Tag: videographer

A New Chapter Unfolds: From CTRL+shot to EverAfter - Wedding Films

October 14, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of wedding videography, change is not just inevitable — it’s essential. Today, I’m thrilled to announce a transformative step in our journey: the rebranding of CTRL+shot – Wedding Films to EverAfter – Wedding Films. This isn’t just a change of name; it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to excellence and a promise of an even brighter future for our clients.

EverAfter Creator
Hi – I am Sofiia, the founder.

The Story Behind the Change

Every love story is unique, and as a storyteller, I’ve always believed that the way we capture these stories should be just as special. CTRL+shot served us well, but as we grew and evolved, we realized it was time for a name that better reflected the essence of what we do. EverAfter – Wedding Films embodies the timeless nature of the moments we capture and the enduring quality of our work.

What EverAfter Means for You

  1. A Fresh Perspective: With EverAfter, we’re not just changing our name; we’re elevating every aspect of our service. From our website to our client interactions, everything has been reimagined to provide you with an experience as seamless and beautiful as the films we create.
  2. Enhanced Client Experience: Our new brand identity is designed to make your journey with us even more enjoyable. From the moment you visit our website to the day you receive your final film, every touchpoint has been carefully crafted to reflect our dedication to you.
  3. Continued Excellence: While our name has changed, our commitment to quality remains unwavering. In fact, this rebranding has inspired us to push our boundaries even further, exploring new techniques and styles to make your wedding film truly extraordinary.
  4. A Personal Touch: As the founder of EverAfter, I, Sofiia, want you to know that this rebranding is more than just a business decision. It’s a reflection of my personal growth as a filmmaker and my vision for the future of wedding videography in Chicago and beyond.

The Four Pillars of EverAfter

Our rebranding isn’t just skin deep. It’s rooted in four core elements that define our approach to wedding videography:

  1. Film-Inspired: Drawing from our extensive experience in the film industry, we bring a cinematic quality to your wedding day. Each shot is carefully composed, each moment thoughtfully captured, creating a visual masterpiece that honors your unique love story.
  2. Contemporary Classics: In a world of fleeting trends, we stand for timeless elegance. Our films blend classic techniques with modern flair, ensuring that your wedding video will feel as fresh and relevant years from now as it does today.
  3. Storytelling: At EverAfter, we’re not just videographers; we’re storytellers. We weave together the moments of your day into a cohesive narrative that captures not just what happened, but how it felt. Our expertise in visual storytelling and directing movement allows us to create films that are as emotionally powerful as they are visually stunning.
  4. Tailored to You: No two love stories are the same, and we believe no two wedding films should be either. We take the time to get to know you, understand your vision, and create a film that is uniquely yours. Like a bespoke suit, your wedding film will be perfectly tailored to fit you and your day.

What This Means for the Industry

As we embark on this new chapter, we’re excited to set new standards in the wedding videography industry. The Knot, a leading wedding planning platform, has long emphasized the importance of choosing vendors who align with your personal style and vision. With our rebranding, we’re making it easier than ever for couples to see exactly what we stand for and the quality we deliver.

Similarly, Zola, another respected name in the wedding industry, has noted the growing trend of couples seeking more personalized and cinematic wedding videos. Our rebranding to EverAfter positions us at the forefront of this trend, offering couples the opportunity to have a truly unique and professionally crafted wedding film.

Looking to the Future

This rebranding is just the beginning. As EverAfter – Wedding Films, we’re committed to continuous growth and improvement. We’ll be exploring new technologies, refining our techniques, and always seeking ways to better serve our clients.

Some exciting developments on the horizon include:

  • Expanded service offerings to cover more aspects of your wedding journey
  • Collaborations with other top-tier wedding professionals to provide comprehensive packages
  • Workshops and resources to help engaged couples understand the value of professional wedding videography

A Personal Invitation

As we step into this new era, I want to extend a personal invitation to all engaged couples: let’s create something beautiful together. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, EverAfter – Wedding Films is here to ensure that every moment, every emotion, and every detail of your special day is captured in a film you’ll treasure forever.

Visit our new website at everafterwedfilms.com to see our work and learn more about our approach. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and wedding inspiration. And most importantly, reach out to us. I’d love to hear your story and discuss how we can create a wedding film that’s as unique as your love.

Here’s to new beginnings, timeless stories, and happily ever afters.

