Filming Weddings with High Profile Guests: Discretion, Trust and Staying Invisible
Over the years, I’ve filmed weddings where some of the guests were well known faces from musicians, footballers to actors.
Not every wedding is full of familiar names, of course, but every now and again you find yourself in a room where there are people who are used to being recognised, photographed, filmed or approached.
One notable guest I have filmed at a wedding recently was Cerys Matthews the Welsh musician, author and broadcaster, known for her work with Catatonia as well as her broadcasting career with the BBC. She was awarded an MBE for services to music in 2014.
But this is not really about the celebrity, although meeting her did prompt me to write this blog.
It is about trust.
Because when there are high profile guests at a wedding, my job does not suddenly change. I am not there to chase famous faces, create a spectacle or turn someone else’s private day into content.
I am there for the couple.
The Couple Always Comes First
At every wedding, the focus should be on the couple, their families, their friends and the feeling of the day.
That does not change just because there may be a recognisable person in the room.
In fact, if anything, it becomes even more important to stay grounded. A wedding is not a red carpet. It is not a press event. It is a private, emotional day where people should feel comfortable enough to relax, laugh, cry, dance and enjoy themselves without feeling watched.
My approach has always been documentary led. I prefer to observe rather than interfere. I use smaller cameras, move quietly and avoid turning moments into staged scenes.
That approach works especially well when privacy matters.
Discretion Matters
When a wedding includes high profile guests, discretion becomes a major part of the job.
Some people are perfectly comfortable being filmed. Others may be more guarded, especially when they are attending as a guest rather than appearing in a professional capacity.
That distinction matters.
If someone is at a wedding, they are there as a friend, a relative or a guest of the couple. They are not there to perform for my camera.
So my role is to capture the atmosphere honestly while also being respectful of boundaries. That means not lingering unnecessarily, not making people feel uncomfortable and not treating recognisable guests differently from anyone else in the room.
The best wedding films are not built on name dropping. They are built on emotion, timing and trust.
Knowing What Not to Show
One of the realities of this kind of work is that some of the best footage or photographs may never be shared publicly.
And that is completely understandable.
When there are high profile people involved, or when a couple simply wants their day kept private, not everything belongs online. Some moments are only for the couple and their families.
That is part of the responsibility that comes with filming weddings.
The trust is not just in capturing the day well. The trust is also in knowing what to keep private.
For me, that is a big part of professionalism. I would much rather be known as someone who can be trusted in sensitive environments than someone who uses every recognisable face for promotion.
Staying Invisible Under Pressure
There is definitely a different level of pressure when you know the room includes people who are used to cameras, production teams or public attention.
You become very aware of how you move, where you stand and how much presence you have in the room.
But I actually think that pressure can be a good thing.
It sharpens you.
It reminds you to stay calm, stay focused and keep your attention where it should be on the story of the day.
For me, the goal is always the same: create something beautiful, natural and emotionally honest without pulling people out of the moment.
Why Experience Matters
Filming a wedding with high profile guests is not about being starstruck. It is about being composed.
You need to know how to read a room. You need to know when to step in and when to step back. You need to understand that some moments need to be captured quietly, and others are better left alone.
That comes with experience.
It also comes from having a clear style.
Because I work in a natural, unobtrusive way, I am not looking to control the day. I am looking for the real moments, the glances, the nerves, the laughter, the small gestures and the atmosphere that makes each wedding feel different.
Whether the guest list includes well known names or not, that is always where the real film is.
A Wedding Is Not a Performance
One thing I have learned is that the presence of a recognisable person does not make a wedding more important.
It might raise the pressure. It might make privacy more important. It might mean being a little more careful about what is shared afterwards.
But the heart of the day is still the same.
Two people getting married.
Their families coming together.
Their friends celebrating them.
That is the story.
Everything else is background.
Trust Is Everything
For couples planning a wedding where privacy matters whether because of high profile guests, family circumstances, sensitive moments or simply personal preference trust is everything.
You need someone who can capture the day beautifully without making it feel like a production.
You need someone who understands discretion.
You need someone who knows that not every great moment belongs on Instagram.
That is something I take seriously.
Over the years, I’ve been trusted to film weddings and events where I cannot always show the full body of work publicly. And honestly, I see that as a privilege.
Because sometimes the strongest proof of professionalism is not what you show.
It is what you choose not to.
Shooting for Peter McAleese — No Pressure Then…
I recently had the privilege of working for the highly respected producer and director Peter McAleese, capturing both video and stills for one of his events.
