FAQ's

How much experience do you have?
Videoccasions Video Productions was founded in 1987 when Greg and Matt Riccardi were just high school students at Don Bosco Preparatory High School. They started out by documenting plays and sporting events that were held at the school. Although both brothers put the actual business on the side during college, they continued to gain experience through their college years by freelancing for other companies. It was in March of 1993 that they restarted Videoccasions. Kaan Tulgar, a master videographer and filmmaker, joined the company in May of 2000 as production manager and videographer. Since its establishment, Videoccasions documented over 4,000 weddings and now has highly skilled and creative videographers, all of whom were personally trained by Matt or Kaan.

Are you recommended by anyone we know or may recognize?
We can confidently say that we are the most highly recommended video production company in New Jersey. The following NJ reception sites consider us an extension of their hard-earned reputation. We are the video production company that they recommend and prefer to have work at their facilities. References And, as a testament to the fact that our videographers are both extremely unobtrusive and easy to work with, we are even recommended by several churches in our area. References

We're concerned about the video being obtrusive...
Obtrusiveness of their videographer is usually a main concern for most couples and it is what we consider to be one of the biggest advantages we have over many of our competitors. We are extremely unobtrusive. There are no tripods, wires or cords lying around, nor are there any carts or contraptions for people to trip over. We shoot everything from the shoulder (hand held) and we arrive to your affair dressed in formal attire (tuxedo) so that we fit right in to the elegance of your day. See some photos of us in action and on location. Still concerned about unobtrusiveness? DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT... READ WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US! Testimonials

Do you use those blinding lights?
Absolutely not... The lights we use on our cameras are low wattage lights -- our all new, broadcast quality digital cameras are extremely light-sensitive and do not need a lot of lights to get a high quality picture. In addition to using low-wattage bulbs, our lights use diffusers (smoked pieces of glass) that cover the front of the light. This makes the light soft instead of piercing. We do not use any annoying room lights either! Video doesn't lie...See for yourself! We can gladly show you hours of raw footage, right from our editing shelf, and throughout, you will rarely ever see anyone visibly interrupted by the presence of the camera (no squinting, etc.). Put any company you see to that test.

What kind of packages do you offer?
We have a several packages available that range in price and features. However, we can easily customize one for you if that suits you better than a particular pre-set package. See Our Packages.

Do you have backup equipment and people?
Yes. Each camera setup includes at least two of everything...Cameras (of the same quality), wireless microphone setups, lights, and battery packs. We limit our availability so that at any given time we have additional videographers available on a short notice.

Will the layout of our location(s) present a problem for you?
We have never had a layout present us with a challenge that we couldn't overcome.

How much equipment do you normally carry with you?
For each camera that you secure in your package, it will typically be the videographer, his two cameras, and other backup equipment. An entire camera setup fits on one lightweight, medium sized, collapsible hand truck.

What are "freelancers" and do you work with them?
Freelancers are subcontractors who work for more than one company, and typically own their own cameras. We do not work with any freelancers. The problem with using freelancers is threefold...

• Consistency of the camera type and image -- There are about as many brands and models of cameras in the professional video world as there are in the consumer world. How can you be assured that the quality that you see in the salesperson's office is what you are going to get for your video? Well... at Videoccasions, all our cameras have a consistent picture quality and image, and because we own and maintain all equipment, what you see is what you will get.
• Age and maintenance of the cameras and other equipment -- Proper and scheduled maintenance and upkeep of video equipment is necessary to ensure that it will function well when in use. At Videoccasions, we are constantly upgrading the cameras that we use and execute a regular maintenance program on all of our equipment.
• Consistency of the shooting -- It can be very difficult for a freelance videographer to remember how one company prefers to have their events shot as opposed to another. In addition, we hold meetings where we critique each other's work and share new shooting ideas on a regular basis. These also guarantee that what you see when you come in to book with us is absolutely what you are going to get.
• Freelancer Test: Ask the video company that you are considering how many weddings they can shoot on any particular day. They should have that many cameras -- with backup as well -- in their office. If they tell you that their shooters keep the cameras at their homes, this can be a tip-off that their videographers are freelancers.

Do you work alone or with assistants?
You will have one person per each camera that your package includes, unless you reserve a second camera for either the ceremony, reception, or both.

How do you dress when videotaping?
Our videographers are dressed in formal or black-on-black attire.

What kind of cameras do you use and what format do you shoot on?
We use only 3CCD (3-Chip), broadcast quality digital cameras, and we shoot on a digital format. Nowadays video equipment companies are making 3-CCD home cameras. While these cameras may be digital, they cannot compare to the image-processing power, low light capability, professional lenses and steadiness of the image that only 3CCD broadcast quality (full size) digital cameras provide. Make sure you see the camera in the office of any and all video companies you are considering.

Do you shoot with HD cameras?
Yes. Any of our packages may be upgraded to HD Camera.

Do you own your own equipment?
Yes, we own and maintain all equipment. The advantage that this gives us is that we have complete control over the equipment and its condition that is going to capture important memories. Each piece of equipment in our studio is regularly maintained and tested to assure that it is functioning properly.

Will we have to act?
Not unless you want to. See What is your shooting style/philosophy?

How do you ensure that the vows are captured clearly?
We will ask the groom to wear a wireless microphone, which will allow us to capture the vows for both the bride and the groom clearly. We also put another set of wireless on the podium allowing us to capture all the readings clearly as well.

Do we get everything the videographer captures on our wedding day?
Yes. For weddings, the raw footage is included in every package we offer except our Special Wedding Package.