A special film for a special couple.
I was given the chance to film the wedding of Jenny and Dave on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Everything about the day was gorgeous, from the tropical weather to the burgeouning centrepieces1 to the torchlit reception. It all came together to create an atmosphere of sublime charm, and I had so much fun capturing it all.
I make each wedding film as accessible as possible, so anyone can get a sense of the day even if they weren’t there. But I also include certain things that would be understood by only the people involved. In this film it was shots such as an uncle doing an hilarious bump-and-grind on the dance floor, or the bride tearing up while writing her speech, or the father-in-law saying a few words while firmly holding the groom’s hand during the tea ceremony. Details such as the latter may not seem like much to an outsider, but family and friends at the wedding would understand how such a small physical display of affection can mean so much.
This was by far my most challenging wedding film to make, but it was well worth it. For a while, it became my reason for living, the one I wanted to be remembered for, and my goal was to deliver this film before I died. There’s a piece of my soul in it, so I can’t say how lucky I am to have been given this opportunity to create this for Dave and Jenny, and how I happy I am to know they deserve it.
(A big thank-you to wedding photographer Mike Adrian, who was a delight to work with, and taught me a thing or two about how to pack for destination weddings.)
- The Four Season’s now has a rule that limits the size of the centrepieces, because they would sometimes catch the wind and fall over. This was the last wedding at the Four Seasons to have such massive ones, the rule being grandfathered in, as Jenny and Dave planned the wedding right before it came into effect. [↩]
Beautiful job, Jeff. I really enjoy reading the commentary that accompanies each video — it adds a special element to the viewing of it as well for me.
Thanks, Jason. There are many small details and ideas that don’t necessarily come out just from watching the footage, so I always like to shed some light on the creative process that goes behind each film.
Love the unexpected way the M83 blends with this footage. At first I thought it wouldn’t be sentimental enough, but really, the bride and groom don’t seem as much sentimental as modern, anyway. It worked! And Really a challenge, with all the lighting variations, wind, etc.… great job.
Pretty cool having a fire dancer & hula dancer at your wedding … and the FLOWERs holy cow.
Beautiful. And that little halmonie (grandma) is so cute. I love that you showed her hands.
I had no idea you were an M83 fan…very interesting. And I agree it takes a certain type of person to understand how an M83 song can work with footage that’s typically sentimental. Luckily, Dave and Jenny are the right people.
If I ever get married, it will be a wedding like this.