Morning, pretty young things!
We're conquering our mid-week blues by taking a look at the incredible work of wedding videographer, Bijou Films.

Now, I don't know about you guys, but when it comes to watching a wedding movie without welling up (at the the very least, sometimes I'll go through like 5 tissues, no joke) the struggle is real! There's something so special about seeing a beautiful wedding come to life again and again (and again, and again... etc!)

I've said it once and I'll say it again, I absolute adore our wedding video and revisit it on the regular to relive the magic of that day, and with that in mind, I can't express the importance of choosing yourself a brilliant videographer enough... Did I mention how brilliant Bijou Films are?!

Check out their 2016 teaser video and keep scrolling to learn more...

Hello! My name is Brook McAllister I'm a wedding filmmaker living in Bristol. I grew up in Somerset and I was known for always annoying friends by making them 'act' in my movies. This developed into a whirlwind three years studying film in Wales followed by a variety of roles across production companies in Bristol and London.

I live with my wife Rebecca who is a teacher and all round wordsmith, she also runs our other wedding business Bears & Butterflies.

Most recently I headed the video production for a leading publishing company, overseeing and filming hundreds of short form films for lifestyle brands and leading wedding magazine Perfect Wedding. I know a Naomi Neoh from a Jenni Packham, trust me!

In my early twenties I went to quite a few of the big music festivals: Reading, Bestival and Glastonbury. Amazing times.

I don't follow popular music as closely anymore, so I would be more swayed by a smaller, local festival, something like Greenman or Farmfest.

I think after getting married last year I have taken a much greater interest in wedding videography and really appreciate the beauty of weddings much more.

I gained a lot of valuable experience working as a camera operator for an award-winning wedding film company in Bristol. Capturing two people who are so happy and in love surrounded by their friends and family is a joy to do. Who wouldn't want to be a wedding filmmaker?

I'm naturally more of a listener than a talker, which I think is especially important for wedding films and it's something that was really key for me when setting up Bijou Films.

I won't be bossing you around all day, but instead will observe and capture all the magical moments as the day unfolds naturally. Couples receive a highlights film set to music, which is between 3-5 minutes long and a 25 minute narrative led feature film, all presented in a Bijou box full of trinkets from your wedding day.

I filmed the best wedding a few years back, it's possibly my favourite wedding I have ever attended, other than my own, of course! You could feel the love between the couple and across all their family and friends. It totally heightened the whole atmosphere of the day. It was natural and genuine and those are the weddings I love to film.

I will always take the time to get to know the couple prior to their wedding day. For me, it's important that I'm not a stranger with a camera turning up to your wedding and that you feel relaxed and at ease.

We are all unique and no two weddings are the same. I will always try to reflect a couple's wedding story in a creative and organic way. My style is discreet and unobtrusive; I prefer to shoot candidly throughout the day. I will always put a huge amount of effort into crafting a truly unique wedding film for each couple that will stir emotions long after the actual day.

"Brook is a dream to work with. He totally gets what we want to achieve with video coverage from our cover shoots and events and we are always thrilled with the quality of work he produces. He's a great person to have around, works well with the whole external cover shoot team of photographers, make up artists, stylist and models." - Sarah Dawson, Deputy Editor, Perfect Wedding

"Brook has produced the most amazing videos for Perfect Wedding, both for our cover and fashion shoots and for our various awards ceremonies. His attention to the most minute details has resulted in professional, well-edited footage that has helped support our printed and digital editions. He is hugely talented, extremely creative and is an absolute pleasure to work with." - Christianne Raymer, Group Art Editor, Perfect Wedding

There are a lot of talented wedding videographers out there, so it's important to do your research. Look at their portfolio, if it suits your style - get in touch!

I would always recommend meeting the videographer or at the very least have a chat over the phone, you'll get a much better idea of their personality and commitment. Much like deciding upon your photographer, ensure they have a wide range of experience. Trust your gut instinct.

In my youth I loved the Baz Luhrmann - Everybody's Free music video, it would constantly be on MTV. I recently revisited it and learned it was originally an article written by Mary Schmich.

My favourite quote would have to be: "Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room."

Beautiful, right?

And Brook is just the nicest fella! If you want to feel at ease with a videographer that'll capture all the natural beauty of your day, you can find Bijou in our wedding directory now, give him a buzz!

Peace + Love

Clare XO