Few wedding videographers capture the essence of special moments as exquisitely as Tobias from Tobi Films, bringing each wedding to life with a distinctive atmosphere.

Tobi Films / Tobias Wögerer

Known for his unique approach that intertwines captivating aesthetics and compelling storytelling of music videos, Tobias doesn't just document weddings; he weaves a cinematic experience. His genuine and kind nature shines through in every frame he captures, reflecting a deep appreciation for love, family, and freedom. His passion for his craft is evident not only in the stunning visuals but also in the heartfelt narratives that celebrate the love stories of each couple.

We have the pleasure of delving into the creative mind of Tobias, exploring his inspirations, his journey in the world of wedding videography, and the personal values that infuse his work with such profound meaning.

Biggest motivation in life:

Freedom and family.

The easiest way to make him happy:

Quality time with friends and family.

Three practical pieces of advice for couples planning their wedding:

Get a wedding planner. You can do it yourself and save money, but 90% of the weddings I attend without planners, the bride tells me afterwards that she regrets not having a planner.

Take your time. Even if it’s only 5-10 minutes with your spouse at some point during the wedding, take a moment to leave your guests and enjoy some time alone as newlyweds.

Feel, feel, feel – enjoy every second with your guests. There’s always something that will happen or go wrong on the wedding day, but that’s normal and shouldn’t change your mood. It’s probably the only time in your life when all your favourite people are in one place, so enjoy the time with them. Maybe plan little events like a boat trip, a beach/pool party, or something similar. Those are the moments you’ll never forget.

BRIDE LIFESTYLE interview with wedding videographer Tobias Wögerer / Tobi Films

How did you develop your passion for capturing weddings on film?

In the beginning, I didn’t film weddings at all. It was more of a coincidence since I started filming music videos and commercials. My sister’s best friend got married, and they knew I had a camera, so they asked me if I wanted to capture their wedding. Since I would be a guest anyway, I thought, "Okay, why not" and I didn’t get paid, of course. To be honest, the video was terrible to watch now but, back then, I fell in love with the experience, and the couple gave me the best feedback ever and were incredibly thankful. After that, everything took off and started to develop as a business.

Your wedding films have a distinct vibe and feel. Can you describe your style and approach that results in such atmospheric videos?

Since I only take a very limited number of weddings per year, every single couple and wedding gets 110%. Everything starts with an online meeting where we get to know each other, and that’s where my musician's brain starts to work. Is the couple introverted? Are they more serious or fun? This helps determine the direction the music will take. I always try to incorporate the country or venue.

Right now, I am in Morocco for a wedding, so I already know the film will have Moroccan vibes, maybe with a tarabucca drum or some melodic Moroccan guitar. This is totally different from a Tuscan wedding where people are dressed in black tie, and everything has a classier feeling. Every aspect of the wedding influences the film, from dress codes to location and the personalities of the couple and guests.

How do you challenge yourself creatively when filming weddings?

I always try to start a wedding day without any mood boards because I don’t want to limit my eyes and brain to just look for those specific shots. Consuming films and art is the key for me and makes it possible to create something unique every time. Sometimes, we have to deal with ‘hard lighting’ but, in my world, there’s no such thing. In these cases, I get creative and can see scenes from movies or paintings.

What role does music play in your creative process? Could you share some examples of your favourite tracks or genres to listen to?

Music is everything. It sets the tone, sets the vibe, and can change everything. It can transform an amazing film into a piece of crap or an exceptional masterpiece. While editing, it’s not possible to listen to other music than what you use for your film, but in my free time, I listen to any kind of music. As a former classical musician, I am still attached to it, but right now, I am in love with Afro Beats/Afro House. One of my favourite artists is Fred again.

Do you have a preference for filming in nature or city settings, and why?

My favourite settings are those where the couples feel most attached to. That’s where they feel at home and where authentic moments will arise. I love weddings in nature, where planners use the surroundings to set the vibe and decoration so everything feels complete.

Can you walk us through a typical day for you when shooting a wedding?

I arrive 45 minutes early at the venue, check the lighting, and find spots to shoot. I fly the drone to get some aerial shots. After the wedding day, everything is backed up that night. The next day, the editing of the teaser begins, so the couple will already have something to share with friends, family, and guests, or with people who couldn’t attend. Planners and vendors will also get the teaser for their use and social media.

What are valuable lessons you've learned from the past wedding season?

First, planning off days. Last year was intense, going from wedding to wedding in different countries without breaks and editing in between. This year, I am trying to plan off-days to stay fully energized and healthy. Travelling is tiring and reminds me that health is always a top priority to be creative and deliver good results.

Second, you don’t need to do everything yourself. An assistant answering your emails or booking travels helps a lot, and you can focus on the things you’re really good at. Think of it this way: if your assistant uses 10 hours per week, that’s 40 hours per month. During that time, you can already shoot and edit at least one more wedding.

Destination wedding videographer: Tobi Films

Interviewed by Renāte Berga