Heart and Light Company

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Katie + Luke | A Documentary-Style Wedding Film in Lincoln, Ne

When I was crafting Katie + Luke’s documentary-style wedding highlight film, I immediately knew two things:

  • This would forever be one of my all-time favorite wedding films, and

  • There was absolutely no way I could give a sneak peek - it would be sheer injustice

There were just so many moments that I wanted to give them to sit with - their heartfelt letters, their amazing soloist and the music they chose so intentionally, the gift Luke gave Katie that literally made me burst into tears, Katie crowdsurfing and a visit from Herbie Husker… there’s just no way I could wrap that up into a 30 second sneak.

In the fast-paced world of wedding videography, with quick cuts, energetic music, and adrenaline charging every scene, I’ve come to realize that there is a gift in films that take their time -- films that invite you to linger in each moment and savor each emotion as it unfolds. It’s the subtle nuances, the quiet whispers, the wrinkled handholding, the nervous echos, every intimate detail strung together into a tapestry of who these two are and the incredible ways God has and is moving in their lives. It may not check the boxes for social media, but this is a film I know will be cherished for generations, and I’m forever grateful to have a small part in this story.

The rest of this blog post consists of still from Katie + Luke’s wedding video - we promise, it’s a much better experience to watch the video for depth and dynamics!

As a wedding videographer based in Omaha, Nebraska, I've come to realize that one of the standout aspects of my work is not just the pacing and emotion I infuse into each frame, but the genuine sense of connection that viewers experience, even if they've never met the couple (and trust me, Katie and Luke are two people you would love to meet!).

Weddings can sometimes feel like grand spectacles, and it's easy to lose sight of the intimacy and personal significance that lies at the heart of the celebration. That's why I've made it my mission to create films that not only capture the outward beauty of the day but also delve deeper into the rich tapestry of emotions, relationships, and shared moments that make each wedding truly unique.

While some may opt for fast cuts and adrenaline-packed sequences, I believe in creating dynamic pacing that invites couples to sit in each moment and relive all the emotions—not just the quick or exciting ones. It's about capturing the anticipation before the bride walks down the aisle, the nervous excitement as vows are exchanged, and the heartfelt tears as promises are made. It's these subtle nuances, these quiet whispers of emotion, that truly define the essence of a wedding day. While you see beautiful stills from the film here, nothing compares to hearing every exchange present within these frames.

One of the standout aspects of my wedding films is the pacing—a deliberate, thoughtful approach that allows couples to fully immerse themselves in every emotion, every sensation, and every fleeting moment. That's why my highlight films often extend beyond the typical 5-7 minutes, sometimes stretching to 10-15 minutes or more. For me, it's not about condensing the day into a brief snippet—it's about recreating moments and sequences that you can truly reenter. It's about giving couples the opportunity to relish in the beauty of their day, to savor the memories, and to cherish every fleeting second, every hug from mom, every prayer with your people.

There is a lot of intentionality behind my edits. Take, for example, the soloist's beautiful melodies that filled the air during the ceremony—her voice echoing through the sacred space, weaving a tapestry of emotion that lingered long after the final note had faded, with music chosen so intentionally by the bride and groom to lift the hearts of the guests towards heaven. Or the heartfelt gifts and letters exchanged between the couple—a tender reminder of the love and devotion that binds them together. Even the unexpected moments, like a surprise visit from Herbie Husker, add an extra layer of joy and spontaneity to the day. But perhaps most importantly, it's about capturing the deeper symbolism and significance that lies beneath the surface. The graceful arc of a willow tree, symbolizing Katie + Luke’s wedding venue and their own path of growth and endurance. The long walks shared hand in hand, a testament to the journey that lies ahead—and the many similar journeys they’ve encountered before. In a world that often moves too quickly, it's these moments of stillness, of quiet reflection, that remind us of what truly matters.

As a wedding videographer, it's my privilege and my passion to preserve these moments for eternity—to weave them together into a tapestry of love and emotion that will be cherished for generations to come. Whether you're a close friend or family member of the couple or a complete stranger stumbling upon their film for the first time, there's an undeniable intimacy that draws you in—a feeling that you're not just watching a wedding, but experiencing it alongside the couple, feeling their joy, their love, and their excitement as if it were your own. It's a testament to the power of storytelling—the ability to transcend boundaries of time and space, to forge connections where none existed before, and to remind us of our shared humanity. And in a world that often feels divided and disconnected, there's something truly magical about a film that brings people together, if only for a fleeting moment, to celebrate love, connection, and the beauty of the human experience.

In the honest and beautiful words of their MOH’s toast, “let’s raise our glasses to this incredible couple, who are somehow even more beautiful in the depths of their souls as they are looking tonight.”

If you’re looking for a local wedding videographer to capture your story for generations to come, let’s connect!

Wedding Day Vendors:

Videography: Heart & Light Co.

Photography: Mel O'Keefe

Gown: Ready or Knot

Menswear: Jerry Ryan Omaha

Makeup: Abby Hubbard

Venue: St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Seven Willows

Caterer: Chef Au Chef

DJ: Crown DJ Co.