Sofiia Founder, EverAfter – Wedding Films

EverAfter - Wedding Films Earns TheKnot's 'Best of Weddings 2024': A Tradition of Excellence

January 19, 2024
best of weddings videography
EverAfter
Wedding Films

In the dynamic world of wedding videography, EverAfter – Wedding Films has once again secured its position as a leader, earning TheKnot’s prestigious “Best of Weddings 2024” award. This recognition, received for multiple consecutive years, underscores EverAfter’s unwavering commitment to excellence and the art of capturing love stories. In this article, we’ll explore what sets EverAfter apart, the significance of TheKnot’s accolade, and what this means for couples seeking the best in wedding videography in 2024.

EverAfter – Wedding Films: A Legacy of Excellence

EverAfter – Wedding Films has consistently raised the bar in the wedding videography industry, and the “Best of Weddings 2024” award from TheKnot is a testament to this ongoing commitment to excellence. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for cinematic brilliance, EverAfter has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive landscape of wedding films.

For couples seeking top-tier wedding videography services in 2024, EverAfter – Wedding Films continues to stand out as a trusted and award-winning choice.

TheKnot’s ‘Best of Weddings’: A Seal of Distinction

TheKnot’s “Best of Weddings” award is not just a recognition; it’s a seal of distinction that signifies excellence in the wedding industry. The accolade is bestowed upon a select group of vendors who have consistently garnered rave reviews from couples they’ve worked with. EverAfter’s repeated inclusion in this esteemed list affirms its ability to consistently exceed the expectations of couples, creating timeless wedding films that capture the essence of love.

What This Means for Couples in 2024

For couples embarking on their wedding planning journey in 2024, choosing the right videographer is a pivotal decision. EverAfter’s recognition by TheKnot serves as a valuable guidepost, signaling that this team is not just a vendor but a partner dedicated to turning your wedding day into a cinematic masterpiece.

EverAfter – Wedding Films’ consistent acknowledgment by TheKnot as the ‘Best of Weddings’ reinforces its status as a top choice for couples seeking unparalleled wedding videography services in 2024. Contact Us Today!

Why EverAfter Stands Out

Personalized Approach: EverAfter takes the time to understand each couple’s unique love story, ensuring that every film is a tailored reflection of their personalities and journey.

Cutting-Edge Techniques: With state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, EverAfter creates films that are not just recordings but captivating narratives that unfold with emotion and authenticity.

Experience and Expertise: The team at EverAfter brings years of experience to the table, knowing how to capture those candid moments that make each wedding unique.

Elevating Your Wedding Experience

As EverAfter – Wedding Films adds another accolade to its collection with TheKnot’s “Best of Weddings 2024” award, couples can rest assured that they are choosing a team with a proven track record of excellence. In the ever-evolving landscape of wedding videography, EverAfter continues to shine, elevating the wedding experience and turning moments into cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

To make your wedding day truly unforgettable, consider the award-winning services of EverAfter Wedding Films, recently honored with TheKnot’s ‘Best of Weddings 2024’ accolade.

Videography editing

March 24, 2023

Does videography include editing? When it comes to wedding videography, many couples may wonder if the service includes videography editing. In short, the answer is yes, most professional wedding videographers offer editing services as part of their package. In this article, we’ll explore what wedding videography editing entails, the benefits of having edited wedding videography, and some examples of edited wedding films by CTRL+shot.

Explanation of wedding videography editing services

Wedding videography editing involves the post-production process of taking the raw footage captured on the wedding day and turning it into a cohesive and visually appealing final product. This process can include tasks such as color grading, audio mixing, adding music, transitions, and visual effects, among other techniques. The goal of editing is to create a polished and cinematic wedding film that tells the story of the couple’s special day.

Advantages of having edited wedding videography

Having edited wedding videography offers several benefits over unedited footage. First, edited footage tells a story and captures the emotions of the day, creating a more meaningful and memorable experience for the couple and their loved ones. Second, professional editing can enhance the visual and audio quality of the footage, resulting in a more polished and cinematic final product. Finally, having a professionally edited wedding film allows couples to share their special day with friends and family who were unable to attend the wedding.

Real-life examples of wedding videography editing services

CTRL+shot is a wedding videography company that offers unique wedding art film and documentary-style services, including editing. Their team of expert editors turns wedding footage into storytelling wedding films that capture the emotions, moments, and memories of the couple’s special day. CTRL+shot’s love story films are a prime example of their editing skills, weaving together interviews, voiceovers, and footage from the wedding day to create a personalized and intimate film that tells the couple’s unique love story.

In addition, top CTRL+shot wedding film examples show the power of wedding videography editing. These examples are a cinematic and emotional journey through the couple’s wedding day, capturing the beauty and magic of the day in a way that still photos cannot. From getting ready for the ceremony to the reception, the film tells a complete story that the couple will cherish for years to come.

