frequently asked questions
General Information
Who is Embark Films?
Embark Films is a wedding film and photography studio built by a team of experienced wedding professionals with over a decade of hands-on experience. Our focus is on creating a calm, intentional experience while capturing weddings with emotional awareness and care. We believe every wedding deserves to be documented thoughtfully, resulting in films and photographs that tell a meaningful story of the day.
Where is Embark Films headquartered?
Embark Films is a multi-state wedding film and photography studio serving couples across New England, the Southeast, and destination locations. Our team operates nationally, allowing us to document weddings wherever your story takes place.
Why do couples choose Embark Films?
Couples choose Embark Films for our thoughtful, story-first approach to wedding filmmaking and photography. After documenting hundreds of weddings, we understand what truly matters. Our team focuses on candid moments that carry feeling, connection, and meaning, creating films and photographs that reflect how the day felt, not just how it looked.
Who will be the Embark Films team member at my wedding?
Embark Films works with a tight-knit team of wedding filmmakers and photographers we know and trust deeply. Each person is carefully chosen not only for their skill, but for their shared values, calm presence, and genuine care for the couples we serve. Our team works together regularly, communicates seamlessly, and approaches every wedding with intention and respect, ensuring a consistent experience and a level of quality we proudly stand behind.
— Videography FAQ’s —
What types of wedding films does Embark Films offer?
Embark Films offers two core film styles designed to preserve both the feeling and the full story of your day.
Highlight Film (3 minutes) - A refined, story-driven film capturing the most meaningful moments of your wedding through cinematic visuals, music, and select audio.
Short Story Film (6 minutes) - A deeper, more immersive film that allows the story of the day to unfold with added moments, extra speeches, and emotional nuance.
Every film package also includes Documentary Edits — full-length recordings of your ceremony and key reception moments such as first dances, speeches, and formal events, professionally edited and preserved exactly as they happened.
What is your filming style?
Because we are looking to capture natural moments, our shooting style is focused on being candid. We love playing off of directions from photographers, which means we let the photographer take the lead. we take the lead during portrait sessions with just the both of you.
What kind of camera equipment do you use?
While specific camera models may vary between our team members based on personal preference, all Embark Films filmmakers are required to use professional, up-to-date equipment. Every camera we work with meets our standards for high-resolution capture, excellent low-light performance, reliable audio recording, and cinematic image quality.
This ensures that no matter who is filming your wedding, the footage we capture allows us to deliver consistently high-quality, high-definition films that meet Embark Films’ creative and technical standards.
Do you record audio separately?
Yes. For all of our video collections, audio is recorded separately using professional recording equipment and carefully mixed with the footage during post-production. We typically capture audio through discreet microphones worn by the officiant or groom, as well as direct feeds from the DJ or sound system when available.
Do you have backup equipment?
Yes. Each team member arrives with their primary camera and at least one backup camera. We also carry extra batteries, memory cards, cables, and essential accessories. Having backups on hand is standard practice for us and allows the day to unfold smoothly, even in the unlikely event that equipment needs to be swapped.
Do you use drones and if so what are the benefits?
Yes! Depending on location, weather constraints, regulations in certain areas, Our team members are certified and fly drones to capture aerial visuals of your wedding location(s).
Drone footage can add context and atmosphere to a wedding film by showing the setting and environment surrounding the day. When used intentionally, it helps establish a sense of place, scale, and mood, especially for outdoor venues or destination weddings.
What is yours editing style?
We emphasize using audio to lead the viewer through the film. This includes any letter readings, handwritten vows, heartfelt speeches, stories that captured throughout the day.
If this is something you’re not interested in having included in your wedding film, we can create an edit where instrumentals take the lead.
After the video is edited, can I request changes?
Yes. Every film includes two rounds of revisions to help fine-tune the tone, pacing, and overall feel. This gives you space to make thoughtful adjustments so your film truly reflects the day and feels right to you.
Are you always able to accommodate all requests?
Although we do our best to accommodate every request, sometimes we are unable to make the requests work due to technical issues.
Who chooses the music?
Couples trust us to select the music. Using our experience, we choose a song that fits the mood, energy, and pacing of your wedding day. If you prefer to choose your own, you’re welcome to select a track from the Musicbed.com music library, and we’ll build the film around it.
Do you offer raw footage?
We don’t offer raw footage, as it doesn’t reflect the way our films are meant to be experienced. Our work is filmed intentionally with the expectation that it will be thoughtfully edited, shaped, and refined into a cohesive story.
Raw footage is unprocessed and incomplete by nature, often including test shots, repeated moments, and unfinished audio. Without editing, it can feel disjointed and doesn’t represent the quality or emotional flow couples expect from a finished wedding film.
How long do you keep the RAW footage for?
We hold onto the raw footage from your wedding for 1 year in case you lose or add additional videos to your collection at a later date. After 1 year, the footage may be deleted.
When will my wedding film be ready?
You’ll receive your wedding film in under 60 days!
How will my videos be delivered?
