How We Work - The Basics:

We shoot a lot of video and photos.  We attend, video and photograph at least some of  the every rehearsal at no cost to you.  We use at least two cameras at the ceremony.  We use wireless, shotgun and stereo microphones.  When ever possible, we record a separate digital audio in addition to the video recording.  We shoot  high resolution candid photos at the rehearsal and reception and when we can, at the ceremony.  Using Sony Vegas & DVD Architect software, we professionally edit your video and author all our DVDs to include menus and scene selection.  We professionally edit our photographs (e.g., fix minor problems, when needed) using Adobe Photoshop.  If you choose to do a photo story (using your own photos) we scan and edit and fix all photos when needed.

How much does it cost?   Our price list will give you a general idea.  We use Lighthouse Digital’s “Flex Contract”,  it is simple, you contract for just what you want.  If sometime before, during or after the wedding you want to add something—no problem, Lighthouse Digital can do it.

Do you work outside of the Charleston, SC area?  We generally work around the "Low Country".  Approximately, Charleston to Summerville, Mount Pleasant, to Kiawah Island.  We will work anywhere in South Carolina but must include travel and if needed lodging in our cost.

Do you required a Deposit?  Yes, 25% when you sign the contract, 25% at the rehearsal or before the wedding and the remaining amount when we deliver the finished product.  We require a deposit to secure the day for your wedding.  We usually book no more than two weddings a month and we never book more than one wedding or event a day.  Keep in mind that many couples book their wedding a year in advance. Our busiest months are May through November. 

How will Lighthouse Digital prepare for my wedding?  We start the minute we meet with you, before you even see a contract, we will discuss your wedding, your ideas, we will talk about the location, and even discuss the colors in your wedding.  We will stay in contact with you up to delivery of your DVD.   Before your wedding day we will have already checked out the locations, inventoried and checked all our equipment, checked all our backup equipment and run down our wedding day checklist.  We will attend your rehearsal and arrive at least an hour and half before your ceremony.  During your wedding day we will stay almost as busy as you.

Why do you use still photos in your video?  Properly used, still photos adds a unique facet to a film.  For example, still photos can be used as a dramatic transition from one scene to another or for dramatic emphasis--like a kiss.  A single photo can capture and hold a moment in a dramatic pause, during the flim.  We often employ a short photo story as a beautiful way to summarize the event and signal the end of the film.   Additionally, we can post your best candid photo on our gallery where they can be shared with family and friends.

Will we be able to hear our vows? Yes, clearly. We use Sony wireless microphones to record your vows.  Usually we will wire the groom with a small transmitter (attached to his belt in the small of his back) with only a very tiny microphone clipped to his lapel.  We also record the ceremony separately using a Sony Mini Disk recorder with a stereo microphone.  Additionally, we use shotgun microphones on cameras and if the situation requires it, wired boundary and stereo microphone or additional wireless microphones.   

What is a “Photo Story”? A photo story is a series of related still-digital or scanned photographs with added audio (music and/or voice), titles, and graphics that tell a story much like a video.  Some couples choose to tell their stories, using their own childhood and dating photos. Lighthouse Digital often combines this with video or voice over of the couple.  This is a wonderful way to tell your story.  We can add old family videos and photos, audio recordings of grandparents or family, comments from close friends, and video interviews with the bride and groom.

What kind of equipment do you use?  We use Sony cameras and camcorders, audio recorders,  Sony and Audio Technica wireless and wired microphones, Behringer mixers, Sony video and audio editing software and Dell computers.

Do you use lights during the ceremony or reception?  We usually don’t use lights during the ceremony and prefer to use on camera lights at the reception only when necessary.   When we do use light, we use the lowest possible wattage for the scene.  Our on camera lights are daylight balanced and output is adjustable.  As a general policy we try and stay as unobtrusive as possible.

Will my videos be edited?  Absolutely, we edit all our videos.  We do not do cookie-cutter editing.  Some companies use standard editing script, i.e., 1st scene, wedding party enter, transition; 2nd scene, first dance, transition; 3rd scene, cut cake, transition, forth scene…etc.   We edit each wedding on its own merits.    Lighthouse Digital approaches each wedding as artist would a blank canvas.  We blend still images and multi camera video to make a beautiful moving story of your wedding day.  We look for the touching moments, romantic moments, the fun, and for those few once-in-a-life-time moment that make each wedding unique.  Every wedding is different—every wedding video should be different.

How long will it take to get my DVD?  From four to six weeks.  We generally deliver your DVD within six weeks. 

Can we purchase a VHS tape of the wedding? Yes, but we recommend DVD, which will last much longer and the picture is a better quality. 

Why don't you have video samples on your site? Cost!  At this time it is not cost effective for us to pay for a site that will play longer, higher resolution video.  Of course, upon request we can show you our demo or better yet a complete wedding video.  

Email us at lighthousedv@knology.net or Call us at (843) 345-1467