And I’ll be honest this one came with pressure.
When you’re asked to shoot for someone with Peter’s experience, reputation and eye for detail, you know there’s nowhere to hide. This is someone who has worked at the highest level of film and television production, with credits connected to major titles including Bridget Jones’s Diary, Unknown, Doomsday, The Jacket, The Gunman, The Professor and the Madman, and The Woman King.
Peter’s career spans major international film and television productions, with roles including producer, executive producer, line producer and assistant director. His work has taken him across huge studio films, major TV dramas and award winning cinema. One standout credit is Intimacy, directed by Patrice Chéreau, which won the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin Film Festival and The Blue Angel for Best European Film in 2001.
So yes the pressure was on.
Photographing Someone Who Understands the Image
There’s a very different feeling when the person hiring you truly understands filmmaking.
Peter isn’t just someone who likes nice photos or polished video. He understands production, timing, story, light, movement and the difference between something that feels authentic and something that feels forced.
That immediately raises the bar.
For me, the goal was not to overcomplicate things or turn the event into a staged production. My approach has always been more observational. I like to watch carefully, move quietly, anticipate moments before they happen and capture the atmosphere in a way that feels natural, cinematic and honest.
For this event, that mattered even more.
The room had energy. The pace was quick. There were moments happening everywhere conversations, reactions, introductions, details and those small in between moments that often say more than the obvious shots.
My job was to catch them without interrupting the flow.
Video and Stills Under Pressure
Shooting both video and stills at the same event is always a balancing act.
Video needs rhythm, movement and continuity. Stills need that one decisive frame. You’re constantly switching between two different ways of seeing while making sure you don’t miss the wider story unfolding in front of you.
At an event like this, the small details matter the expressions, the conversations, the room, the atmosphere, the timing. Those are the things that give the final work its feeling.
And when you know the client has spent years around major productions and high profile sets, you become very aware that every frame has to earn its place.
There’s no room to coast. You have to stay sharp, stay present and trust your instincts.
Why I Can’t Show Much of the Work
Understandably, with this type of event and the profile of the people involved, I’m limited in what I can publicly share.
A lot of the work captured was private, sensitive or simply not intended for public display. That’s part of the responsibility that comes with jobs like this. Sometimes the trust placed in you is not just about the quality of the images, but about knowing when not to show them.
So while I can’t share much from the event itself, the experience was a big one for me professionally.
Being trusted to capture both video and stills in that environment meant a lot.
The Feedback
After delivering the work, Peter sent me a message that simply said:
“Thanks for this Simon… Fantastic work.”
For someone with his background and level of experience in the industry, that meant a lot.
It’s always nice to get positive feedback from a client, but when it comes from someone who has spent years working across major film and television productions, it carries a different weight.
That short message made all the pressure, preparation and focus feel completely worth it… not to mention I now have his email address lol
A Serious Honour
Working for Peter McAleese was a genuine honour.
This is someone with a career that spans major international film and television productions, from British favourites like Bridget Jones’s Diary to large scale projects such as The Woman King.
To be trusted to capture video and stills for his event was no small thing.
No joke this was one of those jobs where the pressure was real. But it was also exactly the kind of pressure that sharpens you, focuses you and reminds you why preparation, instinct and experience matter.
I’m proud to have been asked.
And even prouder to have delivered.
Backstage With Shane Todd at the Millennium Forum, Derry
There’s something special about photographing a performer before they walk out in front of a packed room.
The noise is there, but it’s distant. The audience is waiting, the lights are ready, the stage is set but backstage, everything feels quieter. More concentrated. More human.
I recently had the chance to do another backstage photography shoot with Shane Todd at the Millennium Forum in Derry, and it was exactly the kind of setting I love to photograph.
Not staged. Not over produced. Just honest, observational moments before a live show.
Photographing the moments before the show
Backstage photography is less about creating a perfect portrait and more about noticing the things that happen naturally.
The small pauses.
The quiet focus.
The last minute conversations.
The atmosphere before someone steps into the light.
For this shoot, I wanted to keep things simple and documentary led. My approach was to stay out of the way as much as possible and photograph what was already happening. No big setup. No forced direction. Just a camera (the Konica c35), the backstage environment, and the energy of the night.
That is where the best images usually are.
Shane Todd at the Millennium Forum
The Millennium Forum in Derry is one of those venues that carries a real sense of occasion. It has hosted huge names over the years, and there’s always a buzz around the building when a big comedy show comes to town.