All final films are delivered digitally through a private download link sent to your email. Your videos are provided in full 4K resolution, along with an online viewing link that makes it easy to watch, share with friends and family, and post on social media.
— Photography FAQ’s —
How would you describe your photography style?
Our photography style is best described as true to life. We focus on capturing your day as it naturally unfolds, with minimal filters and natural color so your photos reflect how the day truly looked and felt. We blend gentle guidance during portraits with a photojournalistic approach throughout the day, allowing real moments, emotions, and connections to shine while still ensuring everything is beautifully documented.
Will I speak with my photographer prior to the wedding?
Yes. We know that comfort and connection matter. A few weeks before your wedding, we’ll schedule a call with your photographer so you can get to know each other, walk through your timeline, and make sure everyone feels aligned and prepared for the day ahead.
Do you help with posing or lighting?
Absolutely. We’re here to support you throughout the day and will offer as much guidance as you want or need. During moments like getting ready or portrait time, our team helps with gentle posing and finding the best light to create natural, romantic images. During the ceremony and reception, we step back and document events as they unfold so the moments remain genuine and uninterrupted.
Can I make photo requests?
Absolutely. We welcome a short list of photo requests so we can be sure the moments most important to you are captured. These often include specific family combinations, meaningful details, or key moments like your first dance.
If you have inspiration photos you’ve found online, we’re happy to use them as a reference. While we don’t recreate images exactly, we use them as creative guidance and interpret them in a way that fits your day naturally.
How much time should we allocate for first look photos on the wedding day?
We typically recommend setting aside about 45 minutes for your first look and couple portraits. This allows enough time for the moment to unfold naturally while also giving space for a relaxed variety of poses and backgrounds, without feeling rushed.
How much time should we allocate for bridal party photos?
For smaller bridal parties with three pairs or fewer, we recommend about 15 to 20 minutes. For larger bridal parties with four pairs or more, plan for roughly 30 minutes. This gives us enough time to create a mix of classic and relaxed group photos while keeping the day moving smoothly.
How much time should we allocate for family photos?
We recommend setting aside about 30 minutes for family photos immediately after the ceremony. This timing keeps everyone together, helps the process move efficiently, and allows us to capture meaningful family moments without pulling you away from your celebration later on.
What is your approach to family formals or family portraits?
We take a thoughtful and organized approach to family portraits. Ahead of the wedding, we provide a curated list of the most common and meaningful family groupings along with a questionnaire for you to review and customize. This helps ensure every important person is included and keeps the process smooth and efficient on the day.
We also understand that family dynamics can be sensitive. If there are any situations that require extra care or awareness, we’re more than happy to accommodate. Sharing this with us in advance allows our team to approach family portraits with clarity, respect, and intention. In some cases, additional time may be helpful, and we’ll plan accordingly to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Do you offer engagement photos?
Yes. Some of our packages include an engagement session, and others offer it as an optional add-on. Engagement photos are a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera, build rapport with your photographer, and walk away with beautiful images you can use for save-the-dates, prints, or your wedding website.
How long is the engagement session and where will it take place?
Engagement sessions typically last between 1 and 1.5 hours. This allows plenty of time to ease in, explore a location, and create a natural variety of images without feeling rushed.
We offer a curated selection of locations within our service areas, ranging from coastal settings and open fields to urban environments and scenic natural backdrops. We’re also very open to location suggestions. If you have a place that feels meaningful to you, just let us know and we’ll confirm feasibility, travel considerations, and any permit requirements ahead of time.
What is the photography process after the wedding is over?
After your wedding, our team carefully reviews all of the images captured and curates a collection of the strongest moments from the day. This final set reflects the number of images included in your package and focuses on quality, storytelling, and emotional impact.
For our Essential Coverage option, the curated images are delivered in an online gallery where you can view and download them. For our Photography Collection packages, each selected image is thoughtfully edited before being uploaded to your online gallery. Once delivered, you’ll be able to easily download, share, and relive your wedding day at your own pace.
When will my photos be delivered?
Your wedding photos will be delivered within 4 to 8 weeks after your wedding day. We take care to thoughtfully curate and prepare your images so they’re ready to be viewed, shared, and enjoyed as soon as possible.
How will my photos be delivered?
Your photos will be delivered through a private online gallery where you can easily view, download, and share your full wedding collection. The gallery also includes options to order professional prints and artwork directly, making it simple to turn your favorite moments into keepsakes for your home.
What rights do I have to the digital prints?
You have full rights to download, share, and print your wedding photos for personal use, whenever you’d like. This includes creating albums, prints, and keepsakes for yourself, friends, and family.
Images may not be sold for profit or submitted for commercial or editorial publication without written consent from Embark Films. This helps protect both your privacy and the integrity of the work.
Do you offer both photo and video packages?
Yes, Embark Films offers both wedding photography and wedding videography in our Legacy Package.
While each medium is approached with the same care and intention, photography and film are treated as distinct storytelling tools, not interchangeable coverage.
Our team works collaboratively to ensure photography and video complement one another without competing for moments. This approach allows the day to unfold naturally while preserving both still images and motion in a cohesive, thoughtful way.

