Today we’d like to introduce you to April Hutchins.
Hi April, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up in Norway, I was surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes. I’ve always had a sense of adventure instilled in me from a young age, and the desire to create art while interweaving it with storytelling. I want to continue the legacy of my heritage by creating art with a sense of purpose, enchantment, and authenticity.
My love for photography and videography started while studying Mass Communications at a school back home in Norway. After submitting a short film to an award show and winning it with my best friend, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue, but didn’t know what it would look like.
Flash forward to moving to the U.S and starting my freshman year in college. A good friend of mine asked if I could capture her sister’s wedding, although this was something I had never done, I quickly fell in love with it, and never looked back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I began capturing weddings while I was still in college, so I didn’t go full-time until after I had graduated.
Unbeknownst to all of us, the pandemic came, and this in effect slowed down my ability to work on growing my business, and it felt like I had to start all over again once things began turning back to normal.
I have the most amazing clients and they continue to entrust themselves to me, which is such a joy and blessing, as I truly love what I do!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a wedding and elopement videographer here in Savannah, GA, and my business is called ‘Wild + Lavender Films’. I create enchanted love stories through the art of cinematography that will capture the heart of a couple’s story, the essence of their day, and the magic of every moment.
Wedding videography has grown and transformed throughout the last few years, and I have loved the process of cultivating my very own artistic style. My shooting philosophy encompasses capturing the most heartfelt and emotional moments between couples and their family and friends on their big day, leaving them with a bespoke and beautiful film, which not only speaks to their hearts and souls but allows them to relive those cherished moments that went by too fast.
To me having a video on your wedding day is a priceless gift, as a video can truly capture a greater level of depth, including the joyous tears, the memorable speeches, and the sweet laughs from loved ones. My favorite element of the wedding day is when a couple writes their own letters or personalized vows, as it truly captures the essence of their deep love, commitment, and admiration for one another. It adds such a personal touch to their cinematic love story and is a treasure they will have for years to come.
There are several male filmmakers in the wedding industry, but I am a female videographer, and I do believe it sets me apart here in Savannah. I know what a bride needs on the day of her wedding, to feel relaxed and beautiful, loved, and most importantly cherished. I want to cheer her on during the day, tell her how gorgeous she looks, and remind her that this day is all about her and her beloved groom.
I don’t want to be a stranger, but a friend, someone who will encourage, help calm and most importantly, give her the confidence she needs on their wedding day and even during the planning process. I want my clients’ day not just to be memorable, but an experience filled with intentionality, joy, and delight. I am not the kind of person who simply shows up at your wedding and films your day and leaves.
My heart is to connect with couples. I want to hear how you met and fell in love, to hear what you are passionate about, and ultimately learn what makes your wild love story so special and unique.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have an amazing community of loved ones around me who are always there for me. My husband is one of my greatest supporters. He has always believed in my work, even when I haven’t felt very confident at times, and has always encouraged me to pursue my dreams.
My mom, who is such a creative soul, allowed me to experiment with her camera at a young age and hearing her stories of shooting on 35 mm film, working in the darkroom, and piecing together video clips to create short films, invoked a desire in me to cultivate a love for digital, film photography, writing, as well as videography.
She would go with me to my weddings when I was first starting out and influenced me in more ways than I can count. If I ever hesitated, feeling as if I wasn’t cut out for the wedding industry business, she always encouraged me to continue learning and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, and for that, I am beyond grateful.
I have been blessed to work with so many amazing clients over the years, who have been such a delight to get to know. There is no greater feeling than hearing such heartwarming feedback when couples love their video and can’t stop watching it.
That is what keeps me motivated, and feeds into my desire to capture a couple’s wedding day, as it is such a joy and honor getting to be behind the scenes, and witness the chemistry, excitement, and sheer bliss with the various highlights of their wedding day.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://wildandlavender.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildandlavender
- Other: https://vimeo.com/wildandlavenderfilms
Image Credits
Sierra Dykes Photography and Ashlyn Cathey Photography
