Ask the Wedding Expert - Motion Media Productions
Hello. I am Bobby from Motion Media Productions :-)
First up in our new series of ‘Ask the Wedding Experts’ is Bobby McKeown. Bobby first started his cinematography business in 2007 and named it Motion Media Productions.
Having always had an interest in audio/music/video, Bobby has counted himself very lucky to have made a career out of it and what a career!
He specialises in weddings and considers it a pleasure to be asked along to a couples special day. Having witnessed his style first hand, we would describe it as being very discreet and unobtrusive during a wedding. He will regularly get feedback from couples saying: “Bobby, we hardly even noticed you were there most of the day”.
Well, I can guarantee he is here with us today as he answers our customer related questions. So lets begin!
Easy one to start with here Bobby…what is your approach to filming weddings, and what type of videography style do you specialise in?
I want the couple, along with their family and friends to enjoy the day without feeling they’re constantly being filmed. I pride myself on being discreet and unobtrusive.
My style would be a hybrid between documentary and cinematic. Couples receive their full doc edit and also a short highlights clip.
That leads me nicely into the next question – what is included in your wedding videography packages?
My most popular package includes filming from bridal prep in the morning right up to dancing and everything in-between. I have options to exclude speeches or dancing.
We know the price range of the photography market pretty well – but what should a couple expect to pay for a quality wedding video package?
My packages range from £900 to £1300. Their chosen package can be changed and confirmed right up to 2 weeks before the wedding.
That seems very reasonable – considering the effort and quality that goes into the wedding video. Ok, lets go slightly left field…what are your passions outside of weddings?
Cliche – but I love spending time with my wife, family and friends.. holidays together, good food or even just a drive with old school tunes playing! We have a fur-baby Toby who is spoilt rotten.
I enjoy training and trying to stay fit and healthy! Refusing to admit I’m getting older lol.
Haha! I feel your pain on that one! Ok, without giving too much away about your age – how long have you been filming weddings, and how many have you filmed in the past year?
I’ve been shooting weddings for over 20 years!
Last year was very busy.. busier than usual with so many previous weddings rescheduled due to covid. Thankfully 2023 and 2024 continue to be busy and 2025 is coming in too.
Brilliant! Now, we are already know the answer to this one, but for our the sake of readers – are you be the main videographer on the day of a wedding, or will you be working with a team?
Yes, I work by myself on the day.. although I’m thankful to be part of a great professional wedding community and know I can call for help if/when I ever need to.
I agree, being part of that wider wedding community is hugely important. Now – trying to keep it ‘current’ -Videography has changed so much in the digital age – how do you stay current in this modern age?
My style hasn’t drastically changed over the years. My clients appreciate the longer style edit. I only get one chance on the day – so I still like to capture as much as I can for them.
In recent years camera gimbals and drones have allowed for shots that were never feasible years ago! I always try to include drone shots with all my videos.
Delivery has also changed.. Currently I supply the final film on USB, but I’m also introducing online delivery, which allows you to share it with friends and family anywhere in the world.
Can couples request specific shots or moments that they want captured on our wedding day?
Yes.. Although I like to capture the wedding day as it naturally unfolds and don’t like to manipulate or recreate special moments.. I’m also keen to hear what’s important to the couple.. These might include; drone shot of the family home, footage of their children (including fur-babies) or a particular song captured during the ceremony.
I don’t take any offence when couples speak up.. I’d rather know so I can do it for them.
I’m trying hard to not make this question about Ciaran O’Neill Photography – so I’ll attempt to keep it general. How do you work with the photographer and other vendors during the wedding, and how do you ensure that everyone is working together effectively?
I’m happy for the photographer to take lead throughout the day when guiding couples during their photos.. but I’m also there to back them up. To help round up bridal party/family etc. If I spot something happening I’ll always alert the photographer, as I know they often do the same for me. It’s important to work as a team. I’m very lucky to have met so many wedding vendors over the years and now consider them friends. A wedding day is often like a day out working with your mates!
Fantastic answer. I couldn’t agree more, vendor relationships are very important to ourselves as well. Ok, last question before I let you inevitably hit the gym for the 6th time today…have you noticed any changes in the industry over the last 10 years?
NI weddings are often very traditional – which is lovely! and I feel the structure and run of the day is still very similar 10 years on. However, I have noticed that speeches are getting shorter and some opting to exclude them completely.
Humanist ceremonies are much more popular and they’re so personal to the couple. I often hear guests remark on how relaxed and enjoyable the humanist ceremonies are.
In more recent years I’ve be fortunate to capture several same sex marriages. I think it’s great that everyone in NI can now express their life long commitment to their partner through the celebration of marriage with their family and friends. Love is love!
Even better answer! Ok, this is a wee trick I use on my couples – I tell them its the last photo – then as we walk back to their guests I use that opportunity to squeeze another photo in without them realising. Soooo…with that in mind – how did you get into videography?