In conclusion, wedding videography does include editing, and it’s a crucial part of the process that can elevate the final product to a whole new level. By choosing a professional wedding videographer who offers editing services, couples can ensure that their special day is captured and presented in the best possible way. CTRL+shot provides unique and personalized wedding videography services, including expert editing, to create storytelling wedding films that couples will treasure forever.

Length of time a videographer is needed | Wedding Videography

March 19, 2023

A wedding videographer is an important investment for couples who want to capture the memories of their special day. One of the common questions that couples have is the length of time a videographer is needed for at the wedding. The answer to this question depends on several factors that we will explore in this section.

Factors that determine the length of time a videographer is needed

The length of time that a videographer is needed at a wedding depends on several factors, including:

  • Length of the wedding: The longer the wedding ceremony and reception, the more time the videographer will need to be present to capture all the important moments.
  • Number of locations: If the wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations, the videographer will need to factor in travel time between the locations.
  • Type of coverage: Some couples only want the ceremony and reception filmed, while others want pre-wedding events and post-wedding activities captured as well.
  • Number of videographers: If a couple hires more than one videographer, they may be able to cover more events simultaneously and reduce the overall time required.

Average time frames for wedding videography services

The average time frame for wedding videography services is typically between 6-12 hours. This time frame usually covers the pre-wedding preparation, ceremony, reception, and other important moments. However, some videographers offer packages with shorter or longer time frames based on the couple’s needs.

Tips for planning the timeline of wedding videography services

Here are some tips for planning the timeline of wedding videography services:

  • Communicate with your videographer: Discuss your wedding day timeline with your videographer and ask for their input on how much time they will need to capture all the important moments.
  • Prioritize key events: Identify the key events that you want to be captured and prioritize them accordingly. This will help you allocate the necessary time for each event.
  • Build in buffer time: It’s always a good idea to build in some buffer time in case things run behind schedule or unexpected events occur.

In conclusion, the length of time a videographer takes at a wedding varies depending on several factors, including the length of the wedding, the number of locations, and the type of coverage. By communicating with your videographer and prioritizing key events, you can ensure that your wedding memories are captured in a way that meets your expectations.

Looking for a top-rated videographer – follow us on Instagram and contact us at CTRL+shot.

Is it Worth it to Have a Videographer at Your Wedding?

March 16, 2023

Your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life, and you want to make sure that every moment is captured to cherish for years to come. While many couples choose to hire a photographer to capture their wedding day, the question of whether it’s worth it to have a videographer at your wedding often arises. In short, the answer is yes. Here’s why.

Importance of Capturing Wedding Memories

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you will want to remember forever. While photos are a great way to capture still moments, they don’t always capture the full essence and emotion of the day. A wedding video, on the other hand, allows you to relive your special day, hearing the laughter, vows, and speeches, and seeing the tears and smiles on your loved ones’ faces. A wedding video is a way to preserve and relive your memories for years to come.

Advantages of Having a Wedding Videographer

A professional wedding videographer has the experience and equipment to capture all the important moments of your wedding day. From the pre-ceremony preparations to the reception festivities, a wedding videographer can capture all the important moments in a way that a photographer cannot. They can also edit the footage into a beautiful, cinematic film that tells the story of your day.

Real-life Testimonials from Couples Who Hired a Wedding Videographer

Couples who have hired a wedding videographer consistently say that it was worth the investment. They appreciate being able to relive their special day and see things they may have missed. Many also say that they’ve watched their wedding video more times than they thought they would and that it’s become a cherished family heirloom.

In short, having a wedding videographer is definitely worth the investment. It allows you to relive your special day and cherish the memories for years to come.

Top Chicago Wedding Videographer for your Big Day

March 14, 2023
Chicago Wedding Videographer
Wedding Shot

Are you planning your dream wedding in Chicago and looking for a professional videographer to capture your special day? Look no further than a Chicago Wedding Videographer! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wedding videography, from pricing to the benefits of having a professional videographer by your side.

Why Choose a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

A wedding videographer is a professional who specializes in capturing the special moments of your big day. A Chicago Wedding Videographer has the experience, skills, and equipment needed to document every aspect of your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception.

Not only do they have an eye for detail, but they also know how to create a beautiful and cinematic film that tells the story of your wedding day. By choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, you can rest assured that you’ll have a stunning and timeless video to cherish for years to come.

How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Videography?

