This is part of a series How to Plan A Destination Wedding in Italy: A Step-by-Step Guide. Read the full guide here.
I must admit, when my husband, Patrick, and I initially began planning our dream wedding on the picturesque shores of Lago Maggiore at Grand Hotel Majestic, I had reservations about hiring a Italy wedding videographer. I pondered, “Why do we need a video when our guests will surely capture all the important moments with their smartphones and cameras?” It seemed like an unnecessary expense in an already elaborate affair. However, as the planning process continued, I began to see the value in having a dedicated wedding videographer like Studio Dolce Vita capture our special day. For those who find themselves in the same situation, here are some reflections and reasons for why I opted for a Italy wedding videographer – and more specifically – why Studio Dolce Vita Videography & Photography.
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The Initial Doubt
At first, the idea of hiring a Italy wedding videographer seemed superfluous. After all, our guests were seasoned photographers and avid social media users. I was confident that we’d have an abundance of photos and video clips to commemorate our wedding day. The thought of adding another cost to an already substantial budget gave me pause.
The Turning Point
As we delved deeper into the wedding planning process, my perspective began to shift. I realized that there were aspects of our special day that simply couldn’t be captured by friends and family, no matter how well-intentioned they were. A dedicated Italy wedding videographer would bring a level of professionalism and artistry that was difficult to replicate. Why put the burden on our friends and family to capture every moment of our wedding, when they should be thoroughly enjoying themselves instead? That’s like asking my mother to follow me around with a videocamera, rather than enjoying my special day.
There were certain things that happened at the wedding…certain moments…that would not have been captured because they were exactly that – in the moment occurrences. Things that were unexpected and no one could expect and have camera ready in hand. What are these occurrences you say? Well, to name a few:
The Pros That Swayed Me
In addition to the above, here are some of the compelling reasons that convinced me to change my mind about hiring a Italy wedding videographer:
- Professionalism: Studio Dolce Vita‘s portfolio showcased their skill in capturing not just moments, but emotions. I realized that having a professional behind the camera could elevate our wedding memories to a whole new level.
- Bilingual Expertise: For couples who are planning a destination wedding in Italy, but don’t speak the language, Studio Dolce Vita‘s bilingual proficiency in both English and Italian is a gem. It’s a nod to their commitment to ensuring seamless communication with couples from around the world, making them feel right at home on their wedding day in Italy.
- Drone Footage is a Game-Changer: Drone’s take wedding videography to new heights (literally). One of the most captivating elements of our Italy destination wedding video was the breathtaking drone footage. And when you are on a lake with jutting heart-stopping mountains like Lago Maggiore and at a venue as royal as Grand Hotel Majestic, there is no better way to capture the beauty of your surroundings. Drones add a cinematic grandeur that elevates the setting even more than you think possible. The drone transformed the already picturesque backdrop of Lake Maggiore into a sweeping, cinematic panorama. The azure waters, lush landscapes, and charming lakeside venue of Grand Hotel Majestic from the aerial view of a drone made it seem like we were a part of a romantic Italian film.
- A Different Perspective: Unlike smartphone recordings or amateur footage, a Italy wedding videographer like Studio Dolce Vita brings a unique storytelling perspective to the table. They don’t just document; they craft a narrative that truly reflects the essence of the day and from a perspective that is unique to each couple. They get to know the couple before the day of the wedding to ensure that the approach is tailored to their specific personalities and vibe. The wedding videos tell stories that are as diverse as the couples themselves, showcasing their ability to adapt and personalize their approach.
- Reliving the Emotions: One of the most significant advantages of having a Italy wedding videographer is the ability to relive the emotions of the day. A video captures the sounds, the laughter, the heartfelt vows, and the joy in motion. It adds a layer of depth to the memories that photographs alone can’t provide.
- Cinematic Quality: The quality of a professional wedding video is unparalleled. Studio Dolce Vita uses top-notch equipment and editing techniques to create a cinematic masterpiece that we’ll treasure for a lifetime.
- Preserving Cultural Moments: With an Italian-American background, I wanted to ensure that our wedding honored both of our heritages. Studio Dolce Vita understood this and incorporated cultural elements seamlessly into the video, preserving our unique blend of traditions.
- A Local Perspective That Captures The Essence of Italy: If you’re planning a destination wedding in Italy, you want to make sure you choose a Italy wedding videographer that’s capturing the true Italy in all it’s glory. Isn’t that why you chose the destination in the first place? My Italy destination wedding video created by Studio Dolce Vita beautifully showcases their deep connection to Italy. Therefore, it is an extension of MY deep connection to Italy and my hometown of Lago Maggiore. It’s a true reflection of how special this place is to me and Patrick. The destination wedding video highlights the stunning Italian landscape, the lake and mountains at sunset, drone footage from the outside of us eating at our banquet or head table, and the rich, cultural and historical Grand Hotel Majestic that makes Italy a wedding destination like no other. It’s evident that they have a profound appreciation for the country’s beauty and its role in creating unforgettable wedding backdrops.
My Only Regret?
Only asking for one videographer. Our videographer, Jacopo, captured every moment of the wedding. He was here, there, and everywhere – literally – yet I never noticed he was there. I don’t know how he managed to capture footage of me, Pat, my bridal party, my guests, the ambiance AND drone footage. Had we hired the second extra videographer, we would’ve had a whole person dedicated just to the guests. We got plenty of footage regardless, but after seeing the final product, I feel like I wanted more!
It Was Worth Every Penny
In the end, the investment in a Italy wedding videographer for a destination wedding in Italy was worth every penny. The cost for a Italy wedding videographer isn’t crazy either. I consider it average with US prices depending on whether you want raw footage, drone footage, long-form video, trailer, etc. It’s pretty competitive compared to the sometimes $10,000 prices I hear of in New York.
I can confidently say that hiring Studio Dolce Vita was one of the best decisions we made. The doubts I had initially were completely dispelled as I watched the beautifully crafted video that captured the essence of our special day. The video was able to bring to life my passion for storytelling and love for Italy. It wasn’t just a recording of events; it was a visual love story that transported us back to that magical moment on Lago Maggiore at Grand Hotel Majestic.
>> Next: Grand Hotel Majestic: The Magic of A Lake Maggiore Hotel Review
