About
My Story
Well, hello there! I’m Michaela – the principal videographer here at Your Wedding Story. As a former journalist, storytelling is my “thing”.
I spent a lot of spare time writing stories as a child, even selling stories to classmates for 50 cents per page.
I wrote in my journal daily, convinced these little details from my life would be precious to look back on one day. I’ve always felt strongly about archiving memories!
From the moment I received my first camera in primary school, I consistently documented daily life, holidays, parties and school camps. I am now my family’s go-to person on those occasions when old photos are needed for a slideshow or photo book. #Vindicated
After school I studied Law + Arts. I briefly experienced life as a lawyer, but my creative side staged a protest and I became a full time journalist soon after. Eventually my work led to storytelling via film… my obsession for over a decade! NOTHING captures important moments the way a video can.
Non-Cheesy Videos
Forget cheesy montages that make you cringe. Instead I capture the candid moments you share as a couple. And I also put a lot of the focus on the friends and family that mean the world to you. In short – my videos reflect the deeper significance of your wedding day. Love and joy don’t need to be staged.
Professional + Responsive
I treat my couples how I would love to be treated. So naturally, I am highly responsive to your messages. I provide updates, and brief you on exactly what will be involved. I don’t have a glass of wine at the wedding (many vendors do!) and I dress well on your wedding day. In the lead up to your wedding and on the actual day, I work hard to bring the vendors together as a team.
Attention to Details
You can’t underestimate how important it is for your videographer to be well organised. In a split second, important moments could be missed. Before your wedding day I will get a run-sheet for both the ceremony and reception. I will have memorised the order of the day so I know what is coming next and can be set up and ready to get the right shots. When you see how well I prepare, you’ll know you can just enjoy your day and trust it’s in the best hands possible.
ABIA AWARDS
For many years I have been recognised by ABIA among Queensland’s top wedding videographers based on ratings from brides. I not only want to make an amazing wedding video for you, but also to go above and beyond expectations, to make you feel totally supported.
My Process
1. Icebreaker Questionnaire
Once you’ve booked with Your Wedding Story, you fill in a fun questionnaire so I can get to know:
• Your story – how you met, what you love to do together;
• Who and what will be important to you on your wedding day;
• What you’d love (or hate) in your wedding video.
2. The heart-to-heart
Closer to your wedding, we catch up via video call, to go over the schedule and logistics of your day. It’s also a chance to get to know each other better. This means when I turn up on your wedding day you already feel like you know me, and you’ll feel more relaxed in front of the camera. I’ll also feel I know you, and can better intuit how and what to film.
3. Filming on the Day
I don’t base my packages around hours. I don’t want to miss any key moments. So “full day” means I’m there from your preparation until dancing is underway – even if speeches run over time and I am there for an extra couple of hours. No problem.
On the day I show up organised and ready to go. I have called up your photographer and celebrant prior to the wedding day to ensure we are on the same page and I have your ceremony and reception run sheet. Often brides say I brought the whole wedding supplier team together, which is so important in order for you to have a stress-free day.
I film on three separate cameras, or four if my second videographer is present. So I have such a wide range of footage to choose from! It’s all so you can truly relive the best day of your life over and over. So many couples tell me, “I’d totally forgotten that happened!” or they see precious or funny moments that they hadn’t even witnessed on the day.
During the formalities I am unobtrusive and professional. And during your photo shoot I provide fun direction and games to get beautiful, candid, non-posey footage.
I stay until dancing is well underway, and I have enough fun party footage for your film. I’ll come and say goodbye before I head off, and make sure there isn’t anything else you need me for.
4. Editing + Delivery
What sets me apart from other videographers is the attention to detail I bring to the editing process. I’ll give you a sneak-peek clip 48 hours after your wedding. From there your final wedding video will be ready 12-18 weeks later. (Peak wedding seasons or holiday periods such as Christmas can account for a slightly longer wait).
Your 8-10 minute Highlights Film will be crafted into a story reflecting the themes of your day, whether that be family, your heritage, your sense of fun… it’s as unique as each couple. I put a lot of love and thought into the narrative and the song choices so that your video is a true reflection of you. Some video producers outsource this editing process, which I can’t imagine doing – I feel that my knowledge of the couple by this point in the process is the key that unlocks great storytelling.
I am a perfectionist and spend days colour grading and perfecting the timing and look of your film.
I’ll provide your Highlights Film via a Vimeo link, which you can easily share on social media or via email.
All my packages include some extended footage, even if just the ceremony and speeches. I spend a lot of time editing these videos from the multiple cameras I used on your wedding day. And I also colour grade and correct audio and anything else that’s needed. (Some videographers just supply the unedited, raw footage from your ceremony, which is not very enjoyable to watch).
All of your extended edits, and your Highlights Film, will be posted to you via Australia Post on a custom bamboo USB. I’ll also provide a wide range of stills created from the video footage, capturing moments your photographer may have missed.
Kind Words
“The money we spent on you was seriously the the best we spent for the entire wedding. You are worth every dollar. I can’t wait to rewatch it a million times now and in the future.”
- Megan
“Michaela and her team from Your Wedding Story were incredible from start to finish – I honestly couldn’t recommend them more highly! At first we were skeptical about a video, but now, it was the BEST investment we made in our entire wedding!
Also, Michaela was the best vendor to deal with, she is/was organised, friendly, supportive and her work is OUTSTANDING. “
- Sally
“It was honestly, hands down, the best money we spent on the whole day. We both always say, our wedding would be a lost memory if it wasn’t for your video.”
- Emma