As documentarians would refer to it, we prefer the fly-on-the-wall approach. Friendly and quiet, you’re not going to feel like the paparazzi just showed up to your wedding and decided to stay for eight hours. A couple shouldn’t have their time and energy consumed by multiple videographers trying to recreate moments or stage fake laughter. All you should be worried about is exchanging rings, hugs, and moves on the dance floor. We will take care of documenting the memories, from the small details to the big moments and the spontaneous joy occurring in between. Your job is to soak it all in and enjoy your special moments! We got you.
Cameras: Sony FX-3 & FX-30
Footage: 10-bit 4k
Lenses: G-Master (Primary), Lensbaby, Sirui
Drone: Mavic 3 Classic
Delivery: 2K Uncompressed
Editing/Color Grade: DaVinci Resolve
Contact us day or night, we would love to hear from you!
Nicole is the primary cinematographer and filmmaker at Nicole Emilíana Films. Whenever she needs an extra hand, her husband is the first person she turns to. This duo has three decades of professional fine art and filmmaking experience; they have worked on projects that have won Emmys, received awards at festivals, screened in museums, and been discussed on NPR.
Hello! I’m Nicole Mendez. I am the founder of Nicole Emilíana Films.
Growing up I was repeatedly told that my Polish ancestors broke people out of prisons and my Mexican relatives rode with Pancho Villa. These family stories shaped me as an artist. I am always looking to do things my own way, to move against the grain, and to think independently. I enjoy working with like-minded clients, those who are bored by traditional wedding films, mainstream trends, and faked perfection. What I appreciate most about weddings is that they allow me to continue doing what I love most: observing and seeking out magical spontaneous moments. This has been the core of my art practice since I began my career.
I have a BA in Painting + Photography, an MFA in Film Production, and a Certificate in Color Science. I live in north county San Diego where I balance my time between filmmaking, my three creative and energetic children, and pursuing a second Master's degree in Literature & Writing.
One is usually enough. However, if there are things happening simultaneously and/or specific moments you do not want to miss, we suggest two. It's always nice to have a second camera/point of view.
Our Social film will be delivered within one week. Our Mini film will take 2-3 weeks. Currently, our longer format film will require about 8 weeks for delivery. For films integrating Super 8 film, an additional 1-2 weeks may be required, depending on film lab processing times.
Because we shoot everything in 4K, our finished 2K uncompressed films have a high quality resolution that will stand the test of time. Additionally, our digital cinema cameras & lenses are top of the line. Our Super 8 footage is scanned at 2K 4:2:2 log (a much higher quality than standard scans). All films are edited by an award-winning filmmaker & all of our team members have a background in professional filmmaking.
Absolutely! Please see our offerings page for more info.
We select music from our licensed library - don't worry, it won't sound like corny stock music. If you prefer original music, we know several talented composers, but they're not cheap. Expect to pay a minimum of 1k for an original score.
We never use LUTs & our colorist is capable of just about anything you can dream up. Want a black and white wedding film with pops of hot pink? Dramatic contrast? Film grain? If you have something specific in mind, just let us know before your wedding day and we will make it happen!
Short for "lookup table," a LUT automatically colors video footage with a predetermined color palette. Have you ever noticed how many wedding videos have a similar look? That is because many videographers use LUTs to color their wedding films. Our film editor is also a professional colorist; we will create a beautiful and unique look for your film.
We make use of available light. We will not set up distracting bright lights as we always prefer to film things as they are, naturally.
We want to capture your day as it unfolds, without intervention. If your photographer is taking romantic shots of the two of you, we will definitely be there capturing some beautiful footage as well, but other than that we focus on authentic moments and real, candid and unstaged joy.
We will work with your budget needs. As long as the balance is paid two weeks prior to your wedding date, we are pretty flexible.
Our observational approach to filmmaking makes us a perfect fit for any photographer. We work well with others and try to stay out of your photographer's way to help ensure that your important moments are captured, both on film and via still photography.
Use our contact form to get in touch and we will respond within 48 hours. Once you're ready to book, we will send over a contract with a custom built package and deposit information. As soon as the deposit is paid and the contract is signed, your date will be secured and we will officially be booked as your wedding filmmaker!