How to Choose a Videographer or Why Not to Hire Media Logic Inc

While planning a wedding, there are hundreds and hundreds of details to be overseen. Some are small and some are large, but each one requires the decision of the bride. One of the easier ones is choosing the videographer. There are plenty of options here from having a friend or family member do it to hiring a professional. As my mother put it, after the day is over the only thing you'll have left are the photos and the video so you'd better make sure they come out okay.

With that in mind we started looking for a wedding photgrapher and videographer. I think it's best to get a recommendation from someone you know. A friend of ours had used a company called Media Logic Inc. that did both photography and video. We met with them, saw examples of their work, and hired them with a sizable deposit. At the time it seemed like the smart choice, and one more worrisome decision checked off the list.

On the day of the wedding, two neatly dressed gentlemen with "Media Logic Inc." vests showed up on time with cameras. They were familiar with the site and assured us they knew how to "remain invisible" so as not to disturb the ceremony but capture it. They were right, they did not intrude on the ceremony at all. Even during the reception we could see that they were there but they never got in the way. At the end of the night they promised the video would be ready in two to four weeks.

Although difficult, we waited the entire four weeks before finally calling them and asking them if our package was ready. They politely explained that due to the volume of weddings in the spring, they were backlogged and needed an additional two weeks. Two weeks later, they did not call us so we called them. They asked for more time.

After a few more rounds of phone tag, the owner of Media Logic Inc. finally admitted that the files were lost and they actually had none of our wedding day available. We would have no memories to cherish.

It was one of those decisions that seemed simple; you pay someone else to worry about the details so you don't have to. But when you give up the reigns even a little bit, you lose control. Now we sit around and think about what we should have done the day of our wedding to have protected ourselves, and we think we should share them with you.

We should have asked for the raw footage that night. The package we paid for included editing, but we should have protected ourselves by getting what they shot up front. That way, even if they discovered then that they screwed up, we still would have been in our wedding attire to take more pictures.

We should have gone with a company that didn't require such a hefty deposit. If they don't get paid until delivery, then they have more incentive to get it done right.

And the final lesson we learned? Next time, don't hire Media Logic Inc. to shoot a precious event like a wedding.