Why You Shouldn’t Choose Between Photo and Video for Your Wedding

As an Oregon-based destination wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve captured love stories across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. And one thing I hear from nearly every couple? “Do we really need both photo and video?”

You’ve probably heard it before: “If we had to choose, we’ll just go with photography”

But here’s the thing… your wedding isn’t just still moments. It’s movement. It’s sound. It’s your family’s emotion in their voices during toasts, the way your dress twirls when you spin during the first dance, your partner’s reaction as you walk down the aisle – in real time. And you deserve to relive all of that.

Choosing between wedding photography and videography means leaving half your story untold.

Photos Capture the Moments. Video Brings Them Back to Life.

Wedding photography lets you see the way you looked at each other. Wedding videography lets you hear what you said.

Together, they tell the full story… visually and emotionally.

The Photo Side of the Story –

Below is a gallery from one of our hybrid weddings – a look into the way we document moments full of connection, movement, and authenticity. These are the still frames that capture love as it unfolds:

Each of these images was captured during a wedding where we also filmed video side-by-side so nothing was missed and no moment felt overdone. Just real love, as it happened.

Here’s What I Hear All the Time:

We just don’t think we’ll watch the video.”
Totally fair – but also? We can’t tell you how many couples come back and say “I didn’t expect to cry all over again watching it.”

And honestly? We didn’t expect to either. Right after our ceremony, neither of us could remember a single word of the vows we had just said. The nerves, the emotions, the adrenaline, it all made the moment feel like a blur. We even turned to each other afterward and laughed, “Did we actually say everything we wanted to?” But when we watched our wedding video back, it brought it all rushing in. The words. The tears. The reactions. The connection.
It was the closest thing to being right back in that moment and we’re so thankful we didn’t skip it.

“We’re trying to save money somewhere.”
I get that. Wedding budgets are real. But if you’re investing in a high-end experience, your photo and video should be part of that. They’re not just content for social media – they’re the only pieces that last long after the flowers dry and the cake is gone.

“We’re afraid it’ll feel like a production.”
It doesn’t have to. I approach both photo and video with a storytelling lens – natural, emotional, and never overdone. Think: genuine connection, not fake posing. You can laugh, cry, get messy on the dance floor and we’ll capture it as it is.

The Video Side of the Story –

Here’s the highlight film captured during the same wedding as the gallery above – proof that you don’t have to sacrifice either side of the story:

This video was filmed alongside the photos by our two-person hybrid team. No extra vendors, no added stress… just an intentional approach that let them be fully present while we quietly documented the whole day.

What If You Could Have Both—Easily?

This is where hybrid (Photo & Video) wedding coverage comes in.

We’re a two-person team offering both wedding photography and videography in a seamless, thoughtful way. Whether it’s a full wedding or an intimate elopement, we specialize in telling your story through both mediums, without the stress of hiring two separate teams.

We dive into your story to find what’s most important to you, and we craft a highlight film that reflects it. The quiet moments, the emotions, the people you love most – it’s all documented with intention. You’ll receive a photo gallery and a cinematic highlight video that brings your day rushing back in the best way.

Hybrid coverage also works beautifully for destination weddings. With just one team handling both sides of your story, there’s no need to coordinate separate vendors across time zones. Plus, we can share travel and accommodations, making things easier (and more cost-effective) for you.

For couples who want meaningful video coverage without building a vendor list, hybrid is the sweet spot. You still get beautiful, storytelling-driven documentation – just wrapped up in one experience, with a team who know your relationship, your vision, and your day inside and out…so we can capture it from every angle.

Why Having Both Matters More Than Ever:

• You want to remember your vows in your own voices.
• You want your grandma’s laugh recorded forever.
• You want to feel the joy – not just see it.

A photograph freezes a moment. A film moves you through it.

Why Hybrid Might Be the Best Fit

You want both photo and video – but without a huge vendor team.
One team, one vision, less coordination.

You want a film that reflects what matters most to you.
We dive into your story to understand what’s meaningful – and craft your highlight film around that.

You value quality, but not fluff.
Intentional and streamlined storytelling – no over-the-top gear, just great moments captured beautifully.

You want consistent style across photo and film.
Same editing vibe, same creative eye. Everything flows together seamlessly.

Why a Full Team Might Be a Better Fit

You want distinct creative visions for photo and video.
Some couples love experiencing their day through two unique lenses — and that can be wonderful too!

You’re hosting a large, complex wedding (multi day, 350+ guests etc)
Bigger events often need multiple shooters, dedicated audio tech, and more hands on deck.
– That said, I have a trusted team of second and third shooters, so if you want hybrid coverage for a larger event, we can still make it work smoothly.

You want long-form video coverage (full doc edit)
I offer full recordings of key moments as add-ons to highlight films. But for 3–4 hours of continuous documentary-style footage, large video teams usually provide that. Most couples prefer story-driven highlight films with select longer moments preserved — which is exactly my specialty.

You have very specific separate vision for photo and video.
If drones, sliders, gimbals, and cinematic-style editing are priorities, a larger video team might be a better fit.

Or, if my video work resonates with you but you’re envisioning a different style of photography — like dark and moody or light and airy – then it might make more sense to build your own team. I fully support that and can recommend trusted creatives whose work aligns with your vision while still blending beautifully with my films.

This Isn’t Just About Having More Coverage. It’s about building a legacy.

When you trust a wedding photo and video team that works in sync (and cares just as much about your story as you do), you’re getting more than pretty memories. You’re getting the moments that remind you exactly how it felt.

This dream exists because of them + you.
And it deserves to be told with everything it’s made of – sight, sound, heart, and feeling.

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Ready to Decide What’s Best for You?

Learn more about collections

If you’re still unsure whether hybrid or a full vendor team fits your wedding vision, I’d love to chat! We’ll talk through your day, your priorities, and what kind of memories you want to relive for years to come—then build a plan that feels perfect and stress-free.

Ready to Tell the Whole Story?