3 Things I Always Do Before Hitting Record at a Wedding

When you’re filming a wedding, there’s no redo button. You have to be ready the moment things start happening - whether it’s a teary first look, a beautifully chaotic bridal suite, or grandma busting a move on the dance floor.

Over the years, I’ve learned that how I prep before hitting record is just as important as how I shoot. These quick tips keep me focused, intentional, and ready to capture the story unfolding in real time.

Here are three things I always do before I press record on a wedding day.

1. Set My Intentions for the Couple & Story

Before I even pull my camera out, I take a moment to remind myself why I’m there: to capture the day as it really feels. Every couple has their own vibe - relaxed, emotional, goofy, classy - and I want their film to reflect them, not just a pretty highlight reel.

I ask myself:

• What did I learn about them during planning?
  

• What moments will matter most to them in 10 years?
  

• How can I stay present and not just chase pretty shots?
  

This quick mindset shift helps me film with purpose, not just on autopilot.

2. Having a Gear and Shot Checklist

Packing for a wedding can be strenuous. Having a gear check list can help alleviate leaving things behind and help you to have more time to think about conquering the day. 

Having a shot list can help create vision and keep you on your toes when you have only seconds or minutes to get a particular shot. 

• What gear is essential on a wedding day?
  

• How can I create a recurring checklist of what to pack and charge?
  

• What cool shots have I seen on social media that I can try to recreate?
  

• How can I quickly access my shot list on the day of? (Print out or phone)
  

Having your gear packed, batteries charged and ideas for cinematic shots can help you maximize the time you have to capture a wedding day.

3. Longevity is key

• Getting good sleep and eating well sound like such a cliche but they are essential for us to be focused and ready and last the 8-12 hours of shooting.

• Making sure your wedding schedule is not too full can help you to be more intentional with couples and not get burnt out.

• Remembering it is about the bride and groom and making sure they are taken care of can help bring an ease to the day and keep everyone on the same page.

Every wedding is different, but these small pre-record rituals have become second nature - and honestly, they’ve saved me from a lot of “oh no” moments.

Taking just a few extra seconds before pressing record can be the difference between capturing the moment… and missing it completely.

Slow down. Lock in. And hit record like you mean it.