So tonight I was shooting a wedding and I had an assistant helping out and I thought it'd be a cool opportunity to try and edit the ceremony and burn it on dvd by the time the couple left the reception venue. I figured it could be done pretty easy, 2 hours to capture the footage, multiclip edit real quick, insert voice recorder audio then render and export.

Trouble was that FCP didn't capture the clips as one. I had 3 cameras rolling continuously so I thought, but apparently the photographer bumped my camera which might've caused it to bump a frame or something, and a guest knocked over my assistants camera, don't know what happened to the other camera. Maybe it was just FCP being stupid but halfway through the speeches I called the whole thing off. We had the audio ready to go, we had the footage captured, but we couldn't multiclip edit it so it would've been brutal.

Ah well, I figured afterwards that it would've ben way better and easier to do an SDE, just capture the processional, the vows, the signing, the recessional and the photo session shots. then get started editing it and then add the bridal party entrance and maybe a clip of the first dance and cake cutting and we're done. could've played it off my computer too I realized.

Has anyone else actually done the ceremony like I described? I realized now that it's probably more time consuming on the capturing, rendering, and exporting front than is practical.

thanks for listening!

oh by the way, the couple had no idea I was going to do this for them so no harm done on that end.

I think it's a great idea to try these things and iron out any kinks as long as you aren't promising anything to the client until you're 100% sure you can deliver. Sounds like you just need to narrow down some key things in your workflow (and have your assistant make sure all your cameras are in sight so they don't get hit) and you'll be good to go. If I were you, I would continue to try and push the envelope and when you're ready, try to complete one and surprise the couple with it for free.

Keep in mind, experiencing failure is the greatest way to ensure future success!

Thanks for the comment Bruce. I think next time I will try an SDE instead of the ceremony. More instant gratification anyway that way haha.

I'm definitely chomping at the bit to start being more creative and pushing the limits of what I do but I also have to keep in mind the essential things I have to do to make sure everything works out later. I think that's where it's good to have a second shooter/assistant that you can really trust with certain aspects of the day that free you up to do other things. I've previously tried to shoot most weddings alone but I feel that now as I'm starting to charge more and more I will always try to have an assistant with me that will grow into a second shooter and who knows maybe even a business partner.

Love your work Bruce, you go to some great spots in Vancouver (and elsewhere as well). You're work is something to aspire to.