He's popped the big question, you've told all your friends, and you're sporting a new diamond ring. Now the work begins, as you begin planning for the day that's going to change your life forever.

With your checklist firmly in hand, you call and visit florists, caterers, and bridal gown shops. But as you're making your list and checking it twice, don't forget to make the call that will insure you a real lifetime of memories-the call to the professional videographer that will capture the day in ways that you will cherish forever. The right professional will create a treasured keepsake that will keep your memories alive forever.

Since video is still a relatively new addition to the traditional wedding plans, there's a tendency to dismiss it as unnecessary. But no other investment you make toward that day-not even the more widely-used still photography-will provide video's long-lasting and full-spectrum experience of reliving the most important day of your life. Your voices as you exchange the vows, the laughter and tears as you receive your loved ones, the music and movement of your first dance as husband and wife. Video will allow you to share these magical moments for years to come with each other, with family and friends, and with all the generations that will follow.

Tara and Daniel, newlyweds speaking at the Wedding and Event Videographers Association, International Expo in Las Vegas last year, agree that being able to share the experience with family was the most crucial reason they chose to hire a videographer.

"There was never any doubt about having video," says Tara, "because Daniel's grandmother was flying in and every time she leaves we always say goodbye to her like it's the last time we'll see her, so for us video was a really important part of our family memories. It was really important to both of us."

"Time goes by so fast on the wedding day," adds Daniel. "When you look back on everything, it seems like you missed a lot and video reminds you of everything that happened and all the people that were there."

Other recent brides have reflected on the importance that videos have played in their special days and agree that it's worth the investment you make in choosing a quality videographer.

"Initially, I had sticker shock" admits Kelly. "It sounded expensive, but I had no clue. When it comes right down to it, my video is priceless. It's something that I'm going to have forever, and it's going to be passed down to my kids."

Jenny Lehman, a wedding videographer serving the Washington, D.C. area advises:
"I always recommend to brides in my area, if they don't have the budget for quality video, they should ask a friend or relative to shoot it. In either case the video will be bad, but why pay $1000 for a bad video when your uncle will do it for free? Spend the $1000 on a camcorder and then they will at least own a camcorder and a bad video instead of just a bad video."

David Chandler-Gick, co-owner of Fort Wayne based a deveraux film concurs: "All too often, I hear that someone has cut corners and the video was the first to get trimmed. Then they call us and ask if we can fix it."

Wedding videography, like most live event videography, offers no second takes. If it's not right in the first place, chances are the mistake is irreparable. And choosing a videographer that offers a style that sets them apart is what many brides are looking for.

"Many of our customers are beginning to ask for something that stands out," says Chandler-Gick. "Something that's truly personal. A reflection of themselves, not just another cookie-cutter wedding video."

With specialty wedding packages like The StoryTeller and Our Love Story, a deveraux film has responded to the demands of the consumer. When asked what brides should expect from a professional wedding videographer, he responded: "Dedication. A commitment to their story. Not just expect it, but demand it. Sometimes that dedication is very time consuming. The time spent editing is just an example. Thirty, forty, sixty hours even can result in a quality that many may not notice, but if it were lacking, they certainly would."

Quality is the difference you can expect when you hire the right professional instead of handing the camera to Uncle Bob or Cousin Frank. After months of planning and anticipation, after all the shopping and organizing, after all the set-up and follow-through, you want a keepsake that will reflect those efforts and allow you to enjoy them for not only your lifetime but for the lifetime of later generations, as well. You're not just investing in a videotape or DVD, you're investing in your future.