Since the summer after I graduated from college I have been filming weddings, so, for going on 19 years! I would consider it a privilege to step into your world and capture this day in your life.
My training as a documentary cameraperson and as a birth doula informs my wedding film work. From the world of documentary making, I know that a cameraperson cannot disappear – there is no becoming a ‘fly on the wall.’ Instead, filming people is about relationships. It’s about feeling comfortable and even joyful with my being there with my camera, you in all your beauty, exactly as you are. From birth work I have learned how to be a calm and steady presence, and how to hold space for people as they go through incredible life transitions. A wedding day is another moment of transition, and your choices for who to be there with you (your photographer, your videographer, your wedding planner) are very important.
My wedding films are: candid, authentic, documentary, artful, not formulaic
Upcoming travel:
2025:
Europe, January + February
Testimonials
“Hugest hugs and thank yous for all you did for our wedding. We could not be more appreciative that you were there with us. We both absolutely loved the way you handled everything on the day and talked about it many times. Your presence was joyful and calming and fit right in. You have a natural intuitive sense of where to be and how, which we really noticed and appreciated. Dave made a comment about how the best cinematographers have a quality that is hard to describe but that has to do with connection to others, reading situations, and holding space…Not to mention how great your patience and help was with all the logistical items that we were too overwhelmed to be on top of ourselves!! We planned to plug in the drives and quickly click through the footage yesterday to make sure it all worked ok technically, but we ended up spending an hour and a half glued to the screen in tears!! We are both over the moon with your work, it’s exactly what we wanted. It’s hard to believe our luck with getting you on board. All this to say — thank you!!!!” -Leigh
“A true visionary when it comes to documentary video! Easy going, with an eye for capturing authentic moments. Highly recommended artist!” -Tom
“Purple Thistle Films was a dream to work with. Very communicative, patient and incorporated all my requests. The footage was naturalistic and beautiful. Amanda’s attention to detail made the footage shine. Highly recommend.” -Emma
“We 100% recommend Amanda. She found those small moments and unexpected angles and genuine expressions and truly captured the essence of the night Thank you!!.” -Kelly
FAQ
How far are you willing to travel? I maintain a flexible schedule and love to travel (I am converting a short school bus to do so more!). I am open to filming wherever you have in mind.
Do you have insurance? Yes. I am happy to provide proof of insurance.
Do you have a drone? I do have a drone. If drone footage is something you’re excited about having in your film, please let me know.
Why hire a videographer? It’s going to go by really quickly. Videography provides two important gifts: sound and motion. Vows, speeches, little conversations, the tumble of the ocean, the way your dress fluttered in the breeze, how you walked slowly or ran down the aisle, the dance your fiancé surprised you with, how your friends danced during the reception…And it’s not only a chance to capture you, but all of your guests at a moment in time.
Process
The first step is a phone call. You tell me what you are imagining, and I answer any questions. Most importantly, we get to know each other.
After our call, I send you a sample agreement, so you can read over those details. If and when you feel ready, we sign the agreement. After the agreement is signed, I send over an invoice. 7 days after receiving the invoice a 50% deposit is due. The other 50% is due upon your wedding day. If it helps, I am open to other payment plans.
Then I send you a detailed questionnaire to get to know you better and your hopes for the film. This part is fun and helpfully reflective, I swear!
Before the day, we stay in touch, sharing any further ideas and the contact information of other vendors.
On your wedding day, I show up early. During the more intimate and less formal parts of the day, such as getting ready and late night dancing, I help you stay comfortable by walking around with one camera. During the formal parts of the day, such as the ceremony and toasts, I throw up two or three cameras and multiple audio recorders. At the end of the night I give you a hug, if that works for you!
Then we rest! I watch the raw footage and listen to songs. If we are using music, I send you a playlist and you get to tell me your music preferences. I begin to pull together your film. You can expect your film and raw footage within 10-12 weeks, if not sooner. If there is anything you happen to want changed, I am happy to make a round of edits.
I love what I do. It is so important to me that you love your film!
About
I mother and homeschool a seven year old and pamper a senior cat.
My background is in documentary filmmaking, alongside weddings, and I have been making both documentaries and wedding films for 19 years.
In 2015 I made a feature observational documentary that won awards, played at MoMA, and went to film festivals around the world.
Along with my filmmaking work, I am a birth doula. As a doula I support and hold space for people as they go through the incredible life transition of giving birth.
I write poetry, garden and am converting a short school bus for adventures.
I am excited to apprentice with theater troupe Bread and Puppet in August 2024.
I lived in Brooklyn, New York for 12 years, and now live around family in beautiful southern Rhode Island.
