A Cinematic Fall Wedding Film at Church & State Winery | Victoria BC Wedding Videographer

Carli & Bryn told me on our first call that they wanted rowdy reception photos, private vows in the forest, and a day that felt like a big reunion. Most of her guests had never been in the same room together. Friends from across the US, family from Calgary, barely three people local to Victoria. She wanted everyone to finally meet, have a few drinks, and actually have fun.

That’s exactly what happened.

Getting Ready at the Delta Ocean Pointe

Carli got ready in a top floor suite at the Delta Ocean Pointe with high ceilings and the kind of natural light that makes everything look effortless. When it’s pouring outside and you’re trying to film getting ready footage, a room like that makes all the difference. Most hotel rooms are too cramped to work with. This one wasn’t.

The First Look

We did the first look in the getting-ready room, overlooking the ocean. My team moved about half the furniture in this hotel room to make it work. Bryn turned around, and he looked at her like he’d been waiting a long time to get to that moment. We just stayed out of the way and let it happen.

If you’re on the fence about doing a first look, this is my honest take as someone who films them all the time: if you care about wedding videography Victoria BC, and having an emotional private moment during your wedding day, the first look is usually it. It’s private, it’s unscripted, and people almost always say it was their favourite part of the day.

Private Vows in the Forest

After the hotel, we drove out to the forest for private vows. Still raining. Neither of them cared.

Carli had been clear from the start: she wanted forest. We planned for it, and it delivered. The auburn dresses against the wet greens and oranges of a fall Vancouver Island forest looked incredible on film. But more than that, the vows were theirs. No audience, no performance. Just two people saying what they actually wanted to say to each other.

That audio ends up being some of the most important footage in the whole film. It’s the part couples watch back first.

The Ceremony at Church & State

Church & State in Victoria BC is a genuinely great venue to film at. The vineyard rows give you natural depth in every shot and the late afternoon light there is consistently good. We’ve filmed there a few times and it delivers every time.

Carli’s dad was emotional from the moment she appeared. He spent most of the ceremony trying to hold it together and not quite managing it. That kind of thing, a parent who just can’t keep it in, is what makes wedding videography worth having. You don’t get that in photos the same way. You need to see his face move, hear him take a breath, watch him reach for his wife’s hand.

The Reception

Short speeches. Every single one of them. Four sets of parents, four speeches, all of them landing exactly right. Carli had a five minute limit and people actually respected it. The result was a room that was still energised when the dance floor opened.

And then it opened. And Carli’s guests, who had flown in from everywhere, made good on the promise of a wild dance floor. The “where’s waldo” candids Carli asked for in our discovery call, the ones where something weird is happening in the background, we got those.

Common Questions About Wedding Videography Victoria BC

How much does wedding videography cost in Victoria BC? Wedding videography Victoria BC ranges from roughly $2,500 for shorter coverage up to $10,000+ for full day coverage with a dedicated second videographer. My packages include the trailer, full ceremony film, full speeches film, and aerial footage without add on costs.

Do I need both a photographer and videographer? If the budget is there, I would highly recommend it. Photos give you individual moments. Video gives you the sound of your vows, the laughter during speeches, and what the room actually felt like. My team handles both together so nothing gets missed and the two sets of coverage tell the same story.

What is the difference between a trailer and a full wedding film? The trailer is 1 to 2 minutes, music driven, built for sharing. The full film is 8-15 minutes and captures everything including vows, full speeches, and the in-between moments. Both are included in my standard wedding videography Victoria BC packages.

How far in advance should I book? For May through October dates, 12 to 18 months out is realistic if you want options. Victoria BC books up faster than most people expect.

Do you travel outside Victoria? Yes. My team covers all of Vancouver Island including Nanaimo, Campbell River, Tofino, and Comox Valley – and also travels out of country. Travel fees apply depending on location.

What Carli Said

“From the first video call, I felt so comfortable. I was nervous about how to explain my vision and nervous I wouldn’t look good in any of the photos. Hayley was so enthusiastic and made the whole process fun. Every photo in our sneak peeks, which we got less than 24 hours after the wedding, is stunning. When we finally met in person it felt like I had known her for so long. Her team are so kind, charismatic, and calm. They kept us on schedule while capturing everything we had talked about. Even in the pouring rain in the forest. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, look no further.”

– Carli & Bryn

Victoria BC Wedding Vendors

Photography & Videography: Hayley Zumkeller Photography & Videography

Venue: Church & State Winery

Catering: Truffles Catering

Florals: Twig & Bloom

Makeup: Makeup by Squish

Hair: Willow Hairstyles

DJ: DJ Chris Poynter

Officiant: Marry Me Mel

Dress: The White Peony

Suits: Indochino

Book Your Wedding Videography Victoria BC

If you’re planning a wedding in Victoria BC or anywhere on Vancouver Island and you want a film that actually feels like your day, get in touch here.

Want to see more Victoria BC Wedding Films? Have a look here.