We love fellow hopeless romantics, and we have found kindred spirits in Ricky & Anne, the owners of Memories Videography!

Tell us a little about your company!

The key to success in any business, my father used to say, is to treat each customer as if they were family. When I founded Memories in 1987, I brought this tradition with me. My first office sat in my parents’ wedding boutique where I specialized solely in documentary-style wedding films. The business has now matured into the thriving full-service production company offering cinematic wedding shorts and films, corporate audio visual services, and analog recording transfers to all digital formats. Our office, the Memories executive team, editing suits, and conversion equipment is now located at 3966 Springfield Road in Glen Allen, Virginia.

What’s your favorite wedding story?

Unarguably, it’s ours. All of Manhattan celebrated with us! We took a pedicab to Rockefeller Center and became husband and wife at The Top of the Rock. It was just the three of us (me, Anne and Alice – the celebrant) and the photographer . . . or so we thought. Quietly, we said our vows, drank wine, and broke a glass. Then a thunderous applause broke out and we turned around to see about 200 people celebrating with us. That’s how it was everywhere we went that day. A large group of tourists spotted us at the Empire State building, (I wore a tux and my wife, a tea length gown) and shouts of joy erupted. People wanted to take pictures with us at Central Park, yelled congratulations from across the street, and drank champagne with us in a Lower East Side restaurant. I married the love of my life and New York City celebrated with us! A storybook day.

Why do you like working with weddings?

Who wouldn’t?! Your wedding day’s a dream come true, a celebration of love, and the happiest day of your life. To be part of anyone’s wedding day, in any capacity, is an honor, privilege and a great joy.

What is the most difficult situation you have faced with a bride and how did you resolve it?

Almost all difficult situations can be avoided through simple communication. We’ll get to know you. We want to understand your vision, the must have shots, the story you want to tell and how you’ll be sharing the final product with family and friends.

From a vendor’s perspective, what is the one best piece of advice you can offer to engaged couples?

Unplug your wedding ceremony. Invite your guests to be present at your wedding by leaving their phones in their purse, pocket or in the basket you’ve conveniently provided at the entrance to the venue. Why? The phones will get in your way. You may not be able to see the groom or visa versa. You paid a lot of money for a cinematographer and photographer. Help them get the shots you paid for. Put it on the invitation, write it on a chalkboard and let your guests know your wedding is unplugged. No technology allowed!

How far in advance should couples book your services?

Book your videographer/cinematographer and photographer at the same time. We always like to chat with our industry brethren to compare lighting notes, equipment and shooting styles.

After firming up details like the venue, number of guests, bridal party and the date, of course, come in and chat with us. Tell us about your vision and moments we can’t miss (a surprise guest or dance, toasts or traditions). There’s no hard and fast rule but we’re currently booking 12 to 18 months out.

What inspired you the most / where do you find inspiration?

The contagious unbridled joy of a wedding day inspires us. Just last week, a grandmother of the bride popped in to thank us for a fabulous job and was feeling a bit sad. The wedding weekend just went by too fast and she felt like she didn’t get to see all that she wanted to see. So we gave her a glimpse of some of the raw footage. The joy returned to her face .”I’m going to watch this over and over”, she said , “the memories are still alive.” We love what we do!

What do you like to do when you are away from work?

We’re romantics. Anne and I love going for long walks on our property with Riley, sitting by a fire on a snowy day, or enjoying the company and laughter of family and friends.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

Anne and I first fell in love in 1984 but circumstances kept us a part. Several years ago, our lives touched again, and we’ve never parted. Our wedding picture from the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center hangs proudly in our office.

If you’d like to learn more about Memories Videography & how they can preserve your wedding day, please visit www.memoriesvideography.com.