I could picture her walking down the aisle, her long train, and her hair flowing down her back in fashionable ringlets. And her soon-to-be husband, looking relieved at the sight of her. The reception is relaxed, yet elegant, with guests dancing to Sinatra, and Italian wine flowing. And there they would be—my mom and dad—happy, dancing their first dance, with my large extended family looking on. All the aunts and uncles I’ve heard of growing up, and my grandfather, our family’s patriarch, who I sadly knew for only six years, all forever captured on film.  

I wish I had that tape, and if you asked my parents they would tell you the same. But unfortunately, in 1977 cameras weren’t readily accessible, and for a modest family of Italian immigrants, they couldn’t have afforded it anyway. But now, with the advances in videography and reasonable prices, it would be considered crazy to have a wedding without hiring a videographer, right? “Many couples fail to see the importance of a videographer until it’s too late,” says Anthony Francese, a videographer who owns the Somerset-based Artistic Expressions Journalists with his wife, Suzi. “Couples spend a whole year planning the wedding and when it comes, they’re pulled in a million directions, the day becomes a blur. But, by having it on tape, they can relive the whole day and experience it as a guest.”

It’s believed that less than half of the weddings in New Jersey use videographers. For many brides, it’s an oversight, a detail lost while deciding flower arrangements and favors. Other couples had bad experiences with novice and obtrusive videographers, carrying a clunky camera and big lights.

While planning her wedding, newlywed Gina Lappas of Denville, had overlooked the option until her mother gently pushed the topic. “I was so worried about other details of the wedding that it didn’t even cross my mind,” says Lappas. After deciding to hire a videographer, the couple found a local photographer-videographer duo, who offered both services at a discounted price. “But, now that the whole day is over, I’m so glad we hired a videographer. My husband and I, and even our friends, can’t wait to see the film.”