Introducing Michael of Michael Lemley Films (Richmond Wedding Videographer)

I absolutely believe in the mantra “community over competition”. Without other wedding vendors adopting this philosophy, my business would never exist. The support of like-minded wedding professionals and photographers is what helped launch my business this year. I want to give back!

Every week, I am going to be highlighting a local wedding vendor and professional. I’ve interviewed a number of local vendors about their business and what they love most about serving couples.

Choosing the right vendors can be the make or break of your wedding day. My hope is to provide you and your fiancé with a resource that helps you build your wedding day dream team!

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I’m so pumped to have the honor of introducing you to Michael Lemley. He is a talented wedding videographer, and owner of Michael Lemley Films (a Richmond Videographer).

I’m excited to introduce you to him, and let you check out his amazing portfolio…so let’s jump right in!!

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Start by introducing yourself! Tell us your name, business name, what you do, where you’re located, and who you serve!

My name is Michael Lemley, and I love being able to do my dream of job of owning Michael Lemley Films. I get the opportunity to work with so many amazing couples and become close with them in capturing the story of their wedding day! My business just moved to Richmond, and I love being able to be centrally located to best serve all of the amazing couples that I work with. 

I love working with couples that aren’t afraid to adventure, be themselves, and who love to laugh. 

How long have you been in business?

I have been filming weddings since 2016, and I’ve loved every step along the way. 

Describe your services… what do you offer brides/grooms?

I offer highlight films in varying lengths to my couples. That includes audio from the day, drone footage, licensed music, and multiple cameras and shooters. I also offer additional options like full ceremony edits, expedited editing, and full toasts and dances.

What drew you to start a business in this industry / service?

I’ve always loved having a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. I love being able to tell the stories of people. Filming weddings is a way for me to have an outlet of that creative expression and being able to serve people and give them a timeless video that will outlive them and allow them to pass these films along to their kids and their grandchildren.

What is one unique thing about your business that is different from your competitors?

One thing that sets me apart is the approach I take on the wedding day. I love getting to know all my couples on a personal level before the wedding. That makes the wedding day go so smoothly and makes it so fun! It allows me to get in touch with my couples and find out what’s important to them and their day and make something that is truly unique to them. 

What is one piece of advice you would offer a newly engaged couple as they plan their wedding?

One piece of advice I would give would be to think about the lighting of the different locations and venues of your wedding day. As videographers and photographers, we love spaces with lots of natural light and great spaces to take pictures and video. Having spaces with great lighting will make your pictures and video shine!

Tell us about one of your favorite projects you’ve done as a vendor!

My favorite project that I’ve done so far was a DC-area wedding where we did all the couple pictures in the streets of Georgetown. This was followed up by a couples session on top of a rooftop in downtown DC. It was so stunning, the couple was amazing, and we had such a great experience.

If you were planning a wedding, what is one thing you would make sure to discuss with a vendor like you and why? 

If I was looking at a videographer for my own wedding, I would be looking at their portfolio and asking questions about them and their personality and how they approach the wedding day. What does the quality of the films look like? Are they pleasant to be around? And how do they approach shooting a wedding day?

Share one goal you have for your business right now.

I’m excited as my business continues to grow. My goal is to start shooting more destination weddings and adventure weddings. 

Share one of your most recent wins from a past project or for a past client!

My past wedding in DC was a big win for me! The wedding took place across 4 locations in DC, and I had to coordinate with a second shooter and it all went flawlessly.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I love weddings with all my heart, and I love being able to tell the stories of the people that I get to work with. I’m truly doing my dream job, and I couldn’t be more excited.

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Thanks for sharing, Michael!!

I especially want to emphasize Michael’s answer for advice to newly engaged couples. Lighting is often one of those things we forget to consider when choosing venues and locations for portraits/videos. But don’t let lighting intimidate you either! If you are concerned about choosing locations or venues with amazing light, feel free to reach out to your photographer/videographer. I know we would love to give you some advice and simple tips to ensuring the lighting is “good” or even tour your venue with you!

If you are looking for a Richmond wedding videographer, Michael is one that I absolutely recommend. You can see his portfolio on his website, Instagram, or Facebook. Be sure to connect with him!

And if you’d like to add Michael and I to your dream team for your big day, contact me to chat and get pricing info!