A Conversation With Wedding Videographer John Kurt
Melbourne-based John Kurt is not just a wedding videographer; he’s a storyteller, weaving narratives that resonate long after the wedding celebration itself. From his early days of filming family holidays to graduating with a bachelor's in film and TV, his journey embodies a fusion of passion and proficiency. With a style that marries documentary authenticity with cinematic finesse, John captures the raw, unscripted beauty of love, creating visual masterpieces that stand the test of time.
Interview Alexander Ross
“…A lot of the inspiration for how I put together a film comes through spending the day with a couple on the wedding day. I get to spend the day with them, their families and friends. I hear stories, their music choices, their styling choices...”
Tell us a little about your journey into the world of wedding videography?
I’ve always been a fan of filmmaking and documentary filmmaking. I was the one to hold the camera on family holidays and when I was in high school I would make short (terrible) action and thriller films with iMovie - my sister was often the star. Eventually, I went to uni and got a bachelor of film and tv… I just naturally gravitated towards documenting and creating with video.
How would you describe your style of wedding videography?
An authentic and honest documentarian style with some cinematic moments blended in.
How do you approach getting to know the couples you work with, and how does this personal connection impact the quality of your wedding videography?
A lot of the inspiration for how I put together a film comes through spending the day with a couple on the wedding day. I get to spend the day with them, their families and friends. I hear stories, their music choices, their styling choices. It really helps me understand how I want to put together their film. It’s important that when a couple connects with me, it’s because they resonate with my style. I want them to have faith in my creative process. When I have free creative rein, the passion shows in my work.
How do you capture candid and emotional moments between the couple and their guests, and what do you believe makes these moments so important in wedding videography?
It’s a lot like street photography. Just patience and anticipation. After filming hundreds of weddings I’ve learnt being in the right place at the right time can be very instinctual. You just get better at it as you film more weddings.
All those little moments and interactions between family and friends are far more impactful to me than a sunset. I have been trying more and more to just let things happen and not interfere too much with what is going on. I do guide here and there but for the most part I am purely there to document. When a moment is honest and true, it shines so much more than something that was posed or orchestrated. You cannot hide a posed moment with video as well as you can with photography.
Do you have any favourite locations or settings for capturing meaningful moments?
I always enjoy the chaotic and quiet moments when a couple are getting ready. It’s sometimes overlooked but it’s a beautiful time and often the only time a couple gets to spend with just your family before the day picks up pace.
Some couples may have specific requests or creative ideas. How do you incorporate their input and preferences into your videography while maintaining your artistic style?
If something is in line with how I work, then of course I always take note of what is important to my couples. Sometimes their vision isn’t aligned with how I work and that’s ok, there are plenty of other styles out there to choose from.
Where are you based and what areas are you available to shoot weddings?
I am based in Collingwood, Melbourne Australia but I am a dual national and work in Europe/UK as well.
And finally, your number one piece of wedding planning advice?
A wedding day goes by so fast, I always find couples who have their wedding day in one place (getting ready, ceremony and reception) have a much better day than those with lots of locations. One place means more time to spend with family and friends. It’s so much more relaxing for you.
In saying all that, there is no right and wrong. Sure there are better ways to move about the day but there are no rules. You don’t have to have a cake! You don’t have to have a first dance! You don’t have to walk down the aisle! Do whatever makes you happy.
John Kurt can be found on THEODORE by CLICKING HERE or on Instagram at @mrjohnkurt
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
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