There’s something incredibly powerful about film, not just the way it captures movement, sound and atmosphere, but the way it allows you to return to people, voices and fleeting moments that might otherwise blur with time. And when it comes to wedding videography that feels natural, emotionally honest and beautifully unobtrusive, Mitchell Films has a way of creating films that draw you straight back into the feeling of a day.
Based in Cheshire and filming weddings across the UK and worldwide, Karl’s approach is candid and relaxed, never intrusive or over-directed, allowing couples and guests to remain fully immersed in the celebration rather than conscious of the camera. His films feel authentic and real, full of atmosphere, emotion and genuine connection, whilst retaining a timeless elegance that means they never feel trend-led or overworked. There’s a warmth and sincerity to his work that makes people feel entirely at ease and I suspect that’s a huge part of why his films resonate so deeply with the couples who choose him.
Over the sixteen and a half years I’ve been publishing weddings on Love My Dress, one piece of feedback has surfaced again and again from our brides, “we’re so glad we had our wedding filmed”, or alternatively, “our only regret is that we didn’t”.
I understand completely that wedding budgets can’t always stretch to videography. Weddings are expensive and every couple has to make decisions about what matters most to them, but if there’s one thing I’ve learnt after all these years immersed in weddings and listening to couples reflect on their day afterwards, it’s that wedding films become more valuable with time, not less. A film has the extraordinary ability to bring people back to you exactly as you were, the laughter, the nerves, the voices of loved ones, the movement, atmosphere and emotion of the day in all its beautiful humanity.
As you’ll discover through this interview, Karl cares deeply about the experience he creates for his couples and the responsibility of preserving memories that with time, only become more precious.
You describe finding weddings “by accident”, what actually happened, and when did you realise this was what you were meant to be doing?
I’d just finished my filmmaking degree and was freelancing in the TV industry when a family member asked me to film their wedding. I’d never even attended a wedding before! Once the day started, I really enjoyed it. Just being around people and capturing things as they happened felt very natural.
Looking back, the film I made wasn’t anything like my current films, but the reaction to it stuck with me. I think it was how it was put together that changed how people responded to it, like how it moved from lighter moments into more emotional ones changed the impact completely. That was the point I started to take it seriously and wanted to get better at it.
You’re also a Media Production teacher. How does working with young filmmakers influence the way you approach your own craft?
I’m genuinely inspired by the work the young filmmakers produce. They’re always trying new things out and breaking rules, which is great. It reminds me not to get too set in my own ways or rely on certain habits or ways of approaching something. I’ll often see something they’ve produced and it makes me reconsider how I’d approach it myself.
Teaching definitely keeps me on my toes and I think I’m more aware of what I’m doing and why when it comes to making my own films. When a student asks “why does that shot work?”, you have to think your response through properly for example, which I think also sharpens how I see and analyse my own work too.
What does a couple usually get wrong about what wedding videography actually is and what do you wish they knew before they enquire?
In my experience, when I first meet or speak to couples, they worry that they’ll need to perform for the camera or that parts of their day will feel staged because they are being filmed.
I wish people knew that the more present they are able to be on the day, then honestly the better the film tends to be. Couples don’t need to do anything differently or change anything when I’m around, I’d just like them to enjoy their day as it happens.
I try to encourage this as much as possible by taking a relaxed approach to being there, sometimes offering a bit of direction or guidance (if this feels right or we have agreed this before the day), but more often than not, just taking a step back and letting the moments unfold naturally.
You talk about filming “without fuss” and not drawing attention. What does that actually look like on the day and why does it matter so much to you?
I think a big part of it is keeping my kit light. I don’t want to stand out too much or feel like I’m taking over the space. The equipment I use is chosen for simplicity, not only is it small in size, but I can move easily and stay out of the way if needed. I think that allows me to blend in and avoid impacting those special moments as they’re happening.
Aside from some extra equipment during the ceremony and any speeches, I’m not setting things up or interrupting moments over the day, just trying to work around them. My priority is for everybody to feel as comfortable as possible in my presence, so I stay aware of how I interact with the couple and guests too.
It really matters to me that people don’t feel the need to perform when I’m there and that moments can happen naturally.
Walk us through what you’re actually looking for in a moment before you press record. What tells you “that’s the one”?
Aside from the couple, I often start with the most important people in the couple’s lives. I make sure to say hello and hope to make them feel comfortable before thinking about pressing record. Once I know who everyone is, it becomes about observing and waiting for the right moments. Then I’ll focus on light and composition. I’m not always looking for what’s happening as such, I’m looking at how people are reacting to it. There are certain parts of the day where I’m able to anticipate what’s about to happen next, so I rely on instinct for that.
I think it’s a mix of awareness and timing, knowing when to step in and when to stay back. It’s also important to be ready before anything actually happens, rather than reacting to it once it does.
You say you don’t copy and paste the same formula into every film. How do you actually get to know a couple well enough to tell their specific story?
I meet every couple before I film their day through either a consultation call or meet up. This sounds really formal but it’s just an opportunity for us to meet before the wedding! This way I can learn more about who they are and what their story is. We can also chat about what matters to them in terms of their day and ultimately the film. I also use a questionnaire to gather some extra details that the couple can take away and fill out in their own time. This gives me a really good starting point.
On the actual day, I’m taking in the details. Seeing more of the couple’s personality unfold, family, friends, how everyone interacts – even the music and decor that has been chosen. I think all of it has an impact, so I try to absorb as much of that as I can.
When editing, I don’t want to follow a fixed structure, like starting every film with a drone shot for example. I’ll often start with a moment unique to that couple’s day, so that might be something later in the night when the partying is winding down or a more poignant moment during the reception. It’s about finding the emotional flow of the day and building the film around that.
What’s a moment from a wedding film you’ve made that still stays with you, and why?
One that stands out was a surprise wedding where guests thought they were attending a christening. The reactions happened instantly and I was watching people process something so emotive in real time, which really stays with you. Aisle walks are always memorable, but when you hear the guests gasp, it changes the energy of the moment completely.
It reminded me that sound plays a huge part in how a moment actually feels for the edit. Sometimes what you hear ends up carrying as much weight as what you see. I try to use sound from the day as much as the visuals when I’m editing. For the couple, capturing those reactions was really important as well, so it meant a lot to be able to give that back to them.
The film ended up reaching millions of views online and it’s been surreal to see how many people connected with it. I’ve had messages from people all over saying it moved them to tears, which is so special.
For a couple who’s watching wedding films late at night trying to decide if videography is worth it, what would you want them to know?
Personally, I’m quite a sentimental person, especially after having children. I think a lot more about the future now.
Of course a wedding is about the couple themselves, but for a lot of people it’s also often one of the few times you have both sides of a family, friends and other important people in your lives who don’t necessarily often mix, altogether in one place. They’re all there to celebrate you and your love and that’s really something special.
If I was getting married, then I’d want to relive those memories with those people time and time again. Wedding films capture details that photographs can’t. You’ll always have a film to revisit, where you can ultimately feel those moments as often as you want.
Also – if you’re already watching wedding films, then I’d say go for it, as you can (hopefully!) already see the value they bring to your day.
Connect with Karl at Mitchell Films
Email [email protected]
Follow @mitchellfilmsuk
Whether it’s your mum helping you into your dress, your best friend’s speech, or a grandparent throwing some shapes on the dance floor – I know how precious these moments are. I aim to capture them without ever being intrusive. My approach is subtle, allowing me to document these emotional connections while you focus on enjoying your wedding.
