Hi there, Steven James here – your friendly local (North East) wedding videographer and storyteller extraordinaire!
Today, I want to share with you a glimpse into my world and the journey that led me here to create HitchStories.
As a commercial videographer and content creator based in Newcastle, I’ve always been obsessed with capturing moments and weaving them into captivating narratives. But it wasn’t until my own wedding day that I discovered the true magic of matrimonial moviemaking.
My wife and I decided to do something a bit unconventional for our big day. As we were only having a small intimate wedding at the Civic Centre in Newcastle (and a short trip down to The Hooch on the Quayside) I had the idea that I could edit together something special and all I needed was some footage. So we passed the camera around, creating an epic “vlogumentary” that captured every heartfelt, hilarious, and unforgettable moment from every angle. From the tearful vows to the side-splitting moments at the reception, our wedding video wasn’t just a clip; it was our Hitch Story.
While not a polished wedding film, with no use of high end cinematic cameras, professional camera work, or lighting and sound, the response was overwhelming!
Friends, family, and even distant acquaintances couldn’t stop talking about it. That’s when the lightbulb moment struck: why not use my commercial videography and storytelling skills to craft similar stories and professional films for other couples around the North East?
I soon realised that the beauty of a wedding isn’t just in the grand gestures but in the subtle, spontaneous moments that often go unnoticed. (Have you seen my mam and dad dance?!) I wanted to capture those, just as I did for my own day.
Too often, I see wedding videos that feel more like a Hollywood film set at Slaley Hall, with the videographer as the director (or interruptor as I call them), rather than a genuine celebration of love and commitment. Couples are directed to pose, smile, and even re-enact moments that didn’t quite happen the way the videographer wanted. The result? Yes a polished, perfected version of the wedding day that, while visually stunning, lacks the raw emotion and spontaneity that make weddings so special. The experience is usually a very stop start, interrupted stressful wedding day with too much to think about. Let’s leave the staged moments to the Photographer.
Don’t get me wrong – as a fellow videographer I appreciate the artistry and skill that goes into creating these cinematic masterpieces. But at the end of the day, a wedding isn’t about creating a flawless film; it’s about celebrating the love between two people, surrounded by their nearest and dearest. That’s what should be captured, those real unstaged moments that are unforgettable.
And so, HitchStories was born.
My approach? It’s candid, it’s heartfelt, and it’s all about you and your whole day. I blend raw emotions, unexpected laughs, and personal touches into a seamless story that you’ll cherish forever.
So, lovebirds, let’s create some magic together.
Your love story deserves to be shared in the most beautiful, authentic way possible, and I’m here to make that happen!
With love and storytelling,
Steven
