Frequently Asked Questions about Sounds Abound Video

Sounds Abound Video uses only the highest quality video equipment. We use JVC GY-HD200 camcorders which are high-end professional 3-CCD video cameras. 3-CCD (or “3-chip”) cameras are often used for indie films or broadcast TV, capable of true high-definition resolution up to 1080p. We record to Mini-DV tapes to ensure the highest quality digital transfer from the camera to our state-of-the-art editing suite.

We edit your wedding video using a Mac Pro computer and Final Cut Pro software. That’s the same hardware / software combination used to make your favorite mega-budget blockbuster movies. We also use other programs like DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Motion, and Live Type – just to name a few. Point is, we only use the most advanced, current, high-tech tools available in the film industry.

The number of cameras we use depends on the video package you choose. Most packages include two cameras filming your ceremony (one stationary and one with your videographer) and one camera filming the rest of your wedding day. If you choose to have a second videographer, then we will use three cameras for the ceremony and two for the rest of the wedding day.

During the ceremony, we use two wireless microphones to ensure that we capture the highest quality sound. One microphone is a lavalier (clip-on) that is worn by the groom. It is omni-directional, which means it will pick up speech by your officiant, the bride and the groom. We also place a traditional hand-held microphone at the podium to record readers or singers. During the reception, we will work directly with your Sounds Abound DJ and record sound directly from the DJ’s mixing console. This allows for perfect clarity of introductions, speeches, and all your favorite music.

All Sounds Abound Video editing is done after the wedding in our editing studio in Wauconda, IL. Our wedding video clients are always welcome to stop by our studio and sit in for up to two hours on their editing session. The editing process usually requires between 30 and 40 hours of studio time to create the finished product.

We never do in-camera editing, even if you choose to have your ceremony highlights presented during the reception. (Yes, we can do that!) In that case, we’ll edit the ceremony highlights on our notebook computer (aka portable editing studio) between the ceremony and reception.

Sounds Abound films your wedding day in “docudrama” style. We film the entire wedding day as if filming a documentary. We then edit together the most special moments of the day to tell your personal love story. Depending on your video package, we will also include one or more photo montages (childhood, dating, honeymoon) to enhance our storytelling.

Our goal is to capture the best moments of the day, complete with spontaneous and natural reactions, without ever intruding on you or your guests. In our minds, the less we are noticed, the better. Of course, we are happy to include interviews with family members and friends, but this is entirely up to you.

Additional Blu-ray Discs and/or DVDs cost $30 each. We don’t do VHS. That’s so five minutes ago.

You will receive your final product within 30 days of our having received all your materials. Most often, that means 30 days from your wedding day. If you are having us include a honeymoon montage on your final Blu-ray, then you will receive your video within 30 days of turning in your honeymoon photos to us.

Events in downtown Chicago are subject to a $100 travel fee. As long as all filming locations are in the Chicagoland area (excluding SE Wisconsin and NW Indiana), there are no additional charges for travel between locations.

All our packages are flat rates that cover you for the entire day and evening up until midnight. If you would like us to film past midnight, we charge $75 per videographer per 30 minutes of overtime.

Your videographer will absolutely have a back-up camera in case of emergency. We also bring ample extra batteries and storage tapes to prepare for any circumstance.

We do not require any special lighting to accurately capture your wedding day. We will not use any additional light during your ceremony, and a non-intrusive soft light on our camera is all we will use during the reception.

Having filmed hundreds of weddings in just the past few years, we have worked at nearly every imaginable venue in the greater Chicagoland area. We learn the subtle nuances of each location to guarantee that there will be no surprises on your wedding day. Whether we’ve been there before or not, we always arrive at your ceremony site 90 minutes early to set-up, test the lighting, and confirm the best shooting angles.

A $500 deposit is required upon booking in order to hold your wedding date. Half of the remaining balance is due 2 months before your event. The final balance of your account is due two weeks before the wedding. Payment options are: credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, Discover), personal check, money order, cashier's check, or good old fashioned American cash. Overtime and tips should be paid in cash directly to your videographer at your event.

Sounds Abound videographers always dress in all black: black button down dress shirt, black suit pants, pink shoes. Just kidding, black shoes.

Yes, we do ask that you provide a meal for your Sounds Abound videographer. Keep in mind that your videographer's work day begins approximately 2 to 3 hours before the start time of your event.

Our goal is to provide you with the best service possible. Your gratuities are greatly appreciated.