With Shane, that energy was definitely there.
Comedy backstage has its own rhythm. It’s calm and chaotic at the same time. There’s the pressure of a live audience, but also a lot of humour and ease in the room. That balance makes it brilliant to photograph.
The goal was to capture Shane in a way that felt natural not a polished promo shoot, but something closer to a behind the scenes film still. A glimpse of the person and the atmosphere around the performance.
Why I love backstage photography
As a photographer, I’m drawn to the parts people don’t always get to see.
The finished show is what the audience experiences, but backstage is where the story begins. It’s where the performance is about to happen, but hasn’t quite started yet. There’s a tension in that space that makes it visually interesting.
For me, those are the photographs that last.
They don’t need to shout. They don’t need to be overly styled. They just need to feel real.
That’s the same reason I’m so drawn to film photography and film inspired imagery. There’s a texture and honesty to it that suits these moments perfectly. The grain, the contrast, the imperfections they all help create something that feels a little more timeless.
A documentary approach
I’ve always preferred photography that feels candid and cinematic rather than heavily directed.
For this backstage shoot, I wanted the images to feel like stills from a documentary. Deep blacks, controlled highlights, natural texture, and a sense of atmosphere. The kind of photographs that make you feel like you were allowed into a private moment for a second.
That’s the beauty of shooting backstage. You’re not trying to interrupt the night. You’re trying to quietly preserve it.
Derry, live performance, and the people behind the curtain
Derry has always had a strong connection to live performance, comedy, music, and storytelling. Nights like this at the Millennium Forum are part of that wider creative culture.
Being able to photograph performers in these spaces feels like documenting a small part of the city’s cultural life. It’s not just about one person or one show it’s about the atmosphere around these events and the people who make them happen.
For me, that’s where the value of this kind of photography is.
It captures the night in a way that isn’t just about the stage, but about everything surrounding it.
Final thoughts
Photographing Shane backstage at the Millennium Forum was another reminder of why I love this type of work.
The best images often come from simply being present, watching carefully, and letting things unfold naturally.
No forced poses.
No big production.
Just real moments, strong atmosphere, and a brilliant venue in the heart of Derry.
I’ll be sharing some of the images from the shoot below.
Bimbo & Butch LIVE
There’s something different about shooting a live show. The energy, the unpredictability, the atmosphere, it all hits differently compared to a controlled wedding day or a planned shoot. Recently, I had the chance to step into that world while capturing behind the scenes photography for the Bimbo & Butch Podcast, featuring Jenna and Emer.
And this wasn’t just any recording…
This was a completely sold-out live show at the iconic Millennium Forum.
From the moment I arrived, you could feel it, this wasn’t going to be a quiet, sit down podcast recording. The crowd brought a level of energy you’d normally associate with a gig or live theatre performance.
The queue outside. The buzz in the foyer. The anticipation as the doors opened.
Inside, the stage was set. Lighting dialled in. Mics ready. And a room full of people who were completely invested before the first word was even spoken.
My role was to document the night as it unfolded authentically and without interruption.
That’s the beauty of behind the scenes photography:
You’re not directing anything. You’re reacting.
Some of the moments I focused on:
The pre-show nerves and excitement backstage
Candid interactions between Jenna & Emer before going live
The crowd reactions laughter, shock, connection
The subtle, unscripted glances that tell the real story
Live events move fast, and you don’t get second chances. It’s all about instinct anticipating moments before they happen and being ready to capture them in a split second.
Unlike weddings or styled shoots, live podcast events bring a unique set of challenges:
Lighting changes constantly – stage lighting can be dramatic, unpredictable, and unforgiving
Movement is limited – you have to work around the audience without becoming a distraction
Moments happen once – miss it, and it’s gone
But that’s also what makes it exciting.
You’re working in real time, under pressure, with no control over the environment and that’s where the magic lives
Events like this are more than just shows they’re experiences.
The connection between Jenna & Emer and their audience was unreal. You could feel the authenticity, the humour, and the honesty in the room. That kind of connection is exactly what makes live podcasting so powerful and why capturing it visually matters.
Photos from nights like this don’t just document what happened…
They bring people back to how it felt.
Below you’ll find a selection of my favourite shots from the night, moments that capture the energy, the emotion, and the personality of a sold out live podcast at the Millennium Forum.
Shooting the Bimbo & Butch Podcast live in Derry was a reminder of why I love what I do.
