We know it’s a point we wax lyrical about, but we can’t stress the importance of documenting your big day enough, considering both a photographer and videographer to give you lasting memories both in still and motion form.
As such, we’re delighted to welcome married and professional duo Ash and Kitty of To Have & To Hold Films on board as a Brides Up North Sponsor, offering photography and/or videography packages separately, or combined, to ensure couples have the desired imagery and footage of their moment in the limelight.
Based in Leeds but travelling throughout the UK and overseas, the talented pair take a relaxed and unobtrusive approach to deliver candid images and cinematic wedding videos that instantly transport couples back to their wedding day time and time again.
So, join us as we see and hear more of their gorgeous storytelling…
How did you first get into filming weddings?
Ash & Kitty say
: Before I even knew what a wedding film was someone asked me to film their wedding after seeing some of the coverage I had been doing of music events and festivals, this led to two more bookings which both ended up being destination weddings in Spain and Majorca as our first gigs! We quickly realised this was something we loved and wanted to be part of. Capturing the energy and emotion and memories of couple’s wedding days is a really special role to have and we feel very honoured to do this job.How would you describe your videography style and approach?
We hear so many people who say their biggest fear or worry is feeling as though they have a camera in their face tracking their every move, so we work hard at being as unobtrusive as possible throughout the day. Our aim is for our couples to feel relaxed and comfortable and be themselves around us, so we can capture the real emotion on the best day of their lives. Our style is very much natural and candid but with added romance thrown in for good measure!
What is it that you love most about your job?
There are SO many elements of the job we love and the whole wedding day is filled with happiness and joy that we get to be surrounded by but I guess the most satisfying and rewarding part is once we hand the completed films over to our couples and hearing feedback once they have re-lived their day again!
In your opinion what are the most important things for a couple to consider when deciding which videographer to book for their wedding?
The most important thing is to choose somebody they connect with and in turn will feel comfortable around. We always meet clients face to face so that we all get to know one another ahead of the big day and ensure they feel as relaxed as possible.
Why would you encourage couples to have their wedding day filmed?
Most couples spend months, if not years planning their wedding and not to mention spending huge amounts of money to make everything perfect and unique to their own story. The truth of it is when your wedding day comes around the adrenalin levels are through the roof and so much happens that you don’t get the chance to see. Having your wedding filmed means you get to relive all of this, over and over again not to mention share with family and friends who may not be there or come along in the future! A picture speaks a thousand words, but a beautifully edited video will leave you speechless!
What is the feedback like from your couples?
We’re very proud of the reviews we receive from our couples and it makes all the hard work so worthwhile knowing how happy they are! Here is one our latest reviews:
We received our wedding highlights video today after getting a little sneak preview last week and we were absolutely blown away by it. Ash & Kitty captured the day perfectly and gave us memories that we can treasure forever. Watching the video back made it feel like our day was only yesterday and brought it back to life for us. They are both such lovely people and are so enthusiastic and passionate about their work which really shows in how everything is put together. For anyone contemplating whether it’s worth having a videographer alongside a photographer – DO IT! Photographs are great but a video really captures the emotion and you couldn’t wish for a better couple to be there with you on the day. Thank you once again, love Mr & Mrs Berry xx
Do you have a favourite part of the wedding day to capture?
Oh gosh, there are so many elements to the day and emotions that we get to capture it’s hard to pick a favourite. We have to admit we love the bridal prep, there is an effervescent energy that happens, and we get to capture it; the anticipation and excitement that bubbles into the nerves and emotions. It’s pretty special and we’re so lucky we get to capture this for our lovely couples. But also watching couples exchange their vows and the look of love they share between them in that moment.
What area do you cover and is there somewhere in particular that you would love to shoot a wedding?
We’re lucky enough to be able to split our time in the North of England and the rest of Europe! In truth we have no restrictions as to where we will travel to and we’re grateful that we get taken to wonderful places for weddings. We haven’t yet shot in Italy and its definitely on the list, we have a total love affair with Italy and spent some time travelling there this autumn in our camper van…it’s probably mostly for the food!
What was your work highlight of 2018 and what are you looking forward to most in 2019?
2018 was a great year for us and our professional highlight has to be the opportunity to capture our very good friend Tom and Rob’s two-day wedding. The wedding wasn’t just close to our hearts on a personal level, but it represented so much of our beliefs and values, and not to mention taking part in our wonderful home city of Leeds. It’s not often we get to shoot in an urban location, and this was on our own turf in all its glory. We also shot photo and video, and this allowed us total creative control and freedom. We had the best time!
What can couples who book you expect?
Loads of fun and giggles with Harry Potter references thrown in, a strong Wakefield accent from Ash, and Kitty on the dancefloor by the end of the night!
What is included in your videography package?
We offer three different tiered packages to choose from, with finishing touches that can be added on such as speeches/ceremony films or drone footage. However, we are always open to tailoring a package to suit the couples needs if they have specific requirements.
Can you give us an idea of price and can you do a discount for Brides Up North readers?
Our packages start at an affordable £950 to preserve those memories forever! Brides Up North readers can have 5% discount when quoting on enquiry.
How can readers get in touch with you or see more examples of your work?
We are on Facebook and Instagram and our gallery of films can be found on our website.
Any other exciting news to share?
We are currently travelling Europe in our camper van and will be travelling through France in June and July filming weddings in many stunning locations! Keep up with our travels and wedding inspo and advice on Instagram!