The cost of wedding videography varies depending on a range of factors, such as the length of the video, the number of videographers, and the level of experience of the videographer. On average, couples in Chicago spend between $3,500 and $6,000 on high-quality wedding videography.

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, it’s essential to consider your budget, but also the value of investing in a professional who can deliver a high-quality and memorable wedding film.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

There are numerous benefits to hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer for your special day. Firstly, a professional videographer can capture moments that you may have missed, from the small details to the big emotional moments.

Additionally, a Chicago Wedding Videographer has the skills and equipment needed to create a cinematic and polished film that captures the essence of your wedding day. Finally, having a professional videographer means that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that everything is being documented by a skilled and experienced professional.

Tips for Choosing the Right Chicago Wedding Videographer

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should look for a professional who has experience in capturing weddings and has a portfolio that showcases their work.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a videographer who has the right equipment, such as high-quality cameras and microphones. Finally, you should choose a videographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to document your special day.

Common Questions and Concerns about Wedding Videography

Finally, let’s address some common questions and concerns about wedding videography. Firstly, it’s important to note that videographers specialize in capturing video footage, not photography. While some videographers may offer photography services, it’s important to choose a professional who specializes in one or the other.

Additionally, wedding videographers typically film for 8-10 hours on the wedding day, capturing everything from the pre-wedding preparations to the final dance of the night. Finally, when choosing a wedding videography package, be sure to ask what is included, such as the length of the final video, any additional edits or features, and the delivery timeline.

In conclusion, choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer is an investment in capturing and preserving the memories of your special day. By considering the factors we’ve discussed, such as pricing, benefits, and tips for choosing the right professional, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect videographer for your Chicago wedding.

Feel free to reach out to CTRL+shot shall you have any additional questions. We are here for you to make your day unforgettable. Let’s discuss your Big Day!

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Why should you hire a videographer? | Wedding Videography

February 17, 2022

When you prepare for your wedding, one of the first things that come to mind is the venue and also the videographer or photographer you want to choose. The reason is simple, booking a videography expert is something you want to do many months in advance, especially if you live in Chicago. You want to hire a team of experts like CTRL+shot that have a lot of knowledge and expertise in this field. But why should you consider working with a videographer in the first place, what are the benefits?

wed6 Wedding Videography

Capturing all the emotions during this special day

A professional videographer can help you create incredible wedding films that capture your emotions, excitement, and fun you have during your big day. He or she can help you create an extraordinary wedding movie that you can cherish for a really long time. That’s what makes it such an incredible option to begin with.

Photography on the other hand is good too, but where is the motion? It’s tough to reproduce emotions looking at the picture. However, it is a different story with a video when you look and listen to those vows once more.

It can be hard to see everything during your wedding day

That’s why you want a videographer capturing crucial and regular parts of your wedding too. It’s exciting and fun, and it does help bring in a much more interesting and rewarding experience. On top of that, you get to see a lot of stuff that you were unaware happened. And that’s exactly the type of thing you want to have as a memory from your wedding.

You and your significant ones must be in the moment and don’t worry about preserving memories. Leave it to your wedding videographer to take care of.

Capturing both movement and sound

One of the main reasons you want to work with a professional videographer is their expertise to capture both sound and movement. It helps immensely since you get to focus on the entire experience while also knowing that you get to enjoy your wedding film once it’s all over. Videos are more engaging and exciting when compared to pictures, so having a videographer that helps capture all those videos is very helpful.

wed5 2 Wedding Videography

Videos are easy to share

Yes, wedding films are easy to share on social media or via file-sharing websites. We live in the YouTube era – upload and simply share a link. It becomes very simple to share the video and make it easy for everyone to enjoy those great moments again and again. That’s why you should have a videographer that can help, since you can enjoy your wedding films and also share them with anyone you want, without restrictions.

You can rewatch wedding videos as many times as you want

That’s the great advantage of hiring a wedding videographer, once the wedding is over you can have some incredible wedding films that you get to rewatch as you see fit. It’s exciting because you can get back to those special moments without restrictions, and it’s a great way to pull you away from any challenges or issues that might arise.

As you can see, hiring a videographer like the one from CTRL+shot is a great way to not only preserve great memories but also ensure that you get to share those moments with loved ones. It’s a great idea to work with a team of experts that can help capture on video all the emotions and excitement from your wedding. So don’t hesitate and work with a dedicated, professional videographer, it will help elevate your experience to the next level!

Why is it important to have a wedding film?