😂😂 No problem – I was studying sound production and started to help another videographer part time. A few years later I knew it was something I had a passion for and could make it my full time career. I started Motion Media and haven’t looked back. The majority of my work comes from vendor referral or from previous couples recommending me to their friends 😀
"Love is love!"
- Bobby, Motion Media Productions
Four Seasons Carlingford Wedding - Mariane & Benny
Our Wedding Journey...
Having had their first date in Cookstown, Mariane, a dental nurse from Brazil & Benny, a welder from Newry decided after 4 years it was time to tie the knot. In case you recognise them – it was their proposal that caught the headlines as Benny thought it would be a good idea to use the Illuminate Festival in Derry as the venue. He got in contact with the city council and arranged for ‘Mariane, will you marry me? Love Benny’ to be projected 3 stories high onto the front of the Guild hall in Derry, while they waited in Guild hall square. Thankfully, for Benny’s sake she said yes and now the rest is history ❤️❤️❤️ Read on to find out more about their super wedding day in Four Seasons Carlingford…
Lets answer the question that most girls who are reading this blog want to know…where did Mariane get her dress?? Well, she chose it in the amazing Elody Bridal in Newry. Mariane found the experience very exciting and it was amazing to have my family and close friends with her as she chose the perfect dress.
The Wedding Planning...
Next on the list was the wedding venue. The couple really enjoyed visiting the different venues but when they first arrived at the Four Seasons Carlingford…their hearts were set on it and the location. Whilst all that is said, in Mariane’s own words: “It was nice when all of the planning was finished so we could focus on the actual wedding day” and they especially struggled with the table plan (as a lot of couples do!).
The Wedding Day...
You only have to look at the stunning photos to see how glorious a day it was. It was like Brazil sent us over the weather as a present for Mariane! In the couples own words, the day went brilliantly – everything was simply perfect!
The photos flowed very quickly, the couple loved the speed of the photos and the craic we had taking them. These remarks mean so much to us as photographers!! Whenever we play our part in a wedding day we always prioritise the couples needs – get amazing photos in the shortest amount of time!
Having found us on Instagram and loving our style, it was an easy match up and the couple were so easy to work with, both before the big day and on it. The venue and weather certainly added to the beauty of the wedding – the couple in particular loved the photos taken around Carlingford.
Mariane’s advice for newlyweds for is to plan early and have as many plans in place as early as possible. Save yourself the stress of trying to get things booked in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding. Its great advice, take the pressure off early and get the wedding vendors you’ve always wanted 🙂
"Ciaran was very funny and made us laugh a lot, especially the slagging between him and the videographer!"
- Mariane & Benny
April 2023 Portrait Highlights
Its my birthday!
Ok, ok, its not my actual birthday. But I remember when I was but a child my dad waking me on the 1st April to wish me happy birthday! I have now passed on that longstanding tradition by doing it to my own son! The great Mark Twain once said: “The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.” Fool I am, but a happy fool at that!!
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March 2023 Portrait Highlights
Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!
After what can only be described as the longest February ever, the promise of spring’s arrival was enough to get anyone through the bitter winter! Love was in the air, for soon-to-be-newlyweds and newborn babies – it was a joyous month in the studio…
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Manor House Hotel Weddings
Manor House Hotel
The Hotel & Grounds
Weather awful outside? Fear not, the Manor House comes into its own when dealing with disrespectful weather! There are some many beautiful areas – in both sides of the hotel – that are amazing for photographs. The natural light floods in through opulent windows and decadent roof lights.
Head upstairs towards the bedrooms and you will be presented with a treasure trove…huge windows flooding gorgeous natural daylight in. Within this area, we are able to capture a series of stunning images in minutes. That ability gives our couples the best of both worlds – amazing photos and more time with their guests.
Gardens & Outdoor Opportunities
A break in the weather will allow you some further opportunities at the House’s exterior. The water fountain is ideal – be aware of the direction of the wind in case you get soaked though lol! There is a wrought iron gazebo in behind the fountain which makes for a good family photo backdrop.
Photo Opportunities Further Afield
Marina
The marina stands out as an ideal stop off for more photo opportunities. Two things to bear in mind if you do decide to avail of it. One – you have to book it separately with the Marina. Two – it is very exposed to the weather so prepare to be frozen lol!
Old Castle Archdale
Drive 10 minutes (and past the more obvious Castle Archdale park) and you will find the ruins at Old Castle Archdale. A stunning location – it is free to use and provides an iconic backdrop to your photos. Its worth noting, there is a small uphill walk (on a stone path) – we have always encouraged our brides to bring a pair of trainers for ease 🙂 It is totally worth it though when you get there!
February 2023 Portrait Highlights
The Longest Shortest Month Ever!
Am I alone in thinking that even though February is the shortest month of the year, sometimes it seems like the longest? This February, albeit quite cool, we were still able to get a family photo session in the park. Add to that, election season had just begun…
