Shandie and Nathan love story shoot

On Saturday I did a love story shoot with Shandie and Nathan. I’ve shot my previous two love stories in Omaha parks, but for this Shandie loved the idea of a more scenic location and she found a classic country farm for us to film at. It was fun to try a new location and do something different and creative. That’s what love stories are all about, anyway!

Shandie and Nathan pose for an exclusive blog shot after the interviews.

Every videographer has a different idea of what a love story documentary should be like. I interview the bride and the groom separately and ask 6-8 questions including how they met, when their first kiss was, what the proposal was like, and what they love most about each other. The interviews cut between the two to keep the story moving, interesting, and give both perspectives. Basically, each person tells part of the story until the other picks it up, and it will switch back and forth. In between each answer to interview questions, music fades in as a transition and there are clips of the couple in different romantic settings. It’s a really fun video piece to play at receptions when it’s finished.

For the transition shots, which I call “B-roll”, we did some different creative things. I brought a few props, such as a picnic basket, quilt, wine glasses, and a bottle of sparkling juice, so we were able to set it up like Shandie and Nathan were on a picnic in the country for a few of the shots. We also made great use of the barn as a background and inside the barn as a romantic setting. I caught myself saying “Cuute” way too many times for comfort.

The weather was perfect. I couldn’t have enjoyed the day more! Driving through the country was relaxing, and I did a bit of exploring on my way back home. I have to share this business sign I saw in a small town for Big Dan’s Auto Body and Video Rental. For some reason I thought it was hilarious. I hope you appreciate it as much as I do.

You have to appreciate this kind of small town ingenuity.