February 15, 2022

When you want to prepare for your wedding, hiring the right videographer is one of the first things you want to do. Since most videography experts are booked months or even years in advance, you want to make sure that you have someone ready to work on your wedding film early on in the process. Around 75% of couples regret they didn’t hire a videographer for their wedding, so it’s a great idea to NOT make such a mistake. Here’s why you want to have great wedding films!

wed2 Wedding Videography
Capture your moments

Pick great videographer to capture your wedding’s story and special moments

One of the advantages of having a wedding film is that it allows you to capture your wedding’s story and relive it again and again. A good videographer like the ones at CTRL+shot will be able to capture those moments with great success, the story behind the preserved moments, something that proves difficult without the right tools and expertise. That’s why hiring a videographer for your wedding is extremely important.

Showing these wedding films to your kids

Speaking of that, wedding films are a great thing to show to your children when they get older. Not only is it a great walk around memory lane, but it also allows your kids to see you when you were younger too. It’s a very emotional, yet satisfying moment that wedding films can bring to life.

wed4 Wedding Videography
Share with your kids

A great thing to enjoy during your anniversary

Watching your wedding film is a great way to remember your wedding anniversary every year. A lot of couples choose to rewatch their wedding videos because they are fun and bring in a very good time. Plus, it’s the type of thing that brings couples together.

Videographers have different wedding packages to choose from

What that means is that you can choose exactly the type of wedding video that you want. This is great because you can adapt their services to your own needs. And, in doing so, you also get to spend less, while still bringing the wedding of your dreams to life. There are tons of different options and this is a reason why we at CTRL+shot offer one package with all types of wedding films: art film, documentary video, and of course social media reel – check them HERE.

You are very busy during the wedding

Let’s face it, the last thing you have time for during the wedding is to take pictures or capture videos. That’s why you want a great videographer to take care of all wedding films. Not only does it help you save both time and money, but you get to be there for your guests too. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your wedding, even more, knowing that a professional will take care of all the wedding films.

Conclusion

It’s very important to have someone specialized in capturing your wedding films ready to help every step of the way. It’s convenient, and it allows you to spend more time with your guests and enjoy the wedding festivities. Plus, if you hire a team of professionals like CTRL+shot crew, you know that you’re getting expert results and the best value for money. Don’t hesitate and contact us today for the best wedding videography services in Chicago, we are always ready to help!

Smart Wedding Planning

February 15, 2022

Things you should cut from your wedding to keep it simple and fun

wed1 Wedding Videography
Prioritize the important

Don’t just cut down, prioritize!

Keeping your wedding simple is a great way to not only represent yourself and your ideas, but also save some money too. Generally, many couples tend to overspend when it comes to their planning and focus a lot on items that aren’t really necessary. If anything, the most important things for a wedding should be the couple, official, location, date and time, as well as the marriage license. Of course, you will also need a good wedding videographer to create a great and memorable documentary-style film for you as well.

How can you make the right wedding decisions?

The main problem that a lot of couples have is that they want everything to be perfect. Because of that, they want to do everything themselves, just to ensure everything is right. The reality is that you want to take a cold look at all those tasks and features, then see if you really need them. You might be shocked, but more often than not you won’t need a lot of these services and items.

So, how can you figure out what to toss and what to keep? Create a list and then organize everything based on importance. For example, check out wedding videography services from CTRL+shot, check what is important, and what is recommended to be on your list. However, expensive centerpieces and decorations aren’t really mandatory. You just have to see what adds value to the wedding and what can be skipped.

Based on the clients’ feedback, The Knot was one of the options for many to perform self-planning and save some money.

Asking someone else for help

You may want to handle the decorations, baking or music yourself, but hiring others or asking friends to help could be another option. What you will notice is that outsourcing some of these wedding tasks can help you get back on track and worry a lot less. It might not seem that much in the beginning, but the results can be great and that’s what matters the most.

Take your time and assess every wedding task, then ensure that you either scrap it, outsource it or move on without that particular thing. It might sound challenging at first, but if you manage to do it right, then nothing will stand in your way, and that’s exactly the need you want to pursue. 

wed3 1 Wedding Videography
Asking someone else for help

Should you focus on keeping your wedding simple?

There are people that try to make their special day grandiose and massive. The reality is that you don’t have to do that. A simple wedding that represents you and who you are is a much better option. Plus, it also helps you save both time and money.

Since your planning has its fair share of challenges, you always want to focus on finding ways to keep your wedding simple, yet fun. Cutting down unnecessary tasks from your wedding list is really handy, and it’s definitely going to pay off big time. Just make sure that you take your time, go through all wedding tasks and then choose what works for you. Rest assured that simplifying your wedding can actually make the entire event better, not to mention you can prevent a lot of stress and anxiety!