It’s not just about clean shots or perfect composition it’s about storytelling. Whether it’s a wedding, a film, or a live event like this, the goal is always the same:
Capture something real.
If you’re planning a live event, podcast, or show and want it documented in a way that feels cinematic and authentic, get in touch.
— Simon
Best Wedding Venues in Donegal for Stunning Wedding Films
Discover the best wedding venues in Donegal for stunning wedding films. A guide from a Donegal wedding videographer.
Donegal is one of the most breathtaking places in Ireland to get married. From dramatic coastlines to elegant country houses, it offers some of the most visually stunning wedding venues anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
As a wedding videographer working across Donegal, I’ve had the chance to film in some incredible locations each one offering something completely unique on camera.
If you're planning your wedding here and looking for a venue that not only feels special but also looks incredible on film, here are some of the best wedding venues in Donegal to consider
Lough Eske Castle
Set just outside Donegal Town, Lough Eske Castle is one of the most iconic wedding venues in the region. Surrounded by woodland and water, it offers a timeless, cinematic setting that works beautifully on film.
The mix of historic architecture and natural scenery gives you endless opportunities for relaxed, atmospheric footage, especially in the quieter moments throughout the day.
Harvey's Point
Located on the edge of Lough Eske, Harvey’s Point is known for its incredible views and bright, open spaces. It’s perfect for couples who want a relaxed, elegant wedding with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
From a videography perspective, the natural light and lakeside setting create a clean, cinematic look that feels effortless and timeless.
An Chuirt Hotel
An Chuirt Hotel Wedding in Donegal
Nestled in the Donegal countryside, An Chuirt Hotel offers a warm and intimate setting for weddings. It’s ideal for couples looking for something relaxed and personal, with beautiful surroundings that still feel understated.
The quieter atmosphere allows for a more documentary style approach, where real moments can unfold naturally without interruption.
Clanree Hotel
The Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny is a popular choice for larger celebrations. It offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of space, making it perfect for couples who want a big, energetic wedding day.
For film, this creates a completely different feel, more movement, more energy, and a strong sense of celebration from start to finish.
Why Your Venue Choice Matters for Video
Your venue plays a huge role in how your wedding film looks and feels. Light, space, surroundings and atmosphere all influence the final result.
But more importantly, it’s about how comfortable you feel in that space. When you’re relaxed, everything flows more naturally and that’s what makes a wedding film feel real.
Choosing the Right Wedding Videographer in Donegal
Once you’ve chosen your venue, the next step is finding a wedding videographer who can capture it in a way that feels true to your day.
As a wedding videographer in Donegal, my approach is always the same to document the day as it happens, without staging or interference. The focus is on real moments, natural emotion and creating a film that feels timeless.
Every venue has its own character, and my goal is to reflect that while keeping the focus on you and your story.
Planning Your Donegal Wedding
If you're planning a wedding in Donegal and looking for a videographer who takes a relaxed, documentary approach, I’d love to hear about your plans.
I film weddings across Donegal, Derry and throughout Ireland and the UK, creating cinematic wedding films that let you relive your day exactly as it felt.
Wedding Videographer Donegal – A Real Wedding Film in Ireland
If you're looking for a wedding videographer in Donegal, the best way to understand how a film should feel is to see a real wedding day unfold.
Donegal is one of the most naturally beautiful places to get married, but beyond the scenery, it’s the atmosphere and emotion of the day that really matter. My approach is always to capture those moments honestly without staging or interference so your film feels exactly like your day.
A Natural Approach to Wedding Videography in Donegal
As a wedding videographer working across Donegal, I take a relaxed, documentary approach to filming. There’s no pressure to perform or pose I simply observe and capture what’s already happening.
This allows the day to flow naturally, whether it’s the quiet anticipation in the morning, the emotion during the ceremony, or the energy as the evening celebrations begin.
Filming Weddings in Donegal
Donegal offers an incredible backdrop for weddings, from rugged coastlines to elegant venues like Lough Eske Castle and Harvey's Point.
Each wedding here feels completely unique, shaped by the landscape, the people and the atmosphere of the day. My aim is always to reflect that individuality, creating a film that feels personal rather than generic.
Why Documentary Wedding Films Work So Well
Documentary wedding videography is about capturing moments as they happen, rather than directing them. It means you can be fully present with your family and friends, without feeling like you’re constantly being filmed.
When you watch your wedding film back, it won’t feel staged it will feel real, emotional and true to your day.
Looking for a Wedding Videographer in Donegal?
