locations
This is a small list of the many places (in alphabetical order) Thomas has filmed weddings in the past few years:
- Claremont Hotel & Spa, Berkeley
- Freedom Hall & Gardens, Santa Clara
- Hakone Gardens, Saratoga
- Hayes Mansion, San Jose
- Heavenly Valley Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe
- Maison du Lac, Los Gatos
- Mission Dolores Basilica, San Francisco
- Mission Santa Clara
- St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose
- Stanford Memorial Church, Palo Alto
- The Fairmont, San Jose
- The Grand Plaza Hotel, Monterey
- The Historic Del Monte Building, Sunnyvale
- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Francisco
- The Spinnaker restaurant, Sausalito
- Trentadue Winery, Healdsburg
- Villa Montalvo, Saratoga
- V. Sattui Vineyards, Calistoga
- U.C. Botanical Gardens, Berkeley
Plus private homes, community centers, country clubs, and more!!
Did you know?
Thomas performed with the San Jose State University Concert Choir at St. Joseph Cathedral several times, Thomas and his wife Trystan L. Bass were married at the (former) Capital Club on 2nd Street in downtown San Jose in 2000, and Thomas' grandparents were married at the Stanford Memorial Church in June 1940.
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