NMWE:
How did you become a part of this industry?
Meg Simone:
In August of 2000 I was working at the local TV station in North Conway, NH when friends asked me to film their wedding. After that eye opening experience, I worked my way into the industry through a series of serendipitous meet ups. As the internet has morphed and changed, the ability to “be a part of the industry” has become so easy – meet ups, facebook groups, educational events… those feelings of being in this alone have vanished and now there is an amazing community of supportive and inspiring artists, professionals and providers all around me.
NMWE:
What sets you apart? / What is your most valued feature about your business?
Meg:
The most valued feature of my business is my storytelling style. I take a different approach and mindset to documenting live events using 95% spoken word and natural audio to retell the story of each wedding experience. I create longer form documentary style films vs shorter highlights. Most of my films average 18-25 minutes. This style allows the viewer of my work to be transported back in time. Weather they know the couple or not, I pride my films on being multi sensory, allowing everyone to relive the experience as if they were right there doing it all over again.
As my friend Mariah from Snap Weddings said “WITH YOU BEHIND THE CAMERA, I KNOW OUR CLIENTS NEVER FEEL LIKE THEY ARE “IN FRONT” OF IT!”
NMWE:
What keeps you passionate and motivated?
Meg:
I light up learning about people and their stories. My genuine interest and passion to hear and preserve their experience keeps me moving forward… that and time away from the camera to soak in inspiration from the environment and natural world around me. I take a long road trip every winter to hit reset and get away from it all. It’s important to have that separation and space from work and technology to let the magic fill back in.
NMWE:
What are your desired types of couples?
Meg:
Any couple who values preserving life moments and wants to be able to relieve the full experience for years and generations to come.
NMWE:
Do you have a past favorite wedding? If yes, why is it your favorite?
Meg:
They are all favorites! This is so tough… one that sticks out as a pivotal film experience for me was 5 years ago on New Years Eve in NYC… this wedding, their story… it was straight out of central casting, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s hard not to fall in love with the couple, their enthusiasm, love, and the entire NYC experience. It’s a personal and professional memory I will never forget.
(You can find the wedding she’s referencing here)
NMWE:
What is your best piece of advice or tip for couples planning a wedding?
Meg:
Hire a planner and trust the professionals you’ve brought on board. The experience for couples with a planner and without is night and day, and you can see the difference in photos and video. Inivedibly the couple and the immediate family and bridal party have to turn into planners and can never fully sit back, relax and enjoy the experience. It makes me sad to see someone put forth so much time and money to not fully let go and experience their own wedding.