If you're planning a wedding in Donegal and want a film that captures the day naturally and honestly, I’d love to hear about your plans.
I film weddings across Donegal, Derry and throughout Ireland and the UK, creating cinematic wedding films that are timeless, personal and full of real moments.
Wedding Videographer Derry – A Real Wedding Film in Northern Ireland
If you're searching for a wedding videographer in Derry, one of the best ways to understand how a film will feel is to watch a real wedding unfold.
Every wedding is different, but what stays the same is the emotion, the quiet moments in the morning, the nerves before the ceremony, and the atmosphere as the day builds into the evening. My approach is always to capture those moments naturally, without staging or interference.
A Natural Approach to Wedding Videography in Derry
As a wedding videographer based in Derry, I focus on documenting the day as it really happens. There’s no pressure to perform for the camera, no awkward posing just real moments, captured as they unfold.
This style works especially well in city weddings such as Derry, where weddings often have a relaxed, close knit feel. From morning preparations at Ebrington Hotel to the energy of the dance floor in the Brewery, everything is filmed in a way that feels honest and unobtrusive.
Derry offers a unique and character filled setting for weddings, from historic streets to iconic venues like the Guildhall. Whether you're planning a large celebration or something more intimate, the city provides a beautiful backdrop for a wedding film.
What makes filming in Derry special isn’t just the locations, it’s the people, the atmosphere, and the sense of connection throughout the day.
Why Choose a Documentary Wedding Film?
Documentary wedding videography is about capturing moments as they happen, rather than creating them. It allows you to be fully present on your wedding day, without worrying about the camera.
When you watch your film back, it won’t feel staged or forced, it will feel like your day, exactly as it was.
Looking for a Wedding Videographer in Derry?
If you're planning your wedding in Derry and looking for a videographer who focuses on natural, cinematic storytelling, I’d love to hear about your plans.
I film weddings across Derry, Donegal and throughout Northern Ireland, creating films that are honest, emotional and timeless.
Derry City Wedding At the Guildhall
A Joyful Celebration: Conor & Stephanie’s Wedding at the Guildhall and Walled City Brewery
There is something undeniably magnetic about a wedding in the heart of Derry City. Between the ancient stone walls and the modern pulse of the waterfront, it’s a city that knows how to throw a party. But even by Derry standards, Conor and Stephanie’s wedding was something truly special.
From a breathtaking ceremony in the historic Guildhall to a craft beer fueled celebration at the Walled City Brewery, their day was a perfect blend of timeless tradition and contemporary cool.
The Ceremony: Saying "I Do" at the Guildhall Derry
The day began in the grandest way possible. The Guildhall is the architectural crown jewel of Derry, and its neo Gothic splendor provided a stunning backdrop for Conor and Stephanie’s vows.
As the light filtered through the famous stained glass windows, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. The ceremony was defined by a palpable sense of emotion a beautiful reminder that despite the grand setting, the day was, at its heart, about two people choosing their "forever."
Highlight: The couple’s walk down the iconic grand staircase as newlyweds, surrounded by the cheers of their closest friends and family.
The Portraits: A Stroll Across the Peace Bridge
After the "I dos," we took advantage of the city’s unique landscape. Crossing the Peace Bridge from the Cityside to the Waterside isn't just a great photo op; it’s a Derry rite of passage. The joy Conor and Stephanie shared was infectious, making for some of the most natural and radiant portraits we’ve had the pleasure of capturing.
The Reception: Industrial Chic at the Walled City Brewery
For the reception, the party moved to Ebrington Square, specifically the award winning Walled City Brewery. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that trades stuffy hotel ballrooms for industrial chic vibes and incredible local flavors, this is it.
The atmosphere was electric. Between the artisanal brews and the gourmet local food, the Brewery provided an intimate, relaxed setting that allowed the couple's personalities to shine. The speeches brought a mix of belly laughs and sentimental tears, cementing the day as one filled with genuine heart.
"We wanted a day that felt like 'us'—relaxed, fun, and right in the heart of the city we love."
Watch the Wedding Film
While photos tell a story, video captures the soul. You can feel the energy of the room, hear the tremor in the vows, and see the sheer joy on Conor and Stephanie’s faces on the video above.
Planning a Derry City Wedding?
If you're dreaming of a wedding that captures the spirit of the Northwest, Conor and Stephanie’s day is the ultimate inspiration. Whether it's the history of the Guildhall or the modern edge of Ebrington, Derry has it all.
