I’m going to level with you. This did not age well.
“The plan is to update here with behind the scenes (BTS as the kids call it) footage and insights in to how each wedding is filmed throughout 2025 and beyond, as well as maybe providing some tips and tricks for couples every now and then.”
Me – April 2025
2025 was always going to be a busy one – the arrival of our second child in February plus a busy (but still quieter than normal) summer of weddings meant that there was very little time for anything else. I think deep down I knew this would happen. The adjustment from one child to two isn’t as big as it is first time around, but you have so much less time to do other things. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a complaint and I wouldn’t change it for the world, but when you meticulously plan your business while thinking “it will just be the same as last time”, the chances are you’re going to have a pretty big wake up call. And wake up calls I had (metaphorically and literally).
So What Happened in 2025?
Well, all of this.
There’s been no shortage of amazing moments from the 2025 wedding season, and if I could have had a 20 minute show reel, I would have filled it easily!
All told I filmed 12 weddings this year (you’ve already heard that this year was quiet(er) by design) and each one of them was so different from the others. It really is true what they say – no two weddings are the same. I filmed extravagant weddings with helicopter entrances (more on that later), fireworks, Harry Potter theming, as well as some of the more intimate celebrations, all equally as beautiful and fun to film. Each one of them deservedly makes the cut in the 2025 show reel.
A New Partnership
At the start of 2025, James Clarke of Just James Weddings and I announced a joint investment that offers a convenient way to book your videography and photography with two trusted wedding suppliers, which also comes with a significant discount compared to booking us separately.
I first worked with James back in 2024 during a stunning wedding at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, where it was immediately obvious that our style of working and approach to the day was similar. Fast forward a few weeks later once the both the photos and videos had been delivered, it became clear that our final products complimented each other, too. It made perfect sense to begin offering a joint investment for couples going forward, and it’s been incredibly successful so far, with many of my 2026 weddings booked alongside James. 2027 is also looking promising, so if you’re looking for a convenient photo & video investment, look no further than here!
Putting Myself (Back) Out There
It’s only natural that a quieter year will result in less ‘content’ and general engagement through social media and the website. So alongside the new partnership with James, I made the decision to attend The Big South West Wedding Fair, held over a weekend at the Bath & West Showground back in October. And what a decision it proved to be – it was so lovely to be back chatting to engaged couples (and their families and friends) face-to-face. It was a far more successful fair for me personally than I perhaps thought it might be, so much so that I will definitely be back again in October 2026.
Memorable Moments
Let’s be real – I’m very priviledged to be able to be a fly on the wall for so many incredible weddings, and I’m grateful to each and every couple that puts their faith in me to capture their day. There should also be a big old caveat that every wedding is different, and that doesn’t mean one is better than the next. However, while there are standout moments from every wedding, there are three in particular that I’d like to share;
1. Kate & Elliot’s Helicopter Entrance (Orchardleigh House).
Shortly after their ceremony at Orchardleigh House in Frome, Kate and Elliot snuck away from the drinks reception (with myself in tow) for an exhilarating helicopter flight around the surrounding area, including a fly-over of nearby Longleat Safari Park! While I didn’t get to ride in the chopper myself, it was exciting to watch them take-off and then come in to land at the back of the house where guests had gathered, completely oblivious to what was about to happen. Also, a big shout out to the groom, Elliot, who absolutely smashed operating the action camera inside the helicopter – I’ll be in touch if I need a second shooter in the future! Check out their teaser below or their full film over on the home page.
2. Chay & David’s Runway Aisle (Hyde House).
What do you do when you’ve both gotten ready for the wedding together? Enter the ceremony at the same time of course! But, instead of entering from the same end, Chay & David entered at either end of a runway aisle to meet in the middle under a stunning suspended floral ring, much to the surprise of their friends and family. A certain highlight and I’d recommend a runway aisle to any couple who wants to try something a bit different (and has the space to do so).
3. Abby’s Speech of all Speeches (Holne Park House).
When I met with Abby and her then fiancé (Nathan) a few weeks before their big day, Abby mentioned that she would be doing a speech and that it would be long enough to need a break in the middle. Now, I’ve always been a big believer that there is no such thing as a bad speech – be it short or long, funny or emotional, they are all beautful things. However, sometimes they can be exceptional, and that’s exactly what Abby’s was. Her delivery was something of a masterclass in keeping everybody laughing (and crying) for almost an hour! Full of humour and quick whit, this really was a masterclass.
What About 2026?
This year is going to be the biggest yet for Red Letter Films with more weddings than any previous year from all corners of mainland UK, as well as plenty more going on behind the scenes to boot!
In the early part of this year it’s all about making sure the client journey from initial enquiry right through to film delivery is as smooth and easy as possible. This also includes a pretty big overhaul of the website; while the look and feel might be similar, there have already been a host of major changes under the hood to make things easier to navigate for prospective couples.
New Brand Photography
I’ve got a date in the diary to get some fresh brand images made, which ties in nicely with the website refresh. As always, I’ll working with the incredibly talented brand photographer Celie Nigoumi to ensure that these images are of the best quality and really lean in to what the Red Letter Films brand is all about.
From This Day Forward Podcast
I’m also incredibly excited to announce that I will soon be appearing on James’ brand new From This Day Forward Podcast. Recording is set for mid-March with the release date yet to be confirmed, but you can rest assured that it will be plastered all over social media (and here) when the time comes.
Which brings me to my final point – social media and this journal. I don’t think it’s a secret that I’m no fan of social media. Yet I’m acutely aware that it’s a big driving force for my business, so it’s not something I can ignore (unfortunately). So the plan is to be more active in terms of posting online over the next year, whether that’s behind the scenes footage or polished films, there will be plenty to share! The same goes for this journal. I know I said the same thing last year, but I’ve got a good feeling about it this time around.
Anyway on that note, I think I’ve typed for long enough.
I hate goodbyes, but here’s to 2026!
Lee
© Red Letter Films 2026
